Fun — Page 10

$100,000 Giveaway starts NOW!!

I entered to “Bring Home the Bacon!” in the new HUGE contest from Cheap Sally, and I REALLY need your help!!

Here’s how it works:

The winner of this amazing contest gets a job finding and sharing deals with Cheap Sally, plus a H-U-G-E prize- $100,000 cash! Wow, right?

What a blessing that would be…

To win, you have to get the votes.

So, to vote for me, all you have to do is click on the logo, and you’ll be taken to my personal profile. You can read more about me, and then give me a vote. To vote, there is a big pink bar under my profile pic, and you just click that great big ol’ heart to vote!

You can vote for me once a day, if you’re super nice! I’d LOVE a chance at that $100,000 salary for the year!!!

Round 1 Ends October 31st:

I can spread the word, and you can vote for me in this Round 1 until October 31st…. At that time, the top 5 contestants from each state go on to Round 2, which lasts through November 30th… Then the REAL fun of the competition begins! The finalists have to compete in some online shopping challenges, and that helps to determine the winner of the $100,000!!

If you’re a fan of Sunshine and Sippy Cups, and really want to help give me a boost, here are some things that you can do to help:

Use the social buttons on my profile page at Cheap Sally, to tweet out my page, and to “like” my profile! You can also copy and paste the link to your Facebook page, and tell people more about me.
You can also use MY social buttons to share this blog post on Twitter, Facebook, and Stumble Upon… Anything that helps me get my page out there! The more people who see my profile, the more people who might like it enough to vote :)

I enter a lot of “Vote for Me” contests, but don’t promote here to ask for votes… But this is SO major, I have to ask for some support from you guys! Your fan support has helped Sunshine and Sippy Cups grow so fast this year, and I’ve really appreciated your tips, comments, and friendly emails.

Thank you for all of your support!

I really appreciate ANY help that you can give me, with votes, or by helping to spread the word! Currently, I’m in 23rd Place in Washington… I’d LOVE to get into the top 5 for this round!!!

And, if you’re in another state, leave your link in a comment, and I’ll vote for you too!!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on September 1, 2011 Filed Under: Contests | 2 Comments

{Rafflecopter Giveaway} Win a Virtual Room Review from Designer at Stylish Solutions!

Who else is TOTALLY addicted to those home make-over shows?

I am. Totally and completely. I don’t have time for much TV, but towards the end of my pregnancy, when I was having some complications, I spent a lot of hours in the recliner watching these programs….

I am a really crafty, DIY, creative person. I love design, and worked in Fashion Merchandising for years. And I love rearranging and redecorating the house. But it’s always so cool to see how someone ELSE see’s your home, with fresh eye’s. Sometimes, you get so used to the clutter– or the odd arrangement of things that you set that way “for now”, but never got around to changing– that you just don’t even see it anymore.

On the TV programs, a fancy-schmancy designer comes in, and suggests major changes, an with a {usually} unlimited budget and resources, they transform the room into a new beautiful oasis of perfection.

In real life? Not so much.

Most of us can’t afford to hire an interior designer to come into our home. And even if we COULD afford them, we probably couldn’t afford all of their suggestions! Plus, the majority of us live in homes with babies, and kids, and pets, and messes. We may dream about those perfect magazine living rooms, but even the best kiddo’s would have peanut-butter smears over it all within minutes.

What we’re REALLY looking for…

What most of us really need is just a little help. The way you take your most stylish friend shopping with you, to pick out new looks you wouldn’t have discovered on your own– That’s the way Virtual Room Review works!

You send in a few pictures of the room that’s giving you trouble, and the amazing designer from Stylish Solutions will review them, and give you some really easy solutions to upgrade your space! And it is SO affordable– You can get a full room review of your home, office, or even your business, for only $10!!

This is my Master Bedroom… Very much in need of some TLC!

We moved into the new house last November, and the baby and I share the big Master Bedroom and Bath. I absolutely LOVE so many things about this room… The high ceilings, all of the space, and the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom!! But I’ve struggled quite a bit with how to combine our bedroom furniture, the baby’s stuff, and my office, into one space.

Designer Suggestions…

Here are a few of the suggestions that I got from Stylish Solutions during my Virtual Room Review, and what I thought about them…

Longer curtain panels (to the floor or just above) would make the window look better – I would also add another panel to each side so they’re fuller. I’d raise the curtain rod a few inches, which makes a window look bigger as well – generally you want to hang your panels as high and wide as you can/ {Totally agree! In my old bedroom, I had two very small windows, so here on this big window I have 2 short and 2 long panels… I’d been trying to decide which length to buy more of. But I agree that longer ones will look better!}
I would re-frame the pictures above the bed so that the frames are dark (keeping the white mats) – right now they blend into the wall. You can also use black spray paint instead of buying new frames. {Again, something I’d been planning! The old bedroom had darker grey walls, so the silver popped against them. But they do really blend into the white walls here.}
A few other suggestions were to add more of an accent color, and add a throw in that color at the end of the bed. Also, to add some bedside lamps, and a headboard, along with a few easy ideas I could use for both.

I love that ALL of the suggestions are things that are simple changes, affordable on a tight budget, and make a big impact!

Win a Virtual Room Review of Your Own!

One lucky fan will win their own Virtual Room Review for FREE! Super cool, right? {And to see some examples of how dramatic her room remodeling skills are, check out her Before & After pictures– Amazing!}

{Disclaimer: The designer at Stylish Solutions gave me a complimentary Virtual Room Review so that I could share my experience with you guys… But of course, the opinions I share are my own.}

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

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Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 30, 2011 Filed Under: Contests | 3 Comments

New Family Movie Night- Game Time: Tackling the Past

Family Movie Night – Game Time: Tackling the Past

P&G and Walmart have partnered once again for a new Family Movie Night! The newest movie, Game Time: Tackling the Past, airs on NBC Saturday, September 3rd, at 8pm ET/7pm CT.

P&G and Walmart partnered for Family Movie Night to help you rediscover family time- Great quality movies with no inappropriate content, and they even keep the commercials family-friendly. I hate sitting down to watch something with the kids that I think will be safe… Only to have them startled something unexpectedly scary or violent, or have them see things that are too adult for them. I’m not at all conservative, but even I have trouble finding good family movies sometimes. So I definitely am a fan of these new Family Movie Nights!

Watch Game Time: Tackling the Past

What do you think?

I can totally relate to the message in this movie… How an unexpected event in life can cause you to totally re-evaluate your priorities, and suddenly realize what was really important in life.

This is pretty much what happened when I became a mother. I was working really long, crazy, unpredictable hours in retail management and fashion marketing. I loved what I did, but it was stressful. I worked hard, and on my days off, I played hard too- I had a super active social life. I had no desire for kids, and was totally happy as “Auntie Meagan” to my nephews. Like Jake in the movie, I thought I knew where I was going in life…

Then, I found out I was expecting. Woah- that really stopped me in my tracks! In the movie Jake has to make huge life changes due to the unexpected news that his father has suffered a major heart attack- The unexpected news of my pregnancy forced me to take a hard look at my life too, and make some huge changes. As my due date approached, I realized that I couldn’t just jump back into my old life- I couldn’t continue 50 hour work weeks, full time school, AND spend time with a baby. When discussing this with my employer, they abruptly decided to let me go!! What now??

I soon discovered that this was the best thing that could happen. My family rallied around to offer support, friends pitched in to help me out, and I realized that less money, but more time with my baby, was making me a million times more happy than what I had “thought” I wanted before! Just like Jake in the movie, I realized how important that support is in life.

“Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.” –Og Mandino quotes

When Winning is Everything, What’s Left?

That’s the main message of the movie, and I think it’s a great question to address with your family and kids after watching the movie. Family Movie Night films are meant to encourage teachable moments…

Ask you kids what they would do if they went through the same type of situation faced by Jake in the movie. Would they make the same choices? Get some discussion going… And look forward to another opportunity to do it again, and watch for the next Family Movie Night soon!

Learn More:

Visit the Family Movie Night Website here: FamilyMovieNight.com.
Follow them on Facebook, to stay updated on the newest movies: Facebook.

{Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.}

And don’t forget… The premiere of Game Time: Tackling the Past is on Saturday, September 3 on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT!!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 26, 2011 Filed Under: Fun Stuff, Reviews | No Comments

{Rafflecopter Giveaway} Time Island Kids Prize Package!

Check out the fun new kids game ~ Time Island!

“Time Island is a virtual world for kids where they can play games, learn about nature and survival and meet other children from around the globe in a safe online environment.”

I found out about Time Island from MomSelect; they chose our family to be part of a fun campaign to help spread the word about this great game!

I was worried at first that the kids might not like it… It’s a free game on the computer, and they’re used to playing the Wii and Xbox, you know? But they LOVE it.

Learn more:

Sounds cool, right?

The kids have so much fun playing it- they love meeting new kids and chatting online when they join other tribes, they love outsmarting the little green monsters, “Grogs”, and my youngest nephew just likes walking around and exploring the island!

As for me, I love that there’s no violence like some of their video games have, that it’s an interactive environment but it’s SAFE {if anyone uses bad language, bullying, or anything else, you can report it, and they won’t be able to play.}, and it really makes the kids think while they play, instead of just mindlessly blowing stuff up!

What is Time Island?

It’s like Survivor, but for kids. You have to figure out how to survive, join with others in tribes, explore the jungles and beaches, and use your wits to outsmart the others! Seriously, the boys would play this for hours if I let them…

Join Us!

To join us on Time Island, sign up here- TimeIsland.com. After you sign up {and remember, it’s totally FREE to join!}, they’ll send you a confirmation email {this is so that kids can’t sign up and play without you knowing… You confirm the email, and decide which settings the kids are allowed to play under!} After you confirm, the kids can build their own avatar to play with.

Are YOU on Time Island?

If you guys are playing on Time Island yet? What do you think of it? Or if you’re learning about it for the first time, what do you think? Any questions about it? Comment away!

Win it!!

Use the easy peasy Rafflecopter Giveaway form to win a Super Cool Prize Package filled with cool stuff:

Prize Package Includes:

One Time Island Backpack!

A Time Island Cell Phone holder!

3 Time Island wrist-bands- One for you, 2 to share with friends!

Super cool Time Island Sunglasses- Black front, green sides with the game logo!

Time Island Stickers- 3 sets!

Bunches of assorted Time Island temporary tattoo’s- featuring the avatars from the game, as well as the Time Island game logo!

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

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Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 26, 2011 Filed Under: Reviews, Contests, Freebies, Fun Stuff | No Comments

Super-Duper {40+ New} Freebie Friday List!!

It’s FAN-tastic Freebie Friday Time!!

This is ALWAYS the most popular post of the week….

And- I’m going to get back in the habit of posting my daily mailbox pic’s again too. Lots of you have been asking about that, so I’m starting it today!

The pic here is of yesterday’s freebies, and I’ll tell you how I got them…

How I got THESE freebies:

Markers Mark: I’m an ambassador for this whiskey company, which means they send me things to help promote them from time to time. Sign up – MakersMark.com.
Kohls: Sign up at Kohls.com for their newsletter. Use the sign in link at the top- then you’ll get their great coupons mailed to you. {Also, use SAVEBTS at check out today for 20% off.}
Pantene: This was from a really great freebie offer I found through WomanFreebies.com a couple weeks ago. And, not sure why, but I got lucky and they sent me TWO coupons for FREE product!
Toys R Us: Love the coupons and free gift cards here! Sign up for their mailing list too at ToysRus.com, email sign up at the top.

Now, on to today’s new samples, testers, cool offers, and more!

FAN-tastic Freebie Friday:

Pantene: At noon EST, Pantene will give away 10,000 free Keratin Protection Cremes to their Facebook fans. Watch for it!
Ballet Slippers: Capezio is giving away FREE ballet slippers- but there is a small shipping free. CapezioDance.com.
Mama Journal: Get a free online pregnancy journal. Sign up at Mama Memoirs.
Baby Journal: Get a free online baby book/toddler journal at TotSites.com.
Bath & Body Works: Print this FREE COUPON to get one item up to $12 FREE with a $10 purchase, in store or online.
Free Books: Get the entire set of “When I grow up I want to be” books, a $35 value! Go to The Old School House Store, add them to your cart, and set up an account to check out. Use code FBWANNABE at checkout, and then choose PayPal for payment… It’ll then make the whole sale FREE!
Moo.com: Sign up for a FREE account at Moo.com, the most unique, fun, and original business card and paper product company ever, and then refer your friends for credits for FREE products!
Escada: Get a sample of the new perfume before it’s released! Sample Escada.
Free Digital Organizer: Get a FREE digital organizer, with the ability to make family newsletters and books, that you can access from anywhere with your smart phone. This place is rockin’ my socks- Free Organizer.
Free Meal Book: Download the free Just Get ‘Em Fed ebook, on how to feed your family simple, whole food, healthy meals, on the cheap!
Free Credit Report: Get your whole credit report, see your credit score, learn how you compare to others, and how to build your credit score too. This is one of my very favorite sites to recommend, ever. Credit Karma.
Free Bootcamp: Sign up for the FREE financial bootcamp, and have access to budgeting tools, coaching advice, and fun stuff too! Learnvest.
Free Magazine: Get the new Lighting issue, from Better Homes and Gardens, for free. Free Magazine.
Free Style Advice: These are both super fun freebies, for the “Frugalista”… View sets of outfits, and choose your favorites. They’ll analyze your answers and give you outfit recommendations, or Accessory Suggestions, and you can buy them at discounts if you’re interested.
Lunchbox Freebies: Get this super cute Free Lunchbox Planner printable from A little delightful just in time for back-to-school!
Swagbucks: They’re still rockin’ with all of the bonus points codes! If you’re not signed up, PLEASE read the comments on the last post I did, and read why you’re totally missing out on the easiest way to earn free gift cards that there is. Sign Up.
High Value Coupons: Sign up for a $2/1 Puppy Chow Coupon, Get it Here, Free Appetizer Coupon at Chili’s, and the last few days to get the Quizno’s 30th Anniversary Coupons!
Free Personalized Calendar: This can be customized with all of your own photos and graphics, add fun details and designs, and all you pay is a small shipping fee! Free Calendar {Great to save for a Christmas gift this year, you can start it at any month you want!}
Disney Freebies: Sign up for Disney Free offers, info, and coupons. Disney Freebies.
Whitestrips: Get a free sample from Crest and Walmart, Free Whitestrips.
Purex: Become a Purex Insider, and get access to great new products for free! Sign Up.
Free Sneak Peek: Get a look at what coupons are coming out in each weeks Sunday papers by going to Sunday Coupon Preview.
Free App: Get the new free app from Family Friendly Frugality! Check out more about it here. I’m thinking about doing a Sunshine and Sippy Cups app too soon…
Free Cash: Get $5 free for joining, then earn .10 cents per coupon you print and redeem! There are tons of other ways to earn too, but that one is my big money-maker. Inbox Dollars.
Free Dog Leash: Get a freebie from Purina, to encourage you to get your dog out and active! Purina Free Offer.
Baby Cream: Get a free sample of baby cream products from Episencial. Sample Offer.
Fragrance Sample: Try the new CH Caroline Herrara fragrance, and choose a free card to go with it. Fragrance Gift.
Mom Networks: Join the FREE online spot for moms- I just joined a coupon-swapper group with local moms from this site, and am pretty excited about it! Never would’ve found them without this. Sign Up Here.
Lot18: Huge discounts and free offers on amazing wines, get a FREE subscription here- Lot18, and then earn $25 credits for referring your friends!

There ya have it!! A H-U-G-E round-up of new fun and free offers!! If you find any great one’s today that I missed, be sure to share ’em in the comments, so everyone else can get in on them too!

And, if you have freebie-lovin’ friends, make sure to use the buttons to share this on Facebook and Twitter too! Thanks a million…. and have a great start to your weekend!!

Free samples updated daily- Freeflys!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 26, 2011 Filed Under: Freebies | 1 Comment

OhmyHECK – Remember Popoids Toys?

I LOVED these when I was a kid!

I remember getting these in my Happy Meal at McDonalds, and being SO super excited to bring them home to add to my collection.

We were really poor when I was a little girl… Like, one year we were the family that the church chose to sponsor kind of poor… And going to McDonalds was a big luxury anyway. When the trip rewarded me with not only my beloved Chicken Nuggets and Hi-C Orange drink, a crawl through the Big Mac Maze, and a quick hide-out in the Hamburgler Jailhouse- when I got not just any toy, but my FAVORITE Popoids toys- I was as excited as a kid all jacked up on sugary soda can get!!!

Haven’t seen ’em in years!

I wouldn’t have believed that they even made these anymore, until I saw that they’re available today on Totsy!! And, not only can I actually buy them, but they’re also HALF OFF!!! The sale only lasts for a couple days, and some sets were sold out already, but I got one. My inner child has a very happy heart tonight…

How to get them-

Head over to Totsy, and register really quick for an account if you haven’t already. {It only takes a sec, and they won’t spam ya, just one email per day with the newest sales, promise.} Then, on the main screen, just click on the big graphic with the BUILDING TOY EVENT on it, and get to shoppin’!!

If for some sad reason you miss out on this, {it’s a very limited time sale} I also found them on Amazon – Popoids 140-Piece Construction Set In Bucket – but they’re double the price! So, if you remember these, and are as excited as I am to know that they still exist, and are also excited to fight the kids for the chance to build with them {lol, but only kind of…} then jump on this deal at Totsy today!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 24, 2011 Filed Under: Deals and Coupon Codes, Shopping | No Comments

Super Fun Hot Wheels and Lego Storage- Starting at $6.99!

Lovin’ the deal on SUPER COOL storage containers for Lego and Hot Wheels!

These storage bins are from Neat-O! Toys. Read More:

Neat-Oh! is what people say when they see the company’s products. Established in February 2005, Neat-Oh! brings innovative products to consumers to simplify their lives.

Their flagship products are their ZipBin storage products, which were designed by a mother and her ten-year-old son. Neat-Oh! is devoted to producing inventive, original products to ease the lives of people everywhere.

These are SO cool…

I’m loooovin’ these super cute storage boxes for kids’ toys! Each one un-zips to be a play-mat for the toys, then quickly and easily zips back up to store all those little pieces too! And they’re so fun, I think the kids will love them too….

The box above, for Hot Wheels, is on sale today at Zulily for only $11.99, from a regular price of $20.

Sweet deal on a super cool gift idea, right? I bought a couple of these to fill later, for Christmas.

Check out my other favorite…

This super fun Lego storage zip-up container unzips to be a fun playmat too!

It’s also on sale on Zulily today, for only $6.99 which is an amazing deal!!

More to See:

There are also a bunch of other choices available too, all really cool. When you visit the site, you can see what the boxes look like unzipped too, so you can view the play mats!

Shop Zulily Deals:

If you’ve never shopped Zulily before, it’s really simple. Sign up by going HERE, it’s really quick, and then verify your account. Easy peasy.

Now you can get access to their exclusive sales on super cool brands- They share sales on brands for Moms, Kids, and Babies. They always have a super fun selection, and I find a TON of great brands here that I’ve never heard of before. Great products, amazing discounts!!

For more great kids deals, shop Totsy today too!