Current Giveaways at Reviews by Cole
Fri, November 30 2012
- Lilla Rose Ends May 24
- $200 PayPal Cash Ends June 3
- $100 Cash Ends June 5
- Mohawk Rug Ends June 6
- Giant Microbe of your choice Ends June 18
Tagged: current
Categorized: Giveaways, site
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Gourmet Brownies Giveaway
Sat, May 25 2013
Organized by Adventure Into Domesticland
Sponsored by Bombshell Brownie Co.
I don’t know about you, but I love brownies. I just made a big batch last week, which I was able to share with friends, whom I can only assume also love brownies. If there’s one thing that I like slightly better than brownies, it’s not having to make them myself. I mean, sure, I love to lick the spoon after mixing them up. In fact, I might call that one of the better parts of being an adult, seriously. But having someone else make brownies for me or being able to order them from a company like Bombshell Brownie Co. provides me with all the deliciousness and none of the effort. What’s not to love about that?
Plus, I can’t lie, I’m not that great of a chef. I’m unlikely to make any of the awesome flavors that this company offers.
3 Winners!
Each gets to pick 3 gourmet/premium flavor brownies.
For a full list of flavors visit Bombshell Brownie Co.
Alice from Adventure Into Domesticland got to taste the ones below, read her review!
Giveaway ends June 25th at 11:59 pm PST. Open to the USA. Each winner receives 3 gourmet/ premium flavor brownies of their choice and shipping cost are covered. $26 value per winner. Winners are chosen at random by random.org. and will be notified via email, be given 48 hours to respond (or another winner will be chosen). To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below.
Tagged: Categorized: Reviews Commented: No Comments
$100 in Night Owl Paper Goods Gift Card Giveaway
Wed, May 22 2013
Welcome to the Night Owl Giveaway Event
Hosted by Budget Earth & A Spectacled Owl
Sponsored by Night Owl Paper Goods
Do you struggle to find the perfect stationary? How about fun and unique cards for just about any holiday? If so, we think you will love Night Owl Paper Goods. Unlike many other stationary and card shops online, they focus on making items that are not only adorable and unique, but eco-friendly as well. We all know that I love everything cute and cuddly, so these products appeal to my inner kid. I especially love all the animals designs. All of their items are made from recycled materials, allowing you to give something fun to your favorite someone without hurting the environment. They are the perfect way to say “I love you” to parents, announce the birth of a new baby, or invite everyone to your wedding in memorable style.
While Night Owl Paper Goods makes amazing gifts, they are also a great way to spoil yourself. They sell some of the most adorable notebooks, recipe cards, and other items online, allowing you to spoil yourself with amazing products that are unlike anything else your friends own. I’m not into scrapbooking, but Night Owl has supplies for that and other DIY projects, too. To learn more about Night Owl Paper Good, make sure to check out Susan’s Night Owl Paper Good’s review on Budgetearth.com.
Now, for the fun part! We are working with Budget Earth & A Spectacled Owl to bring you this awesome Night Owl Paper Good’s Giveaway! We are giving away $100 in gift cards, allowing 4 lucky readers the chance to have a mini shopping spree at Night Owl! That’s right, you can purchase whatever you want from the site if you win one of these gift cards.To learn more, make sure to read the information below and then enter the Rafflecopter. Good luck everyone!
Night Owl Giveaway
- 4 Winners will receive One $25 Gift Card each to Night Owl Paper Goods
- Open to US & Canada.
- Winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter via Random.org.
- Giveaway ends June 12th at 11:59 pm EST.
- Winner will be notified through email.
- Winner will have 48 hours to respond before new winner is chosen.
- Must be 18 Years or Older to Enter Rafflecopter.
- Entering the Rafflecopter means you agree to terms above.
- If you have any questions, feel free to email budgetearth@gmail.com
- Good Luck!
Disclosure: Reviews by Cole did not receive monetary compensation for this review and giveaway, and is not responsible for prize shipment. All opinions may differ from other blogs in this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and all social networks are in no way associated with this giveaway.
Tagged: group events, night owl, paper good, stationery Categorized: Giveaways Commented: Comments Off
Mike’s Hard Black Cherry Lemonade Frozen
Tue, May 21 2013
MIKE’S HARD LEMONADE New Products
If you’ve been to Wal-mart lately, you might have noticed some displays of individually-wrapped alcohol pouches. There’s several brands, including Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Each is less than $2 and provides you with a serving of light alcohol. Think Capri Sun for adults.
Actually, you’re supposed to pop these pouches in your freezer for a couple hours. The one package I read said five, but another brand in the store said eight, so you’ll want to check depending upon the brand. After freezing, break up the ice into a slushie-like consistency with your hands and enjoy.
Here’s the good news: the Hard Black Cherry flavor is delicious. It’s like dessert and very similar to Kool-aid. The low alcohol content won’t get you drunk, but the ice will cool you off. A single pouch makes about a tall Solo cup full of alcohol, which is probably several servings when you factor in sugar and calories. The official site has yet to add information about these products, but you might want to consider them a treat rather than something you suck down constantly.
There’s bad news, though. The frozen hard lemonade and similar products get quite thick if you actually freeze them. Like, you need a spoon to eat them. You could add some water, I suppose, or simply not freeze them quite so much. This is something that you can potentially overcome. However, there’s a desired thickness that you’ll have to practice finding with trial and error, which means this product isn’t quite as convenient as it could be.
Still, for less than $2 per pouch, Mike’s Hard Black Cherry Lemonade Frozen is a nice break from the normal, and I expect to enjoy a few more this summer.
Tagged: alcohol, frozen, mike's hard lemonade Categorized: Food, Reviews Commented: No Comments
I Got HPV In the Mail AKA Giant Microbes [Review + Giveaway]
Mon, May 20 2013
Ever since I first saw Giant Microbes, I thought they were adorable. You see, this company is making plushies out of common bugs, viruses, ailments and other creepy crawlies that are so small that you couldn’t possibly seem them with the naked eye. So, the name “Giant Microbes” doesn’t necessarily mean giant toys They’re just infinitely larger than the real thing.
norovirus
When I got the opportunity to work with this company to write the review and giveaway, I began scouring the site for original-sized microbes, as my sister calls them, “germs.” They’re divided into groups such as:
- maladies
- venereals
- critters
- exotics
- and aquatics
I wound up choosing HPV. It was really between that Giant Microbe and Norovirus. While waterbear is super cute, it was out of stock. So, you might not be familiar with every one of the germs or viruses available from the site, there’s plenty of options.
Now, the designs aren’t exactly carbon copies of the viruses, but some of them are pretty close. Take a look at the Google image search for waterbear, which looks an awful lot like the plush version. HPV is grey with darker spots. It’s pretty cute. It’s so cute in fact, that my sister stole one from me. I still have another left, but I’m sad to lose HPV. It’s also kind of weird to say that I gave HPV to my sister, but I plan to toss my Giant Microbe to people as they enter and be all “Hey! I gave you HPV.”
The quality is topnotch. The sewing and eyes are quality, while it doesn’t shed. The stuffing is soft and squishy enough to sleep with, which you may want to do. The fur is soft on these plushies, too. The filling isn’t beans or stiff like some stuffed animals. All in all, I really like the quality.
Each comes with a tag that tells you a little bit more bout the virus, disease, etc in your hands. Try not to let your skin crawl!
The size isn’t huge. It actually reminds me of this line of plushies that card stores sold when I was in high school. The “original” size is around 6″, give or take an inche. Your microbe’s design will affect the size, of course.
While my sister enjoyed the fluffy HPV molecule, These would make great gifts for geeks and nerds. This is especially true for the mini ones, which come in little cardboard “petri dishes.” They’d be hilarious pranks. Not everyone has the right type of humor or smarts that works with Giant Microbes, but not everyone is cool enough to be my friend, either.
HPV in Petri Dish
Alternatively, Giant Microbes could be used to teach people about diseases and illnesses and how they spread. Keep some by your sink to encourage your kids to wash their hands. Or simply only allow them to play with a Giant Microbe after cleaning up. I’m sure you’re creative enough to think of something. In fact, the website has a helpful page about washing your hands.
Not only did Giant Microbes send me samples to try out, but they’re willing to send one of my readers here at Reviews by Cole any of the original sized giant microbes of their choice. This means you, lucky reader, could have your own awesome, Giant Microbe. Microbes available in this size include, but aren’t limited to:
- herpes
- brain cell
- chicken pox
- norovirus
- bed bug
- common cold
- mad cow
- sperm cell
- mono
- white blood cell
- and even yeast!
There’s many more available, however. You can have your pick.
If you’re going to buy one anyway, might I suggest the panorama. These come in little scenes in the background packaging, and they feature a sperm and egg right now. They just look so happy and.. fertile? Maybe you want something bigger than giant? GiganticMicrobes are what you need, then.
GiantMicrobes Sperm and Egg Panoramas
To enter for any Original GiantMicrobe in the $8- $10 range, use the PromoSimple form below.
Good luck!
Click here if the form doesn’t work.
Giveaway ends June 18. Open to US and Canadian residents.
Reviews by Cole is not responsible for prize shipping. Winner will be chosen by random.
Tagged: germs, giant microbes, plushies Categorized: Giveaways, Reviews Commented: 17 Comments
Giveaway Vs Giveaway
Sun, May 19 2013
So, folks, sometimes the Internet makes things harder. New words enter the vernacular. Suddenly, you have to capitalize “Internet” but not “word wide.” Hyphen usage, plurals and acronyms become all kinds of confusing. There’s always a little grey area during which words are quickly becoming common knowledge but the dictionaries have yet to add them. I’m a writer, I get it. I do.
However. But. Still. Nevertheless.
One thing bugs the crap out of me. It’s the misuse of “giveaway.” A giveaway is a noun, a thing. It’s the event. You plan and host a giveaway. You manage and advertise it. You always need another verb when you use the word “giveaway.” It’s always do something to or with “a giveaway.”
But what are you actually doing in a giveaway? You’re giving things away. To give away is the action. You are giving away a gift card, a card, some makeup or a game. You give it away. You give away but you never giveaway. If you can’t use the “a” before “giveaway,” then you need to give away.
Give it? Got it? Good!
Tagged: grammar, language, pet peeves Categorized: Et Cetera Commented: No Comments
Vipre Internet Security
Sat, May 18 2013
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vipre for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I was recently given the chance to try VIPRE Internet Security. While I hadn’t heard of the program before, I’m always interested in new ways to protect my computer. Prior to installing Vipre, I had been using Microsoft Security Essentials, which is free. However, it’s not the most effective way to protect your computer if you’re not as tech savvy as I am. Before this, I’ve used programs from both Kaskersky and Trend Micro, which I’ve reviewed here on this blog.
I went to the site to begin the download of the free trial and was immediately a little annoyed. Instead of just giving me a link, I had to enter my email and then check my inbox for the download link. However, it was fairly smooth sailing after that. The application started and it looked for conflicting programs. It detected what I had running and allowed me to uninstall it, which prompted a restart. It’s always nice when programs do this. After rebooting, the installer picked up again, and Vipre was on my computer within just a few moments.
Overview Screen
After installation, I launched the program. It has a crisp and clean interface that doesn’t seem to take up a lot of memory. Anti-virus programs can sometimes be resource hogs, so I appreciated this. Vipre works directly out of the box, and it definitely doesn’t have as many options as programs like Kaspersky. However, this might make it more user friendly. I went ahead and performed both a basic and in-depth scan. You can also custom scan specific locations on your folders. Of course, my computer had no infection, and even the longer scan only took several minutes. Of course, this process might take longer if your computer is less powerful than mine.
Vipre Scan Screen
Aside from being able to scan, Vipre offers several tools:
- a file eraser
- history cleanser
- and options to explore normally-hidden settings
Vipre Tools
The Manage tab is where you’ll want to head to see things such as scan reports, your quarantine, allowed programs, scan schedules and updates.
The home page will show you when your subscription expires and how many threats Vipre has protected you from. You can quickly edit settings or disable protection for specific parts of your system. For example, I changed the program to perform a daily quick scan using the Rapid Scan option because I think that once a week is too far in between for scans.
Unfortunately, not all is well with Vipre, but this isn’t necessarily the program at fault. For some reason, it blocked the email connection for only one of my email acocunts when I used Thunderbird. After determining that the program was at fault, I was able to disable protection to check my email. You can disable the entire program from the task bar, which is standard. The main screen allowed me to edit email settings. Unfortunately, there were very few settings available — just the ports and whether email and phishing protection was enabled. Because of this, I’m not sure why this email account was blocked, and I’ll have to keep email protection turned off if I continue to use Vipre.
Vipre Email Settings
Aside from this specific issue, Vipre has worked pretty well for me. I could foresee myself using it for some time; however, if you run into a similar issue with the email settings, you might want something that doesn’t cause conflicts. The easy-to-use interface is definitely a plus for anyone who’s not tech savvy. If you’re looking for a new anti-virus program, give it a try.
Tagged: Categorized: Reviews Commented: No Comments
Mohawk Carpet Giveaway
Fri, May 17 2013
Welcome to the Mohawk Carpet Giveaway Event
Hosted by Budget Earth & A Spectacled Owl
Sponsored by Mohawk Carpets
Are you considering redoing a room in your house or just recently purchased a home that needs some decorating TLC? Even worse, trying to figure out a way to add some color to a drab apartment without going against your leasing terms? Even though many of us don’t consider it, a great way to add color to a room and give it a new look is with a fun, colorful area carpet! Traditionally, area rugs were only used on hardwood floors, but today, you they can be used just about anywhere, allowing you to makeover just about any room in your home without spending a small fortune! This is exactly what Susan at Budget Earth did when she added a beautiful 5′ x 8′ Mohawk rug to her living room and office.
One of the best manufacturers in the United States that makes amazing and fashionable is Mohawk Carpet. This well known brand has been around for over 125 years and is still proud to be one of the few rug manufacturers that still makes rugs here in the United States. When you purchase from Mohawk, you are supporting jobs right here in the United States, without paying a ridiculous amount of money, and receiving high quality products. Want to see more of their carpets and see how they can help you redecorate your home on a budget? Check out Mohawk’s website to see their full selection of carpets which can be purchased at many well known retailers, including Macy’s, KOHLS, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, and many other well known retailers.
Ready to redecorate one of your rooms now? If so, we have a real surprise for you that could save you up to $100 on a new area rug! We are teaming up with Budget Earth and Mohawk Carpet to bring you this awesome Mohawk Carpet Giveaway, where one lucky ready will win a Mohawk home rug! Excited? So are we! Before entering the Rafflecopter, just make sure to read all the rules below! Remember, our hosts do check entries so make sure you follow the rules for your entries carefully!
Mohawk Carpet Giveaway Event
- 1 Winner will win a Mohawk Home Rug Size 5 x 8′ or smaller (up to $100 value).
- Open to US.
- Winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter via Random.org.
- Giveaway ends June 6th at 11:59 pm EST.
- Winner will be notified through email.
- Winner will have 48 hours to respond before new winner is chosen.
- Must be 18 Years or Older to Enter Rafflecopter.
- Entering the Rafflecopter Means You Agree to Terms Above.
- If you have any questions, feel free to email budgetearth@gmail.com
- Good Luck!
Disclosure: Reviews by Cole did not receive monetary compensation for this giveaway, and is not responsible for prize shipment. All opinions may differ from other blogs in this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and all social networks are in no way associated with this giveaway.
Tagged: group events, mohawk, rug Categorized: Giveaways Commented: 2 Comments
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I'm Cole, a 20 something female newely returned to Central Wisconsin after my divorce. I review products in my free time. I also enjoy reading (fantasy), TV and movies (sci fi), music (mainly rock and metal), maintaining my numerous websites, chatting, and spending time with my friends and kitties... 