No Nasty Chemicals: ecostore USA Giveaway

With two beloved little ones and two pets in our home, we want the surfaces they touch to be free of strong chemicals and other irritants.

I have been trying to transition into products that have no nasty chemicals. Luckily, a company with just that motto contacted me recently. That company, ecostore USA, is an extension of a 20 year old New Zealand company that makes plant based, non-toxic household cleaning, baby and personal care products.

Another area where I want the purest things to touch my sweetie's skin is in the laundry department. I wash a lot of laundry as the boys are, well, boys! They get dirty quite often. I was happy to hear that ecostore USA offers options for laundry cleaning as well.

Here are the two products I tried, along with information on them (from the company) followed by my thoughts:  

Laundry Liquid

Ecostore USA uses 100% Certified Organic Eucalyptus oil and plant-based ingredients, making it ideal for washing your children’s clothing. Conventional laundry liquids often leave chemical residue on bedding, clothes and even skin. This product is a wonderful, healthy alternative. (33.8 fluid ounces)

Ingredients
Palm and Coconut based non-ionic and anionic surfactants

• Fatty acid derivative
• Mineral hydroxide
• Certified organic Eucalyptus oil  

My thoughts
When I first used the laundry liquid, I was surprised at how little I needed for a load. It has a nice subtle aroma and, since I am used to strong smelling laundry detergents, I wondered how well it would clean. I think my mind is programmed to think a strong smell means cleaner clothes. I have found that to not be true. Every load I washed came out as clean as the clothes laundered in traditional detergent. I have now used the entire bottle of the laundry liquid and can't wait to purchase another bottle. I felt good knowing that "No Nasty Chemicals™" were touching our skin.


Citrus Spray Cleaner
Ecomommas can go room to room with this product. Simple to use yet high performance, ecostore Lemon Spray Cleaner is the ideal alternative to conventional, toxic products. This citrus based solvent will work wonders on almost any household surface. Have black kitchen appliances? We've been told via many testimonials that it is just awesome. And, of course, if it’s an Ecostore product, it contains No nasty chemicals™. For your health, for your family and for the planet. (17 fluid ounces)

Ingredients
D-Limonene (from citrus)
Palm and coconut based non-ionic and anionic surfactants
Fatty acid derivative
Ethanol

My thoughts
I first noticed the pleasant smell of this cleaner. I sprayed it on bathroom sinks, stoves and countertops. It cleaned grime nicely and left no streaks. I sometimes wonder if natural cleaners clean as well, but I have found that, in this case, they definitely do the job for our family. I also feel better knowing we are using greener products.

What does "No Nasty Chemicals™ mean to ecostore USA and the consumer? Well, it means that their products have no toxic petrochemicals, no enzymes, no optical whiteners, no synthetic perfumes or dyes, no Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, no phosphates, no chlorine, no ammonia, no TEA, DEA or MEA, no parabeans and no propylene glycol. You might notice that their "no" list is much bigger than their "yes" list. I love that I have found a stripped down (in a good way) cleaner that still does the job. Click here to see my ecostore USA chooses not to use these chemicals.

I  know that the front of a package is pretty, but what's on the back tells parents what they really want to know... what's IN the bottle! That's why I had to snap this photo of my favorite part of the packaging. That's the part we all read before we even spray the first bit of cleaner in our house, right?

Buy: Ecostore USA also sells pet care, baby care and more. Their  products are available at http://www.ecostoreusa.com/ and their baby products can also be found at Meijers stores. They offer free shipping on orders of $25 and more.

Win: Congratulations to #116 Sarah Osborne who tweeted for her extra entry and winning comment. Thanks to everyone who participated. The winner was chosen by random.org.

One Potamus Prefers reader will win a $25 gift card to use at the ecostore USA website (one prize per person in a six month period). To enter, please go to their website then come back and tell me another item you like. That's it!

If you'd like extra entries (after the required entry is completed), please leave a comment on this post for each entry:

1. Sign up for their No Nasty Chemicals newsletter for one extra entry. You can sign up on their blog at blog.ecostoreusa.com.
2. Follow ecostore USA on Twitter @ecostoreusa for one extra entry.
3. Become a Facebook fan of ecostore USA for one extra entry.
4. Follow Potamus Prefers on Blogger for one extra entry.
5. Follow Potamus Prefers on Twitter and Tweet this post. You can do this once per day for one extra entry per tweet.
6. Add the Potamus Prefers button to your blog or add us to your blogroll for one extra entry.
7. Subscribe to our feed by email for one extra entry (sidebar).

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end April 14, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Winner will be posted on this blog (in this post) and will be e-mailed (please be sure to leave an e-mail address if you aren't a blogger or if it isn't part of your profile). You will have 72 hours to claim.

Fine Print: Ecostore USA provided me with the items I featured in my post. They are also providing the giveaway prize. The opinions are my own.

Our Name In The Sand

Fun times were had by all... I'll have more photos and information on my trip in the coming days, so stay tuned. Thanks for the invite, sponsoring this blogger trip and a wonderful, all-inclusive time, Royal Holiday. I not only met other bloggers, made friends and enjoyed delicious food and fun excursions, but I had the chance to relax a bit, too.

Fandangling Review & Giveaway: Love It!

My first born son had reflux and we consequently had a difficult time calming him. He didn't sleep through the night until he was 2! When he was a newborn, his best friends were his swing that had a built in mobile and the musical mobile over his crib. They really seemed to calm him down.

He was also mesmerized by ceiling fans and other bright, spinning things. So, imagine what I said when I heard about Fandangling. I said, "Now why didn't I think of that?" and then I said, "I wish I had one of those when the boys were infants."

What is Fandangling you ask? Well, I always think that the inventor of a product can tell you about their product in their own words best, so click here (right click to open in a new window) to read about the inventor Anne Zacharias, mother of two, and watch a video of her explaining how Fandangling was born. Go ahead, I'll wait. You back? Isn't it a cool crib mobile?

Here is a video of ours in action. We have the Safari Fandangling. Both of my sons love it and I am going to purchase one soon for my other son's room. Yes, even older "babies" (in this case, my almost 2 and almost 3 year olds) love them.

Both of my boys had traditional crib mobiles, but when they started pulling up on the side, I removed them to avoid issues. The Fandangling mobile can stay up as long as you like. Toddlers and older kids think it is fun to look at and it's a great room decoration. They are very easy to install and remove (Velcro) and only takes minutes.

New addition!
There is now a Fandangling Kids line for older kids. These are neat to decorate a room for a birthday as well! I think the orginal Fandanglings are a great baby shower gift. You can pick from several styles or design your own.

Buy: You can buy a Fandangling for $19.95 (plus shipping and handling) at http://www.fandangling.com/. They give 10% of proceeds to charity. Hey Potamus Prefers readers: Use Fandangling coupon code FANDANGLING10 to save 20% on your order!

Win: Congrats to commenter #51 Marcie W! Random.org picked ya! Thanks to everyone who entered.

One Potamus Prefers reader will win a Fandangling of their choice! To enter, please go to their website then come back and tell me which one you'd choose. That's it!

If you'd like extra entries (after the required entry is completed), please leave a comment on this post for each entry:

1. Subscribe to our feed by email for one extra entry (sidebar).
2. Follow Fandangling on Twitter @Fandangling for one extra entry.
3. Become a Facebook fan of Fandangling for one extra entry.
4. Follow Potamus Prefers on Blogger for one extra entry.
5. Follow Potamus Prefers on Twitter and Tweet this post. You can do this once per day for one extra entry per tweet.
6. Add the Potamus Prefers button to your blog or add us to your blogroll for one extra entry.
7. Tell me something you learned from the founder's video.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada and will end April 11, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Winner will be posted on this blog (in this post) and will be e-mailed (please be sure to leave an e-mail address if you aren't a blogger or if it isn't part of your profile). You will have 72 hours to claim.

Fine Print: Fandangling provided me with the item I featured in my post. They are also providing the giveaway prize. The opinions are my own.

VTech DS6151 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless R&G

Note: After this review was posted, VTech generously offered to give one to a Potamus Prefers reader as well. See entry details at the end of the review.

Is it just me or do all moms run around the house, frantically searching for the cordless phone when the phone rings? If you do this as much as I do (about 90% of the time), raise your hand.

If you raised your hand, I want to introduce you to my new cordless phone. It is the VTech DS6151. It is VTech's first two-line phone with DECT 6.0 technology and at $79.95, it is the most affordable system of its kind.

Let me know if you can relate to any of the scenarios in the following video review I put together:

As mentioned in the video, I love the ability to page the phone when I can't find it (thanks toddlers!) and the ability to multi-task and talk hands free. What I didn't mention in the video is that I also love the digital answering system for calls I miss and the Caller ID to find out who called and failed to leave a message (don't you love it when that happens?). I also like that it is sleek and looks really nice with our decor. Calls are crystal clear and the 50 name and number phonebook is extra handy for this busy mom. I like not digging out scraps of paper with numbers or calling information to find lost numbers.

I also think it's really cool that it is expandable and if I add another line to the house in the future, both can be answered with this nifty phone. I have had several people mention that they can't even tell when I have them on speakerphone. In my experience, it's that clear! I like it and would definitely purchase one as a gift for someone who had a new phone on their list.

From VTech, here are the products specifications:

• DECT 6.0 digital technology, which provides the best sound quality, security and range in cordless phones
• Expandable up to 12 handsets using only one phone jack – uses DS6101 accessory handsets
• Extra large base LCD with blue backlighting
• Digital answering system with two separate mailboxes for each line
• Handset and base speakerphone for “hands-free” conversations
• High-gloss finishing and large font for easy viewing
• Intercom, transfer and conference between handsets
• Voicemail waiting indicator
• Handset volume control
• Audible time and date stamp on recorded messages

  
Buy: The VTech DS6151 retails for $79.95 and is available now at http://www.vtechphones.com/ and Best Buy and OfficeMax stores nationwide this spring. You can follow VTech on Twitter @vtech411 to keep up to date on VTech news and information.

Win: Congrats to #37 Anonymous who said, "I like the large buttons and big screen!" You have been emailed at the address you left. You have 72 hours to claim before another winner is picked. Thanks to everyone who entered!

One Potamus Prefers reader will win a VTech DS6151 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Phone (ARV $79.95)! To enter, please go to their website then come back and tell me the feature that you like the most.

If you'd like extra entries (after the required entry is completed), please leave a comment on this post for each entry:

1. Follow VTech on Twitter @VTech411 for one extra entry.
2. Subscribe to our feed by email for one extra entry (sidebar).
3. Tell me one of my favorite features that I mentioned in the video for one extra entry.
4. Follow Potamus Prefers through Google Friend Connect for one extra entry.
5. Follow Potamus Prefers on Twitter and Tweet this post. You can do this once per day for one extra entry per tweet. You can use this tweet: "Win a VTech DS6151 DECT 6.0 Digital 2-Line Cordless Phone ($79.95 ARV) at Potamus Prefers here: http://tinyurl.com/y9h52s9! @VTech411 Pls RT" without quotes or compose your own.
6. Add the Potamus Prefers button to your blog or add us to your blogroll for one extra entry.
7. Tell me one other VTech item you currently have or want in the future for one extra entry.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada and will end April 12, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Winner will be posted on this blog (in this post) and will be e-mailed (please be sure to leave an e-mail address if you aren't a blogger or if it isn't part of your profile). You will have 72 hours to claim.



Fine Print: The phone reviewed in this post was provided to me at no cost to me by VTech to review. The giveaway prize is also being provided by VTech. No other compensation was received. The opinions are my own.

Royal Holiday Is Treating Us Right

Hello everyone!

Since my arrival in Cancun yesterday, along with several other bloggers and writers, I have met new people and learned a lot about this all inclusive resort. I have enjoyed scenery that I thought was only found on postcards. I have also eaten food that is artfully designed (see a couple of the courses below), tastes delish and is served with a smile.

So far, we have explored Xel-Ha and the diverse and delicious cuisine and impeccable service and accommodations at the Royal Holiday resorts. We have also experienced the attentive service and the rich culture of Mexico. I have taken a lot of photos and videos and will share many more of them with you when I return home.

Tomorrow is more of a relaxation day. We get to hang out at the resort, on the beach and in the pools. We can also explore at our own leisure. I have my eye on a comfy spot in one of the cabanas (or are they outdoor beds?), shown above, that have a gorgeous and unbeatable view of the beach and pool area. I'm going to grab a magazine or two and my books and just relax.

It's neat how there is something for everyone who visits the area. In my opinion, foodies, adventurous people that want to try Snuba (have you heard of it?) or Scuba and those who just need to relax on or near the beach will all find satisfaction.

Don't forget to follow our tweets on Twitter with the hashtag #blogRH. Here are a few pics I took on my cell phone and tweeted out as they happened. Check them out here. I am also uploading photos to the Potamus Prefers Facebook fan page, so check it out and become a fan if you'd like.


Fine Print: I wrote this review and accompanying posts while a guest of Royal Holiday, who invited me to review the resort. The trip and accommodations were provided by Royal Holiday. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Cancun Beach View!

It's so peaceful here in Cancun! Love the view from my room. Check out this video I made upon arrival just a few minutes ago.

At The Airport!

I am in the airport right now waiting to board the plane for my get away. I am excited!

Follow my tweets on Twitter. I am @PotamusPrefers and will be using the hashtag #blogRH along with several other awesome bloggers going along for the trip. I will be blogging too, but will put updates throughout the week as they happen on Twitter.

Have you figured out where I'm headed yet?

Hint 6: Fresh Camera Batteries Needed

Had to buy a new camera battery. The old one was worn out from taking photos of these precious fellows! Gonna miss 'em, but they are super excited to stay with Grandmommy and Papa for a few days!

Hint 5: Get It All On Video

I'll definitely have to pack my trusty Flip camera. I don't want to miss any of the sites, sound or scenery.

Hint 4: Reading Material

Have to have something to read during the flight and at another "serene" location when I arrive.

Hint 3: Potamus Prefers Is Traveling!

Don't want sunburn...

Hint 2: Warm Weather Gear

Hint 2... I went on a mini-shipping trip and bought new shorts and warm weather gear. Where oh where could I be going? Stay tuned for hints. I am leaving tomorrow!

Where In The World Is Potamus Prefers Going?

I'm going on a little trip this week. Can you guess where? Here is the first hint.

The Baby Bunch Baby Egg Nests Giveaway

Recently, I did a review for The Baby Bunch and their beautiful Baby Bunch Bouquets. These are adorable for the centerpiece at a baby shower or to give to the new mom at the hospital. If you missed that review, click here to read it and find out more about the company and its founders.

Well, I have another giveaway from The Baby Bunch and this one is perfect for Easter. Many people like to make little Easter baskets full of eggs, candy and treats for kiddos for a gift. What about baby? Baby is too too small to carry a basket, hunt for eggs or consume candy or other treats.

Good news! The Baby Bunch has created adorable Baby Egg Nests that include organic baby socks that are rolled to look just like little eggs. So cute! These would also be a nifty gift for the mom of a baby born this spring. With all of the birds buzzing and flowers blooming, it's the perfect gift that keeps giving. When flowers are dead and candy is eaten, these little socks will continue to cover tiny little toes (socks fit infants ages 0-6 months old) for months to come. There is also a lavender scented bird sachet for mom.

Here's a little video of the nests. Excuse the background noise as hubby was watching a movie while I was videoing. And, being Saturday, I have no makeup on so I decided to zoom in on these beautiful little nests instead of me. I know you'll understand when you see how cute they are!

Buy: The Baby Egg Nests sell for $19.95 each and come in pink and blue. Check out their full selection at http://www.babybunch.com/. Remember, you can use Baby Bunch promo code BUNCHGW10 through March 31, 2010 for 15% off your order!

Win: Congratulations to #15 Chip who said, "I'm a fb fan of the Baby Bunch - Jill L". 

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
15   
Timestamp: 2010-03-29 19:19:20 UTC

One Potamus Prefers reader will win one pink and one blue Baby Egg Nest from The Baby Bunch! To enter, go to their website then come back and tell me what other item you like.

If you'd like extra entries (after the required entry is completed), please leave a comment on this post for each entry:

1. Subscribe to our feed by email for one extra entry (sidebar).
2. Follow The Baby Bunch on Twitter @BabyBunch for one extra entry.
3. Become a Facebook fan of The Baby Bunch for one extra entry.
4. Follow Potamus Prefers on Blogger for one extra entry.
5. Follow Potamus Prefers on Twitter and Tweet this post. You can do this once per day for one extra entry per tweet.
6. Add the Potamus Prefers button to your blog or add us to your blogroll for one extra entry.
7. Tell me something I mentioned in the video for another entry.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and will end March 28, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Winner will be posted on this blog (in this post) and will be e-mailed (please be sure to leave an e-mail address if you aren't a blogger or if it isn't part of your profile). You will have 48 hours to reply on this one.

Fine Print: The Baby Bunch provided me with the items I featured in my post. They are also providing the giveaway prizes. The opinions are my own.

Core Products: Orthopedic Pillows and More

The chiropractor is my friend. I don't know if I'm just getting old or carrying around two heavy toddlers is getting the best of me, but I wake up sore almost daily.

I have carpal tunnel in both hands and use wrist splints at night to help with that. I am hoping to avoid surgery. I also wake up with a sore neck and a sore back. That is why I am looking into getting an orthopedic pillow like the ones I saw online at Core Products. Does anyone have one of these pillows? Do you find that it helps? Right now, I have a couple of cheap pillows that I am always moving and fluffing and rearranging to get them just right. By the morning, they are flat as pancakes and I'm aching all over.

In addition to orthopedic and neck pain pillows, I also saw options for wrist, knee, arm, ankle and elbow pain at Core Products website. I am going to suggest this website to my mom. She has a lot of back issues and is always looking for back pain treatment.

Good thing I have hot and cold packs (they sell those too), a nice jetted tub and a hubby who gives good back massages!

This is sponsored. The opinions and personal experiences are my own. I do not claim that any of these products are a cure for any illness. Click here to read my disclosure policy.

Pennies 4 Penny Auction Starts Friday (3-19)

Update: The auction is live now. Run check it out and bid to help this little girl!

Many of us followed the story of precious little Layla Grace, who passed away last week. It's heartbreaking and, as parents, I know we all wish there was more we could do for these sweet children affected by this awful disease. I want to spread the word about another precious little girl, the cousin of a blogging friend of mine, who is also fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. The following post is reprinted with permission and is by her cousin Rhea of Mommy to Three Monkeys!.

If you’ve been here at all, you will know that my sweet infant cousin, Penelope was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma.  She has spent the last 3 weeks in Rady Children’s Hospital here in San Diego.  She has a private insurance policy that will only cover 60% of her very expensive treatments.

This weekend, we are having a fund raising auction.

Please visit Pennies4Penny.com beginning Friday morning (6am) to have your chance to bid and win on some amazing products.  The outpouring of love and support for this little girl has just been amazing.  We have secured donations from over 30 companies and individuals.  Several of these sponsors have donated more than one item!

For future reference, these are the auction terms (they will also be posted on each individual auction item):

 

Pennies 4 Penny is in the process of securing a non-profit tax ID number.  So when you win a bid, you will be able to deduct it on your taxes.  You’ll be getting some awesome deals and donating to a wonderful, feel-good, warm and fuzzy cause:

Penelope

 Seriously, how can you ignore that face??

So please stop by this weekend and have a good time out-bidding your friends, all while helping this little angel beat her cancer!

Meanwhile…there are a few other awesome people out there organizing some fund raisers for Penny.  If you are able, please check them out:

Elle from Somewhere Between Sex and The City & Elmo’s World is organizing an online virtual bake sale.  Please visit her site for details if you are interested in buying some goodies or donating your baking talents to our cause.

The Queen Bee Market is being held on May 1st.  It’s a “hip, modern, and fresh handmade art and gift show” taking place in Carlsbad, CA.  This year they will have buckets placed around the market where you can leave your “pennies for penny.”

Mandy Campbell is a cousin of Penny’s dad, Aaron.  She has created T-Shirts for Penny’s cause and you can order them right from her website, Campbell Family Party of 3.  All the proceeds will go directly to Penny’s medical fund.

Please!!!  Take this post and email it to your friends, tweet it, copy and re-post on your own blog.  You have permission.  As long as it brings awareness and support for this beautiful little girl.

Spring Home Improvement and Decorating Time!

 "I'm sure glad Mommy and Daddy picked out this comfy couch just for me!"

I was just sitting here, looking out the window, and thinking about a few home remodeling projects we need to do. The sun is shining and it's just gorgeous outside, with a hint of a cool breeze. This is my kind of weather!

When we were looking to buy a home almost four years ago, I wanted a specific type of house. I preferred a cottage style with either wood, cement or vinyl siding as opposed to brick. I just love the cozy, quaint, almost country feel of our house. It took a lot of looking since we weren't sure this type of style existed in our area. We finally found it and couldn't be happier.

Luckily, our home had been recently upgraded with freshly stripped and refinished exterior doors. It did, however, need some TLC in the decorating department. The paint colors, carpet and draperies just weren't our style. We hired painters to repaint the entire interior in beautiful, warm colors. We also pulled out the carpet and had laminate floors installed. It sure improved the look of the interior. I would eventually like to replace the back doors and have found myself browsing online at Cook's Doors & Windows. They have a wonderful selection.

Once we moved in, we realized we had a lot of mix and not-so-match furniture. Since we had recently gotten married, our two homes had meshed and our furniture just didn't really look good together. We purchased new furniture and lots of new decorations. We looked around and found affordable home decor by shopping at a variety of retailers and comparing prices. Zgallerie was one of my favorite places to browse during this process.

Our house really reflects our style. Now that we have two growing boys (looking at my almost three year old, I can't believe how much he's grown since the photo, above, was taken), we are looking to eventually expand our back patio area to make more space. Builders Service Company does that, so of course I have been checking their site out too. I think when you own a home, you are always remodeling or improving bit by bit as your family dynamic changes.

I guess it's the beautiful weather outside that puts me in the remodeling and redecorating mood. It's nice to be able to "window" shop for all of this stuff online.

Do you have any home improvement projects planned this spring?

This is sponsored. The opinions and personal experiences are my own. Click here to read my disclosure policy.

Wordless Wednesday

Home Improvement Novice? That's Me!

Am I the only one who is confused when I go to a home improvement store and look for home improvement stuff? 

When hubby goes, he is like a kid in a big toy store. When I go I am like a kid in a grown up store. Everything seems a bit overwhelming. That is why I prefer to do my research online first so I am more informed about everything from door handles to  what type of sliding door is best. After I figure out what looks best to me, I ask my husband his opinion. I also like to look at home and garden magazine and television websites to become more informed.

When I do go to a home improvement store, you will usually find me in the home improvement magazine section, pouring over the pretty pictures of beautiful decorated homes, wonderfully designed outdoor porches and landscaping I can only dream of. 

Recently, I repainted a little wooden chair for my oldest son. It took me a good 30 minutes just to figure out what paint would be best for the job. I think I might over think things like this. What do you think? I always want things to be perfect and when I'm out of my comfort zone, I stress a bit. The end result is always worth it though.

And a word on the sliding doors... In my opinion? Go with frosted! I've run into too many of the freshly shined, non-frosted in my lifetime. Embarrassing, but true!

This is sponsored. The opinions and personal experiences are my own. Click here to read my disclosure policy.

General Mills' Grains of Goodness Giveaway

Hurray for whole grains! My son enjoys Kix with fruit and milk...

We love cereal here in our household. The boys usually have cereal for breakfast along with bananas, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries or oranges (or a little of it all). It's a great way to get whole grains into their diet. Good news since, according to information I received from General Mills, studies have found that a diet rich in whole grains can be helpful in maintaining a healthy heart, managing weight and may also reduce the risk for diabetes and certain types of cancer.

From General Mills

"Only whole grain gives you the vital nutrients from the complete grain. In addition to fiber, whole grain contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients important for a healthy diet. General Mills is the only leading cereal company to guarantee whole grain in every box.** Every day, General Mills’ Big G Cereals - which include Cheerios, Fiber One, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Chex, Total and Lucky Charms - deliver 35 million servings of whole grain to Americans. General Mills makes it easy to find whole grains, just look for the white check on the top of every Big G cereal box for your whole grain guarantee.

In a national survey, 91 percent of Americans said they want to incorporate more whole grain foods into their diets. In fact, nine out of 10 people in the U.S. still do not eat the minimum recommended daily amount of whole grain (at least three servings, or 48 grams)."

Do you get enough whole grains? Visit http://www.wholegrainnation.com/ to put your whole grain knowledge to the test by taking the Whole Grain Awareness Challenge. You can also print a $1 coupon!

I recently received coupons to try out two boxes of General Mills cereal, a cereal bowl, tote and breakfast chiller. Cheerios, Chex or Kix are on our grocery list every week. The boys would revolt if I ran out. I have to say I love the fit & fresh Fresh Start Breakfast Chiller. It includes a cold storage bowl, dry storage bowl, inner cup and removable ice ring and it's all in one handy system. It also has a spoon that snaps into the lid. It's the neatest thing! I did mention how much my boys LOVE cereal and fruit right? Well, I can put their cereal, fruit and milk all in this bowl to take along with us without packing a bunch of separate containers and putting the milk in a cooler. Genius! You want one of these gift packs don't ya? Coming up!

Win: Update: Congratulations to #162 Anonymous who said, "Love Lucky Charms!". You have been emailed and have 72 hours to claim.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

162

Timestamp: 2010-04-02 04:53:27 UTC

One Potamus Prefers reader will win a "Grains of Goodness" Gift Pack that includes 2 VIP coupons for Big G cereal products, a breakfast chiller, a large cereal mug and a tote bag. To enter, tell me what your favorite Big G cereal is or tell me how you incorporate whole grains into your diet.

If you'd like extra entries (after the required entry is completed), please leave a comment on this post for each entry:

1. Subscribe to our feed by email for one extra entry (sidebar).

2. What did you learn about whole grains from the Whole Grain Challenge?

3. Tell me another General Mills product you like.

4. Follow Potamus Prefers on Blogger for one extra entry.

5. Follow Potamus Prefers on Twitter and Tweet this post. You can do this once per day for one extra entry per tweet.

6. Add the Potamus Prefers button to your blog for one extra entry.

7. Add us to your blogroll for one extra entry.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and will end March 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Winner will be posted on this blog (in this post) and will be e-mailed (please be sure to leave an e-mail address if you aren't a blogger or if it isn't part of your profile). You will have 72 hours to reply.

Fine Print: General Mills provided me with the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark™.