Ross Dress for Less: Review and Giveaway

Update: This giveaway is now closed.  Congratulations to winner Farrah Graff!

Ross provided me with a $25 gift card to experience their store AND are offering up another $25 to one of my lucky readers!  More on that in a bit.

About Ross:

Ross Dress for Less offers significant savings of 20 to 60 percent off department store regular prices, featuring an exciting mix of nationally advertised brands in clothing and gifts.  Check out the Ross website and "like" Ross Dress for Less on Facebook.

Ross Dress for Less opened 3 more brand new stores in Chicagoland on Friday, October 10.  They're located at:

26 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Cicero Marketplace Shopping Center, 2945 S. Cicero Ave, Cicero, IL 60804
New Lenox Town Center, 475 E. Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox, IL 60451

You can find a Ross near you by using their store locator.

My Experience:

While Ross Dress for Less has many, many clothes, you'll find a little bit of everything!  I think the saying above, "Experience the Treasure Hunt," describes Ross perfectly!  You never know what you'll find when you visit Ross.  Each store offers something different!  Today I saw everything from yoga mats to spatulas to candles to designer handbags.

Of course I couldn't resist spending most of my time in the baby and children's department to spoil my 9 month old.

I ended up getting:
4 pack of long-sleeve onesies, suggested price $26, compare at $16, Ross price $9.99

Walker toy, compare at $32, Ross price $22.99

But here's what I found really interesting...

The Ross Price was $9.99.  They put a "compare at" price of only $16.00, when the suggested price was $26!  I love how they didn't try to inflate the "compare to" price.

The Giveaway:

One Bargain Barton reader will win a $25 Ross giftcard.  To enter, comment below and tell me what type of items you would buy with your gift card and leave a valid e-mail address.  One entry per person.  Entries without an e-mail will not be counted. Enter through 11:59 pm central, Saturday, October 18.  Winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  In the event that the winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

Ross Dress for Less: Review and Giveaway

Update: Congratulations to Sandra who wrote "I would buy clothes for my son"!

Ross provided me with a $25 gift card to experience their store AND are offering up another $25 to one of my lucky readers!  More on that in a bit.

About Ross:
Ross Dress for Less offers significant savings of 20 to 60 percent off department store regular prices, featuring an exciting mix of nationally advertised brands in clothing and gifts.  Check out the Ross website and "like" Ross Dress for Less on Facebook.

Ross Dress for Less opened 3 more brand new stores in Chicagoland on Saturday, July 19.  They're located at:

Aurora Commons, 1270 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506

Ford City North, 7601 Cicero Ave,Chicago, IL 60652

111 US Highway 41,Schererville, IN 46375

You can find a Ross near you by using their store locator.

My Experience:

While Ross Dress for Less has many, many clothes, you'll find a little bit of everything!  I thought the saying above, "Experience the treasure hunt," described Ross perfectly!  You never know what you'll find when you visit Ross.  Each store offers something different!

Of course I couldn't resist spending most of my time in the baby and children's department to spoil my 6 month old.

I ended up getting:
Sleeper, Compare at $7.44, Ross Price $4.99
Mirror Teether Toy, Compare at $6.00, Ross Price $3.99

Traveltime Bowl Set, Compare at $8.00, Ross Price $4.99

What a deal!

The Giveaway:

One Bargain Barton reader will win a $25 Ross giftcard.  To enter, comment below and tell me what type of items you would buy with your gift card and leave a valid e-mail address.  One entry per person.  Entries without an e-mail will not be counted. Enter through 11:59 pm central, Saturday, July 26.  Winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  In the event that the winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

Zipadee-Zip Review and Giveaway

Update: This giveaway has ended.  Congratulations to Stacy S!

My sweet Everley sleeping like a champ in her Zipadee-Zip!

I've got a great giveaway for all of you new moms or moms-to-be!  Read on to see how you can win a Zipadee-Zip!

What's a Zipadee-Zip?

The Zipadee-Zip (aka Zippy) is the perfect solution for transitioning your baby from a swaddle!

Want to see how the Zippy works?  Check out the following videos: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEUhunLX_Hc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhNGmFR8TGg

SEVEN USES FOR THE ZIPADEE-ZIP: 

1. Sleep – Aids swaddle transition and teaches self-soothing skills!
2. Travel – Encourages sleep and settling on long car or plane rides!
3. Dr. Office Visits – Eliminates tedious clothing changes!
4. Grocery Visits and Plane Rides – Provides a GERM FREE environment!
5. Breastfeeding – Prevents a baby from scratching themselves and momma!
6. Stroller walks or walks/rides in a sling or baby carrier – can be worn while buckled or strapped in!
7. MORE SLEEP! Aids transition to crib off of a swing, or rock and play sleeper and helps sick little ones get rest when they wouldn’t otherwise!

My Zipadee-Zip Experience

Being a first time mom, I'm really cautious with everything concerning my baby.  While swaddling is comforting to our baby, our pediatrician recommended we stop swaddling at 2 months.  I share her fear of babies rolling over in the night and not being able to breathe.  When we stopped swaddling our baby at such a young age, we had a new set of concerns.  She still startled easily in the night, chewed her hands (making them very cold), and often got a case of the "wiggles," all preventing good, quality sleep.  That's when a fellow mother of an infant suggested a Zipadee-Zip!

Zipadee-Zips come in a variety of materials (regular or fleece) and adorable patterns.  The first thing I noticed when I opened my Zippy was that the tag said it was flame resistant.  Not all pajamas are, so this was a great comfort.  I found out that the owner of Zipadee-Zip went to great lengths to comply with flame retardant standards without the use of chemicals because she wanted to make sure no harsh chemicals would come in contact with the little ones wearing them.

The first night we tried the Zippy, Everley seemed to sleep more soundly.  I didn't hear the usual grunts and wiggles.

The next day, I decided to the the Zippy at nap time.  Mind you, Everley usually won't let me put her down for a nap.  The second I do, her eyes pop open.  Well, I put her in the Zippy, fed her a bottle, she dozed off, and I laid her down. She slept for a record amount of time (and looked at peace while doing so!)

We've now been using the Zippy for a few weeks.  It has become part of our bedtime routine.  Everley seems to find comfort and know it's time for bed when she's zipped in for the night.

While Everley is a little young to be in a Zippy (most babies transition off the swaddle when they are showing signs they are ready, usually around the 4-6 month range), she seems to like it so far. I can only imagine our great experiences with ZipadeeZip will continue to grow!

One more thing that I like about Zipadee-Zip is the wonderful customer service!  Zipadee-Zip was created by a mom, who clearly not only cares for her own children, but for others.  Creator, Stephanie, has gone out of her way to help me provide Everley with the best possible experience.  Zipadee-Zip is truly a company that cares.

The Giveaway

The winner of this giveaway will win a Zipadee-Zip of their choice off of sleepingbaby.com.  To enter, you must “like” Zipadee-Zip on Facebook and leave a comment below saying you've liked them, along with a valid e-mail address.  One entry per person.  Entries without an e-mail will not be counted. Enter through 11:59 pm central, Saturday, May 17.  Winner will be announced and contacted via e-mail on Sunday, May 18 and will have 24 hours to respond with their mailing address.  In the event that the winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 24 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

Disclaimer: Zipadee-Zip provided me with a Zippy, but all opinions are my own.

Ross Dress for Less: Review and Giveaway

Update: Congratulations to winner Ashley who commented "I'm always looking for home goods so I would be looking to lower the cost of of find some good clearance deals.. Summer grilling is on the horizon!!!"

Ross provided me with a $25 gift card to experience their store AND are offering up another $25 to one of my lucky readers!  More on that in a bit.

About Ross:
Ross Dress for Less offers significant savings of 20 to 60 percent off department store regular prices, featuring an exciting mix of nationally advertised brands in clothing and gifts.  Check out the Ross website and "like" Ross Dress for Less on Facebook.

Ross Dress for Less just opened four more brand new stores in Chicagoland on Saturday, March 8.  They're located at:

Lake Park Point Shopping Center, 1300 E. 47th Street, Hyde Park, IL 60653

Pullman Park, 10830 S. Doty Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628

Waukegan Plaza, 1301 N. Lewis Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085

Butterfield Plaza Shopping Center, 1316 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515

You can find a Ross near you by using their store locator.

My Experience:

While Ross Dress for Less has many, many clothes, you'll find a little bit of everything!  I thought the saying above, "Experience the treasure hunt," described Ross perfectly!  Around the perimeter, I found purses, shoes, housewares, electronics, tools, scrapbook materials...really a little bit of everything!  Every store has different stock.  You really never know what treasures you'll find!

Of course I couldn't resist spending my time in the baby and children's department to spoil my 2 month old.

I ended up getting:
Beginner Pattern Block Set, Compare at $21.00, Ross Price $14.99, Reduced further to $9.99

Alphabet Foam Floor Puzzle, Compare at $28.00, Ross Price $13.99

What a deal!

The Giveaway:

One Bargain Barton reader will win a $25 Ross giftcard.  To enter, comment below and tell me what type of items you would buy with your gift card and leave a valid e-mail address.  One entry per person.  Entries without an e-mail will not be counted. Enter through 11:59 pm central, Saturday, March 29.  Winner will be announced and contacted via e-mail on Sunday, March 30 and will have 24 hours to respond with their mailing address.  In the event that the winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 24 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

Ross Winner

Congratulations to "brandon.we...@gmail.com" who commented "I would buy some things for my new home!"  for winning the $25 Ross Dress for Less gift card!  An e-mail has been sent.  Respond within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Ross Dress for Less: Review and Giveaway

Ross provided me with a $25 gift card to experience their store AND are offering up another $25 to one of my lucky readers!  More on that in a bit.

About Ross:
Ross Dress for Less offers significant savings of 20 to 60 percent off department store regular prices, featuring an exciting mix of nationally advertised brands in clothing and gifts.  Check out the Ross website and "like" Ross Dress for Less on Facebook.

Ross Dress for Less just opened four brand new stores in Chicagoland on Saturday, July 20.  They're located at:

Water Tower Plaza, 1555 North State Route 50, Bradley, IL 60915

Lincoln Village, 6103 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659-2313

Rivercrest Shopping Center, 13200 S. Cicero Avenue, Crestwood, IL 60445-1426

Hillside Town Center, 140 S. Manheim Road, Hillside, IL 60162-1821

You can find a Ross near you by using their store locator.

My Experience:

As you can see from the picture above, Ross Dress for Less has many clothes!  They have so much beyond clothes too.  Around the perimeter, I found purses, shoes, housewares, electronics...really a little bit of everything!

Because I'm pregnant, I'm not really buying clothes right now.  I was happy to see that Ross carries maternity clothes.  Most were summer, and since I'm due in the winter, I decided to see what I could find for Baby instead.

I ended up getting:
Burp Cloths (3 pk), Compare at $8.00, Ross Price $3.99
Snuggle & Teethe Toy, Compare at $6.00, Ross Price $3.99
Quick Read Ear Thermometer, Compare at $20.00, Ross Price $4.99
Prop & Play Mat Set, Compare at $20.00, Ross Price $12.99
Compare at Total: $54.00, Ross Price Total: $25.96, Total including tax = $27.91
I saved 52% off the Compare at prices!

For price comparison, I decided to look up some of the items I bought on Amazon.  While the play mat was slightly cheaper on Amazon, the teethe toy and thermometer were significantly more expensive on Amazon.  I'd say I definitely got a deal at Ross!

The Giveaway:

One Bargain Barton reader will win a $25 Ross giftcard.  To enter, comment below and tell me what type of items you would buy with your gift card and leave a valid e-mail address.  One entry per person.  Entries without an e-mail will not be counted. Enter through 11:59 pm central, Saturday, July 27.  Winner will be announced and contacted via e-mail on Sunday, July 28 and will have 24 hours to respond with their mailing address.  In the event that the winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 24 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

BzzAgent: Schick Hydro Silk Razor Coupon Giveaway

As I've mentioned before, I'm a member of BzzAgent, an awesome site that is all about word of mouth advertising!  As a BzzAgent, I get a chance to participate in BzzCampaigns.  They send me all sorts of goodies to try, along with high value coupons to share with friends!

They recently sent me a Schick Hydro Silk Razor, along with 8 $5/1 coupons.

With the Schick Hydro Silk razor, you go beyond an incredibly close shave to actually care for your skin. Only Schick Hydro Silk razors include Water-Activated Moisturizing Serum to hydrate your skin for up to two hours after shaving and 5 Curve-Sensing blades with skin guards to help reduce irritation.
To top it off, the Schick Hydro Silk razor has a soft touch handle and compact oval cartridges that fit the contours of a women's bodies.

Want to get one for yourself?  I can help!  I'm offering up 5 $5/1 Schick Hydro Silk Razor coupons to readers!  Five readers will each receive one coupon, expiring 4/30/13.  Just be one of the first 5 people to comment below with which feature about the Schick Hydro Silk Razor most appeals to you.  Then send me a message at erin.barton80@gmail.com with your mailing address!

Interested in becoming a BzzAgent?  You can do that here!

BzzAgent: My Claritin-D BzzCampaign and Coupon Giveaway

As I've mentioned before, I'm a member of BzzAgent, an awesome site that is all about word of mouth advertising!  As a BzzAgent, I get a chance to participate in BzzCampaigns.  They send me all sorts of goodies to try, along with high value coupons to share with friends!

One of my current BzzCampaigns is for Clartin-D.  BzzAgent sent me a BzzKit that included a $10 coupon to buy a 10+ count box of Claritin D tablets and 8 $3/1 Claritin-D coupons.  The 10-count box sells for just under $10 at Walmart, so I was able to pick up a box for FREE.

My mom has always been a fan of Claritin for her allergies, but until this campaign, I had no idea that it also worked for nasal congestion due to colds!  I don't know about you, but that is possibly the worst symptom for me!  If you experience nasal or sinus congestion due to a cold, I encourage you to try Claritin-D!  It's available without a prescription in most states.  If you don't see it on the shelves, ask for it behind the pharmacy counter.

I'm offering up 5 $3/1 Claritin-D coupons to readers!  Five readers will each receive one coupon, expiring 3/31/13.  Just be one of the first 5 people to comment below on either what you like about Claritin-D or why you want to try it (for allergies or a cold).  Then send me a message at erin.barton80@gmail.com with your mailing address!

Interested in becoming a BzzAgent?  You can do that here!

Lubriderm Challenge, Review, and Reader Giveaway

Winter isn't even here and my skin is already feeling the affect of the weather!  Lubriderm has an amazing line of lotions to help!  In fact, they're backing up their Daily Moisture Lotions with a twice your money back guarantee!  Keep reading for your chance to win some Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion to see for yourself!

LUBRIDERM^® Daily Moisture Overview

The LUBRIDERM^® Daily Moisture line includes daily moisturizers designed to hydrate normal to dry skin.  These fast-absorbing, non-greasy formulas are specially formulated with nutrients to achieve comfortable, healthier-looking skin.

LUBRIDERM^® Daily Moisture Lotion:  Specially formulated, this lotion contains vitamin B5 and other skin essential moisturizers naturally found in healthy skin to improve the moisture barrier for visibly healthier skin.  The lightweight formula helps relieve dry skin and prevents dryness from reoccurring throughout the day, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

LUBRIDERM^® Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance Free:  An unscented version of the Daily Moisture Lotion, this formula provides optimal hydration while reducing the risk of skin irritation.

LUBRIDERM^® Daily Moisture with SPF 15 Lotion:  A powerful two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen that hydrates skin with essential moisturizing ingredients, while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection with an SPF 15. This clean non-greasy lotion is perfect for everyday use to achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.

LUBRIDERM^® Daily Moisture Lotion for Sensitive Skin: Specially formulated for sensitive skin.  This gentle moisturizer is 100% fragrance-free, dye-free and lanolin-free, which helps to protect dry, sensitive skin. The non-irritating formula creates a protective moisture barrier on the skin’s surface, leaving skin smooth, comfortable and protected.

LUBRIDERM® Daily Moisture Shea+ Calming Lavender Jasmine Lotion is clinically shown to moisturize skin for 24 hours. With a clean and non-greasy feel, the light formula contains a calming lavender and jasmine fragrance that leaves skin smelling great. After using this lotion in a consumer trial, testers felt relaxed, comfortable, and at ease.

 

Lubriderm's Later, Gator Challenge

Now through November 30, Lubriderm is hosting the “Later, Gator Challenge” to help you prep for the temperature drop. Purchase any Lubriderm product at CVS, Target, Safeway, Kroger or Publix and use it every day for one week to see (and feel!) results – guaranteed. Love it? Share the experience with friends on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t? Return it and receive twice your money back.

They’re serious about skin and want to keep you covered all season long with their unique, clean moisture formula. Brave the cold climate with confidence, and kiss the “Gator” scales away!

Visit https://challenge.lubriderm.com/ to learn the full Terms and Conditions, participating retailers and FAQs.

My Review

The great people over at Lubriderm sent me classic Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion, Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion for Sensitive Skin, and Lubriderm Daily Moisture Shea + Calming Lavender Jasmine Lotion to try for myself.  I've been using the classic for a few days now and am really happy with the results!  I apply in the morning and my skin stays moisturized and soft the whole day.  I really like the lightness of the lotion.  It doesn't feel thick and heavy on my skin.  It is everything they say it is and more.  I've definitely found my lotion for the winter!

The Giveaway

Lubriderm is providing 3 lucky readers with full size Lubriderm Daily Lotions!  One grand prize reader will receive 3 full size bottles including Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion in Classic, Sensitive Skin, and Shea + Calming Lavender Jasmine.  Two runner-ups will receive one of the following: Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance Free or Lubriderm Daily Moisture with SPF 15 Lotion. To enter, simply comment below, telling me which which Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion you currently use, or which one you would most like to try.

One entry per person.  Giveaway ends Saturday, November 10 at 11:59 pm central time.  Winners will be chosen at random.

BzzAgent Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Review and Mini-Giveaway

I recently got invited to BzzAgent's Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Face Care BzzCampaign!  Look at all the goodies they sent!

BzzAgent sent me:
-Full-Size Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser with Clary Sage (6 oz)
-Full-Size Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask with Clary Sage (4 oz)
-Full-Size Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream with Clary Sage (1.8 oz)
-5 Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion .15 oz Samples with $3/1 Intense Hydration Face Care Product coupon attached
-5 Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream .15 oz Samples with $3/1 Intense Hydration Face Care Product coupon attached

If you're interested in becoming a BzzAgent, and trying and sharing new products, head over here.

About the Products...

The Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Face Care Line:
-Is clinically proven to intensely hydrate dry skin
-Helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
-Is 99% natural
-Is enhanced with probiotic technology
-Can be found in mass retailers (like Target or Walmart), drug stores, grocery stoes and natural health food stores nationwide.

To learn more about Intense Hydration, "like" Burt's Bees on Facebook!

My Experience...

I decided to give all 3 products that were sent to me a try this evening.  First I used the cream cleanser.  Upon opening it, my initial reaction was "smells good!"  As far as facial cleasers go, it did it's job.  I prefer cleansers that exfoliate, but am going to try this one out for longer.

Next I put on the Treatment Mask.  I left it on for about 10 minutes, wiped it off with a tissue, and then massaged the rest in.  I liked how it massaged in, rather than getting washed off, but it left a feeling like I had just put on some thick lotion.

Finally I applied the Night Cream.  It felt light and smooth!  I think this was my favorite of the 3 products!

I'm anxious to try just the cleanser and night cream.  The treatment mask should be used 1-2 times per week, but it made my face feel like it had a heavy lotion coating.  I think I'll really enjoy the lighter feel of just the cleanser and night cream.

The Giveaway

...and to share my experience with you, I'll be choosing FIVE readers to receive
-1 Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion .15 oz Sample with $3/1 Intense Hydration Face Care Product coupon attached, AND
-1 Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream .15 oz Sample with $3/1 Intense Hydration Face Care Product coupon attached

Simply comment below, telling me which Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Product you'd most like to try!  1 entry per person.  Giveaway ends 11:59PM central on Wednesday, October 31.

Giveaway: $100 Marriott eTravelCard (and my experience)

***** This giveaway has ended. *****

Welcome to my very first giveaway!!!

Did you know that at any given time, there’s up to $10 billion worth of coins out of circulation in the United States?  Money that is just sitting there collecting dust when it could be used to see the world, help pay for holiday travel...or at least fund a weekend get-away, spa retreat or a round of golf!  

Coinstar and Marriott have recently partnered to give consumers a way to turn that change into a Marriott eTravelCard.

Coinstar and Marriott provided me with a $75 Marriott eTravelCard to use as I saw fit, AND included a $100 Marriott eTravelCard for me to give a reader!

My first job was to cash in coins at a Coinstar Kiosk for a Marriott eTravelCard.  Kiosks offering Marriott eTravelCards can be found here:  https://www.coinstar.com/CoinMachine/Marriott.

Cashing in the coins was easy!  I simply followed the touch screen instructions,

poured in my coins,

and collected my eCard!

Because I chose a gift card (of which Marriott is one of MANY options), there was no fee to use Coinstar!  I LOVE that!

Next I had a big decision.  Did I want to use my $75 in Marriott eTravel Card for a spa treament?  Brunch?  A round of golf?  I decided to head to the Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, IL for Sunday Brunch at the King's Wharf Restaurant with my boyfriend.

King's Wharf Restaurant: Marriott Resort; Lincolnshire, IL

Brunch was amazing!  We were immediately greeted by our waiter and served orange juice and champagne.  From the jumbo shrimp to the Eggs Benedict, everything was delicious.

But, my absolute favorite part was the desserts.  Don't they look amazing?!

The only hiccup was in redeeming my Marriott eTravel Card.  Our waiter had never seen them before, as they are printed on a receipt, rather than a plastic gift card.  He had to go to the front desk to enter the gift card, but in the end all worked out well.  The employees at Marriott were beyond kind and professional!  They truly know how to treat their guests.

Now, for what you've all been waiting for!  To enter for your chance to win a $100 Marriott eTravelCard, simply comment below (in either comment box), telling me how you would use your $100 Marriott eTravelCard.  Entries will be accepted through Friday, 10/19/12 at 11:59PM.  One entry per person.  Winner will randomly be chosen from all valid entries.  Good luck!

Coinstar and Marriott have paid me to blog about their products/services.  All opinions are my own.