Toshiba Helios Black 17.3" Satellite Laptop Review & Giveaway from One Savvy Mom!

As part of her Holiday Gift Guide 2010, One Savvy Mom! reviewed the Toshiba Helios Black 17.3" Satellite Laptop, and is offering a giveaway to one VERY VERY lucky reader. This is one sweet laptop! Here are the specs: •AMD Athlon II dual-core P320 processor 2.10GHz, 1MB L2 Cache
•4GB DDR3 system memory gives you the power to handle most power-hungry applications and tons of multimedia work
•320GB SATA hard drive. Store 213,000 photos, 91,000 songs or 168 hours of HD video and more
•DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash technology Watch DVD movies on your computer; read and write CDs and DVDs in multiple formats
•10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. Connect to a broadband modem or a wired broadband router with wired Ethernet, or wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi signal or hotspot with the 802.11b/g/n connection built into your PC
•17.3" diagonal HD+ TruBrite LED-backlit TFT LCD widescreen display. ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 graphics with 256MB-1405MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory

Additional Features:
•Built-in Webcam and microphone
•Digital media card reader
•3 x USB 2.0 ports (1 x eSATA combo port), 1 x RGB output, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x microphone jack, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
•6-cell lithium-ion battery pack
•Built-in stereo speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio

Software:
•Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Edition (To learn more about the features of Windows 7, click here)
•Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Edition (60-day trial)
•Microsoft Works 9
•Norton Internet Security 2010 (30-day trial)
•Microsoft Windows Live Essentials including Photo Gallery & Movie Maker
•Toshiba PC Health Monitor; Toshiba Online Backup (30-day trial)

This would be great for my mom! The large screen size, full-size keyboard would be easy for her to use, and I love the built-in webcam so we could Skype and I could actually SEE how she's doing rather than rely on what she tells me (lies, all lies I'm sure. She's not as well as she claims to be). The processor is powerful enough to handle anything she'd do with it (church bulletins, spreadsheets, watch video) as well as work well when the kids are there, working on their homework or surfing the internet.

As always, One Savvy Mom! offers a TON of entry options, so do them all to maximize your chances of winning (or don't - better odds for me. HA!) Giveway ends 12-08

Preserve your Halloween Memories with Kodak Gallery -$50 AMEX Giveaway

KODAK Gallery is offering TWO The-Not-So Blog readers each a $50 AMEX gift card, so they can create their own photo books and help preserve those precious Halloween memories.

My son had so many great Halloween moments over the years, I really wish I'd gotten more pictures than I did - you can't get those days back. Trust me.

Giveaway ends today

Home Renovation Event-ATGStores Review & Giveaway!

One lucky Kiddies Corner reader will win a $75 ATG Stores gift certificate.

ATG Stores has 500 websites throughout multiple home furnishings categories, offering close to 3 Million products from over 1000 name brand manufacturers. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here!

This giveaway is part of their Home Reno Event that I posted about here.

Giveaway ends today

Don't forget today is Daylight Savings Time!

Just a reminder that today you were supposed to set your clocks back an hour (so, 3am became 2am).... which means daybreak occurs earlier in the day (YAY!) and by 6:30pm it's dark out *grumble*

Most newer phones, computers, etc. will do this automatically, but my cellphone needed to be manually updated (it's still on the old DST schedule), as well as the microwave, stove, clock radio, etc.

I can't believe how dark it is outside already. It REALLY makes me wish I win the Fireplace being given away from FindOverstock.com that ends tonight. Instead of putting it in my bedroom, I could put it in the office, so while I'm on the computer at night I could enjoy the warm glow of a crackling fire. Plus, with 2 variable settings (750 & 1500 watt) and a flame dimmer, I could control the amount of heat and light provided. Heck, I might NEVER leave my office! LOL

Seriously though... I've got the wall of bookcases, I could add the fireplace, and turn it into a study/library. I spend more time in here than my bedroom, so I'd enjoy the fireplace more.... plus, since it's wall-mounted, it wouldn't take up any floor space. I can see it now... snow falling outside, me curled up in my fav chair with a book and my comforter, with the fireplace going, a cup of hot tea on the sidetable (next to the remote for the fireplace, so I can adjust the light and heat). What a lovely way to spend an afternoon :)

Here's a thought - I might win it and love it so much that I buy a second one, then I could have one in both my office AND my bedroom! SCORE!!

$350 Value Nostalgia Electric Fireplace With Remote Giveaway

FindOverstock.com is celebrating having 100 followers by giving away a Nostalga electric fireplace with a remote.

Features (as listed on FindOverstock.com's blog post):
•Wall mounted mahogany effect wooden style electric wall fireplace (SAVE SPACE)
•Flame effect with under-bed glow
•750 and 1500 watt heat settings for maximum comfort
•Safety thermal cut-off built-in to prevent overheating
•Adjustable flame brightness
•Remote control with ON/OFF, 750 watt & 1500 watt selection, flame dimmer
•Mounting hardware included allows you to mount this incredible fireplace right to your wall
•Pebbles included
•Dimensions: 6.25 x 35.375 x 22 inches

I have ALWAYS wanted a fireplace in my bedroom, and I have the perfect spot for this! I think it would be amazing to just lay in bed and have the fireplace going :) It might even tempt me to start going to bed sooner. HA!

Giveaway ends today, and there are many ways to enter.

Win a 7 Day Vacation Stay from Global Resort Homes

Faithfully Frugal and Free is celebrating their 1 year blog birthday, and with the sponsorship of Global Resort Homes is offering one lucky reader a 7 day / 6 night stay in one of the beautiful Global Resort Homes properties located in Orlando, FL (note, you have 1 year to take advantage of the offer, and black-out dates are 6/15–8/15 and 12/15–1/8).

You really need to check out their website, they have 6 resort comunities, each with a variety of amenities that make this the perfect vacation destination.... even without everything else Orlando has to offer!

Two MomStart giveaways ending tomorrow

MomStart has 2 great giveaways ending tomorrow. The first one is for 3 free Johnsonville sausage coupons (up to $4.99 value each coupon).

The second is for a great Hormel prize pack, which includes the following:
· Lunch tote
· Water Bottle
· Product samples of CHI-CHI’S® SNACKERS® and Hormel® pepperoni minis snac pacs
· Coupons for Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats and Hormel® bacon toppings

Just think, if you win them both you'd have meals covered for the entire week (or a weekend, if you eat like my son does!).

Jewelry Armoire Giveaway at Wholesale Furniture Brokers

I love the Deep Cherry Jewelry Armoire by Powell Company (pictured, right) from Wholesale Furniture Brokers. Although it's not the biggest one they offer (the Louis Philippe Jewelry Armoire by Powell Company (pictured, middle) comes to mind), for the amount of jewelry I own the Deep Cherry is the perfect fit. The styling and finish will blend well with my bedroom furniture, although I'm thinking I may store this in my walk-in closet.

I love the mirror on the flip-up top (especially important if I decide to put this in my closet), as well as the graduated sizing on the pull-out drawers. I also like the cord on the side doors that will hold your necklaces securely in place as the doors swing open and closed (a small detail, but you'd be surprised how many jewelry armoires don't offer this - then your necklaces swing each time the door is opened and closed and they invariably get all tangled up).

The Deep Cherry Jewelry Armoire by Powell Company will offer plenty of storage for my rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches (yes, I still own brooches and I wear them from time-to-time) and I should be able to store my charm bracelet and all my loose charms in the bottom drawer.

There are over 40 varieties of Jewelry Armoires available at a variety of price points, colors, styles and finishes (check out the gorgeous vanity with a built-in jewelry armoire (pictured, bottom)), so you're sure to find one that you like to suit not only your style, but also your budget.

I also like that the price you see is the price you pay - shipping is free (prices include basic home delivery).

Feel Good in Naturalizer event Review and Giveaway from IndependentMami

One lucky IndependentMami reader will win a pair of shoes (up to $150, including shipping) from Naturalizer Shoes. Please note, Naya or MBT (other Brown Shoe brands) are not eligible. Giveaway ends today at midnight

2 great giveaways from The Fashionable Housewife ending today!

The Fashionable Housewife has two great giveaways ending today.

The first is for a gorgeous Pashmina Shawl from LaPurse (winners' choice). There will be 4 winners selected, so the odds are great!

The second is for a “Promise Pink” Inspiron M101z Laptop from Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Dell.

Here are the specs:
Processor: AMD Athlon™ II K125 (1.7GHz/1MB cache)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
Memory: 2GB DDR3 SoDIMM at 800MHz, 1x2GB DIMM
Chipset: AMD RS880M chipset with SB820 south bridge
Video Card: Integrated RS880
Display: 11.6 inch display (1366x768)
Audio and Speakers: SRS premium Surround sound standard, 2 X 1.5W speakers for total of 3W standard
Hard Drive: Up to 250GB4 SATA hard drive (5400RPM)
Optical Drive: External DVD+/RW
Power: 6-cell 56WHr Li-Ion Battery with up to 6 hours 36 minutes of battery life
Camera: Built-in 1.3M Pixel Webcam
Wireless: Standard Dell Wireless 1501 802.11 g/n
Bluetooth 3.0 802.11b/g/n combo card
USB 2.0 (3) with one USB Powershare to support sleep and charge
Integrated 10/100 LAN (RJ45)
15-pin VGA video connector
Audio jacks (1-line out, 1 mic-in)
7-in-1 Media Card Reader
AC adapter connector
HDMI

Dimensions & Weight
Width: 8.07" (205mm)
Height: 0.95" (24.3) front –1.38" (35 mm) back
Depth: 11.5" (292mm)
Starting weight of 3.44 lbs (1.56Kg)

Both giveaways offer a lot of different options for gaining entries, so take advantage of them all!

The BEST Guacamole recipe!

My favorite guac recipe is adapted from Alton Brown's recipe. Everyone RAVES about it.

Ingredients
3 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, zested and then juiced
1 small jalepeno, seeded and minced (leave the seeds in in you like it hot)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 medium red onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions
In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice and zest, toss to coat. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash to your desired consistency (I leave it a slightly chunky). Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, jalepeo, cilantro, and garlic. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

Orient Watch Giveaway

One lucky reader of Baba's Farm Life will win their choice from a selection of Orient watches (selection by the sponsor). Since most are women's watches, and I'm trying to win it for my son, my choice is easy! I'd pick the CEM5J006U - Khaki Face.


Isn't it fabulous? This would make a great Christmas present - as would any of the ones available. You can see the full selection offered by the sponsor on the linked post.

Giveaway ends 10-21

Nestle Halloween Party

One lucky reader of Momma Findings will win a Spooktacular Nestle Toll House Prize pack, which includes:

• Coupons for two free packages of Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• NESTLÉ Toll House apron
• $25 Target gift card to purchase additional baking essentials.

You can enter the giveaway here. This online Halloween party runs all week, and is also being held on the following blogs: out The Not So Blog, A Daily Dose of Toni, This Full House, and Mom Spark so be sure to check out each blog for some awesome Halloween tricks and treats - the brain cupcakes are really cool, and would be a big hit at your Halloween party!

Day 2 of the Halloween party means you can win a Juicy Juice® prize pack that includes:

• $25 Target gift card to purchase party essentials
• Two bottles of Juicy Juice® punch

You can enter on Momma Findings blog.

Day 3 - they saved the best for last! Today's prize is a FABULOUS Nestle prize pack. It includes a $100 Walmart gift card - you could definitely cover all your costume, decorating and candy needs with this! As if that wasn't enough, you'll also get free item coupons for the following Nestle products:

• Stouffer’s
• NESTLÉ Pure Life
• Juicy Juice®
• NESTLÉ Toll House
• Nesquik
• Wonka
• Raisinets
• Crunch

You can enter at Momma Findings, The Not-So-Blog and A Daily Dose of Toni.

Lots of blog giveaways ending today...

My blog giveaway list just got a LOT shorter this morning! There ar several good ones that end today.

Mommy PR has 2 ending today:
A set of bamboo sheets and pillowcases from Bedding Superstore. I've read a lot of amazing information about bamboo sheets - did you know that they're naturally anti-bacterial and THREE times more breathable than cotton? That means you'll be warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer :) I own a bamboo duvet cover and I can tell you from my personal experience that these are soft and silky, and have a slight luster to them. I love sleeping under my duvet cover, I can't imagine sleeping on bamboo sheets!

Winner's choice of Serta mattress (any style, any size) up to $2,000 which also includes delivery, set-up and removal of your old mattress. Can you believe it? Serta mattresses are top-of-the-line with warranties up to 30 years. The best part is you get to shop this locally from an authorized Serta dealer.... so, go to your local Serta dealer, tell them your sleep habits (for example, I prefer a firm mattress and I'm a side sleeper so my mattress preference would be different than someone who sleeps on their back or likes a soft mattress), try out the floor models, and pick out the one you like best.

Thanks, Mail Carrier is offering one of their readers a Keurig B60 Special Edition Brewer. Anyone who knows me knows I love my Keurig, and I hate not being able to drink coffee at work. If I'm lucky enough to win this, it's going in my office, along with a case of Donut Shop coffee! I love that this model allows you to brew 6, 8 or 10 ounces so I can vary the strength if I decide to bring other coffees to work, and the reservoir allows you to brew several cups of coffee before refilling. This is actually the same Keurig I have at home and I love it! Granted, it could be a bit smaller and quieter but that won't bother me at work - it'll be worth it to FINALLY be able to enjoy my Keurig coffee at the place where I need the caffeine the most!

Lastly, Survey Junkie is offering one of their readers a Parazul Classic Bag in beige. From the sponsor's website: Parazul is a fresh, exciting new line of handbags and accessories, inspired by the beautiful vacation destinations where the items are sold. I love the classic styling of their bags. Although my favorite has to be the Scarf bag (either in White or Navy, with a beige/navy scarf and pink hibiscus flower charm) the Classic Bag is gorgeous as well. Whoever wins this will get a lot of use out of it for years to come!

Win Your Choice of Ceiling Fan from Fanimation and Mommy Living The Life of Riley - What Would You Chose?

One very lucky Mommy Living The Life of Riley! will definitely be living the life when they win their choice of fan courtesy of Fanimation!



All of their fans are STUNNING! They have a variety of styles and finishes to suit everyone's tastes. My taste is more traditional (warm wood tones, darker metal finishes) It was tough narrowing down my selection, but I think I'm sticking with the one I fell in love with on the first day I saw the giveaway posted.

I'd pick model LB230VZ venetian bronze fan assembly with Cairo purple finish custom wood blades and dual amber glass bowl light kit. *sigh* Isn't it gorgeous?

I love the elongated oval shape of the blades, and the amber light with all the dark bronze metal. This would look stunning in my living room (and the best part, I'd actually have an overhead light in there! I can't believe they installed a ceiling fan without a light kit.)

My living room is very large, so the 56" sweep would be in keeping with the scale of the room. The tone of the Cairo wood blades would also be in balance with the other wood tones in the room. I also love that in addition to 3 forward speeds it also has 3 reverse speeds - most ceiling fans I've seen only have 1 reverse speed (and it's never fast enough!). I actually do use our ceiling fan in the winter (in reverse) so this feature is important to me.

I'd take the fan that's currently in the living room and put that in my son's bedroom, since it's a perfectly good ceiling fan and he can use it.

Fanimation Fans ~ Win the Fan of YOUR CHOICE ~ ARV $399!

This giveaway ends today, and there's tons of ways to earn entries.

Giveaway from The Original Scrapbox - The Paper Tower - 10 Blogs

The Original Scrapbox has teamed up with 10 different blogs to offer one reader the opportunity to win The Paper Tower. Links to all the blog posts are found at the bottom of this post.

*sigh* Isn't it pretty? I know they call it The Paper Tower, but for me it would be the PERFECT quilt square organizer. I've got probably 5-6 quilts all cut out, stored in grocery bags in the bottom of my closet (plus a ton of miscellaneous FQ's that I'll use for random things).

This would allow me to organize all the squares that have quilt homes (including the denim and flannel one I've been promising my son for years, and the memory quilt from his old clothes), and I could organize the FQs by color family. In the door, I could store threads, embroidery yarn, rotary cutters, buttons, chalk, needles, and all the other items I use.

In case you can't tell - I LOVE this! I've also got the perfect spot for it. It comes in the following finishes: Black Bead Board, Vanilla Bead Board, Black Raised Panel, Vanilla Raised Panel and Knotty Alder (a beautiful medium-toned wood finish, this is the one I would pick). The Paper Tower includes 17 - 12"x12"x3" totes, 17 - 3"x12"x3" totes as well as 10 velcro zipper pouches. That's 34 totes, PLUS the 10 zipper pouches - so much organization! I'm giddy just THINKING about it!

This is how the giveaway will work - each blogger will select one preliminary giveaway winner, who will win a prize package detailed in their blog post (some blogs are offering different prizes), and more importantly they'll also win a golden ticket, AKA one entry into the grand prize drawing for The Paper Tower in the winner's choice of finish.

After the 10 preliminary prize winners have been selected, one of them will win The Paper Tower. So, if you don't win a preliminary giveaway you're out of luck, but if you do... you have a 10% chance of winning the grand prize. You can enter on every blog if you want to maximize your chances - that's what I'm doing! Giveaway ends 10-14

This is the list of 10 blogs who are all co-hosting this giveaway:

• Pink Cricut
• Rashelle Workman
• My EyeQ Sue Neal
• Elizabeth Mueller
• Marvelously Messy
• Nap Time Crafting
• Priscilla Styles
• Brown Paper Packages
• Mod Podge Rocks
• Rachelle Writes

My Coke Rewards Football Tailgate Giveaway

One lucky Mommy-Files reader will win a Tailgating Prize Pack, including the following Coke Zero branded items:

- Rolling (foldable) Cooler
- Long Sleeve T-shirts
- Cinch Totes
- Stadium Cushions
- Cups with Lids
- Nerf like footballs
- 100 points for redemption on MyCokeRewards.com

The Prize Pack is valued at $200! In addition, there will be 4 runner-up winners who will each receive 100 My Coke Rewards points. Giveaway ends 10-10

Bialetti: New Aeternum Ceramic Saute Pans Review and Giveaway!

Bialetti is offering one lucky Show Me Mama reader their very own Bialetti Aeternum Cookware.

The blogger received the set of 3 Saute Pans, and I believe that's what the winner will receive as well - aren't they gorgeous? Giveaway ends 10-9

*sigh*

I woke up to a post about this little gem from The Possessionista

Giusseppe Zanotti Open Toe Suede Pumps for less

I gotta say, I don't agree with her more affordable version (which you can see in her post). Where's the red, the suede, the peep toe? I wouldn't be happy with it.