Blogging for Diapers: Hey It's a Review and Give-A-Way Too!!

Last month I posted about the opportunity to get a free 3 pack sample of the New Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max technology,

I have now had the chance myself to take a first hand look at these new high performance diapers and I am happy to report that they definitely look to me like the perfect meld of function and performace. They hit the mark spot on regarding three important categories; Mom, Baby, and the World.



•For Baby: They are our driest diapers ever and the new, revolutionary Dry Max™ technology helps lock wetness in for up to 12 hours. The new thinner core gives baby freedom to move and play with all-around softness to keep him comfortable so playtime never ends.

•For Mom: The thinner design allows mom to carry or store more of them within less space. She can also be confident that she is getting a hard working diaper for the same great price. (The product is being offered to retailers at the same price. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer.)

•For the World: They help you reduce your impact on the environment. If current North American Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers users switched to the new Pampers with Dry Max diaper, they could together throw away the weight of a billion less diapers every three years. (Based on 08/09 volume for Swaddlers/Cruisers.)
 
Now I have the chance to hold an amazing give-a-way associated with the introduction of Pampers Cruisers with Dry-Max technology!
 
You are entering for the Liz Lange Diaper Clutch as well as a coupon for a weeks supply of Pampers Cruisers! The clutch retails for $50 and is 100% polyester with genuine leather trim. Don't you think it is a chic way to carry around diapers and wipes?  Time to get rid of those bulky diaper bags with bunnies, huh?
 
If you want to enter, here's what you have to do:



(1) You MUST be a follower of my blog ( this will be verified)

 Leave me ONE comment stating that you are following my blog publicly!!  Wow...could it be any easier????  If you already follow, tell me that instead!

If you want additional entries:

(2) Follow me on Twitter

(3) Tweet about this giveaway ( leave one comment with a link to your tweet)

(4) Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with a link to your post.

(5) Grab my button and place it on your blog or social networking site.  Leave me a comment with the link to where I can see it in all it's purpleness!!!!


Give-a-way to run until 11:59 pm EST on March 14, 2010. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Email will be sent to winner with a response needed within 72 hours of winning email with shipping information. If winner does not respond to email, an alternate winner will be chosen. Good only within the continental USA. Make sure you leave a contact email within your post or check to make sure that I can email you via your blogger profile.



Disclaimer: Pampers provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

In my constant search to bring to you, my dear readers, the latest and greatest that the internet can offer I recently had the chance to check out the Chicstar website and I totally fell in love with the look and feel ( not to mention the prices) of the clothing!!!

Let me show you some of the items I really fell in love with:

First up is this really cool jacket that would look so good on me!

Plus-Size Lace-Up Ruffled Jacket

This jacket is fitted waist lace-back ruffled feature, button fastening and belt straps to cuffs, fully lined, the whole design shows your stature more slender.

Approx. length: 39.45 inches.

100% cotton; Machine wash.

Item # 37050

Retail Price $59.95



I also love the look of this dress, and although it does not come with the petticoat, I actually have one in my closet which will work just fine!

Belted Flared Dress

This dress is made of polyester/spandex blend fabric, roll collar, with a belt in the waist, little buttons in the cuff, the sleeves can be turned. The petticoat is not included.

Approx. length: 39 inches.

97% polyester / 3% spandex; Hand wash.

Item # 37060

Retail Price $43.95


This is a blouse I can just picture doing so many cool things with...I see a big chunky necklace to highlight the neckline, don't you?

Flounce Ruched Ruffle Wrap Belt Boho Shirt


Ruffled flounce neckline and hem, tie at waist for closure, flare cuffs, Made of stretch cotton.

Approx. length: 23.5".

95% cotton/5% spandex; machine wash.

Item # 32150

Retail Price $34.95

The Chicstar website also has lots of other clothes as well as a promotion where you can submit your own design and win some money!  All you frustrated fashion designers really need to check out the details!

Go ahead and check out Chicstar for yourself and let me know what you think!  Tell them It's Really Only a Purple World sent you!

My Favorite Canned Food Recipe!!!

My readers know how much I love the opportunities that belonging to different blogging networks bring to It's Really Only a Purple World.  Today's opportunity comes from Twitter Moms and the challenge is to share with my readers information from the Canned Food Alliance.





Watch the Field to Table VideoCanned Food Alliance 

After watching the video I learned lots of things about how vegetables like beans and tomatoes are processed to retain the maximum nutritional value during the canning process.  It was actually very interesting.

Part of our task is to share our favorite canned food recipes so this is my contribution:

Lasagna:

Ingredients

1 pound sweet Italian sausage

3/4 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup minced onion

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste

2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

12 lasagna noodles

16 ounces ricotta cheese

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1.In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

2.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

4.To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.

5.Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
 
Sounds yummy doesn't it?
 
Go ahead and check out the Twitter Moms and Canned Food Alliance widget on this blog post for more information!

As promised, here is my weekly post as your The View Brand Ambassador!

Today I want to highlight the topics and guests of the upcoming week so you can be sure to catch the show!

Monday, Feb 22: Senator Evan Bayth of Indiana will be making his first and only television appearance since announcing that he is not running for re-election in 2010.

My Comment:  As The View has been known for it's on the spot political commentaries, this is sure to be an interesting discussion.


Tuesday, Feb 23: The controversial cast of MTV’s Jersey Shore will be joining the Women live on Tuesday. This will be an interesting show to see how the cast and the women interact!

My Comment: I have yet to understand what the country's fascination is with this show and its " characters" so I am looking forward to an in your face perspective of what makes this ensemble tick!

Wednesday, Feb 24: Nadya Suleman who famously gave birth to octuplets last year will be making her first trip to NYC to chat live with the Women of the View. Author Danielle Steel will also be a guest.

My Comment: It will be interesting to see what the other mothers have to say about how they feel about this hot topic!

Thursday, Feb 25: A one hour show themed “trying to have a baby?”Guests include Giuliana And Bill Rancic

My Comment: This should be especially poignant so grab the tissues before you start watching!

Friday, Feb 26: Regis and Joy Philbin will perform a song from their new CD: Regis & Joy: Just you. Just
me.

My Comment: I am dying to hear what they sound like and the reaction from the woman of The View!

Let me know if you catch any of the episodes and what you thought!  And remember, stay tuned for more about "The View"!!

Discloure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.

On Redecorating Sarah's Bedroom: My Upcoming Review of CSN Stores!!

Redecorating a childs room can be such a challenge.  The worst thing has to be having to drive to different stores to find the items that you are looking for.  Pushy salesman, crowded stores...it is a daunting experience.

Want to make your life a whole lot easier?  Visit the over 200 stores known collectively as CSN. Everything from toddler beds to lamps to accent furniture is available here, at a reasonable price, and all in one very searchable place.

Won't Sarah just love this Oak Cheval Mirror?  The fine folks over at CSN stores has graciously allowed me to choose this to review for my readers and best of all I haven't told Sarah yet!  Stay tuned for my opinion and her reaction!

And make sure to visit CSN stores before you bother leaving your house!

Please note: I was asked to choose an item at no cost for this review.  It will in no way influence my review of the product.

I am now an Official Brand Ambassador for The View!!!

One of the great things about having this blog is all the wonderful programs I get invited to join.  My being chosen as an Official Brand Ambassador for The View is my newest accomplishment!

Yes, I am talking about The View - ABC's hit talk show hosted by Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Sherri Shepherd.  A mix of pop culture, celebrity entertainment, political commentary and everything else in-between it is the ultimate show by women for women. 

A little bit about what makes The View so special:

"The View, recipient of the 2003 Daytime Emmy® Award for "Outstanding Talk Show," is ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, featuring a team of dynamic women of different ages, experiences and backgrounds discussing the most exciting events of the day. The program has received critical acclaim since premiering August 11, 1997. It's broadcast live weekdays from New York City (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET; CLOSED-CAPTIONED; broadcast in stereo; TV-14).
The View features ABC News correspondent Barbara Walters -- who appears on average three days a week - moderator Whoopi Goldberg, comedian Joy Behar, actress/comedian Sherri Shepherd and designer and former Survivor: The Australian Outback participant Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The View consists of hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment. The program celebrated its 2000th show on February 2, 2006, and is now in its 13th season on the ABC Television Network"

For the next few weeks I will be posting all about The View, the topics, and the personalities.  Feel free to chime in with your thoughts and reaction!

And, if you are a major fan like I am, I want to let you in on a special sweepstakes that the folks at Mom Central are promoting!  You could win a trip to NYC to watch a taping of The View!

Here is what you have to do to enter:

Simply click here and complete this short survey!  It's that simple!!

This contest ends on Feb. 28th, 2010 so don't wait and enter today!!!

And keep coming back to It's Really Only a Purple World!!!!





Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review

RETHINK WHAT MATTERS: BARE ESCENTUALS ASKS WHAT YOU’RE RETHINKING FOR 2010

 Rethink what a revolution looks like, from going bare in public to what freedom feels like. Bare Escentuals, the mineral makeup pioneer, invites you to shake up that foundation and sound off on topics that are more than just skin-deep with their new campaign, Rethink What Matters.

Born from employees rethinking makeup itself – the beauty brand found looking good is not about using artificial gunk to cover imperfections, but about enhancing what you’ve got. In keeping with their wink-wink approach to marketing  Bare Escentuals unveils playful taglines to help start honest conversations with your girlfriends.

Bare Escentuals invites you to give rethinking a try, too. Every week at RethinkWhatMatters.com, a new discussion topic will be featured with five questions for you to answer and share with your friends by email, Facebook and Twitter. What’s in it for you? Well, good karma for one. And free products and other fantastic goodies. Plus for a few really lucky ladies, an even bigger reward that will definitely make rethinking worth your while.
.

Bare Escentuals will also be taking its message to the streets by dispatching Quickie Vans within select cities. Each van will feature a tagline (for instance, Rethink Going Bare In Public) to grab the attention of passers-by and pop up into a mini boutique with a team offering “make-unders” and samples. So stop by and "Rethink the quickie" for an impromptu make-under.

Head over to RethinkWhatMatters.com. and make sure to enter the weekly sweepstakes to win great products by taking the quiz.  The answers and the conversation that comes from sharing might suprise you!

The Friendship Stone - A Unique Valentine's Gift Idea!

I was contacted by The Friendship Stone in order to let my readers know of a great gift idea to celebrate love and friendship between two people, no matter what the relationship.  I think it is a unique gift idea that not only is really cool but gives back as well..

Even better they have let me in on the fact that they are having a special promotion for Valentines Day where they are giving 14% off the complete line of Friendship Stones Gifts and Jewelry!!!

The coupon code for this special is "Valentine" . 

This is what they have to say about this great gift idea:

"Articulate an immeasurable romance. Express an enduring love. 

Chocolate? Candies? Roses?

You need more than the normal clichéd Valentine’s gift to capture your feelings for your sweetheart. After all, isn’t he or she just the epitome of your world? 

Celebrate the Day of Love with The Friendship Stone, an everlasting keepsake of your love, appreciation and gratitude. 

The Friendship Stone gift range is as distinctive and unique as your sweetheart. Taken from the heart of the African earth, The Friendship Stones are semiprecious gemstones that like your love are only touched by the hand of Nature.

Buying your Valentine’s gift is as easy as 1-2-3 with a wide range of The Friendship Stone gifts:

Choose an elegant, one-of-a-kind Friendship Stone Necklace for Her. View more

Or select a unique Friendship Stone Desk Stone for Him. View more

 

Or better still, enhance the day by buying a Power of Two Friendship Stone pack as a symbol of the intense bond between you. View more

And remember, 10% of all profits on The Friendship Stone gift range are donated back to help the villagers in Western South Africa from where the stones originate. "

Take a look for yourself, take advantage of this great sale on a unique gift idea, and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post but did receive a sample of the product to review.  My opinions are my own without bias. 

Oh The Wonderful Things You Can Eat With POM Wonderful - What A TREAT!!!!

 

I love to cook and I love recipes that utilize simple foods with simple ingredients done in a simple way.  When I received an email from the people at Pom Wonderful  products asking me to try POM in some new recipes from their website I was excited!

While looking at the website to find some yummy recipes to try I was impressed with the details of the history and health benefits of Pomegranates. Check out this information from the POM website:

"For centuries, the pomegranate has been valued as a symbol of health and has been the centerpiece of many traditional folk medicine practices. Learn more about the History & Culture of the pomegranate. In 1998, POM initiated modern medical research to understand the health benefits of the Wonderful variety of pomegranates. To date, we’ve invested $32 million. This research has involved a number of top scientists from leading universities around the world, including a Nobel Laureate. So far, 47 total studies, including 14 clinical studies, have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Primary research areas have included prostate, cardiovascular, and erectile function as well as antioxidant composition and safety/bioavailability. Preliminary results have been encouraging and many additional research studies are in progress. Learn more about POM's published studies"

Although many of the recipes looked really interesting, I chose the Steak recipe below to try: I used the POM Wonderful juice in the recipe and not fresh pomegranates.

POM and Red Wine-Sauced Steak

Chef POM Wonderful

Time to Table: 15 Minutes Prep, 11 - 15 Minutes Cooking.

Makes: 4 Servings.

Ingredients

• Juice from 2 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates,* or 2/3 cup POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
• 3 cloves minced garlic, or 1 1/2 teaspoons pre-minced garlic
• 2-3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon crushed dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 rib-eye steaks, cut 3/4-inch thick and trimmed of fat
• Garnish (optional):
• 1/4 cup arils from 1 large POM Wonderful Pomegranate

Preparation

• 1. Prepare garnish - Score 1 fresh pomegranate and place in a bowl of water. Break open the pomegranate underwater to free the arils (seed sacs). The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top. Sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup of arils from fruit and set aside. (Refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use.)
• 2. Prepare fresh pomegranate juice.*
• 3. Preheat broiler. Oil the rack of a broiler pan.
• 4. Place oil in a medium saucepan and heat until hot. Saut garlic in hot oil for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
• 5. Stir in the pomegranate juice, wine, water, cornstarch, seasonings and molasses. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes.
• 6. Pour mixture into a sauceboat.
• 7. Arrange steaks on prepared broiler pan; broil 3 inches from heat for 4 minutes. Turn steaks; broil 2 minutes.
• 8. Brush steaks generously with sauce; broil 2 minutes more for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness.
• 9. Arrange steaks on platter; garnish with reserved arils. Pass remaining sauce with meat for dipping.

Note

*For 1 cup of juice, cut 2-3 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates in half and juice them with a citrus reamer or juicer. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve. Set the juice aside.

Nutrients Per Serving (8.9 oz.): 435 calories, 37g protein, 19g carbohydrate, 22g total fat (7g saturated), 104mg cholesterol, 385mg sodium, 7mg niacin (B3), .6mg vitamin B6, 4mcg vitamin B12, 9mg zinc, 30mcg selenium, .6mg manganese. 

 

 

Isn't it yummy?  And was soooo easy to make!  Go play around on the POM Wonderful website and leave me a comment with what recipe you tried!!

Note: POM send me product to try in order to do this review.  No other compensation was provided.  It was my choice to do the review and the post is entirely from my own point of view.