Karen’s Opinion

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

There are a lot of schools that are facing budget issues because of the economy. It’s kind of a scary time, but technology is continuing to advance and our students are at risk of being left behind because their schools can’t afford to keep up. Especially if they want to go to college, they could be at a disadvantage in their classes because they have not been exposed to the technology they need to use. This is a problem that needs addressed. Luckily, Charter Communications is doing something to help by offering their contest, the laptop-a-day giveaway, which will provide technology for two lucky schools. Plus, you could personally be a winner, too. Starting August 16 and going through September 20, ordering any Charter service automatically gives you a chance to win and get up to $300 cash back, or you can register online with no purchase necessary. You should nominate your favorite school and like Charter on Facebook. Charter will announce the two winning schools on September 27. I hope whatever schools are awarded the prizes through this inspirational contest are well deserving schools with worthy students who know how lucky they are to receive such an awesome gift through an inspirational contest.

I have a friend, Vickie, who blogs at Vixens Den. She has entered the CSN Stores Big Bad Bedroom Breakup contest for a $10,000 bedroom makeover. She has made it to the top 86 finalists and needs our help to make her the winner.

Vickie and her family have had a rough couple of years yet she is always looking at the bright side. I would love to see her win this beautiful bedroom makeover.

Please go to #2-Vickie in Escondido, or click on the picture above, and click on the picture of her bedroom. On the next page, click the 5th star. If you don’t belong to Facebook, click #2-Vickie in Escondido to vote.
Thanks so much for your help.

This is the picture you will need to look for and click on.

Voting is open until September 10th, so tell everyone you know!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mission Foods. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the things I enjoy most when my kids visit is that they love to cook. We had homemade pizza last night! I am going to be so sad when the kids have to go back to their homes.

I have found a wonderful website, Mission Menus, that is spurring me to get cooking. I have been searching for recipes that are low in cholesterol because of my recent diagnosis. Mission Flour Tortillas contain 0 grams Trans fat per serving and are cholesterol free! The website offers recipes for quick & easy, budget-friendly meals for $10! Don’t these flautas look yummy?

Mission Menus is inviting you to submit your own budget friendly recipes during their Mission Menus Challenge. You have until August 9th to enter your recipe for a chance to compete in a cook-off in Los Angeles and win a $10,000 dream kitchen makeover! They are giving away weekly prizes as well.

The types of recipes submitted must:
• Include Mission Flour Tortillas
• Be original
• Feed a family of five for $10 or less

Sounds easy enough to me, how about you?

I also think it is pretty sweet that Mission Foods supports Share Our Strength, the leading national organization committed to ending childhood hunger in America. You can find out how you can help by visiting the Mission Menus Challenge website.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dove Ice Cream. All opinions are 100% mine.

I find myself encouraging young mothers to take time for themselves. If they can manage a few minutes to paint their fingernails, read a magazine or do something that is just for themselves, they will find they have a better outlook for wiping noses and changing dirty diapers. It is amazing how much better one can feel after a few short moments of me time.

DOVE® Ice Cream knows how important some “me time” is and they are sponsoring a “My Mini Moment” contest . By simply submitting a photo and short essay at DoveIceCream.com/myminimoment by June 7, 2010, you will be entered to win some fantastic prizes. You could be the winner of one of 3 sensational mini-grand prizes: a mini-getaway to Napa Valley, Spa services for a year or a mini-home makeover.

Dove Ice Cream miniatures contain only 70 calories making them the perfect snack for your “mini moment”. I love the regular ones that are wrapped in real Dove chocolate and cannot wait to try the new Café Collection featuring Java Chip and Cappuccino Flavors.

So, think about what you like to do for your “mini moment”, let Dove know about it and be in the running to win!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

Although the contest has ended, I got a kick out of visiting the website for the Gotta See This Now iLASIK Video Contest. There are some very talented videographers with cool and inventive ideas about the benefits of Lasik eye surgery. Entrants made videos showing the impact of improved vision on their lives for a chance to win cash and prizes — including a $5,000 Grand Prize. The contest was sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics Inc.

I am already sold on Lasik eye surgery, having had the surgery done myself a few years ago. It has been wonderful to wake up in the morning and see the world without having to put on a pair of glasses. No longer do I have to deal with my glasses fogging up when coming out of doors into a warm building. I also love being able to see underwater when swimming in the ocean. What an amazing view there is to behold when you can actually see!

There were three categories in the iLASIK Video Contest.

Category 1: My Contacts Are Getting In The Way Of My Good Time
Category 2: My Favorite Sport Or Activity Would Be So Much Cooler With Better Vision
Category 3: You Should See Life After The iLASIK® Procedure

Here is one of the videos from a first place recipient:

Congratulations to the winners! All the videos were awesome, in my opinion, making the participants all winners in my book.