Chobani Yogurt Coupons Giveaway--2 winners (ends 3/20) (CLOSED)

I am so excited!  I had my first PR success with my blog!  Remember my review of Chobani yogurt that I posted last night?   I sent an e-mail to the company asking if they would do a giveaway, and I was blown away at their response.  They have agreed to provide 12 coupons which they said I could divide between two people or give all to one person.  I have chosen the former because I always like giveaways with lots of winners, don't you?

List each entry in a separate comment, and make sure I have a way to contact you.  Either put your e-mail address in the comment, or make it available in your profile.  This giveaway is only open to U.S. addresses.  You may also want to check out their site to see what stores near you carry their yogurt.  I have sometimes won coupons and discovered that I cannot get the items where I live!

Entry methods (1 entry per method unless otherwise stated)

1.  Be/become a google friend connect follower.  

2.  Subscribe to my blog via RSS or e-mail.  (1 entry per each)

3.  Add me as a friend on facebook.  Leave your user id in the comment.

4.  Like my facebook page.  Leave your user id in the comment.  (2 entries)

5.  Like Chobani yogurt on facebook.  Leave your user id in the comment.  Though not required, if you would like to, please comment on their facebook wall thanking them for the giveaway and telling them I sent you.  

6.  Visit the Chobani yogurt website.  Take a look around.  Do any or all of the following for one entry each.

      --Which flavor do you think you would like best?

      --Check out the Chobani kitchen section of their website.  Which recipe do you think you would like to  

          try?

      --Check out their blog.  Tell me something you learned on their blog.

      --Check out the Chobani love stories.  Share one that you think is unique or interesting.  For 5 extra 

         extra entries, share your own "love story."  Tell me what title and place to look for it so I can check it

         out and maybe vote for you!

       --Follow Chobani on twitter.  The link is on their site.

      --Sign up for the chobani newsletter.  The link is on their site.

      --Sign up for their coupons.

      --Check out their selection of t-shirts.  Comment on which one(s) you like.

7.  Comment on the review of the product.  Please make it a meaningful comment!

8.  Make a purchase of one Chobani yogurt or more.  Comment on this post with your mini-review (3 entries) or comment on your blog of any size with a more extensive review (6 entries).  Please leave the url.

9.  Post my button on your blog.  Please link me to it on this post.  (5 entries).
10. Share this giveaway in any way you like--once a day per method used.  Please leave any applicable url's.

And finally the unlimited entry!  (As if I haven't given you enough entries already!)  Comment on the various ways you use yogurt of any kind.  Tell me your favorite yogurt, flavor, time to eat it, recipe, etc.  I am always interested in learning about these kinds of things.

This giveaway will end March 20, 2011 at 9 P.M. PST.  Two winners will be contacted via e-mail, and you will need to respond back within in a reasonable amount of time.  

Twinkle Tuesday--Chobani Greek Yogurt Review

First of all, my new theme for Tuesday is "Twinkle Tuesday."  This gives me a chance to do weekly reviews of things that are important to me and to my family.  I will be sure to spotlight something special!

Chobani Greek Yogurt has become my yogurt of choice.  I first discovered it at Costco this summer, I believe.  I have only tried three flavors so far--blueberry, peach, and strawberry.  I had tried Greek yogurt before, but I wasn't too happy with it.  That all changed with this brand.  I love the thickness of the yogurt and the flavor.  It is not too sweet--which is nice for a change.  And it is very filling.

Which brings me to the nutrition facts.  Chobani has twice the amount of protein compared with other yogurts--14 grams per serving.  No fat--that's nice.  And while it uses sugar, the calories are only 140 per yogurt.  

I noticed on their website that they have a lot of recipes.  I have to admit that I have never thought of making anything with their yogurt, but I may just have to try a few.  I did not realize that this product can be found in other stores besides Costco!  Be sure to check out their list to find stores near you that carry the yogurt.  I would also suggest checking out their blog.  It looks quite informative.

Just so all of you will know, Chobani did not compensate me for this post--in fact, they do not even know that I am reviewing their product.  I plan to let them know!  All these opinions are completely my own.

Music Monday--Challenge Week #10

Okay, I did not finish my review of this album.  It is a 2-CD set,  and so I  do not want to review  it until I get both CD's  done!

So tonight I thought I would concentrate on what my daughter and I are doing on September 7.  We are going to be going to see Taylor Swift!  Okay, I know what you might be thinking.  No,  not her.  Who cares?  Or who is Taylor Swift?

Let me tell you why Taylor Swift is my current favorite singer.  I will tell you that when she first came on the country scene, I couldn't stand her.  I really had no idea quite how young she was, and she just didn't seem "all there."  I didn't particularly care for her song Tim McGraw.

Things began to change when I saw her either of CMT or GAC, and she was preparing to release her second single.  I remember listening to the words and watching the video--Teardrops on My Guitar.  Who can't relate to unrequited high school love?  I had a secret crush in high school.  I understood how Taylor Swift felt.  Then she released Picture to Burn.  Not too impressive, but okay.  I really liked Our Song.  And somehow things began to change.

By the time she was preparing to release her second CD, I had borrower her first from the library and decided to download it.  I remember watching her sing Shoud've Said No, and she was soaked in rain because, as she described it, she had always wanted to do that on stage.

Something really special happened with the release of her first single from her second album.  The song was Love Story, and the video was gorgeous.  But God gave me something through that song--hope.  I can't tell you how many times God has used that song to remind me that things will eventually work out between Martin and me, and I must not give up.

Now, Taylor Swift is not the greatest singer in the world--I wish she would take voice lessons to preserve her precious gift.  But her songs are unbelievable.  And they are all related to her life experience.  And the thing I love about her the most--she has not gone the road of the majority of young entertainers!  They can't find dirt on her, and she has is actually a positive role model.  Go figure!  She cares about her fans, and she is conscious of the fact that she is inspiring young people.

So here is her most current single--by far her best song, I think.

Solution Sunday--An Update On All My Challenges--Kind of Sketchy Tonight

I really don't know what's up, but I have been so tired this weekend.  I guess getting up at 4:30 most of the week didn't agree with me.  And I also had my lunch anywhere from 10:30-12:00.  Oh, and I didn't mention that my Monday job ended up being two hours late and I didn't know it till I got there.  The roads were clear where I was!  And then I got cancelled out of my Wednesday job as I pulled up into the parking lot, and I had to be reassigned to a half day job which became a full-time job.  The life of a substitute teacher!!

Lest you do not believe that I did any challenges, let me ease your mind.  I did!

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Okay, I completely forgot to read this.  I will eventually get caught up!  Maybe this week???

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Could it already be week 9?  Okay, I know that we are to tackle one organizing challenge per week, but you know, this one has taken a good 2 weeks and needs at least another week!  I feel that I have the authority to change whatever I need to so my needs will be met!  And I definitely need to.

There is an area in my room that is overrun with magazines among other things.  I have a picture from last week, but I am waiting to post pictures until I am done, and it looks nice.  I think this could be the week I finish it.  If I had a less hectic schedule and hadn't had the dog bit over a month ago, I know things would be different.  I am finally becoming more mobile and able to return to regular exercise and work.  

I did receive this signed copy in the mail this week!  I can't wait to read it!!  I hope that it will help me when I do get around to reading it!   This week she asks us what our good enough is.  Here is my answer.  I would say that as long as my clothes are put away by Monday morning and the living room is picked up, kitchen semi-clean, and the bathroom toilet especially is clean, I am all right.  

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Nothing new here and won't be for a little  while.

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Okay, I will add this review this week. You can read it here

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Nothing new here.

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I am currently reading this book, and I am not too excited about it, but maybe it will get better.  Keep watching for my review!

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I can't say I am too excited about this book, but I am reading it for the challenge.  It has three stories in it, so maybe the second and/or third will be better.

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I will have updated my map.  I haven't visited too many places this past month.  I know I won't visit all 50 states probably because I do a lot of international reading.  Maybe next year the challenge could be expanded past the U.S.  I know it is technically, but I get bored reading about my country so much!  Maybe I'll be more willing to do that next year.  But if nothing else, I have a really neat map to show for it!

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While I have been doing my pantry challenge a little differently the past couple weeks, I am still not buying a whole lot of ingredients.  I am trying to use what is on hand.  Take a look at my post from yesterday.

There you go.  Enjoy!  Hopefully things will look better next week!

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Satisfied Saturday--Recipes this week

I just finished making all the recipes from last week's post.  All the recipes turned out great, and I would recommend them to anyone.

This is the book of the week.  I will be making the following recipes.

Meal 1:  Barbecue Chicken Breasts (p. 10) with baked beans and corn on the cob?


Meal 2:  Coffee Beef Roast (p. 49)  with roasted potatoes and veggies


Meal 3:  Bratwursts (p. 91) with coleslaw and veggies


Meal 4:  Beef Veggie Casserole (p. 60) 

Thoughtful Thursday--Purex Complete Crystals Giveaway (ends 3/20) (CLOSED)

I recently became a Purex Insider.  With this comes special things such as free samples and coupons.  And that is exactly what I am giving away!

I had the pleasure of trying a free sample of Purex Complete Crystals.  I h

Tave to admit that I was pretty skeptical at first.  And the first time I tried it, I didn't use enough.  When I did use it, I was glad to realize that it had a lasting smell that was still quite evident even in the dryer.  My only complaint was that it did not prevent static cling in the dryer.  I still prefer dryer sheets when clothes have to be put in the dryer, but I would say this product would be fantastic for clothes that are washed and not put through the dryer.

Today, I am pleased to offer 3 coupons for a free 28-ounce bottle of Purex Complete Crystals.  It says "Maximum Value $5.50", and they expire the last day of December of this year.  I am sure you will still have to pay sales tax, but I know everyone appreciates getting free products at the store.  The neat thing is that three coupons will be given away.  Just so you know, it could be possible for you to win more than one, but those chances are pretty slim.

Entry methods (please leave a separate comment for each entry):


1. Follow me via google friend connect (or tell me you already do).
2.  Become my facebook friend and/or like my page on facebook.  Leave your facebook user name. (1 entry for each)
3.  Like/follow  Purex on facebook and/or twitter.  (1 entry for each)  Please leave your user name.
4.  Share this giveaway any way you would like.  Leave any applicable url's.  You may do this once a day per method.
5.  Place my button on your blog.  Please leave the link so I can verify it.  (5 entries!  Please leave  5 separate comments.)
6.  Follow me via RSS or e-mail.  (1 entry per each method.)

And the unlimited option.  What is your best tip  and/or product when it comes to doing laundry?  Share as many things about this as you would like.  I am always looking for more ideas.

This giveaway will end March 20 at 9 P.M. Pacific Time.  I am not certain if this coupon is valid outside the U.S.  I don't see anything that says where it is valid, but if you are outside the U.S., you enter at your own risk!  Please leave a way to contact your or make sure your e-mail address is available in your profile.  Purex provided me three coupons with no strings attached.  They did not influence this review in any way.

Well-Spoken Wednesday--(on Tuesday) Love at Last Sight Book Review

Summary from goodreads:

Everything you’ve been taught about relationships is wrong.

The movies and TV make it look easy. Matchmaking Web sites have it down to a science. Two people connect—love at first sight—and the relationship is magical from then on. But the truth is, strong, deep relationships that last a lifetime aren’t based on the mysterious chemistry of two personalities. Real love in relationships—friends, married couples, siblings, parents—isn’t a magic act. It’s a journey. A great relationship grows from an investment of time and effort.

Kerry and Chris Shook know that deep relationships aren’t built on initial attractions, but on last things—the experience you shared the last time you were with someone . . . the words you spoke with her last week . . . the effort you made for him the last time you were together. And Love at Last Sight offers a one-month relationship plan that will improve your most important bonds, including a weekly focus and daily readings that guide you through the process. By learning to be  present in the moment, acting intentionally, risking awkwardness, and learning to let go, you’ll discover wisdom from the Bible that contradicts what popular culture would have you believe.

Meaningful relationships depend on seeing other people as they are, so that the last time your eyes meet on this earth, your relationship will be closer and deeper than ever before. Love at Last Sight is the last book you’ll need to get your dearest relationships right.

Another life-changing book from Kerry and Chris Shook Authors of the best-selling One Month to Live
 

Your closest relationships will naturally drift apart over time.   And chances are, right now, one or more of your most important relationships is less than what you wish it could be.

Now you can change everything and take steps to reconnect with the people who really matter—and we don’t mean by connecting on Facebook! This thirty-day program guides you step-by-step to deeper, more satisfying relationships by developing four forgotten but powerful relational arts for  changing, improving, and repairing the relationships you care about most:

            Week 1 – The Art of Being All There
            Week 2 – The Art of Acting Intentionally
            Week 3 – The Art of Risking Awkwardness
            Week 4 – The Art of Letting Go

Learn the secrets that will lead you to healthy relationships with the most important people in your life—starting today!

Love at Last Sight by Kerry Shook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure I would like this book when I began.  After all, I'm not married (but I hope to be within a few years!). Right away, I realized that the authors had done a fantastic job of including more than the marriage relationship.  What they teach you applies to all relationships. They base all their advice on sound Biblical and relational principles.

I will tell you that I did not actually do their suggested daily assignments in the book.  I think that this book would be great for a small group Bible study where you could share those things in a journal form and weekly with the others in the group.

The things that really stood out to me in this book were being yourself with the special people in your life  and not leaving when things don't go right.  This is about love at last sight, not first sight.  Hollywood has inundated out culture with romantic ideas that are absolutely unrealistic, and they are basically self-centered.  When we realize that true love is action and not a feeling, it will definitely make a difference in our relationships.


View all my reviews


Water Brooks Multnomah sent me a review copy of this book in exchange for my review.  I was not financially compensated in any way for this post, and the publisher did not influence my review in any way.