Tag Archives: giveaway

Grapple Toy Tether [GIVEAWAY!]

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Hi friends and happy Tuesday! I hope you’re all having a great week so far. It’s been pretty boring over here on our end. I’ve been working every day since Friday; I’ve been pretty sick; Tyler has been working on house stuff; and Wes has been a grump grump. The last one I attribute to a wonderful combination of teething and having his 12 month shots.

Remember a while back when I talked about the Grapple? It was an absolute God send for meal time. Wes was having all too much fun tossing his toys from his high chair to the floor and I was constantly picking them up and having to clean the mess of dog hair from them. Annoying!

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I just so happened to stumble upon the Grapple when I was browsing in the children’s store and I knew I needed one. It suctioned to the tray and provided tethers for up to three toys. PERFECT.

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As soon as we got home, I stuck the Grapple on Wes’s tray and attached three toys. That was the first meal I didn’t have to spend majority of my time playing fetch! He loved being able to constantly play with his toys without having to wait for mom to pick them up.

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It’s so crazy to look at these photos now because he looks so tiny and chubby 🙂

Here’s a little backstory on the company–> The Grapple™ was invented, as many baby products are, out of sheer necessity…or desperation. After spending many meal times retrieving toys that their 9 month old son dropped on the floor, David and Amy Oh decided there had to be a better way. When they couldn’t find a solution in stores or on the internet, they decided to make their own. It wasn’t pretty but it worked! After being approached by people in restaurants wanting to know where they could buy one, the Ohs realized there was a true need for this product. They formed Boingy LLC and started off on the adventure of creating a product that was fun, easy to use and safe.

Not only is it made of food grade silicone (so it’s safe for your little ones) but it was also invented by a mom! Us moms sure have a knack for coming up with clever way to keep our babes happy, healthy and safe. Even better, the Grapple is portable so it’s a great accesory to have on hand at a restaurant. No one wants to have to hassle with cleaning tossed toys after they’ve been on a yucky restaurant floor. Ick.

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I sent my praises to the company, and Amy Ho (the inventor herself!) kindly offered to giveaway ONE Grapple to a lucky reader!

–>Head on over to my Facebook page to enter :)<–

Thanks again to Amy and even more thanks to the Grapple for keeping this mama from going crazy.

Don’t forget to check out their site here

And be sure to like them on Facebook and Instagram

 

Giveaway Update

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Hey everyone! Just wanted to pop in real quick and let you know that I’m extending the Kinnikinnick giveaway for another week or so and will be announcing the winner on Tuesday, Jan 7th. Just wanted to give more folks a chance to enter since I believe a lot of people are ‘unplugging’ during the holidays.

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Talk to you later!

Weekend Recap [& A Giveaway!]

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It’s Christmas Week! Yayyy.

Whoa, that was entirely too cheery for a Monday morning.

So whatttttt did I do this past weekend….hmmm. I honestly have to jog my memory to remember!

Friday after work, Tyler and I ran a ton of errands. Super exciting. Then we watched Don Jon (ummm did NOT know that the movie was about a dude addicted to porn!), Runner Runner, a stand-up special by Kevin Hart and another by Russell Peters. Lots of couch time.

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Apparently that was my patriotic winter garb.

Saturday was even more lazy time, grocery shopping for Xmas meals, a QUICK set of 4 tabatas, then dinner at Anejo. We didn’t make reservations and I called to see what wait times would be like and they said to come before six to have little to no wait. Fine by us! We got there at 5:30 and enjoyed some table made guacamole and unique margaritas. For dinner, we shared a plate of tacos (beef short rib, adobo pork, crispy snapper, and chicken) they were SO delicious. Accompanying sauces were hot sauce, a verde sauce and a habanero mayo. My mouth is watering just remembering this meal!

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We each had 3 drinks (HEY, they were small!). I had 2 chili coconut margaritas, and one guava. Tyler had a Tequila caesar, Mandarin margarita, and a Mexicalita (I think that’s what it was called).

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We really loved the experience there and can’t wait to go back again! The ambiance is really great, too.

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Nothing like a wall of tequila and Nacho Libre.

We came home and watched SNL and a couple episodes of Revolution. Does anybody watch that show? I think it’s terrible, but Tyler likes it. That main young girl  just annoys the living daylights out of me!

Sunday: Omelettes, naps, laundry, workout, paint nails, more Revolution. I just need it to be Christmas already, dang it!

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This is the workout I did yesterday. Seriously try it, it’s…fun! I have been LOVING box jumps lately. Partly because they’re a great alternative to using cardio machines; partly because I feel badass doing them; partly because they yield some pretty amazing results.

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OH RIGHT- I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER GIVEAWAY TO SHARE WITH YOU GUYS. Are you excited? The best part is: all Canadian & US residents can enter this one!

What’s the giveaway, you ask? A box full of lovely Kinnikinnick products!

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(source)

Kinnikinnick sells Gluten Free products (and almost all products are also dairy free!) I was first made aware of the brand when my aunt and my mom were diagnosed with Celiac’s disease. For them to banish gluten from their diets was really hard- especially since they both live in an area that hadn’t quickly adapted to the needs of the disease. They both visited tons of grocery stores and sampled countless GF products before coming across Kinnikinnick (they passed on other brands because of high price and/or undesireable taste). Now, my mom and aunt both go to a nearby SMALL natural foods store and order Kinnikinnick products BY THE CASE so that they always have some handy (products are stored in the freezer). They love the quality of the product, the price isn’t too bad, and the taste is a close comparison to the foods they’ve always ate.

When the folks over at Kinnikinnick offere to send ME a box of GF goods to review and share with you AND offer another box for one lucky reader, I was pretty pumped! While this isn’t a new product to me, I was overwhelmed when I got the package in the mail last week. It included: One loaf multigrain bread, one loaf white bread, one bag (of 4) plain bagels, blueberry bagels, and cinnamon raisin bagels.

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I know a lot of people don’t care for the taste of GF products over the ‘real’ thing, but to be honest- these taste no different to me at all! (I think it’s just a psychological thing most of the time). Tyler and I shared a cinnamon raisin bagel yesterday morning and the flavor and texture matched any other bagel you’d find at your grocery store. Mmm, I can smell it now that cinnamony raisiny deliciousness.

I already plan on eating up the rest of this stuff over the next couple of weeks with sandwiches and more sandwiches and hearty breakfasts! You can invite yourself over to share in this deliciousness, but give me at least 2 hours notice so I can sweep up all the dog hair that is constantly accumulating in the house.

Other varieties of Kinnikinnick products that I’ve tried (and loved):

  • KinniKritter Animal Cookies
  • Graham Style Cracker Crumbs
  • Pancake and Waffle Mix
  • Chocolate Cake Mix
  • Tapioca Rice English Muffins (my mom’s favorite!)

Check out their website (link above) to see the wide range of products they offer AND locations where they are sold- you can also order online.

Thanks, Kinnikinnick!

Ok, so if YOU want to enter to win a box of goodies (I’m thinking similar, if not the same, as what I’ve recieved) here’s what you have to do:

COMMENT BELOW answering the following question:  Have you ever tried Gluten Free products? If so, what’s your favorite? (pasta, breads, desserts, etc.)

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each):

  • follow them on twitter and tell them @nutcaseinpoint sent you!
  • dance around the Christmas tree (or, if you do not have a tree or celebrate Christmas, dance anywhere in your house.) Let me know what song you danced to and who was watching.
  • tell me a holiday joke.

Giveaway ends Friday, December 27th. Remember, both US & Canadian residents are eligible!

Good luck, and Happy Holidays friends!

Latests 12/20 {& Giveaway Winner!}

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I love a lot of things. Right now, what I’m loving most is the number of Xmas gifts under our tree. There’s only 2 of us! Yayyy for Christmas morning.
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Wow I sound selfish. Whatever. At least I have a job this year so I can actually buy GOOD gifts! (Don’t worry mom and dad, yours will be in the mail shortly- and they’re pretty good gifts, too)
 
I really want to post all the goodies I’ve bought for others here, but it looks like that’ll have to wait until next week. I’m really good at spoiling the surprise, so I MUST stay tight lipped until then! But what I CAN share with you are some of my other favorite things as of late:
 
Gingerbread cookies. I am 27 years old and this is my first time making them. I’m such an idiot that I didn’t even buy ginger for the recipe [GINGERbread, Jen!] and had Tyler run out last minute to pick some up. The verdict? They came out pretty perfect! The dough tasted a little too spicy (obviously I tried it) but the baked end-result had the perfect flavor, texture and color. Yayy for a first time success!
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Spaghetti Squash Ricotta Casserole from Athena. The flavor of this bad boy was amazing, but my end product was a tad watery–maybe I should have pat-dried the squash before mixing with all the ingredients? Meh, whatever…it still tasted divine (Athena, even Tyler loved it! And there was no meat in it! YAYYYYY). I highly recommend this dish if you want a healthy alternative that doesn’t lack in flavor!
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Naps on the C-train. Yes, I am that awkward lady all bundled up and head bobbing every which way until I arrive at my stop. I love these little cat naps though because a.) it’s a much better thing to do than make eye contact with odd fellow commuters, b.) it makes the ride go by faster, and c.) it makes me less likely to nap at work or right when I get home (most of the time).
 
Christmas Pajamas. I get these every year. More specifically, I get THESE every year. I bought Tyler a pair (NOT from Victoria’s Secret) so he can get in on the tradition as well.
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 Crossfit style workouts. I’m not sure what the OFFICIAL format needs to be to make it a crossfit-esque workout, but I think it fits and so does Tyler. Therefore, we are correct. I did some heavy weight tabatas earlier in the week, then there was the 4×100 workout I posted on Instagram, then there was the reverse ladder sets I did (posting that next week!). If you only KNEW how sore my glutes and abs are..But I LOVE me some soreness, means I’m working the muscles that needed working the most! 
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All the while, my dogs have been lazy turds. Layla is seriously turning into a fat little porkchop because the temps have really limited her outdoor time. Reggie, on the other hand is always a little turd. His most recent victims were a tube of chap stick and a bag of sesame bagels. Gross little a-hole. But cute.
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GREEN SMOOTHIES CAME BACK. I was doing cereal in the morning, but it was starting to wreak havoc on my digestion (and carb intake), so I decided to suck it up buttercup and revert back to the cold breakfast during the cold weather. Staples in the smoothie are: unsweetened almond milk, ice, spinach, chocolate protein powder. Rotating fruit add-ins: blackberries, pears, apples, raspberries. So far, it has really helped. My energy level is up, I have been sleeping like a BABE, and I feel better in the evenings when I workout. Oh, and my GREEN smoothies aren’t really all that GREEN.
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Can’t wait to share my latests [PRESENTS] with you next week!!
PS: The winner of the OMG’s Candy giveaway is.. Fiona! Congrats! Email me your mailing address and the people at OMG’s will send your case!! My email is jennifer(dot)L(dot)Linton(at)gmail(dot)com.
 
Pssssst, guess what? I have ANOTHER giveaway for US and Canadian residents that will be posted this weekend!!! Don’t forget to check it out and enter to win!! 
 

Crappy Blogger [& A Giveaway!!]

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Well aren’t I the shittiest blogger ever. I just can’t seem to find the time to sit down and throw together a decent post. Feel free to throw rotten tomatoes in my direction. Although, instead of rotten tomatoes- how about a gift card or chocolates or something like that. Get in the holiday spirit, people. Jeesh.
 
Some stuff from the last few days:
 
1.) I made these cookies and these cookies. They’re both super delicious and super easy to make. If you have a cookie swap coming up or heading to a holiday party- these would be a great fit. Or, if you want to eat cookies yourself- also a great fit.
 
2.) I took a half day on Friday. I thought I would fill the afternoon with some holiday shopping/decorating/baking but it ended up consisting of a nap. I redeemed myself by making a late-afternoon hot yoga class that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to make because of my commute. I thought I was hydrated enough for this particular class, but the instructor had us flowing FAST and it was so dang HOT that I ended up having to opt out of a couple moves because I could feel my heartbeat in my lips.
 
3.) Tyler made butter chicken for dinner on Friday. I’ve never had it and recently bought a spice package for the meal on a friend’s recommendation. Turns out, I forgot to have Tyler get yogurt/cream and the dish basically turned out like chicken marinara on rice. I guess it was pretty good, but I have nothing to compare it to. We also watched Christmas Vacation which made me a happy lady. Even happier that both pups slept on my lap throughout the movie.
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4.) We went to Cora’s for breakfast lunch brunch on Saturday. Such a great place if you want good breakfast food that’s accompanied by a butt-ton of fresh fruit.
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5.) Brunch was followed up with trips to Future Shop, Winners, Canadian Tire, Costco, Home Sense, Home Depot and Michael’s. It was more browsing than anything but Tyler got a game for his new Xbox? PS4? I don’t know, but he has both. Should keep him amused during his week off this week. #lucky
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5.) We picked up a couple bottles of new-to-us beers that all turned out to be pretty delish. The front runner of the bunch, however, was the Whistler Chai Maple Ale. I loved it so much, I a:) wish I didn’t have to share it with Tyler, and b:) began to crave pancakes. We also watched Home Alone and SNL. Love me some drunk uncle. Feliz Navi-DON’T. Oh, and ate delicious pizza from The Rock.
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6.) Sunday, typical Sunday. Laundry, general pick-up around the house, football is on, I roll my eyes, groceries, gym,…..you know. One small difference that really dropped me off my wallet was my ‘quick trip’ to finish up my Xmas shopping for Tyler. At least it’s all done now! Only 9 days of hoping I don’t spill the beans (I am horrible like that).
 
7.) I did a great little tabata workout yesterday afternoon that I thought I’d share. It got my heart rate up and made my muscles shake— all in just 24 minutes. Cannot beat that.
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Tabatas were the following:
  • Barbell Bosu Squats
  • Single Arm Kettlebell Clean & Press (alternating arms)
  • Bosu mountain climbers & box jump burpees (alternating)
  • Single leg step ups (alternating)
  • Overhand grip cable row
  • Spin Sprints
8.) OMG I have a giveaway!
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(This is a play on words…you’ll soon see why). A while ago (when I used to participate in foodie pen pals) I was gifted a bag of OMGs. You guys, these things are YUMM-O. Not long after I received the package, I also saw the snack line on an episode of Dragon’s Den (The Canadian version of Shark Tank). So what are OMGs? They’re graham clusters with diced almonds and toffee bits covered in chocolate. A to-die-for combo. I wrote an email to the company telling them how I really loved their product and they offered to provide a case (4 bags of each flavor- milk, dark, and peanut) to one lucky reader!
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To enter this giveaway:
-Comment below and tell me you’re favorite chocolate treat (if you don’t like chocolate, we’re not friends!) Feel free to post links to some of your favorite recipes!!!
 
Extra entries include liking me on facebook, following me on Instagram (@nutcaseinpoint),  and tweeting about this giveaway (include link to this post and my twitter handle @nutcaseinpoint). For each of the extra entries, leave a separate comment in the comments section.
 
Oh right, this is the part where I get to break a lot of hearts: the giveaway is to Canadian residents only. That’s right US folk, just like how you guys have the monopoly on Chobani giveaways. (Don’t worry, I have another giveaway coming up soon that you’re eligible to enter!!!!!!) Giveaway closes Friday, December 20th at noon Mountain Time.
 
Good luck! 🙂