Goodies Box May 2013

Ok, first things first... have you entered my Cravebox Giveaway?  Not yet?  Go ahead, click the link and enter it.  I'll wait.  And if you already entered it, go back anyway.  You can get 5 extra entries each day!  I'm cool like that, I know.

And... I'm done shilling for my giveaway.  Until tomorrow.  But now, for Goodies!  They must have heard the giant collective "meh" when we all opened up our boxes in April.  They totally stepped it up for May!  Yay, Goodies!  I was honestly (and sadly) about to cancel after this month if I got yet another mediocre box.    So I am extra thrilled that this month was awesome!  Seriously, check this out!

So much yummy goodness!

Now, if any of this seems familiar, you may have watched my unboxing video for this box:

Yeah, for some reason I look like a demon incarnate in the screenshot (what is wrong with my eyes!?) but I assure you, the video is entirely exorcism-free.  I am happy to say that I have now tried everything in this box, and I have an in-depth review for you all!

The first item in the box was the Beanitos White Bean with Sea Salt chips.  Instead of being made with corn, these beans are made with (wait for it...) beans!  They honestly tasted really close to regular tortilla chips.  My only complaint was that they are a bit bland, but with any kind of salsa or guacamole dip, they'd be amazing.  Definitely a win!

The next item was Bronco Bob's Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce.  There were several varieties sent, so I was happy to get this one! The sauce had a thick, rich texture, and because it was such a tiny jar (2.5 oz), I knew it wouldn't go far - so I substituted it for ketchup in a meatloaf recipe!  It was one of the best decisions I made last week!  The sauce gave the whole dish a nice fruity zing without being overly spicy.  I would buy this again, but I might go for the Orange Ginger flavor.  It's getting some great reviews as a marinade for Asian food.

This bad boy had us all excited once we got tracking numbers.  It made the box weigh over four pounds!  It's Zico Pure Premium Coconut Water, and they sent a full liter!  Coconut water really isn't my thing, but my husband LOVED it, and used it in smoothies all this past week.  He just finished it off this morning.

I love it when they send kid-friendly items, and this was a great treat for the boys!  I did make them "earn" the candy by picking up their toys, concentrating on their homework (well, Knight had homework.  And trouble paying attention.  These totally helped) and helping me make dinner, but it was so worth it to see them giggling and sucking air through the sour straws.  I loved that these were fat-free and had no artificial coloring!  I'll keep an eye out for these next time I'm in the candy aisle!

This was really the only "meh" product for me, I'm just not a big seed fan.  My husband tried a few, I tried a few, we looked at each other and shrugged, and forgot about them for a few days.  Neither of us wanted any more, so I ended up throwing it away.  I felt bad, but no one in the family wanted any more, and I didn't want to try and pawn an open bag off on someone else!  (ok, well I would have if we had extended family nearby, but we don't).  But now I know that I don't like pumpkin seeds, and I won't waste time at Hallowe'en trying to to get all crafty and bake those suckers!

These!  So awesome!  Not only are these California Olive Branch Extra Virgin Olive Oil packets made from olives grown in the USA, but they are the PERFECT size for sauteeing!  I used one last week for some onions and veggies and I was very happy to have these pre-measured packets.  I always, ALWAYS overpour oils into the pan, so these were awesome in helping control portion size!  I'm sure it's sold as a full-size item, but I'm going to check around and see if any packets are available for sale.

For me, tea is always a win.  They sent Moroccan Mint flavor, and while I haven't made my cup o' tea with it yet, I know it's going to be awesome (and if it's not, I will update this post!)  I was also very happy that they sent a coupon!

I may have to go outside of my usual shopping radius to find this brand, but we do have an organic market about 20 minutes away, and I'm sure they carry this brand.  Now, are you ready for my MOST FAVORITE ITEM in this box?

Bam! Chip Clip!

Wholly Guacamole!  It's for a free item, and for some reason, I have been getting these coupons in a LOT of boxes lately.  But you will never hear me complaining!  I love buying the little individual size packets of guacamole, because I make guacamole burgers (sooo much healthier than putting mayo on your burgers!) and while my hubby and I will slather the stuff on, the kids run screaming at the sight of the GREEN OOZE.  So we just split one of the individual packets, and since the other packets are still airtight, I'm not all like "Must use this stuff! Gaaaah!"

I do want to try one of their salsas or pico de gallo soon, so this coupon might go towards trying something new.  Hey, for free I can't go wrong!  Oh and I also got one of these Chip Clips in my Cravebox Resolutions box back in January, and I'm happy to report that the clip is still going strong, and was happy to have a twin join him in the drawer!

Well, my friends, that was the May Goodies Box!  What was your favorite item?

Disclaimer:  I am neither employed by nor affiliated with Goodies Co or any brand in the box.  This box was free this month due to my accumulation of points on their website, but I do normally pay $7 per month to receive it.  All reviews are my own opinions.

CRAVEBOX GIVEAWAY!!!

Whooo!!!

Gonna have to say, these are my favorite posts!  I love giving stuff away, it makes me so happy!  And I seriously love Cravebox for having their blogging/vlogging contests.  This is my second "win", and my first for a video review.  But the awesome news is now, instead of getting the extra boxes and only being able to give you what they send me, I can now give you YOUR CHOICE of Instant Craveboxes!  How cool is that?

You can start entering tonight at midnight, and all entries must be received by midnight on 5/31/13.  Winner will be announced on Friday, June 1st, 2013.

And, because this is a contest, you know there are rules.  Here they are!

1) There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter this giveaway.

2) This contest is open to US Residents only.  Sorry, but I can't ship internationally.

3) You must be over 18 to enter this giveaway.

4) All entries must be placed by Rafflecopter.  I cannot enter any other entries via email, mail-in, etc.

5) The number of entries will determine the odds of winning.

6) I will attempt to contact the winner via their email address provided.  Winner will have 3 days to reply, after which point I will have Rafflecopter choose a new winner.  Winner must provide me with their choice of currently available Instant Cravebox, their legal name, and shipping address for me to order the Cravebox and have shipped to winner.

7) Read each entry carefully and follow the rules for it.  I.e. if you're entering for the section of following me on Twitter, I WILL BE CHECKING to see if you are a follower at the time that the contest closes.  I would hate to disqualify anyone for not following the rules, but they are there for a reason!

8) Void where prohibited by law.

And as always, remember to have fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of Luck!

Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology

As moms, we're always looking for ways to keep our kids safe.  One of those ways is using eco-friendly products whenever possible.  Another way is ensuring that the environments in which they live and learn are also eco-friendly.  I entered this contest for my kids' school because I believe that eco-improvements could help - not just for my kids, but for all future students.  I already love my boys' elementary school, but adding improvements like a school garden or solar panels could help them lower costs and be even more amazing!

-Did you know that school test scores improve when children can learn in an eco-friendly environment?  Natural light, low-VOC paints, and non-toxic building materials are all ways schools can improve classrooms.

-When schools improve their energy efficiency by switching to low-energy bulbs and low-flow toilets, they can save a ton of money on energy and water costs.  They can use this money to get better books, materials, and technology for their students!  Amazing what a big difference little changes can make, right?

-Lastly, schools can make the world a better place for future students by having a smaller carbon footprint!

Unfortunately, many schools lack the funds to make this initial investment into becoming more eco-friendly.  That's why I'm encouraging you to enter the Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition, Presented by Pureology!  Just click this link:

http://bit.ly/VzWAQh

Have fun entering your school!  If you already know what kind of improvements your school needs, you're good to go!  Just so you know, they ask for 3-5 pictures of the school showing the improvements that need to be made.  Other than that, just go for it!

Disclaimer:  I found out about this contest through Influenster, and I'm spreading the word!  I did not receive any monetary compensation for entering this contest or blogging about it.

New Giveaway! Cravebox "Me Time" Box!

Can you feel the excitement! I can feel it!  I'm linking up with fellow blogger Antonia from Motor Mouth Speaks for a new Giveaway! You know you're just not taking enough time just for you, right?  This box will help you solve that pesky little problem.  It includes a Harlequin Romance novel, as well as some tasty treats from CocoaVia and SunRype.  For even more details, check out the original giveaway post here!  I'm also posting the Rafflecopter link below.  So show some support to the wonderful lady bloggers like Antonia and me, and you just might win some awesome goodies!

You know you want it.

And because this giveaway includes food, I feel like it's appropriate to add... "May the odds be ever in your favor."

(Because when isn't it appropriate to quote Hunger Games?  If I were a gym teacher, I'd quote that before every game of dodgeball!)

Seriously, though.  Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love, Leigh

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

It's official.  I'm no longer allowed to say I'm one of those people that "never wins stuff."  In the past, I have been that person.  In fact, I was that person for almost three decades.  If there was luck involved in a contest, I had no chance.  (However, I did win several talent-based contests.  High School Poetry Contest Grand Prize Winner, thankyouverymuch).

So I was pretty happy when I married a guy that, on occasion, wins a contest or two!  The second we got anything resembling raffle tickets, I'd hand them straight over.  "You don't want to put your name on it, honey?" he'd say.

"No, darling, I'd prefer to think we'd have a chance," I'd reply.  (Yes, we're that charming and debonair)  We never won anything big.  The flat-screen TV's and 3-day cruises passed us by.  But the $25 Olive Garden gift cards and neon orange Super Soakers?  All ours, baby.  I had my low-level lucky charm by my side, and life was grand.

However, my luck started to change last Christmas.  No, not this past one. The one before.  Yes, 2011.  We went to our apartment complex's Christmas party, and I somehow ended up with the raffle tickets.  It was complete oversight on my part, my husband had to run after a (then two-year-old) Dragon, and I completely forgot to stuff the ticket in his pants pocket on his way by.  So imagine my surprise when, while I held the ticket, we won $25 off our next month's rent!  Small potatoes, sure, but it was $25 that stayed in our bank account!

I was even more surprised when the very next night, at our church's Ladies' Holiday Dinner, I won a door prize! It was an adorable serving platter.  I used it this year to hold candy  (The "Hand-Painted" sticker on the back made me a bit leery of putting anything on it that didn't come pre-wrapped).  And that was it for a whole year.  No prizes, no raffle wins, nada.  I had almost forgot those two beautiful, shining days when I... was a winner.

So imagine my surprise when, just a few weeks after launching my blog, I won the Cravebox Blog Review Challenge!  On my VERY FIRST blog review, no less!  I did use one of the Craveboxes I won as my first blog giveaway (you all remember that, right?  I'd be a bit concerned if you didn't... it was only a few weeks ago) but the thrill was BACK!

(EDIT:  I just found out that the awesome chica that won the Cravebox Giveaway did posted about it on her blog, Only Average Mom!  Check out the review here!  Also, she won another contest from Beauty Army yesterday!  Hooray, winning is contagious!)

Next, I found out that I won a Starlooks box through a contest on MakeupTalk.com.  "What?" I said.  "But I never win stuff!"  I got the February box, and I will absolutely be reviewing it soon for you, my lovely readers.  *Spoiler Alert* It's amazing!

And a few days after that?  I got an email from the online education course I took last year.  They sent me a survey at the end of the course, and I let them know exactly how I felt.  For example, I was happy to enlighten them that there were spelling and grammar errors during the "Grammar" section of the course.  I was shocked when I learned that I won a $100 AmEx gift card for taking the survey!  I guess they appreciated my honesty!

And finally, just last night, I got an email that I will be receiving the Sweet 'n' Spicy Voxbox from Influenster! Ok, so this isn't actually a contest.  Influenster is a social networking program that will occasionally send out products to review.  But hey, it's my first Voxbox, and anytime I get a box of free stuff in the mail, I'm gonna say that I won SOMETHING!

So, has my luck changed?  Can I expect more of these wins? (oh, I hope so!)  Maybe.  Maybe not.  But in the meantime...

Hi, I'm Leigh.  Wife, mom, blogger... and WINNER! Yay!

Love, Leigh

Cravebox Contest is HERE!!

We did it!  We reached 50 likes!  Ok, so if you click on the page, it says 47 likes.  But that's people.  I also have 4 page likes, so I'm going to count them and say I have 51 likes.  Because MY RULES, people!  I'm super excited to get this giveaway started, so here's the rules:

1) This giveaway is only open within the United States.  This box contains some stuff (like cans of soda) that can't be shipped internationally.  Sorry!

2) I'm using Rafflecopter for the giveaway.  This means a random computer program will be picking the winner, not me!  This is the first time I'm using it, so if any experienced Rafflecoptors use it, please let me know if anything looks weird so I can fix it!

3) The giveaway starts NOW, and goes through midnight on Friday.  You get 5 entries just for being wonderful YOU, and you can come back each day to get 5 more.  You can get an additional 5 entries for "liking" my page on Facebook, and 5 entries for following me on Twitter.

That's it!  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cravebox Giveaway! (Facebook Likes Needed!)

Hello, my lovelies!

So, in case you haven't heard, I won Cravebox's Resolutions Blog Contest!  Which means that I get a Resolutions Cravebox to give away to one of you, my amazing readers.  This was my first-ever subscription box review, and I was beyond shocked to hear that I had won!  If you would like to see my humble beginning effort, please feel free to check out my Resolutions Cravebox Review.  This box is worth over $60, and contains items like a Mary Kay Timewise Eye Cream, Pantene Silky Moisture Whip, SunRype Fruit Bars, and Celestial Tea.  It also includes coupons for free items from Wholly Guacamole and Smart Ones.  And a chip clip. (you know you want the chip clip!)

I will be using RaffleCopter for the giveaway, which takes picking the winner completely out of my hands, and I will be paying to ship this box to you!  I will only be accepting entries from the United States, apologies to my international readers.

When does this all go down?  As soon as I get to 50 Facebook "Likes" for my blog's page, Whimsical Adventures of a Magical Mom!  I'm currently at 30, so not far to go! Once I get the 50th like verified, I'll come back here, start a new post, lay out the rules (again), and open up for entries!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at amagicalmom@gmail.com and I will answer you as soon as I'm able!  Thanks for all of your support so far, and I am SUPER EXCITED for my first giveaway!

Love, Leigh

http://www.facebook.com/LeighMagicalmom