PR Reps: Do's and Don'ts When Reaching Out to a Blogger

Warning: I'd like to warn you before you start reading that this is a very opinionated post. You may want to turn back now. After a year and a half of blogging, I think it's quite overdue because some people just really don't get it.

Yes I am a blogger, but first and foremost I am a person.
I am a mother.
I am a wannabe wifey girlfriend
I am a sister.
I am a daughter.
I am a friend.

I am also a small business owner, so I understand both sides. If you don't have the budget, then you don't get to advertise. I live through it every day. But please...

• Do not reach out to bloggers and expect them to just post about your company.

It is rude to think that we just sit here and twiddle our thumbs all day. That is essentially what you are telling us when asking us to "introduce" your company or "spread the word" about a product or company. If I agreed to every request made of me, I wouldn't have time to take care of my house or my family. I already don't have enough time to balance blogging and jewelry making. Not to mention, would you work for free? I think not.

I know there is much controversy about "review bloggers" just getting "free stuff". This is so not true! We actually work writing the review and promoting a giveaway if applicable.

When reaching out to me {and even other bloggers because I know many feel this same exact way}

• Do be courteous and please address me and my blog
  
• Do not address me as someone else completely. That's a real turn off and I'll hit "delete".
• Do proposition me with something that is beneficial to us both. I'm sure you don't want to send me your product and not get a post about it just as we don't want to work for free.
• Do not constantly send over press releases and expect them to be published.
  
• Do not send a story idea or want us to post something and give the line "because I know how hard it is to find content for your blog". Most of us don't have a problem finding content for our sites and this line is actually quite insulting.
• Do not contact us asking to trade links. Ok, before you jump on me, hear me out. A blogger, I would be happy to trade links with. I have a special section on my blog just for that. But companies expect it too. Sorry, but that's advertising and that ad space isn't free!
  

That's all that I can think of for now. I will be doing another post soon on a similar subject.

I do have to add that I have worked with some very wonderful PR and companies alike. Your friendliness, helpfulness, professionalism and consideration is very appreciated. I just wish that the rest could learn by your example.

For more on this subject, check out "PR Gone Wild – and my attempt to tame the beast" at Eighty MPH Mom.

Winners 8/31

Congrats to the latest winners at Outnumbered 3 to 1. All winners have been notified and will have 72 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn!

My Pillow Pets Claimed

#100 sohamolina

Bizzimom's Planner Claimed

#123 Viva

Fur & Feathers Claimed

#3 Kristen

Jumpstart Get Moving Clamied

#74 Eileen

Grasshoppers Shoes - 2 Winners

#395 ConiSu

#74 aledol Claimed

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - 2 Winners Both claimed

#10 bigguysmama

#114 Kathy Rambousek

Carolina Pad Claimed

#88 Linda Kish

Sport-Brella Chair Claimed

#429 Swtlilchick

UPrinting Brochures Claimed

#6 Sandi

Citizenpip Starter Kit Review & Giveaway

School is just around the corner and will be here before you know it! I've got some great items to share that are on kids and moms must have lists!

About Citizenpip:

Inspired by the belief that making small changes in your daily habits can make a significant impact, Citizenpip® offers muck-free reusable lunch gear that makes it easy to pack a waste-free lunch.

Created by a mom of three who found herself packing and tossing out a few too many plastic baggies one day, Citizenpip® offers an easy alternative to the disposable lunch. By making it easy to pack a waste-free lunch, our goal at Citizenpip® is to encourage more families to ditch the disposables and go reusable.

And at Citizenpip®, waste-free goes hand in hand with muck-free - no lead, BPA, or phthalates. Who wants to worry about chemicals leaching into their food? Designed in California and responsibly manufactured in Asia, Citizenpip® products are tested by a CPSIA certified lab to be completely muck-free.

With a complete line of reusable, muck-free lunch gear and kits, Citizenpip® makes it fun for kids and easy for parents to ditch the disposables and go reusable. We hope Citizenpip® inspires families everywhere to make a small change and a huge impact.

Packing a lunch can sometimes be a challenge around here. You can only put so much in those little sandwich baggies and it's hard not to let them sandwich get squished. My little plastic containers always seem to be scarce around here so I never have them when I need them.

This year, I won't have that problem with Big Bro's lunches though. He just got the Sport Starter Kit from Citizenpip for his lunches. It comes with the lunch box as well as everything you need right inside. There's a square container perfect for sandwiches, 3 smaller containers and a stainless steel water bottle. The containers are even dishwasher and freezer safe!

Big Bro really likes the Sport Starter Kit and can't wait to use it at school. I can feel better knowing his lunch will still be normal looking and fresh when he gets there.

Connect:

Connect with Citizenpip on Facebook

Follow @Citizenpip on Twitter

Buy It!

You can buy the Starter Kit in your choice of design for $42. US readers can use coupon code outnumbered10 to receive 10% off your purchase!

The Giveaway

How would you like to win a Starter Kit of your choice? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to Citizenpip and tell me something else you'd like. This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" Citizenpip on Facebook - Feel free to let them know Outnumbered 3 to 1 sent you
  
• Follow @Citizenpip on Twitter
• Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to Outnumbered 3 to 1 by email or in a reader {1 entry for each}
  
• Become my Friend on Facebook, "Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or Follow me through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
• Post my button on your blog sidebar, leaving a link
• Add my url to your text blog roll, leaving a link
• Comment on any Non-Giveaway post and let me know which post you commented on {max 2 extra entries}
• Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
  
• Post this giveaway on a contest linky or contest site, put link to site in comment {1 entry for each giveaway site posted on, max 2 entries}
  
• Vote for Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Top Mommy Blogs {Must vote separately for each giveaway entered. Max of 1 entry per giveaway}
  
• Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post as well as the sponsor. Make sure to leave a direct link {4 Entries, commenting 4 times}
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a Starter Kit of your choice @Citizenpip @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until September 14th at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Contest Tuesday Giveaway Linky

Make sure to stop by every Tuesday for the Contest Tuesday contest linky where you can link up your contests and find great contests to enter.

Although it's not a requirement, it would be great if you could help spread the word about this contest linky by posting my button, tweeting, etc.

Don't forget to let me know if you have a contest linky too. Tell me the day you host it or if it's ongoing, as well as the url or button code and I will post your button or link in this listing of places to list your contests. There's quite a list compiled already, you might want to check it out.

Please enter your contest like this on the linky:

Outnumbered 3 to 1 - AJWright $50 GC 8/13

Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Hand Soap Review

About Pangea Organics:

Pangea Organics products are skillfully formulated to amplify hydration and support cellular regeneration by feeding the skin with the highest quality antioxidant nutrients, EFA-rich oils, and nourishing plant botanicals that nature has to offer. We take it a step further by using organic ingredients which contain 30% more antioxidants than their non-organic counterparts and leaving out all synthetics and petroleum-based chemicals. Your skin is your largest organ and may absorb as much as 80% of what you put on it. The idea is to nurture yourself while nourishing your skin. You deserve it! Pangea’s core values are based on the belief that the thing that makes a good product and a good company are one and the same: INTEGRITY – of product, performance, practices, people, planet, and purpose. That’s why we believing in creating products that are “Always Beneficial, Never Artificial”. Good for you. Good for every body.

ALWAYS: Nurturing, Handcrafted, Organic, Fair Trade (whenever possible), and Cruelty-Free
NEVER: Petroleum, Sulfates or Detergents, Synthetic Preservatives, Artificial Colors or Fragrances, or GMOs

Living in a house full of dirty boys, I have to keep soap on hand at all the sinks. They get so dirty, that sometimes I wonder if the dirt will actually come off!

I recently had the chance to try the Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Hand Soap from Pangea Organics. It's super foamy and smells wonderful. It works really great cleaning hands and leaves the soft and fragrant afterward. The bottle is actually pretty attractive sitting on the sink too!

Hand cream isn't the only thing that Pangea Organics carries. They have a wide variety of products including body wash. The Malagasy Ylang Ylang & Linden Flower body wash really caught my eye and I bet it smells divine!

Connect:

Connect with Pangea Organics on Facebook

Follow @PangeaOrganics on Twitter

Sign up for Pangea Organics Newsletter

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

30 Days of Truth: Day 9

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Some of my good friends from before I had kids. They moved, I moved or life just got in the way. After all these years, it just would never be the same I'm sure.

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

SeaPak, French Meadow Bakery and Farm Rich Review

The SeaPak Shrimp Company is the #1 retail brand within the frozen specialty seafood category. For 60 years, we've provided the highest quality, best-tasting shrimp. Quite simply, we're the shrimp experts. The SeaPak Shrimp Co. is known for its care and attention in choosing only the best shrimp for its retail and foodservice products.

My family recently tried Popcorn Shrimp from SeaPak. I'm not big on seafood, but all the guys are, so I let them do the tasting and the testing. Of course we had to deep fry them to get the ultimate experience! They all really enjoyed the Popcorn Shrimp. They said the breading was just right and the shimp was scrumptious.

Connect:

Check out the SeaPak blog.

Connect with SeaPak on Facebook.

Opened in 1985, French Meadow Bakery® is the longest continuously running certified organic bakery in the US. The bakery’s vision, to create a variety of delicious, innovative breads and sweets goods, blossomed into an extensive and award-winning line of baked goods known for their great taste, texture and functionality. French Meadow Bakery offers a line-up of organic and all-natural products including yeast-free, vegan, sprouted grain and Kosher Parve options in many forms including breads, tortillas, bagels and desserts. We are certified USDA Organic by Quality Assurance International. The founder’s passion for unique and trend-setting foods for all consumers still manifests itself in such popular products as Women’s Bread®, Men’s Bread®, Hemp Bread and Healthseed Spelt Bread®.

Since my house is full of boys, we tried the Men’s Bread from French Meadow Bakery. I did try it too and thought it was pretty good. The sandwiches I made with it tasted better than on regular white bread. I don't think the boys even noticed the difference or that they were eating something healthier. Since I'm trying to feed my family healthier foods, these breads will definitely be on my list. I'd like to try other flavors too as well as their bagels.

Connect:

Connect with French Meadow Bakery on Facebook.

Farm Rich® products have been setting the standard for delicious, easy-to-prepare food the whole family loves.

Farm Rich® foods taste like nothing else because they're made like nothing else – with 100% real ingredients like real cheese, high-quality meats and fresh vegetables. Our snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods are quick-frozen and carefully packaged so busy families can prepare great tasting food within minutes.

Farm Rich is a pretty well known name in my household as I've been buying their products for years. We've tried almost every kind and have really liked them all. The kids really love the French Toast Sticks {ok, maybe I do too, shh}.

I bought the cheese sticks this time and I have to say, they really are delicious! They taste much better than other brands that are at my local grocery store. The breading is totally perfect, not too much and not too little. These are definitely our preferred brand of frozen cheese sticks.

Connect:

Sign up for the Farm Rich Email Club.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Book Review: Damaged by Pamela Callow & Giveaway {CLOSED}

About Damaged:

How far are you willing to go to forget your past?

Haunted by the death of her sister, and wounded by her ex-fiance's accusations, Kate Lange throws herself into her new career at a high-powered law firm.

When the grandmother of a lonely private school student seeks her counsel, Kate thinks it's just another custody case. Until the teen is brutally murdered. And it isn't only Kate who wonders if her legal advice led to the girl's death.

How far are you willing to go to redeem yourself?

Put on notice by Randall Barrett, the firm's charismatic managing partner, Kate must fight for her career, for her reputation -- and for redemption.

Unwilling to live with the damage she has caused, Kate pursues the case on her own and unearths some chilling facts.

Facts that lead straight to the heart of a legal conspiracy.

Facts that lead Kate directly into the surgically-skilled hands of the Body Butcher.

My summer has been so busy that I really haven't been able to sit down and enjoy a really good read. There's always something else to do, something else going on around here.

I started reading Damaged about a month ago and got through the first 25 or so pages. Then it just sat there for almost the rest of the month, not out of boredom but because I simply did not have the time. {It's funny how we seem to take time for granted until we just do not have enough of it.}

Well lucky for me I just needed some "me" time last week. I decided to curl up with Damaged and finally try to finish it. I was so into it that I couldn't bear to put it down. I finished almost the whole thing by the end of that night, reading until my eyes were so heavy I just had to close them. I hurried up and finished it the next morning before everyone else got up!

Damaged was an excellent read, something I just couldn't put down. It was suspenseful and kept me on my toes wondering who done it and what would happen next. Pamela Callow has such a great writing style that her words just pull you in and make you feel like you're right there with the characters. In fact, I liked Kate's character so much that I can't wait to read Pamela's next book, Indefensible. Kate will be starring in that book too! It comes out in January of next year!

The storyline of Damaged was just crazy, what with body snatchers and murderers and all. It was even crazier when I finished and realized it was actually inspired by real events!

Connect:

Connect with Pamela Callow on Facebook

Follow @PamCallow on Twitter

Sign up for Pamela Callow's Newsletter

Buy It!

You can buy Damaged for $7.99 at Amazon.com

The Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of Damaged by Pamela Callow? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to Pamela Callow's website and tell me something you learned about her or a book you'd like to read. This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" Pamela Callow on Facebook - Feel free to let them know Outnumbered 3 to 1 sent you
  
• Follow @PamCallow on Twitter
• Sign up for Pamela Callow's newsletter
  
• Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to Outnumbered 3 to 1 by email or in a reader {1 entry for each}
  
• Become my Friend on Facebook, "Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or Follow me through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
• Post my button on your blog sidebar, leaving a link
• Add my url to your text blog roll, leaving a link
• Comment on any Non-Giveaway post and let me know which post you commented on {max 2 extra entries}
• Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
  
• Post this giveaway on a contest linky or contest site, put link to site in comment {1 entry for each giveaway site posted on, max 2 entries}
  
• Vote for Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Top Mommy Blogs {Must vote separately for each giveaway entered. Max of 1 entry per giveaway}
  
• Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post as well as the sponsor. Make sure to leave a direct link {4 Entries, commenting 4 times}
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a copy of Damaged by @PamCallow @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada until September 13th at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

30 Days of Truth: Day 8

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

Too many people to list. Everyone used to walk all over me. Then I gained confidence, a backbone and strong will to never let it happen again.

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

30 Days of Truth: Day 7

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

My boyfriend. He's shown me what family really means and given me a family that I have always needed. Him and my kids are my world and I couldn't imagine life without them.

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

30 Days of Truth: Day 6

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope I never have to bury one of my kids or their dad. I don't think I could bear it.

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

30 Days of Truth: Day 5

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

Do you want a list? Because there are a lot of things I want to do.

I want to travel.
I want to get married, wear a white dress and have one whole day revolve around just me.
Then I want to live happily ever after.
I want to make a full time income from my jewelry design.
I want to build my dream house and help do the work.
I want to watch my kids grow and succeed and make a life of their own.

See I told you I was a pretty simple person!

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

30 Days of Truth: Day 4

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

I have to forgive my mom for a million things. I'm just not sure that I am willing to. I have so many times before, and I'm sick of the anger and the hurt. I'm happier without her, but sadder in a sense too. I just wish she could love her kids and grand kids enough to change. If I saw an effort at least, I think I could try to forgive her.

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

Shox Scooter from Shred Sled Review

Shred Sled is a well known name in our household. We were lucky enough to get one to check out last year. That thing has stood the test of time, weight and fun! Every time people are around, someone is playing on that thing. The grown ups are the funniest though, especially when they can't get the hang of it. I'm going to have to take video one day just so you all can laugh your butts off!

Shred Sled recently launched a new product, the Shox Scooter. It's the first-ever active shock absorber scooter that allows riders to perform higher, faster, more awesome tricks. The shocks increase a rider’s speed and air-time.

My boys are really into scooters, bike sand skateboards, so when I had the chance to have them try the Shox Scooter out, I jumped on it! I knew they'd enjoy it and I knew they'd have so much fun riding it. Big Bro likes to do tricks and one of other scooters just does not handle it so well.

This one does though. It's meant for tricks. it's meant to jump on and do bunny hops. It's meant to take a beating, unlike other scooters on the market.

Big Bro was having a great time riding around on the sidewalk. He did a couple of tricks here and there, but i could never get an air shot. My camera is just too slow! So, I decided to take a video too.

Untitled from Mel Outnumbered on Vimeo.

As you can see, he really enjoys riding it and he's got the bunny hop thing down!

Connect:

Connect with Shred Sled on Facebook and @TheShredSled on Twitter.

Buy It!

You can buy the Shox Scooter for $59.99.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing while participating in a campaign through Team Mom. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Another Place to List Contests - Giveaway Scout

As you all know, I host a lot of giveaways here at Outnumbered 3 to 1. I'm always on the lookout for great places to list my contests so that they get the promotion they deserve. I recently found Giveaway Scout thanks to the wonderful and fantabulous Jennifer at Eighty MPH Mom. Giveaway Scout is a giveaway search engine and they're promoted on multiple channels as well as the blogs that include the widget. How's that for promotion? I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes!

Video Game Review - Let's Play Garden for Nintendo DS

About Let's Play Garden:

Have fun in your very own garden with all of your best friends! Will you catch butterflies or will you have a snowball fight? You choose! Enjoy crazy summer and winter activities. Invite your friends to help build and decorate a snowman with carrots, sticks and even buttons. Earn gold medals to unlock new and fun garden activities. Throw water balloons and try not to get splashed!

I've had some fun playing Let's Play Garden. Yep, you read that right, I've been playing!

There are lots of fun games to play like finding mushrooms to complete a puzzle and tomato fights. I think that's one of my favorites. You have to dodge them so your friends don't hit you and you can throw tomatoes back at them! You can have water fights with your friends too. That's another good one.

Let's Play Garden is a great game for all ages. We've had little kids here and they really had a great time playing it. My youngest enjoys it and I enjoy it. Yep, I think that covers all the ages!

Buy It!

Let's Play Garden is available from Deep Silver and can be purchased for $19.99 at Amazon.com

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Another way to learn: Digital learning

They are one lucky bunch! I refer to the present generation of tech savvy kids. They can click, tap, touch and swipe their way into learning and mastering skills ranging from multiplication to organizing and keeping track of their school schedules.

Welcome to the age of digital learning.

Our kids are learning so differently now. They have a wider spread to choose from. Besides the traditional methods, they are also using digital media to learn. With digital learning on the rise, researchers are curious about its impact on kids and learning. Many questions are popping up on their minds. What is the impact of technology and media on learning? Can children multi-task effectively? And does digital medium help or hurt learning and cognition?

While research in this area has just begun, one thing seems apparent. Digital learning is great since it can accommodate many types of learners. If your child learns better through audio visual cues, then the richness of digital media is a blessing. Smart phones, iPad, iPod touch, computer software, and virtual classrooms are all opening up a whole other world of options that never existed before.

If you’re a hip tech savvy parent and have a youngster, you know what I mean. Consider how the iPod touch has revolutionized learning. The iTunes store has excellent apps that teach concepts in a fun and very interactive setting. It’s likely that you’ve already explored some of these amazing products.

But as parents, you’re probably worried as to where all this is headed towards.

If you are concerned that your child will no longer cherish the feel of paper and enjoy the turn of a page, think a bit differently. Why must we fret that digital learning is going replace traditional tools? Instead why not see the learning table expanding its spread? Why not see digital medium as another option alongside books and other traditional methods rather than as a replacement?

This perspective will make sense when we are exploring multiple ways to teach concepts. Certain skills are best learned through interaction and immediate feedback. Apps and software provide this instant feedback, practice and more of self-directed learning which is particularly helpful for the reluctant learner.

Apps for the iPad and iPod are a great way for your child to learn and practice concepts and skills. Learn pre-reading skills, math skills or even practice telling time. The possibilities are endless. Developers and educational consultants are collaborating to come up with tools that will benefit your child.

We at Punflay, realizing the educational potential of the digital medium, have made it our vision to bring out educationally enhancing products for children. Take for example our latest offering- ABC Numbers HD - it combines pre-reading skills as well as basic number sense to help kids who are just starting preschool. Our Mathomatix: Number Sense is for the slightly older child; the app aims to reinforce basic number sense concepts in a very fun way.

We have been bringing to the table engaging apps which are value driven and aid the parents in teaching kids with a medium that is fascinating and involving.

Try an educational app with your child along with traditional pic­­­ture books and worksheets to round off the learning experience. Your child will be a winner!

Note: Do care to connect with us on Facebook.com/Punflay and follow us @punflaykids and share your thoughts on how digital medium and learning can go hand in hand.

This is a guest post, written by Punflay. I did receive compensation for posting this. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

30 Days of Truth: Day 3

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Oh man, there are a lot! I'm far from perfect, but aren't we all?

I guess I have to forgive myself for not being that 20 year old girl I think I still should be. I had kids. They took a toll on me. I'm older, I'm wiser, I'm fatter, but I'm still me in the end.

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

Wordless Wednesday - Hog Ties

Big Bro was bugging the other day for me to tie him up. Finally my little brother tied him when he got home from work. He somehow got out of that one, so I hog tied him. He was out of that in no time too!

Head over to Slice o' Heaven, Wordless Wednesday HQ and 5 Minutes for Mom for more Wordless Wednesday!

Box Tops for Education Prize Pack Review & $25 Target Gift Card Giveaway {CLOSED}

School is just around the corner and will be here before you know it! I've got some great items to share that are on kids and moms must have lists!

Us moms know that there's so much more to back to school shopping than just school supplies and new clothes. We need to make sure the refrigerator and pantry is stocked with all kinds of goodies for lunches and after school snacks. Sometimes I wonder if my kids really even eat at school because they're always so hungry when they get home. They assure me they do though. I guess all that brain power they use eats up every bit they get from their food.

Target is handing out bonus Box Tops when you purchase 5 or more participating General Mills, Avery, Hefty, Juicy Juice and Welch´s Box Tops for Education products between Aug. 15-28. That way you can get everything you need, plus earn more for the participating school of your choice!

You can get all of your back to school shopping done in one place at Target. They've got great deals on all of the Box Tops products too!


Head over to Grocery Savvy to print recipes and coupons so you can save money and collect Box Tops all at the same time!

The Giveaway

How would you like to win a prize pack including an Avery Binder, Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers Variety Pack, Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, Hefty CinchSak Trash Bags, Honey Nut Cheerios, Juicy Juice 8-Pack Juice Boxes (flavors may vary), Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Welch´s Concord Grape Jelly, as well as 25 Bonus Box Tops and a $25 Target gift card? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway tell me what items you will stock up on at Target to earn Bonus Box Tops. This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

• Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to Outnumbered 3 to 1 by email or in a reader {1 entry for each}
  
• Become my Friend on Facebook, "Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or Follow me through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
• Post my button on your blog sidebar, leaving a link
• Add my url to your text blog roll, leaving a link
• Comment on any Non-Giveaway post and let me know which post you commented on {max 1 extra entry}
• Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
  
• Post this giveaway on a contest linky or contest site, put link to site in comment {1 entry for each giveaway site posted on, max 2 entries}
• Vote for Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Top Mommy Blogs {Must vote separately for each
  giveaway entered. Max of 1 entry per giveaway}
  
• Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post as well as the sponsor. Make sure to leave a direct link {4 Entries, commenting 4 times}
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a $25 Target Gift Card & a General Mills Prize Pack including Bonus Box Tops @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until September 8th at 11:59 pm.

MyBlogSpark and general Mills provided me with products and a gift card. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Movie Review - Date Night DVD and 2 Copy Giveaway {CLOSED}

About Date Night:

Who knew simple dinner reservations under a different name could turn one New Jersey couple's date night so terribly upside-down? Claire (Tina Fey) and Phil (Steve Carell) Foster leave their kids with the sitter (Leighton Meester) and head out for a night on the town -- as the Tripplehorns. Shawn Levy (Just Married, Night at the Museum) directs this action-comedy; Mark Wahlberg and James Franco co-star.

I figured Date Night would be funny just because Steve Carell is in it. He's always good for a laugh. I popped Date Night in one night before bed, figuring it was probably more of a girlie movie and the Man would be snoozing before I knew it. Believe it or not, I fell asleep before he did, just from pure exhaustion. He told me in the morning that it was "funny as hell" and I should have stayed up to finish watching it.

So of course the next time I had time to sit and watch it {yeah, I don't have much of that lately it seems}, I made sure I watched the entire movie. I have one word for you, HILARIOUS! I laughed for like half the movie. It was just so funny. I may have even shed a tear or two from laughing so hard!

Just to let all you macho guys know, this is not a girlie movie one bit. It's got a great storyline and is one of the funniest movies I've seen this year. I give it two thumbs up because it's a definite must see!

Buy It!

You can buy Date Night on DVD for $19.49 or Date Night (Extended Edition) (With Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] for $26.99 at Amazon.com.

The Giveaway

How would you like to win your very own copy of Date Night on DVD? I have one to give away to two lucky contestants!

To enter the giveaway publicly follow this blog and tell me who you'd watch this with. This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

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• Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a copy of Date Night on DVD - 2 Winners! @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until September 7th at 11:59 pm.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

30 Days of Truth: Day 2

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

I love that I am a caring and thoughtful person. I am almost always thinking and doing for others. We'd live in a much better society if more people would be like that.

Want to create your own journey? Head on over to Angel Believes for 30 Days of Truth.

Contest Tuesday Giveaway Linky

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Don't forget to let me know if you have a contest linky too. Tell me the day you host it or if it's ongoing, as well as the url or button code and I will post your button or link in this listing of places to list your contests. There's quite a list compiled already, you might want to check it out.

Please enter your contest like this on the linky:

Outnumbered 3 to 1 - AJWright $50 GC 8/13

Other Giveaways Around the Bloggosphere:

Head over to Eighty MPH Mom, where you can win a $25 Sears Gift Card!