Strange Daze Indeed

Isn't life strange? And wonderful!

Birthday Murder Mystery Giveaway at the Laughing Vixen Lounge

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My good friend, Laughing Vixen, who shares with me a passion for the strange, the unusual and True Blood is having a really fun Birthday Murder Mystery Giveaway at her blog.  There will be 12 different shops participating with lots of cool prizes!

There will be clues hiding in each of the 12 shops!

Also keep an eye out for shops with August birthdays who will be having special one day only giveaways!

Mermaid Pinup Charm Bracelet  $45 from Laughing Vixen Lounge

The Grand prize will have a value of $230!

Second place prize – choice of any compact from Laughing Vixen Lounge $15 value

Shops participating –

Laughing Vixen Lounge – $50 gift certificate
Junkmill – choice of any 5 digital collage sheets
Junkmill[relics] – To be announced
Hell In A Handbag – Cherry hair clip and a Pompadorable Pomade
Kitsch Bitch – $20 gift certificate
Deep Midnight Perfume Oils – 5 vial sample pack of perfume. Your choice of scents
Miss Bohemia – Choice of pink or red Gothica jewelry/pocket mirror set
A’dor Beauty Supplies – Nail polish/eye shadow set
JFrancy – Personalized wire wrap necklace
Little Fairy Cult – Dandelion Wish necklace
Dirty Dishes – Your choice of mug
Hat Creek Creations – Trick or treat ghost ornament

I seriously love this!

Zombie Mug  $10.99 from Dirty Dishes

Check out Laughing Vixen’s Birthday Murder Mystery Giveaway for more details and fun! This one is not to be missed and runs from August 1 – August 15. The giveaway is open worldwide!

Nature Box : Enjoy Natural Healthy Snacks – a review and giveaway

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I’m a big fan of subscription boxes though I like some far better than others! The best ones for me are things I wouldn’t necessarily find by myself.

I was recently introduced to NatureBox, a monthly hand-picked all-natural snack food service, and I really love the July box I received. It was so exciting to get this big green box in the mail and to unwrap the surprises inside.

One of my resolutions this year (which I’ve been able to stick to so far) is to eat healthier. NatureBox gives you a great way to keep snacks in your diet, but, instead of transfats, high-sodium, empty calories and junk, you get really interesting and good for you treats.

I just recently found out that the average American gets almost 25% of their calories from snacking and that snacking is the leading cause of childhood obesity.

In contrast to unhealthy snacks, every NatureBox item is carefully curated and nutritionist approved. You can not only feel guilt free, but also get delicious snacks that won’t make you feel deprived in any way. In fact, I’m so much happier with this healthier food that I plan on signing up. It’s great to have them around when I get a snack craving. You can trust that the snacks are minimally processed, if at all, and that they use the most wholesome ingredients.

Something I love: For every NatureBox sent out, you and they work in tandem to help feed the hungry. NatureBox donates one meal for every box sent to feed the over 14 million children in America who go hungry. Eat healthy delicious food and help others as well. What could be better?

You get new all-natural snacks each month and 15 to 20 servings across 4 to 6 different full-sized packages.

I really love that every month’s snacks are different. Here’s what I got in my July Naturebox:

Lemon Pucker Pistachios: These were great and filled my snacking cravings. Delicious fresh pistachios with a hint of lemon. So good!

Garden Tomato Crunchies: I’d never heard of anything like these. They were so good. Bite sized almond pieces with a tangy summery tomato flavor. Uniquely satisfying.

Southern BBQ Sunflower Kernels:

These give you good energy and tasted great. I’d just grab a handful of the smoky sunflower kernels which also are awesome because they contain heart healthy fats.

Zesty Fiesta Mix: This mix is spiced up with the zest of paprika, garlic, cilantro and chili powder but without the high sodium and carbohydrates of other packaged snack mixes. This mix also does a better job of filling you up thanks to the protein found naturally in the nuts.This is also great for a party snack!

Sunny Trails: Though I loved everything in the box, this was definitely a favorite. This snack mix was full of big chunks of delicious dried fruits along with raw almonds to provide a nutty crunch and balance out the flavors. It was great to munch on while working and gave me that mid-day boost that I really need. It’s also great with yogurt.

Other month’s snacks have included: dried pears, zingy currants, cranberry jubilee with papaya and Brazil nuts, cinnamon almonds, agave citrus granola, and apple rings. They also include a recipe in your Naturebox that you can make with the snacks.

I think NatureBoxes are a great gift idea for your friends or family, for college students, teachers, colleagues, and especially for yourself. It’s also a great idea if you want to help change your kids’ snacking habits to healthier options.

 Each monthly box is $19.95 and shipping is always free. You can pause or cancel at any time and there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you’d like to try NatureBox, The promo code ZESTY may be used for 25% off your first month of subscription (please note that the 25% discount is only applicable to the month-to-month subscription. 6 month subscriptions receive 1 month free and 12 month subscriptions receive 3 months free.)

Would you like to win your own NatureBox with all new snacks? I myself don’t know what the next one holds, but I can’t wait. NatureBox has generously offered 3 of my readers the chance to win their own NatureBox. So, please follow the Rafflecopter below. Best of luck!

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Disclosure: I received a sample in order to facilitate my review, however all opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

The Joy of Being

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“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.”


― Eckhart Tolle

A few years back, I read “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle and it really changed my life.  I had always tried to live in the moment as much as possible, but this book really brought it home in a way others could not.

It’s so hard sometimes to accept what is going on, however, if we can, and not rush to the past or the future, we may find our lives to be easier and more peaceful.

I don’t know too many people that worrying has ever helped. Living in the past is futile and the future is guaranteed to no one. There is only this moment. Then this one. Then this.

I know that I am at my happiest when I am not in my mind, but simply living in the moment, and the moment with whatever it brings. It may not be easy, but it certainly creates a much greater sense of calm and well-being.

Ram Dass, who was one of my first spiritual teachers, spoke about the concept “Be Here Now”.  

How much of your life do you live in the present moment?

 

Win a Kindle Fire and 2 Diamond Candles!

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Bay Area Mommy

Bay Area Mommy is celebrating her 1st blog anniversary with a giveaway for an awesome Kindle Fire (or a $200 Amazon gift card) and 2 very cool Diamond Candles.

The Kindle Fire is open worldwide but the 2 Diamond Candles are restricted to the US only since they don’t ship outside the US.

The giveaway will run from July 25, 12:01am EST to August 15, 11:59pm EST. Best of luck!

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Disclaimer: This blog is not responsible for prize shipment.

Win an authentic Chanel tote worth $1,300!

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Welcome to The Grand Finale of

“Win This Bag”

Sponsored by

Hosted by

It’s finally here! The Grand Finale of the Win This Bag series of giveaways is here!! We’ve combined weeks 5 and 6 into a two-week long giveaway giving you double the opportunity to increase your odds of winning by completing the daily bonus entries!
You’ll have from 7/24/12 through 8/6/12 to claim as many entries as you possibly can! If you remember to revisit your favorite blog to claim your daily bonus entries, you’ll have a huge advantage (2 weeks worth!) over the rest of the competition!
But before we announce the Grand Finale bag, here are a few words about our sponsor who made the entire 6 weeks worth of giveaways possible!
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HipSwap is a mobile and web marketplace that connects buyers and sellers locally and nationally. It enables people to discover what’s inside the most fabulous closets, homes, and shops in neighborhoods and cities across America. HipSwap currently offers delivery service in Los Angeles and New York with their iconic pink delivery van.
Also, be sure to swing by the HipSwap blog to check out their ever popular post on how to spot a fake Louis Vuitton bag!

So, far HipSwap has generously supplied us with a Fendi Spy Bag, a Louis Vuitton bag, a white leather Tod’s hanbag and a gorgeous Gucci Hobo Bag! Are you ready for the brand that will be featured in our Grand Finale?
This week, you have the chance to win an amazing authentic Chanel tote worth $1,300!

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This beige quilted leather Chanel tote is a one-of-a-kind! It features a black leather trim and large “CC” on side to make it easily distinguishable as the one of the world’s most prestigious designer brands.
Dimensions: 11″ x 10″ x 5″ with 7″ straps. Estimated Value: $1300

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This beautiful handbag was provided by the amazing DoubleTake Consignment Boutique of New Jersey.
The DoubleTake Consignment Boutique first opened its doors in Short Hills, New Jersey in 1992. From that day on the store has been packed with women who understand the advantages and value of consignment shopping. DoubleTake only accepts the highest quality & current designer clothing and accessories and has been recognized as a unique clothing boutique where huge savings can be found.

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How to gain entries in this giveaway:
There is only one mandatory entry option; and that is to create a free HipSwap account. However, by entering on this blog through the Giveaway Tools widget below, you have the opportunity to gain a large number of bonus entries! You can complete as many or as few bonus entries as you’d like but remember, the more you do, the better your odds! Plus, once you are following all of your hosts, entering each subsequent weekly Win This Bag Giveaway will be even faster & easier! As promised, you’ll find additional bonus entries to claim for having entered our previous weekly Win This Bag Giveaways!

Good luck!

Giveaway begins on 7/24/12 at 12:01am EST & ends on 8/6/12 at 11:59pm EST.
Open worldwide.
The Giveaway Tools Widget will load below this line. For those of you not familiar with Giveaway Tools, it is VERY similar to Rafflecopter! Good luck to you!

Javascript must be enabled to enter this giveaway. Learn how to activate Javascript by clicking here.
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This giveaway is open to entrants worldwide 18 years of age or older, except where prohibited by law. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. To qualify to win, you must complete, at minimum, the mandatory entry on the Giveaway Tools form. All entries will be forwarded to our sponsor for the purpose of randomly selecting a winner. Winners will be notified by email from a HipSwap representative. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize may re-awarded solely by the Sponsor’s discretion. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. This blog may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments. The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We reserve the right to publicly publish winners’ names and/or likeness. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

Mobile Mishaps? #AsurionSaves – and a $40 Amazon/iTunes giveaway!

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Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Asurion.

For a lot of us, our smartphones are crucial in our lives. So much valuable information is in that little device, including connections to work, family, friends, photos and so much more. Losing them can create a lot of headaches. I remember one time when I couldn’t find my phone. I retraced my steps for hours. I tried virtually everything, only to find it had slipped through the seat of my friend’s car and was on the floor in the back. Huge sigh of relief.

Even worse than that was when I’ve dropped my phone and it has gotten cracked or the day it went through the washing machine while in the inside pocket of my hoodie! Needless to say that was a completely lost cause.

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1 in 4 people will lose, damage or have their phone stolen this year.  My iPhone is like a mini-computer to me.  Without protection, I’d be a lot more worried.

And what about your kids’ smartphones? 


Protection Tips

Asurion offers these easy summer tips to help minimize the damage to children’s phones this summer:

• A good case or silicone protector can help protect the back and sides against scratches and provide some impact protection.

• A transparent film screen protector can prevent the screen from scratching and can also help remove glare.

• A growing number of waterproof cases are on the market designed to protect phones when submerged in water for a limited amount of time.

• Purchase cell phone insurance to protect your investment and stay connected with children. Many wireless carriers now offer Asurion’s downloadable application that can remotely locate, lock or wipe a phone, along with the insurance coverage.

It’s great to know that the complete Asurion protection package, available through most wireless companies, empowers you with the apps and services that put you in control – everything you need for total peace of mind so you can enjoy using your smartphone. You can feel safe knowing you’re protected with Asurion, whether you need technology to secure your data privacy against growing mobile threats, need a device expert who’s just a call or click away, or coverage to replace your phone as quickly as the next day.

Have you had a mobile mishap or know someone who did? We’d love to hear about it. One person who shares their story will win a $40 Amazon or $40 iTunes card (your choice!)

Share your mobile mishap and enter to win by using the Rafflecopter below.

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Fudge, Fabulous Fudge! – A review and giveaway

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SendFudge.com. When I see this name, my first response is “Yes! Send Fudge!”.

Fudge is one of my favorite treats ever since my grandma taught me how to make her homemade chocolate with cherries version. So good! It brings back so many memories.

However, all fudge is not created equal. Maybe I’m a fudge snob, but I’m pretty picky about fudge. I really feel there’s an art to getting it just right.

This is why I’m really pleased to give SendFudge.com 5 stars out of 5! When I was given the chance to sample two flavors of my choice, I was really excited to pick them out.

SendFudge.com has handmade thousands of pounds of old fashioned fudge over the years. They put lots of love and care into their creations and the finest ingredients available. With 36 gourmet fudge recipes and free shipping to the lower 48 states, this really makes a great birthday, holiday, thank you or shareable office gift. A one pound box will generously serve ten and is beautifully packaged.

When you order from them, you have the satisfaction of knowing that each flavor is freshly made with TLC by Andrew, one of the two managers.

Their flavors include Cappuccino Fudge, Butter Pecan, Heath English Toffee, Raspberry Cheesecake and Sea salt Caramel. They also have Sucrose Free and Diabetic Friendly flavors. And many more.

I love that their flavors range from the classic to the unique! Being a dual-natured person and a Gemini, I usually see two sides to everything, so it was perfect for me to sample one of my all-time favorite classic flavors, Chocolate Walnut and one of their newest flavors, the exotic Dark Chocolate Chili Mango! How could I resist?

Chocolate Walnut

The Chocolate Walnut was phenomenal. Super creamy and as good as any homemade fudge I’ve ever had. It was the perfect consistency and melted in your mouth.  The fudge will last for about two weeks or can be frozen. My only quibble is that there’s no way to have it last for a while in this house. It’s just too good! The walnuts were fresh and delicious. I love this flavor and would order it again in a heartbeat.

Dark Chocolate Chili Mango

The Dark Chocolate Chili Mango was a feast for my tastebuds, combining three of my favorite things: chocolate, mango and chili!. It was a bit darker and very rich and delicious. What I love is that both flavors taste really natural and just sweet enough. I hate when things are too sweet.

I loved the dark chocolate, the little pieces of mango and the subtle kick of heat. Nothing was overpowering, and everything blended together perfectly like a sweet symphony orchestrated by a master chocolatier.

Orange Creme

I know I’m going to be ordering more soon, especially with free shipping! There are so many flavors that I can’t wait to try.

Mint Chocolate Swirl

              

Would you love to pick out your favorite flavor at SendFudge.com? We’re giving away a 1/2 pound of whatever flavor you’d most love to try to one lucky reader. Also, if you’d like to order now, you can get 10% off your order when you check out using the promo code: 10%off .

Giveaway open to residents of the U.S. (lower 48 states).

So please follow the Rafflecopter and best of luck!

Disclosure: I received a sample for review purposes, however all opinions are strictly my own.

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SAVE with the San Antonio Vacation Experience!

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of SAVE for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.


I have a list of cities I’ve always wanted to visit and San Antonio is among them. When you’re traveling with your family, you want to have a great experience as well as one that won’t break the bank and San Antonio is one of the country’s most interesting and affordable vacation spots.

Now, San Antonio is making travelers’ summer getaways even more budget-conscious with  SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience .  Summer is THE time to SAVE in San Antonio with more than $600 in savings to animal adventures, theme parks, museums, top shops and historic tours, as well as great deals on hotels!

SAVE partners include top San Antonio hotels and resorts and attractions. Ranging from budget to luxury, SAVE has an accommodation for every price point and need. If location is key, SAVE hotels line the River Walk in the heart of downtown as well as surround theme parks and the airport. Make sure to check SAVE Limited Time Offers (LTOs) for special limited time deals and added value at hotels and attractions.

SAVE Hotel partners include: Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Hyatt Regency San Antonio on the Riverwalk, San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, Hilton Palacio del Rio, The Westin Riverwalk San Antonio and many more!

SAVE attraction partners include SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Schlitterbahn, Splashtown, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio Botanical Garden, & more!

I have been planning the dream family itinerary if we get to visit this summer!

First of all, I’d love to go 8/18 -8/25 since it is  Restaurant Week. Being the foodie that I am and knowing that San Antonio has a great culinary scene, we’d explore this celebration of the city’s most appealing and diverse restaurants with delicious food and specially priced menus.

As far as accomodations, I would choose the Hyatt Regency San Antonio on the Riverwalk. We could explore the downtown area including the River Walk, Alamo, museums and tours.

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And, no visit would be complete without a visit to SeaWorld San Antonio. This season, SeaWorld is debuting “Aquatica,” an 18-acre aquatic park with up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and relaxing sandy beaches. SAVE discounts include deals on family-four packs, second day free, $10 off admission and more.

Since it’s just down the road, we’d also have to hit  Six Flags Fiesta Texas with over 50 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters. New at Fiesta Texas is the SkyScreamer swing ride that provides aerial views that surpass the park’s quarry walls. SAVE discounts include adults pay kids price, buy an adult ticket and get a child’s free, next day free and more.

On those hot summer days, there’s nothing like the cool fun of a waterpark, so one day we’d visit nearby Schlitterbahn  which recently introduced The Falls, the world’s longest waterpark ride at 3,600 feet of continuous rapids. SAVE discount is up to $10.

And, we’d also love to go to Splashtown  with over 50 rides and attractions, concerts, and “Dive In Movie” nights for families. SAVE discount is up to $42.

After all this activity, perhaps a nice relaxing stroll through the  San Antonio Botanical Garden with its acres of lush vegetation. SAVE discount is $1 off admission.

After that rest, a trip to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch with animals from all over the world: zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, rhinos and more would be exciting! The SAVE discount is $2 off admission.

Also, with all the money we’ll save, I’m sure we could get some delicious meals as well as souvenirs and gifts to bring home!

I’m glad I recently got a new camera because I’ll definitely want to savor all the wonderful memories for years to come.

Make sure to follow @SAVEinSA on twitter for updates on deals, great limited time offers and wonderful ideas to help you plan your next trip to San Antonio!

What about you, have you visited San Antonio? Would you like to? What would be on your list to experience?

 

 

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