Always Give a Girl a Break Helps Women Turn Passions into Reality

This post on P&G’s Always Give A Girl A Break program was made possible by the interview and free products they are providing to me and a lucky winner.

You know how big of a fan of P&G products I am. I love their selection of high quality products. Plus they always find ways for their brands to do something good. The newest program from them to do that is called Give A Girl A Break.

Give a Girl a Break Always Give a Girl a Break Helps Women Turn Passions into Reality

Give a Girl a Break

To learn more about the new Give a Girl a Break program, I had the opportunity to send some questions over to María Marín for a video interview. In it, she answers my questions:

  • What can women do to incorporate their passions into their everyday lives?
  • How can women support other women to achieve their goals?
  • What is the “Give a Girl a Break” program?
  • How can I get involved with the “Give a Girl a Break” program?

See the video to find out the answers to those questions!

So, are you impressed with the Give a Girl a Break program from Always and P&G? I hope so! I know that just hearing Maria talk about it made me want to help other women and to get more involved in their community. I think she was spot-on when she mentioned that it’s a common misconception that women won’t help others and I hope Always is able to really get women to help each other create a happier world. If you want to support Always with their new endeavor, you should like the Always Facebook page to keep up with the latest product and program news. Now, enter below for your chance to win a special prize package from Always and P&G.

WIN!

One Laughing Lindsay reader will win a prize pack from Always/P&G that includes Always products, and a notebook that can have memories recorded in it.

Disclosure: I will be received the same prize package as the winner. The opinions expressed are my own.

Applebee’s Fresh Flavors of Summer with Tips from Chef Michael Slavin

This Applebee’s Fresh Flavors of Summer post was made possible by a free gift card to Applebee’s that I received. Additionally, Applebee’s is providing the gift card for the giveaway.

applebees fresh flavors of summer 300x203 Applebees Fresh Flavors of Summer with Tips from Chef Michael Slavin

Applebee’s Fresh Flavors of Summer

You may have noticed my pictures on Instagram or Twitter on Sunday from my delicious dinner at Applebee’s with my boyfriend. We went there to check out the new Applebee’s Fresh Flavors of Summer offerings. Sticking to their usual high quality foods, Applebee’s has introduced some new items to the menu, just in time for summer. All of them are celebrating summer’s longer days and warmer weather. So, they remind me of grilling out, relaxing, and having a good time. It’s stuff I wouldn’t mind having while I’m at home with my boyfriend.

For instance, above is their new Lemon Parmesan Shrimp. It contains shrimp that is sauteed with tomatoes, onions, and basil. It’s served with rice and a cheesy sauce and a lemon. My boyfriend really liked this dish. He quickly devoured it while I took my time. Haha! I was afraid it would have an overly powerful lemon flavor. However, I was pleased to discover that it had a somewhat lighter lemon flavor to it. I love cheese, so I thought it could have had more, but that’s probably just me.

I was really impressed with the Applebee’s fresh flavors of summer offerings. I can’t wait to head back to my local Applebee’s to eat again (it was really delicious). To get you more interested in these new offerings, I’d like to share some tips from Applebee’s Executive Chef, Michael Slavin.

Chef Michael Slavin’s “Fresh Off the Vine” tips

How to Pick a Perfect Tomato:

  • The type of tomato depends on the recipe. Roma tomatoes are great for cooking while Beefsteak tomatoes make big, juicy slices and are ideal for a sandwich or salad.
  • Once you know what type of tomato you need, there are a few things that you want to look for…
  • Color: Tomato should be a deep red without blemishes or bruising
  • Feel: A great tomato will feel heavy for its size, firm and should yield slightly when you squeeze it but have the resiliency to go back to its original shape
  • Smell: Tomatoes that are fresh and ripe will have a grassy, earthy smell, especially right where the stem is
  • Stem: While an intact stem doesn’t mean that a tomato is automatically fresher than one without a stem, it is an indicator that the tomato was handled with care, probably by hand.

How to Cut a Tomato:

  • To avoid splatter (and mush), start with a sharp chef’s knife.
  • Make sure the skin side is against the hard surface of the cutting board and not the soft “meat” of the tomato. You want to cut through the soft side, not through the skin.
  • Excess seeds and juice mean you probably got a tomato with an overgrown seed cavity, an indication that the tomato was left on the vine too long. This is most common with larger tomatoes.
  • Everything that ends up on your cutting board (aside from the stem and core) should go in with your food! Anything red, all the seeds… All of this will add to the quality and freshness of whatever you are preparing.

How to Pick a Perfect Avocado:

  • Avocados begin to ripen as soon as they are picked off the vine so a freshly picked, hard avocado will need 1-2 days before it is ready to eat.
  • If you buy an avocado that is perfectly ripe but that you are not ready to eat, a great trick is to put it in the fridge, as that will slow down the ripening process.
  • Feel: An avocado is ready to eat when you can squeeze it without leaving any indentations. If indentations remain it means the avocado is overripe.
  • Color: Avoid avocados that are completely green. You want color variation. An avocado that is extremely dark means it is overripe so look for something in between.

How to Dice an Avocado:

  • Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the avocado in half lengthwise. With one hand on each side, give it a quarter turn twist and it will neatly bisect into two halves (one with the seed, one without).
  • To safely remove the seed, use a sharp teaspoon and slide it directly under the seed until it pops out.
  • Once the seed is out, hold one half of the avocado so that it lies in the natural shape of your hand and using a chef’s knife, score it twice lengthwise and three times horizontally.
  • Using the same sharp teaspoon, scoop around and under the avocado meat and 12 nice chunks will pop right out.

Wow! Weren’t those helpful tips? Are you excited about Applebee’s fresh flavors of summer yet? Then, enter my giveaway below for your chance to win an Applebee’s giftcard!

WIN!

One Laughing Lindsay will win a $50 gift card to Applebee’s, so they can try Applebee’s fresh flavors of summer!

Disclosure: I received a free gift card to Applebee’s. The opinions expressed are my own.

Smooth Shave for a Smooth Summer with BIC Soleil Razors

This post was made possible by the free samples of BIC Soleil Razors provided for a smooth shave for a smooth summer.

Now that’s summer and we are wearing shorts, it’s embarrassing to have stubbly legs. That’s why it’s so important to keep some great razors on hand, perfect for that last minute trip to the pool. A good razor will get me a smooth shave so I can have a good time.

smooth shave 300x300 Smooth Shave for a Smooth Summer with BIC Soleil Razors

Smooth Shave

This is where the BIC Soleil Razors come in. Using the BIC Soleil Bella Razor and the BIC Soleil Shave & Trim Razor, I can get a smooth shave everywhere I need it. Both of them are also reasonably priced, so it doesn’t break the bank.

The BIC Soleil Bella razor features four flexible e-z rinse™ blades that allow me to get that smooth shave I keep talking about. The combination of four blades manages to get all of the hairs. The soothing moisture strip® enriched with coconut milk leaves my legs feeling soft and moisturized (furthering the smooth shave feel). Lastly, I love the curvy, non-slip handle. It allows me to hit every angle with ease while in the shower. Plus, the tropical colors help to brighten up the whole experience and gets me in a summer mood.

The BIC Soleil Shave & Trim Razor is a neat item. It has three flexible blades for a flawlessly smooth shave. It also has a pivoting head with rubber grip handle for extra comfort. It also has a lubricating strip with Vitamin E. The part I find so interesting about this razor is the unique slide-on, slide-off trimmer head for simple bikini trimming. I’ve been afraid to use an actual razor on the bikini area. However, with the trimmer head, I can get a close and smooth shave without the fear of nicking myself. I really liked this new shaving experience.

BIC Soleil Razors 300x111 Smooth Shave for a Smooth Summer with BIC Soleil Razors

I am definitely impressed with the BIC Soleil Razors and will be using them all summer for a smooth shave. Now, BIC is being extra generous and allowing five lucky readers to win each of these razors, just in time for those vacations!

WIN!

FIVE (5) Laughing Lindsay readers will win a BIC Soleil Bella Razor and a BIC Soleil Shave & Trim Razor, perfect for a smooth shave.

Disclosure: I received free BIC Soleil Razors. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Legends of Awesomeness from Kung Fu Panda on DVD

You may recall the Kung Fu Panda 2 Movie Review I posted early last year where I said I was a fan of Kung Fu Panda. Well, did you know they had an animated show based on the character and that it’s coming to DVD on June 18th? It’s called Legends of Awesomeness and it features our favorite panda in some action-filled scenes.

 Legends of Awesomeness from Kung Fu Panda on DVD

Legends of Awesomeness

Here is a brief synopsis of the Legends of Awesomeness DVD:

As the chosen Dragon Warrior and sworn protector of the Valley of Peace, Po the panda is highly skilled, ever vigilant and hungry for justice…and dumplings. Together with the Furious Five—Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane and Viper—Po must fend off fierce villains, including an evil version of himself (courtesy of the Mystical Mirror of Yin and Yang) and the toothy Croc Bandits!

To get you in the mood to watch Legends of Awesomeness, I wanted to share some Life Lesson from Po. Check them out!

  • Work Together. In the episode “Chain Reaction,” Po and Tigress are forced to embark on a mission together, despite Tigress being annoyed by Po. As luck would have it, they’re attacked by Croc Bandits and wind up handcuffed together. In order to stay safe and eventually escape, Po and Tigress put their differences aside and learn to work together to evade the Croc Bandits!
  • Don’t Be Boastful! In “Po Fans Out,” Po’s ego gets the best of him and he releases a supernatural creature so that he can vanquish it and look good in front of his fan club. Unfortunately, Po’s scheme doesn’t quite go to plan. By trying to be boastful, Po puts himself and others in unneeded danger, something not even the Dragon Warrior should do!
  • Listen to Your Elders. In an episode fittingly titled “Bad Po,” Shifu tells Po not to touch some ancient artifacts, but Po’s curiosity gets the best of him and he gazes into the Mystical Mirror of Yin and Yang. This ends up splitting Po into “good” and “bad” versions of himself! Because Po didn’t listen to Shifu, his “bad” ego goes on a crime spree, and “good” Po has to listen to Shifu and the Furious Five to restore himself.
  • Stand Up For Your Friends. In the episode, “The Princess and the Po,” Po is put in charge of protecting Princess Mei Li on a journey the Qidan Clan. Despite a rough start, Po and Mei Li eventually become friends. However, when they arrive to the Qidan Clan, they learn that Mei Li is to be sacrificed. Po and the Furious Five then defend her and are ultimately victorious in saving the Princess!

So, what do you think of those life lesson from our favorite panda, Po? Are you excited for Legends of Awesomeness now? Well, then you should enter my special giveaway below (which I’m hosting as part of my new Fox Home Ent Insiders partnership).

WIN!

One Laughing Lindsay reader will win a copy of Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness on DVD.

Disclosure: Nothing was received for this post.

Bellyfit Elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Spirit Workout DVDs

This post is made possible by a free copy of the Bellyfit Elements Workout DVD Set I received.

You know how I enjoy trying different workouts. I like something that is fun and gets me moving. That’s why I was interested in trying the Bellyfit Elements workout dvd set. It features 5 dvds, each with a different theme. It’s definitely one of the more unique sets I’ve received.

bellyfit elements 210x300 Bellyfit Elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Spirit Workout DVDs

Bellyfit Elements

Bellyfit Elements is Hollistic Fitness. It’s created by Alice Bracegirdle and it’s created especially for women. The workouts draw from Cardio Fitness, Belly Dance, African Dance, and Bollywood to create high energy, fun, feminine, and and powerful workouts. Each of the DVDs has a spiritual tone to them. There’s Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Spirit. Each one is 60 minutes long with lots of fun moves. I simply love all of the dancing involved. It makes these workouts worth looking forward to. I can’t really describe these workouts in a way that would do them justice. So, I thought I would share the teaser for the set. It gives you a good idea of what all you can do with this set.

So, what do you think of the Bellyfit Elements Workout DVD Set? Does it look fun to you? Then, enter my giveaway below!

WIN!

1 Laughing Lindsay reader will win a the Bellyfit Elements Workout DVD Set.

To enter: Tell me why you would like to win a copy of this workout.

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the “extra” entries. Comments like “enter me” will not be eligible!

Extra Entries
For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

7. Add the Get Healthy Event button to your blog.

Get Healthy Event Button Bellyfit Elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Spirit Workout DVDs



Giveaway ends on June 19th at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I’ll pick another.
GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US residents only

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the Bellyfit Elements workout dvd set. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

June 2013 Every Day Hero from Dollar General and P&G

This post is made possible by the free June 2013 Every Day Hero prize packages supplied by P&G for myself and the winner.

You know how I love to highlight my favorite P&G products, as well as their endeavor to feature a new Every Day Hero along with Dollar General every month. That’s why I’m excited to share with you about June 2013′s Every Day Hero, Sparky Edwards.

Every Day Hero June 2013 Every Day Hero from Dollar General and P&G

Every Day Hero

In celebration of our nation’s brave soldiers who have returned from service and are making a difference in their communities, Procter & Gamble® has teamed up with Dollar General to honor our military as Every Day Heroes in June. Just as our military families have made a commitment to our country, Dollar General is committed to delivering valuable savings on America’s favorite brands every day.

To celebrate and honor military service, Dollar General chose Sparky Edwards as its Every Day Hero for June 2013. Sparky exemplifies the Every Day Hero. He is a retired, decorated military veteran who served in South Korea and in Iraq. Once an at-risk teenager, Sparky turned his life around with the help of a National Guard youth academy. The fresh start helped him earn his GED and enter the military. Today he is a successful business owner, pursuing his PhD and paying it forward by volunteering to mentor at-risk teenagers.

Wow. I think Sparky is truly an inspiration to all of us. It’s no wonder he’s the Dollar General Every Day Hero of the month. I love that they are doing this. Plus, I really like the fact that you can use P&G brandSAVER® coupons at Dollar General to get high-quality P&G products at great prices. Now, one lucky reader will win a special package of P&G products!

WIN!

One Laughing Lindsay reader will win a prize package containing:

· Gain Fireworks- In-Wash Scent Booster for your Laundry
· Gain Bar – Dryer Bar Lasts up to 3 Months
· Febreze Car Clip – Eliminates Odors and Releases a Fresh Scent
· $10 Dollar General Gift Card

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED!

Disclosure: I will be receiving the same free prize package as the winner. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Grilling with Apple Butter from Musselman’s Plus a Giveaway

This post was made possible by the free samples and the prize package for grilling with apple butter from Musselman’s. No compensation was received.

I am really enjoying getting to work with and learn more about Musselman’s. Prior to that, I never would have guessed how useful their apple butter was. For instance, I have been learning about grilling with apple butter here lately. In fact, you may recall the southwest bbq sauce recipe I posted earlier this week which contained it.

grilling with apple butter 300x300 Grilling with Apple Butter from Musselmans Plus a Giveaway

Grilling with Apple Butter

It’s actually really easy to get grilling with apple butter. You simply add more flavor with other spices and let them come together prior to adding it to your meal. I was really pleased with our ground turkey sandwiches that used the Musselman’s apple butter. It had a unique and great taste to it. Every time I try a recipe with apple butter in it, I ‘m left wondering why I don’t use it more often than I do. Apple butter always makes things taste good and it gives it a deep, rich color to match. Plus, it’s often times healthier than your typical sauce with less fat than many other options. So, I don’t feel guilty indulging in another rib.

Now that’s unofficially summer, you will want to get grilling with apple butter. I’m sure of it. That’s why I’m happy to host this special giveaway for Musselman’s apple butter. The prize package contains apple butter, recipes, and a little something else to help you get started grilling with apple butter. Check it out and get grilling now.

WIN!

One Laughing Lindsay reader will win a special grilling with apple butter prize package (pictured above) from Musselman’s.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED!

Disclosure: Musselman’s supplied me with a package as well as the prize package. The opinions are my own.

Summer Outdoor Spaces: Get Yours Ready Now with These Tips

I am going to be receiving complimentary products to help get my summer outdoor spaces ready for posting this.

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, people are preparing for summer. This means it’s time to get your summer outdoor spaces ready, too. I mean you wouldn’t want to host a little BBQ without the proper preparations, would you? That’s why I was happy to participate in a video interview with design and DIY expert Sarah Saucedo from Thrifty Décor Chick for this post.

Summer Outdoor Spaces 300x166 Summer Outdoor Spaces: Get Yours Ready Now with These Tips

Summer Outdoor Spaces

I know that many people don’t have lots of time or money to devote to their outdoor spaces, especially right now (I certainly don’t). So, I tried to ask questions that I actually wanted to know the answers to. In the video, Sarah answers these questions:

  • What are some easy things I can do to change my outdoor space without breaking the bank?
  • How can people use what they already have to improve their outdoor space?
  • How can what I already have be used as double duty to maximize space and function?
  • Where can my readers go for more information?

So, watch the video find out her answers to these questions on preparing your summer outdoor spaces now.

Now that you are all ready with advice from Sarah to go out and get your summer outdoor spaces looking nice, how about a giveaway of P&G products to help you out? A lucky reader will then have the best advice and products available, just in time for those summer cookouts.

WIN!

One Laughing Lindsay reader will win a selection of products like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Outdoor Pro, Mr. Clean Outdoor Pro Multi-Purpose Spray, and Bounty Paper Towels.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED!

Disclosure: I will be receiving the same summer outdoor spaces cleaning prize package as the winner. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Raising Kids on the Spectrum: Chicken Soup for the Soul Book

You probably already know that I have an endorsement to teach special education. You may recall that I have a special place in my heart for people with Autism (particularly Asperger Syndrome… remember Asperkids?). The following book is one of the main reasons I chose to remain a Chicken Soup for the Soul Official Soup-er Blogger. It’s called Raising Kids on the Spectrum and it’s all about raising children who have Autism (in its various degrees) and I knew I had to received a copy of it (Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book).

raising kids on the spectrum 193x300 Raising Kids on the Spectrum: Chicken Soup for the Soul Book

Raising Kids on the Spectrum

I will admit that there have many times I received a Chicken Soup for the Soul book and simply skimmed over it, enjoying some stories but skipping many that didn’t seem to suit me. This was the first one in a while that I actually wanted to keep reading and I even stayed up late reading it a couple of nights. I haven’t read all of the stories yet, but I have read over half the book and at least a few stories from each chapter of Raising Kids on the Spectrum. So, I feel like I have a pretty good feeling for this book.

That being said, I enjoyed reading Raising Kids on the Spectrum. Many of the stories are very touching. A few are even kind of funny (there’s a whole chapter dedicated to seeing humor with Autism). Obviously, some referenced their faith. However, I didn’t find this one to be as strong on the religion as other books in the series. I thought it was really just a collection of stories from parents who have children with Autism. I had never encountered a book like this before, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.

I’ve seen some of the issues addressed in Raising Kids on the Spectrum, but from the teacher or school’s perspective. It was a nice change to read how parents perceive their children and their struggles (and gifts). I found some stories to be refreshing since they highlighted the positive points of their children. I think some people have a negative image of people with Autism. I loved that this book included stories about people with Asperger Syndrome or high functioning Autism, so that others know that we can’t just judge people. I love that the book challenges us to change the way we see others and how we react to them… it’s impossible to know someone’s situation just by looking at them.

WIN! THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED!

Three Laughing Lindsay readers will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul:
Raising Kids on the Spectrum book.

To enter: Tell me why you would like to win this book.

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the “extra” entries. Comments like “enter me” will not be eligible!

Extra Entries
For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.).

Giveaway ends on June 3rd at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I’ll pick another.
GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US & CA residents only.

Disclosure: I received a free book. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

No Impact Workout DVD Full Fitness Fusion 30 Minute Solution

I know that many people want to get a good workout. However, they may have issues that keep them from doing so because they fear the workout would be too difficult on their joints. If you are that person, then I’ve found a no impact workout DVD for you. I received a free copy of the Full Fitness Fusion: 30-Minute Solution Workout from Ivy Larson to try and I want to share my thoughts (as well as a giveaway) with you.

no impact workout dvd No Impact Workout DVD Full Fitness Fusion 30 Minute Solution

No Impact Workout DVD

Ivy Larson has Multiple Sclerosis and has had 2 hip surgeries. So, Ivy knows first-hand how difficult it can be to find a workout that doesn’t hurt your joints. That’s why she has created this no impact workout DVD called Full Fitness Fusion. It’s a challenging DVD that features shorter duration, higher-intensity moves that allow users to get leaner and tighter in less time. She suggests you do the 30-minute workout three times a week to see results. That sounds totally doable to me.

I figured that the workout would be either be really easy or really hard. However, it wasn’t really either one. The short spurts of high-intensity movements were difficult for me (I think they are supposed to be). I will say though that they didn’t stress out my joints. It was just a good workout that got me sweating and moving. I loved that it maximized my workout so I didn’t have to spend lots of time working out. I also liked that it was truly a no impact workout DVD.

This no impact workout DVD is fabulous for anyone who has joint issues. In fact, another lady in the workout has had a knee replacement. One was pregnant while they were all moms pressed for time. As you can see, this is meant for busy people, too. Would you like to try it out? Then enter below!

WIN!

1 Laughing Lindsay reader will win a copy of Full Fitness Fusion on DVD.

To enter: Tell me why you would like to win a copy of this workout.

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the “extra” entries. Comments like “enter me” will not be eligible!

Extra Entries
For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

7. Add the Get Healthy Event button to your blog.

Get Healthy Event Button No Impact Workout DVD Full Fitness Fusion 30 Minute Solution



Giveaway ends on May 29th at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I’ll pick another.
GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US residents only

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the no impact workout dvd Full Fitness Fusion. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.