Life is like a sandcastle something beautiful here for awhile & then gone, but the impression it makes on others can last forever.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Hop Around Tuesday Linky 10/31/11



Happy Halloween!!
3 hops in one. At the bottom you will find 3 separate Linkies. One for Twitter, Facebook, NetworkedBlogs. Subject to be deleted if not connected to proper url address.

Make new friends & gain followers. Please follow host @lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama & @HaveSippy we will follow back. If you don't mind please retweet/share so we can all gain more friends and participates:) Follow & follow back if someone follows you. Lets help each other.

*I use Just Unfollow for non followers on twitter.
Twitter Hop











Sunday, October 30, 2011

Winner!!

Thanks everyone for entering the Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack. Congrats!! to the winner.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Duck Brand Products + Jack-o-Lantern Contest

I use Duck Tape all the time and even more now since I have little ones. There are more things to repair, more arts & crafts to do, school projects, and more cool Duck Products to use:) Have you seen the printed designs & team inspired Duck Tape? I was totally inspired at all the creative uses for Duct Tape at their website. Some people have such great talent creating with Duck Tape and I was blown away at the Prom Dresses made from Duck Tape. You must see!!

This year we've used Duck Brand Products & Duct Tape to hold together a Halloween Costume, on a school project, hanging kids art work, and we tried the Printed Duck® Brand Duct Tape - Skulls refreshing an old bike. Totally my 4 year old son being creative and it turned really great making my 2 yr old smile big. Be sure to check back and see my oldest son's costume in a couple of days. We used Duck Brand Products for it:) visit it here Halloween 2011.
This time of the year we begin to prepare our homes inside and out for winter and Duck brand weatherization products are there to help. No one wants to be left with a busted pipe in the freezing weather, that is why I suggest Foam Pipe Insulation and Easy Slide Tight Faucet Cover both are easy to install and affordable. Pipe Insulation opens on one side and slides conveniently on to pipe and peel a way and seal insulation together. 
As you probably already know Duck Tape has great products for painting, shelf liners, and Mailing, Moving & Storage, wrapping up those Christmas gifts. Did you know that you can visit Duck Tape right now and enter for a chance to win the $1,000 First Prize in the 2011 Stick or Treat™ Duct Tape Jack-o-Lantern Contest.  Ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET, November 1, 2011.

Follow The Duck Brand on Facebook

Twitter @theduckbrand

Youtube @ http://www.youtube.com/user/theduckbrand



Disclosure: Duck Brand sent me samples to review in order to share my opinions. No other compensation was received.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Club Penguin Celebrates Halloween In-world Party

Club Penguin Celebrates Halloween with Massive In-world Party

Island Transformed into Halloween Transylvania for Club Penguin’s Most Anticipated Event of the Year

Ghosts and goblins invading the most awesome kids’ hot spot online?  This week, Disney’s Club Penguin (www.clubpenguin.com) – the #1 virtual world for kids – kicks off its annual Halloween Party! Last year more than 3 million players celebrated Halloween at this massive in-world party, making it one of Club Penguin’s most anticipated events of the year. This year, the island will be transformed into Halloween Transylvania with spooky trees, carved pumpkins and many other features created especially for this exciting event. The Halloween Party will begin on October 20 and run until November 1. Penguins are invited to put on their coolest costumes ever and join the fun.

·         Island Transformation: The Island will morph into a Halloween Transylvania with exciting changes including a dark background complete with full moon, trick-or-treating adventures for Penguins and a haunted Island experience.

·         New Games: A new Halloween Scavenger Hunt will take place during the party. Kids can follow clues and locate ghosts to receive a new game background.

·         Costumes: Monster Catcher and Ghost Sheets costumes are some of the many Halloween Party costumes and accessories available for players.

·         Famous Penguin Visits: Players will be able to interact with rarely-seen Famous Penguins, including Aunt Arctic and Gary the Gadget Guy during the Halloween and Anniversary Parties.

·         More Role Playing: A new stage - Night of the Living Sled: The Play – will go live, where kids can role play and re-create the popular video “The Night of the Living Sled.”

·         Prizes: Players who visit 10 “Trick or Treat” igloos in one session will win a special stamp.

·         Bigger Celebrations: Club Penguin’s 6th Anniversary Party will be held in the Coffee Shop in conjunction with the Halloween Party, making this the biggest party yet.

About Club Penguin
Club Penguin (www.clubpenguin.com) a product of Disney Online Studios, is the #1 virtual world for children. Club Penguin works to maintain a fun and safe online entertainment experience by using filtering technology and live moderators. The award-winning virtual world of Club Penguin contains no third-party advertising and is free to use and enjoy, however a subscription membership provides access to additional features that enhance the play experience. Club Penguin is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, is enjoyed by parents and children around the world, and can be played in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.

Disclosure: Just Sharing & copied from sponsors email.

Freebies, News, Coupons, & Other

Better Oats wanted to share:

This Saturday, October 29th is National Oatmeal Day, so Better Oats wanted to send along a handful of fun facts about why this time-honored breakfast should be celebrated
.
   Remember oatmeal baths from when you had the chicken pox? Well, oatmeal baths can also be used for relief from poison ivy, insect bites, sunburns and dry skin!

   Having a light snack -- like a bowl of oatmeal -- a few hours before bedtime may help you sleep better, says Mayoclinic doctor.

   They can be enjoyed sweet or savory.  Try some of these dinner recipes from Time magazine.

   According to Real Simple contributor and registered dietitian Susan Kleiner, Ph.D., eating the same breakfast everyday "like oatmeal with seeds and nuts"  is one quick ritual for a better day. Read more here.

   Whether it's steel-cut or instant, an oat is an oat is an oat, says Cooking Light.  Flattening and steaming does not remove whole-grain benefits, so you get all of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and oaty fiber from either type.

  This National Oatmeal Day, be sure to celebrate with a quick and delicious bowl of Better Oats.  Our instant oatmeal can be enjoyed for breakfast on hectic mornings, as an afternoon treat, for dinner or as a late-night snack!  Made with 100% whole grain oats and flax seeds in every pouch, our 23 varieties of Better Oats are sure to keep you and your family satisfied.
  
  Please join our Oat Revolution by spreading the word about Better Oats and National Oatmeal Day on your social media channels (blogs, Facebook, Twitter).  Below are a few links to our social media pages that we encourage you to share with family and friends.
  
  In fact, we're currently offering a "Buy three, Save $1.00" coupon on our Facebook page, so we hope you enjoy our products this holiday weekend.
  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BetterOats
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Better_Oats
Website: www.BetterOats.com

Disclosure: Just sharing. Copied from email to inform readers.
 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Giveaway Linky Thursday 10/27/11

Thanks for stopping by Giveaway Linky Thursday. Check Out:
10/29 Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack
11/9 Walmart Gift Card

Stop by The Night Owl Mama to Thursday Giveaway Linkup.

The winners are?

Thanks everyone for entering!! Congrats to our winners!! Emailing you shortly.






Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Wordless Wednesday Linky 10/26/11


5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go, Mom Start, Jolly Mom, Two of A kind, Working on a full House and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

3 Bazooka Candy Basket winners!!

Congrats!! 3 winners will be enjoying a Bazooka Candy Basket.




Monday, October 24, 2011

Hop Around Tuesday Linky 10/25/11

3 hops in one. At the bottom you will find 3 separate Linkies. One for Twitter, Facebook, NetworkedBlogs. Subject to be deleted if not connected to proper url address.

Make new friends & gain followers. Please follow host @lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama & @HaveSippy we will follow back. If you don't mind please retweet/share so we can all gain more friends and participates:) Follow & follow back if someone follows you. Lets help each other.

*I use Just Unfollow for non followers on twitter.
Twitter Hop











Winner!! + Giveaways Ending

The Winnie The Pooh Giveaway update (Canada can win too) get your entry in.Giveaways Ending Soon!

10/24 Bazooka Candy Basket 3winners
10/25 Creativity for Kids Haunted House Kit
10/25 DINOSAUR TRAIN: Spooky Scavenger Hunt Book
10/29 Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack
11/9 Walmart Gift Card

Congrats!! to the winner of the hand mixer.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Quick Giveaway!! Haunted House from Creativity for Kids

Spooky Craft with Clay Haunted House fun at Creativity for Kids is like decorating a gingerbread house at Christmas. House is made from sturdy cardboard and can be used year after year to decorate. This house can also be used as a treasure chest for yummy Halloween treats.

Creativity for Kids kit includes 7"w x 7"h x 4"d embossed haunted house. White, black and purple washable paint with foam brush. Air-dry clay in colors and glue & glitter pen. Purple sparkle felt to enhance your display.
My boys really had a great time working on the haunted house and it was a great family craft for Halloween. Now you have the opportunity to win your very own. Creativity for Kids will give one of my readers a Craft with Clay Haunted House

RULES:
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern Oct 25, 2011
Open US winner has 24 hrs to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry is to visit Creativity for Kids and tell me what other product you love.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Blog about the giveaway linking this post (5entries)
* Follow all on twitter & tweet " #win Clay Haunted House @Creativity4Kids @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/f6pIv 10/25 #giveaway #contest" (1 daily)
*Give this post a google+1 (1 entry)
*Give me a Klout +K (1 k per day, daily)
*Stumble post
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*(current giveaways)Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)


Disclosure: Please note this giveaway was presented by Creativity for Kids & I did received a product to review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

#LeapFrogParty was Hopping!! & LeapPad Wowed


The LeapPad is the must have toy for the Holiday Season!! With that said while purchasing it buy the AC adapter for home use and rechargeable batteries for on the go. It will save you time later because it will be used that much.

On Sept 27, the Leap Pad from Leap Frog arrived and I put it up till I had a minute to look it over with my son. The next day my son was home from school with strep throat and I also had it, we cuddled up and begin exploring the Leap Pad. WOW!! this little kids toy holds bundles of activites. No waste of money here this product is a cover it all product. A library of 100+ cartridge games, apps, digital books, videos and flash cards (sold separately) and it works with all Leapster Explorer games and apps.


First he had to explore the camera & video apps with 5" touch screen. My own little photographer and video maniac. We created personalized backgrounds & photos while adding our names. I adore the vocabulary lesson and the letter tracing. Games, book download, pet center, drawing center. My son loves the drawing center and his artwork has taken off with it.

Unfortunately, the device could not be connect before the party for me to get apps. It's was programed to reset, so I didn't want that to happen. Apps cost $19.99 and I can't wait for my son to try Alphabet Stew, he loves to practice spelling. The LeapPad is not just a toy it's a learning tool, with age appropriate lessons and games wrapped up just the way children like it. It ranks number 1 on my Christmas list for children and probably explains why my local Walmart has devoted an entire shelf with LeapPads on it.

After getting familiar with the products it was time to share with our guests at our Learn, Share, Create Party. Once the children got a hold of the LeapPad, they were in the zone so to speak. Moms tested it too and watched their children use it. It was very popular, no doubt. The children also enjoyed playing with the Leap Frog Interactive Map, Tag Books & Tag Pen. We printed frog mask for our guest to color. We also had activity sheets, coloring pages, and guests carried coupons home with them provided by sponsor.

Party Gusts were served a variety of special treats including Swamp Juice, Frog Cupcakes, Insect Cookies, Logs and Frog Egg Marshmallows. Can't forget popcorn, it makes you hop better. Frog on a log cupcake tops the cake with grass, water, Lily Pads. Printable frogs adorn the drink cups.
We retreated out side to give the little frogs some jumping room. We had frog hop races a short legged frog race & a long jump frog race. Played Frog in the pen and then we even played LeapFrog. The adults had to do it too, I may have to share that video. While winding up the play the children jumped on the trampoline and showed their best frog impersonations. Guest left happy and hoppy with special party favors I purchased for each of them. Our #LeapFrogParty was Hopping!! & LeapPad Wowed.

Disclosure: I was supplied with LeapFrog products to keep while participating in Mommy Parties in order to host and share with party guests. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Giveaway Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack


Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, for the latest adventure featuring the world’s beloved bear, Winnie The Pooh!  Join Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga, Piglet, Eeyore, and all of the classic characters you know and love when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray October 25, 2011!

Pooh Activities and Downloads! The Winnie The Pooh widget has an awesome assortment of games and activities so you and your family can have your own adventure! Download coloring sheets, exclusive “Pooh” cooking recipes, party ideas, crafts, games and more!

Win a Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack. The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS.  No P.O. Boxes please. US winner.

RULES: Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern October 29, 2011.
Open US or Canada winner must send details by November 1 or new will be drawn. Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it.
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.



Mandatory Entry *Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect and Take the personality quiz and share which Winnie The Pooh character your most like.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********
*Blog about the giveaway linking this post (5entries)
* Follow all on twitter & tweet " #win #Disney Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack @PartnersHubTeam @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/p3YS0 10/29 #giveaway #contest" (1 daily)

*Give this post a google+1 (1 entry)

*Give me a Klout +K (1 k per day, daily)
*Stumble post
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*(current giveaways)Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)


"Disclosure: Partner Hub provided information and giveaway." No other compensation was received.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Giveaway Linky Thursday 10/20/11

Thanks for stopping by Giveaway Linky Thursday. Check Out:

10/23 Hand Mixer
10/25 DINOSAUR TRAIN: Spooky Scavenger Hunt Book
11/9 Walmart Gift Card
10/24 Bazooka Candy Basket 3winners

Stop by The Night Owl Mama to Thursday Giveaway Linkup.

Wordless Wednesday Linky 10/19/11

Beauty on the Water
5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go, Mom Start, Jolly Mom, Two of A kind, Working on a full House and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

#TwistedHalloweenRingPop Bazooka Candy Giveaway 3 Winners

The “spooky” days of Halloween are fast approaching and Bazooka Candy Brands would like to share their “twisted” ring pops. With flavors like “citrus craze”, “blue raspberry watermelon” and “berry blast” they are sure to please the goblins, ghosts and little devils that come knocking at your door.

Bazooka Candy Brands offered a giveaway to 3 winners “Twisted Bazooka Halloween” candy basket. First and foremost I would love if you could follow our sponsor Ring Pop’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ringpop It would make us so happy:)

US winner, 2 days to response, I will email the winner so make sure I can find your address in comment or in your profile.

Entries

* Follow Life Is A SandCastle GFC
*Blog about the giveaway (5entries)
* Follow on twitter & tweet " #giveaways Bazooka Candy Halloween #Giveaway 3 Winners #contest #win @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/5BNYa #TwistedHalloweenRingPop 10/24" (1 daily)
*Give me a Klout +K (1 entry per +K)(Daily entry)
*Stumble Life Is A SandCastle Blog (3 entries)
*Enter (current) The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter. (2 entries)
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)


Disclosure: Sponsor is providing giveaways and sample for sharing contest. no other compensation was received.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Hop Around Tuesday Linky 10/18/11

3 hops in one. At the bottom you will find 3 separate Linkies. One for Twitter, Facebook, NetworkedBlogs. Subject to be deleted if not connected to proper url address.

Make new friends & gain followers. Please follow host @lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama & @HaveSippy we will follow back. If you don't mind please retweet/share so we can all gain more friends and participates:) Follow & follow back if someone follows you. Lets help each other.

*I use Just Unfollow for non followers on twitter.
Twitter Hop


Facebook Hop


NetworkedBlogs

Win a Play Kitchen MSRP $229.95

Thought everyone would love to know about the a chance to win a KidKraft Red Vintage Kitchen!!!
from
$229.95 MSRP


LOTS OF WAYS TO GET ENTRIES!!!!

Disclosure: Just Sharing:)

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Halloween Craft Web & Spider

Simple spider project create spider with hot glue, pom poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes.
Create web with black electric tape.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Halloween Craft Mr. Ghost & Miss Skull Head

Mr. Ghost & Miss Skull Head
Mr. Ghost white fabric, bunch up plastic grocery bags under fabric and create a head tie up with string and draw on your ghost face. Tye on some sheer fabric to add ghostly effect.

Miss Skull Head cost $1 at dollar tree, hot glue fabric (white or black looks great) around. Tye her a sash with sheer fabric. Hang both with fishing line.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Giveaway Linky Thursday 10/13/11

Late, I got caught up in my son's school project:) Thanks for stopping by Giveaway Linky Thursday. Check Out:

10/23 Hand Mixer
10/25 DINOSAUR TRAIN: Spooky Scavenger Hunt Book
11/9 Walmart Gift Card
Stop by The Night Owl Mama to Thursday Giveaway Linkup.


Animal Planet Pet & Baby Costumes


Before we had children, I dressed my little dog up and that's why I thought Animal Planet line of pet costumes were so adorable.

These unique costumes will transform your pet during the Halloween craze and turn them into the talk of the party. Ranging from a scary raptor, the cute little monarch butterfly, and more. The Animal Planet Halloween costumes are available at Party City locations.

Animal Planet also has the perfect costumes for you little ones. Baby Rhinoceros Costume, Baby Meerkat Costume, Love Bird, and more.

Disclosure: No product or compensation was received, just sharing on behalf of sponsor.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Wordless Wednesday Linky Scary 10/12/11

It's getting scary here.
We got some white shower curtains for a $1.00
mixed burgundy and red craft paint and we have this hanging in our living room.
Seriously can't take a nap on the couch now.
5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go, Mom Start, Jolly Mom, Two of A kind, Working on a full House and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Hop Around Tuesday Linky

TEST: We are going to try something different, 3 hops in one. At the bottom you will find 3 separate Linkies. One for Twitter, Facebook, NetworkedBlogs. Well see how it goes:)

Make new friends & gain followers. Please follow host @lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama &  @HaveSippy we will follow back. If you don't mind please retweet/share so we can all gain more friends and participates:) Follow & follow back if someone follows you. Lets help each other.

*I use Just Unfollow for non followers on twitter.
Twitter Hop Linky




Facebook Hop Linky




NetworkedBlogs Linky