2011 Highlights May thru August (Part 2)

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And now for Part 2 of the highlights of 2011, May through August.

May 2011 

We celebrated my birthday and our moving to South Carolina on May 7th.

We had a great turn-out and it was really wonderful to have such support from friends! 

On May 13th we drove to South Carolina...since we had a huge moving truck, my boyfriend's truck being towed by it, and my car full of stuff with the pets going...and the truck had to stay around 60mph the whole way..it took us quite a while to go the normal 7 hour drive. 

This wasn't even all of our boxes

Barely there, we celebrated my actual birthday in Columbia, SC with Pete's family. 

Pete and I went back to Orlando to clean up our rental there and see friends and go to Disney! When we went to Disney we went to EPCOT and saw our favorite tequila bartender - Francisco! And then to Hollywood Studios to ride the newly refurbished Star Tours (awesome by the way)!

June 2011 

I hosted a wine and cheese party - and it went very well! Tasty stuff.

We had a girl's night of mojitos and puzzles - mostly we drank and talked. ;)

July 2011

I hosted a Budweiser Ultimate Backyard BBQ that I won from House Party! Lots of food and Budweiser, of course! 

On Independence Day, a few of us went over to Charleston for the free evening at Patriot's Point and then to watch the fireworks.

Attended Elizabeth's Bachelorette Party - wondered around downtown Columbia.

We attended Elizabeth and Jeff's wedding - held in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Steve & K came to visit toward the end of the month...we all went out to dinner and got to chat it up two nights in a row. I only took a picture of their hotel, though!

August 2011

The big first big trip of the year started with a drive to visit my Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, Grandfather, and his wife in NC for a day. Sharing a picture of their cat, as not sure they'd like me to share their pics...

The next day we headed to NJ and on 8/5/11 we ate at the Americana Diner that I'd eaten at in 2007 when I went to NJ for work. Then that night, we attended Mike and Steph's wedding. It was really lovely. 

Onward we traveled to VT the very next day...phew a lot of driving. Met up with my Aunt, Uncle and some cousins in NY a couple days after arriving.

Spent the day with my niece, sister, nephew...and met up with my birth father. Also, saw my grandmother. Really nice day. 

Pete and I hiked to Lye Brook Falls in Manchester, VT. Wow...that was quite a work out for me! Really tough on the way up...then tough to get to the actual falls...then easier on the way down...but...still weird because all the rocks. Worth it though!

Visited all of my grandmothers in one day! And, also got to see my cousin Samantha, who I hadn't seen in many, many years...I think not since we were kids.

Once back in SC, I hosted a Martini Gold Martini Party! We tried 7 out of 8 of the recipes they provided. Even trying shot sizes...well...it got us all good and tipsy! 

Purex UltraPacks Trial

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The Purex Insiders Pack

 As a Purex Insider, I received an awesome opportunity to try out a new product before it has been released to everyone. The Purex UltraPacks liquid laundry detergent are brand new from Purex to be released in February 2012! It is amazing to be a part of something like this...I have been using Purex for many years and really trust the brand and was ecstatic to become a Purex Insider...never imagining they would be so generous with their samplings! So earlier this month, I received the Purex Insiders box and inside was an 18 pack of the Purex Ultra Packs and the blogging information sheets. We are never required to blog or share our reviews of the products, but if we want to they provide us helpful information and images to make it all easier. 

So, I tested out the product this week and its so easy to use! Just dry your hands before handling the UltraPacks, because water dissolves the film covering the laundry detergent. Then toss a pack into your washer - if using a front load - make sure its in the drum not the drawer - and let the water start filling up before placing clothes in. This helps the pack dissolve faster to work faster! It is suggested for large loads to toss in a second UltraPack. 

My "Sample"

Mountain Breeze is a wonderful scent...I really love it! I can definitely see the convenience and no mess of using these UltraPacks. These would be really convenient for those in dorms or apartments that share washing machines. So easy to grab one or two...rather than a whole container of liquid detergent. For at home use...think of no spills, no drips...no mess from the container!

Of course this UltraPack cleaned my laundry and made it smell great! I'd definitely use them again and purchase them in the future. And seriously, aren't they cute? These Purex UltraPacks are conveniently pre-dosed with Purex laundry detergent, which makes doing laundry easier than ever! These packs are filled with the new improved Purex Triple-Action liquid laundry formula!

**Look for a coupon giveaway in the future on my blog...for this product!** Also, beginning in mid-February at FreeSamplePurex.com, they will be offering samples of this product! Purex will let me know, so I can let you know!

Purex provided me with a free sample of their UltraPacks laundry detergent so that I could write a review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are mine.

2011 Highlights January - April - Part 1

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Going to try a personal post...best highlights from the 12 months of 2011. 

January 2011

Rang in the New Year in St. Augustine, FL with our friends Steve and K.

 

Went to the King's Tea Room in Orlando with Kristianna, Marisa, and Susan. Had a lovely time!

Also, went to Jacksonville with my friend, Marisa, to see a bunch of my Jacksonville (Liz, Ruben & Kristen, Gus & Tina, and Mike) friends! I was TERRIBLE and only took pictures of food...but I had a great time with everyone.

  February 2011

Pete and I celebrated Valentine's Day early, by spending the day at Disney! Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT all in one day! 

We also celebrated Susan's birthday over 2 days at the end of the month! 

                                              March 2011

Saw Wicked, the musical!

Went to Heather & Travis's wedding!

Went to Ultra Music Festival in Miami w/ our friends Paula, Fabian, and Joe. The event was held over 3 days! Fun, but exhausting!

April 2011

Pete and I celebrated our fifth year of dating! Woo! The actual day we went to eat at the Colorado Fondue Company. Then at the last minute we decided to stay at the Hilton Bonnet Creek by Disney and of course go to Disney, specifically EPCOT for the Flower and Garden Festival. 

Rode in a limo for the first time to go see Ke$ha - wonderful friends to share the joy with us...well my boyfriend rode the limo, but did not see Ke$ha.

Had a Green Works New to You House Party with not a lot of attendees...

 

The rest of the year will be added soon...in one or two more posts. Just the highlights. ;)

Purex Triple-Action Review

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I had the great pleasure of trying Purex Triple-Action laundry detergent because I am a Purex Insider! I love Purex products and it is really wonderful to be a part of this group. 

On December 8th, I received a box from Purex Insiders with a 33 load Mountain Fresh Purex Triple-Action laundry detergent inside! I was so excited! I have to say that Mountain Fresh is my favorite scent of theirs! 

December was a busy month for me, and I wasn't able to try this new product out until this past weekend. Oh my did I love it! The smell is wonderful and my clothes are so clean! It is awesome that the product is for use in all machines including HE. I really couldn't be happier with this product...hmm...yes, I'm very happy! 

Purex Triple-Action laundry detergent will roll-out across their entire liquid detergent line. Purex Triple-Action comes in a variety of scents - Mountain Fresh, After the Rain, Lavender Fresh, Original Fresh, Linens & Lilies Natural Elements, Lilac & White Lavender Natural Elements, and Free & Clear.

Purex is a brand you can trust to be a great value and to always smell wonderful and clean your clothes. It is easily half the price of the leading brand. I've been using Purex brand laundry detergent since I was in college...easily for 10 years! I love this brand. 

Be on the look-out starting in February for new TV advertising from Purex! Their "Prove it to yourself" campaign is coming back! Also, coming soon Purex samples will be available on their site - check for Purex Triple-Action samples.

I hope you look forward to trying this product as much as I have. :) Purex provided me with a free sample of their Triple-Action laundry detergent so that I could write a review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

** Coming soon will be an opportunity for my readers to receive a Purex Triple-Action laundry detergent product coupon!**

BJ's 60 Day Trial Membership!

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VocalPoint wanted us to share with our readers a free 60 day trial membership with BJ's Wholesale Club!

BJ's are located in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia. Sorry everywhere else (my state is excluded also). Although, you can shop anywhere, anytime at bjs.com! :)

To get your free 60 Day Trial membership click here.

Benefits of  BJs Wholesale Club membership:

• Only club to allow manufacturer's coupons! That's huge! We didn't realize that Sam's Club did not, and learned the hard way. 
• BJ's has a great selection from the leading brands of hair care, skin care, oral
  care, deodorant and vitamins, even some cosmetics.
• Also for you moms - BJs carries all kinds of name brands for your babies and kids that you trust! Pampers^®, Similac^®, PediaSure^®, Safety 1st^®, InSTEP^®, Little Tikes^®, Eddie Bauer^®, Disney^®, Gerber^® and more!

I hope you enjoy your trial membership, when I lived in FL we had a membership with BJs for 2 years and loved it. One huge reason was it was close to home and had lots of brands we loved. Here in SC, our only option is a Sam's Club. We sure didn't realize how good we had it in Orlando with three options!

I've received nothing for sharing this free 60 Day Trial membership! I'm just sharing! :) Thank you Vocal Point and BJs!

Current Instant Win Games (IWG) and Contests (12/30/11)

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Updated list of current Instant Win and Contests going on.

Facebook games often require you to like the page and to allow an app. Internet games don't have those same requirements. And text IWGs are at applicable texting rates. Let me know if you win at any of these! I put my wins below.

Also pay attention to the receive email check boxes - most aren't required. It is required to say you read the rules, though. Good luck everyone! 

Facebook IWGs and Contests

Cafe Escapes Year of Indulgence Contest  Enter daily to win a year's subscription to Birchbox! To receive deluxe samples every month! 250 winners! Ends 2/5/12

Clinique Lucky Days Contest  Enter daily to win full size products! 5 given away per week...ranging in price from $10 +. Currently in week 25 of 52. Ends 4/1/12.

Sealy Mattress One Time Entry for daily prizes and of course a grand prize. Ends 2/26/12. 

Hot Pockets Eat.Play.Win. One free code per day w/ email address or get yours on specially marked boxes. Ends 12/31. 

Bic Soleil IWG Play once a day for your chance at a prize. Ends 12/31. 

1SaleADay Galaxy Tab giveaway Enter daily for a chance at a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Ends 1/1/12.

Select 55 Snowball IWG  Play daily for your chance at daily prizes! Ends 1/1/12.

Budweiser Flyaway to London 2012 Enter daily for your chance at Instant prizes and weekly prizes! Also a grand prize! Ends 1/6/12.

Internet IWGs and Contests


AMEX Giveaway Enter daily to win one of 2.001 $25 giftcards or 1 of 10 $10,000 checks! Get a free code here. Ends 1/31/12.  

WearEver and Knorr Sweepstakes Enter daily for your chance to Wear Ever cookware and more! Ends 1/31/12. 

Robitussin Sweepstakes Enter daily to win one of 100,000 prizes or the grand prize of $100,000! Ends 2/1/12. 

Disney One More Day Sweeps Enter daily to win one of 60 a 5-day/4-night vacation at Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!* OR Text DISNEYDAY to 347639 to enter! Ends 2/29/12.

Betty Crocker Great Snacks Giveaway Enter daily for an IW! Enter a package code or use: 16000-12345. Ends 4/30/12.

Lindt In the Bag Enter daily for your chance at awesome prizes! Get game codes from specially marked bags of chocolate, or ask for a free code. Ends 6/30/12. 

The Perfect Cup Sweepstakes One entry per day to win a year's supply of K-cups or one of their Instant Win prizes - machines & K-cups. Ends 3/31/13. 

Carsland Vacation Enter daily to win a trip to the New Carsland at Disneyland in CA! Also, 1000 Target gift cards and 10,000 Cars Activity books. Ends 12/31.  

House Party IWG Enter once daily to win daily prizes and add up entries for the grand prize! Ends 12/31. 

M&Ms Racing IWG Enter daily to win - get one free code or enter UPC codes (can play multiple times and entries go toward 1 of 5 cars for a grand prize). Use this 04003207 for an extra entry. Ends 12/31. 

Wonka Game  Play daily for your chance at instant win prizes and a grand prize trip. Ends 1/2/12.

Sun-Maid Holiday  Enter for your chance to win a pair of movie tix from Sun-Maid. 5,000 instant wins...and I guess 5,000 not so instant. ;) Enter daily! Ends 1/6/12.


Reese's The Perfect Seat Play daily for your chance to win prizes. Ends 1/8/12.

Text to Win

Twitter Contests