Flyers & Brochures Giveaway from UPrinting.com**CLOSED**

Another great giveaway from UPrinting.com



Giveaway Prize: 100 Brochures for One Lucky Winner
100 8.5 x11" Brochure / Flyers on 100lb gloss text paper ; 4 color printing on both sides
Folding Choices: Half fold; Trifold/Letterfold; Z-fold; Accordion (4 panels) Roll Fold (4 Panels)
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs. We will negotiate better shipping rates soon.

UPrinting.com has so many great products to choose from like brochures and flyers. Have you ever had a party, baby shower, graduation, etc? I have and I could have used brochures and flyers as invitations, vote for me signs, and so many more reasons. Do you have a business and need to promote? Check out what others are saying about UPrinting.com, 1) here

Win them here, here is how to enter:

1) Tell me how you would use the brochures and flyers. (1 entry)
2) Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
3) Tweet, using @uprinting, #giveaway. (1 daily entry)
4) Follow me on blogger. (1 entry)
5) Email 5 friends. (5 entries)

This giveaway ends November 7 at midnight. Please leave your contact information in your comment. The winner will have 24 hours to claim prize. Good luck.

*Disclosure-I will be receiving an appreciation prize of 100 Brochures from UPrinting.com.

Hallowen Blog or Treat

Shannon over at The Mommy-Files has this fun idea for bloggers to partner up and exchange goodies and treats with one another.


Blog or Treat Yes, you heard right! Blog or Treat




Thanks so much for the great goodies that were sent to me. My boys loved them so much they threw away the evidence along with the card the next day. SO to the blogger who sent this wonderful basket with the beautiful scarf, THANK YOU!! from all 3 of us.

And the winners are....

Thank you all for participating. Look for more great giveaways sponsored by UPrinting.com coming soon.


Giveaway Prize: 100 Postcards for One Lucky Winner Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada)
And the winner is....

True Random Number Generator

Result: 5

~ April ~ EnchantedDandelions said...
Following on Twitter, and tweeted:http://twitter.com/MagicDandelions/status/5071246400

October 22, 2009 10:10 AM




Giveaway Prize Details
250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner
Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”
Paper: 70 lb Label Matte
Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 4 Business Day printing
And the winner is:

True Random Number Generator

Result: 2

Natalie said...
I would use the stickers to label the containers when my mom makes and gives away salsa

October 21, 2009 10:21 PM

Bella Sara trading cards review

Do your girls love to play with playing cards? Growing up I collected cards. I would ask my mom to let me buy some every time we went to the store. At school we would trade them amongst each other. I didn't get them every shopping trip but when I did I was so happy. There has not been another trading cards like the ones I collected for girls.

Bella Sara unveils limited edition trading cards with new horses and secret codes to unlock brand-new online adventures. They are available at Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, and online.

About Bella Sara:
Bella Sara™ is a safe, fun-filled magical world of horses and other characters for children ages 5 and up to expand their imaginations. Originally launched in Denmark by Gitte Odder Braendgaard, Bella Sara inspires pro-social dialogue and inspirational thought with positive messages. After its introduction to the U.S. in 2007, Bella Sara quickly expanded globally into an international children’s entertainment property. Since its introduction, Bella Sara has expanded its product lines from trading cards and a virtual world to miniature velvety horses, collector’s tins, books, PC and Nintendo games, puzzles, arts and crafts in the North America market. International product lines also include apparel, back-to-school items, toys and more. Bella Sara products come with positive messaging and a secret code that expands a child’s experience with a virtual online world. By entering these secret codes at BellaSara.com, children can enhance their online and offline experiences with games, activities, and caring for their magical horses.

Be the first to discover the magic as it unfolds with secret codes that unlock Bella Sara Adventures at BellaSara.com. Then place your cards together to recreate the ballroom scenes. Story ballroom cards found randomly in select packs are your key.

Merchant SKU: HCG699 Secret code that unlocks Bella Sara Adventures at BellaSara.com Random cards from the series inserted into each pack. The series includes: Classic & Shiny Trading cards: Bella Sara magical horse cards, new characters to collect: Emma, Sara, Colm, Deru, and Tyri, ballroom scenes and magical castle cards. New story and sticker cards. Contains 5 random cards; 1 sticker card; and 1 secret code $2.99

If your girls like horses, trading cards, playing online, unlocking secret codes, this is perfect for them. This makes a perfect stocking stuffer. A great reward for report cards, or progress reports.

Special discount for my readers- Use promotion code 8EV2TBA6 to save 20% off purchase of $15+

*Disclosure-I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.

Loxly Gallery review

Look at this picture and tell me that you don't love it. Isn't it perfect. I can really get away just day dreaming and staring at this wonderful view.

I was giving the opportunity to receive this wonderful picture. It is a picture of Hawaii. It came in a glossy finish. It is 11 x 14. The webpage was so easy to use. It is user-friendly even if you have never shopped online before. If you can't make it to Hawaii like me, or you love pictures, Loxly Gallery has many items to choose from. If you set up an account, they offer

Permanent Cart - Any products added to your online cart remain there until
you remove them, or check them out.

Address Book - We can now deliver your products to another address other
than yours! This is perfect to send birthday gifts direct to the
birthday-person themselves.

Order History - View your history of purchases that you have made with us.

Products Reviews - Share your opinions on products with our other customers.

So check them out. A great gift idea for those on your Christmas gift list.

Special Dicount for my readers- Use this code IMSTAR to get 25 % off any orders at LoxlyGallery.com, CoolButterflies.com/ButterflyShop, OurHandmadeGifts.com/shop, or purchase any 3 items at Shop7.com/shop and get the 4th FREE. (Place all 4 items in your cart & use the coupon code) expires 12/31/09

*Disclosure-I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.

"Make Time for CHANGE"

Have you made your pledge? There is still time.

For more than 75 years, Save the Children has been helping children survive and thrive by focusing on early childhood education, literacy and physical activity and nutrition programs.

Save the Children created the CHANGE program (Creating Healthy, Active, and Nurturing Growing-up Environments) to promote healthier lifestyles for children living in poverty by providing nutritious snacks and regular opportunities for children to be physically active.

Now, you can help. Raise your hand today to reveal your pledge to make time for a child, and Frigidaire will donate $11 to Save the Children's U.S. Programs. You can also match our contribution by donating directly to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.

Every day you log on to make-time-for-change.com and make a pledge, you are automatically entered for a chance to win a Frigidaire Professional double wall oven from Frigidaire. No purchase, donation or participation necessary to enter or win. Must be a legal resident of the 48 contiguous U.S. or D.C., 21 or older. Sweepstakes period: 9/22/09 through 12/31/09. For Official Rules which govern sweepstakes and how to enter without donating go to Official Rules.

1 Frigidaire will donate $1 for every pledge made with a minimum of $45,000 to maximum of $50,000.
2 Frigidaire will donate $100 for every Frigidaire Professional double wall oven purchased from 10/4/09 to 12/31/09 up to a maximum of $100,000 to Save the Children.

Vaccination Special Episode on Sid the Science Kid

Do you talk to your kids about what is going on with the Flu or the H1N1? We as parents need to give our kids the information they need. Who else are they going to hear it from? Others may scared them or provide them worng information. Some kids may be too young, so you think. Kids are never too young to start learning. Sid The Science Kid and PBS have come together They put a special episode together to help you get the conversation started, and provide information. When I was younger I hated getting shots. I would start crying even before walking in to the doctor's office. My brothers would have to be held down by nurses in order for them to get their shots. Now I know that shots are good for us even if they hurt for just a little bit.
Put your Tv on PBS


Thursday
October 29 7:30AM
Getting a Shot: You Can Do It!
Sid's grandmother visits his school and administers flu shots, prompting Sid to learn about how vaccinations work.

Getting a shot: You Can Do It!
Sid is hearing a lot of talk about how to stay healthy, which leads him to ask lots of questions about what can make a person sick and what he can do to keep from getting sick. In the special episode "Getting a shot: You Can Do It!," Sid and his friends learn the basic science behind germs, viruses and vaccines. When it’s vaccination day at Sid’s school, Sid and his friends are a little apprehensive about getting a shot. Thankfully, a very special nurse will be giving the kids their vaccination—Sid's Grandma! Grandma, Teacher Susie, Mom and Dad all do their part to make vaccination day a fun learning experience filled with music, games and lots of laughs.

If you happen to miss it, mark your calendars:
- Sunday – 11/1/09
- Tuesday – 11/3/09
- Saturday – 11/7/09
- Wednesday – 11/11/09
- Thursday – 11/19/09

Mereadesso Woman Review

When you wash your face, how many products do you use? 1)makeup remover, 2)scrub, 3)toner, 4) moisturizer, 5) serums, 6) primer 7) day cream/night cream 8) eye cream I now use 2. My ritual has been cut down to 2 products. Let me introduce you to what I am now using.

Mereadesso Woman. It is a luxury Canadian skincare company. It is coming to the US. Mereadesso is good for any skin type, age, or ethinicity.
I am now 31 years old. I am learning that everything you do to your body shows with time. If I treat my body well, it will treat me good later on in my life. I hate using gunky products. I hate using so many products. I don't have time or counter space for all of those products. But I do have time and space for 2.
Face + Neck Cleanser
It comes with a cleansing cloth. I love this cloth. It is like a shami for the face. It comes in a reusable plastic pouch, that I use to pack it all in.
Face + Neck Toning Gel
I like how my face felt after using this toner. My face smells great. My fiancee loves the smell.
I have my very own promotional code (shespeaks019) to use and share with my readers. Use this code at www.mereadesso.com where you can receive 20% off these products, plus free ground shipping.
**Disclosure-I am a member of SheSpeaks and through my membership received this product to sample.

Latch it up

Did you know that there is free help for us to make safe choices about car seats and to help us use car seats properly for maximum safety?  I previously blogged about this but if you missed it here is very important information.

If you are a new parent or like me that I have not used a car seat in years, get your questions answered.  Times have changed are technology has gotten better and better.  There are so many resources for us to use.

Check out Child Car Safety.  The Ad Council and the NHTSA have created this site with all the resources parents need to keep their smallest passengers safe.  Find your local inspection station, watch instructional videos, and even take a fun quiz!

NHTSA has a Facebook page where parents can learn about everything from LATCH to locating inspection offices.

On Twitter an actual safety expert mans the @ChildSeatSafety account. They answer any questions that parents have about child passenger safety. This is such a unique resource from a government agency!

***Disclosure- No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Inspiring Hope Giveaways Around the Web

Click here to enter Pink Together
Free Sample Freak Inspiring Hope Basket Giveaway 11/4
Frugal Mommy of 2 girls My Blog Spark Pink Together Giveaway 11/2
Julie's Journal Pink Together Inspiring Hope Gift Pack Giveaway 10/31
Tiaras Tantrums Inspiring Hope gift basket 11/6
Potamus Prefers Inspiring Hope gift basket 10/31
My Four Monkeys PinkTogether.com giveaway 10/29

Enough is enough

This is Rihanna's new single, Russian Roulette. When listening to the words I go back to 10 years ago when I was holding that gun to my head. From a domestic violence victim to another, these words speak to me. 10 years ago, I had my life flash before my eyes. It is a scary situation that opens your eyes. I never thought I would be in this type of situation but all the signs were there and I just ignored them. From experience I can tell you, they never change. You are better than that and you deserve better. It took me a long time after to realize that was true. I went from being on the dean's list in college, with a full time job to engaged, pregnant, and abused. The mental abuse is what kills me. Even after all these years I can remember all the words, mockeries, and gestures made towards me. And I know if you are not in this world you ask, why stay there? I will tell you that when you are in this world nothing is the same. You battle with yourself (brain), and your emotions (heart). I fell in love with this man, mind, body, and soul. He took it all and used it to his advantage. They take you to a low like never before, and you don't see things like other people do. I was always strong willed and minded and no-one could do me any harm. All my friends and family were shocked when this happened. No one had ever had this much control over me. And when I fell, I fell hard many times. But only until the last time did I really realize all that I was giving up. I realized I had my son to fight for and live for. I fought and fought hard. And I never looked back. There were many times when I had looked back before and that's when I would break and take him back. But taking him back was worse every time.
10 years ago, I stopped looking back. I put that gun down, and I ran. I ran away from all the evil, and rage. If you are in a situation, get help, find a friend, and get out. Let it be the first and last. Never look back. My friends were always there before, during, and after. If not for you, but for your kids. My son doesn't remember the fighting, and yelling. And now I know he never has to. Love yourself enough to let go. It won't be an easy road, I know. There will be days were the tears won't stop flowing, but then comes a rainbow. If you need a friend to talk to and there isn't anyone you can talk to, call or get information here:
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.
domesticviolence.org

Am I a shopAholic?

Last night I was watching MTV, True Life. It was an episode about two girls addicted to shopping. It got me thinking. Do I know when to say when? Have you ever been in a store and found a great sale that you just could not resist? You know the price is so perfect, you can't let this sale pass you buy. You will never find these prices. You will hate yourself later. Yeah these are all the things the pass through my head. Luckily I never go too crazy and I never get to splurge on myself.
Ladies, if you can't pay your rent, or utilities say NO to the sale. Plus my fiancee pointed out to me, that I only have two feet! Luckily for him, my shoes are too new to throw at him for such a sarcastic joke. But he is right. Think about how this purchase will affect you. Since being a single mother and living on a budget, I ask myself is this a need or a want? If it is a need, i get it. A want can wait. Thanks to my wonderful fiancee all my wants are just a question away. "Honey will you buy this for me?"

Vote for me for The John Lennon Award (nicest Blogger)

I never do this, there is always a first time. I am asking my followers to please vote for me over at Mom Dot-Dottie Awards Voting.
for the The John Lennon Award (nicest Blogger)
http://independentmami.blogspot.com

Voting Closes Sunday the 25th. No votes after that will be counted. The blogger with the most votes at that time will win and the winner be announced on, or about, Monday the 26th.

Thanks for your support!!

***Vote for me and get 10 extra entries on any current giveaway.***

Congratulations to ....

We have a winner....
True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 21
Result: 17

Hula Hooping Mom said...
I started my blog this year and it's really taken off, so would use them for that ;)

October 19, 2009 9:48 PM

Thank you to everyone who participated!!

This is what the winner will be receiving.


Giveaway Prize:
250 business cards for One Lucky Winner (Free UPS Ground Shipping in USA)
Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)
Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

I have two giveaways currently sponsored by UPrinting.com. Check them out at the top of my blog page. Thank you for stopping by.

Around the web-giveaways Oct 19

Mom Spark Yummie Tummie 10/19
Mom Spark Frito Lay Tail Gate 10/24
Mom Spark Clorox Toilet Wand 10/23
Becca's Backyard Win tupperware small serving center set 11/1

UPrinting Postcards giveaway**CLOSED**

Just in time for the Holidays UPrinting offers my readers another great giveaway.

Giveaway Prize: 100 Postcards for One Lucky Winner
Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada)

With planning my wedding and getting things done with my bestfriend's wedding, we have seen so many ways to share our special moments. These postcards are great invitations, thank you cards, note cards, and more! I never thought of using postcards other than for mailing until UPrinting came along.

I know you want to know how to enter this giveaway, simple follow these rules:
1) Tell me how you would use these postcards. (1 entry)
2) Blog about this giveaway, linking to this post and UPrinting. (5 entries)
3) Follow me on twitter and tweet using @uprinting. (1 daily entry)
4) Follow me on blogger. (1 entry)

This giveaway ends October 27, 2009 at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random.org. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Please leave your contact information in your comment. Independentmami reserves the right to disqualify any comment that doesn't follow the rules. Good Luck!

Disclosure-
UPrinting is giving Independetmami an appreciation prize of postcards. I will be using them for my wedding. Thanks to my sponsors for all these wonderful giveaways.

Custom Stickers giveaway from UPrinting.com**CLOSED**

Another great giveaway from my sponsors, UPrinting.com.


Giveaway Prize Details
250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner
Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”
Paper: 70 lb Label Matte
Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 4 Business Day printing

*offering FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the USA (Canadian residents need to pay shipping and taxes). Offer is not available to residents outside the US and Canada.

Have you ever tried sticker printing? Well why not try getting them from UPrinting.com?

How to enter this giveaway...
1) Tell me what will would use the stickers for? (1 entry)
2) Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post. (5 entries)
3) Follow @independentmami on twitter and tweet using @uprinting. (1 daily entry)
4) Follow me on blogger. (1 entry)

This giveaway ends October 28, 2009 at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random.org. Please make sure to leave you contact information. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Independentmami reserves the right to disqualify any comment that does not follow the rules. Good luck!

Disclosure-
Thanks to my sponsors I will be receiving an appreaciation prize-my own set of 250 stickers/labels. Which I will be using for my wedding. So much to do and so little time. These stickers/labels will be perfect.

Bare Skin now available at Sephora

For all the ladies that love perfumes, here is a new one for you.

Introducing Bare Skin, the first fragrance from Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Exclusively for Sephora

Bare Skin Product Offerings

Bare Skin Eau de Parfum 1.7oz ($55): With emotional undertones throughout, the scent takes you from day to night with top notes of Black Pepper, Freesia and Anise that evoke the morning breeze coming through the window and the anticipation of the day ahead. The heart notes of Iris, Vanilla Orchid, Plumeria and Patchouli conjure walking to the beach and being on hot, hot sand. While the dry down notes of Sandalwood, Labdanum and Musk tell of the soft, sexy chatter between couples and the music that surrounds. Leslie recommends spraying the fragrance on your pulse points and behind your neck – the heat from these areas will permeate the scent with every breath.

Bare Skin Solid Perfume Compact ($35): This pocket watch captures a moment of time in Leslie’s life and interprets it into a heady scent. Dab on pulse points for the ultimate exhilaration.

Bare Skin Perfumed Body Cream ($30): To perfectly compliment the fragrance, a luxurious body cream has been created. To extend the fragrance sensation, apply the hydrating body cream after showering and follow with a fragrance spritz near your heart.

Legions of fans have known her as the inspirational, passionate beauty icon behind Bare Escentuals and the woman who put mineral makeup on the beauty map. Now, Bare Escentuals CEO Leslie Blodgett introduces her own collection of unforgettable fragrances created exclusively for Sephora. Channeling her most cherished childhood memories and life experiences, Leslie partnered with perfumer Stephen Nilsen from the house of Givaudan to create limited-edition scents, each one inspired by the pages of her own diary. From family vacations at faraway places to the ocean breezes of her youth, every spritz tells a story. This deeply personal line is a fragrant medley of moments and the ultimate sensory experience. How will it inspire you?

Enter to win your won Tropical Beach Vacation! Join the Facebook Fan Page, click here
for more details.

$200 LuShae Sweepstakes

Enter here for a chance to win $200 cash. Yes, you heard right $200 to spend any where you want. Who couldn't use $200. The rules are simple go to LuShae Jewelry. Post one of their jewelry badges on your blog and then you will automatically be entered each month.
**You can also get a 15% discount to LuShae Jewelry.



Pass the word along to other mommy bloggers....
Use this link... http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/jewelry-jad.asp?p=Win-Jewelry&xref=independentmami.blogspot.com

Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Magic**CLOSED**

Come experience Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Magic playing at Reliant Stadium with your family!
A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU! Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and entering the coupon code: MOM**

Show Dates:
Wednesday, Nov. 11: 7:30pm
Thursday, Nov. 12: 7:30pm
Friday, Nov. 13: 10:30am, 7:30pm
Saturday, Nov. 14: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sunday, Nov. 15: 1:30pm, 5:30pm

**Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday‐Friday matinee, or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the promotion code box on ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Rinkside or VIP or VIP Dining seating. Cannot be combined with other offers. Service charges and handling fees will apply.

Hey Houston, TX and surrounding areas would you like to win a 4 pk of tickets to Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Magic for opening night? Thanks to Feld Entertainment and Mom Central you now have that chance here. Here are the rules:

1) Tell me who is your favorite Disney character and why you want to win? (1 entry)
2) Be a follower. (1 entry)
3) Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
4) Tweet. (1 daily entry)
5) Email 5 friends and copy me: super_alba_star@yahoo.com. (5 entries)

This giveaway ends October 31 at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random.org. Please leave your email information in the comment. Independentmami has a right to disqualify any commenter who doesn't follow the rules. Good luck.

Disclosure- As a member of the FFP, I will receive free tickets for my family to attend the Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Magic.

Slice, Five for Fighting CD review and giveaway

I like how music moves people. I especially like when the words in a song mean something. John from Five for Fighting has a new cd, Slice. This cd hit the stores this week. This cd is filled with songs that have meaning. Stop and listen to the words and the messages on each song. My favorite song was Chances.

This video is on the VH1 Top 20 countdown. Thanks to One2One Network I was able to hear the songs on Slice before it hit stores.
This is the song list...
1. Slice
2. Note To The Unknown Soldier
3. Tuesday
4. Chances
5. This Dance
6. Above The Timberline
7. Transfer
8. Hope
9. Story Of Your Life
10. Love Can't Change The Weather
11. Augie Nieto

Things I found interesting....
-In Feb 2007 John launched a charity driven website – whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com that raises money for various charities when users view video clips provided by visitors to the site. Current views are over 3 million with approx. $300,000 donated!
-John is a dedicated supporter of US Troops, performing for US Forces at Guantanamo Bay, Hawaii, Guam & Japan on USO tours
-John created & produced “For the Troops”, a CD compilation of superstar recordings that is available for free to every active service person in US Armed Forces
You may have already seen his work or heard it...
Along with numerous television licenses, John’s composed songs for “August Rush”, “The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants”, “We Were Soldiers”, “Chicken Little” & “Everyone’s Hero"

Coming to a town near you?
18-Oct Toronto, ON El Mocambo
20-Oct New York, NY City Winery
22-Oct Bay Shore, NY (Long Island) YMCA Boulton Center
23-Oct Uncasville, CT The Wolf Den
24-Oct Washington, DC Jammin Java
26-Oct Boston, MA The Paradise
27-Oct Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
29-Oct Nashville, TN The Belcourt
30-Oct Chicago, IL Lakeshore
3-Nov Salt Lake City, UT The State Room
5-Nov Seattle, WA Crocodile
6-Nov Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
10-Nov San Francisco, CA Swedish American Hall
11-Nov Los Angeles, CA Largo at the Coronet

Would you like to win an autographed copy of Slice? Here is how to enter:
1) Be a follower. (1 entry)
2) Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
3) Tweet. (1 daily tweet)
4) Enter another independentmami giveaway. (BONUS-3 entries)

This giveaway ends October 31 at midnight. One winner will be chosen on random.org. Please leave an email address in the comment. The winner will have 24 hours to provide shipping instructions. Independentmami reserves the right to disqualify any comment if the rules are not followed. Good luck!

Are you trying to plan the perfect party?

Every year around this time, my house gets turned into a haunted house ready for my Halloween guests to be spooked on Halloween Day. I love planning parties and get-2-gethers. This year I almost said no to the party simple because parties are alot of work to plan. I have a Halloween party every year so all our friends can have a place to go and have safe fun with the kiddos. But this is only the first of many parties this Fall season. Next comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. My mother never threw parties at our house. We always attended parties at others homes. So I really don't get much plaaning ideas from my mom. I have to look elsewhere for ideas, help and tips.

Kelly Ripa who I just adore has a new tool to help us out this season. Check out the Kelly Confidential Perfect Party Planner site. You can find so much on there from tips to recipes from top chefs, and party planners. Each week they will present three options for an element of the ultimate Thanksgiving celebration.

Each week you log on and choose an element for your party plan, you are automatically entered for a chance to win a luxury double wall oven with Perfect Turkey® Button from Electrolux.

Have fun party planning! Take lots of notes. Print the recipes you like, I know I will. I can only cook so many things. And by cooking I mean take out of the can and warm. hahahhahah.... Give me a break. I am learning. Cook what the Top Chefs are cooking. I am not a cook but at least I try. My guests know when I have found new recipes. Those are the new items I add to my food selection. SO back to my party planning I go.

Party like there is no tomorrow...

This past weekend was crazy. My little, big brother turned 27 on the 8th. Little because he is younger than me, bigger because he is taller. And my sister in law threw him a surprise birthday party on Friday nite, which included his close friends. It is so nice to see how much people love you. The dinner almost got ruined when we had to wait at the restaurant for an hour because they do not reserve tables. (Note: Always check with management about reservations when planning a dinner party at a restaurant) But none of his friends went home. We just waited and like they say good things come to those who wait. The restaurant hooked us up with complimentary appetizers for all 30 of us. It was a great dinner and my little, big brother really enjoyed himself.
On Saturday, we celebrated my bestfriend, Liz's birthday. We have been bestfriends since we were in elementary school. We lived on the same street and grew up going to the same church. I am the only girl in my family. I have 3 brothers, but Liz was always the sister that I was suppose to have. We both became single mothers at a very young age. And we struggled through the years to define ourselves. When most girls were out defying life, conquering the world, we were taking care of our kids. Like I said in earlier post, we live our lives not by the rules of society. And we have seemed to over come it all. But those things have made us stronger. So I guess what I am trying to say, that tomorrow is never promised. Enjoy the company of your loves ones and make great memories. Great stories to tell the kids later on in life, or shall I say not tell the kids. Today is my sister in law's birthday and who knows where or what we will do. But we will be out having fun, enjoying life, and making memories.


Happy Birthday to all of them and you, October babies!!

Vote for me....independentmami

I have been nominated by Loca Loba for The John Lennon Award that goes to the Nicest blogger over at Momdot at the Semi-Annual Dottie Awards.

The rules are :
I must have at least THREE nominations in order to be entered into a category, so I need to get my blog buds to come support independentmami! Nominations will run from Thursday October 8th till Friday October 16th.

Since I only have one nomination I am asking my followers for support. I need two more nominations. SO please nominate .... independentmami for The John Lennon Award that goes to the Nicest blogger.

Thanks,

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Business Card Giveaway from UPrinting.com

I am so excited to announce I have a giveaway from my sponsor UPrinting.com. They can do so many things like brochures, business cards, calendars, canvas prints, catalogs, door hangers, envelopes, flyers, greeting cards, hang tags, labels,letterhead, etc.

Giveaway Prize:
250 business cards for One Lucky Winner (Free UPS Ground Shipping in USA)
Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)
Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

Restriction:
Free UPS Ground Shipping in the USA. Canadian Residents must Pay Shipping and Taxes. Residents of other countries are not eligible.

So I know you are asking, so how do I enter?

I want to know how you would use these 250 business cards. Do you have your own business or are you starting one? Do you need to market or advertize yourself, why?

I would use them to pass out at events. I went to a blogger event earlier this year and I didn't have business cards to pass out. All the blogger moms at the event had business cards and I had nothing.

Mandatory-
1) Tell me why you want to win and how you would use the business cards. (1 entry)
Extra entries-
2) Blog about this giveaway, link to this post and to UPrinting.com. (3 entries)
3) Be a follower. (1 entry)
4) Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. (1 daily entry)

This giveaway ends on Monday, October 19, 2009 at midnight. The winner will be chosen by Random.org. Remember to leave your email in the comment. Comments will be disqualified if the rules are not followed. The winner will have 24 hours to claim the prize. Thank you for participating and GOOD LUCK to everyone.


Disclosure:
As the host of this wonderful giveaway I will receive a Blogger Appreciation Prize of 250 Free business cards for myself from UPrinting.com

Eden Fantasys Review

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

I know you have been waiting to hear about the Bachelorette Party, so here it is. First let me start by saying I totally understand if you want to look away now if you don't feel comfortable with hearing about the fun we had.

Let me introduce you to the 2 brides. Yes you heard right. Maria & Evelyn

If you read my previous post, you will understand that Evelyn and I were bestfriends from long distance for many reasons we sometimes couldn't control. So in my place came Maria. Maria and Evelyn have been bestfriends since middle school. And now they are both taking the leap together. So they have decided to share some of these happy moments. Which brings us to the Bachelorette party. About a month ago I started thinking of what I could give Evelyn for her bachelorette party that she would really enjoy. Or did I want to give her a gag gift. I wasn't too sure what I was going to do. But I remember back 2 years ago when I was a maid of honor, I had the privilege, yeah right, to plan a bachelorette party with the bride. We went to raunchie places that made me feel so uncomfortable. I didn't want anyone to see me coming out of those places. We didn't buy any games and just ran out of the stores with nothing. At the bachelorette party we ended up playing Uno and just sitting around the table talking, reminiscing, and eating. Yes, I know how boring. A bachelorette party is suppose to be this big party of girls doing crazy things or just plain having fun. Evelyn and I have had our fun moments. So this time I wasn't going to let Evelyn down. I was looking for fun games we could play on this fun nite.

Thanks to Eden Fantasys for sending me some fun goodies for our bachelorette party. Eden Fantasys has many things to choose from like adult games and toys. Here is what we received and what we think...

Bachelorette party kit
Gags by Topco Sales Price:$15.99
This party box is perfect. It has fun games you will want to play. Remember playing pin the tail on the donkey, well there is the bachelorette version, Kiss the Stud. This kit includes everything you will need to break the ice with a big group of girls. Sometimes breaking the ice is hard with a big crowd. We had so much fun and we all were involved.







Bachelorette roulette
Adult game by Little Genie Price:$15.99
This game was so much fun. With 14 ladies and these dare cards there was bound to be some craziness. Who doesn't love a dare? I love dares. I have always been really shy around strangers. In a club full of strangers we attempted to play the Bachelorette roulette. It was so much fun. Going up to strangers trying to get free drinks. Walking with toilet paper on your shoe, how embarassing. We tried to keep score on the score cards provided but we lost track of who was winning from how much fun we were having.
The brides made sure we played by the rules, sneaking around checking up on us.

If you are looking for some fun games to play at a birthday party, girl's nite out, or a bachelorette party, Eden Fantasys has plenty to choose from. No need to leave your house. You can purchase online and have it delivered to your home. The website is user friendly. But again I do warn you that there are sexually explicit items on there website like sex toys, adult toys, and adult games.

Around the web...giveaways

Meghan Mindless Muttering Snack Prize 10/10

October is breast cancer awareness month...

A couple of years ago my friend's aunt pass away from her battle with breast cancer. Not too long after that her mother found a lump. She started going through hard chemo. Then my bestfriend's grandmother passed away from breast cancer too. I had never been so close to this cancer. Three years ago my bestfriend and I made a commitment to support the Susan G Komen breast cancer awareness foundation. Every year since then we participate in the 5K walk. It is a bonding sisterhood moment for us. A very emotional day for everyone there. Our main goal is to make everyone aware.
I was so glad to see that our football team was supporting such a great cause today.
If you watched the Houston Texans today, the game we won 29-6 (sorry I had to throw that in), you saw all the pink that the team and all of the football league was wearing. Good job guys! If you missed it, check out the story here.

If you would like more information or to make a donation, go to
Susan G Komen.

I just got another award...

Thank you to Rocky Mountain Memoirs for awarding me with this award.



I really am speechless at this one. And it takes alot to shut this girl up. I really appreciate each and everyone of my followers. Again THANK YOU for following.

The Best Blog Award rules are:
To accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.
Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have recently discovered and think are great! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Drum roll please.....
1. Mommy Daddy Blog
2. Common Sense with Money
3. STL Mommy
4. Deal Seeking Mom
5. Mom Saves Money
6. Midday Escapades
7. Mommy Factor
8. The Dirty Shirt
9. Hip Mamas Place
10. Kiddies Corner Deals
11. Super Dumb Super Villain
12. Geek Mommy
13. Potamus Prefers
14. My Four Monkeys
15. Free Sample Freak

Jumpstart

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Zombie Land Movie Review

Ok, I must admit when I saw the movie trailer for Zombie Land I thought another scary movie just in time for Halloween.

Thanks to Film Metro, read here my earlier post, I was able to attend this movie screening. Another free movie. Tonight I headed off to the movies with my fiancee. A perfect date night for us. And like in the past, my bestfriends were there too. It felt like old times. Except one of us had a 2 month old, another a husband babysitting and all three of us with kids at home doing homework. But again we as parents must take a break and have fun without the kids. Plus 1 cute two month old doesn't count. Back to my movie review.....

The movie was great from beginning to end. It had it's scary moments. I won't tell you the movie because I hate when people tell me the movie. There were a range of ages in the movie theater and everyone agreed this was a good movie. You will die laughing. Take it from us it was Zombi-tastic!!

Check me out all zombied out...free zombie make-up

Can someone tell society to shove it? Because this is my life...

Age is nothing but a number is all I hear and have always heard. I never really paid attention to it, until now. I know some of you are like, kiddo you don't know nothing about aging just yet. But hear me out...I never have been the one to worry about wrinkles or age. I was always the one who said that same phrase to others. "Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number...bring it!!"
Let's go back in time to my 29th birthday. I was on top of the world. No-one or nothing could touch me. I had it all. My son, my first house, my truck, and great friends. I went out and I had fun. I was in great shape, and feeling good. That year was great!!
Then a few weeks before my 30th birthday, I realized I was turning 30. I was not married as society tells us we should be married, and planning or have kids. (Note: I did this already, it didn't work. Yes, I did it backwards and I became a statistic. That is what I am called, I prefer single mother.) Anyways let's that dwell on that, I have a point. I had that moment when you look in the mirror and you realize it's your time. YOU are getting older, turning 30, and ???. Not to add fuel to the fire, all my friends were there. Married with kids all turning 30 with me, except I didn't have those things checked off my 30's list. Because society tells us that we must follow the rules and of course with the rules comes a time line. I was the third wheel, and I was always the bridesmaid and not the bride.
Now I'm 31, and I have passed the dreaded 30 mark. I am engaged, so there is hope. Society, who ever those people are, listen up. This is my life and I play by my rules. If I fall, I fall, and let the fall be a big one. And so it was. If I cry, let me cry like there is no tomorrow. But yet there was a tomorrow. And when I fail, who are you to judge. Because maybe I changed my mind. I am allowed to do things my way. It's my life.
So I am not letting anything get in my way of MY LIFE. The reason I am ranting on and on is because this month my best friend, Evelyn is getting married. And I come to realize that we don't stop and enjoy the ride of our lives. My philosophy has always been to have fun and live life and not let life dictate what we should do. When I met my son's father, I was on top of the world. And then for a moment I visited HELL. A place I rather not visit or stay at. I decided after that moment that just because my son only had one parent, that we were going to make it. And that even though, in everyone's eyes we were just another statistic or disappointment, that we were going to be the exception. Life is hard people. I know. My mom moved here from El Salvador to escape the war, and the poverty. And what did I do, I invited the war and poverty to my life. There were days I couldn't see why or how I could do it, but I had my goals and my promises to myself and my son.
I go back to when I met Evelyn in elementary school. And how fun life was. All the moments we had. We sang New Kids on the Block songs on the bus in middle school. We cheered together side by side at football games. Even our parents, different schools, and time could not keep us apart. Our friendship is so timeless. We went through our adventures on our own for a couple of years and here we are. My bestie is getting married.

This month will prove to be a great month of wonderful wedding events. I cannot wait. Stay tune to all the crazyness and play by play as I journal one of the happiest moments in my bestie's life.
Next stop....bachelorette party...