Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!


Have a safe and wonderful entry into 2012!!!

Many new giveaways are on the way!! 

Thank you for a wonderful end to 2011.  I appreciate each and every fan and reader.  

~ Running After Raina ~

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Congratulations!!!

Three winners have been anounced and emailed!!

Congratulations 

Jamie W
Jennifer C
and Heather L


Great way to monetize your blog!


A message to my readers: 

I found something that I think you will like. The company's name is YouData (youdata.com). They are trying to convince consumers like us that we should be the ones controlling our own data and selling our own attention, not third parties like broadcasters, newspapers, and spammers. By creating a MeFile at YouData.com, I now control what ads I see and when I see them. Best part - I am selling my attention directly to interested advertisers, for real money. That's right, I get paid for giving them my attention. I can use the funds to buy music and video online, donate to charities, give to my favorite blogs and websites, or keep the change myself and do whatever I want with it.

It's real. They pay. You should check it out.
Click this link to sign up. My MeFile ID, clarissad, in the "Referral Code" will tell them I sent you.

Take care,


Running After Raina :)

This is an affiliate program, I do receive a small commision if you sign up, but it helps me to bring you more giveaways :)

Monday, December 26, 2011

Calling all readers, fans, bloggers, YOU!

Please take a second out of your time to re-fan this facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mom-Blog-Society/105030039555124 


She is the host for the Toshiba and HP giveaway - so if you liked and entered those please add her!!

She lost all her fans recently due to a facebook login issue and could really use the support.  She does all she can for bloggers, and fans alike. 

:)

Thank you for your time!!

Toshiba Giveaway!!! - Sponsored and hosted by Ladonna!


WIN! Enter the Rafflecopter below!





About:


The Portégé R830 is a fast, powerful, and secure business machine that offers all the power you need. A smart and fast processor provides powerful performance, and Airflow Cooling technology keeps the laptop cool while advanced internal honeycomb structure keeps your laptop protected from the knocks of mobile use. A tough magnesium body includes a durable honeycomb structure under the palm rests, protecting internal components from the wear and tear of everyday use. A 3D HDD impact sensor protects your data from the knocks and bumps of mobile working. Toshiba's PC Health Monitor alerts you to issues before they become problems, constantly gauging your machine's temperature and power usage, while checking the hard drive to help protect against shocks. A 33.8 cm (13.3") non-reflective display with LED backlighting is the perfect platform to view and amend documents and presentations when on the move. Built-in webcam and microphone let you chat face-to-face, collaborate with classmates, videoconference, and generally improve the way you interact with the world around you



Sunday, December 25, 2011

Savvy Blogger Sunday



Today I wanted to talk a little bit about what every beginning blogger should know.

I, myself, still consider my blog to be a "new" blog.  I love to help out others and I want to share the tidbits I come across with you.  If you have any tips or tricks, feel free to send me an email (via contact me form at the top of my page OR in the blog comments) and I may feature you in my next Savvy Blog Sunday!! 

1.  Facebook presence - very important!!  A facebook landing page can make a big difference in your fan-dom.  Again, I want to direct you to this website, which is full of wonderful easy tutorials.  It may take a little of your time, but it is worth it!!  A facebook landing page is the page a person will see when they visit your facebook fan page.  You can include a message to non-fans to give them a reason to like your page in short text/image/or html - and you can include a message to be shown to those who become your fans as well. 

2.  Alexa!  Your Alexa rank is what rank your website is on a list of nearly every website out there!  The lower the number the better!  Some companies ask for your Alexa rating, so I feel it is important to know.  Easy installation - and you can watch your number lower quickly.
On November 30 I was over 17 million - by December 23 I was at 1 million.  So, I'm not a BIG blog by any means, but a 16 million difference CAN happen that fast.  

3.  Twitter linked in with facebook fan page.  This is very easy to do.  Once you have a facebook fan page, you can link it directly to twitter to post whatever updates you post on facebook automatically.  This is great as remembering to Twitter EVERYthing can be time consuming.  

This is set up by going to Facebook Fan Page --> Edit Page -->Resources --> Link Your Page to Twitter

Now you have a twitter presence, facebook presence, and know your Alexa rating!! 
The best way to stay relevant is to POST, POST, POST!

If you don't have much going on one day, post anyway!  Write something, anything!  Just keep steady content flowing.



Merry Christmas!

I thought I would take a little time out from the ever hectic reviews and giveaways - to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  Thank You to all my new fans, followers, and fellow bloggers.  My Christmas was made just by seeing you enjoy my blog.

Feel free to enter my giveaways - I currently have 4 going right now - under my giveaways tab.  Fingers crossed for all of you! :)  Have a great Christmas and be safe!

~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~


from Running After Raina.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Affiliate Deal of the Day

AFFILIATE DEAL OF THE DAY
(if purchased I do receive a small comission)

Speakaboos!  Sign up for your free 14 day trial.  Read hundreds of children's books online!

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Friday, December 23, 2011

HempUp WINNER!


Congratulations 


Entry #1371 - Celebrate W. 

has won the HempUp Hemp Bracelet Giveaway!! 

Please respond to 

my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen!!

Lemonhead Instant Win Game - $500 Prize!

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Lemonhead Superfan?

Brickfish

TruKid Review & Giveaway!

I received two bottles of TruKid product for this review.  One lucky winner will receive TruKid products as well - see bottom for details and easy Rafflecopter entry form.



TruKid was invented by mother of six, and CEO of her international products manufacturing company Velocity Source Group.  Jennifer was a busy mom with a great idea - protecting her children from unwanted and unhealthy chemicals.  Using all natural ingredients and scents that children love, TruKid products were formed.  Not only did she make a great product that you can trust - she also added fun songs and poems as well, to help children with their hygienic routines!  She literally thought of everything.



I am always happy to review products I believe in.  I believe that it is important to realize what chemicals we are putting into our bodies, especially into our children's bodies.  I like to know that TruKid offers products with ingredients listed in detail, and contain NO Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, BPA, SLS, petroleum, fragrances, or harsh chemicals.

Harmful Chemicals:
Parabens: Widely used as preservatives by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.  These have been linked in low concentrations in breast cancer tumors.
Phthalates: These products are widely used in substances added to plastics and are being removed from many products in the US, Canada, and Europe over health issues arising.  There are even studies being performed that could link Phthalates with Asthma and Wheezing.
Gluten:  A protein found in many foods, several cases in the US of gluten sensitivity due to Celiac disease are reported.  When you can have a product Gluten-free, you no longer have to worry about Gluten sensitivity even if you do not suffer from it.
BPA:  A harmful substance found in most plastics, being phased out of many US products.  BPA is banned in the use of baby bottles, and the FDA has been studying the effects of BPA on children prompting them to remove many BPA products from shelves.
SLS: Used in detergent.  Known to irriate skin and eyes with prolonged use.

It leaves you feeling at ease to know TruKid has left not one, but ALL of those substances out of their products.

For this review I received the following:

The ingredients for these products are easily found on the TruKid website.

Silly Shampoo:
Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)Glycerin (vegetable derived), Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), Glycine Soja (soyderived) Oil,Polysorbate 20 (fruit derived), Arnica Cordifolia (arnica), Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender, Chamomilla Recutita matricaria (chamomile) oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower (calendula), Camellia Sinensis (white tea), Phenoxyethanol (rose derived), Ethylhexylglycerin (vegetable derived), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Oil, Citrus Junos (yuzu) Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil

Lightly scented with natural oils.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh citrus scent of the Silly Shampoo.  Not to mention, my daughter and I both have very sensitive skin.  Her skin gets irritated at the drop of a hat, so I am always a little afraid of trying new products with her.  When we tried our Silly Shampoo, I could not be happier with the results.  Her hair was shiny, clean, smelled great, and to top it off NO skin irritation at all.  She fell right asleep after her bath, and I, needless to say, was a happy mom all the way around.  From one mom to another, TruKid really knows their stuff. 

Dancing Detangler:
Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)Glycerin (vegetable derived), Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), Glycine Soja (soyderived) Oil,Polysorbate 20 (fruit derived), Arnica Cordifolia (arnica), Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender, Chamomilla Recutita matricaria (chamomile) oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower (calendula), Camellia Sinensis (white tea), Phenoxyethanol (rose derived), Ethylhexylglycerin (vegetable derived), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Oil, Citrus Junos (yuzu) Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil

While my daughter's hair isn't quite long enough to need detangling yet, I have thick hair - I call it Diana Ross hair...there is no other name for it.  I could walk outside and within five minutes come back in a tangled mess - it never fails...brush or no brush.  I had to try this for myself.  The Dancing Detangler also has a great citrus smell.  It really does work wonders.  Pain-free detangling cannot be beat!  


I also received a brand new product in the TruKid line - samples of their Rock'in Rash Relief.  
These samples came at a great time, my daughter has very sensitive skin and often gets diaper rash.  I used a little dab of their Rash Relief serum, and it started to remove the effects within instantly - and I saw rash relief results within two days.  I think this product will be a great addition to the TruKid product line.  

There is even something for the big kids at TruKid - they offer their very own line of adult skincare products listed under TruVillage!

I am more than happy with this product, and I know you will be too!

GREAT DEAL:

As an added bonus for my Running After Raina Readers, I am able to offer you a FREE Silly Shampoo with a purchase of $35 or more, if ordered on the TruKid website.  Coupon code is: sillymom.

WHERE TO BUY?

Visit the Trukid online store.  Don't forget about the coupon sillymom for a FREE silly shampoo on purchases of $35 or more!

WANT TO WIN?

Terms & Conditions:

This contest is open to the US only.  Entrants must be 18 or older.  This contest is in no way associated with facebook, twitter, or other social networking platforms.  This contest adheres to local and federal laws.  Void where prohibited.  

Release of Liability:
By entering you agree to the Terms & Conditions and release Running After Raina and admins from responsibility and agree that any dispute involving with the prize, rule interpretation, or otherwise be conducted with the sponsor.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for prize to arrive unless otherwise stated by sponsor.


Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified via email.  Winner must respond to claim their prize within 48 hours or they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be chosen.



Please click READ MORE to view Rafflecopter Entry Form






For A Good Cause - Enter on Each!

ENTER ON EACH! 


IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please visit the following blogs to leave blog comments so your entry counts!  I reposted their Rafflecopters as a giveaway entry, but I am not hosting this giveaway.  Thank You - sorry for any inconvenience. 


SPONSORED BY $impli$tic $avings and twolittlecavaliers.

 This giveaway is for $112 paypal and $213 donation to animal charity of winner's choice!


PLEASE CLICK READ MORE FOR RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORMS!

Affiliate Deal of the Day

AFFILIATE DEAL OF THE DAY:
(if purchased I do receive a small comission)

Tmart - Up to 70% off Christmas Shopping!


Worldwide Free Shippping

Birdies Playhouse Music Review and Giveaway

I received the Wildlife CD to review for this post.



Birdies Playhouse is a wonderful store where you can purchase music, instruments, wildlife toys, and more!



Birdie Mendoza is a former back-up singer for Ray Charles.  Her Wildlife CD has 12 songs sure to get your little ones moving!  Our favorite tracks were "You Can't Catch Me" and "Oh When the Ants"

A little more about the artists involved with the Wildife CD from Birdies Playhouse:


Pianist Eli Brueggemann is now Music Director of NBC's Saturday Night Live!
Bassist Edwin Livingston has toured with Natalie Cole, Queen Latifah & numerous jazz greats!
Guitartist Marcel Camargo has performed with Missy Higgins & Nels Cline (Wilco)
Billy Valentine was the singing voice featured each week on Boston Legal
Chris Wabich has recorded with Ludacris, Sting and Sheila E!
Joe Hernandez-Kolski is a two-time HBO Def Poet
J'Nae named in Music Connection's ‘Top 100 Unsigned Artists’ list
Mike Bolger recorded trumpet & more on Ry Cooder's Chávez Ravine

I loved the feel of the CD.  A very upbeat mix with songs to teach children about Wildlife.
You can find Birdies Playhouse on Facebook, Twitter and her online store Birdies Playhouse.

WIN IT!
Disclosure
ELIGIBILITY:
This giveaway is for US entrants only - 18 years or older at the time of entry.  Please allow at least six weeks for delivery.  Void where prohibited by law.    
Prize Drawing:
Winners will be chosen by Rafflecopter at random.  Entries will be verified before prize is given.  Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.  Upon entering, the entrant releases Running After Raina and admins from any liability.  Sponsors of giveaways are responsible for the entrant receiving prize.    By entering the giveaway, the entrant agrees to abide by the eligibility rules. 

Click Read More to see Rafflecopter entry form!







Thursday, December 22, 2011

Affiliate Deal of the Day

AFFILIATE DEAL OF THE DAY:
(if purchased I do receive a small commission) 

eInvite.com
Holiday cards from 90 cents each!
Shipping specials, and more.  
Visit below for more details.

More Merry For Less Money!

Enter to Win $10,000 from AcornPoints!

Click Here



Refer your friends for an even greater chance!!

Affiliate Deal of the Day

AFFILIATE DEAL OF THE DAY

(if purchased I do receive a small commission)


$20 in savings from MyMemory Suite Software!!

As an added bonus, My Memories Suite has provided me with a special code for my readers to receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software AND a $10 coupon for theMyMemories store = 
a $20 value!!!
(which can buy quite a bit from the MyMemories store!)
Visit Here: http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software
with Code: 
STMMMS3076
Please enter above code during checkout!!

Leapfrog LeapPad Giveaway Signups

I am going to hit 1,000 facebook fans soon and I would love to have a giveaway for my readers. Most of all, I want to offer them a Leapfrog LeapPad :)



 Please use the signup form below if you are interested. For $10 - I will add 3 links PLUS blog link in giveaway Rafflecopter (includes Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and blog URL). For an extra $2 I will add any other links you would like.

Please spread the word!  If this goes well I would love to host more!

I wll provide the Rafflecopter code and pictures will also be provided before giveaway starts.

Leapfrog LeapPad Giveaway for 1,000 fans!

Sign Ups:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHZpYnFER1ZIX0hMQVVqR1ozaGN4Rmc6MQ

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Giveaway Hop

This is a giveaway hop - open through January 1, 2011.

Link up any giveaway you'd like!!

If you want, post this to your blog as well so the list can continue - the same list will generate if you use the code - so, this list will be the same everywhere it is posted...the more the merrier!


DiNuovo Etsy Store Review/Cozy Giveaway


Today I am reviewing Di Nuovo's Etsy Store with custom, new, and upcycled bags, purses and accessories!  You will love her products, and you can even enter to win your choice of snowflake or mustache cozy! 
(see bottom for details)

DiNuovo has an AMAZING selection of items that could fit anyone's style.  I personally love the adorable upcycled purses along with the great coupon codes she provides!  Especially being so close to Christmas when we are all really crunching our budget.


Fabric history- The fabrics from this purse are leftover cotton material from a period costume project!  ~ via DiNuovo


Fabric history: Both fabrics used in this bag are new remnants.


She even offers adorable Yoga Mat Bags!


 and fingerless gloves!




These gloves are handcrafted out of acrylic yarn and can be customized in any color or choice of yarn! They can even be made longer or shorter! I love custom orders so feel free to convo me with your ideas! ~via DiNuovo

She also creates custom bags if you are looking for something in particular.  

Want to buy?

Visit DiNuovo on Etsy and don't forget to like her on facebook for the latest updates and coupon codes!  


WIN IT!

We are giving away a Winner's choice of her two most popular items - the Snowflake or Mustache Cozy!!

One winner will get their pick of the Snowflake or Mustache Cozy.
This contest is open to the US only.  18+ to enter.  Please read Terms & Conditions at the end of the Rafflecopter.  

The winner will be emailed and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery time (unless otherwise stated by sponsor).

Enter Via Rafflecopter below - Please click READ MORE to see Rafflecopter entry form.


OR

 







StrungOut3 Etsy Store Review & $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!


Let me start by saying I am a BIG fan of reviewing Etsy stores and Etsy items.  Nothing is better than promoting home made items, to me.  

StrungOut3 has some amazing pieces.  She has a great mix of Steam Punk, and beautiful beaded jewelry everyone can enjoy along with several other pieces such as cufflinks (if you are still looking for a great gift for HIM...keep these in mind!) and purses.  I love the amount of detail she puts into her pieces.  

A sample of Steam Punk jewelry from the StrungOut3 store:
(Steampunk is a variety of Victorian meets Wild West)



Just one set of the amazing Cufflinks StrungOut3 offers in her store:




A sample of some of her beautiful jewelry (which are also on sale - check out the amazing prices!!):
Earrings - Topaz Swarovski in both pearls and bicones are used in these beautiful pair of earrings. Vintaj bead caps and findings, along with antique brass French-style ear wires finish these earrings. They measure 1 1/2" long. These earrings are lead and nickel free. via Strungout3 store

These are my personal favorite!!  On sale for $12.75!!!

These crystal and pearl earrings are made with Swarovski Pearls in Tahitian and Swarovski Crystals in Denim AB. The pearls are decorated with silver filigree beads caps and are surrounded with clusters of the crystals. The pearls are 14mm and the crystals are 4mm. The earrings measure 1 3/4" long from the top of the French-style earwire hook to the bottom of the crystal cluster. via StrungOut3 store



There is surely something in her store everyone can enjoy!  

WANT TO BUY?

Want to purchase StrungOut3 products? Head on over to her store!  She has several money-saving sales going on right now and FREE shipping deals for products bought in the US along with GREAT shipping deals on products going to Canada and elsewhere!!  

WIN IT:

One lucky winner will win a $50 e-gift certificate to StrungOut3's Etsy store!  Enter below via Rafflecopter form.  This contest is open to US only - 18 years or older.  Please read terms & conditions at the end of Rafflecopter form.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery (unless otherwise stated by sponsor).

The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize.  If I do not hear back from you within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

Please click "Read More" to view Rafflecopter form.




Affiliate Deal of the Day

AFFILIATE DEAL OF THE DAY:
(if purchased I do receive a small comission)


Buy.com Monthly Coupon Buy.com Monthly Coupon Buy.com Monthly Coupon

Monday, December 19, 2011

WIN AN HP NETBOOK!

WIN THIS:

Win an HP Mini Netbook

 

Small and compact

Our Mini 110 packs all the essential technology you need on the go. Features include:
  • Genuine Windows 7 Starter
  • Fast, easy, trusted Web browsing with Windows Internet Explorer4
  • An Intel Atom N455 processor with energy-efficient performance (or upgrade to dual core Atom N570)
  • Color choice of black (standard), pacific blue, or sonoma red
  • A 10.1" diagonal LED display
  • 1GB system memory (user upgradeable to 2GB)
  • A 250GB§§ hard drive for storing photos and songs, or upgrade to 320GB
  • Three USB ports
  • Integrated Wireless-N for wireless access within range of a hotspot (Bluetooth is optional)2
  • An optional external CD/DVD drive for installing software (the Mini has no internal optical drive)
  • ENERGY STAR® qualification

Mobile and connected

It's easy to stay in touch via your HP Mini 110, which comes with:
  • A built-in webcam for chatting with friends and family4
  • HP QuickWeb, a fast way to connect to the Web, e-mail, and favorite apps in seconds4
  • An integrated multi-format digital media card reader that supports SD/SDHC/SDxC, MMC, and mini versions of SD/MMC/MS adapters (adapter not included)
  • A built-in VGA port for connecting a monitor
  • 5 free HP games, already loaded on your PC
 

Tweeter Tuesday Link Up

Time to link up your twitters!

Photobucket
Link up as many twitters as you like.
Follow others, meet some new friends :)


My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software - Review & Giveaway



I received a copy of My Memories Suite Scrapbook software for this review & 1 lucky reader could receive a copy of their very own via Rafflecopter at the end of this post :)

Let me start out by saying, I LOVE scrapbooking.  I have always been a huge fan of photography and hoarding pictures so it just came naturally to me to embellish them!

I love preserving memories for years to come, and now with My Memories Suite that can be even easier!

video used with permission via MyMemories youtube channel

All from the comfort of your own home, you can add pictures that are already on your computer to your digital scrapbooking software to decorate with either pre-made templates or your own with the click of a button.  I chose to try out both the pre-made template and a template I made myself for this review and I think they are both wonderful.  The scrapbook software allows you to completely have creative freedom.  You can add embellishments, text, pictures, frames, colors, and that is just the beginning.  There are plenty of free and very cheap downloads via the My Memories website where you can add to your collection.  There are always new things to add popping up, so I highly suggest a visit.

You can also find plenty of exciting updates and  deals on their facebook page or twitter along with great ideas on their blog.  You don't want to miss out!  I started receiving emails right away with great deals and updates on their newest templates!

Premade:


My Own Template:



I had so much fun playing with the templates, I had to tear myself away!  I know you will too.

GREAT DEAL!!!


As an added bonus, My Memories Suite has provided me with a special code for my readers to receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories store = a $20 value!!!


Visit Here: http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software
with Code: STMMMS3076
Please enter above code during checkout!!


I received a copy of MyMemories Suite Software for the purpose of this review.  If you choose to purchase MyMemories software from the link provided I do receive a commission.  


WIN IT!


One Lucky Running After Raina Reader will receive this awesome software!!  Enter below via Rafflecopter - a winner will be picked at random via Rafflecopter on the closing date of the giveaway.  Winner will be notified via email.  Open to US only!


You may need to click "Read More" to view the rafflecopter entry form.