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Capturing Memories with Sam’s Club Giveaway

July 12, 2012 by

With Summer comes lots of events and activities and as a busy family we sometimes have a hard time to keeping up. One way we make sure to capture all of the fun is taking pictures. Between our phones, gadgets and cameras we’ve been known to take hundreds of shots. Sometimes this doesn’t work with a huge DSLR camera, there are moments when size does matter.

For these moments we are using our new Olympus TG-320 digital point and shoot camera. This compact device packs a huge punch for it’s little size.

  • 14 Megapixels
  • 3.6 optical Zoom
  • Waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof
  • 720HD Video

This is one of Rob’s Father’s Day Gifts that was featured on our Gift Guide. We’ve been using it at the pool and the beach and even around the house. It’s small enough that Shae can handle and the fact that it’s shockproof makes me Ok with her carrying it around.

Here’s sampling of photos taken with the Olympus TG-320.

action photo, olympus camera, waterproof camera

action shot, Shaun jumping

olympus waterproof camera, self portrait, kid

shae’s self portrait

underwater photo, waterproof camera

sabreena underwater

big pizza,

giant pizza

I love that it not only came with it’s own floatation device but also a neoprene type cover with a carbineer to attach to the pool bag, handbag or even a belt loop. I’ve been impressed with the quality so far since I’m not a fan of point and shoot cameras. I especially love that it’s rechargable. No batteries to keep on hand and worry if you have the right size and style on hand.

This is a great gift not just for mom and dad but for young adults due to it’s heavy duty construction. Find this great gadget at Sam’s Club for $179. Start shopping now and enter to win a $25 Sam’s Club GC. Visit Sam’s Club online and let me know one thing that you would spend your $25 on.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thursday, August 2, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.
I Disclose




ROKU 2 XS Streaming Player Giveaway

July 9, 2012 by

In our bedroom we have a really old television that I won when I was still working over 12 years ago. It’s a 32 inch television and it gets the job done. We only use it really at bed time or when the kids are sick they like to stay in our bed all day and watch TV. The only real problem is that it has none of the conveniences of today’s technology. There’s no inputs for internet connection so we can’t watch our Netflix’s account.

When I heard of the ROKU 2 XS Streaming Player I was a little skeptical that it would even work on such an old television. However, the box clearly states that it “works with virtually any TV.” I also assumed that it was going to be well out of my comfort zone to hook up. I’m not completely technologically illiterate, I usually can figure most things out after a while, but I really thought this was going to be way out of my league. That definitely wasn’t the case here, all that was in the box was the ROKU player, remote control, A/V cable and a power adapter. Since we don’t have any input outlets on the TV because it’s so old but we do have a dvd player hooked up to the TV, I just plugged the A/V cable into the dvd player. Then, I plug the power adapter into the outlet and that was it. I turned the TV on and after about 5 minutes of registering the ROKU and connected it our wireless router it was up and running.

Now we can access Netflix, we can listen to Pandora, and the kids can play Angry Birds all day long. There are also hundreds of applications that you can add, such as news channels, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, Crackle and Disney Channel. Some apps are free while others do charge a fee. Now the girls can’t wait to be home sick from school now. Their options are limitless now since they love Netflix’s and could play Angry Birds all from the comforts of a bed.

Roku is giving a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader a Roku 2 XS (value $99.99). Let me know what channel you’d be most excited to watch.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall (be sure to mention Roku and LookWhatMomFound..and Dad too!)
  • Like Roku and LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook
  • Follow Mom & Dad & Roku on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: I’m trying to win the @RokuPlayer #Giveaway from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/LzwEos 
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Our Life/Our Travels/Our Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Monday, July 30, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.
I Disclose




Cover Creator by Discovery Girls App & Magazine Giveaway

July 4, 2012 by

Parker and Peyton love playing on our iPad and they love to see what new apps are available for kids. We found one that is perfect for girls and hours of fun. It’s the Cover Creator from Discovery Girls and they have been playing with it nonstop.

We easily  downloaded Cover Creator from itunes to our iPad.  This app allows the girls to create their own magazine cover and it’s so easy to use and I love that fact that it entertains both of my girls. Sometimes I find apps that are fun for my 8 year old but the 10 year old finds them too childish and then the ones the 10 yr old can play are too old and hard for my 8 yr old. This is not the case for the Cover Creator.
The girls have been running all over the place taking pictures and designing the perfect magazine covers.
cover creator by discovery girls app

This app allows the girls to take a picture or use one already on the iPad, then it lets you resize or rotate, next you choose a theme of the cover you want such as animals, friends or sports crazy, it also allows you to create your own. Once you choose a theme you can reposition or add your own headlines and bylines that would be on a magazine cover. Once they get it just the way they like they can save, share, reset or delete it.



The girls have been running all over the place taking pictures and designing the perfect magazine covers. No one is safe from getting their own magazine cover. For app details and more about Created By Girls, For Girls philosophy visit Discovery Girls for advice, chat and fun.

Enter to win a Discovery Girls magazine subscription and free access to the Cover Creator for your iPhone, iPad or iPhone. Let me know who you are entering for.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall, be sure to mention LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and include link to this post
  • Follow Mom & Dad  and Discovery Girls Magazine  on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: WIN a @DGMagazine sub and a Discovery Girls Cover Creator App from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/P7bBut 
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Our Life/Our Travels/Our Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Wednesday, July 25, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.
I Disclose




Share your Perfect Match and Win $30 Best Buy GC

March 9, 2012 by

best buy logoMaking buying decisions on the latest and greatest gadgets and tech is hard enough without worrying about getting the best pricing and start up support. Best Buy wants customers to be matched up with their perfect technology and make it their own. Their new Perfect Match Promise is simple

  • 30-day free phone support to get product up and running
  • 30-days of no-hassle returns with no restocking fees
  • 30-days of competitor price matching

Shop without worry since consumers now can shop knowing their satisfaction is guaranteed. If the product isn’t right for you or your family simply return it. Knowing that Best Buy offers clear solutions for consumer’s biggest shopping fears should make the process easier and less stressful.

According to a February 2012 Best Buy survey:

  • 30-Day Phone Support to Get It Up and Running: When asked which expert consumers would like to have on call 24/7, more than one third of consumers chose a Tech Expert – even ahead of Dentists (17%), Chefs (15%) or Fitness Instructors (11%). The preference for an on-call Tech Expert only trailed Doctors (65%) and Police Officers (56%)
  • When Hassle Outweighs Savings: More than 1/3 of consumers have kept an item that wasn’t suitable instead of returning it. The majority decided not to return the products simply because the return process is “too much of a hassle.” More than 25 percent of those consumers spent between $51 – $100 on the item they didn’t return
  • Power of the Price Match: 44% of respondents have taken advantage of a price match policy at one or more retailers

“Our research clearly shows that consumers are looking for help when it comes to technology set-up, and that there is a need to find a great deal,” added Panayiotou. “Our offer provides clear solutions, like our 30 days of free phone support, to ensure our customers feel confident they can get their Best Buy products up and running at the right price, no strings attached.”

See for yourself what Best Buy has to offer with their new Perfect Match Promise. Win one of (5) $30 Best Buy Gift Cards right here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Tell me your idea of the Perfect Match , e.g. peanut butter & jelly, Pitt & Jolie, football & beer.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Add us to your Google + Circle
  • Like our Facebook Page & SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall
  • Follow Mom & Dad & Best Buy on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Share your Perfect Match to win $30 @BestBuy GC #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/yvp3Ov (5) winners
  • Like BestBuy on Facebook.
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Everyday Life/Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, March 30, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.







I Disclose




Norelco Senso Touch 3D Evalutation

February 13, 2012 by

I am not sure where I stand when it comes to shaving but I would love to know if I am the minority or the majority.  Do men love to shave?  I will be honest and say I 100% hated shaving until I received the Norelco Senso Touch 3D electric shaver. I would think ahead on what days I would have to shave for work and knew those days I would be irritated.

I know you are going to say that I need to say that because I received this for consideration but I am serious when I say this is the best shaver I have ever tried. I still don’t love to shave but I also don’t hate it like I used to.  My skin is extremely sensitive so I could only shave in the shower when my face was wet and the hairs were soft otherwise my skin would get so irritated and cut up but with the Senso Touch 3D I am able to shave when I get out of the shower with no problems at all.

The Norelco Senso Touch 3D (1290x) is a wet and dry electric shaver so I now have options.  I can use the shaver in the shower if I want which I still haven’t done or once I get out which I have done probably 25 times already.  With a tradition razor and shaving cream I would only shave twice a week otherwise my face would be all messed up but now that I am using the Norelco Senso Touch 3D I am able to shave daily with ZERO problems meaning no skin irritation or anything.  When I was in college I tried using an electric shaver and I HATED it so I was very hesitant when I received the Senso Touch 3D but I am pleasantly surprised and will NEVER go back to my old razor, we are through!!!

Here are a few highlights:

  • Philips GyroFlex 3D system adjusts seamlessly to every curve
  • UltraTrack heads catch every hair with just a few strokes
  • SensoTouch Shavers with patented Super Lift&Cut Action
  • Aquatec seal for comfortable dry & refreshing wet shaves
  • Smooth, low-friction SkinGlide to minimize irritation

The Norelco Senso Touch 3D is super easy to use as well as clean.  It has given me a shave that my traditional razor could never give me.  It is close and like I mentioned it doesn’t irritate my skin which is huge because I wouldn’t shave just so I could avoid the uncomfortable feeling.  I’ve never used an electric razor and heard lots of things like it would take weeks for your skin to get used to it but the 1st night I was impressed.  Instead of shaving 2-3 times a week I can now shave nightly if I want and not worry about my skin afterwards.

The Senso Touch 3D is a shaver that I will be using for very long time.

Luckily we are offering this same shaver to ONE lucky Look What Mom Found…and Dad too reader.  Check out the Rafflecopter Widget below for entry rules and extra opportunities to win.
[Read more…]




Don’t Miss a Thing with Roku #Giveaway

November 4, 2011 by

Our DVR was set up to record House, at least we thought it was. This past weekend when it was time to settle in to catch up on TV we quickly realized we lost the last 2 episodes. We easily caught up using the Roku and Hulu Plus.

Roku is a streaming media player for home with over 300 channels; something for everyone. Since the Fox network can’t be found anywhere on On-Demand we knew we could find it on Hulu Plus. And since we both want to watch House the television was the only place to watch. The Roku has been set up for a couple weeks already but our limited tv watching time hasn’t given us a chance to utilize it much. This weekend we were able to catch up on favorites and play Angry Birds LIFESIZE!

On Christmas day we like to either play seasonal music watch holiday movies while we unwrap gifts, entertain family and eat. Using the Roku is going to allow us to do this seamlessly with channels like Pandora and Amazon Instant Video and Disney.

Win a Roku ($60 value) in time for your own holiday entertaining or personal enjoyment. Tell me another Roku channel that you might enjoy through the Roku.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Follow Us on Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall or WRITE on our Facebook Wall that you entered to win this giveaway, include link to this post
  • Follow Mom & Dad & Roku on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Win @RokuPlayer for Holiday Entertaining from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/vF56Hm
  • Like Roku on Facebook, let them which device you’d like to protect.
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Everyday Life/Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, November 25, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.






I Disclose




We Learned, Created and Shared our LeapPad and Tag

October 20, 2011 by

Each year there is a new hot electronic toy for kids and we usually end up indulging before any real research. This year that must have toy for kids is the Leapfrog LeapPad learning tablet. Tablets are all the craze right now, we have an iPad and the kids love it but I don’t love them using it. The LeapPad is JUST FOR KIDS with a built in camera, video recorder, activities and games.

leappad-explorer-tablet-leapfrog

set up and play within minutes

Our family hosted a “Learn, Create and Share” party for Shae and some friends to try out the LeapPad and Tag Reading System. With a bowl of frog gummies, froggy faced cupcakes and lilypad placemats we started our party with tasty snacks of course. The real fun began when the kids got to work on activity sheets and testing out the Tag and LeapPad for themselves.

tag-reading-leapfrog-learning

fun with the tag


The set up was easy, hook up to the computer to download apps then hand it over to let the kids explore and have fun. Shae’s first game was Jewel Train; a puzzle game that gets minds thinking. Her new favorite thing is taking pictures so as soon as she found out there was a camera she went snapping away. The quality was good as long as there was enough light. The included software allows kids to manipulate pics with funny faces and drawings.

As a parent I looked for some other features. The size was perfect for small hands with buttons large enough not to miss and materials that weren’t slippery (like the iPad). The response time from when the children tapped the screen and when the movement or action happened was instant. This is important especially when you have impatient kids that will keep clicking or tapping resulting in the wrong answer or outcome. As a whole I’m pleased with the LeapPad and expect it to last many years.

LeapFrog products are a staple in our house. In fact about 10 years ago we purchased another item called a LeapPad; a completely different product than this one but it is still regularly used. Shae’s My First LeapPad is still going strong and has been handed down to my niece. The Leapster was Shaun’s best companion and found a new home with a younger neighbor. Learning can be fun and LeapFrog makes this very clear in every gadget they put out. The library of additional games and apps available for purchase is much larger than other kid devices I’ve seen out there and BONUS for the LeapPad and Tag; there are NO cartridges to lose.

Learn to read, create, write and play with LeapFrog.

I received free LeapFrog products in order to host a Learn, Create and Share Party. LeapFrog did not influence my opinions expressed here as a result.”





Protect yourself using Swingline Stack and Shred and Giveaway

October 5, 2011 by

I don’t know about you but we have piles and piles of receipts, warranties, purchase orders, instruction manuals, statements and other forms of paper from accounts and purchases made over the last 10 years. Recently we were able to dwindle this pile down to something that makes sense.

After reading dates and contracts we kept what was needed and properly disposed of the rest using the Swingline Stack and Shred Shredder. Every home should contain a shredder. Its really the only safe way to dispose of credit card statements, past utility bills and other important identifying materials.
swingline-shredder
The Swingline Stack and Shred allows users to stuff up to 100 sheets of papers into the hatch, close the door and come back to a shredded mess in the attached waste basket. The size of the Stack and Shred is small enough to fit under a desk without being in the way. Since we don’t have a dedicated office space this stays in the garage with the filing cabinet and office supplies; it just makes sense that way for now.
With the holidays and New Year coming up we all have finances to deal with. Whether it’s shopping or pulling together documents for tax time or disposing of junk mail you should take the extra moments to protect yourself against identity theft.

Win a Swingline Stack and Shred Shredder ($250 value) from LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Let me know how you handle your junk mail and old receipts.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Follow Us on Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Swingline on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: I’m entering to win a @Swingline Stack and Shred Shredder, $250 value from @lkwhtmomfound & @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/o02PBM
  • SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall (easy to use widget at top of post) OR WRITE on our Facebook Wall that you entered to win this giveaway, include link to this post
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Everyday Life/Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Wendesday, October 26, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

I Disclose




Must Have Kitchen Appliances For Every Home

August 17, 2011 by


In today’s sub-category driven culture where more niche interests are cropping up every day, one of the most vocal of these groups are those that identify as foodies. This has been helped along in a large part from the growing popularity of the Food Network and other cooking programs that are teaching people about the love of good food and quality cooking once again. For years now, our homes have been filled with fast food wrappers and junk food, but now people are discovering the joy of cooking all over again. If you’re one of these foodies that enjoys a excellent home cooked dish, here are some must have kitchen gadgets that will make your next meal a wiz:

Microplane

If you’re not sure what this is, a microplane is a versatile grater. You can grate more than just cheese with it for those dishes that require citrus, ginger, or even garlic. You don’t have to remain content with high processed ingredients that come in a plastic bag. With a microplane, you can add the finest grated accents to any dish. It’s an all-in-one tool that you can pick up for close to nothing and many of the newer models are very easy to clean.

Bread Maker

Getting store bought bread is the most standard way everyone shops these days, but there’s nothing that can compete with the quality and freshness of home cooked bread. You can do this by hand but it’s far easier, quicker, and more convenient to use a bread machine. Plus, there are so few options at the store for those who can’t eat gluten. For those people who have special dietary restrictions, you can get a really good gluten free bread machine that will work great and give you the quality bread you need to go along with any meal or sandwich.

Stand Mixer

If you’ve never had a kitchen mixer then you don’t know what a miracle they are to the person that loves to cook. It’s not just a time saver, these devices expand any cook’s abilities to perform the most complicated tasks with next to no effort. You can whip cream faster or make a cake in no time. Standing mixers are built to handle the biggest, or smallest, tasks. You can even buy attachments that allow you to grind meat, roll out pasta, or make ice cream. Obviously you wouldn’t want to do all of those things and the same time, but that’s the kind of versatility you get with a quality standing mixer. Also, if you get a good one, it’ll last you practically your entire life. A great investment for any at-home cook.

Some of these items aren’t going to be useful to everyone. The easiest way to gauge how useful it will be is to estimate how much you’re spending on items that you’re buying in the store versus how much it would cost you to make at home. This isn’t always the logic given that some people are willing to pay more for higher quality food. There are lots of cool kitchen gadgets that make the cooking process easier. Consider what you’re doing, and what you want to be able to do, in the kitchen and do a little shopping around online to find a good deal on some must have kitchen gadgets.

I Disclose




My Phone Does Double Duty

June 23, 2011 by

My smartphone is smarter than yours. Yes it makes phone calls, receives texts, can direct me to the nearest Starbucks and play a mean game of Turbo Granny but it can do more. I can use mine to change the channel, set a show to DVR and view a slideshow of the day at the park.

verizon-fios-widget-mobile-remote-appVerizon FiOS Mobile Remote is a cool new app that I have downloaded to my phone so when those moments of laziness(remote is on the tv, not the end table) I still have the power. A quick install and configuration of the cable box to my phone and I’m all set. The entire process took minutes and I was ready to “flick” pictures on the big screen to share with Rob who couldn’t go to the park that day.

I heard about this app through twitter. During a twitter party a Verizon spokesperson/twitter handler mentioned I should try it out. It was very new at the time, like days old. I instantly tried it out and loved the ability to control the tv, my channel and show favorites and the DVR from the phone that is always connected to my hand. I’ve even gone and changed the channel while Rob was watching something just to annoy him. Shae loves the ability to view the pictures that are stored on my phone on the tv. She even knows how to “flick” them up on the screen.

Verizon boasts other fun features too such as TV Widgets. These are on-screen apps that let you tweet, catch up on news, shop and play. We’ve installed on our living room television, Climb and Slip; it’s a take on Chutes and Ladders. Sabreena is a Sudoku fan so she has that game on her set-box top. We have tons of gadgets for gaming and news and reading but nothing beats something on a big screen.
verizon-tv-widget-games
Learn all about the Verizon FiOS features, phone compatibility and service availability in your area by visiting the TV Home site. Please note that Verizon FiOS is only available in select parts of the country, find out if Verizon FiOS is available in your area.

“I wrote this review while participating in a brand team campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Verizon FiOS.Verizon will send me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”




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