WIN a $2000 PROM Makeover! April 12, 2010

Is your teenaged girl unsure she wants to attend her prom? Or perhaps can’t afford it? Having trouble finding the right dress? Here’s a unique twist on the “pimp my prom” concept for teen girls from Kymaro and Beauty Spa Essentials!

They are offering an amazing prize package, valued at up to $2,000, including a free prom dress, manicure, pedicure, free hair color, cut and styling, plus a limo ride to the prom for your teen and her date and prom tickets paid for by Kymaro.

To enter the contest, each girl must be a junior or senior in high school and should write a one-page , heartwarming essay on why she does not want to attend her prom.  Send the letter, via email, to Kymaro@5wpr.com and tell why you’re hesitant to attend the prom (whether it’s a recent breakup with a boyfriend or because you can’t afford it).  Each letter must include: your first and last name, the name of your high school, what grade you’re in, date of your prom, your email address and phone number – and (finally!) how you heard about the contest.For more information on the contest, go to Kymaro’s Facebook page.  The contest ends on April 15.

Five winners will be picked from five cities:  Orlando, Cincinnati, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta.”

Has your child invented a marketable game? Enter to win! October 2, 2009

Did you know JENGA was invented by a 17-year-old British girl? Or that the trampoline was invented by a teenager? Young people have been responsible for some of the most astonishingly successful and useful inventions. To unleash innovative ideas for new toys, games and sporting goods, By Kids for Kids (BKFK), in collaboration with sponsors Toys“R”Us, and leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, today announced a new competition open to all American youth ages of 6 through 19.

Young inventors are encouraged to submit their own concepts for future toys, indoor and outdoor games, board games and sporting equipment. One National Grand Prize winner will receive a JAKKS Pacific Prize Pack valued at $1,000 and a trip to JAKKS Pacific headquarters in Malibu, California for an opportunity to pitch his/her invention to JAKKS’ development team. Further, a special celebration event will be held at the Toys“R”Us international flagship store in Times Square, New York City where a $1,000 gift card for a toy lover’s shopping spree will be awarded to the winner.

“We’ve seen many times the amazing self-esteem elevation and creative results of youth who apply themselves to invention challenges,” says Norman Goldstein, the founder and CEO of By Kids for Kids

Youth contestants in all 50 States and the District of Columbia and possessions are eligible to participate. No purchase is necessary and all entries must be received online at  this address beginning October 1, 2009, noon EST through January 29, 2010, noon EST. More than one toy concept can be submitted and up to three media uploads are allowed in support of each. Additionally, entrants must answer seven questions about the invention through the online entry form to make the entry official.

Four criteria will be used to evaluate each entry and choose the top five finalists:

1. Originality of concept
2. Development and description of idea
3. Marketability
4. Potential for commercialization.

Expert toy judges, combined with the results of an online vote that will give friends and family an opportunity to support their favorites, will determine one Grand Prize winner.

For more info: See all official rules, or learn more.

More About: Things to Do · Child Development · Activities for Kids · LA Kid Activities · Teens · Fall Family Activities

WIN!! Insider’s Guide to Private Elementary Schools in Los Angeles September 25, 2009

Many parents worry about how to pick the right private elementary school for their child. Selecting the right school can be challenging. We’ve agonized over these decisions ourselves. And, the competitive nature of private elementary schools in Los Angeles can limit a family’s choices because there’s no guarantee that your child will be accepted at your favorite schools.

To help you choose the best possible school for your child, here are some excellent tips from Christina Simon, Anne Simon and Porcha Dodson, collaborative authors of a new book, Beyond The Brochure: An Insider’s Guide To Private Elementary Schools In Los Angeles: (Read on to learn how you can WIN one of FIVE copies of this incomparable guide!)

• Tour as many schools as possible. The authors recommend parents see between eight and ten schools to really learn how different each school is from another. This is easier if you start looking at schools two years before you apply (which is one year before your child will enroll in kindergarten). Los Angeles has excellent private elementary schools, but each one is unique and unless you visit the school, you won’t get a good feel for what it has to offer. 
• Location, location, location. Geography matters in Los Angeles. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding an outstanding school that you know would be a great fit for your child. The only problem: it’s an hour drive each way to and from the school. Don’t ignore this geographic reality. A commute of this distance will be difficult on your child and the entire family. And, don’t forget about your child’s play dates and events that require you to be at the school during the day and on more than a few evenings.
• Be aware of the popularity contest. It’s easy to choose a school because it’s “trendy” or “popular” or filled with celebrities. Don’t forget, these trends change from year to year and this isn’t a good reason to select a school. When parents at your child’s preschool are abuzz about a particular school, take a step back and ask yourself if you are being influenced away from your own values. Be confident in your choices even if they are not the most sought-after schools.
• Plan ahead (but not too far ahead). K-6? K-8? K-12? Should you pick an elementary school that has a middle and/or high school? A number of the top private elementary schools in Los Angeles have middle and/or high schools. How important is this when you’re choosing an elementary school? THe authors think you should focus on the elementary school at this point. It’s impossible to know whether your child will remain at the same school until he or she goes to college. The lack of a middle or high school shouldn’t deter you from touring or selecting a great elementary school. Remember that a school that is devoted to elementary education will keep its primary focus on the programs your child will benefit from now.
• Calculate the costs. Tuition at the top private elementary schools in Los Angeles can range from $17,000 to $24,000 per child, per year. Some schools are slightly more expensive and parochial schools cost less. You should know that schools increase tuition annually. And, you need to consider additional out-of-pocket expenses. Every private school asks families to contribute to their annual giving campaign. Your child may want to take enrichment classes or need after-school care. Summer camp, hot lunch and other expenses can add up quickly. If you don’t think you can afford the full tuition, inquire about financial aid, which, if awarded, could cover all or part of your child’s tuition and other expenses. Many private elementary schools place a very high priority on having an economically diverse student body. Money should not deter you from seeking the best education for your child.
• Find the right fit for your child. Most importantly, don’t lose sight of your family’s core values during this process. Look around each school and observe the classrooms, teachers, administrators, students and other parents. Try to see the students in upper grades. Can you feel a connection with the culture of the school? Do you think your child would feel comfortable at the school? Would he or she be excited to arrive at school every day? If your child is artistic and the school lacks an arts program, is it really the right school? Your goal is to find a school where your child will be inspired, challenged and nurtured. Your family should feel comfortable with the other parents. Ideally, your parenting style and family values will be similar to other families at the school. This helps build a sense of community and belonging.

The right private elementary school for your child is there. You just need to find it!

For more info: Beyond The Brochure: An Insider’s Guide To Private Elementary Schools In Los Angeles, available at Amazon.com. Visit FatEnvelopePublishing.com or see what’s new at the book’s blog.

Christina Simon is the parent of two children at the Willows Community School.

Anne Simon is the former head of Wildwood School and the former Dean of the Crossroads Middle School, where her daughter is a graduate of the high school. 

Porcha Dodson is a former teaching partner and director of diversity at the Curtis School.

WIN one of FIVE FREE copies of this amazing new book! Simply COMMENT below!

Tell us your number one concern when looking for the ideal school for your child: Is it an arts program? a style of teaching? the availability of enrichment classes? Tell us and win! Five random winners will be selected on October 16, 2005.

Say Thanks for Choosing Organic – and WIN! July 21, 2009

The following is an excerpt from my Green Living column on Examiner.com:

One of the most important lessons we can teach our children is gratitude. Earthbound Farm offers organic salads to feed healthy, growing bodies and protect the planet; It’s up to us to foster a sense of thankfulness for the good we receive. 

Earthbound Farm believes when people choose their organic salads, they’re helping make a difference for future generations. The company just launched a web-based contest encouraging kids (ages 17 and under) to submit messages of thanks to those who purchase organic for helping protect the future. Winning quotes will appear the inside of its 100% post-consumer recycled clamshell salad containers. If their quote is chosen, your child will win:

A $500 US Savings Bond for your child’s future education

A $500 donation in your child’s name to their choice of one of these dedicated nonprofit environmental organizations:
American Forests
Beyond Pesticides
Environmental Working Group
Healthy Child Healthy World
Natural Resources Defense Council
Organic Farming Research Foundation
Pesticide Action Network North America
Union of Concerned Scientists

Winning quotes will appear on the back of the new salad labels and on the Earthbound Farm website!
4 winners will be selected in July and then add a new winner every month through the end of 2009!

Read the rest of this article…

 

Follow me on Twitter! @RebeccaLacko

WIN! Secrets of the Budgeting Mom contest July 7, 2009

When it comes to managing household finances, women reign supreme. More and more women are being put in a position to manage and influence family financial decisions. In fact, upwards of 95% of all women either manage the household finances or share in the financial decision making.

When it comes to budgeting and managing money, women know a thing or two. That’s why You Need a Budget wants to hear from you. What are your strategies for running a tight ship? What methods have you employed to cut costs and increase family savings?

Enter the Secrets of the Budgeting Mom contest, sponsored by You Need A Budget (YNAB), where we are looking to reward women who are taking charge of their family’s finances and being creative in the process.

Prizes

1 Grand Prize: A trip for two to the luxurious spa of the Four Seasons, Dallas at Las Colinas, for three days of rest and relaxation!

 A panel of judges will select the ten best submitted budgeting Secrets, Strategies, Stories, and Tactics, and then America will vote to determine the grand prize winner! The grand prize winner will receive:

• Airfare and three nights’ accommodation for two (valued at $2200.00)
• $700.00 resort amenity credit to be used for spa services, meals, and all of the other amazing experiences offered at The Four Seasons, Dallas, TX at Las Colinas
• The knowledge that you can take a vacation like this without worrying how you’re going to pay for it!
• One copy of YNAB Pro, the bestselling family budgeting software.
• One copy of Jesse Mecham’s The YNAB Way

1 First Prize: The Ultimate Personal Finance Gift Package.

One lucky person will win the random drawing for this ultimate personal finance gift package, which includes:

• A one-hour phone-based financial consultation with “Women and Money” Guru Sue Fenimore, CFP® of the Financial Consulate, Inc.
• One copy of YNAB Pro, the bestselling family budgeting software
• One copy of Jesse Mecham’s The YNAB Way
• Jean Chatzky’s The Difference: How Anyone Can Prosper in Even the Toughest Times
• Sharon Epperson’s The Big Payoff: 8 Steps Couples Can Take to Make the Most of Their Money–and Live Richly Ever After
• Jane Bryant Quinn’s Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People
• Janet Bodnar’s Everything You Need to Know to Achieve a Lifetime of Financial Security
• Suze Orman’s Women & Money
• Kristin Delfau’s Turbo-Mom’s Guide to Saving Money Without Wasting Time
• Kimberly Lankford’s Rescue Your Financial Life: 11 Things You Can Do Now to Get Back on Track

10 Second Prizes: The YNAB Gift Package.

Ten lucky people will win the random drawing for the YNAB Gift Package, which includes:

• One copy of YNAB Pro, the bestselling family budgeting software
• One copy of Jesse Mecham’s The YNAB Way

Enter the Secrets of the Budgeting Mom contest

Win a Lux Gift from LA Boxing!! June 26, 2009

For new mothers, there is no greater joy than welcoming home your newborn baby. However, along with that bundle of joy came another not-so-wonderful bundle in the form of “baby weight”—those extra pounds packed on by all that extra eating you did during gestation for the healthy growth of your infant.

Now that  Baby (and bathing suit season) are finally here, it’s time to wave bye-bye to post-pregnancy pounds! (My youngest is two, and I’m still trying to shake the final eight.)

There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

For all those looking to slim down, boxing is a fun and effective way to help moms get rid of their post-pregnancy weight. Classes are guaranteed to burn up to 800-1000 calories per hour! Boxing workouts are also notable favorites among celebrities such as Victoria’s Secret models Adriana Lima (who just announced her pregnancy!) and Marisa Miller, The Office funny girl Jenna Fisher and six-pack wielding Matthew McConaughey and Mark Walberg. 

LA Boxing, the nation’s leading boxing, kickboxing and MMA organization, is saluting new and veteran moms with a very special gift for one lucky Motherhood, Marriage & Other Wild Rides reader, featuring:

• LA Boxing t-shirt
• A 30-day trial membership certificate for the location of your choice
• A pair of lux pink boxing gloves   

Just comment below to enter! One winner will be selected randomly on Monday, July 13! If you are not a mom, enter to win this as a baby shower gift, or give it to your mom, sister, BFF, partner or wife. With over 120 LA Boxing clubs  nationwide, there is certain to be one in her neighborhood.

While you wait for the announcement of our winner, try this simple at-home workout to help quickly shed pounds, courtesy of the fitness gurus at LA Boxing:  
 
Begin with 3 minute rounds concentrating on the following breakdown with 30 seconds break in between rounds:
 
1. Shadow box for the first minute: Keep hands always up (do all combinations with hooks, uppercuts, and straight punches)
 
2. Power punches second minute (punching hard every punch)
 
3.  Shadow box the third minute
 
Do as many rounds as you can, starting out with five to six rounds. As your stamina increases, add one knee after every combination using the opposite side knee of your last punch. Then, if you feel strong and are not over-extending yourself, you can add 10 squat jumps (jumping as high as you can in the air, then squatting as low as you can) during your break time.

Simply comment to win! One lucky mama will be contacted by email on Monday, July 13, 2009.

Special note: If you are new to motherhood, you are likely so tired you can barely think about getting to the gym, and that’s perfectly natural—and recommended! After Baby arrives, every mom’s best advice is to rest up for at least six weeks, or until your doctor gives you the greenlight to get back into a fitness routine.

WIN a Green Vacation in California’s Wine Country April 2, 2009

WIN 3 Nights Free Lodging at
Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, and
A Self-Guided Tour of Napa Valley’s Green Wineries 

Quick poll for parents!

How long has it been since you enjoyed a good night’s rest?

__ Last night!    __ Last week    ___ Last month   ___ Sometime before I got pregnant with my first child. Maybe 2004?

What types of stress are a part of your day-to-day life?

__ work obligations   __ parenting issues   __financial struggles  __ pollution

Do you or your family need any of the following:

__ Downtime   __”Me” time    __ Vacation! 

Enter SolarDay 2009′s free Green Vacation sweepstakes  for solar and green winery fans at www.solarday.com.

During your stay, visit the 500 animals at nearby Six Flags, Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA.

By registering for the green vacation sweepstakes, the winner gets to stay at the first LEED Gold hotel (and solar-powered) Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa in American Canyon, Calif., just south of the town of Napa.

While staying at the hotel the winner can visit the many green, sustainably farmed, organic and solar-powered wineries in nearby Napa Valley. Boththe hotel and the wineries operations demonstrate how we can live greener, more sustainable lives. And, you’ll get a chance to relax and unwind as a family. The value of the room for three nights is $400.

The short registration form only takes about 10 seconds–sign up, and go green!

Baking, Sharing and Winning! December 9, 2008

If you have children–or if you were ever a child yourself, and I’m guessing you were–you have a favorite family Christmas cookie recipe.  (We love gingerbread people!) Perhaps your mom or Grandma used to whip up some culinary wonder with brown sugar, chocolate, or a beautiful mountain of icing?

Even if, for some crazy reason, you don’t have a favorite cookie, sit down with your kids and have fun devising the ultimate cookie, based on your kids’ ideas and favorite flavors, shapes and textures. Bust out that reindeer apron you received last year at the office gift exchange, and let’s get baking!

AllRecipes.com is hunting down the best Christmas Cookie recipe, and they’re offering a Samsung Electric Range Oven and three Samsung Digital DVD Camcorders to get it. Hey, even if you don’t win a prize from Samsung, you may even win $100 cash just for voting on the final four!

Low on cash? See what you can make from the ingredients already in your home. Not only will you wind up with some tasty treats (or you can send them to your children’s classroom holiday parties, to church, or bring them to work), but you’ll also learn about your kids:

• Do they follow directions, or prefer to make it up as they go?
• Is one a neat freak, cleaning up after every granule of sugar, while the other instigates a flour fight?
• Are they willing to explore ways to make the recipe healthier?
• What about mixing and combining decorative colors and designs–is your child the consummate perfectionist or the free spirit?
• Or simply hungry for sweet treats?

Take a picture of the most fabulous of your creations and Enter the contest here! Good luck and happy baking!