Straight No Chaser - Ticket Giveaway

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.

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

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.

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 30, 2010.

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

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Recess Monkey - The Final Funktier CD Giveaway

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 Leeds). 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.

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).

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Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights Interview and Giveaway

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:

*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 May 31, 2010.

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).

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.

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Wisk Giveaway and Pimp My Laundry Room Contest

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.)

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Disneyfamily.com Prizepack Giveaway

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.

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UPrinting.com Poster Giveaway

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.

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).

*Giveaway prize provided by UPrinting.com. They will also provide me with a blogger appreciation item.

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