Fiber One Chewy bars review and giveaway

Looking for a snack that combines the taste kids’ love with the nutrients they need? Be one of the first to try new Fiber One® Chewy bars, the perfect wholesome snack that the whole family will enjoy! Available in Chocolate and Strawberry PB&J varieties, these chewy bars are perfect for in-the-house, on-the-go, and everywhere in between. Complete with a peanut butter or chocolate bottom and yummy drizzle in every bite, kids won’t be able to resist the taste and parents won’t be able to resist the nutrition of this enjoyable snack.

Fiber One Chewy bars contain 20% of the Daily Value of fiber and 10% of the Daily Value of calcium
These 100 or 110 calorie bars contain no high fructose corn syrup, and only 7 or 8 grams of sugar.

We received samples of new Fiber One Chewy Bars (along with some other goodies that you could win for yourself,  see giveaway below) and the kids really love them!  Both flavors -- Chocolate and Strawberry PB&J  -- are great.  I don't tend to like PBJ-flavored bars because either the peanut flavor is too strong, or the jelly is too sweet, but this one had a great balance.  Naturally, the fiber is a huge plus!


Win a Fiber One Chewy Bars gift pack
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a gift pack from Fiber One, which includes:

• (1) Box of Fiber One Chewy Chocolate Bars
• (1) Box of the Fiber One Chewy Strawberry PB&J Bars
• Drawstring Sack Pack
• Water Bottle
• Flexi Flyer
• Soccer Ball
• Sidewalk Chalk

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which Fiber One Chewy bar you are most looking forward to trying.   This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Repin any of my pins on Pinterest (1 entry for each repin).

5) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this post -- 1 entry).

6) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

7) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Fiber One Chewy Bars giveaway! http://bit.ly/MsjAQm

8) Write this on the Fiber One Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a Fiber One Chew bars prize pack!  Giveaway ends June 4, enter on Bonggamom Finds: http://bit.ly/MsjAQm

9) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a Fiber One Chewy bars prize pack!  Enter by 6/4 at  http://bit.ly/MsjAQm #giveaway #MyBlogSpark

10) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 4, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on June 5 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information (in italics), and additional sample have all been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
 
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Eden Fantasys Gift Card Giveaway

These days, they say forty is the new thirty, and I couldn't be more relieved!  I'm turning forty next week, so it's good to know that I don't have to start living in muumuus and cardigans.  In fact, I'm more determined than ever to stay fit and healthy, celebrate life like it's a party, and dress for it!

That's where EdenFantasys comes in -- they're a great place to find flirty and fun clubwear like little black dresses, ruffle tops and more.  I recently purchased a jeweled drape top from EdenFantasys to wear to a blog dinner, and I couldn't be happier with it.

The shimmery grey fabric drapes so nicely and flatters practically any shape.  The back of the dress is blinged out with a rope of shiny stones.  I like that it has little cap sleeves, so it kind of hides the flab on my arms!

I wore the top with a black belt, black leggins and shiny wedge heels.  It's actually a dress, not a tunic top, so you can do away with the leggings if you're confident enough to wear it, but that was the one concession I made to old age.  I'm too old for micro-miniskirts --  but not too old for a cute top! It's the perfect top for going out, no matter what your age!


Win a $50 EdenFantasys gift card
Would you like to party the night away in a top like mine?  Or treat yourself to any of EdenFantasys' luscious body products, sexy lingerie or fun adult products?  EdenFantasys is helping me celebrate my birthday with a giveaway!  One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a $50 gift certificate to EdenFantasies!


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which EdenFantasys product you would buy if you win the $50 EdenFantasys giftcard.  This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Repin any of my pins on Pinterest (1 entry for each repin).

5) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this post -- 1 entry).

6) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

7) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Eden Fantasys giveaway! http://bit.ly/J5TsF0

8) Write this on the EdenFantasys Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a $50 EdenFantasys gift card!  Giveaway ends June 3, enter on Bonggamom Finds: http://bit.ly/J5TsF0

9) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a $50 Eden Fantasys gift card!  Enter by 6/3 at http://bit.ly/J5TsF0

10) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 3, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on June 4 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.



Disclosure: I will be receiving an EdenFantasys gift card as a thank-you for writing this post.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
 
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Dollar General Everyday Heroes May Giveaway

Dollar General's Everyday Heroes program is a wonderful way to recognize that there are ordinary people all around us who can make a difference. They launched the program in February 2012, and have been honoring people from all walks of life, from firefighters to veterans to teachers to caregivers.  For May, what better group of people to honor than Moms, the ultimate unsung Every Day Hero?  I don't think anyone can argue that moms do extraordinary things every day for their families and communities. 

There is no better example of an Every Day Hero than Georgia mom Mary Gail Emery, Dollar General's Every Day Hero for May.  Emery is a single mom of two, holding a full-time job and part-time work.  She coaches her daughter's basketball team, serves as a volunteer coach for other AAU and YMCA basketball teams, and provides rides to other kids who would be unable to participate in sports programs otherwise.  That's what I call a hero!

Here are the other ways Dollar General is celebrating moms:
Throughout the month of May, in recognition of moms who do extraordinary things every day for their families and communities, Dollar General® is teaming up with Procter & Gamble® to honor moms – the true Every Day Heroes who have made sacrifices for their families and their communities. To celebrate moms, Dollar General is inviting customers to upload videos describing why their moms are “Every Day Heroes.” Videos can be submitted and viewed at www.dollargeneral.com/everydayheroes.



Win a Mom's Prize Pack
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Dollar General prize pack containing a variety of mom essentials:

• Tide® Pods
• Febreze® Auto Air Freshener
• Always® Radiant
• Tampax® Radiant
• Secret® Coco Butter Clear Gel
• Old Spice® Champion Deodorant
• Dollar General chip clip.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me why your mom is an everyday hero.   This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1)  Upload a video about your mom to Dollar General's website at www.dollargeneral.com/everydayheroes (1 entry)

2)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

4) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

5) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this post -- 1 entry).

6) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

7) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Dollar General Moms giveaway! http://bit.ly/Lk5LEg

8) Write this on the Dollar General Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a beauty prize package for Moms from Dollar General on Bonggamom Finds! http://bit.ly/Lk5LEg

9) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a Moms Prize Pack fr @DollarGeneral & @ProcterGamble! Enter by 5/31 at http://bit.ly/Lk5LEg #giveaway

10) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 31, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on June 1 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.



Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Thanks to Procter & Gamble for providing the prize pack for this giveaway, as well as a second prize pack for me.  Promo information (in italics) was provided by Blue Chip Communications. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
 
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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- list your giveaways here

Welcome to Bonggamom's Friday Finds! I'm glad so many of you are finding this to be a useful way to get more traffic to your giveaways. And as a person who loves entering giveaways, I have to admit it's a great, easy way to find out where all the best giveaways are.

So feel free to leave links to your giveaways, everyone. And don't forget to get cracking and enter everyone else's, too!

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Brainteaser puzzles giveaway

This summer, we'll be traveling in the UK and continental Europe -- which means we'll be spending quite a bit of time on airplanes, trains and cars.  The kids will be taking their usual arsenal of video games to keep them occupied, but batteries don't last forever, and there aren't always places to recharge on the road.  Besides, I don't want them to be staring at a screen the whole summer long -- so I'm eternally grateful to Alpha Books for clueing me into some great puzzle books to keep my kids' minds from turning into mush.  Yesterday I reviewed two Puzzle Baron books: Sudoku and Logic Puzzles Volume 2, and today I'll be reviewing The Complete Idiot's Guide to Picture Puzzles, Volume 2.

I think I love Picture Puzzles the best out of the 3.  This book is a pleasure to look at; the photos are visually compelling: interesting, colorful, and filled with detail.  I could flip through it for hours while on the plane or train (and let's face it, on the can!).

Most are "spot-the-difference"-type picture puzzles, although there are a few "which-one-is-different" kind of puzzles (5 identical photos and 1 slightly different photo, and you have to figure out which one is the odd photo out), as well as jigsaw puzzles, where you have to rearrange the photo on a grid to reassemble it, presumably without cutting up the book and physically rearranging the pieces.

Here's an example of one of the puzzles from the book:

You can spot the first few fairly quickly, then the differences get more subtle; the medium and difficult level puzzles look pretty much identical.  The puzzle above is an easy puzzle, but I have to admit, I haven't yet found all seven.  Does that make me a complete idiot? I guess it's a good thing this is The Complete Idiot's guide!

What's really nice about this book is that they give you a time limit (1 minute, 45 seconds for the easy puzzles) to solve the puzzle, so even regular puzzle solvers and the more cerebrally endowed are challenged. Even geniuses can enjoy this book by competing to see who can spot all the differences in the least amount of time.  And if you absolutely cannot solve the puzzles, there is an answer key at the back of the book.

The whole family -- Alfie, the kids and I -- love this book, and I have a feeling we'll be enjoying it throughout the summer! 

Win a Brainteaser Puzzle Pack
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Picture Puzzles, Puzzle Baron's Sudoku, and Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles (check out my review of the Puzzle Baron's books here).




Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me where and when you enjoy solving puzzles, crosswords or other brainteasers.   This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1)  Try to spot the differences in the Oh, Buoy! picture puzzle above within the 1 minute, 45 second time allotment -- then leave a comment on this post and tell me how many you were able to find in that time! (1 entry)

2)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

4) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

5) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this post -- 1 entry).

6) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

7) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Brainteaser puzzle giveaway! http://bit.ly/JmH4QF

8) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a set of brainteaser puzzle books fr @Idiotsguide & @PuzzleBaron!  Enter by 6/1 at  http://bit.ly/JmH4QF #giveaway

9) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 1, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on June 2 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.



PS: Now that you've tried to solve the picture puzzle, you can check out the answers here!  Did you get them all?


Disclosure:I received a sample of all 3 books to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Giveaway prize and product information (in italics) is provided by the publishers. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

 
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The Puzzle Baron's Sudoku and Logic Puzzles

No matter what your age, it's important to keep the mind stimulated and challenged by learning new skills, learning a new language, engaging in intelligent conversation, and solving problems at work or at play.  My father-in-law is pushing 80, and I'm convinced that one of the things keeping him so hale and hearty is all the crossword puzzles and sudoku puzzles he enjoys.  Alfie likes to say that as a computer engineer, he solves puzzles every day for a living.

Even young kids benefit from working on all different kinds of puzzles, because they get to sharpen so many skills -- analytical skills, listening skills, powers of observation, and lateral thinking.  My kids must have gotten some kind of puzzle loving gene from their dad and granddad, because one of their current favorite bedtime "stories" is a brainteaser book and an IQ test book!

So when a set of puzzle books from Alpha Press arrived, they couldn't have been happier.  They sent us two great books from The Puzzle Baron, whose Logic-Puzzles.org site is consistently ranked #2 in Google and Bing searches for Logic Puzzles.  Puzzle Baron's Sudoku has 400 sudoku puzzles for all levels, and Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles Volume 2 has 200 logic based puzzles to exercise your brain.

Here is a sample of the sudoku puzzles you'll find in Puzzle Baron's Sudoku:

These are the easy ones, so I'm definitely in for hours of headaches -- or hours of fun.  Puzzles 1 through 24 are easy, 25 through 100 are medium, 101 through 250 are difficult, and 251 through 400 are fiendish). 


Here's an example of a puzzle from Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles V2 (you can click on the image to see it full-size)

Each puzzle page has a grid so you can eliminate possible answers based on the clues given and come up with the correct answer.  I tried solving one of the puzzles and was insanely happy when I got everything correct.  This book is addicting!  I'm definintely going back for more, that is, if I can tear it from The Pea's hands for long enough.

Both the Logic Puzzles book and the Sudoku book have puzzle-solving tips at the beginning of the book, and answer keys at the back. 

My kids took to both books like ducks to water.  These books are probably meant for teens and adults I'm guessing they'll have to limit their puzzle-solving to the easy levels for now, but they couldn't wait to start, they are working on a few of the puzzles and trying their best -- and most important, they are really enjoying it. 


Oh, and because I know you're dying to find out....
Click here for the answer key to the 3 sudoku puzzles
Click here for the answer to the logic puzzle


Don't miss my giveaway for a copy of Puzzle Baron's Sudoku and Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles Volume 2, as well as The Complete Idiot's Guide to Picture Puzzles, Volume 2, going live on May 18!

Disclosure:I received review copies of the books in this post via Wilkes Communications. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

 
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Win a $50 AmEx gift card from Aboutflowers.com

Whether it's for a birthday, a holiday, a graduation, a big acheivement, a special occasion, or no occasion at all, you can't go wrong with a beautiful bouquet or arrangement of flowers.  It makes things even more special when the arrangement is themed to the occasion or the season or to the recipient's personal tastes -- and that's where expert florists come in.  They can create floral arrangements themed to a baby boy shower, a beach party, the Oscars, the Olympics, the color purple, aliens, or just about anything you can think of.

photo credit: Flower Factor on Flickr

To showcase all the amazing things florists can create, the Society of American Florists (SAF) launched the VaseOff! Challenge in April, a Project Runway-style competition where florists were challenged to create a wedding bouquet inspired by the roaring 20's, Great Gatsby era.  Florist Colby Neal won the challenge with his romantic Bridal Nouveau bouquet, which was exquisitely done with carnations, roses, beads and feathers.  Daisy Buchanan would be proud! 

The VaseOff! Challenge was such a success that SAF has decided to launch a second one in July -- and that's where you come in.  They need a new theme to inspire the second VaseOff! Challenge, and they're looking for suggestions from you!  What should their designers create? A hostess gift  for a specific summer theme party? Recognition for a friend who has reached a major milestone? Or a thank you for your favorite neighbor?  Help brainstorm, and you could win a $50 American Express gift card....

Win a $50 AmEx Gift Card
SAF is giving one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader a $50 American Express gift card.



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share a suggestion for a creative and compelling theme for the second VaseOff Challenge.   This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Repin any of my pins on Pinterest (1 entry for each repin).

5) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this post -- 1 entry).

6) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

7) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the SAF VaseOff Challenge giveaway! http://bit.ly/LaN27E

8) Write this on the American Girl Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a $50 AmEx gift card courtesy of SAF & AboutFlowers.com!  Giveaway ends May 31, enter on Bonggamom Finds: http://bit.ly/LaN27E

9) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a $50 American Express gift card!  Enter by 5/31 at  http://bit.ly/LaN27E #giveaway

10) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 31, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on June 1 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite entry on the July VaseOff! Challenge begins -- SAF will be giving out another gift card, so you'll get another chance to win!


Good luck!


Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Thanks to SAF (via Ogilvy) for providing the giveaway prize.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
 
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American Girl Read-a-Palooza Book Giveaway

Summer is almost here!  Everyone is looking forward to long, lazy days with nothing to do -- until it all gets too boring and kids get restless and parents find themselves wishing school were in session!  Reading is great way to keep your child occupied and keep her mind from turning into mush.  You can sign her up for a summer reading program at your local library, online, or at select bookstores, groceries and other stores with summer reading programs (I have a great list of 2012 summer reading programs here!).

If you have a daughter ages 6-14, I cannot recommend American Girl books highly enough.  My daughter has been reading them since first grade, and they have played a huge part in teaching her to read, and to love to read.   American Girl has series for all ages and stages, all interests and hobbies, including:

Historical Fiction -- Stories featuring American Girl historical characters teach girls about the past and help them learn some lessons for the present.  The Pea really enjoys their mystery collection, which combines the suspense of a good old-fashioned whodunit with some truly poignant human interest stories.

Innerstar University series -- Stories set in Innerstar U, American Girl's online site.  These are interactive, choose-your-own adventure style books with multiple endings.  The Pea really likes them because she can read them again and again and enjoy a different story each time.  She's a lightning-fast reader, so this lets her get a bit more mileage out of her books!

Advice & Self-help books -- Being a kid isn't easy, and they need all the help they can get.  We like American Girl's Smart Girl Guide books, The Care and Keeping of You, journals, body books and other advice books because they address so many issue important to girls -- school, friendship, growing up, etc.. --  in a no-nonsense, from-one-girl-to-another way.

Activity books -- Sometimes girls just want to have fun, and there's no better way to keep busy during the summer than with American Girl's quiz books, craft books, and doll craft books!  The Pea especially loves the craft books that teach her how to make cute things for her American Girl dolls, like doll tees, purses, jewelry, hairstyles, party good, and more.  I'm especially eyeing the Doll Travel book, since we'll be doing lots of traveling this summer!


American Girl book fans will also be glad to know that American Girl has kicked off a great summer reading program called Read-a-Palooza.  Their Read-a-Palooza website has all kinds of wonderful resources designed to get your girl excited to read this summer -- downloadable bookmarks, McKenna activities, quizzes, a list of American Girl Store events, even some tips for starting your own book club!  What's more, $1 from every book purchased from American Girl will be donated to Save the Children's U.S. Literacy program, until September 3.  What a great way to share the joy of reading with not only your child, but other kids as well!


Win a set of American Girl Books
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive an assortment of American Girl books!  The winner will receive a shipment of 4-7 books (titles will likely differ from the ones pictured below) available at the American Girl Bookstore.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which American Girl book(s) you or your daughter/niece/granddaughter would love to read this summer.  This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Repin any of the pins on my American Girl crafts Pinterest pinboard (1 entry for each repin).

5) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

6) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the American Girl Read-a-Palooza giveaway! http://bit.ly/IXCwFQ

7) Write this on the American Girl Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win an assortment of American Girl books on Bonggamom Finds!  Giveaway ends May 30 at  http://bit.ly/IXCwFQ

8) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win an assortment of American Girl books!  Enter by 5/28 at  http://bit.ly/IXCwFQ #giveaway 

9) Tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds: Readapalooza! Buy a book via American Girl, and $1 goes to Save the Children's U.S. Literacy Program! http://bit.ly/IXCwFQ

10) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 30, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on May 31 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!




Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

 
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PROBAR Fruition review and giveaway

Ever since I reviewed PROBAR Halo Bars last year, they have become one of my favorite snacks, and I try to pick up a couple of the Nutty Marshmallow or Rocky Road whenever I can.  It's hard to imagine not being able to enjoy such yummy treats, but for millions of people with celiac disease, Halo Bars are just one of the many foods that are off limits.  Fortunately, there's Fruition, PROBAR's new certified gluten-free bar that gluten-sensitive people can enjoy.

About Fruition
It’s estimated that celiac disease affects 1 out of every 133 people and generally speaking around 18 million Americans have some degree of gluten sensitivity. The culprit is the hard-to-digest protein called gluten, that even a healthy intestine can not completely break down. For those with celiac disease, the undigested gluten essentially causes the body’s immune system to lash out at itself, leading to malabsorption, bloating and diarrhea — the classic gastrointestinal symptoms — but also, at times, joint pain, skin rashes and other problems.


For these reasons, PROBAR is proud to announce that they are moving away from gluten as much as possible. PROBAR’s first certified gluten-free product is due to come out in March 2012: a fruit-dense, superfood snack bar (~150 calories). Fruition is designed to deliver 1 serving of fruit in every bar and is built from a 100% vegan, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free medley of dates, oats, chia seeds, and cashews.


Fruition comes in 7 flavors:
Blueberry
Cherry
Cran-Raspberry
Peach
Lemon
Strawberry
Chocolate Orange

PROBAR sent us an assortment of Fruition bars to try, and they are big winners for Alfie and me.  My favorites are Chocolate Orange, by a mile-- it tastes exactly like its name -- and Lemon, which tastes like a healthy lemon square.  Alfie loves all the flavors!  They are a bit too nutty for my kids to clamor for, but they like it well enough (and it means that Alfie and I can keep these bars for ourselves!), and for kids who have no choice but to eat gluten-free, I think it's an delicious choice.

Save 40% off your PROBAR purchase
Get your PROBAR Fruition bars at a discount!  Just got to PROBAR's online store and enter the code BLOGGER at checkout.  You'll get 40% your first order!

Win a box of PROBAR Fruition
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a sample box of PROBAR Fruition bars in assorted flavors.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which Fruition flavor you are most looking forward to trying.  This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Blog about this giveaway, making sure you include a link to the giveaway ( http://bit.ly/JYAzF9 ) in your blog post (1 entry).

5) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

6) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the PROBAR Fruition giveaway! http://bit.ly/JYAzF9

7) Write this on the PROBAR Facebook page (1 entry)
Bonggamom is giving away a box of assorted PROBAR Fruition bars!  Enter by 5/23 at http://bit.ly/JYAzF9

8) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a box of assorted organic, gluten-free (and yummy!) Fruition bars fr @theprobar!  Enter by 5/23 at  http://bit.ly/JYAzF9  #giveaway 

9)  Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway you've joined)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 29, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on May 30 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!




Disclosure: I received PROBAR Fruition product samples to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by PROBAR via Purple Orange,PR and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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New free American Girl learning activities!

American Girl's Readapalooza website has lots of downloadable activities for the summer, but did you know that American Girl has many more worksheets, lesson plans and guides?  Their parents & teachers page has free downloadable activities for every American Girl historical character, as well as select Girl of the Year characters:

• Kaya: Native American Life and the Nez Perce Tribe
• Felicity: Loyalty, Independence, and the Revolutionary War
• Josefina: Spanish Culture and the Settlement of the Southwest
• Kirsten: Pioneer Life, Cultural Differences, and Helping One Another
• Marie-Grace and Cécile: Diversity, Community, and Point of View
• Addy: Freedom, the Civil War, and Life After Slavery
• Samantha: Innovation, Generosity, and Family
• Rebecca: Immigrants, Old Ways and New Ways, and Doing the Right Thing
• Kit: The Great Depression, Giving, and Resourcefulness
• Molly: Cooperation, Adaptability, and Resourcefulness
• Julie: Equality, the Environment, and Facing Change
• McKenna: Self-Esteem, Goal Setting, and Encouraging Self & Others
• Lanie: Animal Habitats and Observing Birds and Butterflies
• Chrissa: Bullying and How to Stop It

Here's a sample activity, from Lainie's activities:

They're great for birthday parties, playdates, or just spending a quiet summer afternoon!



Check out my other American Girl crafts and coloring books:
Coconut and Licorice coloring pages
American Girl Fashions coloring pagesRebecca Paper Dolls activity sheets


Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

 
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Marvel Super Heroes Magazine Giveaway

We finally watched The Avengers yesterday, and it was so much fun!  I've always loved reading their comics, and it was great to introduce my kids to Captain America, Iron Man and the rest.

Speaking of comics, I'm so bummed about missing last weekend's Free Comic Book Day!  On the first weekend on May, comic book stores give out special free comics to customers; in addition, Disney Publishing gave out free downloads of their Avengers Origins: Assemble app from May 7-11... but there are still ways you can get your hands on some cool Disney comics:


1. Disney Comics App – Free
Available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, the Disney Comics app gives readers instant access to one of the most extensive collections of comics, short stories and graphic novels ever created, ranging from classic adventures starring Mickey Mouse to brand new stories like Cars 2 and Toy Story. The app allows readers to download more comics whenever, wherever — including FREE Disney comics from the DigiFree section.

2. Marvel Super Heroes Magazine
o Disney Publishing recently unveiled the brand new 36-page publication for its youngest comic readers. Available on newsstands and by subscription, kids can now join forces with their favorite Avengers: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk. Inside every issue there are action-packed comics and a never-ending cast of villains ready for battle. Inviting families to bring home the “Mighty Marvel Universe,” the magazine features brain teasing puzzles, cool activities, cut-outs, plus an exclusive poster of the Invincible Iron Man. An assortment of assets for the magazine can be accessed by clicking here.

Win a subscription to Marvel Super Heroes Magazine
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a 1-year subscription to Marvel Super Heroes Magazine!


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Marvel superhero.  This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Marvel Super Heroes Magazine giveaway! http://bit.ly/KcNDGV

6) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a 1-yr subscription to Marvel Super Heroes Magazine!  Enter by 5/28 at  http://bit.ly/KcNDGV #giveaway 

7) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 28, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on May 29 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: Thanks to Disney Publishing for providing the giveaway prize, as well as a review issue of Marvel Super Heroes Magazine for me. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

 
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Fish Tacos at Rubio's

 I've lived in California nearly 18 years, and not once have I tasted a fish taco. Even when I visited San Diego, fish taco capital of the US, and everyone told me, You've GOT to taste the fish tacos here.  Can you believe it? Not one fish taco -- until now.  Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill contacted me about their newest fish taco offerings, the Sesame Soy Fish Taco and Avocado Corn Fish Taco.  Since I really like Rubio's -- and to be honest, since Rubio's said the tacos would be on the house -- I decided to go for it.

What in the world was I waiting for?  I can't believe I've missed out on this for so long!  I guess I thought the fish might be slimy, or overly fishy, just not what a taco should be.  But these Rubio's fish tacos are hand-battered, like my favorite fish-n-chips, and paired with fresh veggies and sauces for an out-of-this-world taste.   The Sesame Soy Fish Tacos come with avocado slices and salad greens, and a soy sauce.  They don't taste like your traditional tacos, but it's new, unique and delicious!

You can purchase the tacos per piece, or as part of a 2-taco plate, paired with rice, chips or beans (choose any 2).  I found the rice way too dry, but the beans are really, really good -- even better when you know that neither the black beans nor the pinto beans are refried. 

Alfie and I loved our Rubio's fish tacos so much that we returned to Rubio's just three days later to introduce our kids to these newfangled fish tacos!  The kids loved the Original Fish Taco and Fish Taco Especial, although they grew tired of the same taste by the second taco.  Next time, I will restrict them to 1 taco each, and order Rubio's superb chicken quesadilla for them to share.  Alfie tried the Mango Habanero Ono Taco, which has a sweet-spicy mango salsa.  I like that this taco has grilled instead of deep-fried fish, so it's healthier, but just as yummy as the rest.   I tried the Avocado Corn Fish Taco, and this one is definitely Alfie's favorite.  My favorite is the Sesame Soy Fish Taco, so we all have something to look forward to the next time we eat at Rubio's:)

Don't be like me and waste almost 2 decades without enjoying fish tacos, and head to Rubio's ASAP to try them out!

Disclosure: I received 2 complimentary meals at Rubios in order to facilitate my review. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
 
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Billion Dollar Brows Mother's Day Giveaway

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!  Today is the day we honor mothers everywhere and let them know how special they are.  Today's giveaway is for a trio of products that help moms look and feel like the Queens they are.  I don't wear makeup regularly but I always like to make sure my eyebrows look neat and clean, because they can really frame the face and bring attention to the eyes.  These brow gel, brow pencil and tweezers from Billion Dollar Brows are a mommy must -- and one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive all three, either for themselves or for the special mom in their life!

BDB Brow Gel
You wouldn’t leave the house with messy hair, why settle for messy brows?


Hold & Control! Our Brow Gel will lock in your look, giving your eyebrows a long-lasting, radiant glow while keeping them perfectly in place all day. It’s the perfect finishing touch for giving your brows a polished, perfectly manicured look.


Plus, we guarantee our Brow Gel never flakes. Our clear Brow Gel is made from the highest quality ingredients, ensuring that you won’t ever have crusty, flaky brows!

Universal Brow Pencil
No More Guessing Games! Formulated to work with all skin tones & hair colors


This amazing pencil goes on smooth and natural. Perfect for creating beautiful, natural brows for when you’re on-the-go. The pencil’s versatile color works with almost all hair colors and skin tones.

bdb Tweezers
Pure Precision! bdb’s brow artists tweeze a lot of brows. That means their tweezers HAVE to be perfect.


Stainless steel and specially coated, these are the only tweezers that can meet our artist’s extremely high standards. Guaranteed to grab every hair, every time.


Say goodbye to thin, crooked, cookie-cutter brows...FOREVER!



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share how you take care of yourself and let your sassy, sexy self shine!  This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Billion Dollar Brows giveaway! http://bit.ly/LCLvKg

6) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a trio of brow care products from Billion Dollar Brows!  Enter by 5/27 at  http://bit.ly/LCLvKg #giveaway 

7) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 27, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on May 28 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post.Thanks to KMR Communications for providing the giveaway prize.  Product information is provided by KMR Communications  and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
 
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Get Caught Reading with Dinosaur Train! (giveaway)

Do you love to read?  Do you want your kids to experience the sheer joy of opening a book and entering another world?  That's the goal of the Association of American Publishers' Get Caught Reading campaign -- to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read -- and Dinosaur Train is partnering with them to get kids even more excited to read.  

Maybe you've seen some Get Caught Reading posters in your local library, featuring famous actors, authors, sports stars, personalities and literary characters -- including Buddy and the Dinosaur Train gang  You can get the "Buddy" poster for free phttp://www.getcaughtreading.org/celebrity-posters.php (there's a shipping and handling charge of $5.00 per set of 1-12 posters).  You can print out an order form here.  What a great way to decorate your child's room and get them excited to read!  

You can also help others to “Get Caught Reading” too with a local book drive!  Below is more information on how to organize a successful book drive:

The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print. Communities ranking high in achievement tests have several factors in common: an abundance of books in public libraries, easy access to books in the community at large and a large number of textbooks per student. 

Anyone can get together to help increase reading achievement and literacy by organizing a book drive. Check out this tool kit (http://www.serve.gov/toolkits/book-drive/index) an online directory of charities that offer donation pick up services. Happy reading!


Win a copy of Guess Who, Buddy
One lucky Bonggamom Finds will receive a copy of the Dinosaur Train book, Guess Who, Buddy! (MSRP $10.99)

In Guess Who Buddy!, “What’s that dinosaur?” is the question Buddy needs to answer as he plays a guessing game with his friends. Kids can play along with Buddy by reading the playful descriptive text for each hidden character, guessing the dinosaur, then lifting the flap to see if they are right! A surprise pop-up at the end of the story adds to the charm of this fun book. SRP $10.99. Ages 2 and up.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Dinosaur Train character. This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Like PBS Kids on Facebook (1 entry)

5) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).


6) Like Dinosaur Train on Facebook (1 entry)


7) Like The Jim Henson Company on Facebook (1 entry)

8) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Dinosaur Train giveaway! http://bit.ly/KGARPP

9) Write this on the Dinosaur Train Facebook page (1 entry)
Bonggamom is giving away a copy of Dinosaur Train's "Guess Who, Buddy!" book! US residents only, giveaway ends 5/26 , enter at http://bit.ly/KGARPP

10) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a copy of the Guess Who Buddy from @pbskids!  Enter by 5/26 at  http://bit.ly/KGARPP #giveaway 

11) Follow @hensonparents on Twitter (1 entry)


12) Follow @pbskids on Twitter (1 entry)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 26, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on May 27 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post..Thanks to The Jim Henson Company (via 360 Communications) for providing the giveaway prize.  Product and program information (in italics) are provided by 360 Communications.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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