It’s like deja vu all over again!

I loved Care Bears when I was a teen.  I never actually had any of the stuffed bears, but I had some of the small hard plastic ones in my locker at school.

My niece Melody adored Care Bears when she lived out here for a few years.  If I am not mistaken (and I usually am) I think the Green one aka Share Bear was her favorite.

Now, Caitlyn watched the new Share-a-Lot in Care-a-Lot movie and LOVED it!  It includes 8 episodes and she has watched every single one at least once.

From the Press Release here is a synopsis of each episode:

• Re-Booted

Grizzle has been kicked out of his lair by his new robot! Stuck in Care-a-lot, the bears welcome him with open arms. Will he still be up to his old nasty tricks even after he learns to care?

• Tempus Fugits

Bumpity and Tweazle (two clouds) want to play and try to “speed up” time to make the Care Bears work faster, but the bears quickly show them that there is a time for work and a time for play!

• Share and Share Alike

Share’s been waiting a whole year to make her famous rootbear floats (they make bears float!), but Harmony invites some extra bears without asking first, leaving Share without any rootbear for herself!

• Here Comes McKenna

New friend McKenna is in Care-a-lot learning how to share and identify with others when Grizzle shows up and steals all of the Care Bears’ belly badges.

• Night Shift

It’s time for Bedtime Bear to give his friends an inside look into his nightly duties! With a tricky pudding pile threatening Care-a-lot, will some of the other Care Bears be able to “walk a mile in his ooze?”

• All Give and No Take

McKenna is learning about giving, so Grizzle tries to trap McKenna and the Care Bears at a “giving party.” When McKenna’s gift to Mr. Beaks throws Grizzle for a loop, he accidentally gives them a gift they’ll never forget.

• Bumpity and Tweazle

Bumpity and Tweazle are lost from their cloud school and are having trouble navigating through Care-a-lot. The Care Bears teach them to turn the unknown into something fun, and later return the favor.

• Surprise Day

Harmony Bear doesn’t like surprises, so she’s making sure that she stays in her house on Surprise Day. Share shows her that conquering your fears is the best surprise of all!

In the spirit of Sharing, I would like to give you a chance to win a copy of this dvd for your home!

All you need to do is leave me a comment telling me who your favorite Care Bear is.  You may also enter a second time by “liking” my fan page on Facebook http://facebook.com/adrienneshouse then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know.

I will choose a winner on June 1, 2010.

Flowerspot.com invited me to tell you about their beautiful flowers and to remind you that Mother’s Day is coming and wouldn’t you be a better child if you sent your mom flowers on Mother’s Day?  Consider yourself reminded.

Here is another example of the pitch not exactly fitting the blogger.  I am a horrific allergy sufferer, there are only a slim number of flowers that don’t make me sneeze and wheeze.  When the offer was made, I hesitated, but figured, just because I am an allergy sufferer why should I keep this information (and giveaway – read all the way to the end) from you.

As soon as I opened their page, I saw a beautiful arrangement of Tulips – SCORE!  Tulips are one of the few flowers that I don’t react to.  I immediately placed my order and prepared to wait.

2 days later via Fed Ex a beautiful box sat on my doorstep.  Ok, it really wasn’t that beautiful, it was a simple plan old Fed Ex box, but still.

The box was clearly marked with instructions on how to open it correctly, and it was then I realized the Fed Ex guy left it upside down on my porch.  But these flowers were packaged so well it had no effect on the flowers whatsoever (neither did me dropping the box off of the kitchen table, heh).

Since I follow directions well, I opened the box and voila, I was greeted with a beautiful arrangement of BUBBLE WRAP!  But underneath all that bubble wrap and soaking sponge and pretty green useless stuff and more directions, was a still intact vase and an array of tulips that truly made me smile.

I love tulips!

Pay no attention to the little broken one on the left, he was a casualty of my clumsiness.

Back to the reason for this post.  How would you like to receive or give FREE flowers for Mother’s Day?!

You can enter multiple ways and multiple days, but only one way per day (confused?).

Ways to enter:

Go to Flowerspot.com and let me know which arrangement is your favorite (this does not have to be the one you will order if you win)

Follow flowerspotweets on Twitter (come back and let me know you followed, you never know I might check to make sure).

Tweeting about this giveaway using #flowerspot so I can track it

Become a fan of the flowerspot Face Book page , leave them a message on their page telling them I sent you!

The giveaway winner will be chosen on April 24th at High Noon Pacific Time (aka the time on my clock) and the winner will be notified via email (so make sure there is an email address included with your entries).

Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day!

Since only two of you bothered to enter I forwent (?) random.org and took my decision to Facebook.

So, Robin is the big winner!  Please contact me with your email address asap.

Today is National Napping Day.

Image by adriennevh via Flickr

Isn’t that a beautiful thing?  I know there are at least 2 people reading this right now that take a nap just about every single day (Hi Megan!  Hi Erika!).  I used to be jealous of my mother’s napping ability.  She could lay down on her bed and go right to sleep, wake up about 15 minutes later and be completely refreshed.  This is one of my favorite pictures of her and Caitlyn napping together.  And a more recent one of Caitlyn and the twins napping together.  Napping is important when there are 3 kids under 5 in the house.  It is no coincidence that my favorite children’s book is The Napping House.

Tonight, Protect-A-Bed will be hosting a Twitter contest where they will be giving away sets of Premium Pillow Protectors to those who share the funniest place they?ve ever taken a nap. To enter, follow @Protect_A_Bed on Twitter and use the hashtag #nappingday to share your funniest or strangest nap location.  From their press release (yes, it is long but there is a giveaway at the end so either read or not, but don’t leave without entering):

Napping is an art – an art studies show bolsters health and creativity. History has produced a legion of great nappers. Among them are Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Edison and Lord Byron, who after sweet slumbers achieved great feats of art, science and literature.

Is this a coincidence – this combination of greatness and napping? On this Napping Day, we at Protect-A-Bed think not. Napping Day is the first Monday after daylight saving time begins. It’s the day when the majority of us, a bit weary from losing an hour of sleep, desperately long for a short siesta. And, those of us at Protect-A-Bed believe you should cave to that longing.

Studies abound tout the benefits of napping, from enhancing memory and learning, to improving work performance, and increasing mental acuity and overall health. That’s why on the first Monday after daylight saving time begins, it’s fitting to celebrate the benefits of the nap and those who take them.

However, those who nap the best understand a sleeping place needs protection from allergens and dust mites. After all, waking from a nap with the sniffles is no way to wake up at all.

Research shows 10 percent of the general public and as many as 90 percent of people with allergic asthma (depending on the study you read) have an allergy to dust mites. And, dust mites love spoiling our napping refuge, taking up residence in mattresses and pillows. In fact, as many as two million dust mites can thrive in an unprotected mattress.

Besides dust mites, it’s not unusual for other allergy triggers like pollen and pet dander to become trapped within mattresses. By using a mattress protector, allergy sufferers can create an impermeable barrier between themselves and the allergens within their bed. By coupling mattress protection with pillow protectors that seal allergens within pillows, people can create a virtually allergy-free nap space.

So today, harness the creative power that comes from napping, and embrace your inner Da Vinci. And remember, the art of napping needs a canvas, and that canvas comes from Protect-A-Bed.

#      #      #

About Protect-A-Bed®

Protect-A-Bed offers consumers a complete line of protective bedding products to create a Healthy Sleep Zone. The unique technology featured in Protect-A-Bed’s mattress and pillow protectors was developed in South Africa in 1980 before the company was officially established in the United States in 2000. Now selling in 27 countries, Protect-A-Bed is a worldwide leader in mattress protection innovation. The company developed the proprietary Miracle Membrane® and patented Bug Lock® and Secure Seal®, which help create a dry, bed bug free, anti-allergy sleep zone for people of all ages. Protect-A-Bed products are listed as a Class 1 Medical Device with the Food and Drug Administration and have received the Good Housekeeping Seal. For more information, visit www.protectabed.com

As I mentioned up above, there is a giveaway involved her.  Not only will Protect-A-Bed be giving away their products on Twitter tonight, but one of you lucky readers will be getting one here as well.  All you have to do is tell me in the comments whether or not you are a napper.

I will choose a winner on Monday, March 22 and will notify them by email.

Legal Schtuff: Protect-A-Bed via Global Influence is providing me with a Mattress Protector as well as providing the prize for the above giveaway.

Raise your hand if you don’t have a business card.

Why not?  Everyone can use a business card, no matter the business they are in.

Heck, they didn’t used to be called “business cards”  they were called “calling cards” in days long ago.  Really, what they are is an easy way to let someone know who you are and that you would like to hear from them again.  So whether you are working in a 9-5, or retired, or just doing your own thing, business cards can be a way to share who you are.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Because I want you to get 500 FREE business cards!

Uprinting.com is a great place to get Business Cards online and they have asked me to let my readers know about them and in return they will give one of you the following prize:

500 Business Cards for One (1) Winner

Sizes:  2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (slim card)

Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock

Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

Not too shabby, eh?  They also have a chance for you to receive a free 16 x 20 Canvas Print on their Promotional Printing page.  All you have to do is:

Got a conference coming up?  Need to let your students know how to contact you?  Want something to hand out at the coffee clatch next month?  Now is your chance.

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what design if any you will put on the backside of your card. Contest will close on Sunday, March 14 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

Legal schtuff: I too am receiving free business cards in exchange for this post.

I am a member of Team Over.

That’s right I like my toilet paper to flow over the top and not down from the bottom.

Of course that’s only when the paper actually gets put ON the roll to start with.  In our bathroom the roll is placed in a horrible spot so mostly it just gets left on the counter.

By telling all of you this I am entering a contest for a month’s worth of Cottonelle toilet paper as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

By leaving a comment on my post (hint hint) you also will be entered to win!

Jen at 11th Heaven’s Homemaking Haven, 365 Days of TV-Free Toddler Time, and Mega-Family Blogs is giving away a flippin’ waffle maker…

To enter, go HERE!!

FULL DISCLOSURE: I received samples of the following product and am being supplied with the prize for the giveaway.

I was contacted by the SmartKnitKIDS rep and asked if I would like to try out their new Seamless Sensitivity Socks.  WHo I am to turn down free socks?  Socks are something no one (especially kids) can have too many of, and something you never seem to have any of.

I was intrigued by the name Seamless Sensitivity Socks, I am someone who is irritated by the “line” at the toe of a sock.  I am particular when putting on socks on me or the grandbabies that the seam be in the right spot so it doesn’t end up under your toes and bugging you throughout the day.  So when the socks came I was lovin the idea of no seam to set right or worry about at all!

The socks also make other claims to fame according to their website:

TRULY SEAMLESS
Completely free of seams, our patented product is knit like a cocoon, starting from the toe up, providing comfort and relief to children who struggle with “bumps & lumps” in their socks.

UNIQUE NO HEEL DESIGN
“No heel” design allows children to put on socks with confidence and keeps little feet from outgrowing their socks so quickly.

“HUGS” LITTLE FEET
Stretchy Corespun and Lycra yarns result in a form-fitting design that
“hug” little feet and help eliminate wrinkling and bunching.

NON-BINDING
Non-binding Halo Top™ fits comfortably without slipping down the leg. Regular socks often have elastic bands at the tops of the sock that can often pinch, bind or be a source of irritation.

NO “STINKY FEET”
High-tech fibers wick moisture away helping ensure a drier and more hygienic sock environment. Antimicrobial benefits help prevent “stinky feet”.

Let’s take each issue one by one, because I am anal like that.

Truly Seamless:  Yep, and loving that fact.

Unique No Heel Design: Yep!  Again, loving that, the sock is ALWAYS on right side up!  (hint, don’t get the white ones if you don’t want a distinguished “bottom” i.e. dirty side).

Hugs Little Feet: Yep, no bunching around the feet, comfy cozy all day long.

Non-Binding: Ok, not everything can be perfect.  They are correct that they are Non-Binding, but because of that they tend to slide down skinny legs.  Not all kids have the same girth so, the binding would come in a little handy.

No “Stinky Feet”: Yep!  Of course the little people I tried them on still have cute non stinky feet anyways!

All in all I think these are great socks, especially if you have a child with sensitivity issues.

Now for the good part!  SmartKnitKIDS is offering One pair of socks to one of you!  All you have to do is let me know which color sock is your favorite.  That’s it, leave a comment below and I will choose a winner on December 13, 2009.

Ready? Set? GO!

I was asked to host a preview party for this adorable new Christmas cartoon.  I jumped at the chance if for no other reason than to get Erika and Jackson to come up a day early to Detroit, lol.

I put out the invites on Facebook but we had some last minute cancellations.  The movie premieres TODAY on PBS KIDS, and finds George and The Man with the Yellow Hat having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. The Man is having trouble reading George’s wish list and George doesn’t have a clue about what to get for The Man who has everything.  Maybe you can help!

Below is a Whrrl story of all the fun that was had. Make sure you watch the whole thing for a giveaway at the end!

Contest deadline December 6, 2009. TO win leave a comment telling me what you want for Christmas or Hannukah or Solsitce or just for the heck of it.

For extra entries you can do any of the below choices but be sure to leave a comment letting me know which ones you did.
Become a subscriber to Adrienne’s House
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway

Full disclosure: I was provided a preview copy of the DVD along with popcorn and a cd soundtrack. The prize is also being provided by the PR agency.

I have started this post so many times, I have lost count.  Between being sick and my server crashing, I have almost given up.  But really this opportunity is way to good to pass up and I have to share it with you!

It’s a virtual dinner party!  Genesis Today juices is sponsoring a recipe idea contest and I will be your hostess for the Dinner Entree portion.

Prize: 3 month supply of Genesis Today juices, total of 12 of the 64 oz bottles.

Contest: Create a meal recipe idea or inspiration using one of these three Genesis Today juices: Resveratol Juice, Acai Berry Juice or Goji Juice as an ingredient.

Acai Berry Juice
The Brazilian Beauty Secret! Our Acai Berry Juice is a delicious blend of Pure Acai and other beneficial Fruit Juices, and contains liquid vitamins, liquid minerals, and liquid essential fatty acids for your health. This juice is so potent that it contains DOUBLE the Vitamin C of orange juice! Move over OJ … purple is the NEW orange.

Goji Berry Juice
The Goji Berry has long been nicknamed “The Happy Berry” for its ability to lift moods and energy. This delicious juice blend is a wakeup call for ordinary fruit juices and is loaded with liquid vitamins, liquid minerals, and even contains liquid Beta Carotene and liquid Lutein which are amazing for eye health. The unique blend of goji, lemon, and carrot juices surprises everyone with its delicious taste … how often does something this incredibly good for you taste so amazingly great?

Resveratrol Juice
It has long been a mystery why the French, with a diet high in saturated fats, have a relatively low instance of heart disease. This mystery has become known as “The French Paradox” and the answer may lie in a substance called Resveratrol. Our Resveratrol Juice is a blend of fruits with naturally-occurring Resveratrol and other juices from concentrate. It’s loaded with liquid antioxidants, liquid vitamins and minerals, and contains an amazing 50 mg of Resveratrol in every 8 oz. serving.

This is not about making the best tasting recipe – because I will not have time to test them all (and I am a crazy picky eater)! This is about you showing me how you get your creative juices flowing, and how you could creatively include the Genesis Today juices in your dinner and serving it creatively for your family.

Your submission is judged by:
- innovation and creativity how you use Genesis Today juices in your submission
- relevance to the theme: Dinner

You get extra points for…If you make me LOL, if you record your shopping trip, if your husband and/or kids are in the story.

There are several other blogs also involved in this project, maybe you have a recipe idea for one of them as well, you can enter as many contests as you would like.

CraftyMamaof4 is looking for Smoothie recipes

OrganizerSandy is looking for cocktail recipes

Moms Favorite Stuff is looking for holiday recipes

Coupon Princess is looking for dessert/baking recipes

You can enter any or ALL of the above categories!

Along with the Dinner Party, Genesis Today is sponsoring a Social Media contest where the prize is $10,000!  Be sure to go check that out as well.

Rules:

You have three (3) different ways to enter the contest, and a comment here in this blog post is required for each method. You can enter all three ways, as long as you leave a comment for each one of them.

1. Do a blog post how you could use any of the three Genesis Today Juices in a meal (dinner). Link to http://www.genesisofagreatidea.com is a required.  Come back and leave a comment with your link.

2. Create a Whrrl story of shopping for your Genesis Today juices and your creative way to using it, use #genesistoday hashtag in your story. Come back and leave a comment with a link to your story.

3. Create a YouTube video of you shopping for the Genesis Today juices and creating a recipe idea. Add a link to this contest from your video description. Come back and leave a comment with a link to the video.

Fine Print
Contest ends at 25, November, 2009 by midnight CT. Winners will be selected by me based on the entry that in my opinion meets the above criteria.  Genesis Today or Collective Bias are not choosing the winner of this giveaway. Genesis Today and Collective Bias employees are ineligible to enter.  Entries that do not done by the entry requirements will not be considered. The winner will be notified and have 2 days to confirm receipt of the email. If no response is received within 2 days, another winner will be selected. Open to participants in the U.S. 18 years and older. Full disclosure: I received a three month supply of Genesis Today Juices to test them myself.