Wow! Did Mother's Day Sneak up on us this year! We have had so many joyous opportunities to test items, review products, and share promotions, and several deserving Moms have also been winning some pretty fantastic prizes! We've decided to combine the fun of winning with the information provided in our usual reviews in this year's Mother's Day Gift Guide 2009.
Each day we will ad another item to our list, and each item on our list contains our review and a chance for you to win!
Click to see our entire guide!
Energizer Family Charger
$26.85 plus free shipping at Amazon
We are all for rechargeable batteries! In fact, as an official online advocate for Energizer, I can tell you without a doubt that it HAS saved my family money to switch to rechargeables. What's the best way to keep up with all your charging needs? A charger that works on every common battery size is perhaps the #1 way we continue to do it all.
This very cool and roomy charger handles AAA, AA, C, D, and 9V rechargeable batteries, and it lets you see the progress of your charging with the handy LCD display. We really liked how we could cut down on the clutter in our battery/candle/flashlight/whatever drawer by using this charger!
Wanna win? Comment on this post with how many batteries you buy each time you go to the store! We'll pick one comment to win a Family Charger and some Energizer Rechargeables!
You can enter once per day until the end of the promotion (11pm CST on May 10th).
Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2009 (You Can Win!)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Dinosaur Playset Recall
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Review of Mag-Tagz Jewelry for Girls
I'm not a big fan of flashy jewelry for young girls, but my tween daughter does like to accessorize. When were given a Mag-Tagz necklace and charm to test out recently, I was really surprised at how tasteful and fun it was! Here is what we loved about Mag-Tagz:
The necklace was sturdy and easy for her to put on herself. It came with a standard sunshine "tag" that contained a magnet in the center, powerful enough to place any of the optional, interchangeable "tagz" right on top. Even active girls won't have to worry about the "tagz" falling off, and when they are ready for a new look, they just switch it out!
Mag-Taz has an interactive element to the website that I really appreciate. Kids can design their own tag and submit it for consideration. The winner will get their design made into a tag, and will get their very own necklace to sport it on! Entries information can be found on their contest page.
You can also play the "Tag, You're It" game (which is like a treasure hunt.) Find all four clues scattered about the website, and answer a question about them to win a special-edition tag. All correct entries will be placed into a drawing for a Nintendo Wii game console! Cool!
My 11-year old can't wait to begin collecting all the Tagz so that they match with all her outfits. What a great way to express yourself!
SAVE - Our readers can get 20% off their purchase of $20 or more at Mag-Tagz! Just use code
blogger20 at checkout.
WIN - Wanna get one for a special girl in your life? One lucky Lille Punkin' reader can get a necklace with either the bee or green earth designed Tagz (which were created by the winners of the last design contest.) Just visit the Mag-Tagz website, and tell us what other cool designs you like! You have until May 5th to comment on this post. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Free Yard and Garden Maintenance Workshop at Home Depot
Check out this free "Do-It-Herself" offering. There's no cost to sign up!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Mom Moments - You Wouldn't Even Recognize Me
This essay was originally published on Thursday, May 24, 2007 in a land far away:
The other day the mailman honked at me from the driveway, code for "you have a package that won't fit in your mailbox, and there ain't no way I'm getting out of my truck in this rain." I ran out, grabbed the box from him and ran back inside the house.
Right away hubby glances at me with a "what did you win/order/buy/sign up to test/beg/borrow/steal now?" kind of look. I honestly couldn't remember what I was waiting on, so I ripped into the box like it was Christmas treasure. Here was what was inside:
Yes, folks, your computer screen is working... this is froggy downspout decor. Mass-produced somewhere near China, this is going under my gutters. I bought it, paid for it, and will be using it. What have I become?
There was a time when this would have appalled me. But I was a different person then.
Four kids ago, I was sporting a navel piercing.. now I wear mid-rise jeans and stretchmarks.
Four kids ago, I listened to punk and played the drums.. now talk radio mingles with Wee Sing tapes.
Four kids ago, Dazed and Confused was my favorite movie.. now Barney plays all day until 9 p.m., when I collapse in front of the evening news.
Four kids ago, I wore eyeshadow, in different shades, and glitter in my hair on the weekends.. now I moisturize and call it a day.
Four kids ago, I could stay up all night and brag about the exciting time I had..now I stay up all night and complain that the kids didn't sleep and I'm the walking dead.
Four kids ago, I kept my hair short, spiky, and cut it every 3 weeks..now I fight to grow an inch a year, wear it in a pony, and scrape what I'm losing out of the shower drain every morning.
Four kids ago, midriff tops were tops, I always painted my nails (mostly in metallic or rainbow), and I never sported leg stubble.. now flannel pants are king, I paint my nails for weddings, and I shave when I remember.
But, in spite of me being in what some people would call a "rapid decline," I have also changed for the better. I am proud of things I hid as a child. I love the freckles I always covered with makeup. I know better than to lay out all day in the sun in hopes of a sunburn that will eventually become a tan. I speak my mind and don't worry about sounding too smart. Or too dumb. I know who loves me, and I stay in those relationships. Those who don't can leave. I finally figured out that I will never be a doctor, lawyer, model, astronaut, or journalist. I am excited that I can instead be a cook, housekeeper, teacher, medic, writer, landscaper, personal shopper, wife, daughter, mother, aunt, sister, and friend.
Take a moment to think about who you are... and just how far you've come!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sid the Science Kid Gives our Kids the Dirt on Science
We love Sid. I'll say it again... We. Love. Sid.
Who's Sid? If you don't already know, he's my kids' favorite way to learn about science and the world around them. In fact, if it wasn't for Sid's most recent episode on Dirt, my boys wouldn't have been inspired to spray the bare patch in our yard with water and do several rounds of "mud angels" right before supper last night.
They found worms, laughed, and told me all about how plants need dirt to grow. Just another useful (and hilarious) life lesson that I couldn't have presented better myself.
Interested in learning more about PBS Kids amazing new show? The Jim Henson Company offering is showing on a station in your area. (And in addition to some fabulous Earth Day activities -- all free from their website -- they will be showing a special Mother's Day episode in May!) Yippee!
Visit the official site at http://pbskids.org/sid/
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Win a Brita Water Pitcher!
We're already featuring one of these fabulous pitchers in our Earth Month Giveaway Prize Pack (with lots of cool stuff from Bissell and White Cloud), but we have an extra pitcher to give away via Twitter!
Here's how you can win:
- Submit your best Green tip for Earth Day on Twitter
- Be sure to use @LKnerl and the hastag #11MOMSGREEN
@LKnerl I start seedlings in my empty milk cartons #11MOMSGREEN
The giveaway will be held today ONLY. One winner will be selected to get the Brita Water Pitcher featured in this post. (Please note that your tips may be used on the Walmart.com website as part of their Earth Day initiative.)
Good luck!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Win a $100 Gift Card and a Free Sam's Club Membership for your Small Business!
Are you a small business owner who could use a big break on prices? Wise Bread is offering one lucky small business owner a chance to get a $100 gift card, a year membership, and their business featured on the website! Just head over to my post to check it out.....
Win with The Mixer - Betty Crocker's Online Cooking Class!
Who couldn't use a few tips in the kitchen? If you could find out sure-fire ways to improve your meals without ever leaving our home (and were able to do it any time it was convenient), you would -- wouldn't you?
Betty Crocker has an online solution that lets you hang out with the best cooks, anytime and anywhere. You can wait until the kids are asleep, or check it out on your noon hour! Or, join the instructors live, as they teach topics like Kickin' Chicken and Viva Tortilla! Want to learn more? Just visit The Mixer for all their community offerings! Live classes are held:
- Tuesdays 7 p.m. ET
- Wednesdays 9 p.m. ET
- Saturdays 4 p.m. ET
Sounds, yummy! Wanna win? Just comment on this post with your answer to this question:
If you could have your very own cooking show, what would you call it?
All entries will be put in a random drawing to receive a Betty Crocker Gift Basket! The basket contains the following:- Betty Crocker mixing spoon
- Betty Crocker spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- A whisk
- Liquid measuring cup
- A Betty Crocker Magazine
Today's Freebies (April 21st)!
Have you checked out these freebies yet?
Aveeno Nourish Hair Care Collection sample - Click Here!
Free sample Prilosec OTC - Click Here!
Complimentary weight loss assistance from Slim-Fast - Click Here!
Another Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers sample (3-pack with coupon) - Click Here!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Senseo Coffee Makers Recalled
(Too bad I threw mine out when this same thing happened!)
Senseo One-Cup Coffeemakers Recalled by Philips Consumer Lifestyle Due to Burn Hazard
Today's Freebies (April 20th)
So many freebies, so little time! Here are this week's picks:
- Get a free sample (non-medicated) and $7 coupon for Nicoderm CQ with SmartControl Click Here
- Do you own a website or blog? Get $25 for signing up! Place your own Freebie Page & keep people coming back. It's really easy to do! (Please only sign up if you own a Website Or Blog) Click Here
- Free Sample of Glad Forceflex trash bags from Sam's Club (you don't need to be a member to sign up.) Click Here
- Free Sample of Roots of Nature Hair remedy from Walmart.com! Click here
- Free sample of Huggies Pure and Natural diapers from Walmart. Click here
Review of "Parenting Is Your Highest Calling" and 8 Other Myths that Trap Us in Worry and Guilt
I recently heard the most brilliant thing on Twitter today: "The secret to being happy = lowering your expectations." And so, I've come to understand that while it's OK to strive for perfection, you'll never make it.
"Parenting Is Your Highest Calling" and 8 Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt by Leslie Leyland Fields deems itself as a "liberating look at what God most wants you to know." If this is, in fact, what God wants me to know as a parent, then I'll do much better by believing it.
A combination of wisdom and grace, Leslie's book looks at 8 myths that she has learned to discern throughout her years of raising 6 of her own children:
#1 Having children brings happiness and fulfillment
#2 Nurturing your children is natural and instinctive
#3 Parenting is your highest calling.....
And so on and so on....
Each myth is truly freeing, once you learn to identify it, and I was impressed that the book wasn't preachy -- only encouraging. Built on Biblical principles and a method of positive thinking and understanding of what "parenting" really means, this book helped me to "not be so hard" on myself. Truly.
Parents need to know that there is only so much they can do, and learn to let go of the rest. We all love our kids, and Leslie gives us permission to be human. (Because, after all, human is how God made us in the first place.)
You can purchase "Parenting is Your Highest Calling...." at Amazon and most other book retailers. (Check out Surprise Child if you like Leslie's style!)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Here's Your Wakeup Call!
Isn't it sad that in a country as great as ours, there are still kids who go hungry? That's why I get really excited when companies I know and love take the initiative to give back -- by giving food!
Mott's and Marcia Cross (the actress) have teamed up to help put money towards a great cause. By visiting Mott's website, you can send out a wakeup call (to friends, family, or whomever) and it costs you NOTHING. That's right: nothing. In return, Mott's will give a buck to Feeding America -- which will provide 7 healthy meals to those who need it.
So what are you waiting for? Get calling!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tupperware and Fitness Balls Recalled
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Review of Yoplait Kids
Yogurt is a major part of our grocery plan. We love the taste, the way it fills you up, and the multiple health benefits that it provides. The kids, however, aren't always so enthused about the concept. (They usually ask for pudding when I broach the subject.)
Yoplait Kids has effectively combined the good things about yogurt with a taste that kids can enjoy. No complaining, no whining, and no half-eaten yogurt cups to dispose of. The character branding that comes on the packaging (loving that Dora!) is just icing on the cake -- and the addition of DHA to its formula speaks highly of their dedication to improving the health of families!
We gobbled the pack we received as quickly as we got it. I'm sure you'll find it a nice addition to your child's breakfast, snack, or "treat."
Wanna win? We have THREE fabulous prize packs from Yoplait Kids to give away. You'll get a coupon for a free pack of the yogurt, plus an outdoor activity kit with oodles of activities for children to do outside! Just comment here with your favorite way to get kids to eat healthy or get outdoors, and you'll be entered! You have until Friday, April 24th to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Today's Freebies (April 15th)!
There are some very cool freebies out there today (many are in celebration of tax day.) Here are my favorite:
Walmart.com is offering a sample of Better Than Ears Dog Treats
Wise Bread offers a handful of FREE Food promotions for today only (April 15th). They include Cinnabon, Maggie Moos, and Taco Del Mar!
Sign up to win a Colorado Vacation Giveaway Click Here
Get a free sample (non-medicated) and $7 coupon for Nicoderm CQ with SmartControl Click Here
Monday, April 13, 2009
Green Products We Love (and a Chance to Win!)
Earth month isn't the only time to think about buying earth-friendly. It is, however, a perfect time to share what we love (and how you can score some awesome green products for your home and family!) See what the Walmart 11 Moms were able to learn about in celebration of Earth Month -- and see how you can win all of the fabulous products featured below! 
Brita Water Pitcher - I had one of these when I first got married. At the time, it was "the" perfect wedding gift, and my husband and I drank much more water when we could conveniently filter tap water and pour it from the durable pitcher. The newest Brita Pitcher is just as easy to use, a bit more modern in design, and every bit as practical as the original. The built-in digital indicator lets me know at a glance if it's time to change the filter, and even my daughter can refill it (making it impossible for anyone to get by with using the last of the water and putting an empty pitcher back in the fridge.) The retail value of the Brita Pitcher starts around $29.99.
Bissell Little Green Floor Cleaner - This is another product that we were not unfamiliar with. The original version of the cleaner wasn't nearly as eco-friendly, but it was still really great way to clean carpets and upholstery. What I love about this newer model is that it comes with considerably less packaging. It also features PVC-free tanks and hoses! With just a few minutes and some of the Bissell branded cleaner, you can easily remove stains and grime from your couch or those icky floor mats in the minivan. The retail value of the Bissell Little Green Floor Cleaner is $74.88
White Cloud "Green Earth" Paper Towels - I've used White Cloud products on a number of occasions, but have been shying away from using any kind of paper towel lately. I have been thinking about the impact that they have on the environment (and how much they cost.) The "green" variety of White Cloud Paper Towels, however, has me learning to love paper towels again. Made from 100% recycled fibers, they are just as strong and thick as the regular variety, but they have the earth in mind. I can feel better during those times when "pass the cloth napkin" just doesn't cut it -- like spaghetti dinners! (They also make Green Earth toilet paper!)
Clorox Green Works Cleaners - We've already shared our opinion of the GreenWorks wipes (yippee!), but did you know that there was an entire line of the stuff? Yepper... we love the sprays, too!
Tide Coldwater - Already love Tide? Thinking of using less hot water in your loads (to save energy and money?) You can get the same great clean you've loved from Tide, with less impact on the environment! We've used Tide Coldwater to get grimy stuff really clean, and my washing machine can sit on the "cold" cycle all day long!
Now you can try all the great products we mentioned above -- for FREE! We are giving one Lille Punkin' reader a prize pack featuring products from Bissell, Tide, Clorox Green Works, White Cloud, and Brita. Just comment here on your favorite product from the prize pack and how you and your family are trying to go "green." We'll pick one winner at random to get the goods!
You have until the end of this month (April 30, 2009) to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Shoes from Walmart Recalled
There are two sets of shoes being recalled that may have been purchased from Walmart. Please read the complete recall details for each at the CPSC website:
Cars children's shoes recalled due to choking hazard
George women's shoes recalled due to fall hazard
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Healthy Ones Lunchmeat Can Save Your Family Money!
We all know that packing a lunch can save money... but were you aware of how much? Packing a healthy lunch daily (instead of dining out) can save the average family of four up to $3,500 per year!*
Healthy Ones is a leading brand from Armour-Eckrich Meats, and the offerings come in so many flavors! We think the Roast Beef, Smoked Turkey Breast, and Mesquite Turkey Breast sound the best, but there are over 10 unique flavors to choose from.
Kathy Kaehler, celebrity trainer and former NBC TODAY Show fitness correspondent, is a mom of 3 pre-teen boys, and also shares ways to save time and calories by using the low-fat, American Heart Association-certified lunchmeat line from Healthy Ones. Do you think your family could get healthier and save money, too?
If so, please leave your comments here on this post, telling us your thoughts. We'll pick a winner to get a Healthy Ones Prize pack, with coupons for free lunchmeat and a convenient insulated and eco-friendly BuiltNY lunch bag. The prize is valued at a total of $30! You have until next Thursday, April 16th at 10pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!
See more information at www.healthyones.com
* savings may vary based upon geographic location
Free sample of Crest from Walmart.com!
New Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield Toothpaste is available as a free sample from Walmart.com! Just fill out the simple form to try it...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Walmart 11Moms Go Green!
To help celebrate Earth Month, Lille Punkin is teaming up with Walmart to offer readers tips for staying green (and frugal) and some opportunities to win great prizes! While we won't be sharing the details of the giveaway just yet, I can tell you that we will be offering fun stuff from Brita, Tide, and Bissel! We'll also be reviewing each of the items, so you can see them before you win them!
To get you started on how hard we're working to share "green" with families in a budget-friendly way, see my video blog on "Greening Your Laundry Routine." You can view it on the Eleven Moms page by looking for the video in the middle of the page, then clicking on "See all the Moms videos."
Or just go directly to the Walmart/YouTube channel! Mine is the one labeled "Linsey - How We Green Our Laundry." Click it!
You can also check out how to win a $20,000 grant for your School!
