Category: Contests & Giveaways

Come Visit Texas+ $100 Gift Card Giveaway!

I’ve lived in the great state of Texas for almost five years now. My husband is from Fort Worth. We met and married in Arkansas, then he moved me here to the “big city.” Everyone back home likes to come to Texas to shop and check out all the attractions. I had always loved to visit, so I knew I would love living here too!

Texas has a wide variety of museums, shopping and restaurants to choose from. There is so much to do here it’s almost impossible to get bored. In our area of DFW (Fort Worth) we like to go hiking and be outdoors. We also enjoy visiting Cedar Hill State Park & Dinosaur Valley State Park. It’s so nice to get out in nature and clear our heads. Connor LOVES being outside and the lakes are just gorgeous!

It doesn’t take long to feel that Texas pride!

On one of our many hiking adventures




Fort Worth also has one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to. There is a choo- choo train that goes all around the zoo and it’s perfect for kids. A must-see in the city is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It’s a manmade waterfall paradise. It’s also where Terence proposed to me almost 12 years ago!



The Botanical Gardens is one of our favorite places to picnic and take pictures. The Japanese garden is so beautiful — the plants and flowers are breathtaking. If you’re looking for the Old West, you’ve come to the right place, partner! The Fort Worth Stock Yards feature a winery, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and lots of Mexican food! You can take in a rodeo and spot more cowboys than you’ve ever seen in your entire life.

Downtown Fort Worth is a hopping place to be as well. At Sundance Square you’ll find live music and lots of great BBQ & Mexican restaurants. Fort Worth is a fantastic place to live and it has a wonderful down-home feel.

When we want to escape our city for a bit we always head to our neighboring city Dallas.

Dallas has some of the best shopping you’ll find and a wide variety of restaurants. The Galleria and North Park Mall are two great places to shop. One of my favorite places is Sprinkles Cupcakes. I’d drive 100 miles to get one of those!
We’ve also been to the Dallas Aquarium and it was a blast! You’ll see all sorts of sea life and other animals up close and personal.


I guess this is the way they do burgers in Texas:

Dallas hosts so many great concerts and sporting events. It’s the home of the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys. Texans are some of the proudest people I’ve ever met and I’m starting to understand why. They have so much to be proud of! Texas is such a huge state that some say it’s almost like its own country. There is so much to do here and so much variety. And you know what? I am starting to believe everything is bigger and better in Texas! Texas has been good to me and I’m proud to call it my home. For more information about Texas you can visit: www.TravelTex.com.

$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Travel Texas and BlogHer are sponsoring a great giveaway to one lucky reader. Please leave a comment telling me where you’d like to visit in Texas. You can request a free Texas Travel Guide from the TravelTex.com website where you can get lots of great ideas!

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/2/2012-6/1/2012.
Be sure to visit the Discover Texas page on BlogHer.com where you can read about other bloggers’ adventures and find more chances to win!


CONTEST ALERT: Free Coffee???

Wanna win some free Starbucks???

 

JUST LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE DRINK?

 

(Winner picked Friday, May 4th)

 
My boss gave me flowers today…isn’t that presh!
 We are also having cupcakes too!  We have crap like this all the time…it’s probably why my butt is twice the size it was since I took this job.  Mercy.  I love my co-workers they are the bomb diggidy.
 I also wanted to share a little something else with you today….
Most of you know about my friend Amber and her story.  Her husband passed away not too long ago of a motorcycle accident.  Amber is now a single Mom of two boys, one 3 year old and a 4 month old.  A co-worker made this auto decal to raise money for the family and also raise awareness to motorcyclists.  If you would like more info on how to purchase one of these you can visit Amber’s blog HERE.
Guess what…tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!! Yippeeeeeee!!!!




Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Line Review & $50 Drugstore.com Giveaway!


I recently had the opportunity to try the new Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Line.  Did you know over half of women in the U.S. between the ages of 25 and 58 have some form of acne?  The past few weeks I’ve been using these products diligently & have definitely noticed smoother skin and my pores seem smaller! 

As a teenager I suffered from severe acne.  It was so bad that eventually I was put on prescription medicine to deal with the problem.  I remember the medicine drying out my skin so bad that my hands would peel.  It was humiliating!  I was so insecure about myself because of the sores on my face.  Acne affects you not only on the outside, but on the inside as well.

Now that I am a bit older my skin has changed.  I don’t deal with severe breakouts like I used to, but I do still have issues with acne.  I have used all sorts of products for acne over the years…and I can say that the Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Line not only helped my acne, but it was gentle on my skin and didn’t dry it out.  It’s specifically designed with the needs of adult skin in mind and contains a clinically proven technology to control acne plus help minimize the appearance of pores and refine texture in as little as four weeks.  Over the past few years I have dealt with PCOS, a pregnancy, breastfeeding, and I just turned 30!  Yikes!  My hormones have been all over the place, and it shows on my face. 

Most acne medications on the market today are designed for teenagers and don’t meet the skin care needs of adult women.  Over time our skin evolves, it ages, wrinkles, and thins.  My skin has become more sensitive, I can’t use the same products I used at 16 years old.  I don’t wear the same jeans I did at 16 either…..sigh…..

My point is as we age it doesn’t mean we don’t get acne anymore! It’s so nice that Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Line is addressing this problem for women of all ages.  I remember thinking that once I hit a certain age I wouldn’t have to deal with acne anymore, unfortunately that isn’t the case.  It’s still something I deal with on a daily basis.  Don’t you just hate waking up and looking in the mirror only to notice you’ve turned into Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer over night?  I’ve had many horror moments like this.  It’s usually about the time I have something I want to look extra nice for too. 

If you implement a daily regimen to keep your acne under control now then you won’t find yourself the night before a big event dotting your skin with alcohol and toothpaste trying to dry those zits out.  (Which by the way doesn’t work!)  Now that sounds stressful doesn’t it?  Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Line is just 3 steps & is so easy to start using in your everyday life.

The 3-step system includes:
Step 1 – Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Pore Clarifying Cleanser: A wash off salicylic acid acne treatment that reduces oil and removes dead skin to help prevent clogged pores, while helping prevent new acne from forming.
Step 2 – Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Skin Clearing Treatment: A full face leave-on salicylic acid treatment designed to bring acne under control and help prevent future breakouts.
Step 3 – Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion: A sheer moisturizer that hydrates to help fade the look of spots and redness for an overall renewed appearance.
Additional products in the line include:
Olay Professional Pro-X Clear SPF 15 Moisturizer: A non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer that helps protect against harmful UVA/UVB.
Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Intensive Refining Sulfur Mask Sulfur Acne Treatment: A non-comedogenic mask that helps dry
I like a routine and I like things that are laid out for me so I don’t have to think about them.  The more simple, the better in my book!  That’s why Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Line is so easy….it’s already planned out for you!  It’s an easy 3-step daily skin care regimen and acne system that uses proven technology to reduce and help prevent frustrating blemishes and breakouts.  So if you are an adult suffering from acne please try this out!  I promise you’ll be so happy you did and your skin will thank you!
While we’re on the subject of taking care of your skin, you might want to check out this post by Roxanna Sarmiento in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com. She has some great tips for developing habits that will help your skin looks its best! http://goo.gl/IxOpP

Want to enter to win a $50 gift card to drugstore.com? Just leave me a comment telling me one good thing about growing older.

Rules:
No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.
For even more chances to win go HERE!
Enter between October 3rd – November 3rd

Chicken Gyros & $50 Kodak Giveaway!

Chicken Gyros
“Yee-ro”

Tzatziki sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 regular cucumber, peeled and seeded
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil

Shred the cucumber or chop in food processor. Wrap in a towel a squeeze to remove as much water as possible. Mix together the yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and lemon juice. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
For the chicken:

2 teaspoons minced garlic
Juice of 1 lemon (2-3 Tablespoons)
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 heaping Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper
1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

To prepare the chicken, combine the garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Whisk together until mixed well. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

To assemble:
Pita bread (Heat pitas)
Cut chicken into strips. Top pita with chicken, tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes and sliced onions.

Here are some cute cupcakes I made the other day for work.  They were delish, but I screwed up the icing a bit so I tried to cover it in sprinkles and pinwheels.

We hope ya’ll have a happy Labor Day!  Enjoy your last few days of summer and I’m personally looking forward to a day that’s NOT 100+ degrees outside!

 And this little guy will be getting smothered in kisses from his Nana & Poppy this weekend 🙂

And because I love you all……….
Today I’m giving away…….
$50 GIFT CARD TO KODAK GALLERY
Just leave me a comment telling me what your going to do this Labor Day weekend 🙂
xoxo Becky
(Ends Friday Sept 16th)

Happy Socks Giveaway!

I received some ADORABLE socks from “Happy Socks”. 
They are so soft, comfy, and most of all FUN 🙂
Happy Socks feature an almost endless variety of models and designs, crossing a wide spectrum of colour combinations, materials and textures. Simply put: a pair of high-quality socks for every occasion, mindset and style. Manufactured with the masterly precision of Italian Lonati knitting machines at a local factory in Turkey.
Happy Socks vision was to turn an everyday essential into a colourful design item and spread happiness. A rigid standard of ultimate quality, craftsmanship and creativity. A concept brought to perfection by the Happy Sock collective of creators!  You can see all the adorable Happy Socks & Tights on their website HERE

 Would you like to win a pair of Happy Socks???
TO ENTER :
* Visit Happy Socks website & tell me what your favorite pair of socks is
* Become a fan of Happy Socks on Facebook
* Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter
Contest Ends : Friday, August 5th

Indira Salon – Makeover Giveaway!

As you all know I had a makeover yesterday….
Having a one year old I don’t always get time to myself anymore, let alone time to go get my hair done!  If I get a brush through my hair and some bronzer on in the mornings I am doing well. 
I was invited to get a makeover at Indira Salon and oh what an experience!  I walked in and was greeted by the beautiful staff, offered a beverage, and given an IPad to browse hairstyles on. 
I met Beth, the owner of Indira, she instantly put me at ease and made me feel so welcome.  Indira is an Aveda salon and all their products are natural and smell wonderful!
I then met my stylist Nina….who was AWESOME by the way!  This girl knows her stuff!  She was honest with me about what color and style I should go with and she didn’t rush through the service.  She spent a lot of time on my thick, curly head of hair….foil after foil 🙂 
We then headed over to the shampoo area where Nina conditioned my hair and I got a relaxing hand/arm massage.  When I first got there I was a chatty Patty….but I was SO incredibly relaxed I felt like I was in a spa!!!  LOL!!!  I could have fallen asleep in the chair I was that relaxed! 
Indira Salon also offers lash extensions, KeraGreen treatments, & feather extensions.  Indira treated me like a queen for a day and I’ll definitely be going back!  Thank you Indira ladies for such a wonderful day 🙂
BEFORE PICTURE
DURING…..
Oh my look at that fabulous IPad!
(Wonder who that is on the screen???)
Beam me up Scotty!!!
(See I told you Nina puts her heart & soul into her work!)
AFTER
(I am in love with my hair color)
Look at these beautiful feather extensions they offer….
I may have to go back for one!
BACK OF HAIRSTYLE
AFTER MAKEUP APPLICATION
(Thanks LaToya you are a true glam fairy!)
Do you live in the DFW area and want to win a FABULOUS makeover at Indira???
(Includes: Cut, color, style, & makeup application)

HERE IS HOW YOU ENTER :

1.  Follow Indira Salon via Facebook
2.  Follow Indira Salon via Twitter & tweet about this giveaway
3.  Tell me why you would love this makeover

(Contest ends : Friday July 22nd)

Cass Shapewear Giveaway

We all know how pregnancy totally changes our bodies.  After having my c-section I have bumps & lumps I never had before.  My body has morphed into something different.  I have to say that a lot of the time I am insecure about how I look in a tighter shirt because my muffin top is totally pouring over my pants. 
I have been wearing my contour top with built in bra from Cass Luxury Shapewear for a few weeks now and I LOVE it!  It makes me look and feel 10 pounds lighter and it’s holds all my jiggles and bits together.  It has made such a difference in how I dress and feel in my clothing.  I think every woman needs some shapewear in her life to give that extra boost of confidence!  This is AMAZING stuff ya’ll….I’ve tried all sorts of shapewear, but Cass Shapewear is by far my favorite!  The material is made well and it holds up better than any product I’ve tried. 
They make all different kinds of shapewear :
 Booty lifters
 Shapewear under your dresses
I’m giving away (1)
Retail value : $86.00
TO ENTER:
1.  Go to Cass Luxury Shapewear website & tell me what your favorite item is
2.  Like Cass Luxury Shapewear on Facebook
3.  Follow Cass Luxury Shapewear on Twitter
4.  Tweet about this giveaway & leave a comment
Giveaway Ends : Friday, July 1, 2011