Big Savings on Food For the Big Game (A Giveaway!)

It's coming up, people... the BIG GAME! And with so many of us having parties in our homes, we will be expected to come up with a little extra in the grocery budget to help feed all those hungry fans.

Moms can now learn some delicious and unique ways to get ready for the Big Game, and that includes planning your food offerings on a budget -- and it's all available at the new Walmart Game Time website! Walmart has teamed up with this blog to share some of the fabulous items you can buy for your football party (and all for under $44!) That's something to cheer for!

• One package of Oscar Meyer meat hot dogs (8 ct.)
• One package of Johnsonville bratwursts (6 ct.)
• Two packages of Great Value hot dog buns
• Two bags of T.G.I. Friday’s frozen appetizers
• One Hormel Supreme Party Tray
• 12” Chocolate Chunk Cookie
• Two boxes of Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuit Crackers (8-10 oz. box)
  

Sounds yummy, doesn't it? You can learn more about this exciting promotion, tips for planning the perfect get together, or special on products designed to make the big game even BIGGER by visiting Walmart's Game Time page. It's full of ideas, sales, and inspiration!

Wanna win? We have a $50 Walmart gift card to help you plan your perfect party. Whether you cheer with the fans or just hang out and nibble in the kitchen -- like I do -- your party can be complete for fifty bucks! Just comment on this post with your favorite Big Game recipe, activity, or tip. You have until February 2nd at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Walmart provided me with two $50 Walmart gift cards for my participation in this program.

CYBEX Strollers Recalled; Risk of Fingertip Amputation and Laceration Hazards

Please see the full recall details for instructions on how to get a free repair for this stroller.

Stay Safe!

Toy Horse, Santa Sets, and Toy Helicopter Recalls!

Three news recalls have been announced tonight. Click the links to get the full details from the official CPSC website.

Boy Three-piece sets recalled by Macy's due to Choking Hazard

Horse Toys recalled by Blip Toys due to Lead

Radio Shack Recalls Knight Hawk Helicopters due to Fire hazard

Stay Safe!

Review of Goby.com (and a chance to win $50!)

Have you ever had those days when you've wanted to get out with your kids, but you're tired of seeing the same sites... attending the same events.. and you want something new! There is now a really cool search engine that provides families with appropriate events and activities they can enjoy, and it's super simple to use.

Goby.com allows you to create your own adventure. Just type in what kind of activity you'd like to do , where you'd like to do it, and when you'd like it to happen! We typed in "movies" "Omaha, ne" and "tonight" and got a list of ideas that we expected (like the theater we often visit), as well as some new ideas we hadn't thought of (like the local water park and a new museum!)

Families looking for an escape from the ordinary will enjoy this new search tool. By just filling in two of the three search fields, you can gain access to fun ideas, interactive maps, and photos from sites like Google and Flickr!

We really enjoyed using this search tool as a means of finding a different kind of activity for our family. Sometimes, you just need a little inspiration (or like us, you don't keep up well on new venues that have opened in your area.) This search tool is definitely a way to escape from the ordinary and the perfect place to discover something new!

Wanna Win? We have one $50 American Express Gift card to give a lucky family so that they can use the search tool and have a day out -- for fun! To be entered to win, just visit Goby.com and leave a comment on my blog post with what type of adventure you were looking for -- as well as what you found! You have until February 10th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

The "I love you for all time" gift

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. I remember the last gift I got to celebrate the event (it was a few years ago, admittedly.) It was a beautiful watch, something affordable and simple. Now that I'm over 30, I've been secretly admiring some of the more refined watches on the market, specifically the Citizen Eco Drive Ladies Watches.

Maybe you've found yourself in the same boat -- looking for a special gift to give or receive on that romantic holiday. Perhaps you've outgrown the cheap, waterproof watch that you wear while doing the dishes and tending to kids. You want a classy option for the times hubby takes you out or you meet with friends for lunch.

Not only does a watch say something about you and your personality, but it says something about the person who gave it to you (hopefully, it says that they love you so much!) The watches that I looked at, came in as many styles and colors as the women who may wear them. I especially love the watches that look like bracelets or that have charms on them!

My husband and I have been together for a little over 7 years. Our gifts are infrequent but always very special. Maybe I'll drop a big hint on the watch that I want for Valentine's this year!

Track That Cold and Flu!

I can't believe it! We are all fairly healthy at my home right now (and that's rare, believe me.) Yes, I get the occasional sniffle, but to have no kids with fevers, coughs, or headaches is a big deal. It just seems like there's ALWAYS cold or flu going around -- even as homeschoolers!

I found a neat new tool from the makers of Triaminic Thin Strips (which is a product that I've been using in my house for years.) It's a Cold and Flu Tracker -- perfect for seeing how many cases of illness are happening in an area near you. (My area in Nebraska was experiencing a moderate level of cases at the time of this review.)

What's even neater than that is an online geek's dream, the buzz tracker for social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Google. It shows a day-to-day trend for key words used to talk about colds and flu. (Did you know that the word "fever" was used 1959 times on Twitter recently?) You can even see how certain search terms are more popular from one day to the next!

There's way more offered on the Triaminic site than I can detail here, but I'll also tell you that there's a Cold and Cough Guide, Allergy Guide, and a rather nifty set of Sick Day Guidelines (every parent should know these!) If you're already using Triaminic Thin Strips, you can save $1.50 off your next purchase by accessing the printable coupon, as well.

Cool tools that all Moms (and Dads) can use? (I'm in.) Visit the Triaminic Tracker site to see all of their available resources.

Wanna Win? We have 3 prize packs from Triaminic to give away to some lucky winners! You'll receive 4 assorted boxes of Triaminic Thin Strips (each containing 14 strips), if you win! To be entered to win, just leave a comment with which thin strip product you'd like to try for your family! You have until January 31st at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review... although I would have told you I loved it even without it...

Let's Talk Education!

College is tricky to navigate -- I remember (even though it seems long ago). There is a lot to learn about living on your own, eating healthy, and finding a job! Thanks to all the online resources available these days, I'm sure it's a bit less confusing than when I attended.

EDUInReview.com has much of this info down in an easy-to-read format. In fact, it's got everything from the best internships to the top frat houses for producing future CEO's! Full of to-the-point and short articles and blog posts, it's light reading with only the best information.

Stop by to see their blog, headlines on new government regulations, and social trends affecting education today. Even if you don't have kids in college yet, it may be a good idea to catch up on what's going on. After all -- you may want to go back to school someday! Parents looking for information on student loan providers and institutions will find that, too, all organized for easy browsing and available for more in-depth information (if you're ready to apply.) They also have information for testing higher on college entrance exams and developing great study habits when you get there.

I sure wish college was this easy!

Free Travel Bag when you join AARP!

Join AARP and receive a free travel kit! Click Here

New Daily Deals from JuiceBox Jungle!

Listen up!

If you like super savings of 50% off or more, you'll love what one of our advertising partners is offering to readers. Starting today, there will be amazing deal offers for select areas of the country in our JuiceBox ad bar (it appears in the upper left-hand side of our website.) Here's a sneak peek at what's in store for tomorrow:

$50 for $105 French Lavender Manicure AND Pedicure at Great Jones Spa

This deal is available on Thursday, January 21
New York City (SOHO)
Discount: 52%

This treatment includes manicure - pedicure with Organic Sugar Scrub. Made with 70% certified organic ingredients and French Lavender essential oil, this scrub balances the crown chakra. Certified organic sugar-crystals loosen and lift dead cells while detoxifying the skin and drawing moisture from the environment to keep skin naturally hydrated. French Lavender deeply soothes and restores dry skin. Skin is left soft, renewed and glowing. No synthetic dyes, PEG-free, biodegradable, and paraben free.

If saving money is your thing, check back daily for all the offers!

Helping Make Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day!

"Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters?"

This is a statistic provided by General Mills, the maker of some of our favorite kinds of cereal!

We already knew that kids who eat breakfast do better in school, and even better news is that General Mills has been working hard to reduce sugar and increase the good stuff in cereals (like fiber, calcium and vitamin D!)

Are you curious as to the other benefits of eating cereal as part of a healthy breakfast? For more information regarding General Mills cereals and kids' health, see this link!

*VIP coupons, online coupon link, and information have all been provided by General Mills and MyBlogSpark.

HUGE Medicine Recall! (Tylenol, Motrin, Rolaids, and more!)

If you haven't heard or weren't aware of the full scope of this recall, please READ! I'm sure most of us have this medicine in our cabinets right now:

http://mcneilproductrecall.com

To sum it up, yucky pallets were used to store and ship medicines that our kids or ourselves could be using. If your meds smell funky or you experience upset stomach, this could be why. Be safe, and check the website for all the details.

Betty Crocker's Bake Life Sweeter Birthday Party: My Baby's Robot Party!

My baby (actually he is 3) just had a birthday. We rocked out with an amazing robot cake, put together with instructions I found on Betty Crocker's website. I also was fortunate enough to have some help with getting everything ready, compliments of General Mills and MyBlogSpark.

As we planned the party, I was prepared to have to work really hard for our first party at our new home. I scanned the Betty Crocker website for ideas, and presented several to our soon-to-be Birthday boy. "I am a robot," my son replied. I think we have our party theme!

It was simple, just family, and we ate my son's favorite foods: hot dogs, chips, cake, ice cream, and baby carrots! (We rarely have hot dogs, so he was thrilled!) I made a special homemade chili to top the dogs, and I even let the kids have strawberry pop (another rare event at my home.) Here is a quick video of our gathering.



We couldn't have had such an amazing party without the simple instructions and planning guide for the website. This was my first attempt at making a cake, and I think I did pretty well!

Betty Crocker has quite a few fun party themes to help you with your next birthday:

> Out of this World Space Party	> Train Party
> Firehouse Party	> Magical Princess Party
> Under the Sea Mermaid Party	> Pandas Forever Party
> Pony Pals Party	> Robots Rule Party

Our party was super-special, and according to my little guy was "the best day ever."


Wanna Win? We have a party planning pack with VIP coupons for free cake and frosting, plus baking tools to create your own special cake! To be entered to win, just leave a comment with which party theme from the list above that you like best! You have until January 31st at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Cake, frosting, debit card to buy supplies, and a flip camera were given to me from Betty Crocker and MyBlogSpark as a thank you for sharing our party experiences.

What's the Deal with Store-brand Formula?

(Photo by JonFeinstein)

I breastfeed my babies, but I've also supplemented in times of stress and sickness. I kept a good supply of top quality formula on hand for those times, and guess what? They were store brand. It never occurred to me, when buying these off-brand formulas, that they would be in any way inferior to their pricier, brand-name counterparts. I read the ingredient list, checked prices, and bought what I thought would be best for my baby -- and my budget. And I was right.

Companies have tried marketing some of the healthier components of formula under different names, but DHA and ARA specifically, are the same -- no matter what you call them. A recent court case further supports the fact that you can get the same nutrition from off-brand formula as you can from the spendy stuff.

You can see the press release that provides details, or see this excerpt for what was concluded in the case:

U.S. District Court Judge James R. Spencer issued his written rulings yesterday following the November 10^th jury verdict. Judge Spencer’s written rulings permanently enjoined Mead Johnson from making any false statements concerning PBM's infant formula, including the claims Mead Johnson previously made in Enfamil advertising that "It may be tempting to try a less expensive store brand, but only Enfamil LIPIL is clinically proven to improve brain and eye development," and "there are plenty of other ways to save on baby expenses without cutting back on nutrition." The Court also ordered Mead Johnson to retrieve from the public domain all advertising or promotional materials containing these or any other false claims about PBM's store brand infant formula.

Simply put, companies can't falsely claim that the store-brand products are somehow nutritionally inferior -- if they aren't. If you like buying brand name (especially if you can get coupons or sales that help support your frugal goals), good for you! But if you don't, rest-assured that you aren't doing anything wrong.

*This post made possible by Mom Select who informed me of this groundbreaking news for parents and offered a $25.00 Gift Card... although I would have told you about it, anyway.

Review of Jello Mousse Temptations

Chocolate mouse... mmmmm. I admit that it's something I've never made, because it's daunting and I just never have the ingredients on hand. So when I found out about a pre-packaged version of the chocolate mouse I crave, I was super excited to try it!

I already loved the "whipped" versions of yogurt (it's one of the only ways I get enough calcium), so a whipped version of pudding was something I didn't need to be sold on. Even better was the fact that new Jello Mousse Temptations contain only 60 calories each, and they're sugar free! (Note: I usually loathe any product with sweetener, but I really couldn't tell that these were sugar free.)

The cups are rather small, but super-sweet! I enjoy them with my afternoon coffee, and they really are a more sensible alternative to the handful of M&M's I usually go for. With three flavors to choose from (Caramel Creme, Chocolate Indulgence, and Dark Chocolate), you'll find enough variety to eat this regularly without burnout. (My fave is the caramel!)

Available at most grocery stores, they are a nice thing to have on hand in the fridge for a crazy late night craving. And you won't be feeling super-guilty about it later.

Learn more about Mousse Temptations and other Jello products at Jello's website.

*Sample was received for this review, although I would have told you I loved it even without it...

B.J.'s Wholesale Club for Post-Holiday Deals!

I know that the holiday season is officially over, but for many of us, the shopping season has just begun! In addition to great clearance and special sales at every retailer, many wholesale chains are offering super savings opportunities to start your New Year right!

B.J.'s Wholesale Club is kicking off January with some amazing ways to save. Fitness equipment, musical instruments, TV's and stereo equipment are all marked down to help you meet those New Year's goals! They even offer instant savings promotions for their members for even more cost-cutting results. (And if you order online, shipping on many large items is included for free!)


Not sure if B.J.'s is right for you? Download a coupon for a free one-day pass. (The 15% surcharge on non-member purchases will be refunded to you on the cost of a membership if you decide to join!)

For more information, or to see if there is a club near you, visit BJ's website!

Wanna Win? We have a $25 B.J.'s gift card to give to one lucky reader! To be entered to win, just leave a comment with a savings tip! You have until January 27th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Gift card sample was received for this review.

Mom's Best Naturals is Still a Family Favorite!

It's been over 2 years since we first told you about our accidental discovery of Mom's Best Naturals cereal. We are happy to report that we STILL love the stuff, but unfortunately (and despite our protests) our local grocer stopped carrying it. What does this mean?

First, I had to drive even further to buy it at the Walmart two towns over, but more importantly, I missed out on some of the new delicious varieties that have come out since. When I got asked to sample a few boxes, I couldn't have been happier! After all, this is the same cereal that was just as affordable as some generic cereals, but had a high quality and wonderful flavor! In addition, it has these handy benefits:

• No artificial preservatives
• No artificial colors or flavors
• No hydrogenated oil
• No high fructose corn syrup

While I'm not particularly worried about the last one, it is nice to know that families who oppose HFC can skip it -- and not sacrifice taste!


Since I'm kind of a Golden Grahams girl, I've struggled with the cheap imitations that the store brands try to pull off. How happy I was to see that the Mom's Best Naturals Honey Grahams variety was even more delicious than the "brand name" cereal, was more affordable, more natural, AND stayed crunchier in milk (which is a huge criteria for my very picky family.) Plus, there are 7 grams of fiber in each serving :)

So, I'll continue to add this brand to my list when I shop out of town, and know I have even more kinds to choose from. That's pretty cool, if you ask me!
Learn more about all their varieties at their website or follow them on Twitter!

*Sample was received for this review, although I would have told you I loved it even without it...

Review of Iron Man: Amored Adventures Vol. 2 on DVD

We are a house full of little superhero freaks. My boys all love The Hulk, Spidey, and.. of course.. Iron Man! When my guys are zooming around in their Iron Man pj's or reliving their glory days in their old Iron Man Halloween costumes, they are watching the new Iron Man: Armored Adventures DVD Vol. 2 again.. and again.

Released on January 5th, we got a peek at what viewers would be treated to. Here's what we loved about the DVD!

• Great animation, character development, and depth. These remind me of the comics, and the episodes are really designed for older kids (ages 6 and up). While my younger guys loved sitting and watching, they really couldn't understand what was happening (but loved the action!)
• The villians are fresh. This is important in this hero-loving home. We enjoyed watching the creepy but not too frightening Living Laser and Madame Masque.
• The heroes are kids. Well, teens rather. And that's OK. We really like the animated series that feature "younger" versions of the super heroes. And this DVD really brought the fun of being young with the responsibility of having powers together nicely.

Hubby and I liked watching this with the kids, and because the episodes are less than a half hour, we can get an episode in as a reward for doing chores or as a family activity before bed.

The 6-episode DVD is put together by Marvel Animation, Method Films, Genuis Products, and Vivendi Entertainment and has a list price of $16.99. (Get it at Amazon for $12.99!)

Wanna Win? We have 3 copies of this cool DVD to give to our readers! To be entered to win, just leave a comment naming your favorite super hero! You have until January 17th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

New Year, New Gear Giveaway #2!

I'll be brief...

I have one amazingly cool Flip Ultra Video camera to give away to one lucky reader! Valued at $150, this handy gadget can take videos up to 120 minutes in length! You know you want this :)

Wanna Win? Just comment on this post with what you would use the camera for. You have until January 20th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

BONUS ENTRY METHOD: Get one additional entry for each of the following (leave a comment and let us know that you've done these:)

• Tweet - "I want a Flip Ultra @LKnerl http://tinyurl.com/yacbggo"
  
• Link to this giveaway on your blog or website
• Subscribe to our RSS feed
• Subscribe to our email list (sign up on our sidebar)
  

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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Review of BornFree Vented Glass Bottles

Whew! Raising 4 kids has been a challenge, but I also can't believe how much I've learned. With my last child, I made the switch from regular plastic bottles to the BornFree BPA-Free ones (which you can read about in my 2008 BornFree review.)

Now I've been introduced the next step up in safe and smart feeding systems -- the Vented Glass Bottles from BornFree! At first, the idea of glass scared me a bit. But after trying these guys out, I was seriously convinced that our next baby will be a BornFree glass baby. Why? Where do I start....

• No more stinky bottles when left under the couch. The glass bottles get almost every last drop out at complete feedings, and what remains can easily be rinsed out and washed with peace of mind. (This means no leftover stink...) I also love that there is less build-up of bacteria and baby won't be tasting what Mom failed to wash out well before. Yuck!

• Like the other bottles I reviewed, these are awesome for breastfed babies. While my baby isn't officially born yet (so I can't vouch for this exact set of bottles), the nipples are the same as before, and I remember how much better my little guy fed from them. Less air, less gas, and no irritating collapses of the nipples.

Once I got over my fear of glass, I really liked these bottles. The available gift set, which I received, contains everything a Mom or Dad needs to get started:

• 3 5 oz. glass bottles (each with level 1 nipple)
  
• 2 Level 2 silicone nipples
• 2 9 oz. glass bottles (each with level 1 nipple)
  

That's enough for a busy day of BPA-, phthalate-, and PVC-free feeding!

For more information on BornFree's newest offerings (including training and drinking cups) and even more of the amazing gift sets, check out their website at NewBornFree.com

*Sample was received for this review.

Review of Rebel Ink Baby T-Shirts

They're a little more hardcore than the clothes my boys are used to wearing, but I have to admit.. they are kinda cute, too!

I'm talking about the clothing line from Rebel Ink Baby, an entire collection of t-shirts for little people designed to "launch the rebellion." We were blessed with a sample of the "Imaginary Friend" t-shirt for my 2-year-old, and believe it or not, we wore it to Christmas dinner with family. We got tons of compliments.


While the "I'm pooping right now" or "Break out the Boobs" tees won't be for every family, I got a chuckle out of most of the designs. (But then again, I wore my belly ring through 2 pregnancies before I broke out of denial and realized that my stomach was never going to look cute enough to be seen again.)

Moms with any inkling of a rock star past will adore the slogans on many of these tees. Rock on, little guys.. Rock on!


The full line of pants, t-shirts, caps and bibs can be seen at their website, www.rebelinkbaby.com!

*Sample was received for this review.

Battle of the Bands: We Try out Maternity Bands for the Frugal Mom-to-Be!

I'm 4 months pregnant, and I haven't a thing to wear. After 4 kiddos, I'm showing.. really showing, and I don't have any maternity clothes for the winter season. I did a little research, and found that maternity bands (or "belly bands") could be an affordable way to wear my regular jeans a bit longer, and possibly avoid buying maternity jeans altogether if I get a size larger. Also, being a c-section Mom, I find the thought of not having to zip up my pinchy denim pants soon after surgery to be a comforting thought.

I purchased two comparable brands of light-weight maternity bands to test during my pregnancy. (There is also a well-known Bella Band that is made of a heavier material, but for my tests, I wanted to go lighter.) Here are my findings!


Walmart's Maternity Belly Band
Cost: $14.98
Colors: Black and White
Sizes: One

Pros: This was an affordable addition to my wardrobe. It covered a large area, making it great for covering the top of my unbuttoned pants, while smoothing out my belly.

Cons: The material was a bit silkier than I had expected (in fact, it felt like a slimming undergarment rather than the top of a pair of maternity pants.) It had a tendency to roll down a bit on top as my stomach got larger, and it didn't seem to let my skin breathe as much. (I sweated while wearing it.) It came only in one size, which means that for a smaller gal like me (I wear a size 4/6 normally), it should contain my belly throughout pregnancy. For someone larger, however, I don't know if it will work.


BeBand
Cost: $16.99
Colors: Black, White, Natural
Sizes: Small/Medium, Medium/Large, Large/XLarge

Pros: The material for this band was a bit less shiny, making it stay in place well and allowing my skin to breathe. It also came in three colors for all occassions, and was available in sizes for a variety of body types. I also loved that this looked a bit more like a long T-shirt over my jeans, since they tend to peek out a bit. This makes it ideal for those who don't want to wear super-long shirts over their bands!!

Cons: Hard to find in stores, I did find one at my local Target. I would suggest ordering online for the best selection.

(Note: The two bands were of the same size. The BeBand appears smaller because it is folded in half. Both bands can be worn folded or not -- the pictures are not representative of this.)

The verdict? For just a couple bucks more the BeBand rules! Made by the makers of the original BellaBand, I'm not surprised. If you're looking for a light-weight band, need variety, and want something that doesn't look like a girdle underneath your shirt, go for it!

*Yes! This post contains an affiliate links. Rest assured, it doesn't affect our findings, but it does help support our blog!

New Year, New Gear Giveaway!

It's been a great 2009, but we're hoping for so much more in 2010...

In celebration of what we think will be "THE" year, we've got a bunch of great giveaways for you. Our first prize is sponsored by us, so there are no websites to visit or companies to tell you about:

Poken Pulse - This handy little gizmo allows you to easily transfer social media contact info to those you meet -- no business card required! Features:

• Easy-to-use: no drivers, no software
• Hundreds-of-contacts storage capacity between uploads
• 2GB flash memory drive
• No-hassle 8-12 month battery life so you don't need to worry about being "open for business" when the time comes
• Easily accessible battery
• Windows, Mac, Linux, you-name-it: works on all OSs that support USB memory sticks
• Firmware upgrade for customized behavior future features
• Poken Applications for developers
• Flexible flash memory capacity

Valued at $34.95, this is the must-have gadget of 2010!

Wanna Win? Just comment on this post with what you hope to see in 2010 (new job, baby, good health?) You have until January 13th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

BONUS ENTRY METHOD: Get one additional entry for each of the following (leave a comment and let us know that you've done these:)

• Tweet - "I want a Poken Pulse @LKnerl http://tinyurl.com/yjvotrn"
  
• Link to this giveaway on your blog or website
• Subscribe to our RSS feed
• Subscribe to our email list (sign up on our sidebar)
  

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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!