Army Wives Boot Camp Prize Pack Giveaway

With spring in the air, I have a little more bounce in my step and decided to join a gym. There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get after a good workout, especially when the sun is shining brighter and the days are getting longer.

Another great reason to get in shape? Army Wives has returned for a fifth season with 13 all-new episodes and I have a great boot camp prize pack to help celebrate the return of the show and to kick-start your workout routine!

Airing on Lifetime at 9pm et/pt on Sundays, Army Wives follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women – and one man – living with their spouses and families on an active Army post.

The series films in Charleston, South Carolina and stars Kim Delaney (Claudia Joy Holden), Sally Pressman (Roxy LeBlanc), Brigid Brannagh (Pamela Moran), Brian McNamara (Michael Holden), Sterling K. Brown (Roland Burton), Wendy Davis (Joan Burton), Drew Fuller (Trevor LeBlanc), Terry Serpico (Frank Sherwood) and Catherine Bell (Denise Sherwood). The series is based on the book Army Wives by Tanya Biank, who serves as a show consultant.

Here's a preview of an intriguing scene from season five:



One lucky reader of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review will win an Army Wives boot camp prize pack which includes:

• Camo Gym Bag
  
• Gaiam Yoga Mat/Bag
  
• Padlock
  
• Dog Tag
  
• Water Canteen
  
• Tank Top
  
• Terrycloth Sweat Towel
  
• Messenger Cap
  
• Yoga Ball
  
• Jump Rope

Contest is limited to U.S. Residents only. To enter, simply tell us what your favorite workout tip is in the comments on this post.

Be sure that there is an email address for you that I can find, or your entry will have to be disqualified.

By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here. Please also see my disclosure policy here.

You can receive additional entries by doing one or all of the following (one entry, one time, for each step):

~Twitter with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with your Twitter link. Feel free to use the Twitter share button at the bottom of this site.

~Become a Facebook fan of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review. Simply click here and like the page, then leave a separate comment on this post letting me know your Facebook name.

~Blog about this contest with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with the link to your post.

~Follow this blog. Simply click on "Follow this blog" found near the top of the sidebar to the right (under "The Blonde"). Then, leave a separate comment letting me know you are following.

~Post the button below on your blog and then leave a separate comment here letting me know it's posted and where. Here's the code for the button:



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Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Sunday, March 20, 2011. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Good luck!

Note: Thank you to Lifetime Television for providing the wonderful prize pack for this giveaway!

Ear Candy - chicBuds Review and Giveaway

As a music lover, I am always listening to my iPod or songs from my iTunes on my laptop. I've always used run-of-the-mill earphones while doing so but have longed for something better.

When I came across chicBuds, my heart skipped a beat. Classy, fun, girly earphones with bling? Earphones with retractable wires? SOLD!

Thanks to the great ladies at chicBuds, I was able to try out the Black chicBuds Earphones in Marshmallow "flavor." (They're also available in blueberry.) With genuine Swarovski crystals, retractable connectors, and a mini belt clip, chicBuds are a girly-girl's dream come true.



The retractable connectors are easy to use and eliminate the tangled mess that can happen with other earphones. Click here to see how the retractable system works.

And they sound as good as they look! My music comes through crisp and clear without any distortion. I refuse to listen with any other earphones than my chicBuds from here on out!

chicBuds was founded by my beautiful friend and former model Kailynn, better known as "Chic Geek CEO," who is the Queen of all things girly so it's no surprise to me that chicBud products have become such a hit.

But don't take my word for how great they are. Thanks to chicBuds, I have a black pair of earphones in Marshmallow (retail value $40) just like mine to give to one lucky reader!



To enter, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know which chicBud product is your favorite (see their full line of products here.) With adorable keychain and retro cassette speakers, and a wide variety of earphone designs, it will be hard to choose just one favorite!

Be sure that there is an email address for you that I can find, or your entry will have to be disqualified.

By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here. Please also see my disclosure policy here.

You can receive additional entries by doing one or all of the following (one entry, one time, for each step):

~Twitter with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with your Twitter link. Feel free to use the Twitter share button at the bottom of this site.

~Become a Facebook fan of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review. Simply click here and like the page, then leave a separate comment on this post letting me know your Facebook name.

~Blog about this contest with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with the link to your post.

~Follow this blog. Simply click on "Follow this blog" found near the top of the sidebar to the right (under "The Blonde"). Then, leave a separate comment letting me know you are following.

~Post the button below on your blog and then leave a separate comment here letting me know it's posted and where. Here's the code for the button:



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~Add So a Blonde Walks Into a Review to your Technorati Favorites (just click the button below and follow the simple steps). Then, leave a separate comment here letting me know you've added this blog to your favorites:



Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Monday, March 14, 2011. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary pair of chicBuds to facilitate this review.

Get the Dirt on How to Live Like a Celebrity - Giveaway

Some of my favorite apps on my iPod are celebrity-related: People.com, TMZ, Pop Sugar...I could go on and on. I certainly don't envy those celebs whose lives are in shambles, but I do wonder what it would be like to live the life of a celeb like Angelina Jolie for a day.

Ever wish that you could switch lives with a celebrity for a day? Wouldn’t it be great if you could figure out how to pull off a red carpet worthy look and keep your home looking like it belongs on the cover of a magazine?

The truth is, though we may not want to admit it, we like hearing celebrity gossip but we also like to keep things clean. That’s why Clorox® Regular-Bleach is giving busy moms like you the chance to do both with Get the Dirt...but Keep it Clean, a new mobile program that delivers quick clean-up tips to your phone while letting you indulge in the celebrity lifestyle.

Visit www.Clorox.com/GetTheDirt to receive Clorox’s Get the Dirt...but Keep it Clean cleaning tips and to be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Hollywood, California.



Readers of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review also have the chance to win a free Stunning Starlet Palette make-up kit by Stila! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post with your favorite clean-up tip to keep your home looking glamorous!

Be sure that there is an email address for you that I can find, or your entry will have to be disqualified.

By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here. Please also see my disclosure policy here.

You can receive additional entries by doing one or all of the following (one entry, one time, for each step):

~Twitter with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with your Twitter link. Feel free to use the Twitter share button at the bottom of this site.

~Blog about this contest with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with the link to your post.

~Follow this blog. Simply click on "Follow this blog" found near the top of the sidebar to the right (under "The Blonde"). Then, leave a separate comment letting me know you are following.

~Post the button below on your blog and then leave a separate comment here letting me know it's posted and where. Here's the code for the button:



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~Add So a Blonde Walks Into a Review to your Technorati Favorites (just click the button below and follow the simple steps). Then, leave a separate comment here letting me know you've added this blog to your favorites:



Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a sample of The Stunning Starlet Palette make-up kit from The Clorox Company at no cost to me to facilitate this review.

Win $10,000 in Pillsbury's Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge!

If you're tired of messy frosting containers that need refrigeration, you are going to LOVE Pillsbury's new Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting! Available in a convenient aerosol can with a built-in, five-star applicator tip, No-Fuss Frosting can help you create gorgeous desserts in a flash.

I was given Decadent Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Dream for review (there's also Velvety Cream Cheese) and my whole family not only loved the taste, but we all had fun icing our cupcakes with the easy, decorative tip.

Here are some tips direct from Pillsbury on getting the best use our of your No-Fuss Frosting:

• One 13.5-oz. can frosts about the same amount as one tub of frosting: one 13x9" cake or 18-24 cupcakes.
  
  
• You may hear a popping sound the first time you use a new can of Pillsbury® Easy Frost™ No-Fuss Frosting.
  
  
• Store and use frosting at room temperature—do not refrigerate.
  
  
• A can of Pillsbury® Easy Frost™ No-Fuss Frosting can last up to 12 months.
  
  
• No need to shake the can to dispense frosting; simply press the nozzle.
  
  
• For best results, wait until your baked goods have cooled before frosting.
  
  
• If you happen to refrigerate Pillsbury® Easy Frost™ No-Fuss Frosting, allow it to come to room temperature before using.
  
  
• Be sure to wash and completely dry the tip after each use. You can remove the tip by twisting counter-clockwise.

The Decadent Chocolate Fudge was my favorite flavor, and the 5-star tip made our cupcakes look like they just came fresh from the bakery:



But even with the easiest, mess-resistant frosting, my teenage son will find a way to make a mess. This was his cupcake just after he decorated it:



And then just a few seconds after holding it up for all to see:



...it fell down the side of our island, leaving the cupcake looking like this:



That cupcake certainly won't be winning any decorating contests! But YOURS could! Pillsbury is hosting an Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge where your creation could win you $10,000 and a year's worth of frosting. 4 runners-up will win a gift basket full of Pillsbury baking products and a Flip Video Ultra Digital Video Camera.

Check out this video for a little inspiration:




You can get even more decorating ideas and enter your creation at PillsburyBaking.com. Contests ends February 19, 2010 (see the website for complete rules and details). Good luck!

Giveaway: Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir by Sue William Silverman

If you haven't yet read the amazing guest post from author Sue William Silverman (below), please do so before entering this giveaway. Sue has graciously offered to give one lucky reader of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review a copy of her book Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir:



To enter, write the first sentence of YOUR memoir in the comments below.

Be sure that there is an email address for you that I can find with your contest entry, or your entry will have to be disqualified. By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here.

You can receive additional entries by doing one or all of the following (one entry for each step):

~Twitter with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with your Twitter link.

~Blog about this contest with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with the link to your post.

~Follow this blog. Simply click on "Follow this blog" found near the top of the sidebar to the right (under "The Blonde"). Then, leave a separate comment letting me know you are following.

~Post the button below on your blog and then leave a separate comment here letting me know it's posted and where. Here's the code for the button:



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~Add So a Blonde Walks Into a Review to your Technorati Favorites (just click the button below and follow the simple steps). Then, leave a separate comment here letting me know you've added this blog to your favorites:



Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, September 8, 2009. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Good luck!

Win a $25 Gift Certificate to Chic and Sassy Designs

I have a new look over at my personal site, So a Blonde Walks Into a Blog! And my fabulous blog designer, Zoe from Chic and Sassy Designs, has graciously offered to give away a $25 gift certificate toward her premade Blogger templates so that you can get a new look too. Just click here to enter. Good luck!

Dora the Explorer Live! Giveaway

If you missed out on the "Sesame Street Live!" at Madison Square Garden giveaway, don't despair. One lucky reader of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review will win a family four pack of tickets (Orchestra Live seating worth $224) to see "Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys" at Radio City Music Hall in New York City!

The show runs from April 8 – 12, 2009 and is filled with all of your favorite Dora characters:

"Come on! Vámonos! Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer returns to the stage in DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! Everyone's favorite Latina heroine stars in her own live adventure in 'Search for the City of Lost Toys.'

Dora, along with Boots, Swiper and all of her friends, need the help of the audience to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to find her lost teddy bear. Come sing along and learn a little Spanish too! It's an exciting musical for the whole family!"

Readers of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review can take advantage of this special promotional discount: For $5 off select ticket purchases, simply click here (be sure to read the offer details on the main page) and then use the code WEBDORA when ordering.

To enter to win the family four pack of tickets, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know why you'd love to win. Be sure that there is an email address for you that I can find, or your entry will have to be disqualified. By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here.

You can receive additional entries by doing one or all of the following (one entry for each step):

~Twitter with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with your Twitter link.

~Blog about this contest with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with the link to your post.

~Post the button below on your blog and then leave a separate comment here letting me know it's posted and where. Here's the code for the button:



<a href="http://www.soablondewalksintoareview.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="So A Blonde Walks Into A Blog" src="http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/BlondeBlogger/dawn_125button.gif"/></a>

~Add So a Blonde Walks Into a Review to your Technorati Favorites (just click the button below and follow the simple steps). Then, leave a separate comment here letting me know you've added this blog to your favorites:





Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Friday, March 6, 2009. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Good luck!

LITTLEST PET SHOP Giveaway Galore!

As my daughter is preparing her letter to Santa, there is one item guaranteed to go on her wish list: anything and everything from Hasbro's LITTLEST PET SHOP line of toys. It's the hottest thing for her and her friends this year.

In fact, it's long been a hit with all of them. I can certainly attest to that after collecting dozens of LITTLEST PET SHOP dolls accidentally left behind on my deck and in the sandbox many a time.

The toys are so popular that there's even a bit of a cult following on YouTube. Here is a really cute one I found, complete with music from ABBA:



And even a LITTLEST PET SHOP wedding:



Click here to see dozens more by this user, including LITTLEST PET SHOP birthdays, holidays, wilderness trips and more. See what I mean? There's a reason so many people love these cute little pets!

Natalie recently had the privilege of reviewing several products from the LITTLEST PET SHOP line and they were all a big hit with her:

LITTLEST PET SHOP Digital Pen (ARV $12.99)



The best part about this pen is that it's several toys in one. Not only can your child write with it, but there is also a removable TEENIEST TINIEST PET on top as well as a digital, on-screen pet that your child can "brush," "feed" and play games with. The pen comes with sticker sheets and paper for your child to write on as an added bonus. Natalie has always been into stationery for some reason so she loves writing with the pen as much as she loves playing with the pets.

LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Pairs Fish and Whale (ARV $3.99)



How adorable are these pets? Natalie's are always wet as she constantly plays with them in the bathtub. The wave accessory comes with the two pets.

LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Pairs Corgi and Dachshund (ARV $3.99)



So cute! Natalie is a huge dog lover so these are two of her favorite pets. Notice the two girly skirts that come with the dogs. A perfect touch!

LITTLEST PET SHOP Digital Planner (ARV $29.99)



Now this one really wowed Natalie. She feels so grown up with her own PDA. And what I love most about it is that it actually made her excited about math. "Mom!" she said to me. "I can practice my multiplication tables on this!" Doesn't get much better than that.

There are so many more fabulous features to this planner that I'm going to list the description from the site:

"Use the touch screen and stylus pen to care for your new digital pet, feeding, washing and even brushing him! Spend the day doing some virtual shopping together and pick out hats, hair accessories and shoes so you can dress your four-legged friend! Play games and plan all kinds of pet-lovin’ activities! Snap a picture at your pet’s photo shoot!

Think he might be hungry? Choose some food to feed him! And with all the fun you’re sure to have, you’ll need to keep track of your plans. You can also use your digital planner as an address book, a calendar for storing special dates or as a calculator! Take your planner with you when you’re on the go. With more than twenty-five on-screen games and activities, your calendar is sure to be chock full – of fun!"

Can you believe they can pack that much fun into one little toy? I actually have to pull Natalie away from it at times because she's on it SO much.

LITTLEST PET SHOP VIP Butterfly (ARV $14.99)



Here's another toy that has more to it than meets the eye. In addition to the adorable, plush pet, there is a code hidden under its color that lets your child access the virtual world of VIP pets on the LITTLEST PET SHOP web site.

There, your child will find games, activities and fun surprises.

Want to win each of these products, valued at more than $60, for the child in your life? Thanks to Hasbro's LITTLEST PET SHOP and Foghorn PR, one lucky winner will receive each of the products featured above! (actual color and style may vary)

To enter, simply leave a comment here letting me know about a product you love from the LITTLEST PET SHOP website. For a bonus entry, blog about this contest with a link to this post and to LITTLEST PET SHOP, then leave a separate comment here with your link.

Be sure that a valid email address can easily be found in your profile, or you can leave it in your comment. Entries from those who do not provide a way to find their email address will be disqualified.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. EST, Monday, November 17, 2008. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org and posted here and contacted by email. Winner has two weeks to respond to notification or the prize is forfeited.

Good luck! :)

Win a $10 Starbucks Card!

I have the privilege and honor of being nominated for The Hot Blogger Calendar! With this honor comes the chance for me to do a professional make-up session and photo shoot in NYC and an appearance in the calendar.

I'm up against some BIG names (Dooce, Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter, etc.) and some very popular bloggers.

But who has the best readers and friends in the blog world? I do!! And I'm not above bribing you all for your vote. *grin* If you vote for me, you could win a $10 Starbucks card PLUS an autographed copy of the calendar should I win.

So, all it takes is a few seconds to give me your vote. Just click this button below, then scroll to about 1/4 from the bottom of the names and vote for "BlondeBlogger":





OR, you can try scrolling down right here and voting for "BlondeBlogger" from this widget:



Then, simply leave a comment here letting me know you've voted and you're entered to win a $10 Starbucks card PLUS an autographed copy of the calendar should I win. You're on the honor system, so PLEASE....pretty, pretty, please.....be sure to vote if you leave a comment here.

If you spread the word for me, either in an email, or a post on your site, or any other way you can think to bring those votes in, I'll give you bonus entries (one for each action).

If you're emailing, just cc me (ablondeandherblog AT yahoo DOT com) and I'll put you down for a bonus entry. If you're posting or any other PR for me, just leave a SECOND comment here letting me know and I'll give you your bonus entries too.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST on Sunday, August 31, which is when voting closes.

Thank you in advance for your support. I think I might be able to pull this off with your help and I will be eternally grateful to all of you for that!!!

Build-A-Bear Giveaway

My daughter Natalie was already a HUGE fan of Build-A-Bear...her favorite creation being the Phillie Phanatic she made at a Phillies game (yes, they had a store right in the stadium so we couldn't resist).

So imagine her delight when she was sent this High School Musical bear:



Can you see the shock and excitement on her face?! The bear is just too adorable for words. Very cuddly and soooo stylish:



Check out the sweatsuit/hoodie complete the Wildcats logo. Pictures can't show you how cuddly this bear is too. Very huggable!



Back view of the hoodie with the "East High Wildcats" logo.



Take a close look around the bear's neck. Yes, it's an actual High School Musical dog tag necklace!



The backside of the dog tag necklace has the cast of the show.



Even the paws are adorable! She can even go online with the code on the bear's birth certificate and play with her bear in BuildABearVille. Click here to see a Flickr gallery filled with tons of High School Musical bear photos.

My family and I were recently in New York and Natalie begged and pleaded to go to the Build-A-Bear store there (which is the biggest Build-A-Bear workshop in the world!) to make a Statue of Liberty bear but we ran out of time. I almost cried with her. But we promised her it will be one of the first places we go when we go back to NY.

Here is your chance to win a $25 gift card (Bear Buck$) for the child in your life to use at any Build-A-Bear shop or on BuildABear.com!

To enter, simply leave a comment here letting me know what catches your eye at BuildABear.com. Please make sure I can find your email address or I will have to choose another winner. For an extra entry, link to this post on your blog and then leave a separate comment here with the link.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. EST, Saturday, August 16. Winner has two weeks from the time of notification to claim their prize, or the prize will be forfeited. Contest open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. I am not responsible for prizes lost by the postal service.

Good luck! :)