Back to School 2017 Collector's Bills

As everybody gets ready for Back to School, Swagbucks has a bonus for you in the form of Back to School Collector's Bills!  "Collector's Bills" are special designs that you win randomly while searching the web with Swagbucks' Yahoo-powered search engine. Collect all 6 and you get an additional SB Bonus! Once you've collected enough SB, you can redeem them for gift cards to stores like Amazon, PayPal Cash, and many more!

Here's all the information for this week's Collector's Bills:

Search the web through the Swagbucks search starting Monday, August 7th through Sunday, August 13th, and when you get a search win, you may get a special Collector’s Bill valued at either:

• 4 SB
• 6 SB
• 9 SB
• 11SB
• 18 SB
• 26 SB

When you get a Collector’s Bill you’ll receive the value of the bill and the bill will be added to your “Collector’s Bills” ledger. Collect all 6 Collector’s Bills and you’ll instantly earn a 20 SB Bonus!

Keep searching til you find them all!

There's a Dragon in my Closet - Children's Book Review & Giveaway! (2 Winners) (U.S.) Ends 8/21

About the book:
There’s a Dragon in My Closet tells the funny and engaging tale of a little boy who blames sweet surprises and mischievous behavior on an invisible, mysterious guest only he knows exists: the friendly, goofy, trouble making dragon that lives in his closet. Readers will appreciate the warm, loving relationship between the little boy and his dragon, as well as between the boy and his mother: a nurturer who gives her son space to let his imagination soar. The appearance of the dragon, big and powerful yet vulnerable, is a precious reveal that will leave readers rooting for the friendship and wondering if the animal is truly a figment of the little boy’s imagination.

There’s a Dragon in My Closet, lushly illustrated by renowned fine artist Charly Palmer, is a fitting picture book in the debut year of Denene Millner Books, as it fulfills the line’s mission to highlight the everyday stories of black children and families beyond the typical civil rights movement stories and slave narratives that dominate the genre. While the book’s themes of friendship and imagination are universal, There’s a Dragon in My Closet celebrates the humanity and everyday wonder of a character from a group that rarely finds space in children’s picture books: black boys.

Renowned fine artist Charly Palmer’s colorful illustrations bring to life Dorothea Taylor’s crackling prose, celebrating a little boy who blames sweet surprises and mischievous behavior on a mysterious guest only he thinks exists: the friendly, goofy, trouble making dragon in his closet. This inventive and engaging story highlights:

• The wonder of friendship and the power of imagination

• The importance of playful mischievousness on childhood development

• A lush, colorful, all-too-rare main African American male character reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats’s Peter

Charly Palmer is a nationally recognized fine artist whose work is in private and public collections, including the McDonald’s Corporation, the Coca-Cola Company, and Vanderbilt University.

"There’s a Dragon in My Closet is a hilarious and heartwarming salute to mischievous little boys and the imaginary friends who find giggles and create a few pickles on the most ordinary days." Dorothea Taylor runs an award-winning design studio, T.P. Design Inc.

My Review:
"There's a Dragon in My Closet" is a cute children's book with rhyming words, which makes it even cuter! I really like that the little boy in the book has brown skin, that's what my children call black people, or African Americans if you want to get technical. But I've said that a few times to people with brown skin, and they've personally told me that they aren't from Africa, nor are their descendants. Some of them are from England, America, and so on.

The little boy in the story has quite an imagination. As he has a dragon in his closet for sure! His dragon does naughty things, including eating a whole jar of cookies! That's when his mom grabs his hand and takes him upstairs to see if there really is a dragon in his closet! I will let you purchase the book to find out what happens!

GIVEAWAY!

Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form for a chance to Win your own copy of "There’s a Dragon in My Closet" children's book (2 Winners)! Giveaway is open to residents who live in the main 48 Continental United States only, 18 years of age or older. Sorry, no P.O. Boxes. Giveaway ends 8/21/2017.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received one copy of "There's a Dragon in my Closet" in exchange for my review and giveaway post. No other compensation was exchanged or received.

Saturday 8/5, Low Entry Giveaways!

Autographed copy of "Science of Parenthood" - book (2 Winners) (@3pm CST) - All 50 U.S. States - Crafty Mama in E *GT

Adjustable Salon Spa Massage Stool Swivel Rolling Chair with Metal Chrome Frame - U.S. - Texas Kitchen

Dr. Sharp Family Care Pack (Fresh Mint with Green Tea Toothpaste, Wild Berry Kids Toothpaste, Fresh Mint Mouthwash, and Green Tea Mint Dental Tape) - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

Big Fat Notebook Series (for middle schoolers) - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

TreeSmart Gift Pack (valued at $20.00) - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

NOW That's What I Call Music 63! CD - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

PINK SanDisk Cruzer Dial 32GB USB Flash Drive - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

One (1) reader will win a Greenville Meal Prep Bag Starter Kit and one (1) reader will win a 14-Piece Lunch Set with Insulated Lunch Bag & MyPlate Meal Prep Containers - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

Sphero SPRK + Robot - U.S. - Science Sparks *RC

Arctic Zero Voucher - U.S. - Love Jamie *RC


Over 250 Entries:
Neocell Ceramides Skin Hydrator (@10:59pm CST) - U.S. - Reviews, Chews & How-Tos *GT

Amazon Pepper Sauces (@10:59pm CST) - U.S. - From Val's Kitchen *GT

Swago: Back to School Shopping Edition

If you still haven't done your Mother's Day shopping, here's a way you can get paid for finding a great gift for the moms in your life.
   
Swagbucks is hosting another round of Shopping Swago! What is SWAGO you ask? It's a bingo-inspired promotion run by Swagbucks, a website that rewards you with points (called SB) for completing everyday online activities. You can redeem those SB for free gift cards. If you've never used Swagbucks, participating in SWAGO is a great introduction to the site and an easy way to earn a good amount of points quickly.

Click here to get started!

Here’s what you need to know to get your 200 SB Bonus (and don’t worry, you don’t have to make a purchase to complete a pattern):

• Shop Swago will begin on Monday, August 7th at 9am PT/12pm ET, make sure you hit “Join” otherwise you won’t get credit for completing the action items. Each square on your Swago Board will contain an action item to complete.
• Once you complete the action item in a particular square the square will change color signifying the action item is complete.
• You have a limited amount of time to mark off as many squares as possible so use your time wisely.
• Be mindful of the patterns and their corresponding bonuses located on the right of your Swago Board. The patterns will vary in difficulty and bonus value.
• Once you’ve achieved a pattern the corresponding “Submit” button will light up. You can have multiple patterns available for submission, however, you can only submit ONE pattern so choose wisely.
• The game ends Thursday, August 10th at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT. So make sure to hit “Submit” on the pattern you wish to submit. If you don’t hit “Submit” before the game ends you won’t receive your SB bonus. 

Also, if you sign up through me this month, you'll get a $10 rebate when you make your first purchase via Swagbucks Shopping! You can activate it in the "Swag Ups" area of "My Account"

Friday 8/4, Low Entry Giveaways!

$50 Gymboree gift card - U.S. - Little Style File *IG

MARVEL Live - 4 tickets (Choice of the 7 p.m. show on August 11, 2017 in Oakland OR the 7 p.m. show on August 17, 2017 in San Jose, CA.) - The Simple Moms *RC

LEGO brick set of the Snapology Mascot Sebastian Gator - Main 48 U.S. States - Everyday Mom Ideas *RC

The Chalk Artist - book (2 Winners) - U.S. - World of my Imagination *RC


Over 250 Entries:
Serafina and the Splintered Heart Prize Pack - U.S. - Mother Daughter & Sons Book Review *RC

All Saints - Movie Preview and Two Fandango Codes to See the Movie, Giveaway! (U.S.) CLOSED #AllSaintsMovie #AllSaintsL3

Disclosure: As a Featured Contributor of Sony’s ALL SAINTS Influencer Program, I received the value of two movie tickets in exchange for an honest review on my blog. 

About the movie:
ALL SAINTS is based on the inspiring true story of salesman-turned-pastor Michael Spurlock (John Corbett), the tiny church he was ordered to shut down, and a group of refugees from Southeast Asia. Together, they risked everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.

Themes:
- Faith
- Hope
- Community
- Church
- Theatrical Release

ALL SAINTS is a story/movie about a church full of people coming together by turning the church land into a farm. It's a great example of responding to what God puts in front of you. It's about loving all people. The movie was made in Smyrna, Tennessee! This movie is also based on a true story! This movie is a great testimony to God's love for us. It shows us if we believe in Him, he will provide for us. I am learning this as I go through life. The more I put my trust in Him, the more he provides for me and my family. I always have enough money for my family and myself, and then some. So I use it to help others when I can. I give of myself to others, no questions asked. I help my neighbor with food, etc. when they've needed it. I in turn, have asked her for small favors. I always have enough of what I need, because of my love and belief for God.

All Saints is a Must See movie for everyone, no matter whether your a Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, everyone should see this movie! ALL SAINTS will release in theaters nationwide on Friday, 8/25/17. From Sony Pictures, "All Saints" is rated PG and is recommended for children ages ten and up. Check out the official film site: http://www.allsaintsmovie.com/ where you can buy tickets, access video, photos, downloads, news, theaters and more!


BONUS BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE:

All Saints: The Heart of the Movie (4 Minutes)




All Saints: John Corbett Decisions




The Pastors of All Saints - Watch this one for sure!




The Miracles of All Saints





All Saints Movie Trailer:

Click HERE to download Discussion Guides, Student Discussion Guides, Inserts for Church Bulletins, and more!

GIVEAWAY!

Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form for a chance to Win Two Fandango Codes to see the "All Saints" movie! Giveaway is open to everyone in All 50 U.S. States, 18 years of age or older. Giveaway ends 8/18/17 at 9:00pm CST.

Entry-Form

Thursday 8/3, Low Entry Giveaways!

Big Little Lies on DVD + Digital HD (@12noon) - U.S. - Be Your Best Mom

10 Revolution Food coupons for FREE Dinner Hero kits (@11pm CST) - U.S. - New and Natural Mom *GT

$25 GC to Crazy 8 - U.S. - Blonde Mom Blog

Hardcover copy of THE LATE SHOW, the new mystery novel by Michael Connelly - All 50 U.S. States - One Thrifty Reader

Print copy of "One Fell Down" (U.S./Can.) or 1 e-copy (International) - Rockin' Book Reviews *RC


Over 250 Entries:
Dishcloth Dresses and More Dishcloth Dresses - U.S./CAN - Underground Crafter *RC

Six (6) Expresco ProSticks vouchers - U.S. - The Naptime Reviewer *RC

Wednesday 8/2, Low Entry Giveaways!

Unforgettable Movie on DVD (2 Winners) (@12pm noon) - U.S. - Be Your Best Mom

Blind Date with a Book (@10:59pm CST) - Worldwide - Reviews, Chews & How Tos *GT

Subscription to Family Circle Magazine - U.S. - Okay Mother *GL

5 Pints Artic Zero 150 Calorie/Pint Ice Cream - All 50 U.S. States - Burnt Apple

Faithful Workouts 1-Year Membership to f4 Plan - All 50 U.S. States - Life is what it's Called *RC

Every Mile Mattered CD from Nichole Nordeman - U.S. - Brenda Loves Sharing *RC

One pack of Mabel's Label's for Back to School - All 50 U.S. States - We Got the Funk *RC


Over 250 Entries:
"The Women in the Castle" by Jessica Shattuck - book - U.S. - Reviewed by Mom *RC

"Don't Go To School" by Maire Zepf (hardcover children's book) - U.S. - Reviewed By Mom *RC

 AmazonFresh $100 credit - U.S. - Averie Cooks

The August Referral Bonus (U.S.A.)

It may almost be the end of Summer, but you can still earn big bonuses at Swagbucks, a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching, watching videos, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, Target, or PayPal cash.

When you sign up through me this month, you can earn a $3 bonus! Here's how:

1. Sign up using this link

2. Earn 300 SB total before 9/1/17. You'll get a $3 (300 SB) bonus for it!

3. That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned so many Swagbucks that I've been able to trade them in for amazon gift codes to help with birthday presents, Christmas, and more!

Tuesday 8/1, Low Entry Giveaways!

Gummibär Lunch Bag Bundle (includes 1 yellow lunch bag, pen, pencil, notebook, and 3 gummy bear stickers chosen at random) (@3pm EST) - U.S. - Gummy Bear Shop

Pair of Adidas Jaysor Sport Essentials sunglasses (MSLP $139.00) - All 50 U.S. States - Getting Travel On

Wall Pops! Wall Art Kit in Tika - Main 48 U.S. States only - Finch N Wren *GT

"The Stuff of Family Life" by Michelle Janning - U.S. - Reviewed By Mom *RC


Over 250 Entries:
Convention Survival Kit - All 50 U.S. States - Outside the Box Mom *RC

Assortment of Amazon Pepper Sauces - U.S. - My Serendipity Life *RC

SIGNED Paperback copy of INCONCEIVABLE! by Tegan Wren - U.S. - *RC

Print galley of ROYALLY ROMA, by Teri Wilson - All 50 U.S. States - Books I Think You Should Read *GL

NuNaturals Sugar Free Prize Pack ($70 value) (4 Winners) - Worldwide - Luv Saving Money *GL

Convention Survival Pack From Comet TV - U.S. - Outside the Box Mom *RC

Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine: The Friendship Tour 2017 - Nashville, TN, Giveaway! - Ends 8/9 #DayOutWithThomas

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: THE FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2017 IS PULLING INTO the Tennessee Central Railway Museum FOR THOMAS & FRIENDS MOST EXCITING YEAR YET!

ENJOY A DAY OF FAMILY FUN WITH THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE™ AT THE TENNESSEE CENTRAL RAILWAY MUSEUM  -  SEPTEMBER  2nd, 3rd, 9th, & 10th

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to join him for a day of friendship and family fun at Day Out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017. Children everywhere can spend a day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Nashville on September 2, 3, 9, 10, 2017. Day Out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 is presented by Mattel.

Day Out with Thomas is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends™ themed activities. The tour, now in its 22nd year, will make 42 stops across the U.S. and Canada, and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2017. For two back-to-back weekends, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25-minute ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends fun.

In celebration of this year’s theme, Day Out With Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 will feature an array of friendship-inspired activities. Attendees will be able to participate in events that encourage and celebrate friendship including photo opportunities, crafts, and a fun activity that invites kids to collect passport stamps throughout the day to receive a trio of Day Out With Thomas friendship bracelets. The 2017 tour theme is in line with this year’s Thomas & Friends global brand campaign, ‘Set Friendship in Motion’ - a campaign that ties together content, social integrations, and event activations across the entire Thomas & Friends franchise to highlight the importance of first friendships and the development of key friendship skills in toddlers.

Here are some photos of our Day Out with Thomas from 2013:

Thomas the Tank Engine rides depart every hour on the hour, rain or shine. Departure times begin at 9:00a.m. through 4:00p.m. each day of the event. Tickets for Day Out with Thomas are $20 plus tax for ages two and up.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketweb.com/dowt or by calling toll-free 866.468.7630. For more information and directions, contact the Tennessee Central Railway Museum at 615-244-9001 or TCRY.ORG.

For general information about the tour or to find a Day Out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 event near you, visit www.dayoutwiththomas.com.

About THE XXXX RR
The Tennessee Central Railway Museum is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that promotes the history of railroading and passenger train travel. The museum operates theme based excursion that are both fun and educational.

Here are some Thomas and Friends Coloring and Activity sheets:
- Thomas
- Percy
- Belle
- Thomas Puzzle
- Sir Topham Hat Puzzle

*It is advised to arrive an hour ahead of departure time to park, pick up tickets and board Thomas The Tank.  Of course, feel to arrive earlier and stay later to enjoy all the Day out with Thomas activities.

Connect with the Tennessee Central Railway on Facebook!

Connect with Thomas & Friends on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends

Twitter @ThomasFriends

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/thomasandfriends

GIVEAWAY!

Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form for a chance to Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to attend the Day Out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 at Nashville Tennessee's Central Railway Museum. (Tickets will be for Sunday, September 3rd after 1:00p.m.) You must live in or near Nashville, TN

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received a family 4 pack of tickets for my family and I to attend the Day Out with Thomas event in exchange for my giveaway post. No other compensation was exchanged or received.

Monday 7/31, Low Entry Giveaways!

Family Four Pack of Tickets to Endangered the Musical in NYC (@10:59pm CST) - NYC - Says Me Says Mom *GT

$10 Amazon.com Gift Code - All 50 U.S. States/CAN - One Thrifty Reader

The Bakery Fabrics - Doll Panels (2 Winners) - U.S - xoxo Grandma

Polka Dotted All The Things $100 Gift Card - U.S. - Polka Dotted All the Things Boutique *GT

Pickles and Ice Cream Pregnancy Cookbook - U.S. - Mommy Has to Work *RC

Girls:  The Complete Sixth Season Blu-ray - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

Arthur: Brothers and Sisters DVD - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

July NCircle DVD Gift Pack - U.S. - Lynchburg TN Mama *GT

Minnie’s Happy Helpers DVD - U.S. - A New Dawnn *RC

$50 Gift Card to Mixology - U.S. - Alicia Tenise *RC

Every Mile Mattered CD - All 50 U.S. States - Try It-Like It *RC


Over 250 Entries:
$300 tool backup Sump Pump from Base Products Corporation - U.S. - Raise Your Garden

Pair of shoes from KidsShoes.com - U.S. - Go Grow Go *RC

Unforgettable Blu-ray (3 Winners) - U.S. - The Social Gurl *RC

Summer Vacation Journal & 1 responsibility and motivation chore chart from The Victoria Chart Company - U.S. - Parenting in Progress *GL

Jewelry Item (Winner's Choice) Giveaway! (Worldwide) Ends TONIGHT!

Enter Here for a chance to Win ONE Jewelry Item (Winner's choice) from The Crafty Little Gnome Etsy shop! 

Giveaway is open to Everyone, Worldwide!

Giveaway ends TONIGHT at midnight!

Here are some of the Beautiful Jewelry Items that you can choose from below!

Sunday 7/30, Low Entry Giveaways!

$10 Chili’s Gift Card - U.S. - GayNYCDad

“Spire” Mindfulness and Activity Tracker (MSRP $130) - U.S. - GayNYCDad

D23Expo Souvenirs - U.S. - GayNYCDad

Collectible Darth Vader Disney Infinity Figure for 3.0 - U.S. - GayNYCDad

Family Guy: Stewie & Lois Building Figures! From Knex  - U.S. - GayNYCDad

Thirty-One All-day Organizing Tote - U.S. - Melissa McClone

Family 4-pack to The Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA - Southern CA residents - Kids Guide Magazine

$50 Fayfaire Giftcard - U.S. - Young Love Mommy *RC

Nichole Nordeman - Every Mile Mattered CD - U.S. - A Delightful Glow *RC

A Day Late and a Dollar Short - book - All 50 U.S. States - The Book Bag *RC

Two bottles of SmartyPants vitamins *IG


Over 250 Entries:
$15 Burger King Gift Card - U.S. - GayNYCDad

My Book of Beautiful Oops! and a kid’s artist kit including smock, paintbrushes, and palette - U.S. - As the Bunny Hops

Yard art spray chalk - Canada - Create with Mom *RC