Green Giant - Raise a Giant & $25 Giveaway

Green Giant knows it takes a lot more to raise a healthy child then just getting them to eat their vegetables.  Kids these days live in a world that is bigger and scarier than the world we grew up in, and they need help and encouragement to navigate that world with confidence and pride.  Unfortunately one of the hardest tings kids have to deal with is bullying.  When a child is bullied by a peer it can turn his or her life into a daily gauntlet of fear and anxiety.  That's why Green Giant is partnering with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center and We Day Minnesota to help parents Raise a Giant and put a stop to bullying in their community.

What Does it Mean To Be A Giant?
Being a giant isn't about being the biggest or the best.  Being a giant means standing up for others.  It mean lending a hand to those who are in trouble and speaking up for those who sometimes find it hard to speak up for themselves.  Studies show that an effective way to stop bullying is for kids to simply speak up and say, "That's not okay" when they see bullying happening.  But asking kids to have the courage to stand up to bullying is a tall order and that's why they need out help.

How Do You Raise A Giant?
Green Giant is asking parents to write a letter to their kids telling them how special they are and encouraging them to be a part of the bullying prevention solution by being a giant.  To get started, parents can visit their community at RaiseAGiant.com and read the letters others have written.

So Here is My Letter (I have several to write but I will start with A)

Dear A,

   I am so proud of you!  I love watching you grow daily in knowledge and the ways of the Lord.  I appreciate your helpfulness and your cheerful spirit.  You are quick to think of others and jump in and help when needed.  I am amazed at your swimming talent (I think Daddy is too).
   We haven't really had to talk a lot about bullying as right now I homeschool you but it is a topic to be aware of and know about.  Sometimes people say mean things and sometimes people do mean things.  Rude actions and rude words are very hurtful - both physically and mentally.  I am your Mother and I never want you to experience this but to some degree we all experience this in some form or fashion.  It is important to remember that you are never alone.  God is always with you and your Father and I are here for you as well.  If you ever experience someone saying or doing hurtful things I want you to let me know.  If you ever see this happening to someone else I hope that you again will let me know.  Sometimes it may seem that saying nothing is the best solution but I assure you the bravest course of action is to ask for help.
   When I was younger I was sometimes teased.  It definitely didn't make me feel good inside to hear people say bad things about me.  Luckily, I had good friends who helped me know that those things were not true.  I did not say mean things back - that is not the way to go.  Hurting other people because they hurt you does not make you feel good, it actually hurts you more.  Trust in the Lord and who He has made you to be.

I love you to the moon and back,
                                                Mommy

Now, how about you?
I challenge you to write your own letter to your child/children and partner with Green Giant in being a part of the bullying prevention solution.  Visit RaiseAGiant.com and get started.

Ready for a Giveaway?
Green Giant has offered a $25 gift card to one of you.  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by Green Giant through MyBlogSpark.

Go Retro with Big G, Hasbro and Target (& Giveaway)

 

 Collect all 5 different throw-back packages

 *** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Suzie Williams!

What do you think of board games?  What about "retro" packaging from the 1950's, '60s and '80s?  For a limited time you can relive your childhood by heading on over to your local Target store’s cereal aisle, as Big G cereals have brought back their “Retro” themed packaging.  Be on the lookout for Cinnamon Toast Crunch (16.2 oz.), Lucky Charms (16 oz.), Honey Nut Cheerios (17 oz.), Cheerios (18 oz.) and Cocoa Puffs (16.5 oz.).  To help celebrate the event, Big G has team up with Hasbro, offering a $5 coupon on Clue Vintage, Scrabble Vintage, Parcheesi Vintage or Risk Vintage board games at Target!  Check out all the General Mills specials at Target 

We were blessed to receive Parcheesi Vintage version along with a box of Cheerios and Lucky Charms!  I think the box designs are fun and the coupons are fabulous for stocking up on games for family game night!  Coupon valid at Target stores from March 15, 2013 to December 31, 2013.  Be sure to use this one as well - Coupon for $1 off 2 General Mills cereals.

 

 Family Game Night - Parcheesi

 

Setting up the game and explaining the rules.

We divided into teams: David and A (green), B and C (yellow), and D and I (red).  E helped everyone :).

Intense game play

 Having fun!

So, can you guess who won?  That would be team yellow - B and C pulled through with the victory!  Not bad for their first time ever playing Parcheesi.  This has quickly become a family favorite.  Have you ever played Parcheesi?  Want to win a prize pack that contains Parcheesi and more?  Keep reading...

Your gift pack will contain:

• 2 boxes of participating Big G Retro cereal
• $10 Target gift card
• 1 Hasbro Parcheesi Deluxe Vintage board game

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own Big G Retro Prize Pack!  Your gift pack will contain: 2 boxes of participating Big G Retro cereal, $10 Target gift card and 1 Hasbro Parcheesi Deluxe Vintage board game!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

3.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
4.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)
5.  Comment with your favorite participating Hasbro game (2 extras)
6.  Comment with your favorite participating General Mills cereal (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on April  22nd at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 24 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure:  The prize pack, information and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

DreamWorks and General Mills Review & Giveaway

 *** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to SensiblySara!

For a special time, Big G and DreamWorks Animation have teamed up to create four collectible DVD samplers containing content from Shrek, How To Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar, just for you.  Each DVD contains fun episodes, behind the scenes footage and bonus material from your favorite DreamWorks Animation movies.  You can only receive these four collectible DVD samplers by purchasing specially marked boxes of your favorite General Mills cereals, seen below - which happen to be favorites in our home!

 Trix

 Lucky Charms

 Cookie Crisp

 Cheerios

 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Hurry and collect all four samplers!  Plus, look for an exclusive sneak peak at "The Croods" coming to theaters, March 22, 2013!

 Family Movie Night.  We opened up the popcorn!

Madagascar Sampler Menu

We really enjoyed watching the Madagascar sampler as a family.  It featured the Penguins (What Goes Around and Snakehead) and the kids thought they were funny!  We have seen all 3 Madagascar movies so we are already familiar with all the characters.

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own DreamWorks/General Mills Prize Pack!  Your gift pack will contain: set of 4 DreamWorks Animation DVD samplers, The Croods: Grub's Survival Book, The Croods: Movie Novelization Book, and a Film Reel tin filled with some of your favorite movie theater treats!  Combined Retail Value: $53

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

3.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
4.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)
5.  Comment with your favorite DreamWorks Animation movie (2 extras)
6.  Comment with your favorite General Mills cereal (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on March 20th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 24 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure:  The information, products and General Mills gift packs were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Progresso Souper You Contest

If you haven't heard Progresso is currently running a Souper You Contest that gives you the chance to win a makeover!  By telling Progresso why you deserve a makeover and what you love about their soup, you could have the chance to win a makeover in Hollywood this Spring.  If you are interested click here, deadline is February 22nd.  And be sure to click here to download your Progresso Soup coupon.  And for fun, check out the video below of the winners last year.




This information was provided to me by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol in IMAX theatres

Going on right now Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol will be shown in a mind-blowing IMAX experience in 300 theatres across the country. Join Ethan Hunt and his team of rogue IMF agents, in this awesome spy adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With 30-minutes of scenes shot with IMAX cameras, fans will be able to enjoy certain sequences of the movie in larger than life proportions. You will be right in the action as Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) scales the world’s tallest building; the Burk Khalifa Tower in Dubai, as this and other thrilling moments expand to fit the entire IMAX screen. As an added bonus, IMAX will offer the first previews of the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, prior to Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.  Go here to see the trailer of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.  And be sure to stop by IMAX's facebook page and like them while you are there!

Cereal Treat Bars: Review & Giveaway

Giveaway Now Closed.

Congrats to Doodle741!

Have you heard of or tried cereal treat bars?  Flavor varieties include the ever popular Golden Grahams® (130 calories) and new Lucky Charms® Treats (100 calories), loaded with popular favorites like chocolate and marshmallows.  I don't know about your household but usually anything that includes chocolate and marshmallows are a huge hit around here!

Cereal Treats Bars contain less than 140 calories per bar and are made with wholesome cereal, making them a snack option that you can feel good about giving your kids.

And there are TWO Box Tops for Education seals on each box of Cereal Treat Bars, making earning cash for your school doubly cool!

Check out Cereal Treats Bars online for great information and coupons for new products. Also, be sure to visit the Betty Crocker Facebook page and let them know what you think!
 

 A and B about to dig in.  They chose to eat the Lucky Charms bars first (this was a major decision).

D determined not to miss out on the snacking.

So, what did my kiddos think?  Well, they loved them!  Usually anything that includes chocolate and marshmallows are a huge hit around here (as I said before) and these did not dissappoint them! 

 

Now, onto the giveaway!  Want to win a cereal bar treat prize pack, pictured above?  The prize pack contains

• 1 box of Lucky Charms^® Cereal Treats Bars
• 1 box of  Golden Grahams^® Cereal Treats Bars
• 1 Lunch bag
• 1 Locker whiteboard & a colored pencil set!

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment letting me know what some of your favorite snacks are for your kids, that's it!  And if you don't have kids, then what are some of your favorite snacks?  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

 1. Follow me on google friend (2 extra entries)
 2. Tell me if you have ever tried cereal treat bars before (1 entry)
 3. Click here to follow Betty Crocker on facebook (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on September 3rd at Midnight. Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure: Cereal Treat Bars, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.  I was blessed to receive a prize pack of my own.

Seventh Generation Diapers Review & Giveaway

****Giveaway Now Closed****

Congratulations to Chelle!

Seventh Generation have re-launched their Free & Clear diapers. What does this mean?

Seventh Generation's Free & Clear diapers do not include chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum based lotions. In an effort to contribute less overall landfill waste and continue to ensure a premium standard of absorbency, the new Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with a lighter-weight core. With processed chlorine-free wood pulp in Free & Clear diapers, Seventh Generation also makes certain that no chlorine is released into the environment during the totally chlorine-free (TCF) whitening process of the diapers and training pants.

Seventh Generation has also reduced the size of the diapers’ plastic packaging, meaning that each pack now contributes even less overall landfill waste than before. In fact, Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper packaging can now be recycled at local supermarkets where plastic bag recycling collection boxes are available!  Love that.

 Here is D posing with her new diapers.

 Cheese!

I was super excited to try these on D as I have never tried them before and I am super impressed.  They work extremely well in the absorbency department for both daytime and nighttime use.  I never had a leak.  The tabs are also a big plus, never once did they break.  They are not bulky and fit D well; this is sometimes tricky as she is petite and slim waisted but the tabs adjusted well and the diapers worked great.  Diapers that work great and that are eco-friendly, can't beat that!

Want to try Seventh Generation right now. Click here to download a printable coupon for $2.00 OFF any ONE Seventh Generation Baby Product (Diapers, Training Pants, or Wipes)!

Onto the Giveaway: one lucky reader will receive their own pack of Free & Clear Seventh Generation diapers in thier choice of size 2, 4 or 5.

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment letting me know what you think about the new Free & Clear diapers OR what you love about eco-conscious baby products, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

 1. Follow me on google friend (2 extra entries)
 2. Tell me if you have ever tried Seventh Generation diapers before (1 entry)
 3. Click here to follow Seventh Generation on facebook (1 entry)
 4. Enter my Honey Nut Cheerios giveaway (ends 7/26) and let me know you did (1 entry)
 5. Rank my review on Life, In Spite of Me (2 entries)
 6. Click here to vote for my calf in the chick-fil-a photo contest (2 entries)


Giveaway will end on August 1st at Midnight. Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure: The coupon link, prize pack, information and giveaway have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark. I was blessed to receive a package of my own.

Honey Nut Cheerios: Review & Giveaway

****Giveaway Now Closed****

Congratulations to winterbabe98!

Have you heard the BUZZ?  Honey Nut Cheerios cereal is America’s Favorite Cereal!  And to celebrate, Honey Nut Cheerios is hosting a "Billion 'O' Giveaway" providing free samples of Honey Nut Cheerios cereal to fans while supplies last.  Zip on over here for your sweet sample.

General Mills and MyBlogSpark sent me an awesome prize package.  And what do I think?  What is not to love about Honey Nut Cheerios.  They taste great and they can help lower cholesterol!  When the kiddos and I sat down today to enjoy our Honey Nut Cheerios there were lots of smiles, lots of laughs and one unanimous response: more please!

My Honey "B" - she loves the bee antenna headband!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One lucky reader will win a Honey Nut Cheerios Prize Pack pictured above.  The prize pack contains

• 1 box of Honey Nut Cheerios cereal
• 2 cereal bowls
• 1 Honey Nut Cheerios t-shirt
• 1 bee antenna headband

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment letting me know why you think Honey Nut Cheerios is America’s Favorite Cereal, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

 1. Follow me on google friend (2 extra entries)
 2. Tell me if you have ever tried Honey Nut Cheerios (1 entry)
 3. Click here to follow Cheerios on facebook (1 entry)
 4. Enter my Purex giveaway (ends 7/15) and let me know you did (1 entry)


Giveaway will end on July 26th at Midnight. Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure: Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.  I was blessed to receive a prize pack of my own.