My very good friend, Rick Alexander, and his crew at American Beauty are running an Enter to Win contest that ends January 1, 2011.

Safety should be high on anyone’s list, especially when it comes to appliances like hot curling irons used in the bathroom.

I remember, back in the day when we lived in San Diego and had roommates, one of our roommates kids grabbed her curling iron as she got ready for a wedding. Oh the screams! Not something pretty or pleasant, trust me!

So when I heard that Rick is giving away one of his CoolCare curling iron stainless steel holders, I thought what a wonderful way to spread the word by doing this post!

To enter to win, please do each of the following (it’s all quick to do don’t worry): (more…)

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Memphis Travel. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer is half over and for those who haven’t had the chance to get away from it all, Memphis should be more than a spot on your radar. With the Memphis-savvy travel guide you will be able to plan the perfect vacation – whether as a couple, an individual, or a family. Memphis has something for everyone!

And, to make it even more exciting, you can actually enter to win a trip package for yourself and/or your family and friends. Yes WIN that magical trip!

The Memphis Zoo. Used with permission from ILoveMemphis Flickr Gallery.

For families, their package includes carriage rides, a trip to the Memphis Zoo, a stay at the Madison Hotel, dinner for four, and so much more.

For couples, magic carriage rides, the Orpheum Theater, and a stay at the Peabody Hotel is just part of a deluxe vacation you’ll not soon forget.

Single? Like to travel alone? Not a problem, there is the perfect “enter to win” travel package for you. And, if you would rather bring friends, you will have a rocking good time at the Rock n Soul Museum, dinner at BB Kings, a Hi-Tone’s show, and much more.

Memphis is, of course, the home of Elvis Presley, Graceland. Beale Street, and BBQ to die for are just the tip of the iceberg choosing Memphis for a great way to wrap up the summer!

As a family of four in our household, even though we are on the “older side” with one 19 year old, the family package contest holds vast appeal. Personally I love zoos, free dinners, and – even though I have never taken one I have always wanted to – the carriage ride sounds fascinating, fun, and right up our alley.

So my advice is do not wait! Memphis Travel is selecting weekly winners, so enter now, enter often, and you just might win your very own once-in-a-lifetime vacation!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

Bidazzled recently caught my attention for a number of reasons:

1. The premise of the web site was founded around The Ruch Foundation (a lung charity organization)

2. It’s a “penny auction” or “pay-per-bid” auction web site. These are always fun and you never know what’s coming up for bid – so keeping your eyes wide open is a must

3. Everybody wins! Even if you’re not the winner for the item you are bidding on, Bidazzeled still awards you up to 50 “bonus bids.” Their personal way of saying thank you for giving it a go – and of course encouragement to come back again and again to this auction fun zone.

They have also covered their bases since not everyone is a fan of bidding. So if an auction is not your style, but the item online is, then you can “purchase the auction item less the investment you had in the auction.”

What is truly odd, or unique, is that they, in turn, offer the winner of the auction the ability to sell it back to them! Yeah, I know it sounds odd, but they will buy it back for cash (PayPal or check); cash plus bids; or more bids.

You will also love the fact that a bid costs just $1 with a minimum purchase of just $25 per pack. And, just so you know, in Bidazzled’s first month online two people won Nintendo Wii’s. How much did it cost them? Just 5 free bids!

Honestly, as if that wasn’t enough, they also have a referral program so you can build up your bidding power like crazy just for spreading the word about this amazing – and truly strange (in a wonderful way) auction website!

It’s a juggling act for any family, especially nowadays. Holding on to your job or trying to find one has everyone on edge. Even those feeling pretty safe and secure need to remember that no one is exempt from getting that pink slip – warranted or not.

That’s why furthering your education is so critical. And, as you can see by the banner in this post, I’ve found a way for dads to apply – for free – for a $10,000 scholarship to head back to school.

There’s just three steps (okay four) to check into this amazing offer. First you need to either click on the banner or visit Scholarships4dads.

Next you complete three simple steps and voila! you just might be getting the holiday gift of a lifetime – free financial aid for dads!

Hurry though! There is a December 1st (2009) deadline to apply!