Bouf Family Reviews

Choffy - Review and Giveaway

2011-01-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Debi9kids, IdahoJill, and Susanmeep. You have each won a sample of Choffy. Drink up!

I didn’t start drinking coffee until I was in my mid to late twenties. Possibly sometime around the time that I began having kids. I drank it at work to get myself through the day, but without the luxury of flavored creamers , I improvised by adding half a pack of sugar free cocoa mix to my cup of coffee. Mmmm caffeine, but oh so chocolatey. If only there was coffee that was just naturally more chocolatey. Recently, a fellow PSMM blogger, introduced me to Choffy.

CHOFFY is brewed chocolate. It is made from the finest organic cacão beans, roasted and ground for a rich full flavored drink. While it brews like coffee and supplies you with long lasting energy, Choffy promotes whole body wellness without the negative effects found in other drinks. Naturally loaded with antioxidants and a taste that will make you wonder how you ever did without it, Choffy is poised to make a dramatic entrance into your routine

I received a sample of Choffy beans to brew as well as the most "spectacular, scrumptious, to-die-for, I-might-possibly-kill-for" truffle infused with Choffy. Let me preface by adding that generally, I am NOT a desserty type person. I can easily say no to chocolates. I can assure you I would never say no to a Choffy Truffle.

Weeks later, I finally pulled out my Keurig adapter so that I could pour the Choffy beans right into my Keurig brewer. I was so happy to note the exact same rich taste as the truffle. Choffy is unsweetened so you add sweetener and cream to taste. I used two packets of splenda and skim milk. I’d probably use 1 packet of sweetener next time. I noticed the color of the Choffy was more milk colored than chocolately looking, but the rich chocolate taste was definitely present. I would bet that brewing a whole pot of Choffy as opposed to one cup would likely darken the appearance as well.

I’d definitely buy more Choffy and I guarantee the truffles would satisfy any chocolate lover. I felt great after I drank it (which is saying a lot since I was on my way to bring my kids to a crazy bouncy place by myself). You can check out the various Choffy products and place an order to try it yourself at www.drinkchoffy.com/smile

AND

Enter for a chance to win one of three Choffy samples

(enough to brew 1 pot of Choffy):

*1 comment = 1 entry. Go to town - enter as many times as you'd like
*5 more entries for followers of this review site.

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

If you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).Please leave a separate comment for each entry type.

This giveaway will close on January 22, 2011(11:59pm).

Winners will be selected randomly by Random.org.

Merry Christmas from Dunkin' Donuts and The Other Boufs

2010-12-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our winner, Ashley, selected randomly via random.org (1-25>3).

Dunkin Donuts knows how to celebrate the holidays! Each Wednesday night, after gymnastics, my 5yo loves to stop in at Dunkin Donuts to pick a holiday/seasonally themed donut...(or strawberry frosted as a last resort). They had a fun promotion for Halloween and are coming through again just in time for Christmas.

Coffee tends to be a gift of choice in the extended Bouf family and I also love to treat our kids' teachers and coaches with giftcards. To help brighten the holidays, Dunkin Donuts is providing one of our readers two “10 for $10” coupons books (10 medium hot coffee’s for $10), one 1 lb. of Dunkin’ Donuts packaged coffee, and two of the in-demand Dunkin’ Donuts winter fleece hats that made their debut at this year’s NY ING Marathon. The coupons hold no expiration date.

The coupon books are valued at $30 retail price and they hit participating stores on November 29^th, 2010, and are only available while supplies last...so hurry in to pick some up. They make for great stocking stuffers and holiday gifts. Dunkin’ Donuts is also promoting their “4 for $19.99” packaged coffee deal in stores, and with this giveaway a lucky reader will get to sample the great taste of Dunkin’ Donuts at home with 1 lb. of their own.

Enter for a chance to win the Dunkin's Donuts Holiday Giveaway (2 "10 for $10 coupon books"-no expiration, 1lb. of packaged coffee and 2 winter fleece hats):

*1 comment

Publish Post

= 1 entry. Go to town - enter as many times as you'd like

*5 more entries for followers of this review site.

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

If you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).Please leave a separate comment for each entry type.

This giveaway will close on December 24, 2010 (11:59pm).
Winner will be selected randomly by Santa.

I received nothing for hosting this giveaway except a craving for a mocha latte and visions of red and green frosted donuts dancing in my head.

Chex Mix - Prize Package Giveaway

2010-12-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our winner, Cheryl F., selected randomly via random.org (1-15>9).

Once upon a time, right out of college, I lived in North Jersey with my BFF - My BFF that I had known since Kindergarten... but she had been holding out on me. She waited 17 years to enlighten me on the existence of Chex Party Mix. She whipped it up one day and I've been a fan ever since. We regularly buy the bagged Chex Mix, but it's just not the same as baking it homemade.

Years later, I had another earth shattering experience (yes, I talk about food this way). At my sister-in-law's for a visit, she shared a concoction with me that I assumed was a secret family recipe. It was made lovingly by my niece with chocolate and peanut butter, something crunchy in the middle, and sprinkled with confectioner sugar. Myum, yum, yum. Wouldn't you know, I just found a recipe that is strikingly similar on the side of a new box of Rice Chex cereal?

For decades, savvy home cooks have been using crunchy Chex^® cereal as the starting point for their family-favorite party mix recipes. Many Chex^® Party Mix recipes can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes and call for ingredients you already have in your pantry. From holiday gatherings to impromptu get-togethers, Chex^® Party Mix provides a snack idea that will impress your guests in no time.

Whether you’re looking for sweet or salty, Chex^® Party Mix has something to offer every taste bud, making it the perfect go-to snack for entertaining this holiday season. Four gluten-free varieties of Chex cereal help ensure that even party guests with gluten restrictions can enjoy Chex^® Party Mix recipes like the NEW Chex Lemon Buddies! Remember Multi-Bran and Wheat Chex are not gluten-free.

Visit your local Walmart to find free recipe cards for Chex Lemon Buddies as well as the new Chex Apple Pie Snack Mix and Tex Chex^® Party Mix recipes! The blend of flavors in the new homemade mixes will help you create irresistible new favorites and wow your crowd!

GIVEAWAY:
1 winner will receive a prize package that includes 1 box of Rice Chex cereal, a plastic measuring cup set, and a canvas Chex Mix Tote Bag.

Giveaway will close at 11:59pm on 12/17/10.

To enter:

Required Entry

Leave me a comment sharing your favorite Chex Mix recipe, what new recipe would you most like to try, or your favorite Chex Mix memory/family tradition.

Optional Additional Entries

1) 5 entries for followers of this blog

2) Leave a relevant comment on any post at my main blog The Other Boufs. (1 comment per post)

3) Tweet this giveaway. Include my handle @JulieBouf, a link to this post and #myblogspark

*Disclosure: Product information and Giveaway were provided by General Mills via MyBlogSpark.com

PictureItPostage Review, Coupon and CASH giveaway

2010-11-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

When I had children I became a narcissist. I probably was before then. But with children, the casual Christmas card (maybe I will/maybe I won't) mentality metamorphosized into a unique opportunity to blast the cuteness of my kids to 60+ of my closest friends and family. And to share Christmas joy, of course.

For five years, I've printed or ordered my custom cards. I've printed my own address labels and headed to the post office for sheets of holiday stamps.

But this year, The Motherhood and PictureItPostage whispered into my ear..."Create it and they will come...." So, with their encouragement and sponsorship I headed over to PictureItPostage.com. and I'm now patiently waiting for my personalized stamps to be sent straight to my mailbox.

My picture uploaded to the site in seconds. I had already jazzed up one of my recent vacation pictures, but the site also includes some basic editing software in case you need to make some last minute tweeks. With the touch of a button you get to see what your custom stamp will look like.

Not too shabby, huh? I'll admit, I did have some initial technical issues in getting my order placed, but the e-mail address and phone number for technical questions was easy to find. It could have been a browser issue. I was intially using Internet Explorer 8.0 and had a problem checking out, but I switched over the Firefox and didn't have a single issue. Additionally, there is free "designer" software available for download on the website which allows you to place an order on your computer without having to go online.

If you'd love to jazz up your own holiday cards, you can use the promo code MOTHERHOOD to get $4.00 of any order until January 31, 2011.The best part is, if you place an order using this promo code by December 15, 2010 you'll be entered to win a giveaway for a $500 prize! (See rules below).

And seriously, what grandparent wouldn't love to receive a holiday gift featuring their cherubic grandchildren? Or, surprise your friends or siblings with stamps featuring pics of their kids or pets for a holiday surprise...

OFFICIAL RULES
1. PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia™ is conducting a $500 prize giveaway. All PictureItPostage customers who enter code “MOTHERHOOD” upon checkout for purchases made on PictureItPostage.com from November 17, 2010 through December 15, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time will be entered to win one (1) $500 cash prize giveaway.
2. One (1) winner will be selected at random on December 20, 2010 by PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia, or DYMO Endicia’s designee. Odds of winning will be determined by the total number of eligible entries received. Winner need not be present at drawing to win. Winner will be notified by phone or mail no later than December 31, 2010. Entry into contest constitutes entrant’s permission for Endicia to contact entrant for sales and marketing purposes.
3. The prize package consists of one (1) $500 cash prize.4. Contest is open only to PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia customers who are legal U.S. residents 21 years of age or older except employees of DYMO Endicia, its affiliates, subsidiaries, sales representatives, distributors, or advertising and promotion agencies and the immediate families and household members of each of the above. Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited by law.
5. No prize substitutions allowed except that DYMO Endicia reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if an advertised prize becomes unavailable. All taxes on prizes are winner’s responsibility.
Sponsor: PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia, a Newell Rubbermaid company, Palo Alto, CA

Dunkin' Donuts - Spooktacular Halloween Giveaway

2010-10-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winner, Mami2jcn, selected randomly via random.org (1-99>76).

Tis the season for Halloween galas, longer days (*yes, I know they're actually "shorter", but I am writing from the parent's perspective), and whiny children. Ok, maybe that last part is just me (...it's been a long weekend). I am so excited to be able to giveaway this fun and snazzy Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag, care of Dunkin' Donuts.

Sadly, I don't have one of these nifty bags to sample for myself - but I can say with much authenticity that I have sampled most products available from Dunkin' Donuts and I'd be delighted to win a Halloween Trick-or Treat bag containing a second bag, a one pound bag of coffee, and a $31 gift card to Dunkin' Donuts...(get it? 31...the 31st...?)

Think of the possibilities. Hoard it for yourself and get a yummy latte every day on your way to work. Celebrate the season with your family and treat them to some spookily decorated desserts. I happened to be in a store this past week and saw the posters for the Halloween themed donuts and munchkins. Seriously, they are every ~~mom's~~ kid's dream come true.

By the way - these Trick-or-Treat bags are new to Dunkin' Donuts-they won't even hit stores until October 18th. They'll come free with purchase of a 50-count box of munchkins or a 1 dozen box of donuts. I know what we'll be bringing to our friend's Halloween Party this Saturday ;)

Enter for a chance to win the Dunkin's Donuts Trick-or-Treat bag pictured above:

*1 comment = 1 entry. Go to town - enter as many times as you'd like

*5 more entries for followers of this review site. (you can just leave one comment letting me know you're a follower)

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

This giveaway will close on October 23, 2010.

I received nothing for hosting this giveaway except a craving for a mocha latte and visions of orange frosted donuts dancing in my head.

77kids Gives Back - Operation Gratitude

2010-08-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Two months ago, I (and 76 other bloggers) was approached by 77kids and themotherhood.com, to participate in a remarkable project. Instead of just promoting the opening of new 77kids Stores across the country, 77kids took the opportunity give back. In 11 different cities, 7 bloggers were asked to research, organize, promote, and execute a community service project of their choosing. I was lucky enough to ultimately join ranks with Liz Thompson of This Full House, Bay of Queen Mother Blog, Monica Brand of Paper Bridges, and Shannon Entin of Mom Improvement (and of course Cooper and Emily of TheMotherhood).

Our fearless leader Liz quickly shared her knowlege of Operation Gratitude, an organization near and dear to her heart, thanks to her brother's commitment to the United States Air Force. We set up camp at the Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, NJ on July 15th to engage the public in writing thank you cards to our enlisted and veteran troops.

We doled out some goodies to reel in the do gooders

and tacked up our sign at the childrens' art station.

We were amazed at the eagerness and creativity of all the kids and adults who stopped at our "Gratitude Station."

Our littlest helpers got a thank you goodie bag.

And the grownups got 77kids store coupons, a $1bill, and a list of 7 good things to do for free and 7 good things to do for $1.

The kids were proud to put their finished products in our Operation Gratitude message box

and even more excited to get their faces painted by Liz's talented daughters (I know Katie was)!!

The 77kids Yummobile made an appearance and gave away extra nifty goodies like silly bandz and blow pops.

And Katie even auditioned for a commercial (knight costume not required)

Katie and I had a terrific day helping 77kids and themotherhood.com to "Do Good."

And I was inspired and amazed by my new bloggy BFF's ;)

(Liz, Monica, me, Shannon, and Bay)

(I was compensated for my participation with 77kids Do Good Day - sponsored by 77kids and themotherhood.com)

Straight No Chaser - Ticket Giveaway

2010-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winner, Wendy, selected randomly via random.org (1-14>6). Update: Wendy was unable to attend. Michele Schiffer was selected as the new contest winner. Congrats Michele!!!

Top 5 Reasons To Go See “Straight No Chaser”

5. They have a great collective sense of humor and it comes through very well in their show. From their comedic playfulness during some of their songs to their audience participation stints, they’re funny.

4. You can play the slots afterwards.

3. You can bring your grandparents AND your kids.

2. TEN men, many single, with only a stage drop and 300 60 to 70 year old women in your way.

1. They’ve got incredible voices and are thoroughly entertaining.

Straight No Chaser’s gig at Harrah’s in Atlantic City is a “Through the Ages: With a Twist” performance, showcasing hits from the 50’s through today, with a unique twist. Their voices are smooth and engaging and I particularly enjoyed John Lennon’s “Come Together” … which has been a favorite ever since Aerosmith covered it on the Armageddon soundtrack. While the timing of the show was perfectly suited for the many grandparents and kids in the audience, I really wish it had been longer. I know. But I LOVE this stuff and I loved the show. I would have preferred some more full length current songs. You can hear clips from some great ones on their website and I was a little disappointed they didn’t sing the same playlist live.

If you liked these clips, even a little bit, you'll LOVE seeing them live.

Enter for a chance to win 2 FREE tickets to the Friday 7/30 Harrah's Atlantic City 8pm performance:

(Tickets will be left at the Box Office for you as Will-Call. Must present ID):

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested.
*Earn another entry for visiting sncmusic.com and leave me a comment telling me your favorite track.
*5 more entries for followers of this review site.
*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

If you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).Please leave a separate comment for each entry type.

This giveaway will close on July 27, 2010.

I was provided 2 concert tickets and an opportunity to interview the group. My interview rocked. I am the best most professional interviewer ever. You really don't want to miss it. Click here now.

Yo Gabba Gabba! There's a Party in My City! PhiladelphiaTicket Giveaway

2010-06-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winner, Heather of Girl Gone Mom, selected randomly via random.org (1-52>28-your following on Twitter entry was the winner).

Have you heard the giddy screams of toddlers and pre-schoolers everywhere? Ok, probably not...but in a real life scene perfectly mirroring the "Have you Heard About Hugo and Kim?" scene from Bye Bye Birdie - I saw the blogger forum pages take off like wildfire at the announcement that Yo Gabba Gabba! was about to tour...and maybe to a city near you. Of course, I added fuel to the fire with my not so tech-savvy friends. I ran from cube to cube to proclaim the news to my fellow mommy co-workers (we'll ignore the fact that the dads and parents of teenagers were either rolling their eyes or laughing at me). I phoned and e-mailed my family and friends until my fingers needed rest. This is the concert event of the summer. (Ahem...I will even be ending my Aerosmith concert weekend early to get back in time for Yo Gabba Gabba!) This, my friends, is dedication. Or fanaticism.

It's funny really, my introduction to Yo Gabba Gabba! was via a conversation with my sister after her vacation in the late summer of 2007. In her recap, she stopped to exclaim, "And have you seen that crazy new show that's on? As soon as I saw it I made the kids turn it off...it's awful." Her kids had found it on the hotel tv while away. Intrigued as to what had caused such a stir, I tuned in myself...and laughed - because I loved it. I loved the lessons. I loved that the characters used proper speech and did more than blink. And I love the music. The songs throughout the show, the focus on teaching about instruments, and guest musicians. Loved it! (And I think she realized it was pretty great along the way, too).

If you or your youngun's are fellow fanatics - you may want to check if Yo Gabba Gabba will be visiting a city near you.

But - if you are one of the very fortunate who live in the Delaware Valley - or a roadie who plans to follow the tour from city to city, I am happy to announce that they will be performing at the Mann Music Center on August 29th:

Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road with YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! to play to enthusiastic fans in Philadelphia. Today’s hottest live show for families will be at the Mann Center on August 29^th for two shows. YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is produced by S2BN Entertainment in association with Wildbrain Entertainment and The Magic Store and promoted by AEG Live & The Mann Center.

Champions on the stage and in the community, the Gabba Gang will partner with Habitat for Humanity to further their homebuilding efforts in Philadelphia. In addition, $1 from every ticket sold for YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! in Philadelphia will be donated to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

Tickets are on sale now. VIP packages with premium tickets and meet and greets will also be available. For complete tour, ticket information and VIP packages, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com. Children under one year of age will be admitted free to sit on a parent’s lap.

Enter for a chance to win 2 FREE tickets to the 8/29 Mann Music Center 5:30pm performance
(This is a Sunday night):

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested.

*5 more entries for followers of this review site.

*Extra entries for following @yogabbagabba on Twitter and/or likeing Yo Gabba Gabba on Facebook.

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

This giveaway will close on July 30, 2010.

I was provided concert tickets for my family and 2 tickets to giveaway.

Recess Monkey - The Final Funktier CD Giveaway

2010-06-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winner, Sandy, selected randomly via random.org (1-22>17).

Do you have a math and science whiz on your hands? Does your little one dream about space? Is the term goofball used a lot at your house? Does your kid dig a cool jive? I might have to recommend Recess Monkey's "The Final Funktier" to them.

Katie loves getting new music as much as I do and was thrilled to listen to "The Final Funktier" as soon as we received our preview copy. Unfortunately, we didn't get to listen to the whole CD for quite a while - because she loved the first song so much that she played it over and over again for several dance sessions. Finally, I popped it into the car CD player and we giggled and bopped our way through the entire CD.

Since this was our first experience hearing Recess Monkey, I'm not sure if the band 'o teachers' various CD's have a similar sound or the space age sound quality was especially produced for this science and space themed project. But it was cool. To quote my 5yo. Personally, I thought it was funky. Hmm, music derived to suit title or title just particularly harmonious? After we listened to it the entire car ride to our friends' house, Katie was eager to share the music with her friend on the next leg of our trip.

Recess Monkey will be performing in the Philly area on July 18th. Part of the WXPN XPoNential Festival, on the Camden Waterfront, Recess Monkey will perform at 3pm. (After our good friend Joanie Leed s). I am extremely bummed that I won't be able to attend the festival, but I am thrilled to be able to offer a reader their own copy of "The Final Funktier."

To enter:

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested.

*5 more entries for followers of this review site.

*Give me some comment love on my main blog, and I'll throw in an extra entry for each comment.

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

This giveaway will close on July 9, 2010.

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights Interview and Giveaway

2010-05-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winner, Lynette, selected randomly via random.org (1-29>25).

This past Saturday, our family got to see Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights perform live at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. We listened to the band's newest CD "I'm a Rockstar" on the way to the concert and the kids couldn't help but dance in their carseats the whole way there.

It's no surprise that the CD has been awarded a Parents' Choice Gold Award. As I listened to the first song, I thought to myself, "Wow, this is really a CD for me parading as music for the kids"... sort of like how I convinced Katie that the soundtrack of "Wicked" is really her music. But Katie was thrilled to find out that the band's repertoire also includes the cumpulsory "freeze dance" and "en espanol" songs.

The original songs on Joanie's second CD for kids vary in tempo and musical genre. So really, there's something for everyone. And I love that it exposes kids to so many varied types of musical influence so that they can be the ones to decide the type of music they like best. Katie is a huge fan of "I'm a Rockstar" and "Popcorn," but I have to admit I really enjoyed the witty "The Elf":

The cowbell was a huge hit with all of the kids in the crowd and, as a parent, my advice for the band would be to sell some cowbells after the show ... so that my daughter doesn't have to charm poor Joanie into letting her have her display cowbell. Thank goodness we were last in line.

After the show, we purchased a copy of the Joanie Leeds' first kid CD "City Kid." Personally, I think I prefer the first CD, but only because I genuinely just love the sound of her voice and appreciated her rendition of some kids' classics (along with more originals).

Joanie made herself available to graciously meet everyone in the audience after the show and even gave Katie a little VIP treatment by allowing Katie to try her hand at her first ever on-camera interview.

If you're in the Philly area and you missed Saturday's show, you're in luck because Joanie Leeds will be back in our area on June 5, 2010 to perform 2 sets at the Philadelphia Zoo during their Sunset Safari (special evening hours from 4pm-8pm). And Joanie, if you're taking requests, PLEASE play "Ice Cream"!!! on the 5th.

PLUS - Joanie provided me with a signed copy of "I'm a Rockstar" to giveaway to a reader.

To enter:

This giveaway will close on May 31, 2010.

Tickets to Saturday's concert were provided to me by the band. I also received a digital download of the CD. My opinions can not be bought and I and my daughter are genuinely 2 of the band's biggest fans after seeing their fun and lively performance.

Wisk Giveaway and Pimp My Laundry Room Contest

2010-03-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winner, IdahoJill, selected randomly via random.org.

It just so happens that Wisk is our family's go to detergent. It's the only one we've bought for years. There are cheaper alternatives, but it smells great and works wonders. So I was thrilled to find out about their Pimp My Laundry Room contest and given the opportunity to offer a bottle of Wisk HE to my readers.

It's not too late to enter my giveaway or Wisk's cool contest. I'll be editing my video later tonight and sharing soon!

PIMP MY LAUNDRY ROOM^SM, PLEASE!

We spend an estimated 300 hours doing laundry each year (more possibly for you moms!)…that’s a lot of time to spend in a room that tends to be lackluster. Why do we banish our laundry rooms to the basement or hide them off the hallways? Well, Wisk says no more! We’re giving one lucky winner a professionally styled, total laundry room makeover, complete with a brand new Whirlpool® High Efficiency washer/dryer set, a year’s supply of Wisk® HE laundry detergent, and a guest spot on a special episode of TV’s Designing Spaces scheduled to air this summer! Hello, fifteen minutes of fame … here YOU come! And if you don’t win, but are still a Finalist, you win a year’s supply of Wisk HE detergent!

Just enter a short video here at http://www.laundryhe.com/contest, telling us why you deserve a laundry room makeover and we could be on your doorstep with our partners-in-design, Whirlpool’s DreamLaundry® Solutions team and Emily Johnston, owner of the interior design firm EJ Interiors and founder of the home design site, Materials Girls Blog. Together, they will take your laundry room from drab to fab in no time!

Don’t get stuck in the spin cycle … entry period is from March 1 – 29, 2010 and we can’t wait to hear from you! The top Finalists will be featured on LaundryHE.com from April 12 – 19 and the Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by popular ballot so be sure to get your friends and family online and voting! Even better, a vote is an automatic entry to a sweepstakes for a year’s supply of Wisk HE laundry detergent.

To spread the word about the contest Wisk is offering a bottle of Wisk HE laundry detergent to wone of my readers.

To enter:

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested.

*Get 4 for more entries (for a total of 5) for telling me your best laundry tip.

*5 more entries for followers of this review site.

*20 entries for creating a video submission to the contest and leaving me a link to your video.

*Give me some comment love on my main blog, and I'll throw in an extra entry for each comment.

*Feel free to tweet as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

This giveaway will close on Tuesday, March 30th.

PLEASE, if you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).

This post was sponsored by Wisk and Pimp my Laundry Room Contest. I will receive 2 bottles of Wisk HE, one to keep and one to giveaway and the awesome opportunity to enter this contest (which I intend to win - so be forewarned.)

Disneyfamily.com Prizepack Giveaway

2010-03-10T18:33:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to our winner, CZiegler. You were picked randomly, by me, since you were the only entry.

Moms, Find Your Inner Beauty and Outer Glow with Disney Family.com

I'm a big fan of the Disney Family.com website. I look forward to the my e-mail updates filled with great parenting advice and family ideas, from crafts to recipes. I will admit I often read them, think they're awesome and then forget about them because I'm so short on time.

To help moms who are short and time and money find their inner beauty & outer glow, Disney Family.com recently added new beauty-related content to their site in the Makeover Mom section, including how to build a better wardrobe, how to make the most of drugstore makeup, three steps to beautiful skin, and more. They are also hosting a Mom’s Makeover Madness Sweepstakes for a chance to win a glamorous trip to LA for you and a girlfriend!

To spread the word about the new beauty resource, Disney Family.com is offering one reader a beauty must-have kit! Included in a Family.com branded makeup tote are a sleep mask, mini manicure set and Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy candle (approximately a $60 value.)

Year round, you can visit Disney Family.com for parenting advice, travel ideas, recipes and more.

To enter:

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested.

*Get 4 for more entries (for a total of 5) for telling me how you make the most of “me time” or let me know your biggest indulgence when it comes to pampering yourself.

*5 more entries for followers of this review site.

*Give me some comment love on my main blog, and I'll throw in an extra entry for each comment.

*Feel free to tweet as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

This giveaway will close on Friday, March 19th.

PLEASE, if you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).

This post was sponsored by Disney Family.com. I received nothing except the excitement of telling my friends that I have something from Disney Family.com to giveaway.

UPrinting.com Poster Giveaway

2010-03-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our winner, CZiegler, selected randomly via random.org.

Make your walls stand out! UPrinting.com would love you to check out their site and all of the products they offer to print online. One winner will get to try their poster printing for free by winning an opportunity to showcase a favorite photo or artwork.

One winner will receive a free 18x24 Poster Print
(High Gloss or Semi Gloss; 1 Business Day Turnaround; FREE UPS Ground Shipping; Limited to US Residents only)

To enter:

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested.

*Get 4 for more entries (for a total of 5) if you tell me what picture or piece of artwork you'd love to make into a poster.

*5 more entries for followers of this review site.

*Give me some comment love on my main blog, and I'll throw in an extra entry for each comment.

*Feel free to tweet as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

General Mills Cereal Giveaway

2010-01-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our winner Christina of The Nifty Thrifty Homemaker selected randomly via random.org!

We buy a LOT of cereal at The Other Boufs household. Myself, I'm not the biggest fan. Too many torrid childhood flashbacks of being forced to drink the leftover warm too sweet milk, I suppose. I usually eat cereal as more of a dry snack food (Hel-LO Cookie Crisps and Reese's Puffs.)

However, the rest of the family is another story. Chris eats cereal almost ever morning. He likes to mix granola with various cereals such as Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The kids were introduced to solids with Cheerios and have maintained a passion for cereal: for breakfast, for a tv snack, in the car, or out and about. They love it with milk, without milk. It amazes me. Once we were out of milk and Katie even requested to eat it with apple juice. She loved it! And I love it because it's quick to prepare AND has many of the vitamins that (ahem) some of their other meals may be lacking in.

Once we moved past the original Cheerios (although still a favorite) - Cinnamon Toast Cruch, Trix, and Lucky Charms became favorites. And don't even get me started about Cookie Crisp. My 4 year old thought they were the equivalent of manna from heaven. To be honest though, I'm not a brand name hound and have been just as quick to pick up the store-brand equivalent, if available. I have also found some at my Shoprite that are made without any corn syrup. When we're at our local warehouse store, though, it's name brand only. And frankly, while I still have an ingrained-since-childhood belief that it tastes better, I have been concerned about the sugar.

That's why I was THRILLED to find out that:

General Mills recently announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.

Also, ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters.

Other cereal benefits:

Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets.
Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child’s diet today.
More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.

For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness .

Right now if you visit here you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals.

And...1 winner will receive 2 coupons for 1 FREE box of any General Mills cereal (up to $6.00 value & Not good on twin or triple pack cereals; Exp 12/31/2010) to help your family come together at the breakfast table every morning.

That's 2 Free boxes of cereal!

Winner will be announced/notified on 2/3/2010. You will have 2 days to respond with your mailing address.

To enter:

Required Entry

Leave me a comment sharing your family's favorite General Mills cereal, your family's breakfast routine or how you come together for meals. Include your e-mail address for notification if I can't contact you via your comment.

Optional Additional Entries

1) Become a follower of this review blog (current followers will get addl entry as long as you leave required comment above) (1 entry)

2) Leave a relevant comment on any post at my main blog The Other Boufs.
(1 entry per comment left between 1/26/10 1:30 PM Est to 2/2/10 11:59 PM Est; 1 comment per post)

3) Tweet this giveaway. Include my handle @JulieBouf & a link to this post.

*Disclosure: General Mills provided me with $1 coupon link, VIP coupons for 4 free boxes of cereal (of which I am giving away 2) and information through MyBlogSpark.

$25 BJ's Giftcard Giveaway

2010-01-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER
DEBI OF WHO SAYS 8 IS ENOUGH?
SELECTED RANDOMLY VIA RANDOM.ORG

We are wholesale club shoppers at The Other Boufs. It marries my great loves of shopping and hoarding into one exhilerating experience. In fact, if we moved everything from our pantry and garage into our basement, we'd likely be able to survive any emergency.

We have been wholesale club shoppers for about 5 years, but we had never had the opportunity to check out BJ's before. In comparison to our other club, I thought it was laid out a little more like an actual grocery store, especially by the food items. I loved that they accept manufacturer coupons.

In regards to items stocked, most items seemed to be the same as our other wholesale club, but with a few nice surprises. We were thrilled to see that they carried the brand of printer ink we needed (Brother). We also found Logitech webcams cheaper than anywhere else. Oh yes, that means I now have the ability to vlog. Brace yourselves. My husband squealed in excitement to find out they sell Nutella in supersize jars. But the best part is that they aren't "too" supersize. They are really perfectlysized. We were suprised to find a greeting card section. They even have their own travel agency and have been sending me daily reminders of the amazing deals they have available for cruises. Our only complaint in terms of products is that they don't appear to sell a store-brand, which we find to be a must-have for diapers and wipes. I also wish that we had a local BJ's just a little bit closer to our home.

BJ's has been adding new products to their shelves including some delectable General Mills products such as:

Nature Valley Nut Clusters - 100% Natural, bite-sized clusters with granola, nuts and a touch of honey - and a resealable package which makes it great for sharing
Progresso High-Fiber Soups - This 6-pack of soup is a great way to get your fiber with the great taste you know and love from Progresso
Green Giant Complete Skillet Meal - A convenient and great tasting solution for a quick and delicious dinner for the family
Pillsbury "Big Deluxe" Chocolate Chip Tub - Perfect for entertaining or as an everyday treat

We know that chocolate chip cookie tub intimately.

And so that you can run out for your very own Pillsbury cookie dough tub as soon as possible, General Mills and BJ's Wholesale Club will provide a $25 BJ's Giftcard to one reader.

To enter:

Required Entry

Visit the BJ's Wholesale Club homepage and then leave me a comment here telling me 1 of the following:

What items you would love to stock-up on at BJ´s?

Why you feel shopping at BJ´s will help you save on your next shopping trip?

How much you think you´ll save?

What was the most surprising item that you found at the club?

Optional Additional Entries

1) Become of a follower of this review blog (1 entry)

2) Leave a relevant comment on any post at my main blog
The Other Boufs.
(1 entry per comment left between 1/9/10 11:00 AM Est to 1/11/10 12:00 PM Est; 1 comment per post)

3) Tweet the following:

@JulieBouf RT I entered the $25 BJ's Giftcard Giveaway at The Other Boufs Reviews http://bit.ly/7XRnmd

(1 entry per day until 1/11/10 12pm Est-please leave comment here with tweet info)

*Disclosure: BJ´s Wholesale Club and General Mills provided me with a free trial membership, gift card, coupons and information through MyBlogSpark