Around the Blogosphere GIVEAWAYS 12/21

Latina On a Mission Current Giveaways

Enter George Foreman Evolve Grill Ends 1/8/2011

Enter Count Down The New Year With A Chunky Bling Watch Ends 12/25

Old El Paso giveaway

Why not set aside time at least once a month for "family taco night?" Old El Paso offers a variety of seasonings, sides, sauces, and meal kits as simple solutions for a night of catching up with the family over a delicious taco dinner. To satisfy your Mexican style cravings, the Old El Paso® line up of products includes chilies, dinner kits, dips and sides, enchilada sauce, refried beans, seasoning mixes, shells, taco sauce and salsa. The Old El Paso taco seasoning mix selection includes flavors like Burrito, Cheesy Taco, Chili, Fajita, Taco, Mild Taco and even a seasoning with 40% less sodium. For a fun twist on Taco Night, be sure to try one of the delicious recipes below.


Double Layer Tacos
Old El Paso Favorite Recipe! Layered taco shells and tortillas create the "double" in beef- and bean-stuffed tacos.


Chicken Ranch Tacos
Need a new idea for a 30-minute dinner? Here's a twist on tacos using precooked chicken.

To keep your family laughing at the dinner table, have some fun with El TacodorTM, the world´s only family taco night Game. With El Tacodor, your family can share a special night at home by challenging one another to quick fire trivia, wordplay and pantomime. Visit www.ElTacodor.com today to download instructions, a score card, and a challenge sheet for even more fun on family taco night!

Visit Old El Paso for news and great tips, recipes and more. Take a minute to share family fiesta photos and videos from family taco nights on the El Tacodor Family Spotlight!

You can visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/ to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today!

Want to win an Old El Paso "family taco night" prize pack which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase your taco fixings?


Here is how to enter:

1) Share your favorite aspect of coming together for taco nights? (1 entry)
2) Which of the featured recipes are you most excited to try next? (1 entry)

This giveaway ends December 28, 2010 at 8 am. Please leave an email in your comment. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck.

***Disclosure-The coupon, information, and prize package for giveaway were all provided by Old El Paso through MyBlogSpark.

DEADLINE-Mail your Yoplait lids

It's our 12th annual drive, and we've increased our donation!

For every pink lid you send by December 31, 2010 Yoplait® will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, now up to $1.6 million. And we guarantee a donation of at least $500,000.

And now it's even easier to make a difference! We're expanding our efforts online, donating an additional $1.00 for every virtual lid you send to your friend on Facebook, up to $100,000, —so by adding this to the traditional Save Lids to Save Lives program, there is a potential for a grand total donation from Yoplait of $1.7 million!

Together, we've made such an impact to this cause resulting in a $25 million contribution over the past 12 years from all Yoplait's donation programs, helping and inspiring so many different lives.

So grab your friends, coworkers, yoga class or neighbors and start getting involved today.

Use our tools, or just pick up a spoon and you can help fight breast cancer. Every lid matters.

*For every lid that is mailed in by December 31, 2010, Yoplait® will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, up to 1.6 million with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000. Help us keep up the support!

XIGO $2 Discount Code

Thanks to Maria Bailey and Xigo Health-

To receive $2 off each Xigo product you purchase, simply enter the code "MARIA" at checkout. If you order two or more units of any product, you'll also be eligible for free shipping. You can learn more and order your own supply of Xigo by visiting www.xigohealth.com.
Daily Immune Defense for Children
Safe and natural daily immune support for children*
245 mg serving of triple-action, patent-pending blend (beta glucans, L-glutamine, lactoferrin)
Zinc for oxidative stress support and healthy inflammation response*
Beta carotene for improved absorption of immune-enhancing vitamins*
30 berry-flavored chewable tablets
Daily Immune Defense
Safe and natural daily, year-round immune support*
490 mg serving of triple-action, patent-pending blend (beta glucans, L-glutamine, lactoferrin)
Zinc for oxidative stress support and healthy inflammation response*
Beta carotene for improved absorption of immune-enhancing vitamins*
30 Orange-flavored chewable tablets
Maximum Immune Defense
Extra-strength, occasion-specific immune support*
800 mg serving of triple-action, patent-pending blend
Beta glucans for speed*
L-glutamine for fuel*
Lactoferrin for increased immune cell activation and immune memory*
8 convenient single-dose packets orange-flavored chewable tablets

Disclosure-Informational post only.

Dial® Healthier You Week 4-Me Time

Dial Diaries Week 4-Me Time

It has been such a great experience helping you achieve better health and skin. My final tip is about finding that special time for yourself, something I like to call “me time.”

Carving out some special “me time” isn’t selfish; it’s actually extremely important to spend time taking care of yourself. Stress and poor sleep habits can contribute to health issues and lackluster skin that’s prone to breakouts.

With all of the multitasking that goes on in our busy lives, you’re probably wondering how to squeeze some “me time” into your life. First, get organized! That means scheduling your entire week, from planning menus to shopping for everything at once and cooking for the week on Sunday. When it comes to skin care, Dial® NutriSkin™ body wash cleanses and moisturizes in one step.

The most important part of “me time” is figuring out what will make you happier, even for a brief moment, everyday. Is it reconnecting with a past hobby or finding a new one? Maybe it’s taking a bubble bath, having a cup of your favorite tea while meditating or reading a few pages of that book you’ve been meaning to pick up. You’ll find yourself invigorated and energized with even the smallest amount of “me time” — I guarantee it.

- Amy

Independentmami-Me Time is very important. As my name says it all Independentmami knews her time to be Independent. I started blogging to let my feelings and thoughts out. This is my me time. My husband knows when I am blogging I am like in my own world. I releases my stress. I like bubble baths while I listen to music. It relaxes me from everything that has been happening whether good or bad. My husband also helps me relax with massages. It all depends what heals you and renews you. It has been great going through this for these weeks learning.


Disclosure-I received a product to review. I am also passing along information from Dial. These are my honest opinions.

Dial® Healthier You Week 3-Skin Care

Dial Diaries Week 3-Skin Care

Sunblock is the #1 tool most dermatologists recommend for preventing skin cancers and premature aging. If you want a tan, you can get it from a bottle or bronzing powder. Once you have embraced the daily SPF, then good skin care really boils down to two steps: Cleansing and Moisturizing.

Your facial cleanser should match your skin type and age. Your body wash should gently cleanse without stripping your skin of important oils and moisture. Choosing a body wash like Dial® NutriSkin™ will allow you to cleanse and moisturize in just one step. If you choose to use a separate moisturizer, use it directly after the shower while your skin is still damp. The moisturizer will seal in the water droplets for added hydration. In addition to the smart skin care choices you make, drinking water and eating plenty of fruits and veggies is extremely important in keeping your skin well-hydrated.

So, keep eating healthy, exercising and following these easy skin care tips.

- Amy

Independentmami-So when I went on my cruise back in early October I made the mistake of forgetting my sunscreen, the good stuff. I brought with me just my facial moisturizer with SPF and covered myself with that. I thought that would be enough, but it was not. I came back for our cruise with sun spots and was scared I had gotten skin cancer. But the sun spots went away as soon as time went by, and with the help of some creams. I will never do that mistake again. So believe me when I tell you to take good care of your skin. I also never knew how important it was to use facial cleanser. Your face gets dirty even if you cannot see it. I know, I get oily in my T zone. You have to find what works for you.

Week 4-Me Time

Disclosure-I received a product to review. I am also passing along information from Dial. These are my honest opinions.

Dial® Healthier You Week 2-Exercise

Dial Diaries Week 2-Exercise

Welcome to week two! I’m Amy Hendel, your Dial® Healthier You program expert. If you are incorporating the skin healthy foods we discussed last week into your daily diet, then you are ready for the next step to a healthier you: exercise.

In addition to helping you lose weight, exercise can help to prevent heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. It supports a healthy and radiant complexion by promoting circulation, which carries oxygen to your skin and other vital organs. It also causes you to sweat, which flushes out dirt and debris from your pores and gives your skin that natural, rosy glow.

So how do you fit exercise into an already challenged schedule? First, write it down on your calendar so you are reminded of it every day. Then be smart about how you exercise. I’m a big fan of interval training: a program that involves a variation in pace and intensity. For example, try walking followed by timed challenges like hills, jogging or running. You can also do this with any cardiovascular machine like a stationary bike or elliptical with periods of increased resistance if there isn’t an incline option.

If you’re a beginner, work on building up to a 45- 60 minute walk almost everyday. Then you can reduce your time by adding in intervals like this beginner program for the treadmill:
• Warm up for 5 minutes at 3.2 mph.
• Alternate between steady walking at a pace of 3.3 mph for 5 minutes, followed by 1-minute challenges of 3.5 mph. Do three intervals like this.
• Toward the end of your workout, really push yourself for 2 minutes at 3.6 mph.
• Drop down to 3.5mph for 5 minutes, then 3.4 mph for another 5 minutes.
• Cool down for 5 minutes at 3.2 mph.

Over time, you will be able to increase your overall speed and intervals. Keep yourself challenged by switching from speed to hill challenges. And of course, remember to shower after your workout to remove dead skin cells and odor-causing bacteria. Plus, if you wash with Dial® NutriSkin™ body wash, you’ll be left with a delicious lemongrass or cherry scent and moisturized skin without a heavy residue.

Keep me posted in your Dial® Diaries and let me know how eating healthy and interval training is helping your skin, body and overall health!
- Amy

Independentmami-Exercise is very hard right about now. It is a crazy season for me. I am having to run aroudn and do so much. Luckily my sister in law and I have decided to start working out everyday together. We meet at my house and do a workout for 90 minutes. This is easy to do with a partner or a friend. We have also incorporated exercise over the weekends. I have completed Turkey Trot 10K at 1 hr and 16 minutes, and the Jingle Bell 5 mile run at 1 hr and 6 minutes. I am so proud of myself. This is fun.

Week 3-Skin Care


Disclosure-I received a product to review. I am also passing along information from Dial. These are my honest opinions.

Dial® Healthier You Week 1-Skin Healthy Foods

Dial Diaries Week 1- Skin Healthy Foods

Hi! I’m Amy Hendel, your Dial® Healthier You program expert. Over the next four weeks, I’m going to help you improve your skin and overall health. This week, let’s start with nutrition.

They say that you are what you eat, and when it comes to your skin’s health, your food choices can improve your skin’s resilience and clarity, slow the aging process and prevent breakouts. Keeping processed foods to a minimum and focusing on a diet rich in whole foods will help your skin maintain its health. Let’s look at the three major aspects of skin care:

Hydration: To keep your skin from becoming dry, drink lots of water and eat foods like oily fish and flaxseed that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure to include foods fortified with biotin like white meat chicken, eggs and Swiss chard to help your body process those healthy fats.

Blemish fighters: To fight breakouts, make sure to follow a proper skin care regimen, and include foods rich in zinc like vegetarian baked beans, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds.

Anti-aging: Commit to regular use of a broad spectrum SPF, and add vitamin E to your daily diet to prevent skin damage and wrinkles. Foods enriched with Vitamin E include tuna and fortified cereals. Dark chocolate, tea and watermelon contain compounds that will also help you fight skin damage.

When you go to the supermarket to buy these healthy skin-promoting foods, include Dial® NutriSkin™ body wash, which hydrates and moisturizes while cleansing your skin of impurities. Remember to share your healthy eating tips and experiences with us by posting your Dial® Diaries. At the end of this week, let us know if you are already seeing a positive difference in your skin!
- Amy

Independentmami-It is hard to be eating Healthy foods in the holiday season especially with all the goodies coming into to our office almost on a daily basis. But as hard as it is, once you start doing it you won't have a hard time adding it to your daily routine.

Hydration-I keep a water bottle next to my desk. I fill it as soon as I get to the office. I try to drink 1 entire bottle per hour. Since I am at work for 9 hours including my lunch, I should have drank my daily goal of 8 - 10 glasses by the time I go home.

Blemish Fighters-I like beans so no problem. My skin is fair. I normally dont have to many problems except you know, that time of the month. This time I am prepared by eating some beans.

Anti-aging-I really do not have a hard time with following the recommend food of dark chocolate. I love chocolate. I am only 32 but I know I need to take care of my skin now for later. My brother showed me a picture from my last birthday and I looked horrible. He said I looked like a little old lady. I normally put on SPF moisturizer especially when the weather keeps changing here in Houston. One day it is hot and the next it will be freezing.

Week 2-Exercise


Disclosure-I received a product to review. I am also passing along information from Dial. These are my honest opinions.

I'm a Dial NutriSkin Healthier You Member

So a couple of weeks ago I received a package. I was not sure what it was but when I opened it, it was a new Dial bodywash. I was chosen to be 1 of 100 bloggers. I was so excited to use and review the product.



I received the Ultra Hydrating Body Wash (Cherry Seed Oil & Mint). The bodywash is infused with microbeads. I like microbeads. I like the lightness of the product. And I really love the smell. It is also available in Grape Seed Oil & Lemongrass. After using it for several weeks now, I can honestly tell you it is a great product to use.

***Disclosure-I receive this product to review. These are Independentmami's honest opinions. It has been Independentmami tested and approved.

Community "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas"

So who remember's the show Gumby? I do, I do. My brothers and I would watch Gumby all the time. Now that I am an adult I wonder where did those kinds of shows go. I was intrigued to watch Community as an animation. If you watch the show, you know how they like to do different things on their show. I like when shows get creative. Every now and again shows need to do this to keep us watching, if not they just become another show to watch, not the show we talk about. This episode was one to talk about. I really enjoyed watching it. This is what I call hilarious comedy.

Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas
The meaning of Christmas is lost and Abed's intense fixation on the holiday concerns the group in this special stop-motion animation episode.

If you missed it, you an go to www.nbc.com and watch the show online.

I won't ruin it for you but come on... Merry Christmas or Season's Greetings... my boss just talked about telling someone at Best Buy Merry Christmas. The employee told him, she could not tell him Merry Christmas, and he told her, let me rethink this $600 purchase. She looked at him, hurried and said Merry Christmas sir!! too funny...
I love songs, and music in shows too.

The show was great laughs.


***Disclosure... I viewed this show for review and that I am a member of One2One Network.