Barbar Hair Tools ~ Review & Giveaway

The only kind of "appliance" a girl wants for Valentine's Day is one that pampers....her!

Barbar is the place to find something special for just that purpose!

Locks need a lift?  Barbar's professional premeire line hair tools offers just what you need!

David Barbar, a 20 year experienced stylist, founded Barbar with an eye to employing innovation and cutting edge technology in developing a superior line of hair tools.  The company is based in Beverly Hills, California and is no stranger to celebrities and the big lights.

From brushes to blow dryers, Barbar seeks to offer not only exceptional, but also eco-friendly products.

Barbar Ceramic ECO 8000 Blow Dryer

The Barbar Ceramic ECO 8000 Blow Dryer is just one of the
avant garde options for pampering you hair offered by Barbar.

This progressive styling tool pampers your locks with a ceramic heating element, as opposed to the standard coil heating element.

Why is that important?

Low radiation!
(Did you know that standard coil heater blow dryers emit as much radiation as a microwave! Yiikes!)

40% less electricity used!
And it's one of the only eco-friendly blow dryers on the market!

The difference is use of electricity & output of radiation. The ECO 8000 has 5.0 mG (milligauss) output radiation. A standard 1,800 WATT dryer has over 200.0 mG! This amount of mG is comparable to the radiation output of a microwave. The ceramic heating element lasts 5x longer than a coil heating element. The ceramic heating element uses 90% electricity, turning it into heat. No energy is wasted, but saved. The coil heating element wastes electricity because it doesn't use it, thus turning it into radiation. Unused electricity turns into radiation!

Looking for a sleek, smooth style?

Barbar 2500 Ceramic - Ionic Flat Iron

The Barbar 2500 Ceramic-Ionic Flat Iron is a superior choice!

This professional grade ceramic flat iron offers digital LED temperature display, as well as an on/off switch.
The MCH ceramic heater has the power to heat up to 420 degrees farenheit and features a temperature control so you can customize to your hair's specific needs.  Employing  nano technology and negative ionic charge, the Barbar 2500 neutralizes the positive charge of damaged hair to give you a soft, sleek and healthy look.  Outfitted with a 360 degree swivel cord, you'll be able to pamper yourself, unrestricted.

I was generously given an opportunity to personally explore the Barbar 2500 Ceramic - Ionic Flat Iron.  The difference between the Barbar model and the metal flat iron I had been using is nothing short of phenomenal!
While the Barbar 2500 does get significantly hotter than my silly old iron, I am certain that I will experience less hair abuse because the Barbar is so much more effective!  The 360 degree swivel cord makes straightening my hair pleasant, rather than a battle.  The temperature control and digital display are such a wonderful feature.

Sorry, old metal flat iron!
The Barbar 2500 is here to stay!

Barbar Ionic Protein Treatment

They say beauty comes at a price? 

Take advantage of  David Barbar's extensive experience in pampering hair with the Barbar line of hair treatments, getting the style you love without your hair paying the price!





Caress your locks with the Barbar Ionic Protein Treatment which restores your hair's natural proteins, creating body and shine.

Barbar Ionic Resuscitating Treatment

Need to go deep?  Try the Barbar Ionic Resuscitating Treatment ! With HCR complex spheres, the Ionic Resuscitating Treatment gets right to the core of the problem, rearranging your hair's ionic pattern from damaged to delightful.

Barbar Hair Crystal Seal

Need to get a fabulous look fast?  Use the Barbar Hair Crystal Seal before or after blow drying, to achieve temporarily straightened hair with radiance and sheen!





I know!
Pampering hair products,
professional hair tools,
but that's not all!

***SPECIAL OFFER***

Save 50% on any Barbarhairtools.com purchase from now until the end of March with this code:   Blog4fun

Send the link to this feature to your men now!  

At 50% off, skip the men!  Treat yourself!

***GIVEWAY***

Barbar Hair Tools is offering my readers a chance to win their choice of a Barbar Ceramic ECO 8000 Blow Dryer or a Barbar 2500 Ceramic - Ionic Flat Iron!  To be eligible to enter, you must follow That's What She Said on Google Friend Connect (mid of right sidebar).  The giveaway is open to residents of the US & CAN, ages 18+ and will conclude on Saturday, March 5th, at midnight, EST.  The winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries and will be notified by email.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond before I move on to a runner up.  Please leave you email address in your entry comments, if it is not available by your comment name link, so I may contact you if you are the winner.

***MANDATORY ENTRY***
You must follow That's What She Said via Google Friend Connect (mid of right sidebar) to enter this giveaway.  Visit Barbar Hair Tools and leave a comment here, letting me know your favorite product, what you like about the Barbar offerings or something you learned from the website.

***BONUS ENTRIES***
* Like Barbar Hair Tools on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name, 3 entries

* Subscribe to the Barbar Hair Tools mailing list, leave a comment with the applicable name, 3 entries 

*  Share a great hair day story or a bad hair day story, 2 entries

* Subscribe to That's What She Said via RSS &/or email, leave comment letting me know which with applicable name, 2 entries per method

* Follow That's What She Said (tsue1136) on twitter, leave comment with your twitter name, 3 entries

* Tweet about this contest, maximum of one tweet per hour per day.  Leave your twitter name or link to your tweet in your comment, 2 entries per tweet.  Please include direct link to giveaway in your tweet and @tsue1136.

* Share this giveaway in some other fashion, whether by blogging, posting on facebook, stumbling, posting on a giveaway linky or other.  Leave a comment letting me know how you shared with a direct link, 3 entries per method.

* Enter one of my other active Pamper Your Valentine giveaways, leave comment letting me know which you entered. 5 entries per additional giveaway.

* Comment on any non-giveaway post, leave comment with which you commented on, 2 entries per post.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.  
CONGRATULATIONS TO Anne Marie, comment #491, courtesy of Random.org!

I received a Barbar 2500 Ceramic-Ionic Flat Iron to explore for the purposes of creating this feature review.  The opinions expressed above are both honest and my own.  Barbar Hair Tools is sponsoring the prize for this giveaway and is responsible for shipping.

Orglamix ~ Coloricious Pure Mineral Makeup ~ Review & Giveaway

Orglamix ~ Coloricious Pure  Mineral Makeup


As one who reviews products, you can truly tell that you're working with a 
hot and happening product when...

you open a newly received package

sense something lurking just beyond your shoulder

and while you are turning your head to see

there is flash
and a gleeful giggle

as the teen member of your product review team dashes up the stairs

with the product you'd been admiring 

in her hands. 

Love Potion ~ Must Have Collection ~ $24.95

Never fear; I found the stash!

It's true.  We are Orglamix addicts!

As far as addictions are concerned, this one is easy to understand and even easier to manage.

The Orglamix collection of decadent and enchanting hues certainly has the potential to addict anyone.  

From the natural ingredients to the budget friendly prices, you'll love satisfying this itch!

The next-generation of mineral makeup: zero synthetic ingredients! Orglamix products are proudly formulated without: nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or parabens. PETA approved.

Wild Rose Pure Organic Mineral Eye Color

Only $6.49!

Choose from a stunning array of hues or  
custom order a shade created just for you!

Cashmere Pure Mineral Eye Color

Citron Pure Mineral Eye Color

Solar Delices Collection

From neutral day looks, 







to vibrant evening looks,

to daring collections, perfect for creating a custom look!
Orglamix has the colors you crave at prices you'll love!


New to mineral makeup?  Orglamix's shop offers kits and tools to get you on track to a coloricious, beautiful you! 

What this kit includes:
- x 2 100% Pure Organic Mineral Foundations
- x 1 100% Pure Organic Mineral Glow All-Over Face Color
- x 1 100% Pure Organic Mineral Blush
- x 3 100% Pure Organic Mineral Eye Colors
- Beauty-On-The-Go Brush Kit
only $39.99!

10 piece Professional Brush Set

While you are compiling your Pamper Me list to help your Valentine in his shopping, be certain to explore new offerings from Orglamix

Organic Mineral Pressed Eyeshadow

Haute Water Organic Bath Bombs

Whatever her fancy, Orglamix should be on the short list to color her heart for Valentine's Day!

***GIVEAWAY***

Orglamix is generously sponsoring a giveaway for my readers!  One lucky reader will win their choice of 3 Orglamix Pure Mineral Eye Colors!  To be eligible to enter this giveaway, you must follow That's What She Said via Google Friend Connect (mid of right sidebar) and follow instructions for mandatory entry below.  

This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada, ages 18+ and will conclude on Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at midnight, EST.  One winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries.  Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before I move on to a runner up.  Please leave your email in your comment if it is not available from the link of your name in your comment, so I may contact you if you are the winner.


***MANDATORY ENTRY***
You must follow That's What She Said via Google Friend Connect to enter this giveaway.
Please visit the Orglamix Etsy Shop and then leave a comment below telling me your favorite color, product or something you love about Orglamix.

***BONUS ENTRIES*** 
* Add Orglamix to your Etsy favorites (left sidebar on shop, under Actions) and leave a comment with your Etsy name, 2 entries


* Visit the Orglamix Facebook page and like them, leave a comment here with your facebook name, 5 entries.

*  Subscribe to the Orglamix Etsy Shop RSS feed (lower left sidebar), leave a comment here with your applicable name, 2 entries.

* Subscribe to That's What She Said, via RSS feed or email subscription (right sidebar), 2 entries per each method


* Follow Orglamix on Twitter, leave a comment here with your Twitter name, 
2 entries

* Follow That's What She Said (tsue1136) on Twitter, leave comment with your twitter name, 2 entries 


* Tweet about this contest, limit to once per hour, leave a comment for each tweet that includes your twitter name so I can verify, 2 entries per tweet
Feel free to use:
Pamper Your Valentine with #orglamix pure mineral color! Enter to #win http://bit.ly/orglamixgiveaway

or create your own tweet, using a direct link and #orglamix.


* Enter any of the other Pamper Your Valentine Giveaways and leave a comment letting me know which one(s), 3 entries per additional giveaway


* Comment on any non-giveaway post, leave comment letting me know which, 2 entries.
* Share this giveaway in some fashion, whether it be by blogging, posting on facebook, stumbling, posting on a giveaway linky, leave a comment with a direct link, 5 entries per method.  Handy share button at the bottom of this post.


THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.  
Congrats to tearyeyedstars, comment #255, courtesy of Random.org!

I received products from Orglamix to explore for the purposes of creating this feature.  The opinions above are both honest and my own.  Images and information sourced from Orglamix sites.  GIveaway prize is sponsored and shipped by the sponsor. 

David Tishbi Eco-Friendly Jewelry ~ Pushing Fabulous

 David Tishbi ~
Pushing Fabulous



Just when one thought that David Tishbi's Eden Collection couldn't possibly be more fabulous....



Introducing Back to Nature ~ 
Bracelets designed with organic leaf textures.

Three Tone Leaf Print Spinner Ring

This fresh, new addition to the Eden Collection has just launched!  They provide the perfect compliment to organic Spinner Rings and intricate bands that already grace the
exclusive collection.

Handcrafted Bracelet with Sterling Silver and Gold Spinners

Handmade Organic Sterling Silver Leaf Bangle

Made from recycled Sterling Silver 

Free of Lead and Nickel

Handcrafted in Israel

David Tishbi is a jewelry brand that doesn't compromise on quality and believes you shouldn't either. We design and make silver and gold jewelry that is crafted by expert artisans, with the utmost attention to the finest details throughout each item's creation. We want our customers to enjoy the luxury of our finest materials and textures at everyday prices without compromising on comfort, style and beauty.. ENJOY!!!

 Ornate, Handmade  Sterling Silver, Framed in Rose and Yellow Gold

Yellow and Rose Gold Ring

David Tishbi Handcrafted Jewelry specializes in a “two-tone” jewelry process, emphasizing a striking juxtaposition of gold and sterling silver. Unique designs in conventional solids are also staples throughout the expansive collection. These vibrant pieces brandish a variety of genuine and simulated stones.

David Tishbi pushes fabulous with an assortment of natural bead bracelets in the expanded Eden Collection.

Aqua Jade Beads with Handmade, Organic Sterling Silver Accents

juxtaposition of soft, flowing jade beads with stunning sterling work

bold and modern chic

made with recycled Sterling Silver

Lead and nickel free

Lava Beads with Handmade Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Accent

unique, individually shaped Lava beads

14k gold spinner

made from recycled Sterling Silver

Lead and Nickel free

Turquoise Beads with Handmade Sterling Silver Organic Accent

 I personally own David Tishbi pieces and I adore them.  This bold jewelry is not only exquisite and unique, but empowering to wear. I greatly appreciate that David Tishbi pieces are created with recycled materials and free from harmful alloys.  Read about David Tishbi's Social Responsibility policy on the David Tishbi website. 

What a perfect way to pamper one's Valentine!  All purchases include a complimentary gift box, have a free lifetime guarantee, along with free shipping in the United States!  Shop with confidence!  David Tishbi Gift Cards are an excellent way to give her something she'll treasure for all time.

The full line of David Tishbi offerings extends far beyond the Eden Collection.  David TIshbi truly has pieces for every woman.  Not to mention the stunning Men's Collection.


***Giveaway***
Follow the link below to enter for a chance to win a $2000 David Tishbi Gift Card from davidtishbi.com!  

$2000 Gift Card GIveaway 

Tell me what you think about the David Tishbi line! I love to hear your thoughts and comments!

Although I have received a product to explore from David TIshbi in the past, I received no compensation for this post and the opinions above are both honest and my own.  I'm just a huge fan of David Tishbi's work.  Information and images sourced from David TIshbi sites.  GIveaway is hosted and sponsored by www.davidtishbi.com.

Need to feed your shopping budget ~ AVONDreamers is the answer!

The holidays really take a bite out of my shopping budget.

Budget....not a fan of that word, I'll be honest.
Don't get me wrong, I create the budget.  I follow the budget.  I harp about the budget.

I hate the budget.
(My formative shopping years were in the early 80's - what can I say)

That being confessed, I still set a responsible example for my children, save for the college funds, donate to local charities, watch for bargains, recycle and consciously minimize my footprint.....

It can be challenging to feed my shopping budget and pamper myself.  I'm always on the lookout for ways to contribute to it.  I've recently re-discovered Avon and what a wonderful means to accomplish both goals!

I'll be honest...my previous exposure to Avon was when the nice, senior neighbor lady stopped by to see my mother and drop off the latest Avon catalog.  We always had Skin So Soft in the bath and my mother never failed to order Avon nail polish.

Smooth Minerals

If you haven't seen what AVON has to offer now, you'll be amazed!
Modern Smooth Mineral line with innovate containers to eliminate waste. 



Anew Skin Care line to luxuriously pamper your skin.

Anew Ultimate

Avon Advance Techniques

An exquisite line of hair care products for every need and hair type.

Skin So Soft

Although this is not your mother's Avon, Avon still carries it's long-standing favorites, like Skin So Soft and still offers the beauty products you want at fantastic prices!  If you haven't seen what Avon has to offer recently, you need to see what you've been missing.

Beyond Color

How can you boost your shopping budget with Avon?  

Oh, my goodness!  Hang on to your makeup bags, Ladies!

If you are a WAHM or a SAHM or just a woman looking to boost her shopping budget...you need to look into the opportunities available through AVON! 

You can start your own AVON business, 

either directly with in-person sales or via your own website to customers across the US  for only $20 which includes brochures for your first two "campaigns", samples and a tote bag!  A "campaign" is a two week brochure.  

As an AVON representative, 

you can earn up to 50% commission 

on product sales and are 

guaranteed 40% on your first four orders, 

to help you get your business blooming!  

Fabulous and easy, offering high quality products at fantastic prices!

That's not all!  Not by a long shot!

AVON offers it's representatives incentive programs in which they can win a wide assortment of prizes, from products to fine jewelry, from cash to trips!

Are you the type of gal who likes motivating others?  Enjoys challenges and is well-organized?

Then the sky is the limit!  Take advantage of the unlimited bonus opportunities by joining the AVON Leadership Program and lead your own team of representatives!  There are four levels of leadership within the AVON organization.  Those at the top level, Senior Executive Unit Leaders earn six-figure incomes!

Sign up to create your own Avon business and boost your budget!

Join Maria Tirotta's Avon Dreamers team and jump start the excitement of your own AVON business,  begin pampering yourself and reaping the financial rewards!

Please be certain to let Maria and her team know that Terri from That's What She Said sent you.  Notify me by email that you did so and you will be eligible for

25 bonus entries

into any of my active giveaways during the 2011 calendar year!

Have questions, please contact Avon Dreamers for additional information!

You can follow Avon Dreamers on Twitter and via Facebook to keep up to date with all the exciting happenings and breaking news!

I am an Avon Dreamers Ambassador.  The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.  Images and information supplied by Avon Dreamers and taken from their various websites.  I am not paid by Avon Dreamers or Avon but may receive product samples.

Piggy bank images courtesy of Daniel St. Pierre  Other images sourced from various Avon sites.. 

Follow Me Back Tuesday

It's everyone's favorite day of the week again, Tuesday..

So that means it's time to link up & follow for

Follow Me Back Tuesday

 

 How it Works

• Follow all 3 Hosts & Guest Host's - Spots 1-5   leave a comment w/ a link to your blog so we can follow you back  ( only leave a comment that you follow if you actually follow )

• Snag our button & make a F.M.B.T. post.
• After you post use that link to add your blog to the hop along with your blog name  

( NO BLOG HOPs & GIVEAWAYS PLEASE  ) These entries will be deleted.

• Follow the blogs you like & Follow Back who follows you ( Remember to leave a comment so you can be followed back )
• And most importantly - Have Fun and Come back and see us every Tuesday !!

 

Link up every Tuesday at 12:00 am est

Pamper Your Valentine Collection of Giveaways ~ Coming Soon!

Orglamix Pure Mineral Color

Are you ready for some well-deserved, likely long over-due pampering?  Let me hear you say, "Ooooh, yes!, " ladies!




No more hand-held vacuums, cookware or other quite useful but thoroughly non-romantic gifts for V-day!  Am I right?




That's What She Said will be publishing a collection of unique, pampering items, just in time for Valentine's that will speak straight to your feminine side.


Better yet, you'll be able to email the link to your heart's desire directly to your mystified other half so he can pamper you in style...and stay out of the dog house!

In all fairness, we'll be certain to include some ideas for the Valentine's you'll be shopping for, as well!

Haute Water Organic Bath Bombs from Orglamix

Be certain to watch for the launch of That's What She Said Pamper Your Valentine Collection of Giveaways to be published mid-January!

 

Love Potion Pure Organic Mineral Eye Colors Collection from Orglamix

You may even find some items you wont' be able to resist pampering yourself with!

Opinions expressed above are honest and my own.  
Images above taken from Orglamix Esty Web Store.

How I Use My DVR to Watch Programs ~ Guest Post

How I Use My DVR to Watch Programs
Posted by Virgil Burks
Working full time like I do, I don't get to see many television programs that are on during the daytime hours. I would love to watch all of the courtroom drama shows, talk shows and much more if I could. Until the invention of the DVR, I really had no option but to miss these programs. There were other ways of recording television shows but since I am inadequate in mechanical things, these options did not work for me. The DVR has been a great addition to my television viewing. It's simple to use and I can record any of these shows with ease.
I normally use the DVR to record programs on my Direct.TV each morning before I leave for work. When I return home, I have a complete library of programs that I can watch at my leisure. I will usually play them while I am preparing dinner for my family and then finish them before I go to sleep at night.
The DVR is a great invention and is normally automatic with your programming package. With the click of just a couple of buttons anyone can program them. Choose whatever program you want to watch and you can even set it to record the same program each day for a set period of time. That is such a time saving way of recording your favorite shows.

Guest post written by Virgil Burks

Become.com ~ Shopping Your Way

Shopping...I get almost giddy just saying it!
I confess, I LOVE SHOPPING!

But that's not to say that this gal doesn't appreciate a bargain.

In fact, if we're going to be brutally honest, I have a very difficult time buying things that aren't on sale.
Saving money means more SHOPPING! 

That's exactly the reason why I'll be investing some time, exploring Become.com ~ power shopping at your fingertips, compare, shop and save BIG!

At Become.com, I can search for whatever my heart desires and find the best price available online in a snap!

Maybe I need to grab some M.A.C. black logo cosmetics?  A quick search at Become.com provides me with plethora of options, with quick links to get to the sites with the best price!

Tresses giving me trouble?   A quick search for shampoo sea kelp and crowning "nightmare" is soon to be my crowning glory, once again!

Or, I might just be in the mood for some pampering.

Guerlain

Idylle Eau de Parfum/1.7 oz. from Saks

A quick look around for mitsouko parfum extrait online  and my husband will know how to put the sparkle in my eyes on Valentine's Day.  And at a fantastic price, to boot!

Become empowered to do more power shopping!  Save time and money searching with Become.com!

I am a big proponent of online power shopping.  I love being able to comparison shop at my finger tips.  Become.com is an excellent resource for "knowing what's out there and at what price".  Compensated post. Images sourced as cited above.

Make your little man's heart sing this Valentine's Day ~ with Hasbro Action Figures!

New Year's Resolution #114:
Get ahead of the game.

This past year, I literally did 90% of my Christmas shopping in the last 14 days before Christmas.  I've never put it off that long before.  Never, never again.

Even though Valentine's Day, for my family, is a much smaller affair, I intend to take care of my shopping THIS WEEK!  (Look around and you'll see the stores are ready for me to do so!)


Both of my childrens' birthdays are quite close to Christmas.  One is a month before and the other, a bit over a month after.   sn: Someone wasn't thinking that through (wink).

We have found that the Easter Bunny is quite generous, some years ago bringing bicycles that Santa felt would be cruel to leave under the tree, in the midst of a Michigan winter.  Thus, a big box Easter precedent was born.   Again, especially with that in mind, Valentine's is a smaller affair.

Luckily, this year, I know exactly what to do for my 9 year old son!  I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity for him to review two very well-received Hasbro Action Figures, from the Star Wars Collection and Transformer Collection.

I always enjoy opportunities for my son to participate in reviews because he is so thoughtful about the items and takes his job very seriously.  But these Hasbro Action Figures... 
can you say HOT TOY PICK?  The boy could not tell me enough about them.  

His "report" to me lasted an hour, easy!  I will admit that the Star Wars Obi Wan figure got more than his fair share of time, as it was necessary to enlist the full support of my son's entire, extensive Hasbro Star Wars collection for him to really show me the complete scope of Obi Wan's features.

Bottom line, if you have a son, you need to put these toys on your short list for gift giving!  My son knew exactly who the action figures were, what they did, how they related to all the other action figures in the full collections.  Most importantly, he knew the others in the collection that he "really, really hopes to get someday, Mom".

Good news, parents!  
These must haves are budget-friendly!

Introducing: 
Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi, 
average price $6.99, 
ages 3+
Obi-Wan can interact with all of the Hasbro Star Wars Collection.  ( I've seen it happen!)  Obi-Wan comes with a Galactic Battle Card and game die.

Per my resident expert, his best features are that he comes with a removable helmet and a bullet (not a dangerous one, Mom) shoots out of his jet pack!

You can order Obi-Wan directly from Hasbro, 
or, if you prefer, you can use the handy Hasbro link on the product page to find out where you can buy it locally.








Also, introducing: 
 Transformers Power Core Combiners:
  Searchlight with Backwind, 
  average price $9.99, 
  ages 5+

This powerful duo combines can function independently or combine together to become an unstoppable  powerhouse.  These Autobots and Mini-Cons can further combine with other duos in the Hasbro Transformer Collection to create even more powerful do-gooders!

Searchlight's best features are his ability to turn into a helicopter and the fact that he has a hook in his chest!  Oh, the things a boy can do with a hook!

                                                       

 Searchlight and Backwind can also be purchased directly from Hasbro or from most major local retailers.


While you're perusing your son's heart's desire at Hasbro, I strongly recommend checking out their current New Year's Sale, where you can save up to 50% off your favorite Hasbro brands.   


Make your little man's heart sing this Valentine's Day while not breaking your budget!  Look to Hasbro for action figures he's sure to love!

The opinions expressed  above are honest and my own.  Images and information taken from the Hasbro website.  I was provided with a pack of  Hasbro Action Figures to explore for the purpose of creating this review.    Heart image courtesy of www.salvatorevuono.com.

Feeding America ~ Show Your Helping Hand Prize Pack GIveaway

Show Your Helping Hand website

The holidays can bring out the best in people.  Donations and contributions to charities are at the highest levels of the year.  I remember a few years ago, going through my childrens' toy stashes, weeding out the things they don't use anymore, looking for things to pass on to family members, our school day care and to donate.

One category I was highly motivated to reduce... their stuffed animal collection.  Seriously, how can two kids amass so many stuffed animals!  I literally started putting, "For the love of Pete, no stuffed animals, please!!!" on the top of their Christmas wish lists that I shared with our extended family.  

After much pouting, we successfully reduced their personal collections to their very favorite items and a few that I couldn't part with, due to special memories and associations.

What I didn't anticipate was how difficult it would be to find a home for them, immediately post the holiday season.  These were stuffies in excellent condition, not worn out loved ones.  However, time and again, I was told that the organization was currently overwhelmed with donations.  Happens every holiday season, I was told.  Feast at the holidays and famine the rest of the year.

In the end, surprisingly, my grandmother took them.  All six large totes worth.  As part of her church's women's group service, she frequents retirement communities to visit with the residents.  She shared with me that she is always prowling garage sales for stuffed animals and dolls in good condition because the elderly really enjoyed something to cuddle.

The point of this anecdote is both remind myself and encourage others to spread their goodwill throughout the year.  Especially in their own backyard.  

This giveaway is sponsored by Hamburger Helper, via Blog Spark and it's purpose is to raise awareness of the Hunger Crisis in America and encourage support and action.
The statistics will stun you.

From the Show Your Helping Hand website:

One in six Americans struggles with hunger, over 49 million people. 

Nearly 14 million children are served by Feeding America. 

36% of households served by Feeding America have one - two working adults in the home. 

Nearly 3 million seniors are serviced by Feeding America each year.

 Hamburger Helper is partnering with Feeding America and making it so easy for you to make a difference.

  Up until December 31, 2011 you can enter the code from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper..  For each code entered, a donation of 17 cents, enough to deliver a meal to a local food bank, will be donated to Feeding America. It's important to note that Hamburger Helper and Tim McGraw have already donated $525,000 and will donate an additional $100,000, depending upon how many codes are entered.

Donation Link

***GIVEAWAY***

Courtesy of Hamburger Helper, via MyBlogspark, one of my readers will win a prize pack containing: A box of Hamburger Helper, a giant foam Hamburger Helper Hand and a
Tim McGraw Southern Voice CD!

This giveaway will run from Saturday, January 8, 2011 and will conclude at noon, EST on January 12th, 2011 and is open to residents of US, 18+.  The winner will be selected randomly from eligible entries and notified by email.  The winner must respond by noon, EST on January 13th, 2011.

***MANDATORY ENTRY***

Share this giveaway and the Feeding America Show Your Helping Hand drive in some fashion.  Any method that reaches out to others is acceptable.  Facebook, twitter, technorati, Stumble, email, blogging...anything goes.  Leave a comment letting me know how you shared with a link so I can find it.  Be certain to include your email address so I can notify you if you are the winner.

***BONUS ENTRIES*** 
* Keep sharing.  Share in any additional fashion and leave another comment with a link to your sharing, 5 entries per additional method.  Handy sharing button at bottom of post.  Note:  Limit of one tweet per hour.

* Visit the Feeding America Show Your Helping Hand website and tell me in a comment something you learned or something that moved you, 5 entries

* If you are able to directly encourage someone else to pledge to share about this giveaway and the Feeding America Show Your Helping Hand campaign, leave a comment with who you motivated to share, 5 entries

*  Tell me in a comment your family's favorite Hamburger Helper variety, 2 entries

* Tell me in a comment your favorite Tim McGraw song, 2 entries

* Enter any of my other active giveaways and leave a comment, letting me know which you entered, 2 entries additional giveaway

* Visit Review Avenues and follow her on Google Friend Connect, and  leave a comment with your Google name, 3 entries.

* Tell me how your family supports your community, 2 entries 

Good Luck!
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. CONGRATS TO DEANNA, COMMENT #74, COURTESY OF RANDOM.ORG!

The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.  Information, statistics and images taken from the Feeding America Show Your Helping Hand website.  I received a prize pack from Hanburger Helper via MyBlogSpark in conjunction with creating this post.