Kelly Ripa and Electrolux are joining forces once again to celebrate the launch of Electrolux Appliance’s new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer – that’s right, the familiar duo has split up. The new Counterparts provide much-needed additional space for busy families, better temperature control and they’re eco-friendly, too.

Kelly Ripa  and Stephen Bruce “The Emperor of Ice Cream”, owner and founder of Serendipity 3, the landmark New York City restaurant and dessert spot have also teamed up to make banana splits for a cause.  Starting today, at www.Kelly-Confidential.com, you can build your ultimate banana split using virtual ingredients from classic whipped cream to caramel sauce to rainbow sprinkles.

Help Support A Great Cause And Be A Winner

 For each "split", Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund as part of its $750,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer. Plus, you’ll be entered for a chance to win the daily prize, $50 toward sweet summer treats, AND the grand prize – the ultimate kitchen "split" – the new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer from Electrolux.

Good Luck!

(Click The Logo To Learn More About The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund)

Disclaimer: Electrolux and MomSelect have come together to offer one lucky blogger the chance to win their very own stand-alone refrigerator and freezer. By sharing the information in this post I am entered to win. (Please cross your fingers for me – as my fridge is on its last days).  No monetary exchange took place.

     Radio Flyer is celebrating the beginning of summer by launching the World’s Largest Wagon Mosaic. Simply capture your families’ Radio Flyer moments on camera and go to www.RadioFlyerArt.com to add your photo and help the legacy of the little red wagon live on!

About Radio Flyer

Since 1917, the famous little red wagons by Radio Flyer have been a favorite of families and kids everywhere. Boasting more than a dozen award-winning wagon models and a complete line of tricycles, scooters, and other ride-ons, Radio Flyer is as synonymous with outdoor play as summer itself.

There are endless ways to enjoy your little red wagon, from standing out in the crowd at the Fourth of July parade, to toting all the ingredients for a fun summer picnic. Not only will your red wagon provide hours of outdoor adventures, it will bring a lifetime of memories too.

Stay Up-To-Date On The Latest News

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/radioflyer

Twitter – @RadioFlyerSmile

Disclaimer: Radio Flyer has teamed up with MomSelect and by sharing this information with you I am entered to win 1 of 3 wagons. No monetary exchange took place.

Have you heard? This summer, Hampton Hotels is making it easier than ever to connect with your friends and family with their Chain of Friends Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will win an entire hotel for a weekend (100 rooms for two nights). 100 other lucky folks will win a free weekend stay for them and three friends. Weekend stays are given away daily! Visit hampton.com/friends for more details and your chance to enter.

If you’re ready to make your travel plans now, then you should know that Hampton Hotels is launching the Great Getaway Advance Purchase promotion so you can maximize your stay and play. They’re offering guests 20% off the best available rate at participating hotels when you book at least seven days in advance for stays until July 15, 2010. Visit hampton.com to take advantage of this great offer.

Good Luck!

You can find Hampton on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/Hampton

And on Twitter @hamptonfyi

Disclosure: Hampton Hotels has teamed up with MomSelect and by blogging about this promotion I am entered to win one of 3 gift certificates valid for one overnight stay at any Hampton Hotel. No monetary exchange took place.

TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ are asking Bloggers "How Are You Better Than Ever?" and share what in our life has gotten better.  I share some of my things below, but I’d love if after you read mine you also share with me what in YOUR life has gotten better and then check out the Dove gofresh Facebook Contest.  You can find the TwitterMom post here if you’d like to learn more: http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/celebrate-the-things-in-your

I have to admit, writing this post right now might seem kind of ironic because less than a week ago I said goodbye to one of the most important people I’ve ever had in my life. My Grandmother. I haven’t yet written about it because to be honest with you I’ve tried hard not to think about it. I actually haven’t had much time. With a 2 year old that’s teething it’s been hard to find a moment to myself to just let go and cry.  I have however, believe it or not thought about my happiness and what I have to be thankful for… and all the ways my life has changed and is about to change.  I’d love to share just a few of those things with you now. If for nothing else, to help me move on and heal.

Debt Free 

– For many years when I was single I struggled to even provide for myself. I always needed roommates just to get along and I have to admit that I got a lot of help from my Grandmother. When my husband and I married 6 yrs ago it was very hard for both of us to adjust. He had come all the way from Norway and it wasn’t as easy to jump into the workforce as he thought it would be. We got into a lot of debt just struggling to survive. At least I did as most of the loans were in my name. I ended up having to sell my place of 13 yrs for a measly amount of money. At that very time our vehicle decided to go kaput, which ended up eating most of the money I made selling my place. I was also pregnant and very sick. I had just quit my job before the (pardon my language) shit hit the fan. Totally not knowing how hard it would get. 

After 3 years of living in my Grandparents house with no mortgage or rent (It’s only 500sq ft.) and living back like I’m in the 40’s with no access to a real washing machine, dryer, yard for my child to play in safely, no privacy, no room for my things etc. I AM DEBT FREE. I scraped every penny together that my husband earned (because yes he finally got a job!). I yelled, I bitched, I complained and I was very stubborn about buying things we didn’t need. It caused a lot of stress but neither one of us have a cent of credit card debt and my name is not on 1 single loan.  I didn’t quit. I didn’t run away to Norway (Although everyone suggested it). I didn’t get help. It took 3 yrs but we paid off  a loan with more than a 50% interest rate and another at 25%.  If we can do it, anyone can. We may not be rich now, or even well off but we are free.

Unconditional Love

– I suppose some would expect me to talk about my marriage but, I am not going to lie. There is one love that has changed me more than anything in this world and that is the love of my child. 

For so many years I was depressed, felt unloved, didn’t have contact with most of my family and really really felt alone. Marriage helped changed some of that of course but my child is the one thing in my life that can never compare to anything else.  I have never experienced such unconditional love in all my life. I truly believe I never knew what love really was until my son was born and I looked in his eyes and knew that I would love him forever, no matter what happened.  When months later he finally learned how to say “mama”. I knew I was a different person. I didn’t have time to be depressed like I used to. I didn’t have the right. I had and have someone that I wake up to each and every day that gives me a reason to love my life no matter what happens. I may still get sad occasionally but I will always have a reason to smile.

My Grandmother, My Rock

– This is the hardest thing to write about because I really do want to save most of it for another more personal post but I can’t not mention her.  My Grandmother may be gone now but the advice and love she gave to me, the help and the support she showed will always be here with me.  As I sit in her house I remember her next to me at the age of 3 years old, so patient, teaching me how to read. I remember her walking next to me when we’d visit museums and places no one else ever had the time to take me.  I remember her telling me it’s ok to cry, “ get it all out, write it down and throw it away”. But this time I won’t throw it away.. The good things can’t be thrown away but they can be forgotten if we’re not careful. I intend to never forget that she made me a better person and even though she is gone.. her lessons will help me to continue to better my life.

 Life Goes On

A flower from Grandma’s grave and smaller ones from her garden

Dove Facebook Photo Contest

Dove® gofresh™ is  sponsoring a Facebook photo contest. Share your photos about what’s "better than ever" on the Facebook contest page for a chance to win a spa weekend getaway in Sedona, AZ, and thousands of dollars worth of great prize packages from Dove® gofresh™! Just Click Here: http://apps.facebook.com/dovebetterthanever/

Disclaimer: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here. http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/celebrate-the-things-in-your)

Amazingly the Huggies $3 off coupon has reset a couple of times this month. By shopping at Rite Aid, using their wellness card, signing up for a rebate on their site and watching a few videos on their site I was able to purchase diapers for what amounted to less than $2 a pack after I used all my coupons. Better hurry up and print yours!

From June 21st through July 20th Rayovac, along with the 5minutesformom ladies are having a great summer promotion that is empowering families to have fun… and it’s super easy to join in!

Here’s a little more information:

“First, show us you "like" the brand and products on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RayovacFans and together with expert moms at 5MinutesForMom, we will offer up great daily summertime family tips and a chance to win great prizes.

Then access and complete the entry form on Rayovc’s website at www.rayovac.com/PowersYourSummer. Simply tell us how you’ll power your fun this summer each day for a chance to win prizes ranging from Cameras and Bikes to Camping Supplies and a Summer Supply of Rayovac Batteries! No trick questions here! There is no correct answer to how you and your family add the Power of Fun to your summer!

Must be a US resident and 18 or older at the time of entry to enter this Promotion and the Twitter Event.

Rayovac Powers Your Summer Twitter Event

Join Rayovac and 5MinutesForMom for a Twitter Event to support the exciting Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion. The Twitter Event will feature more than 20 fun giveaways from Rayovac ranging from a summer supply of Rayovac Batteries to $50 Target Gift Cards.

Rayovac Powers Your Vacation Summer Promotion Twitter Event Info:
Date:  Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Time: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST (8pm EST)
Location:  #rayovac
Follow:  @Rayovac_Battery, @5minutesformom, @CirclePRMary

Disclaimer: "The first 99 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion and twitter event won a prize package from Rayovac." Find out more information here: http://www.rayovac.com/PowersYourSummer and here: http://www.5minutesformom.com/23701/rayovac-twitter-blogger-promotion/

I’m officially 26 weeks now and I’m just getting around to posting these. Believe it or not I forgot how to use my scanner for a moment there. That’s what happens when your 2 year old is getting his 2 year molars and you’re 7 months pregnant. Not to mention all the other craziness that’s been going on around here lately, for which I’ll have to blog about at another time. Trust me when I say I’m trying really hard to play catch up!! now only if my body would cooperate.

I’m not real impressed with the ultrasound pics btw. The technician goes on my list of 2nd worst ultrasound tech’s I’ve had to deal with in my lifetime. However, it’s my baby boy and it’s great to finally see him

This post is inspired by Twittermoms and Gap Outlet. If you’d like to participate or find out more, check out the forum post here: http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-5-musthave-fashionable

Whenever I’m going on a weekend trip there are certain things I can’t live without. Here they are in no particular order.

• Flip Flops or Sandals – I always pack my tennis shoes but I leave the house in my sandals or flip flops. It makes the ride much more enjoyable, and if we head towards a beach that happens to be a bit rocky, I have my sandals to wear in the water.
• Sunglasses – This is something you CAN’T forget, especially on a sunny summer day.
• Capri’s – I have to admit that I love capris.  They’re a little more formal than say short shorts and you never know when you might stop at a nice little restaurant and not want to show as much skin.
• Wrinkle-Free T-shirts and Tank Tops – I always make sure to bring a few extra with me because when you have a 2 yr old things can get messy quick.
• A Light Jacket or Hoodie – Here in Michigan it can get chilly at night so you never know when you may need something heavier.

The best part of this post?  Two exclusive Twittermoms discount codes that are good through June 7, 2010 for Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store. You can find them here:

http://gap.twittermoms.com

_______________________________________________________________________

Deal Of The Day

Starting tomorrow May 26, 2010 as announced on the Tropicana Facebook page you can trade in 5 points for a FREE Tropicana Pure Premium coupon (max value $4.99) plus a reward of your choice (exclusions apply).

The Deal of the Day offer will begin at 5a.m. CT/ 6a.m EST on May 26th, but they only have 50,000 of them, so get their early!  Limit one per account.

Need points?

Read my original post: Tropicana Juicy Rewards – 20,000 Ways To Save – If you haven’t already signed up read this post FIRST! because you will find codes that can be used but only within 6 hours of signing up. You’ll also find lots of info about how the program works.

If you’re out of points and you want the coupon you can also buy a carton of Trop50 which will net you 6 points total.  Or you can use a shoppers card when you input your code from a regular carton of Tropicana oj and you will receive double points (6).

Juicy Rewards site

“The Huggies® MomInspired™ Grant Program allows inventive moms to submit original, innovative and viable new baby or child care product ideas designed to help make life easier for parents so that they can better enjoy everyday moments with their little ones.

This program is open to moms who have an idea or already have a product/business and need additional funding to take it to the next level. Please note that the business or idea does not have to be one that fits within the Kimberly-Clark portfolio of products.This is all about helping moms nurture their business ideas and help them grow.”

“The Grant Program is awarding up to $15,000 in seed money as well as business resources to further the development of original product ideas. Available grants range from $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000 based on the applicant’s business needs and goals.”

You can also find the Huggies™ MomInspired™ Grant Program on Facebook where you can stay up to date on the latests news and updates. They announce opportunities to tap into Huggies® experts and other successful mom entrepreneurs for advice, to share your ideas with each other at scheduled events and obtain exclusive Kimberly-Clark Corporation discounts and coupons to help you enjoy everyday moments with your family.

Deadline:

Submissions to the Huggies^® MomInspired™ Grant Program are accepted two times per year. After you successfully submit your application, their judging panel will carefully evaluate those under consideration and give notice within roughly 6 weeks.

Over the course of the past 3 years I have come across TONS of mom invented and mom-made products that have changed the way I do things. I hope if you’re a mom with an idea you’ll be encouraged to apply.

Currently you have until June 9th to submit your ideas so you better hurry!

Disclosure: By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a $250 American Express gift card from MomSelect. I did not receive any compensation for this post. Thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.