Who doesn’t love chocolate milk?

When the people at Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk contacted me to see if I would like to try their chocolate milk, I jumped at the chance. My kids and I love chocolate milk and knowing that Horizon’s is all-natural is an added comfort.

Flavored Milk is a Nutrient-Rich Beverage

• Flavored milk provides the same nine essential nutrients as unflavored milk (calcium, potassium, phosphorous, protein, vitamins A, D, B12, Riboflavin and niacin), and can help kids meet their calcium requirements.
• Flavored milk consumers did not have higher total fat or calorie intakes than non milk consumers

Kids Love the Taste of Flavored Milk

According to 2005 USDA data, 66% of the milk chosen by children in schools is flavored

Chocolate Milk is an Effective Post-Exercise Recovery Beverage

A 2006 study showed that low fat milk was as effective at post-exercise rehydration as sports drinks. Because of the natural carb pro ratio in flavored milks, low fat chocolate milk is an effective post-exercise recovery beverage.

The appropriate carb:pro ratio for improving endurance performance is about 4:1 However, effective ranges can vary from 2:1 and up to 5:1.

Consuming carbohydrate and protein post workout has been shown to:

• Enhance muscle glycogen formation
• Promote a hormonal environment that encourages muscle growth
• Promote muscle protein production

Horizon’s Organic Chocolate Milk has a nice, smooth taste. It’s not too sweet or dull. Just the right amount of chocolate. I would definitely recommend it. It is a little pricey for my weekly milk budget (about $4.00 per half gallon) but definitely worth a splurge here and there.

Horizon also offers other styles of milk (ie. white low-fat, reduced fat, etc), yogurt, cheese, cream, and other products such as eggs, ice cream, butter and is found in most major grocery stores.

Quick Links

• Horizon Dairy website
• Horizon Organics Chocolate Milk information
• Horizon Dairy coupons
• Store Locator

Win a set of Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk coupons–2 winners!

Two lucky winners will receive a set of 4 coupons for Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk–2 coupons for 1 free half gallon, 2 coupons for $1.00 a half gallon. Just visit Horizon Organic’s website and tell me one thing you learned about their product line.

Extra Entries

Leave a separate comment for each one done.

• Subscribe to Savings Diner via email or RSS (right side bar)
• Follow me on Twitter (@HolleyV)
• Tweet about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Blog about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Link up giveaway on a linky giveaway post (leave a¬† link)
• Visit my crochet & knitting art at Oodles of Yarn on Etsy and let me know your favorite product

Details

One winner will be chosen with the help of www.random.org on Wednesday, April 28 after 12:00 p.m. EST and announced here. Winner must email me with their mailing address within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. US entries only, please.

DISCLAIMER: I received coupons for free Horizon Organic milk to try and review and the opportunity to give two sets of coupons away to my readers from Horizon Organic. I have shared my honest opinion of the product. I received no additional compensation.

Why Treat Head Lice When You Can PREVENT It?

Warmer weather is getting here and it’s time to think about things that come with it–like lice. Thankfully my children have never had lice, but I’ve heard from several mothers that it is not fun. Zippity Doo’s is a company that knows that and has worked hard to come up with a line of children’s products that actually help to prevent lice. They offer shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, leave-in detangler, and a shield spray that all are mild enough for everyday use but has extra added health benefits and prevents lice.

Each of the products are made with all-natural ingredients and have wonderful, subtle herbal scents. My 3 children have really enjoyed using the different products. I don’t normally buy gel for them so that’s been an extra treat! And I love the fact that we’re using natural products that actually can help us prevent the nasty ol’ lice!

Be sure to check out Zippity Doo’s complete line of hair care products. Zippity Doo’s products may be found at CVS, EZMedShop.com, and local pharmacies in the New York area.

Win a set of Zippity Doo’s products!

One lucky winner will receive a set of Zippity Doo’s products like I received. Just visit Zippity Doo’s website and tell me what product you‚Äôd like to try or what other product you‚Äôd like to see in their line.

Extra Entries

Leave a separate comment for each one done.

• Subscribe to Savings Diner via email or RSS (right side bar)
• Follow me on Twitter (@HolleyV)
• Tweet about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Blog about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Link up giveaway on a linky giveaway post (leave a¬† link)
• Visit my crochet & knitting art at Oodles of Yarn on Etsy and let me know your favorite product

Details

One winner will be chosen with the help of www.random.org on Wednesday, April 21 after 12:00 p.m. EST and announced here. Winner must email me with their mailing address within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. US entries only, please.

DISCLAIMER: I received a set of Zippity Doo’s products to review and the opportunity to give one away to my readers from MomSelect. I have shared my honest opinion of the product. I received no additional compensation.

Thanks to Global Influence, I’ve been able to try out Kroger’s new exclusive brand of health and beauty products, Mirra. Mirra products are made with all natural ingredients and can be used every day. I got to try out the following:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Exfoliating Facial Wash
• Eye Wrinkle Reducer
• Daily Moisturizer

I enjoyed using the products very much! The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash all have a really nice, subtle scent that doesn’t blow you away with fruitiness. The moisturizer made me a little nervous because I have oily skin and it’s a bit thicker than the daily moisturizer I usually use, but I didn’t notice any extra oiliness. It actually helped the small patch of dryness I have between my eyebrows.

Here’s what Kroger has to say about their new brand

Kroger is proud to introduce mirra, our easy to use, exclusive health and beauty care brand for family-focused women seeking effortless beauty. Mirra combines quality, natural ingredients with the latest science to meet 3 different needs: Daily – routine personal care; Renew – a rejuvenating time out; and Inspire – quick transformations for a night out.

Coupon

Right now Kroger is offering a printable coupon for $5.00 off when you purchase two (2) Mirra products. Get your coupon HERE.

Win a set of Mirra beauty products!

One lucky winner will receive a set of Mirra products like I received. Just visit the Mirra website and tell me what product you’d like to try or what other product you’d like to see in their line.

Extra Entries

Leave a separate comment for each one done.

• Subscribe to Savings Diner via email or RSS (right side bar)
• Follow me on Twitter (@HolleyV)
• Tweet about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Blog about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Link up giveaway on a linky giveaway post (leave a¬† link)
• Visit by crochet & knitting art at Oodles of Yarn on Etsy and let me know your favorite product

Details

One winner will be chosen with the help of www.random.org on Friday, March 19 after 12:00 p.m. EST and announced here. Winner must email me with their mailing address within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. US entries only, please.

DISCLAIMER: I received a set of Mirra products to review and the opportunity to give one away to my readers from Global Influence. I have shared my honest opinion of the product. I received no additional compensation.

Did you enjoy Rainbow Brite, Tickled Pink, and Moonglow when you were younger? I know I did and now they’re back! Hallmark has introduced the new line of Rainbow Brite and her friends with an interactive website and now the dolls are available at Target and soon-to-be at Toys-R-Us.

Thanks to MomSelect, I was able to try out their new demo CD for Rainbow Brite which includes a story, meet the characters, interactive games, puzzles, and coloring pages. I like the site and activities because I don’t have to worry about what my girls are hearing and seeing. My girls love it because of the fun activities– my 4-yr. old could watch the story over and over! They love being able to color pictures on the computer and print them and print blank coloring pages.

Be sure to visit the Rainbow Brite site to see what’s new and what’s coming.

Win–Interactive CD Giveaway!

Requirements

I have 4 interactive Rainbow Brite CDs that I would love to give away to my readers. Just leave a comment here about your favorite character and who would enjoy a CD.

Extra Entries

Please leave a comment for each.

• Subscribe to Savings Diner via email or RSS (links found at top and side bar)
• Place the Savings Diner button on your site (copy & paste code from side bar–leave a link)
• Mention this giveaway on a linky or your site with a link (leave a link)
• Follow me on Twitter ( http://www.twitter.com/HolleyV )

Details

Four winners will be chosen with the help of www.random.org on Wednesday, March 3 after 12:00 p.m. EST and announced here. Winners must email me with their mailing addresses within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. US entries only, please.

DISCLAIMER: I received 10 Rainbow Brite CDs to review myself, give to friends, and/or have a giveaway on Savings Diner from MomSelect. I have shared my honest opinion of the product. I received no additional compensation.

Quick Links

• Rainbow Brite website
• MomSelect

Dentyne is trying some new, exciting things with their gum packaging. Although the flavors inside are not new–peppermint, spearmint, and artic chill¬† (which may be good or bad for you), they have come up with a new bottle design that holds 60 pieces of gum. It measures 3″ high and 2.5″ round. It’s perfect for a cup holder in your car.

I was a little skeptical at first because of the larger size. I like to put gum in my purse for all occasions and I thought this was going to be a problem. It turns out this nifty size fits in right next to my wallet with no extra bulk! I really love it! The cap has a cool design that you can open the tab and pour out a piece or pop the whole top to pick out a piece–this feature is nice because there’s no crackling of paper or candy-sounding crashes during church and events.

But to add to it, Dentyne has stepped it up a notch with designer labels. This first batch of labels was designed by Anthony Yankovic. While his style is not personally my own, I think it’s great to have a decorative gum holder for my purse, car, or office. There are several colors available depending on the flavor. Anthony‘s style definitely reminds me of something my brother would like and I think will appeal to young adults and skateboarders, for sure!

Dentyne® is a must-have socializing essential that allows socially addicted consumers to practice safe breath for the confidence to make a close connection instantly.  Dentyne® premium badge edition bottles, a first in the U.S. gum category, come in twelve bold, badgy, limited edition designs for three flavors designed by artist Anthony Yankovic, are especially appealing to young adults who love socializing.  Anthony previously produced limited edition designs for trend and badge-driven categories like Apparel, Skateboard and Snowboards.

Win!

One lucky winner will receive a package of the 3 flavors (peppermint, spearmint, and artic chill) in the Anthony Yankovic designs.

How to Enter

Just comment here about the artwork (like it, don’t like it, suggested styles) and where you think you would put these gum bottles or who you would share it with.

Details

U.S. participants only, please. Winner will be chosen with the help of www.random.org and announced after 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 17th. Winner will need to contact me with mailing information within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Quick Links

• Dentyne’s website

• Follow Dentyne on Twitter

• Check out Anthony Yankovic’s website, Dots and Coms for more of his unique illustrations, paintings, etc.

DISCLAIMER: I was contacted by Dentyne and received 3 bottles of gum in each of the 3 flavors in Anthony Yankovic’s designs to try out and give an honest review. Dentyne is providing the winner of the giveaway with the same 3 flavors/designs. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and I received no other compensation.

I’m bad about mopping. I just don’t like doing it. I don’t like getting out the whole bucket, cleaner, mop, waiting for it to dry‚Äîall to have it look like I didn’t clean my floor. (I don’t want to go out and spend the money on a Sw—– system that I have to keep buying refills for.) I think it’s the laminate I have in my kitchen–it NEVER looks as clean as I want it to.

BUT thanks to Black Diamond Cleaners, I sure enjoy cleaning more now with their WOW Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner. There are several really cool things about this cleaning system.

1. It’s so quick and easy. I just go around the house–squirt, squirt, wipe, and voila! the floors are done and sparkling clean. It’s easy and fast enough to do spot jobs so I don’t feel like I’m carting a bunch of equipment around.
2. The cleaning pad is reusable. I can just take off the used one, throw it into the washing machine, then I’m ready to clean again.
3. My favorite feature: I can go from my laminate kitchen floor right to the wood floors in the dining and living rooms without having to switch product! That’s a blessing!
4. It’s non-toxic and safe with the kids and dog around and it doesn’t smell up the whole house with nasty cleaning smells. Very nice!

Check out their funny video, too!

Black Diamond Stoneworks’ WOW! Wood and Laminate Floor Cleaner easily cleans both natural wood floors and laminate floors without leaving behind streaks or dulling residue. The new formula is a safe alternative to damaging floor cleaners that may remove the finish and dry the wood out over time. WOW Wood Floor Cleaner comes conveniently pre-mixed and in either a 32oz spray bottle or gallon sizes. All you need to do is spray on the floor surface and wipe away; no rinsing is necessary! Our Non-Toxic cleaner is water based and quickly removes food and beverage spills, dirt, oil, footprints and more!

Buy It

You can purchase a WOW Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner System from the Black Diamond site for $24.98 plus FREE shipping for a limited time (regular $34.98). It includes the mop, cleaning spray, and reusable pad. Or they are available at Walmart and right now there’s a $2.00 off printable coupon on the Black Diamond site! (Expires 04/13/10) or you can . . .

Win It

One lucky Savings Diner reader will win a WOW Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner System!

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win, you are required to do the following two things. Make sure to leave one comment after you have completed the  two entry requirements:

1. Subscribe to Savings Diner via RSS or email.
Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

2. Tell me what your favorite Black Diamond product is or what you’d love to try. Visit the Black Diamond Shop HERE.

Extra Entries

(leave a separate comment for each entry)

These entries count only if you have completed the above entry requirement:

1. Become a Facebook fan of Black Diamond Cleaners. http://www.facebook.com/blackdiamondcleaners
2. Follow Black Diamond Cleaners on Twitter. http://twitter.com/BDcleaners
3. Tweet about this contest. Multiple tweets count. Leave a comment after each tweet with link to tweet.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Open to participants in the US and Canada 18 years and older. One entry per person. Contest ends 1/27/09 at 11:59:59 p.m. EST.

DISCLOSURE: The WOW Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner was provided for review by Black Diamond Cleaners. Black Diamond Cleaners is donating a Cleaner system to the winner. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone and are not influenced in any way by anyone. I was not compensated for this review. Photo from www.bdstoneworks.com

This is kind of an outside-the-normal post for me but I wanted to introduce you to a couple of sites that might be of interest to you. (I have a special connection to these–their in my family!)

America First-NOW!

This site is dedicated to Americans everywhere who are concerned about the direction the country is headed: Socially, morally, and politically. The majority of Americans are God-fearing, well-meaning, generous people who are fed up with apologizing for being the Best Country in the World, and want to make America First – now!

Already Been Chewed

Serving up fresh media because nobody likes to be served something that has Already Been Chewed.

A skateboarder who is awesome at 3D and motion graphics. Includes tutorials and design freebies.

Do you ever need to find some unique gift for someone special? Do you love jewelry that is beautiful and stylish but not run-of-the-mill? Meredith Fenwick Designs is just that! I “know” Meredith through the digital scrapbooking world and when I found out she makes jewelry I’ve had my eye on her designs for a while!

I contacted Meredith to see if I could do a review and a giveaway and she was more than happy to make up something special for me! I received some earrings very similar to these Winterberry Earrings. They are beautiful, great quality. they’re not so fancy that I can’t wear them everyday, but I can dress up an outfit with them, too.

Meredith Fenwick Designs offers handmade gemstone and glass jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. There’s something very vintage-modern about Meredith’s designs–they are all so beautiful. It helps that she’s a great photographer, too. Her prices are VERY reasonable for the quality and uniqueness you’re getting. Check back often because she runs sales and offers free shipping to US addresses!

• Check out Meredith Fenwick Designs: Handmade Gemstone & Glass Jewelry

• Digital Scrapbooking supplies by Meredith Fenwick

Win!

One lucky Savings Diner reader will win this beautiful locket necklace by Meredith Fenwick Designs. The round locket is in an antiqued brass finish. It is adorned with a deep red glass flower with filigree accents. (Sorry, my picture is not the best!)

Required

To win, you must subscribe to Savings Diner (either RSS–logo in header– or email–form in right side bar) so you’ll know when you win AND visit Meredith’s Etsy shop and tell me what your favorite item is.

Extra Entries

Please leave a separate comment for each item.

• Place the Savings Diner button on your blog or website. Copy & paste code from right side bar. (leave a link)
• Become a Fan of Savings Diner on Facebook (leave your Facebook name)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name)
• Subscribe to my FriendFeed (leave your FF name)
• Tweet about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Blog about the giveaway (leave a link)
• Link up the giveaway in a Giveaway listing (leave a link)

EXTENDED: Giveaway will end Wednesday, January 27 at noon EST. Winner will be chosen with the help of www.random.org and announced here on Savings Diner. Winner will need to email me their mailing address within 48 hours or else another winner will be chosen.

DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Meredith Fenwick for providing both the earrings for me to keep and the locket to give away. All opinions expressed are my own. I received no compensation for my review.

I’m thinking of getting a new template design for Savings Diner (I have some readability issues with the current one), but I’d like to get the opinions of you, my readers. Please leave a comment telling me what you like, don’t like, would like to see. Some examples are below:

• Fewer photos, more photos
• More ads, less ads
• Blog roll
• Other topics of interest
• Twitter posts integrated
• etc.

¬†I’ll pick one random comment to win a fun, mystery prize pack on Monday night, December 21! Thanks in advance!

I’m not a big gum chewer and I’m less of a fruity gum chewer than mint. But when Trident contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying their new Layers gum, I jumped at the chance. They sent me both the Wild Strawberry + Tangy Citrus and the Green Apple + Golden Pineapple. I was pleasantly surprised!

The gum is actually built in layers of flavor. The mixture of fruits is delicious and doesn’t fade for quite sometime. Then when it does fade, it doesn’t taste nasty like a lot of fruity gums I’ve tried. It does have a bit of a “sweetener” flavor, but I don’t think it’s any more than other sugar-free gums. I liked the Green Apple + Golden Pineapple better but my 2 gum-loving children preferred the Wild Strawberry + Tangy Citrus.

Trident Layers is sugar free and comes in packs of¬†14 1.25″¬†sticks and you can find it in most grocery and mass merchandisers (ie. Walmart, Target).

Visit the Trident Gum website for a $.75 off printable coupon

Disclosure: Thanks to Trident who provided me with 2 packs of Trident Layers gum for review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and are not influenced by anyone else.