Featured Blogger from Ads to You Giveaway - Ebook Apothecary "Cure Your Boredom"

The Ebook Apothecary is a book blog that focuses primarily on Fantasy Novels with the occasional dabble in Romance and Science Fiction. Updated at least three times a week, you will always find new book reviews, giveaways and more at the Apothecary. 

Cure your boredom, increase your mental capacity and discover the wisdom of the cosmos. Just a sip is all it takes. 

Proud supporter of indie authors.

Running After Raina is proud to post the featured Ads to You winner - and her button can also be found via my right sidebar :)

I hope you take the time to visit her blog, and let me know what you find! :)

Become.com - Product Research Inspired Shopping!

Become.com is an online shopping megastore!  They research the products for you, and you are able to purchase them from multiple stores all in the comfort of your own home with just a click.  I just found out about become.com recently, and I have to say they carry just about anything you can imagine while staying fashion-forward and even offering eco-friendly items!  I love eco-friendly items, as my resolution this year was to make 2012 a greener year!  I think it's great that they offer everything in one place, so you don't have to rack  your brain on wondering if you could have saved a few dollars elsewhere.  This website truly is customer-friendly.

One of the great items I came across was window scenes by artist Louise Cartter.  These adorable scenes hang on the wall and easily convert any city home to a beach view or even an Italian veranda.  They definitely make for a relaxing home environment.  I really liked the Tuscany Window Scene, as it reminded me of when we used to live in Italy.  Each of the window scenes are hand finished and original prints from Louise Cartter.

I have to say, I love Zebra print as well.  Zebra print seems to go with just about anything, and it's a little on the wild side!  Become.com has a great variety of brown zebra chairs that I found absolutely adorable and chic.  Sure to add some flair to your living room, I think these would be a great addition to even the most classic home.  They even have zebra couches, for a matching set.

You just can't beat a website that does all the research and allows you to shop from the comfort of home in your own pajamas all while finding the best prices at the same time.

I highly suggest a visit, and enjoyed using Become.com.

This post is brought to you by your friends at become.com, however, my thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by anyone other than my own personal experience using Become.com.

Leap for Cash Giveaway Signups - $1 - Cash Prize! Calling all Bloggers!

Leap for Cash Giveaway – For the Leap Year

Signups are $1 per facebook URL.

$2 per extra link (twitter, google+, network blogs, blog URLs, email subscriptions, etc – [$2 for EACH])

The amount of prize depends on how many people sign up for the giveaway, I would like to at least get to $50.

Giveaway will be set to run February 18-25

Facebook groups currently isn’t working for me, so I will notify participants via email once the group is made.

If you have ANY questions – please email clarissadickey@gmail.com

Rafflecopter link will be provided, along with button once it is made.

Signup at this link

5 Question Friday

I love blog hops!  I just recently found Five Question Friday - feel free to take the blog hop code at the bottom :) and visit Five Crooked Halos for the button code :)

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

Our winter weather in the south usually consists of no snow and 70 degree days.  I absolutely love it.  I am not a snow person.  I was born in ND, so I had my fill of that.  :)  I migrated.

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

Warm apple cider is my best friend when I'm not feeling well.  It also helps your voice come back if you have Laryngitis (which thinks I'm it's best friend - I seem to get it every year).  

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

Finish quite a few more reviews and giveaways!  

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

I have not, but I actually look forward to jury duty.  lol.  I'm waiting on my number to come up, it just hasn't yet.  

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

A blowfish - If a blowfish is mad, no one messes with it.  You poof up, and people know you are having "a case of the Mondays".  

Reasons to Hire a Professional Photographer

I have always been a huge fan of photography.  I enjoy capturing the moment.  I love holding a moment in time, because time really does fly faster than anyone thinks, especially after having my little girl.  I have been working on taking my little girl's pictures each month as she grows older.  What I have found, is that the older she gets, the harder it is to get a clear picture of her without me having to run in the shot to help hold her still.  


We took her to get her pictures done at two weeks old, and she stayed asleep the ENTIRE time.  She would not wake up for anything.  The one picture she decided to open her eyes for has a very mad expression in it!  I'm so glad that we were able to capture that picture (because even grumpy pictures can be fun for mom's to keep), but I know it would have been easier with a professional photographer.  I know I could have gotten the shots I wanted, had I had an extra set of hands.


Since then, we've taken all her pictures at home, and I have a hard time getting a good still shot of an ever-moving little one.  I know that leaving it to the professionals is a great idea when it comes to baby pictures, you get what you pay for - and that is a lot when it comes to a baby that is on the move!  While home pictures are nice, I think a good professional photo shoot is always a good idea, so you KNOW you get the pictures you want and like...instead of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best as you snap the picture and run into the frame (oh how I have ruined many a photo that way).  


For more information on professional photography, visit dc photographer for a beautiful portfolio of his work (including fashion, headshots, and more).  




Disclaimer:
I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for dc photographer and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Cook'n Review and Giveaway

I received Cook'n software for the purpose of this review.  My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any monetary compensation.

Cook'n is a great new software to help organize recipes.

There are so many great features about Cook'n, I almost didn't know where to start.  

This information is provided via the Cook'n website:

Features: 

• Enter Your Own Recipes
• Capture Recipes from the internet (simply click Capture and import into Cook'n program)
• Add brand-name cookbooks
• Adjust serving sizes (something I definitely need!)
• Email recipes quickly and easily
• Add recipes to a blog!  A wonderful idea for the recipe  bloggers out there! 
• Create meal plan menus.
• Calculate recipe nutrition
• Print and Publish cookbooks

and much more!  

When purchasing the software you also receive:

• Free software updates to Cook'n
• License to install on multiple computers at no extra charge
• Access to hundreds of brand name eCookbooks in the Cook'n format
• One free cookbook of your choice - $30 value!
• Access to hundres of recipes directly from the Cook'n website
• 350 of Cook'n best recipes with pictures that come preloaded with the program
• Free month newsletters (only if you would like to receive them).
• 5 star customer service

I received my software at the most opportune time.  My mother in law (who loves to cook) had just visited for Christmas and left several recipe cards with me.  I try to stay organized, but when I have several recipes saved in my email, several in paper form, several on cards, etc - It's hard to remember where I put each one.  I love being able to have all my recipes in one place, ready for me to use at the click of a button!  Cook'n really does help make life easier.  My six-month-old is now on the move, and  this software really lets me save some time (that is rare and much-needed).  

The ease of use is another thing I loved about Cook'n.  Some organizing websites can be daunting, and leave you not sure what you got yourself into.  Cook'n has simplified every task, with easy to use buttons, prompts, and more.  

I was able to input this recipe and export it via HTML directly to this blog :)  

Lasagna Rollups

---

1 box lasagna noodles
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 pound hamburger meat
1 (8-ounce) container mozzarella cheese
1 (8-ounce) container Racotta cheese
Parmesan cheese

Cook lasagna noodles as directed.
Fry hamburger and add to sauce.
Combine cheeses in a bowl.
Drain Noodles.
Place 1/2 sauce in bottom of baking dish
Roll cheese in noodles, place on pan.
Place rest of sauce on top. Add mozzarella cheese on top

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

Have a Cook in your house?

Simply visit the Cook'n website for more details on how to purchase great Cook'n products the cook in any house will LOVE.

ENTER TO WIN:

Cook'n was nice enough to provide me with a giveaway for one lucky reader!   Thanks, Cook'n!


Enter via the Rafflecopter form below:


Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.  


Winner will be notified via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize, otherwise another winner will be chosen and original winner will forfeit prize.  


You may need to click "Read More" to view Rafflecopter entry form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Country Bob's Sauce Review and Giveaway

I  received two bottles of Country Bob's Sauce for this review.  My opinions are my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

Country Bob's is a delicious all purpose sauce.  It has a sweet tangy taste, and a delicious BBQ flavor.  I love that it can go on more than just steak (as opposed to A1 that is more steak-oriented).  The first night I had Country Bob's I used it on a hotdog just to test it out, it was delicious!  I tried chicken the next night, and even porkchops the night after that - and every meal was full of flavor thanks to Country Bob's.

They even sent a recipe card for ideas with my sample of Country Bob's.  I can't wait to try the "Little Party Bites" -

1 lb Little Smokies

1 T. grated or diced onions (optional)

2 cups Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce

There are so many ways to use this delicious sauce!  

Flavors:  Honey Habanero All Purpose Sauce, Original All Purpose Sauce, SPICY All Purpose Sauce, BBQ Sauce

Other great producs by Country Bob's:

Season Salt, Cookbook and Gift Pack, and Country Bob apparel.

Country Bob's is a great addition to steak, hamburger, chicken, fries, and more!  

HAVE A BBQ FAN IN THE HOUSE?

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce can be purchased at Country Bob's website and delivered right to your door!  

Country Bob's can also be found at Wal-mart Supercenters.

Country Bob's was nice enough to let me giveaway TWO bottles to two winners.  Thanks, Country Bob's!

ENTER TO WIN:

Contest open to US only - entrants 18 years of age and older.  By entering this contest, you agree to the terms and conditions listed on both Running After Raina's website and Rafflecopter entry form.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery unless otherwise stated by the sponsor.  

Winners will be notified via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize.  If I am not contacted within 48 hours by the winner, the winner will forfeit their prize and another winner will be chosen.

You may need to click "READ MORE" to view Rafflecopter entry form.

Reasons for a Great Website Design

I know that many of us out there know the benefit of a great website design, because we have all been to what I call "the jam-packed page" that is just chalk full of text, ads, bad navigation, bright colors, unreadable text, etc.  We all know "THAT" website.  


I think it is important for readers to have a clear, easy, way to navigate through a webpage.  They are visiting a site that I have provided, so I want them to have a good experience while they are there.  I recently had my site made over for this very reason.  I wanted a clean, concise layout - where items and pages were just a click away!  I wanted my name to be able to be seen - without getting lost in the riffraff.  


Easy webpage access will keep fans returning.  If a webpage is an eyesore, it can be sure to lose fans - as they won't want to return to a website that isn't truly "unusable".  Also, a clear view of your website name will keep your fans remembering you.  If they aren't even sure what page they are on when they visit, chances are that your page will not be very memorable later on.  You want them to recommend you to friends, and get the word for your site out there.  A good layout and design is the perfect place to start catching eyes.


A good layout is also important, because you want your traffic to be able to find what you are posting.  Afterall, the end goal is for someone to see your content.  If content is hidden or buried, fans are likely to leave before you get a chance to truly show off your work.  


If you would like my recommendation on a wonderful Web Design website (that I found easy to navigate and easy on the eyes) please visit Long Island Web Design for more details.








Disclaimer:
I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for Long Island Web Design and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Design with Vinyl Review/Giveaway

I received one vinyl wall decal for the purpose of this review.  My thoughts are my own, and were not influenced by monetary compensation.

Design with Vinyl provides vinyl decals for walls with a VERY extensive selection of removable vinyl lettering/customization options for your home.

I have always been interested in a vinyl decal to see if they really were as easy to use as I had been hearing.  My package arrived very quickly, and I was excited to get right into setting it up.

I chose "Be The Change You Wish to See in the World"- for my review.  I think the message is great, and I love  the way it looks in our kitchen.

The process is very simple.  The quote (or whichever item you choose) is cut and placed on a background so only the letters or decoration remain once placed on the wall (no background mess).   They use a high quality removable vinyl - so you can remove it if you need to.

The decal even comes with a detailed set of instructions to help you, should you need it:
(information below provided via the design with vinyl website)

Step 1.  Preparing the graphic

Remove your graphic from the box and lay it face up (so that the lettering is readable in this 
position) on a clean, dry, flat surface. Using the application tool, rub the graphic as illustrated 
in the figure at right, working from the middle to the outside edge.  This will remove any wrinkles 
and ensure that the graphic is securely attached to the transfer tape.

Step 2. Preparing the wall surface

Prepare your wall for installation ensuring that it is free of dirt, wax, oils and moisture.  
Make sure walls are completely dry before applying your graphic.

Step 3.  Placing the graphic

Your eye will judge you’re graphic as being level by comparing it to the closest parallel line. 
This could be the top of a door jam or tabletop or perhaps the line where the wall meets the 
ceiling.  Therefore, you should measure each end of the graphic to that parallel line so that
 it will be level to the eye.  Center the graphic horizontally by making sure that each end is 
an equal distance from the ends of the space where it is to be placed. Then re-check to
make sure the you’re graphic is still parallel to the closest parallel line mentioned above.  
See the figure at right.  It illustrates putting a small piece of tape at each end of the graphic 
so that each is held in place as you adjust the other end. 

Step 4.  Hinging the graphic

Once the graphic is level, run a continuous line of painter’s tape across the top of the graphic
to secure it to the wall.  This tape forms a ‘hinge’ that secures your graphic in place while 
allowing you to lift it away from the wall in order to remove the backing paper.  

Step 5.  Removing the backing paper 

Lift the graphic up so that the backside of the backing paper is facing outward.  Hold the 
graphic in this position, and carefully remove the backing paper leaving only the graphic and 
the transfer tape.  On larger graphics it will be made easier by only lifting the backing paper 
half way and folding it in the middle.  This helps to hold the graphic uniformly away from the 
wall as the top part is laid to the wall. Then the balance of the backing paper can be removed 
a little at a time as the balance of the graphic is applied.   

Step 6.  Applying the graphic

Hinge the graphic back down, holding it away from the wall so as not to allow contact with the 
wall.  Using  a credit card or a plastic application tool, press the lettering on to the wall, 
smoothing the surface from top to bottom. See the figure at right.  Use a application tool to 
smooth the entire surface – again working from the middle to the outside edges.  

Step 7.  Removing the transfer tape

To reveal the finished graphic, work slowly from one of the corners and carefully peel back the 
transfer tape at an acute angle.   Do not pull the transfer tape straight out, as this could pull the
 lettering off at the same time.

Step 8.  Enjoy your new wall art!

It really was that simple for us.  The only issue we ran into, was that living in an apartment...the walls 
have been painted over quite a few times.  One of the rooms had the cheap flat paint in it, and it tried
 to peel off with the vinyl - so I recommend being careful on walls that have been repainted numerous 
times.  Once we moved the design to a different room, it worked perfectly and the graphic was clear and 
bold.  I really enjoyed using this product, and I think it makes a great addition.  

We placed ours in the kitchen, where it will get the most view in the home :) 

Design With Vinyl has also provided me with a $25 giveaway to their website! 
Winner chooses which graphic they would like up to $25!!! Thanks, Design with Vinyl! 

Enter To Win! 

You may need to click "READ MORE" to view Rafflecopter

entry form.

Contest is open to US only and entrants must be 18 or over 

to enter.

By entering, you agree to Running After Raina's terms and

conditions along with the conditions at the end of the Rafflecopter

entry form.  

A winner will be chosen at contest end date and notified by email

shortly after.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or

another winner will be chosen and original winner will forfeit their

prize.  

Promote You - Link Up

<div align="center"><a href="http://runningafterraina.blogspot.com/2012/01/promote-you-link-up.html" title="Running After Raina"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/xclarx/sbs-3.jpg" alt="Running After Raina" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

This is a link up where I promote you!  Promote whatever you'd like - facebook, twitter, google+, blog posts, a blog - as many as you'd like!!!

This is all about promotion.  Join up and share :)

Also, liking is enabled, so you can like a particular link to remember you have visited :)

This is open until the 31 of January - ALL month long :)

P.S. If you are hosting a giveaway - please include end date if you can.

Website Building - My Story

So, I suppose in the blogging world, we all know how "fun" it can be to create a new website.  I love a fresh new website, but I also know the downside.  We have all been there, so we bought a domain....now what? ...Right?  All dressed up and nowhere to go.  Well, I thought I would share my first website buying experience with you:

I started out a bit naive in the world of website building.  I thought you buy a website, and BAM you're done - there it is, fresh new page!  I was aware that it would take some coding, but to completely start from scratch...I had no idea what I was doing.  I purchased my domain, with no hosting.  So, I had a website...but it wasn't even there.  No one handed me the "how to" book, until it was too late.  I eventually found out hosting was needed, but seeing as how I wanted a blog website - I then purchased the WRONG hosting.  One oops after another.  I was frustrated, and lost.  After that, you would think I would have learned my lesson...nope.  I was refunded for the wrong hosting I purchased, and forgot that by being refunded I would lose hosting...so, I purchased website designing through the company.  ....so now I have website design capabilities, a domain, and no hosting!  I'm glad I can laugh about it now, but talk about a HEADACHE and a half.

I think life would have been a lot easier, with an easy website builder to say the least.

Disclaimer:
I was asked to tell my story as a sponsored post by Bucks2Blog from an online website building company for compensation, however, these thoughts are my own.  

New Year - New Blog

We are already four days into the new year!  Can you believe how fast this year is already moving?

I've got a new blog layout - thanks to Najla Qamber.  She is very affordable and easy to work with.  

I can't help but to feel optimistic about the coming year.  I've also purchased a domain, that I hope to be able to share with you soon.  

I usually choose not to make New Years resolutions, because I can't keep them - instead, for the past 5 years or so I always say "make this year better than the last".  It seems pretty easy to do, right? I am hoping to keep that true for this year too.  I hope to bring many more reviews, giveaways, Savvy Blog Sundays, and more!  I really enjoy doing this, and I am glad you are here to read this as well.  

I have really enjoyed getting to know the blogging community, and am glad to have made some new friends.  

I currently have one giveaway opening each day this week....so please check out and enter some giveaways!  I love being able to give products to my readers!

Thanks again for visiting!

 

Uprinting Postcard Giveaway!! -CLOSED

Disclosure:

This giveaway is sponsored by Uprinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive postcards for hosting.  Please visit them for more details about their printing services, and for your printing needs.

Uprinting is offering 100, 5 x 7 post cards to the winner of this giveaway!  Uprinting offers many different printing options for your printing needs!  

Contest Rules:

Open to US residents only, must be 18 and above to enter.

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive postcards for hosting. Please visit them for more details about their printing services and for your printing needs.

By entering you agree to the terms and conditions for this giveaway and release Running After Raina from responsibility of any issue.  Sponsors are responsible for getting prize to recipients unless stated otherwise.

Prize Details:

100 pcs Postcards for One (1) *Winner

5” x 7”, 14pt Cardstock Gloss, No Folding

Front Only Printing

14pt Cardstock Gloss

2 Business Days Turnaround time

*Free shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only

I need the following information when entering the giveaway:


You may leave one comment with all of your entries listed.


I will need facebook name, google+ name,  URL to the tweet, and email so I can contact you if you win and verify the entries. 


If I do not have this information, I will not be able to name you as the winner and another winner will have to be chosen so please do not forget!








Enter to Win:
Mandatory: 1. Like UPrinting on Facebook below and leave a blog post comment about how you would use the postcards if you win (please leave email and fb name):

2. +1 Uprinting below (please leave google+ name and email):

3. Tweet about how you will use the postcards if you win (please leave tweet URL and email): Tweet

4. For an extra entry (please leave email): Subscribe to Running After Raina via email - leave a blog post comment letting me know you've done so. (right sidebar)

Winners will be assigned a number (the number in which they comment on my blog) and chosen by random.org. Winners will be notified by email and must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize.
Giveaway ends on 1/11/12 and winner will be notified within 24 hours of contest ending.

Great Deals and Freebies from Vista Print

This is an affiliate offer, if you purchase an item from the below links I do receive a small commission.


VistaPrint is a great source for all your printing needs!  You've probably heard their ads on Pandora for free business cards if you are a music fan.

They have several free opportunities for new business owners (a great item for new bloggers to get their name out there).   They even offer a free logo design!  You can create your logo within minutes, and have free cards sent right to your door (all you pay is shipping).

Great Deal for Bloggers/Small Business Owners:
250 business cards free with shipping!
Free Logo Builder, that automatically helps you build your logo and you just input it on whichever items you like!  They also have several font customization tools, to make your business cards truly YOURS.

Other Free items from VistaPrint:
Free pens
Free bumper stickers
Free rubber stamps
Free website!
Free checks
Free business email
Free email marketing
Free invitations and announcements
and Free Get Found Online tools!

You only pay the shipping cost!

Great Holiday Deals:
Vistaprint also offers Holiday Cards, wall calenders, desk calendars, magnets, photobooks, ornaments, and MORE.

Calendars start as low as $7.99
Cards start as low as $3.99

Visit today, I know I am going to be ordering my business cards for my new domain soon!

Auto Insurance Affiliate

This link is an affiliate link that is Pay Per Click. I receive a small commission if the link in this article is clicked by Advertiser. 

 If you are looking for inexpensive auto insurance - let AIM do the work for you. Get a quote today online!

They offer student tips - on affordable and safe driving technique, along with a list of companies that will work with those with not-so-good driving records.

For instance, did you know by keeping your grades up in school that you can keep your insurance costs down?  I didn't, until visiting AIM.

So please, visit today - even if you do not sign up for a quote, learn some tips and tricks...and let me know how it went :)

Lovable Labels Review and Giveaway

Lovable Labels provided me with a Friendship pack free of cost for this review.  All opinions expressed are my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

About Lovable Labels:

Lovable Labels was started by a mom who simply realized the need for labeling children's belongings  in settings where the items could easily be lost.  As a mom, I completely understand this theory!  It's so easy to misplace things, or for things to just disappear when you have a little one.  I love the idea for Lovable Labels and know they are greatly needed.

Lovable Labels makes personalized labels and tags for nearly any item you can think of.  Regular Sticker Labels are great for school supplies and lunch boxes, Slimeline Sticker Labels are great for smaller toiletry items, Shoe labels have a "perma-grip" backing to help stay in place and are made to fit in the heel of a shoe.   They even have "Press n' Stick Clothing DOTS" where you simply peel and stick to the care tag of any garment (or you can even choose Iron-ons).  Lovable Labels can also make Allergy Alert Labels which provide a clear warning for your child's lunchboxes, drink bottles, or other items.  If they didn't cover enough bases there, they have bag tags, Mini-Metal tags, Vital ID Wristbands, Combo and Camp packs to save you $$$.  Waterproof and weatherproof - these Labels are sure to stick in place!

My Product Review:

Friendship Pack Includes (information via the Lovable Labels website):
Jam-Packed with 120 labels this is a value you can’t pass up! 30 Sticker Labels, 80 Slimline Labels and
10 mini Fun Stickies *added bonus* You can share with a friend! Purchase any Friendship Pack
and receive a FREE Friendship Sampler (40 Slimline Labels) for a friend!

I liked that Lovable Labels had many customization options.  There are 45 icons to choose from to place onto your label.  I chose the cat (#36) for mine, because we have two cats and my daughter loves them.  From there, you can pick a color (or if you are buying a specific pack like the one I received - you can pick from Bedazzled (pink, purple, and green) and Majestic (black, yellow, green, red and blue) along with a friendship sample of either type for a friend of your child's.

I love the colors of this pack - Ours was the Bedazzled, so we received pink, purple, and green labels.  They stick to plastic surfaces well (we tried ours on a sippy cup).  The bold bright colors are easy to see, and the names are easy to read.  The icons are a super cute touch.

(image edited for last name)

The kitty is to the right of the name and the name is bold and bright :) I loved that the green color even matched our sippy cup.  

I chose the friendship sampler for a friend who is having her baby this month - I chose footballs for his icon and I know they will come in handy, since every mom knows those first few months can be hectic and we often forget quite a few things in the most random of places.  

I love the idea of being able to share the labels with friends!  I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing their product, and I know you will love it too.

Lovable Labels has a great product, mom approved!  

Where to Buy:

To purchase Lovable Labels you can visit them online - which makes ordering around the world an easy task!  They also have a phone line at 1-866-327-LOVE (5683) ~ open 24 hours, 7 days a week!

To Win:

Lovable Labels has generously supplied us with a pack of "Friendship Pack" for one lucky winner!  Thanks, Lovable Labels!


Friendship Pack Includes (information via the Lovable Labels website):
Jam-Packed with 120 labels this is a value you can’t pass up! 30 Sticker Labels, 80 Slimline Labels and
10 mini Fun Stickies *added bonus* You can share with a friend! Purchase any Friendship Pack
and receive a FREE Friendship Sampler (40 Slimline Labels) for a friend!

Disclaimer:

This contest is open to US and Canada.  Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.  Void where prohibited by law.  


 Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.  If you enter the giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway as stated above and below the Rafflecopter form.  


This giveaway ends just in time for Valentine's Day  on 1/30/12 at 12:01 AM.  The winner will be selected by random draw and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. 


This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.


Please click READ MORE to view Rafflecopter Entry Form!

Leapfrog LeapPad Giveaway Signups

<div align="center"><a href="http://runningafterraina.blogspot.com/2012/01/leapfrog-leappad-giveaway-signups_02.html" title="LeapFrog LeapPad Giveaway"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/xclarx/orange-1-1.jpg" alt="LeapFrog LeapPad Giveaway" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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!

Dates giveaway will run:

March 11 - 25, 2012

$10 entry fee  is due by March 1, 2012

Requirements:

1.  Share this event - or this post (as long as it links back to the signup sheet somehow, I don't mind how it is shared)

2.  Grab the button 

3. Join the facebook group for the event:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/336939726333635/

Group closes at 15 signups. - I would like to go for the LeapPad and App card

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

Leapfrog LeapPad Giveaway for 1,000 fans!

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

facebook group for event: 

http://www.facebook.com/groups/336939726333635/

30 Days of BlogLove - For Bloggers

I have gained TWO THOUSDAND fans since I started blogging not too long ago, and I want to give back to the blogging community!  I want to help promote you!!!

Giveaway

Anyone with a blog can enter!!

Prize

• One promotional post written about your blog with button, and links to social networking of your choice included on my blog.
• One Twitter per week for a month [30 days] (starting from giveaway end date).
• I will promote you on my facebook - once a week for a month (starting at giveaway end date).
• I will post your button in a new "featured" spot in my sidebar for a month (starting from giveaway end date), and your button will be added to my Blog Roll with no end date.
• Include your facebook fan page in the next Rafflecopter as an entry after the 30 days of promotion are over.

Once the 30 days are up ~ I will host this again.

Interested?

Enter via Rafflecopter below :)

You may need to click READ MORE to view the Rafflecopter entry form.

Biodegradable Skoy Cloth Review & Giveaway

I received a 4 pack of Skoy Cloth for my review.  My opinions are my own and not influenced by any monetary compensation.

About Skoy:

Skoy Cloth was founded by two stay-at-home moms who are environmentally friendly as well!  I enjoyed reading about them on their website, and learned about their environmentally friendly factory.  I think it's wonderful for a company to also care about our planet, as many big companies are losing site of just how much damage pollution can do.

Along with that information, I also found out Skoy has a fundraising program for schools!  Schools keep 40% of the profits sold off of Skoy products they specially purchase.  You can learn more or get involved by visiting the above link or Fundraising tab on the Skoy Cloth website.

Products:

All Skoy products are 100% biodegradable, absorbant, reusable, Eurpoean-made, clean, and fun!!  

As noted, I received the 4 pack of Skoy Cloth (which could not have come at a better time, as I just ran out of paper towels).  I've decided to make 2012 a greener year!  Once they arrived, I loved the cute flower design on each cloth.  A note packaged with the Skoy notes that Skoy cloth absobs 15 times it's own weight  and ONE cloth saves FIFTEEN rolls of paper towels!!  They are reusable and washable.  

I wasted no time trying out my cloth.  I tried my cloth on a wet mess, and a stuck on mess just to test.  They absorb moisture wonderfully and are very strong.  I soaked one cloth to remove the stuck on mess and it worked wonders as well.  (soaking is recommended before cleaning for best results)

Then, it was time to test if they would survive the washer and dryer.  They not only survived, but went right back to shape after rewetting.  They are washer/dryer safe AND dishwasher safe as well.  Easy to clean, good as new.  I feel great that I can reuse them and no longer waste paper towels.  

If you would like to purchase Skoy - they are now available in the Whole Foods System - they need your help to get carried in more stores, so simply request Skoy Cloth by name at any Whole Foods store.

To Purchase:

You can visit the Skoy Cloth website or visit any Whole Foods store 

~ If they are not available in your local Whole Foods - simply request Skoy Cloth by name! :) 

To Win!!

Skoy Cloth was nice enough to also provide me with a 4-pack of their great cloth!  To enter to win please visit the Rafflecopter entry form below.  

You may need to click READ MORE to view rafflecopter.

Disclaimer:

Contest is open to US only - entrants 18 years of age or older.  Please see Rafflecopter for complete Terms.  By entering the giveaway you agree to the terms and conditions, releasing Running After Raina from liability.  

Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipment.

It's That Time of Year Again...Great Deal to Help Keep You Healthy!

Cold & Flu Season.

I usually manage to stay pretty healthy, but somehow manage to get laryngitis and ear infections at least every other year.

I thought I would share a great sore throat remedy for Laryngitis - which I actually have as we speak.  If you begin to lose your voice, some warm apple cider will bring it back.  Warm apple cider also helps ease the pain.  I also like warm honey mixes to mix into water (such as Theraflu), or honey sore throat drops.

I'm not the biggest fan of things like Nyquil - mainly because I don't like to pass out for long amounts of time with a six month old baby that may need my care at 2am.

Hand sanitizer has become my best friend the past two weeks.  I realize how important it is to try not to get a baby sick, which is a feat all in itself.  Just to throw it out there - if you have a Bath & Body Works near you - hand sanitizers are $1.50 and half off right now along with their 75% off after Christmas sale (which IS still going on) I ended up getting a huge bag full of antibacterial soaps, sanitizer, perfume, and shower gel for $20!!!  Talk about a good deal.  Definitely doesn't hurt, especially when you are trying to stay healthy this season.

P.S.  This post is my opinion only.  This post is in no way affiliated with Bath & Body Works, Theraflu, Nyquil, or otherwise.  I did not receive compensation in any way for this post.

Best Wishes
~ Clarissa

New Year - New Fans

I just hit 2,014 fans.  I am so grateful for each and every one of you (old and new alike), I could not do this without you!!! I have so many giveaways lined up...I wish I could spill the beans, but you will just have to wait and SEE :)

Running After Raina is also currently getting a makeover.  :)  New Year, New Look - what's not to love?!
Many changes coming in 2012 - and I look forward to bringing you new content and lots of fun new giveaways!

Thank You Again!

-Clarissa

Leapfrog LeapPad Giveaway Signups

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