Category Archives: Giveaways

Box Tops Rock and Stockup Pantry Giveaway

Box Top ProductsSo my kids school has earned in the past years several thousands of dollars in what the school called “Free Money”?  How Box Tops for Education .   Just by parents looking purchasing for General Mills product and then saving the tops they kids have benefited in the form of new books and tech.   The schools is not only the only place in my life   my church also collect the tops for education programs so the whole community can contribute.

The General Mills program began as an experiment on boxes of Cheerios in California with first year earnings of only $1 million. It has grown to include more than 240 participating brands providing needed cash for 90,000 enrolled K-8 schools. At the heart of the program is more than 75,000 volunteer Box Tops for Education coordinators who motivate local school communities to collect the 10-cent coupons which are redeemed for cash schools use for whatever they need most.

To celebrate this milestone, this winter, the program is offering a variety of bonus Box Tops on more than 50 million packages at grocery stores and at btfe.com, allowing shoppers to double their earnings with select products. School budget cuts have made the program more and more important over the years as it provides unrestricted cash to help schools with their basic operating needs and programs that would not be possible otherwise, such as field trips, textbooks, musical instruments, playground equipment, classroom technology and arts and cultural programming.

Here are some Ideas to start saving Box Tops for education:

  • My children’s schools also give the kids inventive.  The class with most box tops every month gets a pizza party of ice cream party. Since we save the tops all year my kids love when I give them a big Ziplock of box tops to take to school.
  • The church leaves a large jug for all the parishioners to leave the box tops,  it is left right in the hall where people spill out after church.. so family’s and couples of any age can contribute.
  • Both my church and schools notify there community in of the box top program in News letters and signs.
  • It is also fun for the kids to add them up prior to bringing them to school a good math lesson.
  • The Box Tops For education has a section of all creative ideas of seasonal themed craft projects to get the kids involved
  • Have a Place to store your box tops at home.   This is a great project for your kids to help make. We used a left over Tea Box and decoupage it.  We also put the kid who got them last and the date on an Avery Label so we know who get them next. We have kids going to 2 different schools.box top holder

General Mills Box Tops are In celebration of reaching more than $500 million to schools since the program started in 1996, Box Tops for Education® and its popular brand partners are offering one of my readers one lucky reader a chance to share in the news while stocking their shelves with some of the most trusted household brands.

The Giveaway to a lucky Superexhausted Reader  is  Pantry Stock Up gift pack  which includes:

  • New Peanut Butter Toast Crunch® cereal
  • Nature Valley® Chewy Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry and Protein Salted Caramel
  • Fiber One® Protein Bars
  • Progresso® Recipe Starters
  • Food Should Taste Good® Chips
  • Green Giant Fresh® Box Tops for Education pencil pouch
  • Hamburger Helper® Sweet & Sour Chicken and Parmesan Crusted Chicken
  • Betty Crocker® Mac & Cheese and Au Gratin potatoes
  • Kleenex® wallet pack and 184 count box
  • Scott® toilet paper (4 roll) and paper towel roll
  • Avery® dry erase weekly calendar
  • Ziploc® bowls and bagsbox top products

So how can you win this Awesome Pantry Stock Up Prize?  Enter using the Rafflecopter form.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Information, products and promotional items have been provided by General Mills and Box Tops for Education and its program partners.

Valentines Keepsake Trunk and AC Moore Giveaway

wooden box covered with paper

Wooden Trunk covered using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.  This idea was given to me by AC Moore.  The asked me to make a wooden trunk using the directions AC Moore provided.  It has been years since I worked with Mod Podge and AC Moore had everything I need to make the task fun.  I loved the idea of the trunk and the more I read the instructions I could not wait to try it.  The inside had little cards decoupage inside.inside the keepsake trunk

The idea of this craft was from AC Moores designer Robin Beam.. Click here for Robins instructions Valentines Keepsake Trunk.  Note: (the trunk size listed is a M   the patterns and sku is for a small trunk) .  I made the medium size which was larger so I adjust the templates.  Robins Templates where for the small trunk.keepsake box by Robin Beams

Robin @ AC Moore did her trunk with different paper than I did.  I choose 7 sheets of 12×12 scrapbooking paper open stock. (The apparel designers in me loved all the prints). But the instructions are the same.

  • Remove hardwear, I painted the inside and outside corners/edges.
  • I cut the templates, cut the scrapbook paper to size
  • Follow instructions added the mod podge, place paper, and smoothed out all the bubbles.
  • The tip Robin said about sanding the edges,  the excess paper will just sand away.. seriously really rocks takes the trunk from a simple project to a quality piece.  Make sure to remove all the dust from sanding, before applying next coat…..sanding the mod podge box
  • Be sure to read AC Moores full instructions.. Valentines Keepsake Trunk

By the time I finished I coated the Trunk with 5 different coats of Mod Podge .. I really love doing this project.  I loke the medium size box it allows me to put a full 8 1/2″ X 11 Paper in it flat.  My daughter keeps eyeing the box up.picture of a trunk

Ac Moore want you to create so they are providing a 50% coupon for this week to all my readers.   AC Moore Coupon 2/10-2/16

Also Ac Moore  wants one of my readers  to create something so they are Giving away $20 gift certificate to one of my readers.  Ends 2/24. US residents Only  Please use the rafflecopter form.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Ac Moore provided a Gift Certificate for me to purchase the supplies.  The opinions in this post are all mine own.

Adora Forever Friends 18″ Doll Review & Giveaway

dollReview of Adora Forever Friends  18″ Doll by Charisma.   I received this 18″ doll and was impress by the quality of Adoras Forever Friend doll.  Abigail is top notch 18″ doll.  My daughter could not wait to play with her.  When she arrived she was ready to meet her new best friend.

Forever Friend Doll Construction: The head, arms, legs and upper torso is made of a heavy weight quality plastic.  The lower body is stuffed.  Legs, arms and head are movable.   The head pivots not only from side to side but up an down which is a plus since one of other well know 18″ do not it allows for the child to direct the head to look up but still able to stand the doll.  The eyes also close when you lay the doll down.girl playing with dollForever Friends Dolls Hair :  Hair is brush-able, thick,  and of quality woven doll hair allowing my daughter to brush for hours.   Result the hair and stays nice. Forever Friends Clothing:  I was really impress with the quality of the clothes.  after being in the apparel industry   I know great sewing when I see it.  The pants were full lined. Easy of dressing my daughter is 7 and changing the outfit on her dolls is a big thing.  The little sneakers were great event the tips of the laces were done.  So my daughter loves tying them. The attention to detail was amazing.   She had a little difficulty with the hoodie that came with the doll,  with a little help from me she was able to succeed all the other clothes we no problem with her solo.A variety  of  Forever Friends outfits are available for the dolls.  They also fit into other 18” doll outfits. They even have girls scout outfits, high fashion type furs,  rock star and more very in tune with todays styles.  All  the styles  that your little girl wants to dress and play with.  All the outfit come with accessory which is really nice they do not have to be purchased separate  like to do with other brands.

The dolls cost $59.00doll clothes

Additional clothing starts at $19.95

My Age Recommendation is age 7  for self play and  due to the dexterity required to change the clothes.

Check out my daughters  video Review:

I think the Forever Friend doll is a great choice for a little girl.  It has brought many hours of dreaming and creative imaginary play to my daughters life.   I know my daughter will have her Adora Forever Friends Abigail 18″ doll for a long time.

Dolls and clothing can be purchased at charismabrands.com search 18” dolls

Want to Win a Forever Friends 18″ Doll off your choice?

US residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

girl with dollDisclosure:  Received this doll for the purpose of a review.  The opinions in this post are honest and are my own words about this product.

Review: Disney On Ice with Hallmark

disney on ice finaleSo we got to attend a preformance of  Rockin Ever After  Disney on Ice sponsored by Hallmark this past weekend,  It was trip to get there because we were in Northern PA visiting the inlaws and left at 9am to make sure we arrived for the 3pm show.  It was  no easy feat we drove through the snow arriving right on time.  Were we glad we did.  The Disney On Ice show was super fun.

The Disney skaters performed the Little Mermaid.  It was a great adaptation version with Ariel, Prince, Flounder, Sebastian and even Ursala,  But it was kept light for the kids to enjoy. The skaters flowed across the ice like they were in water.disney on ice  Little mermaid

Then Rapunzel danced and twirled.  The 2 person skating Horse was a super fun addition to the ice.   I loved Rapunzel finale  the village coming in with lanterns.Disney On Ice Rapunzle

Then Brave.. I have not seen the movie yet the kids got it for Christmas. It was a great shorten version.  Even my husband said since he has had the time to sit down and watch it with the kids.

The Lovely Bell and Beast made a showing,  My daughter loved it she has watched the movie alot lately.. over and over again .  Even Gaston, chip and the host of characters were present.  It was really neat how they transitioned the set to a castle complete with a chandelier . Disney on ice beauty and the beast

During the show Micky, Minnie, Goof, and Donald made appearances so it was great seeing them.  We took my daughter age 7 and my son age 11.  My daughter of course was thrilled,  my son enjoyed the show they had some pyrotechnics.  It was really pretty show and lively music. Very  well done.

The parking was $15 at the Wells Fargo

Souvenir run from $10 up, small plush for $12 and  light spin things were $22.  (so you might want to bring a glow stick)  After the show they were selling Disney Show  souvenir packs for $10 which had 5 items in them (not necessarily related to the ice show but Disney)

Food:  Determined by venue:  Chicken Fingers and Fries (enough to feed 2) was $9.50.  Hot Pretzel was $4.50,  Large fry was $8.50  I cream cone $5.50.  Snow cone in collector cup was $10.  We did bring in bottles of water in.  FYI always make sure they are unopened.  If they are opened sometime they will not let you bring them in.

We did love the show and I would recommend taking your kids.. they will love Disney on ice. (we went a few years ago and sat in the nose bleed seats I do recommend if you can afford it going to a lower level.)

Rock in Disney on Ice is at the Wells Fargo Center till Jan 6th. Tickets range from $22.50-$90

Disclosure:  I did receive tickets from Hallmark for this post.  The opinions represented in this post are mine.hallmark sign at disney on ice



Disney On Ice Philly Ticket and Storybook Giveaway

dad reading a story bookAt A time when we are all holding our children close. I have been finding things that create memories with my children.  I love the  Disney Hallmark’s newest Disney Recordable Storybook titles, including “The Wish My Heart Makes for You” and “You’re a Hero! All the Ways You Save the Day.” And to bring the enchantment of Disney Recordable Storybooks to life, Hallmark is sponsoring the Disney on Ice tour  hitting cities across the nation, including the Philadelphia area!

I heard Hallie Berry took her daughter this past weekend to Disney on Ice and it was a huge hit with her daughter.

Recordable Storybooks – Hallmark added two new Disney titles to its popular library of Recordable Storybooks this year, including “The Wish My Heart Makes for You” and “You’re a Hero! All the Ways You Save the Day.” They join other Classic Disney Recordable Storybooks like Lightning McQueen and His Winning Team, Winnie the Pooh’s Plan Bee and What Makes a Princess. We’d love to provide one of the new titles of your choice to review.

Want to check out the Rockin’ Ever After Disney on Ice performance in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly:

With Merida from Braves 1st time on the ice!

Tickets range from $22.50-$90

Thurs,  Dec 27 2012  3:00PM
Thu,  Dec 27 2012  7:00PM
Fri,  Dec 28 2012 11:00AM
Fri,  Dec 28 2012  3:00PM
Fri,  Dec 28 2012  7:00PM
Sat,  Dec 29 2012 11:00AM
Sat,  Dec 29 2012  3:00PM
Sat,  Dec 29 2012  7:00PM
Sun,  Dec 30 2012 11:00AM
Sun,  Dec 30 2012  3:00PM
Sun,  Dec 30 2012  7:00PM

Hallmark Disney Experience Giveaway!!!

Hallmark Disney recordable storybook and a family four-pack of tickets for a giveaway.

Giveaway runs from Dec 17-Dec 20

Mandatory:  So leave a comment below letting me know what is your favorite Disney Story?

Additional entry  Tweet :   Hey #Philly Disney on Ice is here want to win Tickets and Halmark Storybook ?  frm @babypop  & @hallmark http://ow.ly/gbpaw

Please leave a comment and link to tweet  you did so below.

Disclosure: I received a Disney Recordable Storybook and four Disney on Ice tickets in exchange for this review.

Giveaway is for Philadelphia show only!

winner is #17  B wash

drawing winner

14 tips for take great Holiday Photos &Giveaway

kids with dogs taking a pictureSo every year around this time I start think the Holidays are around the corner.  I start taking pictures in hopes that one might be perfect for theholiday card of the year.  The one that sent to all friends and family.

People might know that I love taking pictures, if you read my blog you will see that most of the photos are mine.

Tips for getting great Photos to use on your Holiday cards:

  1. Clean lens of the camera with a proper lens cloth
  2. Take the shots on your largest and highest resolution  it will give you a lot to work with later allowing you to crop and edit.
  3. Make sure kids are well rested
  4. Time of day to take Pictures are better taken not in high sun or bright sun, try late afternoon, or early morning, and overcast days.  This will help you avoid over exposure and white burn spots.
  5. Get outside and take them natural light is best, and will avoid using the flash.. see #3
  6. Location  choose a place where the kids are happy and not too distracted, walk in the woods, a deserted playground.
  7. Avoid clutters background,  use nature as a back drop, but make sure there is not a garbage behind you.
  8. Wear colors, but you don’t have to be matchy matchy.. one accent color on every one can tie a picture together.
  9. Step close when taking a shot. (when you take a picture take 2 steps closer,  the shot will be better)  No one cares what shoes your family had on they want to see your smiling face,  unless you are just taking a just shoe shot to show how big your kids feet are.
  10. Take a lot of photos a better chance of getting the shot or you can use multiple shots on your holiday cards.
  11. Take from different angles,  your knees bend so get down on there level, or get on a chair
  12. If you are worried about a dbl chin.. always take the picture with you looking up to the camera, from above)
  13. Include yourself and spouse you are part of the picture
  14. If you want a family shot .. no one around ,  it is ok to ask a stranger (if they have a big camera around there neck even better,  and ask them to step in for the shot  (tell them you want a close shot)
  15. Also you can make all you photos look similar using an effect to join them all like this.. I used a cross process effect on picmonkey.  various pictures of kids

So you want to save some money from Shutterfly for your  Holiday cards be sure to visit Shutterfly’s Special Offers page.

You want to win ? Giveaway prize: an extra $50 off order of $50 or more (excluding tax and shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos (expire 12/14/2012 – no extensions)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This post is sponsored by Shutterfly,  Disclosure I will receive product from Shutterfly in exchange for this post.

FoudyAuction Twitter Party Benefiting Girls

FoudyAuction  Twitter Party Benefiting Girls Join me Tomorrow Wednesday November  7th

for a Twitter party to bid in a charitable auction and/or win $25 VISA gift cards, which you can use for community service projects with your kids! The Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy is hosting a “Choose to Matter” contest, encouraging moms and FoudyAuction daughters to team up for community service projects and then share their stories for a chance to win a trip to Disney World. To champion the cause, Julie and her own daughter, Izzy, are hosting a series of auctions to raise money for charity, and the first one will take place on Twitter! Julie and Izzy will auction off one of Izzy’s dolls, in addition to a signed Abby Wambach soccer jersey.

When: The party/auction will be on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 1p ET. It will last one hour.

 

Where: Use the #FoudyAuction hashtag on Twitter to find us!

 

Hosts: Follow @JulieFoudy, @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe and @EmilyMcKhann

 

Bidding: If you’d like to submit a bid for the doll and signed Abby Wambach jersey, you can tweet @JulieFoudy during the Twitter party/auction on Nov. 7. The winner of the auction will be announced at the end of the party.

Disclosure: I am panelist for this twitterparty.

 

Prizes: We’ll be giving away four $25 VISA gift cards, which you are welcome to use toward community service projects with your kids!

 

Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/foudyauction

How to get your husband to make dinner – Hillshire Farm Giveaway

cheesy rice and hillshire farms sausageHow to get your husband to make dinner with Hillshire Farms Sausage

I ask my husband to make dinner, because I was going out to my Moms group.  Now my husband grew up in a casserole family,  which is means when he does cook most of his meals are made in one pot / dish.   He was making dinner for himself and 2 kids.

So he looks in the freezer and finds the 2 packages Hillshire Farms Sausages.  Note: I am suppose to create a recipe with them, write a blog post and then do a giveaway.  At the time I was still working  on the post in my head.

Well he was so helpful, he took the Hillshire farms and made dinner.. (there goes my blog post..)  When I called to check he said he was using both packages..

I said  “honey.. there for a tasty tues blog post”..

He said “Too late.. they are defrosted and I am using them”

He said “I will take pictures for your post”…(he is not me with a camera.. But I love him because he tried.. he could have cleaned of the stove before the pictures)

sausage in a package

Husbands Cheese Rice and Sausage Dinner

Serves 8 people : He was making dinner for himself and 2 kids.

He wanted to add a can of tomatoes but worried the kids would not eaten it. (My advice ADD the Tomatoes or serve with a tomatoes) or add any vegetable broccoli would have been yummy.. What is it with men and veggies or lack their of?

I say to myself   ” Just be happy he is cooking, and don’t criticize”

His directions

  1. Make rice as directed- 2 cups of rice with 4 cups of  water-  cook thoroughly
  2. Mix rice,  (veggies if you choose) and soup in large glass pan
  3. cook 15 minutes
  4. Lay Hillshire Farm Sausage on top
  5. cook 10 minutes  sprinkle with cheese

cheese rice

I was very yummy! I has some when I returned home and we had left overs for the next few days.   The sausage was amazing,  I would love to use it in a Potato and Sausage soup.. (now I think of a recipe- me slapping head)

The Hillshire Farm sausage  has No artificial Color, Flavor or by products.

Hillshire Farm Giveaway

So want your man to cook?   Have some Hillshire Farm on hand so your hubby can make dinner.  Here is your chance to win 3 coupons for package of Hillshire farm Gourmet sausage. (that is 3 meats or 1 1/2 depending who is cooking. (est. value $18 ) Giveaway ends : Oct 9th Midnight est.

  1. Simple entry:   Leave a comment below telling me What you want to be doing so your husband can cook dinner?
  2. Tweet if you want let me know below:  How to get your husband to cook and win @HillshireFarms sausage form @Babypop https://superexhausted.com/?p=3345
  3. Like My FB Page Superexhausted– let me know below you did.

Disclosure:  I did receive coupons for this blog post 2 to keep and 3 to giveaway.

Who is the card giver in your life! Hallmark Giveaway

Hallmark t shirt There are 3 women in my life that I can always count on to send card,  this is a post to highlight my Hallmark card loving secondary family and friends.  (Note: my mother and mother in law always send a card.)  These 3 women who love buying cards and graciously send them.  Preserving the beauty of snail mail, and creating smiles on the faces of people who receive them.

My oldest friends Dr. Dawn-  she always send me a card that brightens my day for my birthday every year, I am always impressed because she has 2 little boys and an busy practice but she always remembers.. and always is understanding that I forget.  Dawn has been my friend since birth,  she grew up accross the street from me.  She was always with my sister and I.  I think of her as a family.

My Aunt Alice – she sends cards several times a year.  She remembers my kids and my husband.  We always look forward to getting the most beautiful cards from her. I love Alice because she is supportive and connected to all us and keeps tabs. When I had my babies Alice loved the fact I breastfed my kids, she made me feel very accepted when not everyone was accepting of my choice and thought I should hide. She took pictures and celebrated my nursing.  She is also a reader of my blog.. so Shout out to Aunt Alice!!!

Carol- She is actually my mother-in laws bff and she send a card for every occasion even our anniversary.  Carol became a good friend when I first had my son she had a grandchild around the same time and we use to talk and compare notes.   The thought of Carols smile makes me happy, she is always such a pleasure to be around.  When I visit my inlaws I hope I can see Carol because she feels like family.

These 3 women are the card lovers in my life.

Guess what ?  I love getting card .. who doesn’t. So when Hallmark asked me to attend their Hallmark Tour event in Philadelphia, I jumped at the chance  to meet with Hallmarks Designers and writers. We got to meet to the designers and spend time learning how the card design process evolves.

First: They had us run through an exercise  of taking a picture and and coming up with the card.  Then the choose one as the best.. They choose mine.  Here is the card:

baby on a swing not looking happy
Picture courtesy of Hallmark

“Bundle Up Baby, Sometimes Life leaves you hanging.” -was my card

Then they told us about the background of the designers.. most of them come from various back grounds.  They are all not writers or arts.  Hallmark hires to the fit or feeling of a card creator. The one designer we meet had a background in music,  she write the cards,  but then the people at Hallmark  realized she could sing/theatrical and added her to the voice overs the cards. Nurturing Talents – I was impress that Hallmark looks beyond training for  is right for the company.  Many of the employees are with the company for many many years.

Also many of the products are Made in the USA!!!

Check out the video  Hallmark made from the mom’s who were in attendance.

Like any hallmark commercial.   Did it make you cry?

I want to share  some of Hallmarks has some great new items for this fall and back to school.

Text bands–  you children can put in a message in and them bumb fist with a friend and share the message.   My kids are having a blast they come in all different colors and you can switch bands.. they even have Star Wars. a little girl holding the Hallmark Text Bands

I also love the New lunch notes for kids- which make it easy to bring a smile to a kids day while at school.

My favorite is Nugget Interactive Story Book and Story Buddy.  Nugget reads the with you and que’s off of some of the phrases you say. So cool for a starting reader like my daughter who is in 2nd grade or for a parent to share with a child.hallmarks stuffed animal nugget

 

Hallmark has provided me with a Discount code so you can honor your children and family for 30% off at Hallmark.com Use code : BLOG30

Hallmark Giveaway:

Also Halmark has provide me with a Giveaway of Nugget from my readers.   Answer on comment on Blog then confirm comment in Rafflecopter

Who is the Hallmark card giver in your life?

Please Leave a comment below on the blog then let Rafflecopter know you did so. *** You must leave a comment on the blog and then check that you did in rafflecopter to be eligible for the prize.  Open to US residents only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  The lovely people at hall mark provided me product for review,  this post is how I love there product and the emotion is really true, I am sap and cry all at Hallmark commercials.

How to Train your Dragon Stage Show & Giveaway!

guy on stage with dragonDid your kids and You Love the Dream Works movie How to Train a Dragon!  So when I was in NY for Blogger her I met some of the wonderful people from How to Train Your Dragon Stage Show. The show is produce by Dream Works live!  It is coming to Philadelphia!  in September 12-16th, 2012.

The How to Train a Dragon Stage Show  show features 23 dragon who sore over head with a wing span of up to 46 feet!  Also some are fire breathing. Viking warriors and world-class circus artists and acrobats, to perform against a state-of-the-art, wall-to-floor immerse projection measuring more than 20,000 square feet. They have state of the art animatronics and that are sure to wonder your entire family.  My kids are looking forward to this fantastic show

The production will use the entire Wells Fargo Center.  So it will be sure to amaze the kids and you!!!

To Purchase tickets for How To Train your Dragon in Philadelphia

Discount code is MOM — that’s good for 25% off to all shows.

WANT TO WIN TICKETS!

I am giving away 4 tickets for How to train your Dragon at the Wells Fargo  Center Enter from Aug 26-6th, 2012

Note: giveaway is for you choice of  the following show times only Wednesday Sept 12 at 7, Thursday Sept 13 at 7, or Sunday Sept 16 at 6pm.

How to win:   So you want to go enter to win my giveaway for 4 tickets below.

  1. Be  sure to leave a comment in the comment section on my blog telling me What you would name your dragon (Mandatory to win)
  2. Then sign into in rafflecopter confirming you did so. (mandatory)
  3. Also you can earn additional entries. on the rafflecopter forms
  4. you also can tweet daily!
  5. Winner Announced and notified via email Sept 7th

Please note that entries that leave a comment and confirm comment in Rafflecopter will be consider to win. Winner will be selected using random rafflecopter winner.

The giveaway is only for the Philadelphia Show
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tickets are provide by Comcast Specator-  superexhausted.com is providing this giveaway but not responsible for seating option choices at the event ticketing is handle with Comcast and will be provide upon winning.dragon comcast discount code graphic

Disclosure:  I have received tickets in exchange for this post. All the opinions in this post are my own and I cant wait to see the dragons!!!