African Cats Giveaway

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion. Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaped into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

IMPORTANT - About “See AFRICAN CATS, Save the Savanna”:By purchasing a Combo Pack or Movie Download version of Disneynature AFRICAN CATS through October 10, viewers can help protect the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna. In honor of each home entertainment release purchased during that period, Disneynature, through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will donate critical funds to help conserve the land that the magnificent species featured in AFRICAN CATS call home. This program will help to protect the vital Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks, with hopes to have a positive long term and sustainable impact on the animals and people of Africa. Visit: www.disney.com/conservation

My thoughts-I loved this movie. I loved seeing the animals in their real enviroment. Not recommended for smaller kiddos. My 12 year old thought it was good too. It is like the Lion King comes to life.

I have a giveaway. African Cats (1) DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack

How to enter:

1) Tell me who you want to win this for? (1 entry)
2) Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share, unlimited)
3) Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet, unlimited)

I just entered to #win African Cats DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack #giveaway @independentmami 10/4 http://tinyurl.com/3av3lr8

This giveaway ends 10/4. 1 winner will be randomly chosen. Please leave your email in the comment. US only. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. A copy of this movie was received to review. These are my honest opinions.

Foodarama Coupon Policy #Houston

I wanted to share my experience at my local grocery with you and see if you have been affected by coupon policies.

Since I am on a high risk pregnancy my husband goes with me to the grocery store. I am restricted from heavy lifting, pulling, pushing, or emotional distress.

Yesterday like every Wednesday, my husband and I headed to our neighborhood Foodarama. I have not been using coupons but last week it really hit our budget when we spent over $150. So this week I decided to get all my coupons together which were not many.

I had a:
-1 $1.00 off for milk
-6 FREE manufacturer coupons mailed to me from the companies themselves
-1 Letter coupon FREE item from the company
-1 $.50 off cheese

We went through the store like we normally do. We went down every aisle. Finally we go to check out. The lady sees my handful of coupons but continues to ring me up. After she is done she tells me my total. I tell her that I had my coupons she needs to scan. She looks at the coupons, takes them, and calls the manager. I was asking what was going on because I thought maybe she is new and does not know how to scan them. The manager comes over, looks at the coupons like the were fake, and tells me we do not accept these. I asked why? He said these are FREE coupons. I said yes from the company sent to me. (real manufacturer coupons) I said can I see where your policy states that? I do not see it on the doors, or the check out counter, or your ads. He walked away and did not acknowledge me. So I decided to take those items off. I bought the rest of my groceries which totaled over $100.

So as soon as I left I put a comment on facebook and twitter for others to know since the coupon has never posted this policy for customers.

I received a message this morning on twitter:

foodaramatx Houston Groceries
@ @independentmami We're sorry you were having problems - here's our coupon policy: http://ow.ly/6Itdz. Please contact us w/any problems!

It says "FREE" Product printable coupons are not accepted.

Mine were not printed by me. They came straight from the company as a THANK YOU. They were real.

Has this ever happened to you?

And the winner is...Spooky Buddies

Congratulations to the winner of the Spookie Buddies DVD...

Comment #45

Anonymous said...

Patricia

September 19, 2011 5:46 pm

Congratulations. You have 24 hours to claim your prize. Thanks for entering everyone.

Fourth Annual Spreading Smucker’s® Traditions Recipe and Essay Contest

A FAVORITE RECIPE COULD BRING ONE FAMILY TOGETHER FOR THEIR DREAM REUNION

From September 14 to November 16, 2011, Smucker’s invites consumers to visit http://www.smuckers.com/ or http://www.smuckersenespanol.com/ and share their original recipes made with at least 1/4 cup Smucker’s jams, jellies, preserves, or fruit butters, plus an original essay of 200 words or less in English or Spanish about how the recipe is part of family traditions and how it makes family celebrations special. The contest takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when Latinos across the country celebrate their history and culture. In March 2012, five contest finalists will be selected and flown to New York City for a live recipe demonstration and judging, where one will win $20,000 towards a dream family reunion.

Last year’s winning recipe, savory “Slow Cooker Marmalade Pork Tenderloin,” came from Tamie J. of Prosper, Texas. The recipe, which was passed down from her grandmother, features Smucker’s Sweet Orange Marmalade and has always been an Easter tradition at Tamie’s house.

“The smell of sweet, tangy pork always evokes wonderful memories of Easter hats, egg hunts and family meals,” said Tamie. “Food is the glue that keeps families together and Smucker’s has been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember. Recently my family created some new memories together and enjoyed sampling my winning recipe during our Grand Prize family reunion.”

In honor of the fourth year of the contest, the Smucker family has reached into their own recipe box to share a special dish that always gets rave reviews during Smucker family get togethers. Citrus Apple Tart features family-favorite flavors like fresh red apples and a warm Orange Marmalade glaze.
For Official Contest Rules visit http://www.smuckers.com/ or http://www.smuckersenespanol.com/. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years and older. Void where prohibited.

My thoughts-Smucker's come in a variety of flavors. They are great for the entire family. No matter what flavor you choose, they are all very yummy. Try out one of their flavors:
-Sweet Orange Marmalade,
-Strawberry Preserves,
-Concord Grape Jelly, or
-Peach Apricot.




Citrus Apple Tart - Favorite recipe of Richard Smucker, CEO, The J.M. Smucker Company

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours, 5 minutes

Yield: 8 servings


Ingredients

1 (9-inch) single Classic Crisco® Pie Crust

4 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 lbs.)

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tbsps. butter, diced

1/4 cup Smucker's Sweet Orange Marmalade

or 1/4 cup Smucker's Organic Orange Marmalade

Powdered sugar


Directions

1. PREPARE recipe for single crust pie. Roll out dough, place in a 9-inch tart pan with

removable bottom. Press to fit without stretching dough. Trim edges even with tart pan. Chill until ready to fill. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. PEEL and core apples. Cut in half, end-to-end. Slice apples crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Combine sugar, cinnamon and salt in large bowl. Add apple slices and toss to coat. Randomly place about 1/2 of apples into bottom of crust in two layers, cutting apples as necessary to fill all gaps. Arrange row of apples lengthwise along outside edge of pan, overlapping the slices about 1/8 inch. Fill in center with smaller pieces of apples. Dot with butter.

3. BAKE 55 to 65 minutes or until apples are fork tender and edges of apples begin to brown. Cool on wire rack. Heat orange marmalade in small microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 20 seconds; stir. Brush marmalade over tart. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. I received this product to review and post. These are my honest opinions.

Monte Carlo - First Time Traveler Tips

Monte Carlo is debuting on Blu-ray & DVD on Oct. 18

If like Grace, Meg and Emma you’re off on your very first trip abroad, you’re probably filled with a mixture of excitement and fear. A little bit of caution is probably in order, but you don’t need to be fearful as there are a number of things you can do to make your trip go as smoothly as possible. With the Selena Gomez flick Monte Carlo debuting for home entertainment on Oct. 18, we have compiled a checklist that will offer up an array of hints and tips so that you’re well prepared for all circumstances abroad.

Selena Gomez stars in Monte Carlo as Grace, a recent college graduate who is ready to live out her idea of a perfect vacation with BFF Emma (Katie Cassidy) to Paris. After several twists and turns, including her unhappy stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester) joining them on the trip, Grace falls into a fairytale of her very own in the French Riviera.

It’s All in the Plan

On a first trip it is common to take for granted the amount of planning that it takes to get you from your front door in one country to your hotel room in another. If you are assuming that everything will just go how it’s supposed to, you are wrong! Here are a few things to make sure you get from A to B.

• Bring your passport and boarding pass. Don’t end your trip before it has begun with a rookie error!

• Try to organize cabs before you go, because in some countries cab drivers will take advantage of tourists and you may end up paying more than you should. This is especially important for the final cab to the airport. If they know you need to be somewhere fast, they may try and use this to their advantage.

• Organize your days in advance! If you leave it to you and your friends to decide at the time you will almost always end up sleeping through the sunlight and waking up to dinner.

What You Need to Bring

Enough Money

• For a first trip abroad, this is one of the most important pieces of advice to take into account. Although the large pile of newly converted money looks like it could last you for the rest of your life, it will not. Budget for how much money you will need each day and then put the money you don’t spend into a pot to blow at the end! It is also important to plan for the worst and have sufficient funds in case of emergency.

The Right Clothes

• Often when going abroad, people either over estimate the heat and bring nothing but tank tops and flip flops - or they underestimate it and bring jeans, boots and their favorite fur coat. The best way to avoid this is to ask someone who has already been to your chosen destination and ask them what they wore and if it was sufficient.

What You Don’t Need to Bring

Excessive Amounts of Books, DVDs and Magazines

• When packing for vacation you may imagine yourself having loads of free time to fill, when in reality you won’t. People often bring piles of magazines, books and DVDs that waste valuable space in their bags and end up being left at the bottom of a draw for the duration of the trip.

Valuables

• This is one of the most obvious ones, but it still deserves a place on the list. Nothing ruins a holiday like the loss of your new laptop or iPod (and they often spend a lot of time sitting in the room unused anyway!). If you have nothing worth stealing, then you have nothing to worry about losing!

Look for Monte Carlo giveaway starting on October 10!

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  I received Monte Carlo to review. This post is an informational post only.

Join The Pink Together Spark Giveaway***CLOSED***

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Will you join me this month and start sharing awareness? Let me introduce you to 2011 Pink Together is a unique online community of people who have been touched by breast cancer and share a passion for the cause. Individually we are strong, but together we are stronger.

•Visit PinkTogether.com to share your personal story and messages of hope and read about others´ personal journeys. To encourage personal connections, General Mills will donate $1 to the Komen organization for each Message of Hope that is sent to someone who has shared their story on PinkTogether.com (up to $25,000) during October. This is in addition to a $2 million donation General Mills is making to the Komen organization.


•This year, for the first time in its five-year history, at PinkTogether.com consumers can choose how $1 million of this donation will be shared between two important Komen programs: the Treatment and Assistance Program, which assists women in securing care they otherwise may not be able to afford, and Prevention Research, which helps unlock the keys to preventing breast cancer. Visit PinkTogether.com from September 19, 2011 through April 14, 2012 to make your choice. Results will be announced on Mother´s Day 2012 - Sunday, May 13.


•Meet the 2011 Pink Together Survivor Ambassadors, and hear their amazing stories of courage and survival on PinkTogether.com and the Pink Together YouTube Channel.


•General Mills will also be turning the packaging of participating products pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

Every year I support the cause. I walk the walk - the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. I save lids, and do my part. Do you?

Let's all get involved, and by doing so get entries to my giveaway:

Prize pack will contain:

•A 16 oz. box of Total cereal
•VIP coupons valid for one box of Cheerios and Multigrain Cheerios cereal and one cup of Yoplait yogurt
•Betty Crocker Living with Cancer Cookbook Pink Together Edition
•Water bottle and removable silicone awareness bracelet
•Drawstring sport backpack
•Rhinestone ear buds

How to enter:

1) MANDATORY-Answer one of the following questions:(1 entry)
•How have you been touched by breast cancer?
•How have you interacted with the community on PinkTogether.com?
•What do you find most inspiring about the Pink Together community?
•Did you choose the Komen program you feel most passionate about at PinkTogether.com and why?

Extra entries:
2) Go to PinkTogether.com on Facebook, "Like". (1 entry)
3) Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet, unlimited)

Let's all join PinkTogether.com and enter to #win @independentmami #MyBlogSpark Prize Pack ends 10/27 http://tinyurl.com/3fo5t9z

This giveaway ends 10/27 at 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Please leave your email in your comment. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize pack. US only. Good luck.

Disclosure: The Pink Together prize pack, information and coupons have been provided free of charge by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Vanidades: Icons of Style Awards

Natalia Jimenez by Celebrity Stylist Octavio Corona
On the red carpet, Natalia (La 5a Estacion) was wearing a vintage 1960’s dress with Jimmy Choo shoes. Her inspiration was Jackie O. Her make-up and hair stylist Octavio Corona tells us how he achieved her retro-inspired look.

FACE:
· “I started with COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Corrector #230 under her eyes and wherever she needed a little extra coverage to even her skin tone. Then, I combined different tones of COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Foundation to obtain a flawless natural look. I started with Medium Light #235 combined with Warm Beige #245 to match her exact skin tone. And, I also used a warmer tone in Soft Honey #255 to highlight cheeks on each side of the nose,” he noted. “Then, I used COVERGIRL's Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush on her cheeks in Lush Berry #230 and to finish and seal the look, I applied COVERGIRL Professional Loose Powder in translucent light #110.

EYES:
· “For her eyes, I used COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers tones in Golden Sunset #115 along the crease and then, I applied COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion mascara in Very Black in her upper and lower lashes for a more dramatic look.”

LIPS:
· “I wanted her eyes to be the central focus so I used a light color on her lips for a natural look. First, I applied LipPerfection LipLiner in Radiant #230 to define her lips and covered with Lip Perfection LipColor in Kiss #275. I love this line of lipsticks because not only does it have gorgeous colors, but also has a moisturizing complex that gives lips a smooth and soft look that lasts longer.”

HAIR:
· “She wanted her hair very straight, so to seal that silky straight look I used Pantene Medium to Thick Anti-Humidity Hairspray to give her hair a glossy shine that will lasts through the night.”

En la alfombra roja, Natalia lució un traje vintague de 1960 con zapatos de Jimmy Choo, inspirado en Jackie O. Su estilista y maquillador Octavio Corona nos cuenta cómo logró ese look con inspiración retro.

ROSTRO:
· “Comencé aplicándole el corrector COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Corrector No.230 debajo de sus ojos y después seguí con las aéreas donde necesitaba cubrir o emparejar un poquito de acuerdo al tono de su piel, Luego combiné varios tonos de la base COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Foundation para lograr el tono exacto a su piel, aplicando el tono medio claro No.235 y luego el abano Warm Beige No.245 para que luciera muy natural,” nos contó. “Después, utilicé un tono más cálido como el Miel Suave Soft Honey No.255 para resaltar sus mejillas aplicándolo a los lados de la nariz.”

· Después coloqué un poco de rubor en sus mejillas COVERGIRL's Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush en un tono Luch Berry No.230 y para finalizar y sellar el look, utilicé el polvo compacto de COVERGIRL Loose Powder in translucent light en tono No.110.

OJOS:
· “Para lograr darle profundidad a sus ojos, apliqué COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers en tonos bronce, Golden Sunset No.115 cubriendo el parpado y luego apliqué la máscara de COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion en negro Very Back para lograr un look más dramático” .

LABIOS:
· “Quería que sus ojos fueran el foco central así así que utilicé un tono rosa más sutil en sus labios para darle un look natural. Primero le apliqué LipPerfection Lip liner de COVERGIRL en tono rosa Radiant No.230 para definir sus labios y lo cubrí con el labial Lip Perfection lipstick de COVERGIRL en tono rosa claro Kiss No.275. Me encanta este labial porque su formula contiene un complejo humectante y evita que los labios se vean resecos logrando que luzcan suaves y duren toda la noche.”

CABELLO:
· “Para finalizar, ella quería llevar su cabello liso y suelto entonces para lograr ese look liso, le apliqué el espray para controlar la humedad de PANTENE Medium to Thick Anti-Humidity Hairspray para darle más brillo y para que su peinado durara toda la noche.”

Giselle Blondet by Makeup Artist Edward Cruz & Pantene’s Celebrity Hair Stylist Carlos Vera

Edward Cruz on FACE:
· For her face, I started applying the foundation COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Foundation in Warm Beige #245 to match her exact skin tone and the coverage of the foundation was so great I didn’t have to use a concelear.

· Then, for a more natural look, I applied COVERGIRL's Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Luch Berry #230 on her cheeks. This is one of my favorite products; I found it very smooth and easy to apply with a brush.

· To make Giselle's eyes pop, I began applying COVERGIRL IntenseShadowBlast in Blue Bomb #825 with Brown Bling #815 to the lid area, making sure to use my finger to blend the shadow into the crease. I love this product because it’s a primer and a shadow so you can also build on top of it with dry eye shadow for a lasting look. I used a little of COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in Sea Glass #120 combined with Ice Princess #230 to seal the look.

· I finished her eyes with COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion in Very Back repeating the process in her upper and lower lashes which I topped with Line Exact Liquidliner in Black.

· I used a more neutral look for her lips with COVERGIRL Lip Perfection lipstick in “Delish” #255. I love the palette of colors of this line of lipsticks because make lips look soft and smooth.

Carlos Vera on HAIR:
· Giselle wanted her beautiful black hair to look very natural and with loose waves, so to seal that look, after blow drying, I asked her to flip her hair upside-down and scrunch hair using a hairspray Cover Girl Medium to Thick Anti-Humidity Hairspray to give her hair a glossy shine wave that will project a natural glow.

· For this occasion Giselle choose a more classic outfit-- Her fabulous black pant suit & shoes Christian Loubiton in silver made her look contemporary but elegant.

SPANISH: Giselle Blondet por el famoso maquillista Edward Cruz y el estilista de celebridades, Carlos Vera

Anoche Giselle eligió un fabuloso conjunto negro de pantalón en una pieza con una dramática apertura en la espalda muy sexy. Se veía muy alta y elegante en sus zapatos plateados de Christian Louboutin.



Edward Cruz - ROSTRO:
· Lo primero que hice fue escoger una base que se asemeja a su tono de piel y elegí la base COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Foundation en tono abano o “Warm Beige #245”, esta base cubrió tan bien su piel que no tuve necesidad de aplicarle corrector.

· Para resaltar las mejillas de Giselle naturalmente usé COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush en tono “Lush Berry #230” y les cuento que este es uno de mis productos favoritos porque es muy fácil de aplicar.

OJOS:
· Para enfocar la atención en los ojos de Giselle, comencé aplicando las sombras COVERGIRL IntenseShadowBlast en tono azul como “Blue Bomb” #825 y la combiné con un tono marron como “Brown Bling” #815 para cubrir la zona del parpado, asegurándome de usar el dedo para mezclar la sombra en todo el pliegue del ojo. Me encanta este producto porque es “primer” y sombra en uno. También me gusta aplicarle encima sombras en polvo para una mirada aun más duradera. A Giselle le coloqué un poco de COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers en los tonos de la combinación de “Sea Glass” #120 y “Dreamy Eyes” #222.

· Para finalizar el maquillaje de sus ojos, apliqué la máscara COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion en negro “Very Back” en las pestañas de arriba y abajo. Completé el look aplicando el delineador de ojos COVERGIRL LiquiLineBlast EyeLiner en negro en la línea superior de las pestañas.

LABIOS:
· Para sus labios utilicé un tono neutral de COVERGIRL Lip Perfection LipColor en un rosa “Delish” #255. Me fascina la gama de colores de esta colección ya que además humecta los labios para que se vean más suaves y sedosos toda la noche.

Carlos Vera – CABELLO:
Giselle tiene un hermoso y saludable cabello oscuro así que los dos queríamos ensenarlo. Su look anoche fue muy natural realzado con una honda natural. Despues de secarlo, le pedí a Giselle que sacudiera su cabellera hacia abajo y le di movimiento utilizando Pantene Medium to Thick Anti-Humidity Hairspray asegurando que su cabello luciera impecable toda la noche.


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

Around the Blogsphere - Giveaways

www.mommygaga.com - win a $50 Amex Gift Card, a jumbo pack of Pampers baby diapers and a box of Pampers Baby Wipes to help out a mom, dad, or caregiver who really needs it.

Dine at Chili’s to Help Fight Childhood Cancer

Make this Monday Meaningful. Chili’s® Grill & Bar will donate 100 percent of profits to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Every guest who visits participating Chili’s® Grill & Bar restaurants across the country Monday, Sept. 26, will play an integral role in the fight against childhood cancer by simply dining in or picking up their favorite menu items. Monday is Donate Profits Day, when Chili’s will donate 100 percent of profits to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As part of the eighth annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign, every September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Chili’s raises funds for the hospital to benefit its mission of finding cures for children with cancer and other deadly childhood diseases.Since the inception of the Create-A-Pepper campaign in 2002, more than $35 million has been donated to St. Jude by Chili’s guests and team members, bringing the brand even closer to accomplishing its $50 million, 10-year commitment to the pediatric research hospital. Once completed, Chili’s contribution will be the largest donation from a single partner campaign in St. Jude history.“Donate Profits Day truly demonstrates the generosity of Chili’s team members and guests,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “This is such a great way to support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children here in the U.S. and around the world – not only can guests enjoy a delicious meal, but they can help St. Jude in the fight against childhood cancer.”In addition to dining at Chili’s Monday, guests may also contribute to the campaign in numerous ways including:
· Making a donation to St. Jude and receiving a signature chili pepper coloring sheet;
· Buying a Create-A-Pepper HOPE slap band for only $4*;
· Purchasing a Create-A-Pepper T-shirt for $12*;
· Sending a virtual gift through www.stjude.org/chilisgifts. A virtual gift graphic will automatically post to guests’ Facebook wall when they donate. Chili’s is also utilizing social and digital methods including email, Facebook and Twitter to provide guests more ways to donate and stay informed during the Create-A-Pepper campaign. Guests can:
· Sign up for Chili’s Email Club to receive exclusive offers, insider information about the campaign;
· Become a fan and donate on Facebook through the specialized Create-A-Pepper tab on Chili’s Facebook page;
· Receive a calendar reminder to dine in-restaurants on Donate Profits Day;
· Stay informed about the Create-A-Pepper campaign by following the brand on Twitter @Chilis. Additionally, by using the campaign hashtag, #CreateAPepper, Chili’s Twitter followers can show their support and see how others are spreading hope for St. Jude! “ChiliHeads across the country believe in ‘giving back til it hurts,’ and Donate Profits Day is an ideal way to wrap-up our annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign for the patients at St. Jude,” said Wyman Roberts, president of Chili’s Grill & Bar. “It’s one day when we come together with our guests to make a difference in the lives of so many children.

Please join us, Monday, Sept. 26 – whether dining in or ordering to go – to help find a cure for childhood cancer. ”To learn more or make an online donation to the campaign, visit www.createapepper.com.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital’s research has helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancer from less than 20 percent when the institution opened to almost 80 percent today. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, and no family ever pays St. Jude for care. For more information, go to www.stjude.org and follow St. Jude on www.facebook.com/stjude and www.twitter.com/stjude.Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili’s offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s® Grill & Bar, and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill®. Follow news about Chili’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chilis, @Chilis on Twitter and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/chilis.

For more information, please visit www.chilis.com.About Create-A-Pepper: Each September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Chili’s® Grill & Bar hosts a nationwide fundraiser for longtime charitable partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in an effort to raise $50 million in 10 years to support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children. Throughout the Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign, guests at locations nationwide and in Puerto Rico can help support the lifesaving work of St. Jude through several in-restaurant, digital and interactive promotions. For additional information about the campaign, please visit www.createapepper.com.

Photo Props and More Review***CLOSED***

What is a picture without a great accessory? Do you Etsy? Let me introduce you to Photo Props and More...

Newborn headbands, infant headbands, girls headbands, children's headbands, adult headbands, custom headbands, handmade, photo props etc...

My thoughts-This headband is so cute. It did not hurt my head like others have. The colors are great. I do not feel like I have a big thing on my head. It is so orginal, and like nothing else I have seen. It is perfect for anytime wear to add that extra spunk to any outfit, and any picture! Check out more of my pics...

Want to win one? Here is how to enter:

Mandatory entries-
1) Go to Photo Props and More - Etsy Shop and tell me what else catches your eye. (1 entry)

2) Go to facebook.com/photopropsandmore - Like and tell them Independentmami sent you. (1 entry)

Extra entries-

3) Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet, unlimited)

Enter to #win a Photo Props and More headband @independentmami ends 10/4 http://tinyurl.com/3ghr9o7


This giveaway ends 10/4. It is open to US only. 1 winner will be randomly chosen. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. This product was received to review. These are my honest opinions.

NEW FB FANS RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT!!!

1. Go to facebook.com/PhotoPropsAndMore
2. "like" the page
3. convo on etsy to receive the discount code!!!

My readers get a discount code of 10% off all purchases from etsy shop as well as boutique during the time of the my giveaway: 10PERCENTOFF

Pregnancy Diaries-Bellies & Babies - Facials and Massages

So everyone is different just like every pregnancy is different from the previous. The joy of all the symptoms, and pains finally come to and end when the baby arrives. Or do they?

Well there is a place that pampers and caters to mommy. Let me introduce you to

Bellies & Babies Pregnancy Spa Ultrasound Center

Kim Stanley,Owner

Kim is a mother of three which includes a set of twins. She wished there had been a place like Bellies & Babies when she was pregnant... a place to be pampered and feel special. She is here to make your experience at Bellies & Babies one to remember and tell your friends about.


479 Bay Area Boulevard
Housto, TX 77058
281-218-6400

www.belliesandbabiesspa.com

Hours:

Tuesday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm

My thoughts-Walking into a spa is wonderful, which by the way I had never been. Walking into a pregnancy is heavenly. This is my first time at a spa! LEt me tell you about my personal experience. I walked into to a place feeling so nice and comfortable. The waiting area is so nice, and inviting. The person receiving you in walks you to a personal locker for you to change into a robe and slippers. The atmosphere is wonderful and relaxing. The place is so nice and tranquil.

My first service was 50 minute facial - Get That Glow Facial.

(Nourishes and replenishes, resulting in healhty looking skin. Enjoy a massage of the face, neck, and shoulders, followed by steam to open the pores, extractions, exfoliation, a mask appropiate for your skin type and a moisturizer chosen for your skin's needs.)

I laid on a bed at a side tilt. The Esthetician made me feel wonferfully comfortable before beginning. She explained what she was doing. And then she started her magic. Her hands were so soft. Each step of the procedure was wonderful. The smells of the products used were so nice. Each had a different scent. She massaged my neck, shoulders, hands, and feet.

Next service I received was a 50 minute massage - Perfect Pregnancy Massage.

(Our Prenatal certified massage therapists are trained in specialized massage techniques for pregnant women. Available through all stages of pregnancy and designed to target areas of discomfort including sciatic pain, back strain, nasal congestion, and so much more.)

The bed is made for you to get comfortable on your side. I felt so comfortable that I felt I was in my bed sleeping. My Masseuse made sure I was comfortable before beginning. We talked about my personal discomforts, and pains. She then started to work on me. Her hands applied just the right amount of pressure in all the right places. She even told me what to do at home for some of my daily discomforts. So relaxing!

Check them out on facebook.com/belliesandbabiesspa or at their website for discounts and special offers.

to be cont...next up manicure/pedicure

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. All services were provided free of charge. These are my honest opinions. Bellies and Babies has been Independentmami tested and Independentmami approved!!

Pregnancy Diaries-Week 24

Welcome to my update of Week 24.

How am I feeling? I am feeling good. They say the 2nd trimester is a good month and it really has been a good one! The morning sickness, nausea, and headache have been minimal.

How is the baby? Baby Gia is growing and getting stronger. She has a really strong heart beat.

What's going on? This week we turned 6 months! Yeah! It is also my 1 yr Wedding Anniversary. 1 yr ago I married the guy who makes my imperfections perfect. Who makes me smile when he is away, and makes me laugh when he's around. His imperfections are the things I love!
Check out the beautiful flowers that were delivered to me at work, and some pictures from us cutting our 1 yr old wedding cake. Some people say it is suppose to be good luck to keep the cake and eat it 1 yr later. Who knows? We just know that it was fun to do it, and the cake was very tasty!

Next week starts my last trimester. Oh what new experiences will that bring. I start to go to the doctor every 2 weeks now. I have my Glucose testing next visit. And another ultrasound scheduled with the specialist. Hopefully things change with my placenta adn after birth still being too low. For now C-section is in my future. Early delivery as early as December 15. But who knows, until next update.

And the winners are

Congratulations to the Neutrogena ($60 value) prize pack winners...

(1)Carmen Ortiz said...
244

09/24 I shared your contest on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/cortizh/posts/155744257849009 barcarel(at)yahoo(dot)com

September 24, 2011 8:14 AM

(2)Dolphin Girl said...
190

http://twitter.com/#!/kdolphins7/status/116007676441403393

September 19, 2011 11:36 PM

Congratulations to the Olay Pro-X winner...

JR911 said...
55

http://twitter.com/#!/avonproducts4me/status/113048527172677632

September 11, 2011 7:37 PM

Thank you for participating. You have 24 hours to claim your prize.

Be sure to enter our new giveaways this week.

DoozyCards.com Giveaway***CLOSED***

DoozyCards.com is a family owned and run company that designs and produces all their cards in-house. Each card is full of original music, cute characters and warm sentiments and is a great way to let a friend or family member know you are thinking about them throughout the year. Featuring Mariachi Pugs, Anniversary Swans, piano playing lizards, and dancing cakes, Doozy is sure you'll find just the right card for the right moment.

Please visit their site at this link – http://www.doozycards.com/?source=MB

The Premiere membership you can win includes:

• Unlimited Access to ALL of their 1,600+ cards

• A Birthday and Holliday Reminder System

• An Online Address Book

• Original Artwork and Music

• Brand New Cards Created Throughout The Year

Doozy also recently launched a totally free ecard option with over 400+ Free E-cards that you can start using right away.

What You Can Win!

Two lucky readers are going to win a one year PREMIUM membership to Doozycards.com!! A value of $19.95!

How To Enter!

1) MANDATORY ENTRY-To enter this giveaway please visit http://www.doozycards.com/?source=MB and choose two of your favorite cards, then come back and leave a comment on this post telling me which cards you like best.

Extra Entries!

2) "Like” Doozy Cards on Facebook and leave a comment that you came from
Independentmami (3 extra entries)

3) Follow @doozycards on Twitter and tweet "Just entered the @doozycards free year membership #giveaway @independentmami ends 10/4" (3 extra entries)

4) Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter…Make sure you leave the URL to your Tweet in your comments! (2 tweets per day = 2 extra entries per day)

This giveaway ends 10/4 at 8 am. 2 winners will be randomly selected. US only. Please leave your email in your comment. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. I will receive a free year-long Premiere year membership with Doozy Cards in exchange for hosting this giveaway.

Postcards from Monte Carlo

Giveaway coming soon!!! Stay tuned!

And the winner...Zhu Zhu Baby

Congratulations goes to...

1610yesi said...
27

http://twitter.com/#!/1610Yesi/status/116752478468452352
yesi819@hotmail.com

September 22, 2011 1:01 AM

You have 24 hours to claim your prize. Thank you all for entering. Be sure to check back next week, lots of great giveaways going up.

-movies
-Desitin
-baby product
-etc...

Hellmann's® Chicken Challenge

Hellmann's® is on a mission to help break you out of your dinner menu monotony!

To help you spice-up your dinner routine, Hellmann's® and Best Foods® mayonnaise are launching the first-ever Chicken Challenge, a series of head-to-head chicken dish challenges that will help moms diversify their weekly recipe repertoire. Each week on Hellmanns.com, two chicken dish "challenger" recipes from Chipotle Lime Crusted Chicken to Baked Buffalo Chicken will go up against one of the most popular recipes on Hellmanns.com*, Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Try one of the featured Hellmann's® chicken recipes each week and cast your vote for your favorite.

On Hellmanns.com, you can also enter into a weekly sweepstakes for a chance to win one of four $250 grocery gift cards.** And if Hellmann's® receives more than 10,000 entries, the value of the grocery gift cards will double to $500!**

So what are you waiting for, go try one of the weekly Challenge recipes, vote for your favorites, and enter the weekly sweepstakes.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place. All opinions are my own.

AFRICAN CATS, Save the Savanna Activity Sheets

About “See AFRICAN CATS, Save the Savanna”:
By purchasing a Combo Pack or Movie Download version of Disneynature AFRICAN CATS through October 10, viewers can help protect the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna. In honor of each home entertainment release purchased during that period, Disneynature, through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will donate critical funds to help conserve the land that the magnificent species featured in AFRICAN CATS call home. This program will help to protect the vital Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks, with hopes to have a positive long term and sustainable impact on the animals and people of Africa. Visit: www.disney.com/conservation

GIVEAWAY COMING MONDAY, SEPT 26!!! (1) DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack

JOHNSON'S® - Keep Cool Powder Giveaway

Participa en el Concurso: Keep Cool Powder Giveaway en la Sección "For You" de JOHNSON'S® Baby Facebook

Si todavía no eres fan de JOHNSON'S® Baby en Facebook, este puede ser el mejor momento. Visita hoy mismo la página y encontrarás información relacionada con mujeres, bebés, y embarazo; además de consejos, promociones, concursos, tarjetas de regalo y mucho más.

Los productos JOHNSON'S® son perfectos para todas las edades y pensando en las mujeres, se está llevando a cabo el concurso Keep Cool Powder Giveaway en la sección "For You" de la página de Facebook de JOHNSON'S® Baby.

Es sencillo, visita http://www.facebook.com/johnsonsbaby?v=app_134379533296666 e inscríbete para la oportunidad única de ganar diariamente tarjetas de regalo instantáneas valoradas en $100, tu elijes tu marca favorita: Apple, iTunes, NIKE, The Gap, Macy's, Talbots, entre otras.

¡Inscríbete hoy y todos los días hasta el lunes, 31 de octubre, entre más participes, más oportunidades tendrás de ganar!

Participate in the JOHNSON'S® Keep Cool Powder Giveaway in the "For You" Tab of JOHNSON'S® Baby Facebook

If you aren't a fan of JOHNSON'S® Baby on Facebook, now is the best time to do so!

Visit the page today and find everything related to babies, moms, pregnancy and women including tips, promotions, contests, gift cards and much more.

JOHNSON'S® products are perfect for all ages and to treat women, JOHNSON'S® is hosting a Keep Cool Powder Giveaway on the "For You" tab of JOHNSON'S® Baby Facebook page.

It's simple; visit http://www.facebook.com/johnsonsbaby?v=app_134379533296666, to sign up for the chance to win daily gift cards valued at $100, you choose your favorite brand: Apple iTunes, NIKE, The Gap, Macy's, and Talbots, among others.

Enter today and every day until Monday, October 31st, the more you participate, the more chances to win!

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

Latina Moms Changing America Contest

Mamiverse.com and Target Co. are conducting a national search for Latina moms that are changing America. Individuals should submit their favorite Latina mom online: http://bit.ly/pNVBY5

Ten Latina moms will be honored and awarded a variety of gifts including a $5,000 Target Gift Card. The national search kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month and will continue to Dec. 20, 2011. For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/pNVBY5


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

COVERGIRL - Sofia Vergara @ Emmys

Did you watch the Emmys last night? I watched the Pre-Show Red Carpet and the Emmys. Wearing red to the Red Carpet can only be done by some, and actually look good. This beautiful Latina-CAN!!! And she DID!!!

Make Up Artist: Kayleen McAdams | Dress: Vera Wang

Skin:
• I started with a concealer (COVERGIRL Invisible Concealer in Honey) under her eyes and then wherever she needed a little extra coverage.
• I then used COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Foundation in Soft Honey (#255) and set that with COVERGIRL’s Clean Pressed Powder in Warm Beige (#145).
• I then used COVERGIRL’s Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach and set that cream blush with COVERGIRL’s Classic Colors Blush in Natural Glow.

Eyes:
• COVERGIRL Queen Collection 1-Kit Eyeshadow in Hot Toffee in the crease.
• COVERGIRL Liquiline Eyeliner in Black Fire along the top and bottom lash line.
• COVERGIRL Queen Collection 1-Kit Eyeshadow in Black Tie along the top and bottom lash line to set the eyeliner.
• COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume mascara in Very Black for her eyelashes.

Lips:
• COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Rapture (#280) to compliment her Vera Wang dress.

SPANISH
Piel:
• Comencé aplicándole el corrector, COVERGIRL Invisible Concealer en tono color miel o “Honey” http://www.covergirl.com/invisibleconcealer debajo de sus ojos y después seguí con las aéreas donde necesitaba cubrir o emparejar un poquito.
• Luego utilice la base COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Foundation en todo miel suave “Soft Honey” (No. 255). http://www.covergirl.com/simplyagelessfoundation y fijé la base con el polvo compacto de COVERGIRL en tono abano “Warm Beige” (No.145) http://www.covergirl.com/cleanpressedpowder-normalskin .
• Después, apliqué el rubor, COVERGIRL’s Simply Ageless Sculpting en tono durazno o “Plush Peach” http://www.covergirl.com/simplyageless-sculptingblush logré fijar el rubor en crema con el rumor clásico, COVERGIRL’s Classic Colors Blush en tono Natural Glow http://www.covergirl.com/classic-colorblush>.

Ojos:
• Para el maquillaje de los ojos utilicé el kit de la colección de sombras de ojos, COVERGIRL Queen Collection 1-Kit Eyeshadow en tono Hot Toffee en la cresta del ojo y el delineador liquido en tono negro fuego o “Black Fire” http://www.covergirl.com/liquilineblasteyeliner aplicándolo sobre la línea de las pestañas superiores e inferiores, junto con la colección, COVERGIRL Queen Collection 1-Kit Eyeshadow en negro “Black Tie” aplicándolo en la línea de las pestañas superiores e inferiores para fijas el delineador negro .

Labios:
• Utilicé el labial de COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor en tono Rapture (No.280) .


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

H-E-B Cocinaware Review

• Enamel Cast Iron heats rapidly and uniformly. Plus, goes from oven to stove to table with ease, making it ideal for sautéing, baking, roasting, braising, frying or grilling.

• The tabletop collection comes in bright and colorful styles that are sure to create a beautiful presentation at your table.

• Add a splash of color to your kitchen with Cocinaware gadgets like measuring spoons, tortilla warmers, graters and more.

I announced on my blog about the New Cookware at H-E-B, Cocinaware. It is a colorful collection. It fit right in with my colors in my kitchen. And yes, like my apron says, It is like a Fiesta in your kitchen.
Check out the dishes, which I love that they are platic:

Check out these cute bowls that come in 2 different sizes: (I used one as a salad bowl and the other i used it a an actual plate. And Again, I love that it is plastic!)

Are you having a party? Football season is here, chips and dip anyone?

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Makes: 2 - 3 cups Ingredients

12 Roma tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 small onion, quartered
1 jalapeño pepper, halved
1 1/2 Tbsp. H-E-B Olive Oil
1 tsp. Hill Country Fare Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preheat broiler.

In a medium baking dish (try the Cocinaware Dutch Oven), place tomatoes, garlic, onion and jalapeño pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.

Checking often, broil 20 – 25 minutes, or until outsides of vegetables are charred.

Remove vegetables from heat. Remove jalapeño stem and garlic skins.

In a food processor, coarsely chop charred vegetables. Transfer to Cocinaware Salsa Crock and mix in cumin, salt, lime juice and cilantro.

No Nutritional Information Available. Source: Tia Lety's Kitchen, heb.com

This is the Cazuela de Hierro Esmaltado (Dutch Oven)

9/18 – 10/11 Buy Cocinaware 5.2 qt Enamel Cast Iron Casserole, get Boneless Shoulder Chuck Roast, H-E-B Chipotle and Garlic Salsa Picante, and H-E-B White Corn Tortillas free with in-store coupons!

Here are other great items that will fit your kitchen and this collection perfect:

***Disclosure-No monetary compensation was received. I received these products to review. These are my honest opinions.