I've been quiet today, but I have been monitoring all of your comments :-) I'm getting excited, how about you?! It was no easy task putting this event together, but I enjoyed every bit of it.

All contest winners will be announced tomorrow evening, including our Ringing in the New Year Grand Prize Winner who will receive $500, a trip to Cancun and a ton of prizes!!! Now that's how to ring in the New Year!

I want to wish you all a happy, safe and prosperous New Year. One filled with plenty of BARGAINS and FREEBIES! I've had a ton of fun in 2010 with you. Thanks so much for welcoming me into the blogging world. I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store.

Until next year, I'm signing off. Be blessed and stay safe!

Happy New Year!

I don't know about you, but I experience a LOT of trouble with my wired Wii sensor bar. I'm not sure if it's because I have a large TV and we often stand a at least 15 feet away from the TV, or if it's just something that everyone experiences. Either way I've been wanting to try the wireless bar since I saw it at Sam's Club last month for $14.99. The bar is larger than the wired bar and from the reviews I have read, it seems to work much better than the wired one.

Tonight I found a great deal on the Wii Wireless Sensor Bar through Amazon! Pay just $4.99 (a savings of $10), and it is eligible for FREE Prime Shipping! I paid $9.98 for two and I should receive them by Tuesday!

Visit Amazon to get yours.

Has anyone used the wireless sensor bar? How does it work?

*UPDATE: AS OF 1/2/11 THE SENSOR BAR IS NOW $7.99*

A big thanks to Vivian Kirkfield (Show Me How!) for being one of the sponsors of the Grand Prize giveaway in the Ringing in the New Year Event that ends on December 31st!!!

(ARV- $44.95)

SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING is a newly published unique guide for parents, grandparents and teachers of preschoolers that pinpoints 100 picture books every young child should hear and provides a story summary, parenting tip, eco-friendly craft project and child-friendly healthful cooking activity for each recommended title. It is a back-to-basics shortcut that helps build self-esteem, creates a life-long parent-child bond and gives parents a newfound sense of confidence in their own abilities. About the Author: Vivian Kirkfield, is a mother and grandmother of three, and former kindergarten and Head Start teacher. She is passionate about the care, education and uplifting of young children. Vivian lives in Colorado with her husband of 43 years and enjoys hiking and fly-fishing when she isn’t reading, crafting and cooking. REVIEW: I must say that as a mother of three children ranging in age from 5-10, I absolutely LOVED Show Me How! The book is so practical and an excellent source of information for parents of young children. The book gives great tips on reading resources, simple eco-friendly crafts and healthy recipes that the kids will enjoy. I delight in the fact that Vivian has made my job as a parent easier. Each of the suggested readings is followed by a craft as well as kid-friendly recipe that goes along with the book. Both the crafts and recipes require minimal materials/ingredients, and the instructions are easy to follow. Show Me How! contains a wealth of information and activities to help parents connect with their children, and obtain new skills to be the best parents we can be. My absolute favorite part of the book, well besides the Dreamy Fruit Salad recipe, is the daily routine that Vivian outlines in great detail hour by hour to help create a more structured day. As the parent of a child who was recently diagnosed has having Asperger's Syndrome, I am learning that it is very important for me to keep him on a daily routine. Although the routine is designed for younger children, it is structured in a way that I can use it as a guide to develop my own schedule. According to Vivian, "Most children thrive when daily routines are put into place because, when they know what to expect, their stress level is lowered." I must say that this statment is so true. On the days when I stick to a consistent routine, my children and I have a much "smoother" day. I would recommend SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING to any parent or caregiver of a young child. The book is very informative and contains information that will help you and your child become better people! BUY IT! SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING retails for $44.95, but it is currently available for $29.95. The amount of information that this book contains is like having 3 books in one! It is definitely worth every penny, and I will say it is a BARGAIN find. To purchase the book for yourself and/or a family or friend go HERE or visit Amazon. THE AUTHOR IS DONATING A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS OF EACH SALE TO: JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) www.jdrf.org AND Bess the Book Bus (A mobile children's literacy outreach dedicated to reading to children, promoting literacy and getting books into the hands of underpriveleged children and families. CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:   Official Website: http://www.positiveparentalparticipation.com/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/VivianKirkfield Blog: http://viviankirkfield.wordpress.com/

The winner of the Ringing in the New Year (RITNY) Grand Prize will win their own copy of Show Me How!. Visit Vivian's blog and leave a comment on the Grand Prize post about something you learned. Comment will be worth 3 extra entries!

Good Luck!


Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest review. No other  compensation was received. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way. Your opinions may vary from mine.

If you plan to do some shopping at Kohl's by New Year's day, you can save 20% off your entire purchase! Online use code TWENTY4U, in-store use this printable coupon.

Happy Shopping!

The winner of the SecureBAG-TAG as chosen by Random.org is:

#12: HH- holharb@__________.com

Congratulations! You will receive an email shortly. You willl have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.

Visit your local Arbys restaurant and use this coupon to receive a FREE Jr. Shake. No purchase necessary! Expires 1/2/11.


Thanks, PassionforSavings!

A big thanks to CREO Care for being one of the sponsors of the Grand Prize giveaway in the Ringing in the New Year Event that ends on December 31st!!!

(ARV- $100)

CREO Care is a manufacturer and marketer of all natural, eco friendly, luxury personal care products. Discerning women looking for value love their products because they are highly effective, a little bit goes a long way (providing great value) and the user experience is luxurious and enjoyable. The company philosophy is to produce products which are the pinnacle of effectiveness while still being all natural. They accomplish this by using only the best quality, plant derived ingredients. CREO Care products contain no harmful chemicals, are vegan, animal cruelty free and paraben free.

CREO CARE is dedicated to providing products that unlock and support one’s natural beauty in a healthy and environmentally responsible way.This is accomplished by maintaining the highest standards with regard to the quality, origin and efficacy of the ingredients they use. In other words, if it is not good for you, not good for the environment and/or fails to comply with the standards set forth below, they will not use it!

CREO Care pledges that 100% of their ingredients are and will always be:

Sulfate Free Silicone Free

Free of synthetic fragrances Animal Cruelty Free

TEA Free DEA Free

Oxide Free Paraben Free

REVIEW:

Adam, the CEO of CREO Care, recently sent me a few products to review. The products I received included: Therapeutic Hair Masque, Foaming Facial Wash, Body Wash, and Shampoo & Conditioner. All of the products have a very light and pleasant citrus scent. I really enjoyed the body wash. It has a great citrus scent to get you going in the morning, and it rinses off easily. The foaming facial wash does a good job at removing makeup and it doesn't leave your face feeling tight or dry like some of the other cleansers I have used in the past.

I have relaxed and colored hair, and the hair care products do a good job at leaving my hair looking and feeling healthy. During the time that I used the products, my hair has feels softer and looks healthier. I would recommend the CREO Care products I reviewed to all Bargain Mom readers!

BUY IT!

Visit CREO Care to purchase the products I reviewed or a number of other all-natural products. They are priced a little high ($24.95) for the Hair Cleanser, but a little goes a long way and the products are eco-friendly :-)

The winner of the Grand Prize will win a prize pack from CREO Care valued at $100! Visit CREO Care and leave a comment on the Grand Prize post about an item you would like to try. Comment will be worth 3 extra entries!


Good Luck!


Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest review. No other  compensation was received. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way. Your opinions may vary from mine.

A big thanks to Cindy L. Herb (Awakening the Spirit) for being one of the sponsors of the Grand Prize giveaway in the Ringing in the New Year Event that ends on December 31st!!!

(ARV- $17.95)

Awakening the Spirit: The Open Wide Like a Floozy Chronicles, has been endorsed by Maria Shriver. The book is a unique wellness, self-help and inspirational book, specifically designed to encourage anyone who has endured adversity, especially victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse. It falls under the category of Women's Gifts/Self-Help/Inspirational Books and is a GREAT gift as it solves problems, appeals to a broad audience, offers peace (and relaxation) and is distinctive.

"Streams of personal healing fill the pages of author Cindy L. Herb’s autobiographical Awakening the Spirit: The Open Wide Like a Floozy Chronicles. Scarred by a childhood rife with the piercing pain of rape and molestation along with the unrelenting grief of neglect, Cindy emerged into adulthood burdened with a damaged and fragmented soul. But refusing to carry the weight of others’ sins, she set out to uncover the bitter roots of her suffering and, in the end, found a simple process that permits true healing. The hope of a resurrected life bursts forth from her inspirational tale—encouragement to anyone bearing the wounds of a painful past and an uncertain future."

REVIEW:

Cindy's autobiography is a great story of hope through adversity. Although there are parts of the 223 page book that will make you cry, if you keep reading to the end you will be encouraged through Cindy's powerful and encouraging journey from despair to happiness. This book is not just for women who have experienced sexual abuse, but for anyone who has gone through a "rough patch" in their life. One of my favorite lines from the book is when Cindy says, "Therefore, I feel blessed for all the experiences in my life, the good as well as the bad. All my adversities turned out, in the long run, to be a gift." I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason, and we can use all adversities in our favour to make us the best person that we were made to be. Reading Cindy's story reinforced my beliefs and made me look at my life with more appreciation.

BUY IT!

This book is a MUST HAVE for any woman young or old. This is a great book to reference when you are going through the trials of life. Purchase the book today and begin your journey to "spiritual recovery" and "Awakening the Spirit". Purchase the book for just $17.95.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Cindy L. Herb

Inspirational Author/Speaker

Official Website: www.cherbchronicles.com

Follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cherbchronicles/

Connect on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Cindy-L-Herb/1271135088

Read articles at http://www.ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cindy_L._Herb

Need a Speaker? www.speakercoop.com

The winner of the Grand Prize will win their own signed copy of Awakening the Spirit. Visit Cindy's official website and leave a comment on the Grand Prize post about something you learned. Comment will be worth 3 extra entries!


Good Luck!

 
Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest review. No other  compensation was received. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way. Your opinions may vary from mine.

Salvation Army Thrift stores will offer 50% off all clothing on Saturday January 1, 2010. There are 25 locations in S.E. Michigan. For more information, call 1-866-GIVE-TOO or visit www.SalArmyThrift.com.

I've been to a lot of Salvation Army stores and I must say that my favorite is one I visited two weeks ago in Utica. They had a great 10/$5 sale on green tag items. I purchased a lot of name brand clothing items for my children, and I spotted a lot of Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton purses for under $40!

Find a location near you

Do you have a favorite thrift store? What is the best deal you've snagged while being a "thrifty shopper"?

Happy Shopping!

Shop Sports Authority online between now and 12/31/2010 and use coupon code  TSAENT to receive 15% off any purchase!

Happy Shopping!

United Health Care is offering FREE Women's Day Recipe books! Go HERE to add the book to your cart, and allow up to 12 weeks for delivery. Expires 1/3/2011.

Enjoy!

A big thanks to InventHelp for being one of the sponsors of the Grand Prize giveaway in the Ringing in the New Year Event that ends on December 31st!!!

Ergonomic Seat Cushion ( ARV- $29.95)

InventHelp is America's largest and most experienced invention company.  InventHelp tries to submit clients' inventions to industry in the hope of gaining a good-faith review, and our patent referral services have helped inventors secure more than 7,000 U.S. patents. InventHelp offers unique and one-of-a-kind products through their website only at www.inventhelpstore.com They work with amazing and inspiring inventors every day who try to improve our world through their visions and creativity.

REVIEW:

InventHelp allowed me to choose an item to review on my blog. After going through a large assortment of products, I chose the Ergonomic Seat Cushion. The seat cushion was developed by an experienced chiropractor. The Ergonomic Seat Cushion transfers pressure away from the pelvic bones to alleviate back pain and increase comfort while the user is seated. The product, featured on QVC, is an ergonomically-designed pad that is easily portable for use in the car, at the office or at home.


Additional features:


•Sold in packs of one or two cushions

•Constructed from foam with a lycra cloth cover

•Features parallel ridges to allow for ventilation

•Typical lifespan is two and a half years with frequent usage

I allowed my mom to try the seat cushion for a couple of weeks and I tried it myself for a few hours. The cushion has very little cushioning and it is somewhat flimsy in my opinion. My mom and I were both a bit surprised when we removed the cushion from the box at how thin it is.. Neither I nor my mother could see how the cushion could alleviate back pain or help with prolonged sitting anymore than a regular chair.

Even though I couldn't imagine purchasing the cushion to help alleviate back pain, I do see some benefits to the cushion. The cushion easily folds in half making it easy to travel with. The cushion would be nice to sit on at a sporting event, instead of sitting on the hard stadium seats or benches. It does provide enough cushioning to make prolonged sitting in these type of seats more comfortable. Also, if you often sit on wooden chairs or stools for prolonged periods, the cushion will provide some comfort. Other than that, I don't see how the Ergonomic Seat Cushion could help on a daily basis.

BUY IT!

Visit InventHelp to purchase the Ergonomic Seat Cushion for $29.95. While there, you can also purchase a number of other products.

The winner of the Grand Prize will win their own Ergonomic Seat Cushion. Visit InventHelp and leave a comment on the Grand Prize post about another item you would like to have. Comment will be worth 3 extra entries!


Good Luck!


Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest review. No other  compensation was received. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way. Your opinions may vary from mine.

The winner of The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living as chosen by Random.org is:

#17: HH- basil_wild@__________.com

Congratulations! You will receive an email shortly. You will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.

For those of you who joined Rue La La a couple of months ago and got a $20 credit, you only have four days to spend your credit! Don't throw away $20, head over to Rue La La and use your credit by 12/31/10. If  you didn't sign up when I made the initial post, it isn't to late to join the daily deal site, but you won't be able to get the $20 :-(

Happy Shopping!

Use Justice coupon code 779 to receive 40% off already reduced prices. 

I got these cute jeans for my daughter for just $8.99!

 Coupon expires 1/10/11.

Happy Shopping!

I love Kimora Lee and the Baby Phat brand, and I have a great coupon code that I want to share with everyone! Shop BabyPhat.com and use coupon code bpholiday20 to receive $20 off of a purchase of $20 or more! Even with shipping starting at $9.95, it is possible to score a FREEBIE!

UPDATED: APPARENTLY THE CODE IS NOW ONLY GOOD FOR 20% OFF INSTEAD OF $20 OFF. IT DOES WORK, BUT THE OFFER ISN'T AS SWEET OF A BARGAIN :-/



Thanks, Hip2Save!

*This giveaway will end Friday 12/31/10!*

This giveaway is courtesy of Lily Steiner, owner of LilyWorldTravel.com. Lily will be giving away the Cancun vacation to my Ringing in the New Year Grand Prize winner! But, Lily also wants to giveaway 3 more $25 Restaurant.com gift cards to my readers.

GIVEAWAY!

Three Bargain Mom followers will win a $25 Restaurant.com gift card! All you have to do is leave a comment below saying you want it!

If your email does not show in your profile, please leave it in a comment.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents.

Contest ends Friday December 31, 2010 at 11:59 EST. The winners will be chosen on Saturday January 1, 2010 by Random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond by email or another winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Good Luck!



Disclosure: No compensation was received in exchange for this post. All information gathered was provided by the sponsor. Any opinions contained in the post are my own and have not been influenced in any way by the sponsor.

*Here is a "Quick" giveaway that will only last 48 hours!*

This giveaway is courtesy of Dan from Blue Planet Security Corp. Dan's new product is the SecureBAG-TAG. SecureBAG-TAG is a new and exclusive product from Blue Planet Security Corp. in Key West, FL. They offer the ultimate secure luggage tag for travelers or anyone what wants to protect a bag, a briefcase, backpack, etc.


GIVEAWAY!

One Bargain Mom follower will win their own SecureBAG-TAG valued at $19.95.  Just leave me a comment below saying you want it!

If your email does not show in your profile, please leave it in a comment.

Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

Contest ends Wednesday December 29, 2010 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen on Thursday December 30, 2010 by Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond by email or another winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Good Luck!

 
Disclosure: No compensation was received in exchange for this post. All information gathered was provided by the sponsor. Any opinions contained in the post are my own and have not been influenced in any way by the sponsor.

GoPicnic is the leader in great-tasting ready-to-eat meal solutions. They recently announced four family-friendly packages that are great if you want to send a gift the entire family could enjoy. The gamete of products range from gluten-free to items even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Best of all, GoPicnic products contain no trans fats, high fructose corn syrup or added MSG, and no artificial colors or flavors. Kids can enjoy foods from high-quality big and specialty and parents can feel good about their kids eating nutritious, better-for-you foods from brands they recognize and trust when they snack

GoPicnic family-friendly packages include:

• GoPicnic Pack Kids Fun Food Care Package (Gluten-Free):  Features six products total.  Includes full family-size packages of tasty gluten-free treats – Old Wisconsin Turkey Bites, Snikiddy Original Baked Fries, Organic Strawberry Banana Fruit Mashups, Mrs. Mays Sunflower Crunch and Annies Homegrown Gluten-Free Bunny Cookies. Plus one of GoPicnic’s most popular meals, GoTrek.  MSRP:  $24.99-$29.99
• GoPicnic Pack Kids Lunchtime Favorites Care Package:  Features eight products total.  Includes seven full family-size packages of GoPicnic’s favorite foods from kids of all ages - Revolution Foods Organic Jammy Sammy Sandwich Bars, Late July Organic Mini Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, Clif Kids Organic Twisted Fruit Snacks, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies and Calbee Snapea Crisps.  Plus one of GoPicnic’s most popular meals, GoDeli.  MSRP:  $24.99-$29.99
• GoPicnic Energy Boost Care Package (Gluten-Free): Features eight products total. Includes seven full family-size packages of GoPicnic’s most delicious gluten-free foods - Wild Garden Hummus Dip, Crunchmasters Multi-Seed Crackers, Sheffa Zesty Snack Mix, Calbee Snapea Crisps, Snacktrition Fruit & Nut Mix, Sharkies Organic Energy Chews and Emergen-C Energy Drink Mix. Plus one of GoPicnic’s most popular meals, GoTrek. MSRP: $24.99-$29.99
• GoPicnic Anytime Care Package: Features eight products total. Includes seven full family-size packages of GoPicnic’s best-selling foods - Old Wisconsin Beef Bites, Late July Organic Bite-Size Cheddar Cheese Sandwich Crackers, Pretzel Pete's Honey Mustard Pretzel Nuggets, Mrs. Mays Cashew Crunch, Crummy Brothers Chocolate Chip Cookies, Surf Sweets Super Sour Gummy Worms and Emergen-C Energy Drink Mix. Plus one of GoPicnic’s most popular meals, GoTrek. MSRP: $24.99-$29.99

REVIEW:

I don't know about your family, but it seems that all my kids do is eat while they are at home. I swear that every 10-15 minutes they are asking me if they can eat something. When I was approached to review products for GoPicnic, I jumped at the opportunity to try healthy snacks. I received a GoPicnic Care Package which included: a bag of regular Popchips, a package of Old Wisconsin Turkey sausage, fruit snacks, gummy bears, very berry nut and gluten-free chewy bars, sunflower crunch snack and a turkey stick + crunch gluten-free ready-to-eat meal.

I really love that all the snacks are healthy (including the awesomely delicious snack size bbq Popchips) and they are ready to go when I am. The snack pack is great to keep in the car when you are out with the kids. They are a great way to avoid purchasing fast food items, or spending money on unhealthy snacks at a gas station or convenience store. My family and I found the snacks to be very tasty and filling. The package was a great lunchtime snack that fed my family of four. The only thing the kit was missing is a beverage, but I think I can handle that. GoPicnic is a great BARGAIN find for busy families!

BUY IT!

GoPicnic products range in price from $4.99 for a GoPicnic meal to $29.99 for a care package, similar to the one I received. To purchase visit GoPicnic.com or Amazon.com.

WIN IT!

One lucky Bargain Mom follower will win a GoPicnic Gift Package- valued between $24.99-$29.99!

MANDATORY: YOU MUST BE A BARGAIN MOM FOLLOWER AND VISIT GOPICNIC AND TELL ME THE MEAL YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

1. "Like" GoPicnic on Facebook (3 entries)
2. Follow GoPicnic on Twitter (1 entry)
3. "Like" Bargain Mom on Facebook (3 entries)
4. Follow Bargain Mom on Twitter (1 entry)
5. Follow Bargain Mom's Feed (2 entries)
6. Vote for Bargain Mom 1x per day on Picket Fence Blogs (1 entry per vote)- button on sidebar
7. Tweet about this giveaway 1x per day and include @mibargainmom and a direct link to this post (1 entry per tweet)

You must leave a separate comment for each entry. I will check each entry to make sure they are valid. If your email does not show in your profile, please leave it in a comment.

Giveaway is open to U.S.residents only!

Contest ends Monday January 10, 2011 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen on Tuesday January 11, 2011 by Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond by email or another winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Good Luck!


Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products for review purposes. No other compensation was received for this post. All opinions contained in the post are my own and have not been influenced in any way by the sponsor. Your opinions may vary from mine.

The winner of the Reach & Rembrandt Snowman Kit Mailer as chosen by Random.org is:

#3: Sherrie- grannylovesgiftbaskets@___________.com

Congratulations! You will receive an email shortly. You will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.

The winner of the Corky Kouture giveaway as chosen by Random.org is:

#22: sodahoney- batlorry@___________.com

Congratulations! You will receive an email shortly. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your prize.

The second winner of the Die Smart book giveaway is:

#2: FrugalScienceGal- frugalsciencegal@__________.com


Congratulations! You will receive an email shortly. You will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.

Go HERE to enter your information to receive a coupon by mail for a FREE bottle of Excedrin ($5.99 value). Limit one per person. Available to the first 12,000 people per day.

Visit your local Little Caesars today and tomorrow and purchase any Hot-N-Ready pizza and receive another one of equal or lesser value for FREE! Offer valid 12/26-12/28 ONLY! Use this printable coupon.

Enjoy!