Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest (GIVEAWAY!! Retail value: $33)

If you are planning a vacation or a staycation, remember to bring your camera because you might just take that photo that wins you a trip of a lifetime – a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles. Did I mention you will also have your image appear in an Energizer Ultimate Lithium ad in National Geographic?
Entry is simple: Visit Energizer.com/lithium and click on Enter Now and follow the directions.

Contest will end on Wednesday, June 30th!

Aspiring photographers can visit nationalgeographic.com/lithium to enter one photo in each of six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy. Whether you are a digital photography novice, a proud picture-taking mom or a long-time photo enthusiast, all skill levels are encouraged to enter!!
“You don’t have to be an expert or have professional equipment to capture a magnificent shot,” said 20-year National Geographic photographer and contest judge Jim Richardson. “One of last year’s Category Winning photos was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera. Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you’re prepared to capture the moment when it happens.”
After the entry period closes, Richardson will review all of the entries and select two finalists in each category. Then, from Aug. 17 through Sept. 15, Americans will be asked to go online and review each of the Category Finalists and vote for their favorite in each category. Once the Category Winners are determined, Richardson will help choose a Grand Prize Winner, to be announced on or about Nov. 4.
The Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Web site also serves as a valuable resource for photo enthusiasts. Visitors can check out photos and tips from Richardson, enjoy a gallery of past winners as well as view a weekly gallery that will be updated with new submissions. Photo buffs can even participate in a Q&A with Richardson, asking about anything from his 20 years with National Geographic to questions on gear and equipment.
Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries are such an asset to your camera, because they outlast other brand batteries and they have an amazing storage life~ 15 years!!

Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries are the world’s longest-lasting AA and AAA batteries in high-tech devices. They last up to 8x longer* in digital cameras and up to 2x longer* in flash units than Energizer® MAX®, the company’s flagship alkaline brand. The batteries also last longer in portable GPS units, LED flashlights and handheld games.
Along with a storage life of 15 years, Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries and perform well in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 60 degrees Celsius), making them ideal for photographers who are on-the-go.
“Energizer sets a world standard for reliability and long-lasting power, so it made perfect sense for us to partner with the world’s premier publication honoring photojournalism,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. “Both Energizer and National Geographic share the goal of celebrating the work of photographers from all skill levels. We can’t wait to see the incredible submissions the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest receives this year.”

***ENTER TO WIN HERE TOO***
Energizer is sponsoring a giveaway for my readers! You can enter to win two 4-packs of AA and one 4-pack of AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries ($33 value)!

To enter, tell me about a photo you took recently and it was super! This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. This contest will end on June 2, 2010.

**For more extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about Energizer's products or National Geographic! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

I was contacted by Energizer to post this information on the photo contest. They sent me free product in return for a review and promotion. I was also able to host a giveaway for my readers, sponsored from Energizer. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Enter to win a Smart Charger! (and help kids get involved with charities)

Energizer launched a new campaign this year to help raise money for charity, and kids are the ones helping to raise the funds! This campaign, Kids Take Charge, is a video campaign where kids can let others know what happens when their favorite toys/games don't have the "power" (a.k.a. battery juice) in them anymore.
Kids(with their parent’s help) can submit a video of them explaining what happens – what mischief they get into - when their toys run out of power. Creativity is very important with these videos, and the top ten finalists will be asked to pick a charity. Then Energizer will post their video at Energizer.com/recharge along with their charity name and the more “likes” their video gets the bigger portion of a $10,000 donation their charity receives. The parents, of course, will have to submit the videos – it’s the rules – but the first 250 will get a free Smart Charger!
So film them explaining the monkey business that can ensue……and why the Smart Charger is the smart solution. If it’s as funny or as cute as the clips you can view here, you could be one of 10 that will win a cash donation for your favorite charity.
HOW TO ENTER
Film a video – 60 seconds or less – of your child explaining what happens when their toy runs out of battery power (have fun with it!)
Include why the Smart Charger is a good way to keep batteries charged and toys working, or show a “Take Charge or Else” sign like the one in the video (download it here or get creative and make one yourself)
Upload your video to www.youtube.com and include #recharge in the title
Click on the ENTER HERE and enter the required information
***Win It!!***
PLUS, If you leave a comment on this posting, You could enter to win a Smart Charger here as well! Energizer has offered to sponsor a giveaway for my readers!
To enter:
1. Leave a comment about which video at www.energizer.com/recharge is your favorite within the YouTube Comment section and comment here about what you commented on.
And/Or…
2. Tweet the following: First 250 to submit a video in the Kids Take Charge contest get a free @Energizer #Recharge Smart Charger: www.energizer.com/recharge
For five extra entries:
1. Submit a video to the Energizer Kids Take Charge contest and post your link within my comment section!
This contest will end on May 5th, 2010...and this contest is open to bloggers/non-bloggers of the United States.

I was contacted directly by Energizer, who asked me for my participation in posting this information. I was sent a Smart Charger for in exchange for posting a review, and offered this giveaway for my readers as mentioned above. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Energizer Weather Preparedness Tool Kit Review & Giveaway

Spring is in the air, flowers blooming, trees budding...and bad weather could be lurking around the corner. It is important to be prepared when you face bad weather and your power goes out, or you are in your basement due to tornado/storm warnings.
Energizer, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) are working together to help families prepare for whatever weather situations spring, summer and hurricane seasons might bring their way. A key reminder in preparedness is to use flashlights instead of candles if a storm knocks out the power. Many home fires are started by burning candles left unattended, with an average of 15,000 home fires caused each year.* I was sent the Energizer Tool Kit to review! I love this kit! It is packed with the essentials needed to prepare you for bad weather. The recommended emergency power kit includes a flashlight for each member of the family, a battery-powered radio for weather updates, a battery-powered cell phone charger to stay connected to loved ones and extra batteries, including those for critical devices such as insulin pumps, hearing aids and blood pressure monitors.
The Energizer Weatheready flashlight has posted on it an important check list mentioning the important things to have ready for a storm or severe conditions. It is a very helpful check list. I really like the super bright LED light in the flashlight.
The battery-powered radio included in the tool kit is so helpful, too. I think it gets great reception, considering it's size. I think that the mini radio is perfect to get information to the weather, but small enough to not be a burden.
This kit also has plenty of extra batteries. Energizer Ultimate Lithium and Energizer MAX batteries (AA, and D) provide long-lasting power before, during and after the storm. Lithium batteries have a long storage life, perform well in extreme temperatures and are perfect for use in LED flashlights and other high-tech devices, while Energizer MAX batteries are an ideal power source for standard flashlights and lanterns.
The battery-powered cell phone charger is a must in today's society. Most people have cell phones, and those phones are great because you don't need a land line. So, to have a battery powered cell phone charger, is extremely helpful. I love that this charger will just keep charging up to 500 times!
***WIN IT!!***
Energizer is sponsoring a giveaway for my readers!
You can enter to win the Energizer Weather Preparedness Tool Kit! The kit comes in a red bag and contains the types of items to think about including in a back-up power kit: battery-operated radio, flashlight, cell phone charger and extra batteries. To enter, just comment about something you like to have when you are facing a storm or power outage. This contest is open to those in the USA, bloggers and non-bloggers and will end on April 30th, 2010 at midnight.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about Energizer and their awesome products!
Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

I was contacted directly by Energizer, who asked me for my participation in posting this information. I was sent a sample tool kit for posting a review, and offered this giveaway for my readers as mentioned above. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Energizer's Keep Going Hall of Fame~ Nominate someone....PLUS a GIVEAWAY!

The Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame recognizes perseverance, boundless energy and a never-quit spirit.

Just like the moto of the Energizer batteries...Keep Going, the company would like to see people be recognized for their "keep going" spirit. Do you know someone who has done extraordinary things in their life, someone you can nominate? Every day, people from all walks of life are compared to the Energizer Bunny, from celebrities and athletes to teachers and crossing guards. Energizer created its Keep Going Hall of Fame as a way to honor those inspirational people for the energy and perseverance they demonstrate in their daily lives.

Now through April 23, the search is on for the 2010 inductee. That person could be your colleague, your best friend or even you! The inductee will earn a $10,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation to his or her favorite charity.

To nominate someone you know who lives with a Keep Going spirit, visit www.energizer.com/halloffame. This contest is open to those in the United States and will end on April 16th, 2010 at midnight.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something you like to use Energizer batteries for. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This post was written for Energizer, who supplied a pack of batteries for me to review. I was also given a pack of batteries to offer my readers for a giveaway. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Plus, as a special thank you, Energizer has offered to sponsor a giveaway for this special nomination. Do you use batteries? I know our family goes through a TON of batteries, and Energizer batteries are the ones we prefer! Energizer has provided a pack of 24 AA batteries for one of my readers to win!! LUCKY YOU! This contest will end on April 19th, 2010 at midnight.

To enter, just leave a comment about who you know you can nominate for the Keep Going Hall of Fame.

The Rock-A-Thon concert this weekend...ends tomorrow!

The event, known as The Rock-A-Thon powered by Energizer® Advanced Lithium, began on Friday, Nov. 27 at 12:05 a.m., when the first set of Rock Band™ players took the stage at the Meridian in Houston, Texas for the 90-hour marathon. Players include several professional gamers such as Robert Paz, a.k.a Prodigy X, Ciji “StaySlayer” Thorton and internet sensation and Guitar Hero II World Series of Video Games Champion Freddie Wong.

“We are excited to have some of the most renowned video gamers playing alongside us as we try to set the Guinness World Record for Longest Relay Rock Band concert,” said Paul Slawinski, President and Co-Founder of The Rock-A-Thon. “We hope people come out to watch the action and to help raise money for Child’s Play.”

For every fan that attends the epic 90-hour charity concert, Energizer, The Rock-A-Thon’s presenting sponsor, will donate $1 to Child’s Play, up to $5,000. Child’s Play is a community-based charity grown and nurtured from the game culture and industry. The charity donates toys, video games, books and cash for sick kids in children’s hospitals across North America.

“Now more than ever, charities are in need assistance, so we are thrilled to power The Rock-A-Thon and help raise money for Child’s Play,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing, North America for Energizer. “Our Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries will allow for hours and hours of uninterrupted game play, helping The Rock-A-Thon rockers raise money and reach their record.”

Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries provide 20 additional hours* of continuous playing time in wireless gaming accessories. In addition to offering long-lasting power, Energizer® Advanced Lithium has a shelf life of 10 years and weighs 33 percent less than an ordinary alkaline battery. The entire 90-hour performance will be streamed live at http://www.therockathon.com/.

Going for the Record
The Rock-A-Thon members will be setting the first world record for the Longest Relay Rock Band concert. The event will kick-off with four of the 16 Rock-A-Thon members playing a seven-song set. After the opening set, the group will play in 50-song shifts of four people – one vocalist, one guitarist, one bassist, one drummer – plus two additional people for The Beatles™: Rock Band™ songs (which require three-part harmony in addition to the instruments). All songs will be played on the “expert setting.” After the full 90 hours is complete, The Rock-A-Thon members will have played more than 1,050 songs.

The event will be recorded and documented for submission to Twin Galaxies, the World’s official scorekeepers of video gaming records, according to Guinness World Records.

In addition to the donation made by Energizer, The Rock-A-Thon will be selling official “The Rock-A-Thon” t-shirts for $25 and raffle tickets for prizes like a year’s worth of Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries. All proceeds will benefit Child’s Play. The event is free and open to the public.

Cyberbullying Month at Build-A-Bear Workshop

One thing that really gets me upset is cyberbullying. Kids should not be bullied online or offline. I don't like that kids (or adults) are threatened online.
Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology as a weapon by one minor to hurt another minor and it is a growing problem. The Build-A-Bear Workshop online safety program is geared toward children and parents and has been developed in association with leading cyber safety expert Parry Aftab, executive director and founder of WiredSafety.org, the world's largest cyber safety group that aims to increase online safety awareness by providing families with resources and guidelines.
Build-A-Bear Workshop wants to be part of the solution to stop cyberbullying and to help ensure that its online virtual world, buildabearville.com, is as safe as it can be.


The Build-A-Bear Workshop company-wide Stop Cyberbullying program is comprised of several elements:
· Safety tips for kids (such as Stop, Block and Tell), as well as resources and recommendations for parents are provided online at Build-A-Bearville.
· WiredSafety Pledge -- Citizens of buildabearville.com can take the pledge and receive a virtual safety sash for their avatars.
· During October, Build-A-Bearville is featuring a meter in Town Square that counts the number of “citizens” that click on the Safety Pledge. When the meter is full, all citizens of the virtual world receive a unique Stop, Block and Tell move for their avatars.

**Go check out Build-A-Bear Workshop, and help fight against cyberbullying!

Keep Going Journals (review & giveaway)

October is a month in the pink....Breast Cancer Awareness. I have a few people very close to me who have gone through Breast Cancer, and survived! My aunt, who had Breast Cancer a few years ago, is currently fighting Lung Cancer. Cancer is such a horrible disease, and so many people deal with cancer of different forms. I just had Melanoma removed from my ear in May.
Energizer is teaming with the Susan G. Komen foundation to raise money for the Cure with the Keep Going Journals. The 80-page journal features inspirational quotes, a pink ribbon bookmark, convenient calendar and magnetic closure. For every journal redeemed, Energizer will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can get your journals by mailing in three proofs of purchase from select Energizer batteries. For more information on getting a Keep Going journal, go to www.energizer.com/komen.
In addition to the journals, Energizer will be donating $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every new Facebook Fan, up to $10,000. Your readers can become a fan of the Energizer Bunny at www.facebook.com/energizerbunny.
I think this journal is super, and I fully intend on giving my copy to my aunt. I think it is a great place for her to journal her thoughts, struggles, victories, prayer requests, and more. Plus, I really think that the uplifting quotes will be encouraging!
Do you want to win one of these journals for yourself, or someone you know? Energizer has sent me an extra copy to giveaway to one of my readers! This giveaway is open to residents of the USA (bloggers/non-bloggers), and will end on November 6th, 2009. To enter, just leave a comment about this contest. You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest.**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was sponsored by Energizer. They have supplied me with a free product to keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. They have offered to sponsor a giveaway for a prize for my readers.

Energizer Power Through it all Kit (review and giveaway)

This summer we didn't have too many thunderstorms or a tornado, but I know we have gone through some pretty scary ones in the past. I wish I would have had the Energizer Power Through it All Kit in the storms that we have ventured through hanging out in our basement. You know, the kind of storms where all the lights go out, no power, no radio around, and you can't find the flashlight? Well, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) want to help families be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws their way. So, maybe we will need to have this resource if we face the dreaded winter blizzards. Through the new initiative, Power Through It All, Energizer and the IAFC provide tips for building a power kit and ways for families to stay powered and connected.

I got a kit to review from Energizer that included: an assortment of Energizer batteries (AA, C, D, and watch batteries), an Energizer Energi To Go cell phone charger, an Energizer Weather Ready 2 LED Flashlight, Energizer EZ Change, and a small radio. I was amazed at how the flashlight worked, and how bright it is! Plus, there is a whistle on there as an attachment, and a safety check list. The small radio is an amazing product, too. It is so small it fits in your hand, yet it picks up many signals for channels. This kit is perfect to keep in our basement, and one out in the car! You never know when an emergency will strike.

Here are some important tips for building a Power Through It All kit:
· Put the Power Through It All kit in a location that is easily accessible to every family member.
· Include at least one flashlight for every member of the household, such as a Compact LED Flashlight.
· Include a battery-powered lantern for illuminating larger spaces and rooms.
· Include a battery-operated weather radio to track the storm.
· Include extra batteries in a variety of cell sizes, such as Energizer MAX batteries (AA, C, D) for extended power outages, along with extra batteries for critical care devices like hearing aids and glucose monitors.
· Include battery-operated cell phone chargers like an Energizer Energi To Go to keep your family connected during severe weather.
· Include Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries to power high drain devices like cell phone chargers. Lithium batteries have a longer storage life and perform well in extreme temperatures.
· Each year, when you change your clock in the spring, check the batteries in your flashlights and emergency power kit.

Would you like to enter to win a Power Through it All Energizer kit? I have a kit to giveaway to one of my readers! You can be a blogger or non-blogger, but must reside in the USA. To enter, you must tell me what you use batteries the most for. You could also leave a comment about if you could make it without batteries (current lifestyle). **For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!** Contest ends September 18th, 2009.