$500 Christmas Cash--Free Blogger Event

This is going to be a HOT giveaway!!!  Sign up & please let them know The Simple Things sent you!!

Christmas Cash Event hosted by Mom Powered Media

Prize: $500 Visa Gift Card OR $500 Paypal Cash OR $500 Amazon Gift Card {winner's choice}

Event dates: 11/7 - 12/5

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Pink Apple IPod Touch--Free Blogger Event

Plum Crazy About Coupons is hosting an awesome giveaway for an Ipod Touch and bloggers can sign up for a free facebook or twitter link as well as many paid for links.

Apple® – iPod touch® 32GB MP3 Player (5th Generation – Latest Model) – Pink.  RV $299.99.  They are taking pre orders right now and expect to be out this month. Giveaway will run Nov. 1 – Nov. 21. Winner will be chosen on Thanksgiving.

This will definitely be a hot event!!  Sign up HERE & let them know The Simple Things sent you!!

Pasta Fits! Yummy recipe and an awesome giveaway

Our family LOVES pasta!  When I make it as a side dish my kids always come back for seconds and even thirds!  I love how easy and convenient pasta is.  It cooks fast and can be used in just about anything.  

We have been getting on track with eating healthier and I sadly assumed we would not be eating pasta anymore.  When I was contacted to try out a pasta assortment I was happy and my excitement grew when I read the package and realized we could actually eat this pasta and consider it healthy! (more on this in a few)

We have tried out a few different recipes.  Some healthy, others not, but all have ingredients that can be substituted for low calorie, healthier choices.

The first thing we tried was a BAKED PASTA ALFREDO.  My husband kind of threw this together with some things we had on hand and it was delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

• Pasta (we used Heartland Penne)
• Alfredo Sauce
• Mushrooms
• Alfredo Sauce
• Garlic
• Parmesan Cheese
• Chablis Wine

DIRECTIONS:

• Sautee the mushrooms with a small amount of wine and garlic while boiling the noodles.
• Mix Mushrooms and pasta with alfredo sauce and top with parmesan cheese.
• Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted and slightly golden.

You could easily add some chicken and serve this as a main dish!!!!

We have had a chance to try almost all of these delicious noodles!!  October is Pasta Month so be on the lookout for more delicious recipes throughout the remainder of this month.

GIVEAWAY:

The Simple Things has partnered with the National Pasta Association to offer one lucky reader a pasta prize pack:

Dreamfields® Spaghetti
Mueller's® Whole Grain Spaghetti
Heartland® Gluten Free Wheat Free Penne
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest® Spaghetti
Ronzoni Garden Delight® Rotini
Ultragrain Pasta® Spaghetti Spoon

RULES:

Must be 18 years or older

Must live in the U.S.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall Apple Festival Giveaway 11/1

Have you heard the news? It's apple season here in the United States! If you are someone who loves apples (& delicious desserts like apple pie) this is the time to pick fresh apples from your local orchard, or find some great deals on apples at your local grocery store. If you are a Pinterest addict like us, discounted apples also means you can try all the delicious apple recipes being pinned without spending a small fortune on apples!

To celebrate the start of the Apple Season, Budget Earth and Mew Review are having their own Fall Apple Festival and you are invited! All of your favorite blogs are pitching in to offer our readers some great apple themed prizes, like a Collector's Edition of Apples to Apples AND an Apple Scented Soy Candle! While we may not be able to give all of our readers free hayrides and homemade treats, we hope you do enjoy our small festival! To learn more about this family game, check out Mew Review's review of Apples to Apples!

Welcome to the Fall Apple Festival Giveaway

Hosted by Budget Earth & Mew Review

To enter, click on the Rafflecopter below. Before entering, here is what you need to know about this awesome giveaway!

• 1 Lucky winner will win a Collectors Edition Copy of Apples to Apples. Another winner will recieve an Apple Scented Soy Candle.
• Giveaway starts October 17th and ends November 1st at 12:01 am.
• US Residents Only.
• Winner Will Be Notified Through Email & Will Have 48 Hours to Respond Before a New Winner is Chosen.
• Winner be chosen through Rafflecopter via Random.com.
• Must Be 18 Years or Older to Enter Giveaway.
• All entries will be verified.
• Only 1 Person Per Household May Enter aka NO MULTIPLE ACCOUNT ENTRIES.
• Entering the Rafflecopter Means You Agree to All Terms.
• Good Luck Everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Simple Things did not receive compensation (items or money) for giveaway. This contest is completely blog sponsored and paid for by bloggers - with the difference being paid by Budget Earth. This blog is not responsible for prizes or shipping.

*HOT DEAL* Bath & Body Works- 20% off + Free Shipping + 5% cash back

I have been wanting to order from Bath & Body Works for awhile & I am so glad I waited!!  They are having awesome deals right now and there is a promotion code for 20% off & free shipping when you spend over $25.  You also get 5% cash back!

Here is how to get this great deal:

Go to your Shop At Home account.  If you don't have one, sign up HERE.  It is free and you get cash back just for shopping online!!

Search for Bath & Body Works and head to their site.

When you check out use the code SHOPHOME12 to receive your 20% off and free shipping (when you spend 25+)

You will be credited 5% to your Shop at Home account.  This pays out when you reach $20 and does not take long to get it up there!!

Bath & Body Works makes great CHRISTMAS GIFTS!!!

You can get soaps at 6 for $20. This makes them $2.67 each!!!

Their signature collection is on sale- buy 3, get 2 FREE

Halloween soaps are 50% off!!

Barbie Dreamhouse Giveaway 10/30

This is such a great giveaway for the Holidays!!!  I know my daughter would love to have this (isn't it every girls dream?!?)  I am happy to team up with these great sites and be able to offer this giveaway to my readers.  Good luck!

Welcome to the Barbie Pink Dreams Event!

Hosted by Mom to Bed by 8

Special thanks to our lovely co-hosts Barbara's Beat, Crazy & Cool with a side of Crafty, Shopaholic Mommy, Capri's Coupons and The World of ContestPatti!

The Barbie 3-Story Dreamhouse is the ultimate luxury home, and it's newly renovated with fab pink columns on glamorous photo-real wallpaper. Three fabulous stories include an elevator, lights and sounds. The first floor features a dining area, fully stocked kitchen and elegant, light-up chandelier. The second floor has a living room with a TV and "Roaring" fireplace, plus a signature-style bathroom. On the third floor is a posh bedroom suite with canopy bed and an outdoor balcony with a hot tub and tiki lights. Sounds include a doorbell, kitchen diner, crackling fireplace, running shower water and flushing toilets.

Barbie 3-Story Dreamhouse:

• Ultimate luxury home newly renovated with fab pink columns on glamorous photo-real wallpaper
• Made of plastic
• 3 fabulous stories with dining area, kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom suite and outdoor balcony
• Includes elevator, light-up chandelier, TV, "roaring" fireplace, canopy bed, hot tub and tiki lights
• Sounds include a doorbell, kitchen timer, crackling fireplace, running shower water and flushing toilet
• Dolls not included
• 3 AG13 and 3 AA batteries included
• Dollhouse Dimensions: 29.92"L x 7.19"W x 31.99"H
• Box Dimensions: 30.50"L x 8.00"W x 33.00"H
• Adult assembly required
• Takes approximately 30 minutes to assemble

One lucky reader will receive the Barbie Pink 3-Story Dream Townhouse!

Giveaway ends October 30th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Sesame Street Live: "Elmo's Super Heroes"

Sesame Street Live is coming to Las Vegas November 9-11th at the Cox Pavilion!  Elmo's Super Heroes sounds like an amazing show you and your family will not want to miss.  I am hoping to take my children and this will be their first live show!  You can purchase tickets HERE and use the promo code USF for $3 off.

Super Grover has lost his super-ness and Sesame Street needs a hero!  Never fear, the fabulous give Super Heroes are here -- featuring Elmo as Captain Fuzzy! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all their friends on a quest to put the "super" back in Super Grover.  Singing and dancing their way through fun lessons on healthy habits, they discover how exercise, rest, nutritious food and good hygiene can save Super Grover -- and turn your children into Super Heroes too!  You'll be feeling good when Elmo's Super Heroes comes to town!

Kindle Fire Giveaway Event Ends 10/24

I absolutely love my Kindle Fire. I have even thought about purchasing a second one just because I cannot keep my kids off of mine. We have found so many free apps and I have downloaded tons of books for free. This would make the PERFECT holiday gift!!

This Kindle Fire Giveaway is sponsored by SavingStar and brought to you by Madame Deals Media.

**Powered by Mommy Needs Her Coffee and Madame Deals**

About Our Sponsor

SavingStar helps you save money on groceries without the hassle of clipping or printing coupons.

Over 2 million people use SavingStar. Here’s why:

   

Free and easy to use

   

Deals linked to your grocery and drug store loyalty cards at 25,000 stores nationwide

   

New savings every week on brands you love

Here are some of the deals up right now:

   

Save $5 on any Unilever products! (including AXE, Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Clear, Consort For Men, Country Crock, Degree, Dove, fds, Good Humor, Hellmann's, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, Just For Me!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton Tea Bags, Magnum, Motions, Nexxus, Noxzema, P.F. Chang's Home Menu, Pond's, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Ragú, Simple, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Soft & Beautiful, St. Ives, Suave, TCB, TIGI, TRESemmé, Vaseline, and Wish-Bone.)

   

Save $5 on Lean Cuisine

   

Save $5 on Little Debbie

   

Save $5 on Lipton Bottled Iced Tea

   

Save $3 on Wisk

   

Save on Yoplait, Honey Nut Cheerios, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Totino's, SpaghettiO's, and more!

   

SavingStar is the easiest way to save money on your grocery bill. Join today for free at SavingStar.com.

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The Prize

Prize will be awarded in the form of an Amazon gift card so you can purchase your Kindle Fire. Giveaway open to US Residents only.

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How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on 10/10 at 12:01 am EST and Close on 10/24 at 11:59 pm EST.

Complete the 3 mandatory entries below.

1. Follow Our Sponsor

2. Check out the deals on SavingStar.com.

Comment below with which deal is your favorite.

3. Easy Entry - Mystery Word

Click on this link and find the easy entry word(s). Copy/Paste it in the sign up doc below.

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The rest of these options are not mandatory but we'd love it if you would...

Follow Our Featured Bloggers

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Bonus Giveaway *Optional*

Follow Our Blogger Team

Click on the link here and follow our Blogger Team. If you choose to complete this optional BONUS GIVEAWAY, you'll be entered to WIN $25 CASH via PayPal! Entries will be verified.

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After you've completed the Mandatory Entries above...

Fill Out the Entry Form

(you must fill out the form in order to complete your entry)

You Did It!

That's it! You have successfully entered this awesome giveaway! Winner will be chosen via Random.org and emailed no later than 48 hours after giveaway closes. The winner will have 48 hours to confirm or a new winner will be chosen.

We'd like to recognize the following bloggers for this event: Joys Of Life, Chant3llo's Blog, Mail4Rosey, Sweeping The USA

You can find official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

To inquire about becoming a sponsor for a giveaway like this one, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look Madame Deals Media to see what we have to offer.

Are you a blogger that would like to be on the MDMedia Team? Find out how you can join us.

Do You Stay In The Picture? Take the pledge!

I just came across an article on Huffington Post that really hit home for me.  It is titled The Mom Stays In The Picture.

I encourage EVERYONE to read this and then come back.  Yes, go read it now!  It is important.

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I am that mom.  I dodge every picture possible because I want to lose more weight.  I hide because I am in sweats.  I offer to take the picture because I don't have make-up on.  I miss photo opportunities because I don't want to be seen.

I have gained weight, I have got stretch marks and I have cellulite.  I have thrown my hair up without brushing it more times than I could ever count, have thrown on sweats and been lucky if my shoes matched.  I have dealt with pee, poop and spit-up.  I have disciplined even when I didn't want to.

I have also carried each of my children in my stomach vowing to love and protect them for the rest of their lives.  I have gotten up at all hours of the night to nurse and rock them no matter how tired I was.  I have kissed owies and read bedtime stories.  I have taken them to their first day of school and cheered them on when they thought they couldn't do something.  I have spent countless hours with each of them that mean the world to me!

I hope when they see a picture- these are the things they remember.  I hope they see love regardless of my looks at the moment.

This article made me realize a lot of things. I want to be in pictures with my kids regardless of how I look. I want my kids to look back and have memories that include me. They don't care if I look "beautiful" at that moment. To them, I am MOMMY- & that will always be beautiful.

I am taking the pledge- Mom stays in the picture!

I want to invite everyone to take the pledge & even share a picture!!  You can submit to the link at Huffington Post or share your link and/or thoughts in the comments here.  Let's aknowledge that looks don't make a mom.  That is something that comes from the heart!

Baked Parmesan Zucchini- Simple & Delicious!

My husband brought home a big zucchini last week and it has just been sitting on our counter.  I am so busy lately I haven't had time to bake with it and then I came across Baked Parmesan Zucchini on Pinterest.  This became our inspiration....

We kind of did this our own way (of course it has way more calories & looks completely different!)  It only took about 10 minutes (including cooking time) and was DELICIOUS!!

DIRECTIONS:

• Slice Zucchini and put in cake pan
• Sprinkle with a little butter, garlic and parmesan cheese.
• Broil for about 5 minutes! (Until cheese is melted and browning) 

To make these low calorie just use a butter alternative or a very small amount and use a lot less cheese than we did!!

Bloggers Wanted ~ LG Smart Magic Bigscreen Event

The LG Smart Magic Bigscreen Event is hosted by Mom Powered Media.

Prize: LG 42" Smart 1080p Edge-Lit LED HDTV with Wi-Fi and Magic Remote

The event dates: 11/5 - 11/26

Free Event ~ Sign-Up Here – Bloggers Wanted LG Smart Magic Bigscreen Event

This is a great giveaway, especially with the Holidays fast approaching!! Sign up for your free link now =o)