My Loonyverse: See the world through my eyes

Dentyne mega review & giveaway.

As previously mentioned, we're gum chewers here so were delighted to receive 3 of the new Dentyne containers - they are limited edition images by artist Anthony Yankovic - you can see his work here on his site.

First off- the gum is not new, just the container, so it is a given the gum is as fab as always.

We have all given them a thumbs up, with a minor caveat.

The designs are bright, bold and colorful- hip,trendy and totally now, the teens and early 20's especially find them awesome.

The size is wonderful- perfect to fit in the cupholder of your vehicle and/or toss in your backpack/purse/diaper bag.

Since the lid can either be completely opened or just a small opening perfect for shaking out a piece or two of gum the container is very versatile.

The lid stays on tightly so when the littlest diva pops the container into her backpack she doesn't have to worry about it getting smooshed or icky as sometimes happens. The large containers are especially good while she's in so many activities- the musical and quizbowl are the current ones she's in several times a week and so she is assured of having plenty to share- each pack holds 60 pieces. (And if you have been around them much you know with the play especially- some of those she's up close and personal with- minty fresh gum is a really good thing.)

For those into recycling (and who isn't these days?) one thing that came immediately to mind is they would be perfect if I were still in the northeast and doing a lot of driving where the quartereaters are out to get you.
If you don't know what I am talking about- there are an awful lot of toll roads and you can zip on by them a lot quicker if you have exact change or tokens so you don't have to get in a long line, just toss the amount into a bucket and be on your merry way. Not sure what they are really called everyone I know calls them quartereaters. ;-)

Where we ran into a problem is if you aren't very careful when opening (and we weren't with the first) you will rip the artwork and instead of just removing the safety part, we tore up the artwork. Oops. So, one of our containers has the artwork completely off, and a second, though we were careful, has a small tear that gets a little worse with wear- it will last a while, but we can see it not lasting forever, especially if miss fidgety mindlessly picks at it as she occasionally has a tendency to do.

Overall we are impressed and will be buying them again- and being the shallow divas that we are, if we aren't in the mood for a specific type of gum, (and since we buy in bulk, and often buy several varieties at a time) yes, we'll choose the pretty packaging. It's what we do. ;-)

From the site: Dentyne® is a must-have socializing essential that allows socially addicted consumers to practice safe breath for the confidence to make a close connection instantly. Dentyne® premium badge edition bottles, a first in the U.S. gum category, come in twelve bold, badgy, limited edition designs for three flavors—Peppermint, Spearmint and Arctic Chill™. The bottles, designed by artist Anthony Yankovic, are especially appealing to young adults who love socializing. Anthony previously produced limited edition designs for trend and badge-driven categories like Apparel, Skateboard and Snowboards. http://anthonyyankovic.com/home.html

THE GIVEAWAY: 1 lucky reader will win 3 packs (one of each flavor) of Dentyne Gum in the new premium badge edition bottles. Open to US residents 13+ ends 2/14 at 11:59pm CST.

Main entry: this one is easy- tell me what you think of the new bottles or where you think you would use them for socializing.

Want more? The main entry is all you need for a chance to win, but you can find out how to get additional entries into our giveaways here.

We received 3 packs of gum from Dentyne as part of a mega review as a contributor for Pink Lemonade of Life so that we could do the review- the opinions expressed are ours and were in no way swayed because we received a sample. You can read the other reviews here.

It's party time- are you ready for some football? Old El Paso review & giveaway

Even if you aren't a super huge sports nut, chances are if you are in the US, you are going to be watching some football come February 7th.

According to research 61% of adults will be watching the big game- and since neither of my teams (Pats and Steelers) are playing this year, I'll say- I hope the Saints make it- I did live in Louisiana for 10 years after all, and 3 of the divas were born there,so there is some small sense of loyalty.

We used to have a big party but lately we just kick back at home. Regardless of what you do, food is a HUGE part of the festivities. HUGE! And when my teams aren't playing, pretty much all I care about- sad but true. ;-)

This year thanks to My Blog Spark and Old El Paso, our menu will be spiced up some.

Truth be told, I've used Old El Paso diced green chilies for... as long as I've been cooking with chilies.

My Blog Spark sent me a Tackle The Taste pack which included 2 cans of Old El Paso diced green chilies, a football shaped serving dish and paper goods.

This gave me the perfect excuse to make a big old pot of Taco Soup (the first time I've ever tried to make it at home- it's one of those things we like to get out but never made ourselves for some reason- it's really easy and delish) we kind of winged it and added things that sounded good willy-nilly like we do.

One of the things I really like about Old El Paso chilies is that they really pack a punch flavor wise, but not a lot of heat. I love spicy foods but not the burn the roof of your mouth off kind of spice, just jam-packed with flavor. My kids eat them, always have, as does Ian, and a couple of them don't like any flavor *waves hi to Blondie* err I mean any spice at all, so you don't have to worry about keeping the good stuff out of your recipes or making separate batches.

Old El Paso green chilies are a great addition to your Mexican or Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

For more ideas, check out these quick (with a prep time of less than 30 minutes each!) and delicious recipes that incorporate Old El Paso Green Chiles and will have your fans cheering for more! (These are not my recipes, but are part of the info I can include in my review.)

Nachos

Green Chile Dip
Green Chile Cornbread

Taco Nachos
Black Bean Dip
Slow Cooker Salsa Chili

Seven-Layer Bean Dip
Skillet Nacho Chili
Southwestern Dip

Sounds fabulous, right? Here's a coupon for you to receive $ .55 off of one can of Old El Paso chilies - you can print it off today and make your dinner livelier tonight.

Guess what? The generous folks at My Blog Spark and Old El Paso are also going to give one of our readers a Tackle The Taste prize pack of their own.

THE GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will receive a Tackle The Taste Prize Pack which includes a football shaped ceramic serving platter, table runner, paper plates, napkins and two cans of Old El Paso Green Chiles. Open to US residents 18+ ends 1/26 at 11:59pm CST.

Main Entry- tell me your fave Superbowl snack (or party snack if you aren't a football fan) OR what you might like to make using the Old El Paso chilies if you win.

Want more? The main entry is all you need for a chance to win, but you can find out how to get additional entries into our giveaways here.

I received a Tackle the Taste prize pack to review as part of My Blog Spark and they will be sending an identical pack to the winner. The opinions expressed are my own and were in no way influenced by receiving the sample. No additional compensation was received for this review.

Sustainable kids review and giveaway, help for Haiti

A bit before Christmas we received a wonderful package from Sustainable Kids to review, their clothing is available at solne (kids 5-12) or A Green Wardrobe / Greenedge Kids. As most of you know, our life went upside down so things kind of got away from us... I'm pretty sure I already typed a review, but my computer ate it so here we go again!

~Sustainable Kids is not just another organic, eco-friendly company. Their money, time, compassion and passion is definitely where their mouths are. My first post had a lot of info on what they are doing around the globe and the Open Door Haiti School, but as you'll see when you read further, right now there are more urgent needs.~

The first thing I noticed, of course... the clothes are adorable! Stylish and up to date but not so trendy they won't be wearable with your next child. Most of it was for girls, so we gave it to my little cousin Ophelia. Her Mama oohed and squealed over it! Some of the pieces I -really- want in GeekyMommy sizes =) They have changed it up for the approaching warmer months so they don't have the jacket I want to link you, but they do have some other adorable options, including a cutesie tunic and skirt.

*Here are a couple of samples of what is currently available.*

The second thing I notice is quality. I will not waste money on something my son will wear through in a day... trust me, if it isn't made well, he will rip it by looking at it. He is ROUGH on his clothing! But this is sturdy, no loose seems, high quality and wonderful.

The third thing I noticed was some extra cardboard... another box. Upon further inspection, I saw this box was a wonderful, marvelous, postage-paid way to remove your excuse not to help people. This box is for you to donate anything that might be needed- toys, shoes, toiletries, anything- to those who need it. A wonderful philanthropic effort! I will be sending mine off soon, I'll let you know what I fill it with when I'm done (waiting on payday!)

On that note, perhaps it is a good thing I didn't post this before, because now I can add this. We have all heard about the tragedy in Haiti. Sustainable kids is already acting to do what they can, and instead of trying to paraphrase I will just copy what she sent Mom

To our friends who want to be able to help in this time of need.

RESCUE WORK- our partner organization will be assisting monetarily through established relief organizations in the area during the first week or two when things are critical from a medical standpoint. 100% of any funds donated go directly to relief and rescue work.

You can make any financial donation, even as small as $25 directly through our partner organization: Open Door Haiti

Or you can send a check of any amount, to their address below.

SUPPLIES DONATIONS - the needs for basic items are vast, and only worsened in wake of this disaster.

You can send items directly to Open Door Haiti US for immediate disbursement to those in need.
Most needed: Shoes, First Aid supplies, Personal care items, Vitamins and Clothing.
Send directly to: Open Door Haiti/U.S. 5070 Orange Blvd. Sanford, FL. 32771

Thank you for your support in this time of crisis.
- Sustainable Kids

We urge you to spend a little time at the Open Door Haiti site and check out their efforts- this is not a band-aid slapped on but an ongoing long term plan for a hand up.

On to the giveaway. Sustainable Kids has generously offered to give an Our Loonyverse reader 2 outfits, 1 for a boy and 1 for a girl. One winner will receive both outfits in their choice of sizes, if you don't have a boy and girl yourself you can pass whatever you don't need along to a friend or relative, donate it or give it away on your own blog if you like. The outfits sent will depend on what is available at the time but you will love love love them, of that I am certain. Maia is an absolute delight to work with and she will hook you up.

***From Dddiva- I have never exchanged more positive, uplifting, joyful emails than I received from Maia- every time I saw one in my inbox my spirits soared, there is that much passion and energy radiating through an electronic message- truly amazing, and we are honored to have been chosen to work with Sustainable Kids.***

THE GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will receive 2 (2 piece) outfits, one for a boy, one for a girl to be chosen based on availability at the conclusion of the giveaway. Open to US Residents 18+ ends 2/2 at 11:59pm CST.

Main entry: Head on over to solne &/or A Green Wardrobe or Greenedge Kids and tell me your fave item (doesn't have to be kids clothing, poke around and check out all the fab things they have to offer. Easy peasy.

Want more? The main entry is all you need for a chance to win, but you can find out how to get additional entries into our giveaways here.

BONUS ENTRIES: for 3 extra entries, go to Open Door Haiti and tell us something you learned about what they are doing.

We received several articles of clothing so we could do this review and giveaway. The opinions expressed are ours and were in no way swayed because we received samples.

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas 2009

Between operator error and camera issues we got very few pictures for Christmas but here are a few that aren't too terribly hideous. Mostly. ;-)

What is it they say about good intentions- yeah I'm speeding rapidly towards h*ll

Ugh. So our weekend sucked. Aside from freezing half to death and the central heat not working- luckily we have space heaters- which we used on frozen pipes which unfortunately when they thawed out burst. We were supposed to get the central heat fixed Monday. Guess what has to wait now?

Thank God Ken's mom lives right down the road so we can do laundry & showers and have water to drink, make coffee, brush teeth, flush etc.

Unfortunately when Ken finally got the stuff to fix the pipes that finally defrosted he jumped the gun and turned the water on too soon (before it was sealed tight) which he also did with the leaking gas in the car- repeatedly- UMM yeah take his icky boy badge away til he gets it right!!!

So not only does it have to dry out before he can try again, it also overflowed one of the bathrooms. Yeah, good times. NOT!

Luckily he was able to take vacation days today and tomorrow to deal with it, otherwise y'all no matter how far away would be able to see the smoke coming out of my ears and the bolts out of my eyeballs.

YES, I'M PISSY. So sue me. I try not to be but dammit enough already.

Eventually I'll get back to real blogging. Maybe. Someday. Or not. At this point I just want all my stuff working right so we can get back to whatever semblance of normalcy we pretend to have around here.