I can let you in on a little secret that I know, too.  Boon has some brand new bath toys coming SOON.  If you have a Facebook profile, you can join Boon’s Fan Page and get a sneak peak.  Stay tuned for more…

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We also have a pair of Betty’s, which unfortunately, the little lady has just grown out of.  These shoes got a lot of wear and were easily one of our favorites based on comfort and style.

Vincent is offering 50% off on ALL regular priced items through tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16th.  So, I can easily purchase Betty in a bigger size and we’re all set for the Spring.  Although, there are so many ridiculously cool styles to choose from, I may go with something different, since I already know the comfort and quality craftsmanship is there.  Here is what you need to know to get your 50% off:

*Enter coupon code HOLIDEAL at checkout

As much as I want you to stay and mill around on my site, I MUST tell you to get over to Vincent Shoes online and take your pick from their many styles of babies and kids shoes.  While you’re there, check out their Closeout Cubby for up to 75% of select styles.  The pickin’s are getting slim, so don’t wait around for too long!  (Click the button below to be taken to the Cubby)

*The special 50% off deal above cannot be used with items listed in the Closetout Cubby sale.

Also, ground shipping is FREE on orders of $75 (net after promotional discount) and up.

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As you know, with the holidays comes snacking, snacking and more snacking.  Cookies, candy canes, fudge, you name it.  If you go to someone’s house around the holidays, there is sure to be something to snack on.  All the more reason to remember to BRUSH. YOUR. TEETH.

That being said, we’d like to help.  Oral-B has teamed up with us to offer two lucky readers either an Oral-B Pulsonic Sonic Toothbrush or an Oral-B Triumph

Here are the details of the Oral-B Pulsonic Sonic Toothbrush:

• Sonic technology: With more than 27,000 vibrations per minute to drive them, Pulsonic’s bristles clean and promote naturally whiter teeth
• Thin Precision bristles: Promote naturally whiter teeth by gently polishing off surface stains
• Professional timer: Subtle two-minute timer with 30-second intervals makes it easy to track how long you’ve been brushing each quadrant of your mouth and helps you reach the dental expert-recommended brushing time
• Two customized brushing modes
  • Clean: Provides effective plaque removal and cleaning of your teeth
  • Sensitive: Offers gentle care of your gums and other sensitive areas
• Exclusive custom brush head design
  • Pulsonic Brush Head: Contours your teeth to provide an effective clean while remaining gentle on teeth and gums
  • Precision Tip Brush Head: Cleans between teeth in hard-to-reach areas—where stains start—and is also ideal for cleaning around dental work with its Interspace® design
• Rechargeable: No need to replace batteries

With more than 27,000 gentle sonic vibrations per minute, Pulsonic’s bristles clean and promote naturally whiter teeth while allowing maximum maneuverability and control with the slim and lightweight handle design.

Here are the details of the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide Toothbrush:

• Improves gum health: Helps prevent and reverse gingivitis
• Provides ultimate plaque removal
• Delivers superior teeth whitening and polishing action in 21 days*
• Penetrates between teeth to sweep away plaque for a floss-like clean**
• Helps reduce excessive brushing force, which can lead to gum recession, by up to 88% in only 30 days†
• Helps you brush for two minutes

The Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide is the first and only power toothbrush that uses a wireless digital display to help improve your brushing habits. It also has sensor to tell you if you’re brushing too hard and alerts you when it’s time to change the brush head

To enter: leave a comment on this giveaway post (comment section is located below the post, under “Category” and “Tags”.  In your entry comment, let us know if you have ever used an electronic toothbrush and if so, which brand?

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Friday, December 19, 2008 at midnight PST. Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

*You may include your choice of the Pulsonic Sonic toothbrush or the Triumph w/ SmartGuide in your entry if you’d like, but winners will be chosen at random.

*Please note: We cannot guarantee that the toothbrushes will arrive on time for Christmas

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Our winner has been notified via email

Yesterday was a day just like any other, really.  Nothing out of the ordinary happened at all.  Woke up, started working, talked to Patrick Dempsey.

Hmm?  Patrick?  Yeah, just Patrick Dempsey.  No biggie.

How did the conversation go?  You really want to know?  I mean, because really, it’s not a big deal at all.  Me and Patrick are like “this” (do the whole, cross your fingers thing - yeah, that one).

Ok, so you really want to know what we talked about?  This is kind of silly because I mean, geez, we get on like any other regular buddies do.  Alright, you’ve pulled my arm.

So, I called up Patrick.  Yeah, I have his number.  Although, he really ought to let up on the security over the phone…making me “announce” myself and give a “passcode” and whatnot.  Come on now Patrick!  Is all of that really necessary?

I digress.  I called him up and we made small talk.  Of course, he’s such a popular guy, he had to mute me on occasion to accept a delivery at his door and oh, that pesky call waiting of his.  We must have been interrupted by other callers a million times.  Anyway, I called him up because he’s got this fantastic new fragrance with Avon called “Unscripted” and I just HAD to talk to him first-hand about it.  Here was our conversation, in a nutshell:

Me: Hey Patrick!  How are ya?  How are Jillian and the kids?  Gosh, it’s been so long!  Are you all ready for the holidays?  I’d love to drop by again soon, I have gifts for the kids.

Patrick:  Hey Aims!  Good to hear from you!  The family is doing great.  Man, when was the last time we spoke?  My goodness, has it been that long?  Gifts for the kids?  Oh, you SHOULDN’T have!  You’re the best, Aims.

Me: So, Patrick!  Tell me ALL ABOUT Unscripted!  I’m just so THRILLED for you!  It must have been something, designing this lovely scent from start to finish.  It’s just so…unexpected!  I just couldn’t be happier for you!

Patrick: Yes, well, it has been amazing being involved in the entire process.  I love the scent, I wear it every day.  I’m so glad to hear that Eric likes it!  I really had him in mind when choosing the layers, including the black pepper in the top layer and the lavender in the middle - come on, Aims, I knew  that you’d love that one!  And of course the finishing touches of musk, vetiver and patchouli.  This scent is really all about following your passion.

Me: Well, Patrick, you have really hit the nail on the head with Unscripted.  I can imagine there will be a lot of great smelling men and their very pleased ladies after they get a bottle of your new fragrance in their hands.  I hate to cut our conversation short, really, I do!  But I must get going now.  Tell the family hello and lets not wait so long to chat again, shall we?

So, really, that was the jist of our conversation.  Interestingly enough, I was blog-hopping earlier and came across some other ladies who apparently also decided to put their call in to Patrick right around the time that I did.  Like Beth from I Should Be Folding Laundry, Arianne from To Think is To Create, Steph from Adventures in Babywearing, Michelle from Scribbit, Janice from 5 Minutes for Mom, Trisha from MomDot, Katja from Skimbaco Lifestyle, Kim from Jogging in Circles and Maria of Blue Suit Mom.

Hmm?  You visit their blogs too?  Oh, alright.  You caught my bluff.  We were all on the call with Patrick together.  Rain on my parade, why don’t ya?  Oh well.  A girl can dream, can’t she?  Thanks to Maria for making this call happen and including all of us star-struck bloggers (who, by the way, Patrick really appreciates!).

We have some McDreaminess to share with you.  How would you like to surprise your man (or men, surprise your women?) with Patrick’s brand new fragrance, Unscripted?  Here’s your chance.

To enter to win a bottle of Unscripted, leave a comment on this post.  In your entry comment, tell me what YOU would ask Patrick about Unscripted if you had the opportunity to sit down and chat with him.  Please keep it tasteful and related to Patrick’s involvement with Unscripted.  I know, I know, I’m asking a lot of you.  Believe me.  I know.

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at midnight PST. Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

**We also have a free standard shipping code for all of you:

Promo Code - JINGLE30
Expires – 1/31/09

Good for free standard shipping with a $30 order when you shop with an Avon eRepresentative

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Our winner has been notified via email

The Children’s Place is a store that I think of when I want bright, colorful clothing for my little girl.  I have never been disappointed with the quality and I have owned many different outfits and outerwear from their collection.  Most recently, a certain 3 year old that I know received a couple of outfits from The Children’s Place for her birthday; like the yoga babydoll top, yoga pants, the shine heart hoodie and these fleece pants.  And, since potty training is in order at our house, she can’t always wear one-piece footie jammies.   So, these adorable monkey pj’s work perfectly.

I could drop a ton of links back to The Children’s Place right now because there are so many cute things to choose from but I’d rather give you the chance to head to a store near you or click over to their online store and do some shopping withe the two $30 gift cards we have up for grabs.

To enter: leave a comment on this giveaway post (comment section is located below the post, under “Category” and “Tags”.  In your entry comment, let us know if you win these two gift cards, valued at $30 each, if you will spend them on your own kiddo or if you will give one or both of them as a gifts.

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at midnight PST. Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

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*Take me back to the Holiday Giveaway Guide so I can enter more giveaways!
*Hosting a giveaway or posting a gift guide at your site?  Make sure you link to it on Mr. Linky HERE
*Do you “Twitter“?  We’d just adore you if you would “Tweet” about this giveaway!

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I’ve never been one to follow a weight-loss program. I suppose that could be why I have the weight concerns that I do today. Although, I have become increasingly more interested in the Weight Watchers program. I recently discovered that they have some pretty neat online tools to make balancing your eating habits a pretty simple task. I’m all about the simple.

Weight Watchers now has this “Snack Widget” that you can get for your desktop or embed into your website, which allows you to simply type in a snack food that you want and the widget will produce a variety of Weight Watchers snacks to choose from instead.

Check it out for yourself here:

You can get this widget HERE.

You can find Weight Watchers on Facebook (I just became a fan) where they offer free recipes and great weight watching tips. You can also find a lot of great healthy eating information on their website HERE.

Like I said, the closer we get to celebrating the holidays, the harder it is to eat sensibly when you’re faced with all of those fabulous goodies.  Keep Weight Watchers in mind when you head out to that next holiday party.  Know that they have a great online resource that you can turn to when you need a boost in confidence and some healthy eating tips.

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Our winner has been notified via email

I fully admit, I am caught up in the prettiness and sleekness of the expensive Apple and Microsoft mp3 players but hey, it is really just about the music, right?  You really don’t have to spend a ton of money on an mp3 player to be able to listen to your favorite tunes.

For instance, the Omnitech mp3 player (pictured above) retails for $39.99.  It’s small, so it’s easy to use while you’re exercising.  If you’re anything like me, occasionally dropping or banging electronic gadgets, you’d be more likely to use something small and lightweight while on the treadmill.  This Omnitech mp3 player fits the bill.  Here are the features:

* MP3 power at a fantastic value
* Available in 2GB (Blue)
* Provides up to eight hours of playback time
* Includes FM radio tuner/recorder along with voice recorder and 1.0” screen for easy viewing and navigating
* Available in Staples retail locations beginning Holiday 2008

Lucky for you or the person you would gift it to, we’re giving one of these Omnitech mp3 players away.

To enter: leave a comment on this giveaway post (comment section is located below the post, under “Category” and “Tags”.  In your entry comment, let us know if you win this mp3 player, if it’s for you or if you will give it as a gift.

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at midnight PST. Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

Psst: Eric is giving ANOTHER one of these mp3 players away over at CanYouSeeTheSunset.com
Grab some fun Christmas tunes while you’re there to put on your player if you end up winning!

*While you’re waiting to hear if you’ve won, check out Staples “Gift it for Free” sweepstakes going on now until December 24th.  10,000 winners!

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*Take me back to the Holiday Giveaway Guide so I can enter more giveaways!
*Hosting a giveaway or posting a gift guide at your site?  Make sure you link to it on Mr. Linky HERE
*Do you “Twitter“?  We’d just adore you if you would “Tweet” about this giveaway!

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The rules are pretty cut and dry.

Make a purchase (or multiple purchases) at a Staples retail store or Staples online between November 16, 2008 and December 24, 2008 (by 11:59 PM EST).

Go to www.giftitforfree.com and enter the special code from your Staples receipt or from your online confirmation code.

If you are a Staples Rewards Member, you don’t even have to take the extra step to enter - as you are entered once automatically for each time you use your Rewards card within the promotion period.

You can enter as many times as you’d like, as long as you have a valid code to enter.  For example, if you shop one day, you enter the code from that receipt.  If you happen to forget something and have to go back, you can center the code from that receipt too.  Boom.  There you go.  TWO entries.

I personally can think of MANY things that could be purchased at Staples for myself or for gifts.  These are some products that I like or recommend:

The TomTom One 130 Portable GPS - I’m HOT for a GPS right now!

A Staples Loft Leather Executive Chair - because I work from home and could really use a nice office chair

Omnitech 8.5″ Digital Picture Frame - because my digital picture frame is not working.  : (

The Epson Artisan 800 injet All-in-One - Oh, that’s right.  I have one.  what’s that?  Oh yes!  We’re giving one away HERE.  Silly me.

Apple 16GB iPod Nano - I want. I want. I want. I want!

Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera - Oh, how I would love to have a brand new Rebel!

Ok, so I’m getting a little carried away.  Honestly though, If I knew I could be one of ten THOUSAND people that would receive my purchases for FREE, I wouldn’t feel so bad dropping all of this cash on myself.  I’m sitting here, talking myself into things…hmmm.

Anyway, just wanted to give you all a “heads up” about this sweet sweepstakes.  Here are some links, so you can gather up all of the information you need before you head out to a Staples near you or click over and shop online.  If you enter, GOOD LUCK!  Not that you need it.  TEN THOUSAND WINNERS up to $5,000 bucks each?!  Hello?!

Staples Gift it for Free website

Official Rules - because this isn’t a ParentSphere sweepstakes, it’s Staples.

Gift it For Free FAQs

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Our winner has been notified via email

We’ve been playing around with the V-Motion for several months and have lovingly deemed it our “Vii” or “Wii for kids”.  This educational gaming system is geared toward the 3-7 year old age range.  Our three year old easily grasps the concept of moving the controller up and down or side to side to get the characters to move where she wants them to go.

It’s all pretty simple, really.  Place one of the Smartridges (over 40 popular titles to choose from) into the V-Motion, start up the game.  Watch your child move and play.  When he or she is done playing, take the V.Link (like a USB flash drive) and plug it into your PC’s USB port.  Track your child’s progress and scores and access more online games at VSmileLink.com.

We’re giving away a V-Motion along with two popular game titles: Wall-E and Wonder Pets

To enter: leave a comment on this giveaway post (comment section is located below the post, under “Category” and “Tags”.  In your entry comment, let us know if you own any VTech products and if so, which one(s).

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Friday, December 12, 2008 at midnight PST. Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

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*Take me back to the Holiday Giveaway Guide so I can enter more giveaways!
*Hosting a giveaway or posting a gift guide at your site?  Make sure you link to it on Mr. Linky HERE
*Do you “Twitter“?  We’d just adore you if you would “Tweet” about this giveaway!

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Yeah, I know this post comes a little on the late side, but there was turkey day and all last week. I do find myself asking why am I trying to do this around the holidays? Trying to do this amongst the eating and drinking extravaganzas otherwise known as Thanksgiving and Christmas is a good way to end up being miserable or getting frustrated and quitting. I know I often feel that way, but, at least for now, I’ve made it through. I took a few days off early in the week, but stretched out the rest of my runs and ended up with 12 miles jogged during week 3. It all, however, seems to be adding up to a whole lot of weight loss stagnation and frustration.

Even though I’m “trying” to eat “better” I’m not really doing such a good job at it. Heck, I had a whole bunch of Red vines today and that’s not helping anything. Do you have any tips for me and the rest of the readers out there? It’s not as if I don’t know what and how much I should be eating, I just don’t seem to be making it happen. Let’s give it another go in week 4. Anyhow, here are the totals:

Weekly Weight Loss: -2.6 lbs
Total Weight Loss: -5.6 lbs

Prior Dad On the Run Posts:
Introduction
Week 1
Week 2

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