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Lifetime’s #7DaysofSex Challenge Finale (And Giveaway!)

Last week Mike and I were asked to participate in the 7 Days of Sex Challenge which accompanies the new Lifetime Reality Series 7 Days of Sex.  Though we got off to a rocky start on Day 1, the week was absolutely amazing and changed so much about ourselves and our relationship.   We learned a lot in just 7 days, and the few days since – hey, I have been crazy busy with Brandcation this weekend – have been different as well.

To recap the week – Day 1 was an “anything goes” day… and for us it was a day of a huge misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and some hurtful words being thrown around at each other.   Not exactly how I had imagined the kick off to this Challenge.  But the next day and even still Mike and I agree it was a “necessary” argument, and though some hurtful things were said, some very good things have come from it as well.   Day 2 Mike got to “be on top” and choose the activities of the day.  It was a wonderful family day of eating out, watching movies, eating entirely too much candy and popcorn, and an early bedtime.  On Day 3 I took the family out shopping and perusing the Home Improvement stores, and then to the place Mike and I had our first date.   Day 4 was full of working in the garden, putting up a new mailbox, and just enjoying being outside and not cooped up in front of our computers.   Day 5 Mike helped me with a lot of my “to do” list… which in itself was wonderfully romantic.  Day 6 I had one last chance to pamper him and make his day a special one.

Day 7 was literally the day before I kicked off the first 2012 Brandcation Bloggers Gone Coastal Event so needless to say I had a million things to do, but Mike and I made a point to spend some uninterrupted time together – getting away from computers and cell phones and work phones… and just BE.  We made some plans for the future, discussed issues from the past, and reaffirmed that we are “in it to win it” with each other.

All in all it was an incredible week, and I am so glad I was asked to be a part of the 7 Days of Sex Challenge for Lifetime.  Mike and I have talked about continuing the ummm… “challenge”  and continuing to make time every single day for each other and spend more time making the effort to do things for and with the other person – even if we do not “feel” like it.  It made a change in our relationship too – leaving for Brandcation the next day was tough, and unlike the two other Brandcation trips where I was really happy to have the break from reality… I really missed Mike on this trip.  From the Ziplining to the Stargazing to the Parasailing… the whole time I wished Mike was experiencing it with me.

Sure it sounds crazy, but I fell in love with Mike all over again this week.  Though Mike and I were in a really good place when this began, we had still fallen into a place of monotony, just going through the motions of a typical American family – work, house, kids, pets, bills… and then getting up the next day to do it all over again.   I was reminded at how lucky I am to have a good man by my side every day of my life – supporting me, challenging me, making me laugh, and cheering me on.   I had really begun to take him for granted, and I am thankful to this Challenge that I realized it and have been making an effort every day to show him how much I love him, and how thankful I am to have him in my life.   I have to think that if everyone made the time to do just that, the divorce rate would practically plummet.  How amazing would that be?

When I began telling you about The 7 Days of Sex I challenged ALL of you to take on the challenge and see what it could do for your relationship.  Well, now it’s time to give you a little bit of incentive - props! 

GIVEAWAY:

I am excited to offer one of my readers one set of the 7 Days of the Week boyshort underwear – perfect to keep you on track with your very own challenge.  This set comes with 7 different colored panties with a sexy day on the back, and the 7 Days of Sex logo on the front.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Comment below telling me about how you would spend your day “On Top” planning a full day of events that your partner would love!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • Follow MoscatoMom on Twitter {2 extra entries}
  • Tweet about giveaway {up to 3 times per day 1 extra entry each tweet} –
    “Win a #7DaysOfSex boyshort panties set from @moscatomom http://wp.me/p1FWxe-1cp Ends 5/21 US Only #giveaway“
  • Follow me on Stumble Upon and stumble this post {1 extra entry}
  • Comment on another post on MoscatoMom.com {2 extra entries}

Make sure you leave 1 comment for each entry to get credit!! Contest ends May 21, 2012.


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Fat Is The New 30 by The Sweet Potato Queen #Giveaway

“Life isn’t always perfect.  In fact, sometimes it is downright crappy. But when things start going South (no pun intended) you can always lean on the Queen.  The Sweet Potato Queen that is.”

Jill Conner Browne is back with her ninth book in The Sweet Potato Queen’s Series.  Fat Is The New 30 – The Sweet Potato Queen’s Guide to Coping with (the crappy parts of) Life is one of the most hysterical books I have ever read.  Chock full of - what I would call - very useful advice, Jill tackles some of the crappiest life topics  many of us have had to overcome.

Jill expounds on the (non-existent) perfect mother, also known as the Mom I’d Love to Meet (M.I.L.M), those poor PPJTSTTs (Pitiful People Just Trying to Survive Their Teenager), and why spa time should be considered a life necessity with legislation introduced to provide it. In the chapter, “All We Need is Love and Maybe a Dyson” Jill reminds readers why four-legged friends are the answer for most problems. “Life is hard on a good day. It‘s just not safe to be dog-free.” And the section “Etiquette for Recessions / Depressions / Inflations,” is a must-read for all of us who feel like we “got next-to-no money, no prospects for gettin‘ any and what little we do have won‘t buy much any more.” Jill’s most poignant piece, the essay on caring for her dying mother with grace and humor, might just be the crown jewel of the collection.

The best part about this book for me is that I can totally see one of my crazy Aunts or Grandmothers giving this very same advice.   Since all of my family is from the South, advice like “Nobody can argue with nonsense” and “Good grief go put some lipstick on” is actually almost common place.   All followed with a good dose of “Bless her heart” of course.

I have not finished reading the entire book, because I mostly read at night and since this book will literally make you laugh out loud, I have had to put it down a few times for fear of waking the entire house.     I loved it so much though, that I have downloaded the other books to my Kindle already to read as well.  I had not heard of The Sweet Potato Queen before this, but you can bet I am singing her praises – and sharing her advice.   The “Divorce Vows” are not only one of the funniest things I have ever read, but should be spread among every divorced – or in process divorcees – women across the Globe.

Fat Is The New 30 is chock-full of advice on living—even when life is kind of crappy—from a woman who herownself, really does. Bless her sparkly little heart.

GIVEAWAY:

I am very excited to be able to offer THREE of my readers their very own copy of Fat Is The New 30 – The Sweet Potato Queen’s Guide to Coping with (the crappy parts of) Life.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Comment below telling me one tip for how you deal with or have overcome some “crappy” parts of life.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • Follow MoscatoMom on Twitter {2 extra entries}
  • Tweet about giveaway {up to 3 times per day 1 extra entry each tweet} –
    “Win a copy of Fat Is The New 30 – by The Sweet Potato Queen from @moscatomom http://wp.me/p1FWxe-15U Ends 4/10 US Only #giveaway“
  • Follow me on Stumble Upon and stumble this post {1 extra entry}
  • Comment on another post on MoscatoMom.com {2 extra entries}

Make sure you leave 1 comment for each entry to get credit!! Contest ends April 10th, 2012.


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Sync, Tweet, and Save with #AMEX

Photo Credit: https://sync.americanexpress.com/twitter

American Express is making it even easier for you to save from some of your favorite retailers like Best Buy, Dell, H&M, Zappos, Ticketmaster, Sports Authority, McDonald’s and more!   In just four easy steps you can begin Tweeting your way to great savings with your American Express Card!  Here is an example using Whole Foods:

Step 1: Sync your AmEx account to your Twitter account (Only have to do this once).   Your card information stays secure.
Step 2: Send out a tweet using the #AmExWholeFoods hashtag. No coupons, no printouts, no promo codes. No fumbling with your phone at checkout.
Step 3: Go to Whole Foods and pick up groceries. Let’s say some locally grown shitake mushrooms, six ostrich eggs, and two cases of organic cider.
Step 4: Spend $75 or more and get a statement credit of $20.

I absolutely love this idea – and kudos to American Express for being THE Social Media leader for credit card users.  I have loved seeing their promos on FourSquare at many of my favorite places to shop, so I am excited to see them partnering up with Twitter as well!

Check out this video to see exactly how it works and get started today:

Sync your AMEX o your Twitter account and get started today here – https://sync.americanexpress.com/twitter

 


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Dinner and a Movie… Courtesy of KY Yours + Mine #Giveaway

Just in time for Valentine’s Day - KY has partnered with MovieFone.com to offer an exclusive set of DATE NIGHT Packs, which combine K-Y® Brand’s portfolio of premium intimacy enhancement products with a voucher for $10 off movie tickets for two.   AND if you purchase your KY Products from RiteAid now through February 12th, you will also receive a $25 voucher from Restaurants.com with your Rite Aid Wellness card.  That’s a savings of $35 for your romantic Valentine’s Date!

Let KY help you “stage” the perfect romantic Valentine’s Date with dinner, a movie, and some off screen romance of your own.

Giveaway:

One lucky reader of MoscatoMom.com is going to win a KY Date Night Pack including $10 voucher for MovieFone.com!
MANDATORY ENTRY:

Comment below telling me what your plans are this Valentine’s Day!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • Follow MoscatoMom on Twitter {2 extra entries}
  • Tweet about giveaway {up to 3 times per day 1 extra entry each tweet} –
    “Win a #KY #PrizePack with #Tickets from #MovieFone from @moscatomom http://wp.me/p1FWxe-X0 Ends 2/21 US Only #giveaway“
  • Follow me on Stumble Upon and stumble this post {1 extra entry}
  • Comment on another post on MoscatoMom.com {2 extra entries}

Make sure you leave 1 comment for each entry to get credit!! Contest ends February 21, 2012.

Disclaimer: I received a KY Prize Pack for the purpose of this review and no other compensation was received. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

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GIANTmicrobes – Who Knew Germs Could Be So CUTE!?!

What IS a GIANTmicrobe?

GIANTmicrobes was founded in 2002, by Drew Oliver, a father of 2 and the mission  at GiantMicrobes Inc. is to produce unique and interesting gifts for children and adults alike. Whether your interest is educational, medical, or just plain old entertainment, they are  your number one source for all things microbial.  GiantMicrobes are “giant” versions of all kinds of germs, bacteria, and microscopic critters.   From Salmonella to Strep Throat each GiantMicrobe is… well, so ugly its cute!

GiantMicrobes come in a variety of sizes, with over 75+ to choose from!  They even have Christmas Boxes – with smaller GiantMicrobes all dressed up for the season.

NEW! Christmas Stocking Box includes:
Penicillin, Salmonella, Red Blood Cell, Dust Mite and limited edition Green Amoeba! Festively adorned with decorative puffs, embroidered holly, snowflakes, reindeer nose and antlers, and cute scarf and ear muffs!

The girls both went bananas over these little guys, and I have had to fight to keep them from toting them to school to show off to their friends.  The Tween headed straight for Google and pulled up the real images of the microorganisms, and we were all impressed with just how much they really do look alike… minus the ear muffs and scarves of course.

GiantMicrobes are such a funny and unique gift for anyone this holiday season. You can purchase GIANTmicrobes directly from their website. Most microbes come in 3 different sizes the Original $8.95 (5-7″ plush doll), the Petri Dish $12.95 (3 mini microbes), and GIGANTICmicrobe $29.99 (15-20″ plush doll).  They also have nine new Vinyl Figure Microbes!

GIVEAWAY:

I am very excited to be able to offer one of my readers their choice of one of the GiantMicrobes below:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit the GiantMicrobes Site and comment below telling me which GiantMicrobe you would order if you win!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • Follow MoscatoMom on Twitter {2 extra entries}
  • Tweet about giveaway {up to 3 times per day 1 extra entry each tweet} –
    “Win a GiantMicrobe Plush Toy from @moscatomom and @GIANTmicrobes http://wp.me/p1FWxe-Jf Ends 11/23 US Only #giveaway“
  • “Like” GiantMicrobes on their Official Facebook Page {2 extra entries}
  • Follow GiantMicrobes on Twitter. {2 extra entries}
  • Follow me on Stumble Upon and stumble this post {1 extra entry}
  • Comment on another post on MoscatoMom.com {2 extra entries}

Make sure you leave 1 comment for each entry to get credit!! Contest ends Wednesday, November 23, 2011.