Nestle Back To School Giveaway

I can hardly believe that summer is wrapping up and school is starting {or already has for some}. What better way to kick off a new school year than a giveaway from Nestle! This giveaway is packed with so many goodies and is sure to please one lucky winner.

One lucky winner will win the following:

A $25 Mastercard rewards card, $20 worth of school supplies, a mix of free coupons from Stouffer's, Juicy Juice, Toll House Morsel and Refriderated Cookie Dough, Carnation Breakfast Essentials and Ovaltine product from Wonka, Baby Ruth, Crunch and Butterfinger; a straw dispenser and coupon booklet.

To enter:

Leave comment and tell me if you are excited or sad about school going back.

Extra entries: {leave a separate comment for each entry}

Follow my blog 1 extra entry

Tweet about this giveaway 1 extra entry

Facebook about this giveaway 1 extra entry

Additionally there is a larger giveaway at nestle family.com which is the Happy New School Sweepstakes, Be sure to enter there also head HERE. {this is a separate contest}

Contest will run until September 16th 2011. Please ensure that you leave a valid email address if your blog doesn't link back to you. Once winner is selected you will have 48 hours to respond.

Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to....

Hello friends! I hope everyone had a great weekend! Hubby and I spent the weekend doing some organizing and cleaning, bye bye dust bunnies! I can tell you that Will doesn't need another stuffed animal. We have run out of room for any more stuffed animals, yet I bet we will continue to buy them for him!

I always love Monday's since I have the opportunity to introduce you to a fabulous reader, what would we bloggers do without our readers? I have the great pleasure of introducing you to Kellie of Women's Life Link. Kellie is a one of those bloggers that amazes me, she has 6 kiddos and yet has an amazing blog that offers fabulous help for Women, she is truly a resource for all issues related to women. I knew why I instantly liked Kellie when she said that she is a huge fan of Alias, I never missed an episode, secretly I think in another life I wish I was a CIA agent. Now go grab a cup of joe and come back and get to know my friend Kellie, you won't be sorry!

Name:

Kellie R. Stone, founder/administrator for Women's Life Link

Family:

I am the mom of six - all fantastic in ways that I don't have room to list here. My oldest daughter will be a quarter of a century old this December (that's a reality check) and is married to a fellow sailor in the U.S. Navy. The other grown daughter (23) is currently in Cosmetology school and loving every minute of it! In the middle, I have two teen daughters (17 and 13) who try to tolerate each other only when they want to borrow each other's things. My boy is 12 and loves to cook, play video games, and irritate his sisters. Gotta love his unique ability to live with all these girls and survive. On the other end of the age scale, there is my Missy Moo. At 15 months, she is on her way to being either a rock star or a prima ballerina...or a blogger =).

How did you start blogging?

Several years ago I began to envision an organization that allowed women to network and share their experiences, beauty tips, health awareness, and their creative journeys. I had some health challenges through that time so it never really got off the ground as a "live" women's group. However, I never let the dream leave my mind and heart. When I met my daughter's boyfriend (a web developer and SEO specialist), he spoke to me about blogging and how to obtain a web presence that could eventually bring an income for me. I have always loved writing and sharing my thoughts with others; it seemed to be a natural fit. It took about a year after that conversation, but Women's Life Link was finally launched in March of this year. I've been dedicated to making it a vital blog ever since.

What is your parenting philosophy?

Well, after parenting for almost twenty-five years, I hope that I've got something to say about it. The first thing I learned is that no mother is perfect (especially me). And whenever I try to be, it always backfires in the form of rebellion and over-the-top competition amongst my children. They need to know that it's OK to make mistakes...and so does every parent. Second, the best thing I can do for them is know their strengths and their weaknesses, their passions, and their fears. When we truly understand who our children are as people, we can then gently lead them into a productive, fulfilling adulthood. And third, I had to learn how to love them. We all have different love languages, according to Gary Chapman, author of the Five Love Languages and many other books on the subject. Children, especially young ones, don't care about the complications of the world; they just want to know that you love them and need that love to reach them on their level. For that matter, the older ones are much the same; they just care more about gaining independence and finding their place in the world. Lastly, they will always need me no matter how old they get.

What is your blogging philosophy?

Though I haven't been at it long, I have developed a sense of who I am as a daily blogger. Women need to know that other women care, feel, think, create, love, hate, make mistakes, and even royally screw up from time-to-time. It is my job to portray a real person with a real life. And if I can make that interesting and occasionally amusing then I've succeeded as a blogger.

You will never find me without...

...

My coffee, my laptop, my lip gloss, my phone, ibuprofen, and normally my toddler; in which case, I would not be without at least one diaper, wipes, and some sort of snack food. As well, I try not to leave my brain, my wit, and my patience behind.

Day job:

At this time, I consider myself to be a SAHM who happens to be a writer (aspiring novelist), a blogger, and a Journey Coach. I've been doing the latter for years but just haven't received an income from it. Eventually, I hope to attract some "paying clients" through the blog and other means of promotion. I will also continue to do pro-bono work for women who can't afford the service. My areas of specialty are wellness, beauty, image consulting, self-awareness, and confidence building.

Favorite Stuff:

Music: I love Jazz, Blues, Piano instrumentals, and any artist who has written lyrics worth listening to, (like John Mayer, Gavin Degraw, Norah Jones, Led Zepplin, Evanescence, Michael W. Smith, and so many more.

Food: I could live on Asian food. Sushi and Chinese rice are my favorites. I would kill for the world's last piece of Tirimissou and often salivate for caramel popcorn. And if someone ever does away with coffee, I'd would become something inhuman.

Tv/ Movies: My all-time favorite TV show is Alias. I've watched the series three times all the way through; it never gets old. Currently, I enjoy all three of the CSI's, Secret Life (watch it with the teens), Fringe (can't wait till it starts again), Ghost Hunters, and random design shows on HGTV (I was an interior designer in my past life). =) As far as movies, you can pretty much gather from my TV list that I like the paranormal genre, crime/psychological thrillers, and detective dramas; among my faves are, Deja Vu, Butterfly Affect, Somewhere In Time, Frequency, Man on Fire, and 13 Going on Thirty (the whole time travel thing is pretty cool).

Reading: Again, I enjoy the thriller genre; Dean Koontz is my hero. I like Stephen King, Sandra Brown, and Lisa Gardner. Also, I try to read as many self-help books as I can, and the occasional decorating book slips in there.

If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be?

Honestly, I really hate wearing T-shirts that say things; I think people are staring at my boobs. But if I had to, I guess one that said "Inspired" would be OK.

Favorite stores to shop at:

Well, if I have the rare opportunity to buy clothes for myself and the ability to afford them, I'd be at The Limited, Banana Republic, Forever 21, or DSW. For home furnishings, I love Pier One, Pottery Barn, and stores that carry Moroccan style decor.

If you could trade with a blogger for the day who would it be?

I would trade with Genny at My Cup to Yours because she was one of the first bloggers to befriend me when I was brand spanking new and she is so gifted, Tammy from A Mom in Red High Heels because she has the inside scoop on a mom's beauty needs and a smokin' following, and there's Amy from A Bitchin' Wives Club; she is so free and hilarious (potty mouth...but who cares) with every post whether its about her recent surgery or a piece of clothing that she hates. Frankly, I give every woman credit who puts themselves out there on the web. Go Bloggers!!!

Other good stuff from Kellie:

One thing I've learned about women is that not every thing is always as it seems. So, just when I think someone is happy, or sad, rich, or poor, successful, or in the gutter, I take a step back and try not to base my opinion on what the surface may be presenting to me. I always try to give friendship time to grow and for the special people in my life to emerge from the crowd one day at a time. I hope to meet more fabulous women on my blogging journey. Be well-be beautiful.

Please be sure to leave some comment love for Kellie in this post and visit her site at Women's Life Link.

If you would like to be a featured reader (now don't be shy) please send me a email to klacustomcreations@comcast.net with a link to your blog. If you are a regular reader and I haven't asked you about being featured shame on me, send me an email licky split!

Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to.....

Hello friends! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Hubby was away for work over the weekend so it was just Will and I. I so enjoy my time with Will. It wasn't all play though Father's Day orders are in full swing so it was work, play, work, play you get the idea! Will has become quite the helper especially at the post office! Be sure to enter my Father's Day giveaway HERE.

I waited to announce the winner of my featured reader contest in this post, the winner is Miranda of A Duck in her pond. My featured readers have an opportunity to win a custom piece from my shop. If you would like to be a featured reader please send me an email at klacustomcreations@comcast.net Congratulations Miranda!!

Now on to the best part of the week a new featured reader!

I am really excited to introduce you to Tori of Mompreneur Musings: The Quest For Balance and owner of Zoe Foods. Tori is a busy WAHM of two girls and you have to visit her blog you will find it to be good for the mind, body and soul! I also love Tori's food so much that I just couldn't wait to feature her review and giveaway so after reading her interview please head HERE and enter for a chance to win a Super Sampler Set. Did I already say that I/we are in love with Zoe foods. Now go grab your beverage of choice and get to know my friend Tori.

Name:

Tori of Mompreneur Musings: The Quest For Balance

Family:

One amazingly supportive husband who has watched me start my com

pany, Zoe Foods, two intelligently silly girls ages five and six-and-a-half who keep us on our toes, and one big, cuddly dog who is always at my side.

How did you start blogging?

I started blogging for Zoe Foods so that my company’s customers could get to know me as the company’s founder. The funny thing is that I’ve come to the point that I love writing and at this point, almost prefer working on my blog more than my business! From this discovery, I am busy

working on launching a new business part-time!

If you are a parent do you have a parenting philosophy?

I feel like I have four kids: my two girls obviously, our family’s dog who has had all sorts of medical challenges which he has overcome, and my company Zoe Foods, otherwise known as my brain child. My philosophy is eerily similar for all, love and nurture them, treat them with respect, and whoever screams the loudest will be most likely to get my attention in the moment ;-)

You will never find me without......

I am embarrassed to say… my Iphone. It has become the backup hard drive to my brain and the way to communicate with everyone I know whether by phone, email, text, Facebook, or Twitter!

Day job:

I am a mom, wife, daughter, and friend, and last but not least, an

entrepreneur. I started Zoe Foods because I've always been passionate about making a difference in people's lives and thought that a natural foods company would be the perfec

t way to do just that. My company makes Zoe’s Granolas and Z

oe’s Bars that taste so great you won’t believe that they’re really

good for you (check out the nutrition facts). I started my blog because juggling all of my different roles in life is out of control, and I'm just beginning to see the comedy in it all. S

o please join me on my journey and share your thoughts and experiences, and together we might just make someone smile.

Favorite Stuff:

Music: Just about anything Reggae, Mozart, and Jack Johnson (how’s that for a mix!)

Food: Zoe’s Granolas for breakfast, and Zoe’s Bars for a snack (need you ask?)

Tv/ Movies: Waking Ned Devine, Private Practice, and Eli Stone

Reading: Authors – Ayn Rand & Jodi Piccoult. Books: Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China, by Jung Chang, and West With The Night, by Beryl Markham.

If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be?

Keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep achieving!

Favorite stores to shop at: Amazon and little local boutiques for clothes

If you could trade with a blogger for the day who would it be?

Tough choice between being influential and a journalist, or just downright funny. For the first, I’d choose Arianna Huffington (http://www.huffingtonpost.com), and for the latter, Anna Lefler (http://lifejustkeepsgettingweirder.blogspot.com/).

Now please leave Tori some comment love, we all love comments! Please also visit her blog.

Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to...

Happy Tuesday friends! I hope everyone had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend. We stayed home and had great plans to accomplish so much around the house but I spent much of the weekend playing catch up on orders. We did attend a really fun B-Day party for Will's friends, good food, good friends and good conversation!

I am very excited to introduce you to the lovely Miranda of A Duck In Her Pond, Miranda is not only beautiful but she is also very funny and a wonderful writer. Miranda has published work, Twelve Tales Of Christmas and two upcoming pieces Miss Pickles and Twirl. Visit here for updates, how fab is that? Now please grab a cup of joe and get to know my friend Miranda.

Name:

In the real world, I go by Miranda. In the blog world, I am the whimsical storyteller known as the Blond Duck of A Duck In Her Pond.

Family:

I ‘m married to my college sweetheart, Ben and we have two Chihuahuas, Bitty and Bear. They’re littermates and the light of our lives!

How did you start blogging?

After I graduated from college, Ben and I moved to San Antonio for his new job. I had spent senior year reading blogs and had always wanted to write one. Since I had just finished my first novel, I thought a blog would be a good way to get my name into the writing world. Eventually, it turned into what it is

now.

What is your blogging philosophy?

My blogging philosophy is to keep things positive and light. In the Pond, there are no tragedies. There are no bad days. There is just pie and whimsical stories and mystical creatures. There’s plenty of other blogs that will give you grit and reality and thought provoking posts. My goal is to make you smile and make your day a little bit brighter.

You will never find me without......

A notepad to jot down ideas!

Day job:

During the day, I work for a large metropolitan daily newspaper owned by a national publishing company. At night, I strive to bring my books to the masses. My goal is to publish short novels that women can easily read in one sitting—I call them bathtub books, because you could read them as quick as a bathtub soak. My stories have adventure, romance, fantasy and fun. I’m going to release a new one in about a month and hope to get more out soon. To see my style, readers can check out the Never Ending Stories tab on my blog. There, you can read three stories that are featured on my blog every week in a serial format.

Favorite Stuff:

Music: Country. Come on, I’m a good ol’ Texas girl!

Food: First and foremost, pie! Dutch crumb apple pie, peanut butter pie, pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Then we’ve got fried chicke, mac and cheese, bacon cheeseburgers and French Fries slathered in ketchup, chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, waffles, pancakes and biscuits….

Just park me at a road side diner somewhere and come back a couple hours later. You may need the jaws of life to get me out.

Tv/ Movies: Legally Blond, Enchanted, You’ve Got Mail, Penelope, Sleeping Beauty

Reading: Anything but Madeline L’Engle, several of the books by Bruce Coville and the BFG by Raold Dahl. Elizabeth Peters is fabulous and I adore Shannon Hale! I tend to read a lot of children’s and young adult books…I haven’t found many “adult” authors I like.

If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be?

“Be a happy duckie!” or “Will work for burgers and pie.”

Favorite stores to shop at:

New York and Company, Ann Taylor Loft and Ann Taylor, Express and Francesca’s.

If you could trade with a blogger for the day who would it be and please provide the link.

Marie from a Year from Oak Cottage. (http://www.ayearfromoakcottage.com/) She’s just so sweet and was my first real blog friend. She inspires me every day.

If I could visit anyone, I’d go visit Pam from For the Love of Cooking (http://fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com/) or Katherine from Smoky Mountain Café (http://smokymountaincafe.blogspot.com/).

Other good stuff from Miranda:

While right now most of my stories can be seen on my blog, I'm looking forward to having several pieces published soon. It is my goal to bring whimsical written adventures to both children and women. I want my stories to excite and move you, to inspire and electrify. I also hope to open a animal shelter for abandoned dogs and farm animals in the future. After living in a city where so many dogs are killed or abandoned every day, I hope to be able to give each dog a home and love in their lives.

I hope you all come to the Pond to learn more about me! You can visit A Duck In Her Pond

Please be sure to leave Miranda some comment love. We all love comments!!!!

If you would like to be a featured reader please send me a link to your blog to klacustomcreations@comcast.net, my lovely featured readers have a chance to win a custom piece from my shop!