Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

After you've seen a couple snowfalls, after Christmas has come and gone, after you've exhausted just about every indoor activity you can think of, winter kind of stinks.

I'm feeling like I've been stuck inside for far too long.

Which is why I'm so excited to be taking my family OUT! Next weekend, we're going to the Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show. As part of the audience, we'll help Mickey in his talent search to find the coolest acts around. We're planning to sing, dance, and bounce around during this show! And we won't be alone - Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Buzz, Woody, Tigger, and Cinderella will be there, too!

Feld Entertainment has provided the tickets for my family. In addition, they've provided a 4-pack of tickets to the Saturday, February 20th (6:30 PM) show for me to give away! To enter, just leave a comment on this post about what you do to beat the winter blahs. You must comment before 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 11th. Also, be sure to leave me your email address. I'll choose a random winner Thursday night and post their name on Friday.

If you don't win, you can still get a discount on tickets you purchase! Use the code MBLOG to receive your tickets for $18 - a savings of up to $13! (Additional service charges, facility, and handling fees still apply.)

Performances are at Chaifetz Arena at the following dates and times:
Saturday, February 20th - 12:30, 3:30 & 6:30 PM
Sunday, February 21st - 1:00 PM

I hope to see you there!

Four Days of Giveaways - St. Louis Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Zing Zang Zoom

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages - the circus is coming to town!

St. Louis will be hosting Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's show Zing Zang Zoom at the Scottrade Center. The performance is a mix of magic and traditional circus arts, so you shouldn't be surprised if a four-ton elephant disappears before your eyes! Tigers and elephants and Arabian horses will join human performers like human cannonballs and highwire acts to delight and amaze you. It promises to be The Greatest Show on Earth!

And every ticket holder is invited to the free All Access Preshow, which begins at 6:00pm. It will give you a chance to head down to the circus floor to meet the performers, get autographs, try on costumes, and clown around. Get it, "clown around?" Oh, but I digress...

St. Louis show dates are:
Thursday, October 15 @ 7:00pm
Friday, October 16 @ 10:30am & 7:00pm
Saturday, October 17 @ 1:00pm & 5:00pm
Sunday, October 18 @ 1:00pm & 5:00pm

Mom Central has graciously provided my family with tickets for this thrilling event. I can't wait to see Evie's face amid all the wonder under the big top! I've also been provided with tickets to give away to one lucky family! Simply leave a comment on this post letting me know your favorite circus animal. Be sure I have your email address so I can contact you if you win! One random winner will receive a 4-pack of tickets for the opening night (October 15th) show. This contest closes at midnight on Saturday, October 3rd.

If you don't win, I can still let you in on a great deal:
To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com. You can receive four tickets for $44 for any Monday-Friday performance, or $4 off tickets for all weekend performances by entering the code MOM in the "MC promotion" box. A minimum purchase of 4 tickets is required, but additional tickets can be purchased at $11 each during the week and $4 off on weekends. Offer not valid on Celebrity Circus, Front Row, or VIP seating. Cannot be combined with other offers. Service Charges, facility and handling fees will apply.

Good luck! Of course, I'll tell you all about it, but I hope to see you there!

**This contest is closed to new comments. Congratulations to Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad, who won tickets for her family! Thanks to everyone who participated.**

Four Days of Giveaways - Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters

I am eight months pregnant. Obviously, I'm not hiking the trails. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a healthy snack right here in front of my computer.

My Blog Spark recently sent me a Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters "Snack Pack." And I love Nature Valley. When I was still working, there was a little shop in the lobby of my office building that sold snack-type foods. I used to start my morning with a yogurt sprinkled with mashed-up Nature Valley crunchy granola bars. Oh, yum.

So I tore into these bags. I received all four varieties - Roasted Cashew, Nut Lovers, Roasted Almond, and Honey Roasted Peanut. These little bites are a blend of roasted nuts, whole grain oats, and a touch of honey. It's been less than a week, and all that's left is half a bag of Nut Lovers. I've popped these nuggets in my mouth for breakfast, had them as a snack while watching TV, and served them to other moms in my playgroup. They are so good! Crunchy and salty and sweet all at the same time. I like that they're tasty, but also pretty healthy. It's nice to get a decent amount of fiber and protein from your snacks! And I can pronounce every ingredient on the list!

The "Snack Pack" also included a sling backpack, stainless steel water bottle, flashlight and binoculars. You would have thought it was Christmas! Chris snatched up the water bottle, and Evie has taken over the flashlight and binoculars. The poor sling backpack has been relegated to the closet...

I have an additional "Snack Pack" for one of you! Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite season in nature, and I'll choose a random winner to receive the prize pack. This contest closes at midnight on September 30th.

Good luck! And if you live in the St. Louis area, stay tuned tomorrow for another chance to win free stuff! Don't forget to enter my other contests from this weekend here and here.

**This contest is closed to new comments. Congratulations to Martha, the winner, who said "Omg, I've totally got to get in on this one. I'm a Nature Valley freak, I eat the granola bars constantly. Fall is of course my favorite season. Cool and rainy, with the lovely bonus of halloween :D." Thanks to everyone for participating!**

Four Days of Giveaways - Dole Jarred Fruit

Okay, so we probably should all eat more fruit. It's is low in calories, but high in fiber and nutrients. And if you're worried about H1N1 (like my husband,) you will be happy to know that adequate Vitamin C intake can help maintain a healthy immune system. Plus, fruit just tastes good!

I prefer fresh fruit, but it's not always convenient or cheap. Dole Fruit in Plastic Jars is an easy, all-natural way to get your fruit fix. No cutting, slicing, or peeling - the multi-serving jars are resealable and contain ready-to-eat fruit. Dole makes several varieties including Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Chunks, Tropical Fruit with Papaya and Pineapple (our favorite,) Sliced Peaches and Mixed Fruit.

I received coupons for two free jars along with a recipe wallet. We snacked on a jar, and used another to make Caribbean Cream Pops. They were so good - and full of that healthy fruit we should all be eating!

Caribbean Cream Pops
1 jar (24.5 oz.) Dole Tropical Fruit
1 c. mango or papaya nectar
1/2 c. light coconut milk
1 small ripe banana, peeled and sliced
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. honey

Measure 2 cups drained tropical fruit. Combine tropical fruit, nectar, coconut milk, banana, cream cheese and honey in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour mixture equally into popsicle molds or 3 oz. plastic cups.

Place on tray and freeze about 1 hour, until partially set. Insert 1 wooden stick into center of each cup; freeze 2 hours longer or until firm.

At www.DoleMagic.com you can find tips and more recipes to help incorporate fruit every day as part of a healthy diet. You can also enter for a chance to win a trip for three to Maui!

I have an additional Dole coupon wallet to give away, including coupons for (2) free jars of fruit, as well as recipes. Simply leave a comment letting me know your favorite fruit by midnight September 30th. I'll choose a random winner to receive the coupon wallet.

Good luck! Stay tuned tomorrow for more prizes! Yesterday's contest can be found here.

**This contest is closed to new comments. Congratulations to Jenn @ A Country Girl's Ramblings, who won the coupon wallet. Thanks to everyone for participating!**

Four Days of Giveaways - Yoplait Whips!

There are so many fun things about blogging - capturing this beautiful and fleeting time in my life, making new friends, getting my feelings out. But recently, I've discovered another perk - FREE STUFF!

I've been fortunate enough to have a few companies send me products to try. And this is to your benefit, because you may get to try them, too! For the next four days, I'll be posting reviews and giving away the items I review.

First up is Yoplait Whips! Now in all honesty, I've tried this yogurt before. It's light and airy and tasty, but I always thought the texture was a little off. This doesn't make any sense, but it seemed greasy - too much air or something. So I stuck with the custard-style yogurt, which is my favorite.

But then I noticed the commercials for frozen Whips! I wondered how that would taste, when lo and behold, Yoplait offered to send me a Summer Cool Down gift basket. The basket included coupons for free Whips! as well as a cooler tote, popsicle molds, and color-changing spoons.

I used the coupons about a month ago and bought a Strawberry Mist and a Chocolate yogurt. (There are a ton of other flavors including Key Lime Pie, Orange Creme, Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon Burst, Peaches 'N Cream, Raspberry Mousse, and Vanilla Creme.) I stuck them in the freezer. And I loved them!

Pregnant women and ice cream go together like, well, pregnant women and ice cream! But I feel a lot healthier chowing down on a yummy frozen yogurt. Whips! have a great texture when you freeze them - smooth and cool. These are seriously my new nighttime indulgence. And one I can continue guilt-free once Ethan is born!

If you'd like a chance to win a Summer Cool Down gift basket of your own, please leave me a comment telling me your favorite indulgent treat. Be sure I have your email address to contact you if you win. This contest closes at midnight on Wednesday, September 30th. Two random winners will receive a gift basket.

(US residents only. The free coupons included in the basket are not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Tennessee.)

Good luck! Stay tuned tomorrow for another chance to win free stuff!

**This contest is closed to new comments. Congratulations to Alex @ The Jones Family Journey and Ashlee @ Across the Branch, who won the gift packs. Thanks to everyone for participating!**

Fiber One Chocolate Mocha Bars Review & Giveaway

Being a woman is hard work. Being a mom is hard work. Between the whole IVF-thing and chasing around a two-year old while pregnant, I think I deserve a little break. So when the nice people at My Blog Spark offered to send me a spa gift basket (sponsored by Fiber One Chocolate Mocha Bars,) I happily accepted.

My gift basket arrived with pretty wrapping and it was full of goodies! It had a bath pillow (which Evie has taken over,) a chocolate-scented candle, handmade chocolate soap, chocolate bath salts, chocolate lotion, and the Chocolate Mocha Fiber One Bars. Could they have thought of anything else to make me happy?

I first tried Fiber One Bars in my cousin's pool last summer. They were so sweet and yummy, and they took the edge off my hunger. (Um, they still didn't stop me from pigging out on Thai food later that night!) And, most impressively, due to all that fiber they were only 2 Weight Watchers Points. Chris and I were hooked and we now buy them in bulk at Sam's Club. I've tried other brands, but they all have some sort of tree bark in them that hurts my teeth. Trust me, just buy the Fiber One brand.

I love this new Chocolate Mocha flavor. They really do taste like a mocha - only you're getting 35% of your daily fiber. I wish I could say I enjoyed the new bars while soaking in a hot bath with my new bath salts and candle, but that would be a lie. The truth is that I only ate two bars before the box disappeared. It seems Chris is a fan of this new flavor, too.

Before you get all jealous of my spa basket, you have a chance to win one, too! Just leave me a comment before Saturday, April 4th and tell me why you need a spa break. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll choose three random winners to receive the gift basket above.

Good luck!

Build-A-Bear Winner

Congratulations to Reiza, who won my Build-A-Bear giveaway!

I must admit, I was excited by all the comments I received! Who would have guessed? Plus, I was beyond thrilled when my contest was highlighted at Momdot and 5 Minutes for Mom's weekly column "5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere." (By the way, the two moms who run 5m4m also have two online toy stores you should check out: A Rocking Horse to Love and Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles.)

I loved reading the comments about favorite gifts. What struck me was I didn't see a single reference to a big expensive gift. No Wii made it on the list. What I read were personal memories of homemade gifts, play kitchens, and baby dolls. It helped put this gift giving season in perspective.

So now I just have to figure out what exactly makes it onto Evie's Christmas list!

Speaking of Christmas

This month, 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a Christmas Giveaway. Check it out for gift ideas and chances to win tons of great prizes!

And don't forget to enter my contest before Friday, November 14th for a $25 gift certificate to Build-A-Bear!

Build-A-Bear Giveaway!

Halloween is over, so my thoughts are turning to Thanksgiving and... I can't even believe it... CHRISTMAS!

I know it wasn't too long ago that I was complaining about rushing the season. But the leaves have turned their beautiful fiery colors and most have fallen from the trees. Just yesterday, Evie and the girls next door raked leaves and jumped into the piles. Though it's been warm, there's a change in the air. It's feeling like scarves and hot chocolate and Christmas lists.

Oh, Christmas lists!

This year, I have to be particularly careful with the money we spend. So I must make good choices about toys for Evie. Instead of a toy with only one function, I want to purchase toys that inspire play. I can't tell you how many expensive toys we have around the house that Evie just ignores. Things like art supplies and dried lentils and scraps of ribbon and empty boxes keep her attention - go figure.

Most of all, I lean toward an "experience" rather than a thing. Attending The Backyardigans LIVE show was a better use of our money than if we had bought a toy. I know a membership to The Magic House will certainly be a gift this year.

Recently, Evie and I had the opportunity to attend a Mom's Mixer at Build-A-Bear Workshop. I had a great time talking to other "Mommy Bloggers" while Evie made a bear. Actually, Evie ran around wild while the other moms and very, very sweet Build-A-Bear employees helped me keep an eye on her. By the end of the event, everyone in that store knew her name!

While we were there, I kept thinking about how Build-A-Bear perfectly fits my idea of a great gift. It's an EXPERIENCE and you take something tangible (a new best friend, even) home with you. We also had the opportunity to meet and talk with Maxine Clark, the company's founder and Chief Executive Bear. She is warm and friendly, and has such an evident passion for her work. For her, it's all about the experience of making the bear - choosing the perfect little bear, warming up and kissing its heart, helping stuff, brushing it, and shopping for clothes. They've even expanded their line of $10 bears, so almost everyone can afford this experience.

Bloggy Friends, I am the "bearer" of good news! One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to make your very own stuffed friend at Build-A-Bear. Simply leave a comment on this post before Friday, November 14th, telling me the best gift you received as a child. Don't forget to include your email address so I can notify you if you win. I'll choose a winner at random to receive the gift certificate.

Go "fur" it!

**This contest is closed to new comments. The winner has been contacted, and will be announced within 24 hours. Thanks for participating!**