CONTEST: Enter to Win a runDisney Race Vacation from GoGo squeeZ

Calling all Disney fans!

GoGo squeeZ is hosting an epic sweepstakes that you don’t want to miss. As the official applesauce of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland, GoGo squeeze is giving applicants the chance to win a 4-night vacation for four to a runDisney race of the winner’s choice!

If you’re not familiar with runDisney, it’s a race series that encourages families to get active by running through Disney theme parks. The races vary from marathons and half-marathons to 10Ks, 5Ks and Kids Races, but all will leave you with lasting magical memories.

Since GoGo squeeZ is one of the healthiest and most convenient snacks on the market, it’s the perfect partnership. My kids are obsessed with the all-natural applesauces and have been for years. It’s always a favorite when I pack it in my daughter’s lunch box.

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The winning package includes hotel accommodations, theme park tickets, two entries to the runDisney race, and more!

To enter, simply head over to GoGo squeeZ now until January 15th to fill out a form for a chance to win!

Run over to the site NOW because the contest closes on Sunday (1/15/2017) at 11:59pm EDT.

Have you ever participated in a runDisney race? 

GIVEAWAY: Dove Does a Body Good

Some brands become so integrated into our lives that they become an extension of us. For me Dove is one of them.

My bathroom is filled with an array of their tried-and-true body washes and each new formula gets better and better. The Deep Moisture wash is my current fave and for good reason. The rich lather swathes skin into a sudsy, frothy euphoria—caressing it like no other. The blend of nourishing and moisturizing properties penetrates and replenishes hydration deep beneath the surface.

It’s so moisturizing (even after one shower!) that I can actually skip applying lotion if I’m in a pinch for time.Plus, the ultra-calming and cool fragrance is a real treat for your senses. Not overpowering, it clings to the skin creating a pleasant aroma that stays with you all day.

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Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash available here, $4.99

It’s hard to believe that a cleanser as decadent as Dove is readily available at your local drugstore. You’d think it would be reserved for fancy spas or specialty bath and body retailers, but nope, it’s conveniently sold at your neighborhood Duane Reade or Rite-Aid.

If you have sensitive skin and are often moisture-zapped, this body wash will change your life. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it will leave your body feeling fresh, velvety soft and super moisturized.

Want to try it for yourself? If so, I’m giving away Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash to two lucky readers. Simply leave a comment telling me why you want to give this body wash a test run. The contest is only open to U.S. residents and will run until Friday, September 30th, 2016 11:59EST. The winners will be randomly selected and announced by Monday, October 3rd, 2016.

GIVEAWAY: Baby Magic Products to Keep Baby Fresh & Clean

There are scents that just stay with you. New car, fresh baked cookies and newborn babies are the first to come to mind. For many, the latter is a smell that we moms wish could linger forever. Unfortunately, infants grow up and no longer possess that unique scent.

Until then, we can slather them in Baby Magic’s “Original Baby Scent” lotion – my favorite for after bath time. Somehow the legacy brand managed to bottle the elusive smell we moms crave and sold it to the masses. In fact, they’ve been in the business of making babies smell heavenly and clean since 1951! Oh, and course they accomplish this by infusing that fresh scent into many of their products including cleansers, shampoos and moisturizers.

Orgininal LotionBaby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion available here,  

No Rinse Wash

Baby Magic No-Rinse Wash click here for where to buy.

Soft Powder Scent Wash

Baby Magic Hair & Baby Wash click here for where to buy.

The heritage brand has been in homes for generations and has definitely been a part of my son’s life. Not only do the products have an addictive aroma, but they also get the job done—without causing any skin irritations.

There’s a reason why it’s been around so long, quality products and that fresh baby scent keeps families coming back!

In celebration of the brand’s 65th anniversary, I’m partnering with them for a giveaway. I’ll be giving away three of my all-time favorite products to a lucky winner.

Simply leave a comment below or tweet me @BrownGirlGumbo letting me know how you make bath time fun. The contest ends on 9/19/16 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email by 9/21/16.

How do you make bath time fun?

GIVEAWAY: Take the Nivea Lip Care Challenge

When Nivea asked if I wanted to take their  Lip Care Challenge, I was more than game!

Since I’m a fan of the moisture-depleting matte lipstick trend, my lips were in need of some hydrating TLC.

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Nivea is sold in most mass retailers. Click here to find where you can purchase.

Over the course of five days, I ditched my favorite, yet drying lipsticks and treated my lips to Nivea’s latest offerings. Before I started the challenge, I was instantly impressed by the clean and simple packaging. The frosted pastel-hued tubes were refreshing and unlike other lip treatments. I especially loved that it wasn’t wrapped in a cheaply adhered plastic label that’s found on similar products. Again, the look and feel of the tubes immediately won me over.

 

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MONDAY: Nivea’s Original Moisture Care

On the first day, I can’t lie; I went through a bit of a withdrawal from that barely-there feel that accompanies most matte finishes. Forgoing my go-to lippies was an adjustment, but a welcomed one. By the end of the day I didn’t mind having a bit of lubrication on my lips.

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TUESDAYNivea Milk & Honey

Next up was the Milk & Honey option. After using the original one the day prior, I was thrilled to try this sweet and soothing balm. It didn’t create that unsightly white residue that creeps into the corners of your mouth like other lip treatments. Plus, it had a nice hint of honey fragrance that didn’t smell artificial.

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WEDNESDAYSmoothness

On Hump Day I hit a slump and needed my color fix. I decided to only wear it in the evening once I got home and removed my makeup. It lived up to its name and replenished the zapped moisture of the day and made my lips feel extra smooth.

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THURSDAY: Mint & Minerals 

The minty flavor gave my pucker a fleeting, tingly boost. It didn’t have an overpowering menthol effect that can ruin some of good balms. It was a nice change.

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FRIDAYShimmer

What better day than Friday to add a bit of shimmer? After having such a favorable week with all of the lip treatments, I was excited to try the final one. The subtle shimmer was just what I needed to finish out the week. It glided on effortlessly and left my lips kissably soft.

Overall, Nivea’s Lip Care treatments have earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. The cute tube and ultra-moisturizing benefits will turn anyone into a balm fan. Plus, none of these five made my lips feel unbearably greasy or gross. Although the challenge is over, I’ll continue to keep my lips hydrated and chapped free!

**GIVEAWAY: Want to take the Nivea Lip Care Challenge? If so, you can win all five lip care treatments.  Simply leave a comment below or Tweet me @BrownGirlGumbo telling me your lip care routine. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on Thursday, May 5th. This contest is only open to U.S. residents. 

 

 

GIVEAWAY: Two Tickets to Broadway Playhouse Musical Theater!

If you and your children enjoy musical theater, keep reading!

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending Broadway Playhouse’s: Richard Alder & Jerry Ross performance in Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Music Center here in New York City. Unlike the countless stage plays and musical productions we’ve seen throughout the years, this was an experience that definitely stands out!

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Based on several musicals by the Tony award-winning duo, our show was filled with awesome sing-a-long songs, creative interactive kicks and a ton of funny moments. My 6-year-old daughter, Ava, clad in her favorite “Frozen” pajamas (they were strongly suggested for the “Pajama Game” portion of the show) deemed the play “amazing,” and I wholeheartedly agree. The actors were incredibly talented and extremely entertaining. To hold the attention of typically squirmy kids with the attention span of a gnat, you have to have some pretty good skills.

And if there was another reason to love our outing — prior to the show, we (invited members of the press) had the opportunity to get an exclusive sneak peek at the behind-the-scenes backstage action! The look on Ava’s face as she walked behind the curtain will stay with me. She was beyond thrilled to see the costumes and props.

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Ava singing shyly during the meet-and-great session. 

The kids also had the chance to speak with the cast to learn more about what they do and how they get prepared for the show. Ava and another child even snagged an up-close-and-personal look at the sound board!

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Ava getting a quick lesson in sound mixing.

Broadway Playhouse is a brilliant way to introduce children to classic musicals that will be fun and relevant for their little minds.

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Ava catching a glance of her reflection in the dressing room.

Again, it was one of our best theatrical performances that I’m hoping Ava will remember and cherish for years to come!

For more information about Broadway Playhouse, please click here.

**GIVEAWAY**If you and your family would like to experience one of the upcoming shows in February or March, you’re in luck! I’m giving away a pair of tickets to the show of your choice. Simply leave a comment below or tweet me (@Browngirlgumbo) your favorite musical. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email or direct message on February 2nd. This giveaway is only open to NYC residents or if you’ll be in the NYC area on February 7th or March 6th.

STEM-centric ‘Molecules to the MAX!’ DVD Giveaway

Like most moms, I want my 5-year-old daughter to grow up knowing that she can be absolutely anything that she wants to be in this world.

That’s why I’m so happy that young children today, especially girls are being exposed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs, activities, toys and movies at a far more than the generations before them.

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So when I received information about, Giant Screen Film Molecules to the MAX!, a new animated film about science I was excited! The super cute 40-minute movie teaches children about the basic atomic makeup of ordinary items such as snowflakes, pennies and chewing gum. The adorable colorful characters coupled with the brilliant computer animation had my kids glued to their DVD player.  It’s so well-written that it holds their attention while educating them at the same time.

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The award-winning movie transported me back to middle school when I was fascinated by molecules and all the science-y stuff that little girls oftentimes aren’t encouraged to be interested in.

If you’re looking for ways to get your kids off of their tablets to watch something of substance, this is an excellent choice!

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Molecules to the Max! is available here, $20

For those in the Eastern New York and Western New England area, you can catch the movie airing on PBS affiliate WMHT on the following dates/times:

Monday, 11/30 at 7am

Tuesday, 12/1 at 6am

Wednesday, 12/2 at 4pm

Thursday, 12/3 at 11am

Friday, 12/4 8am 

**One lucky winner will win a copy of the DVD. Simply leave a comment or tweet me (@browngirlgumbo) telling me what your favorite subject in school was when you were a kid. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on 12/1/15. This contest is only open to U.S residents. 

GIVEAWAY: Warner’s Bra & Panties Set

Since my boobs are no longer going up and down in size due to breastfeeding, it’s time to get a bra fitting and go shopping!

Warner’s has a line of bra and panties that won’t pinch or tug in all the wrong places. Launching this month, the No Pinching. No Problem. collection promises to provide smooth silhouettes. For me, comfort trumps style—luckily, these bra and panties don’t lack in either department. The seamless underwire or front-closure wire-free bra designs contours to the body creating a functional, yet sexy look. Plus, the hipster and hi-cut panties are soft and practical. Gone are the unflattering creases and painful digs that tight elastic panty bands and ill-fitting bras can cause. Who wants to be tugging and adjusting their unmentionables all day?

Not only can some bras and panties be uncomfortable, but wearing the wrong undergarments can wreak havoc on outfits too! That’s why it’s just as important to put thought into what you’re putting on underneath as what you put on top.

 

warner-bra-panties Warner’s No Pinching. No Problems. collection available here, starting at $12

**GIVEAWAY: If you’re looking to add to your intimate apparel wardrobe, you’re in luck. I’ve partnered with Warner’s to give two readers a bra and panties set valued at approximately $55. Simply leave a comment below or Tweet me (@BrownGirlGumbo) telling me what’s more important to you when it comes to intimate apparel: comfort or style? The giveaway is only open to U.S residents. The winners will be randomly selected and notified via email on Tuesday July 21, 2015 (contest ends 11:59 pm July 20, 2015).