You're in Luck $100 CASH Giveaway!

It's officially March, can you believe it? I'm celebrating in a big way on the blog with a $100 giveaway! I started this blogging adventure a few years ago and never dreamed it would become what it is today... and I can only imagine what it will continue to grow into. With that said, I'm hosting this giveaway to thank my readers and to hopefully gain some new readers as well...

Are you feeling lucky? You have the chance to win a $100 gift card - right here! Use the giveaway tools form below to enter to win!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Enter to win a Chance to Hang out with Robert Downey Jr. at the Premiere of Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron

Listen up, y'all! Robert Downey Jr. is offering fans the chance to win the best night of their life culminating at the World Premiere of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, all to support a great cause! What could be better? 

Check out this video, Robert Downey Jr. reveals that anyone has the chance to win a flyaway trip with a friend to Los Angeles to experience a day in the life of Tony Stark. 

By going to Omaze.com and donating just $10 to benefit Julia’s House, a children’s hospice center dedicated to helping improve the lives of children diagnosed with terminal illness, you could win a chance to live out your superhero dreams with RDJ in LA. 

What will your dream day look like? You’ll kick things off with breakfast at the iconic Randy’s Donuts before launching into an action-packed day which will include a helicopter ride over the Hollywood sign, indoor skydiving, and a custom gown or tux fitting before meeting Robert Downey Jr. himself for an epic motorcade arrival at the World Premiere of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. And yes, there will be caviar and champagne! No worries about travel expenses either - Flights, 4-star hotel, and transportation are all included.

Did I mention you’ll be one of the first people on this planet to see the newest release from Marvel’s hit franchise? Yeah, that’s happening. But the opportunity to win this once-in-a-lifetime experience won’t last forever, be sure to enter to win!

Don't miss a thing, follow THE AVENGERS on Facebook |  Twitter. 

Even if you don't win the big contest, keep in mind - Marvel's AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON will hit theaters everywhere on May 1st!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Creative Types + {a Giveaway}

Today's discussion is sponsored by Onite.

Everyone deserves to be spoiled on Valentine's Day, whether it's your best friend, your child, your co-worker, or your beau - it's nice to give those you love a little something to remind them they are important to you. Today I'm sharing a collection of items that would be perfect to give to the creative types in your life. If you love an artist, a photographer, a blogger, a kid with a knack for arts & crafts - these gifts will be the perfect way to treat them to something special without breaking the bank.

1. Gimme Mini, ANYTHING - It may sound silly but all creatives love little versions of things, it's just something inside of us. I obsess over miniature versions of most anything but these baby clothes pins take the cake, plus they are useful in craft projects or as a paper clip.

2. Magical Markers - Having an array of colored markers makes for a fun time, anytime for the creative type. Be sure to get a wide variety of colors and the bolder, the better.

3. Funk-ify Their Case - We all love to express ourselves, help the creative in your life express herself (or himself) with an adorable case that suits their personality. Check Etsy for some truly unique ideas.

4. Pens with a Spin - Well, not exactly a spin but pens that are unique that your loved one will cherish. I found these beauties in the $1 section at Target, they don't need to be expensive - just unique or something your sweetie will like. I'm gold obsessed so these funky gold accented pens are totally the perfect gift.

5. Flash 'em This - This Onite Flash Drive is the perfect gift for the photographers and instagram addicts in your life. They can transfer pictures from your cell phone to your PC in seconds with this flash drive. It's tough too, I accidentally dropped mine in water and it still works perfectly.

6. Office Accessories with Style - I'm still working on this one but my purple stapler is doing the job for now. I suggest a kit with rhinestones or studs, whatever your sweetie prefers.

7. Chalkboard and Chalk Pastels - Chalkboards aren't just trendy, they can make for some pretty awesome creative inspiration as well. I love these chalk pastels because they show up SO bright and beautiful and mini chalkboards are where it's at!

The good news - I'm giving away a 32GB Flash Drive to one lucky winner! Enter to win this awesome gadget with the giveaway tools form below:

Entry-Form

Do you have any creative gift ideas for your sweetie that you want to share? What's your favorite Valentine's Day gift you've ever received? I'd love to hear about it below!


Disclaimer: I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Old El Paso Touchdown Tacos: Vegetarian Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos with Guacamole Sauce

Thanks to Old El Paso for sponsoring today's discussion.

With all of The Big Game snacks, desserts, and meals I've been sharing lately, I realized I forgot to include something in my spread that is made with super fresh ingredients and still remains delicious for my veggie loving friends. So, today I'm sharing these Vegetarian Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos made with Old El Paso ingredients topped with a ridiculously tasty Guacamole Sauce that will blow your mind.

I'm kind of a taco connoisseur. By that I mean I literally order tacos wherever they are available, so I guess you could call me a self proclaimed "authority on tacos". With that said, I vow on all other tacos in the world, these veggie tacos are killer. They are stacked full of super foods and taste like they aren't as healthy as they actually are.

Delightfully deceiving, these tacos are the perfect vegetarian option to add to your party spread and are definitely going to be a game time favorite! With their amazing flavors, the perfectly crispy taco shells, and the super food filling your guests will be begging for the recipe. I set my tacos up so each guest could make their own and made a batch with all the fixings for the boys to eat while they watch the game. Either way, this recipe is a real winner!

Vegetarian Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos with Guacamole Sauce Taco Ingredients: 1 cup of quinoa 2 cups of vegetable broth 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained Old El Paso Taco Kit 1 ½ tablespoon of tomato paste Taco toppings of choice - cabbage, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, etc. Guacamole Sauce Ingredients: 1/2 avocado 2 Tbsp of cilantro ½ lime 2 Tbsp red onion 1 garlic clove, chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup of water Pinch of salt Saute the onion in an oiled pan for 7 minutes or until it’s translucent. Add the quinoa, broth, Old El Paso taco seasoning and tomato paste and bring it to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, add in black beans. Cover and simmer for about 18 minutes until the quinoa is a fluffy consistency. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the guacamole sauce and Place Old El Paso Taco Shells into oven and bake as instructed on the package. Put all of the Guacamole Sauce ingredients into a food processor or a blender and mix until smooth. Add water until the sauce reaches desired consistency. Now it's taco time! Enjoy!

Here's some extra awesome news,  I've teamed up with Old El Paso and Avocados from Mexico to give one lucky reader some grocery money back in their pocket! Enter with the giveaway tools form below to win $25 Paypal CASH!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Now that I've shared every single game day snack or meal possibility. I'd love to hear what your favorite treats are for game day? Don't forget to grab some Old El Paso and Avocados from Mexico so you can whip up these delicious tacos and wow your guests! Click here to score a coupon so you can get a deal on all the fixings!

It's Brunch Time with Velveeta®-Salsa Brunch Bake + {a giveaway}

This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.

So as some of you may already know, I'm not exactly a morning person. By that I mean, I'm a bit like Anna (from Frozen) on coronation day or worse... I'm groggy, don't really know what's going on, and definitely don't feel like cooking a complicated breakfast recipe first thing in the morning. So when hubby surprised me with plans to have friends over for brunch this weekend, I wasn't sure what was on the menu but knew I had to come up with a quick, delicious recipe pronto.

I panicked, jumped online, and found the Kraft Food Hub. In a hurry, with my mind racing I began browsing through all the delicious meal ideas and found this VELVEETA®-Salsa Brunch Bake recipe and knew this was the dish to serve at our impromptu brunch.

Cheesy egg goodness with a large dose of salsa, peppers, onions - the perfect mixture of wholesome ingredients to leave you feeling full and happy. What else could brunch guests ask for?

After only 20 minutes of prep time, I placed this tasty looking dish in the oven for 40 minutes. This left me with just the right amount of time to put myself together and get the kitchen cleaned up. Hubby was so surprised when he came downstairs and noticed my hair was done, my make up was on, and brunch was baking in the oven. I felt a bit like the perfect homemaker waiting patiently for my friends to arrive, which happens pretty much... uhhhhhmmm, never. It made for a peaceful and relaxed morning, which was a great way to start our day.

As my friends arrived, I pulled this beauty out of the oven and I'm not going to lie - I was overjoyed! I've never claimed to be an ultimate chef but this dish fooled my friends into thinking I am. Are you in a panic trying to find something to serve up to your friends for brunch as well? Maybe you are trying to find something different to make for a family breakfast gathering or possibly looking for a recipe to satisfy your breakfast for dinner craving? This recipe is the answer...

Velveeta®-Salsa Brunch Bake Ingredients: 1pkg. breakfast pork sausage 1 onion, chopped 1 red and 1 green pepper, chopped 1/2 cup TACO BELL® Thick & Chunky Salsa 3/4lb. (12 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, divided 1 doz. eggs1/3 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Cook sausage, onions and peppers in large skillet on medium heat 6 to 8 min. or until sausage is done, stirring occasionally. Drain; return to skillet. Stir in salsa and half the VELVEETA; spread onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Whisk eggs and sour cream until well blended; pour over sausage mixture. Top with remaining VEVLEETA. Bake for 40 min. or until center is set. Enjoy!

Are you looking for new recipes to try? Head on over to The Kraft Foods Hub to find recipes everyone will love! Plus, watch the game day finger food video for tips on how to make a delicious mac n' cheese treat! Don't forget to scroll down the page to create a collection of your favorite Kraft Recipes and be entered for a chance to win a $100, $250, or a $1,000 Walmart gift card!

Simply create an eCard with your favorite top-Pinned Kraft Foods recipes, fill out the entry form, and then share your card! It's that easy to get your name in the pool to win big!

Also, don't miss your chance to enter to win 1 of 5 Walmart gift cards on my blog! Use the giveaway form below for your chance to win:

Kraft Foods Hub January

3 Days To Green With Evolution Fresh + {a $40 GC giveaway}

I was provided with samples to facilitate this review, but all opinions below are my own and I only share products that I think my readers will enjoy!

I know I've talked about this in nearly every post since the New Year started but I'll say it again, I'm on a mission to get fit this year. I was actually really good over the holidays and even stayed on track the past two weeks... but I'm going to be honest, I have some delicious treats in the fridge gearing up for the big game and upcoming blog posts which means that I need to be hyper conscious of my calorie intake to avoid gaining back what I worked so hard to lose.

With my future indulgences in mind, I've decided to team up with Evolution Fresh juices again {read my past post here}.  This time I'm taking part in The 3 Days To Green with Evolution Fresh, the healthiest challenge ever and the tastiest too! This challenge involves having a delicious Evolution Fresh green juice everyday for three days straight, how easy is that? My challenge will include my favorites - Sweet Greens and Lemon and Essential Greens with Lime. These juices are "green monsters", packed with more than one pound of GREEN vegetables in each bottle and so incredibly flavorful - I promise you'll fall in love.

Evolution Fresh is actually so excited about their challenge that they are hosting a giveaway centered around 3 Days To Green. Twenty-Five lucky winners will win 1 Month of Evolution Fresh green juice, a Jawbone Up24 (a life changing fitness band), a Lululemon $125 Gift Card, a Food 52 Cookbook, an adorable Evolution Fresh™ green zip up hoodie, and an Evolution Fresh™ 18oz. water bottle! I really want to win this prize but... I have my fingers crossed that you win as well, head on over to enter and if you treat yourself to the challenge then you'll receive 60 extra entries!

Now here's some really awesome news, I've teamed up with a group of bloggers to host a giveaway hop and my giveaway is going to make you super happy and super green! We are all Welcoming Winter in a big way and I'm super excited because I can help you buy some delicious superfood juices to nourish your body and help you achieve your fitness goals this winter, after all - bikini bodies are made in the winter!

Evolution Fresh and I are going to supply one of my readers with a $40 gift card to go score some Evolution Fresh Greens of your own from Starbucks! So who wants to buy some delicious juices from the little green mermaid? Be sure to subscribe and follow me too, because I'll be hosting even more Starbucks/Evolution Fresh giveaways very soon!

Enter to win this giveaway and try Evolution Fresh for yourself with the Giveaway Tools form below:

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on January, 30 2015. The Welcome Winter Hop Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in events like this one, sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by The Review Wire.


Be sure to enter all of these other awesome giveaways participating in the giveaway hop:

Healthy Recipes with Weight Watchers {SUPER Easy Cheesecake Fruit Dip} + a Giveaway

Thanks to Weight Watchers, General Mills, and Publix I'll be able to continue on my #weightlossjourney with food that keeps me feeling healthy and fit! The discussion about these awesome brands is sponsored, although all opinions are my own.

As you all know, I've been bragging about my weight loss over the last few months... and while I managed to maintain my weight over the holidays (even with a few adult beverages and more than a handful of sweets included), I want to continue to lose now! Bikini season is coming soon, time to buckle down, ya know? I lost the first 20lbs, now I just need that last 15lbs to come off... and while I shared how I plan on staying active with Planet Fitness recently, today I'm sharing how I'm staying fit starting in the kitchen! This super easy recipe is perfect for a quick dish thrown together for a last minute Super Bowl Party or even just for a midnight snack!

Cheesecake Fruit Dip tastes super indulgent but doesn't leave you feeling guilty, the perfect treat!

Ingredients: 1 Yoplait Greek 100 Vanilla Yogurt 1 Jell-O Cheesecake Powder Packet 1/2 tbsp. Heavy Whipping Cream Now, get ready for this super complicated recipe: In a mixing bowl, mix together Weight Watchers endorsed Yoplait Greek 100 Vanilla Yogurt, 1/2 of a Jell-O Cheesecake packet, and 1/2 tbsp. Heavy Whipping Cream and...that's all! Serve dip in a bowl, with various fruits on a serving platter - the most delicious fruit dip, ever and SO quick and easy to make! Enjoy!

I've been crafting up all kinds of delicious meals lately and can't wait to share a few more awesome recipes with you that include some of my favorite products from Publix using their coupon service! Be sure to check out more Yoplait recipes and maybe even check out some of these delicious Green Giant and Progresso Light recipes as well, so many healthy recipe options - with all of these new recipes, you are probably going to need some new kitchen gadgets and other goodies... I'm super excited to share that I've teamed up with Weight Watchers, General Mills, and Publix to offer a giveaway basket full of prizes to one lucky reader, be sure to enter to win below:

Entry-Form

If you can't wait to win, check out all of these awesome coupon deals you can score!

The Lakeside Collection Gift Basket + a Giveaway

Sponsored by The Lakeside Collection

It's the holiday season, as we all know... and most of us have probably finished shopping for a majority of friends and family but may still be struggling with ideas on what to give the person that is the hardest to buy for in our life... I know I am, then I found this great list of Gift Basket Ideas: 5 Tips To Get You Started and thought what a brilliant gift for my tougher buys this year!

So when The Lakeside Collection reached out to me and offered to let me review and give away one of their awesome assortments from their Gift Basket Collection I was overjoyed! I received the Cooking Up Something Special basket in the mail and instantly fell in love - The amazingly beautiful set of 3 baking dishes, The Pinoneer Woman cookbook packed full of delicious recipes, The over-sized measuring spoons, Tasty treats, it's all so amazing and so perfectly made for anyone that loves to cook!

They have a basket everyone in your family will love, from the loveable little girl basket to the outdoorsy couple bundle - you are sure to find a basket that every person on your shopping list will be happy! If you decide you want to make your own basket, you are in luck - that's an easy thing to do with The Lakeside Collection!

So here's the fun part, I'm surprising one lucky reader with one of these baskets arriving at your doorstep shortly after the new year begins! Enter to win with the giveaway tools form below!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Extra Cheesy Italian Chicken & Potato Casserole Recipe with Betty Crocker™ Potato Mix + a Giveaway

I recently shared that I'll be heading home for Christmas this year and I'm so excited to continue our family tradition of spending time with my Grandmother on Christmas Day! It's one of the most important parts of celebrating Christmas in our family.

I can remember Christmas at her house as an itty bitty child, it was a big hooplah with Santa coming to visit and my favorite foods being served in portions large enough to feed a few armies. My Grandma is an epic cook, one of those women that is just a natural in the kitchen and seems to enjoy spoiling her family with ridiculous amounts of tasty, homemade from scratch meals. Anything she makes is so incredibly delicious and I'm thinking it's because she makes it with so much love. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true.

This year I want to help out in the kitchen so I'm making a new recipe, a recipe that is bound to become a new family tradition because I'm making it with Love and Betty Crocker™! This Extra Cheesy Italian Chicken & Potato Casserole Recipe with Betty Crocker™ Potato Mix is so easy to make and is packed full of delicious Italian flavors and loaded with enough cheese to blow your taste buds away. The perfect stand alone meal when you are in a hurry or it could be served as a side dish on a holiday (like I plan on doing) - it's all up to you! It's time for you to #GetYourBettyOn so you can have a delicious dish and spend more time with your family (and less time in the kitchen). 

Betty Crocker™ casserole potatoes bake in just 20 minutes and make some of the most delicious and convenient meals and side dishes your whole family will love. Betty uses 100% real potatoes for the best flavor possible, so be sure to give each of the 11 different varieties of casserole potatoes a try and give your family and friends something to talk about this holiday season!



 

Extra Cheesy Italian Chicken & Potato Casserole Recipe with Betty Crocker™ Potato Mix Ingredients: Chicken (boiled and shredded) Betty Crocker Three Cheese Casserole Potatoes 3 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped) Milk ( as listed on potatoes package) 1/2 cup Shredded Italian cheese blend A dash of each spice (or to taste): garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, sage, salt, pepper You'll begin by preheating your oven as instructed on the package (400 degrees). Prepare the potatoes as instructed, adding in boiled and shredded chicken when you place ingredients in casserole dish. Bake as instructed and remove from oven and stir. Sprinkle spices over the top of potatoes and bake for 2 more minutes. Remove from oven and immediately add shredded cheese and fresh parsley.  That's it, your ridiculously cheesy potatoes are done! It's that easy!  ENJOY! 

I think when I make this next week I'll add in some mushrooms and bacon, because I think those additions sound like they would make this casserole even more delicious - if that's even possible?! That's the beauty with Betty Crocker™ Potato Mixes... You can make so many varieties of dishes so incredibly easily!You can't even begin to understand how cheesy and amazing this Italian Chicken & Potato Casserole is; I mean it's the ooey-gooey, melt in your mouth, nearly-like-mac-&-cheese-but-even-better type of recipe. The texture of the potatoes combined with the roasted garlic, parsley, and variety of cheese flavors really make this dish POP! Don't believe me? Try this dish for yourself!



Betty Crocker™ is offering a 50 cent off coupon so you can indulge in some of their delicious potatoes! You'll want to print your coupon now so you can grab a bag full of Betty Crocker™ Potato Mixes next time your at the store for a HUGE discount!



Plus Betty Crocker™ and I have teamed up to give one lucky reader $15 CASH to buy several boxes of potatoes! It's super easy to win, just use the giveaway tools form below:

Entry-Form

Disclosure: The information, products and the gift card being given away were all provided by Betty Crocker™ through Linqia, regardless I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Holiday Gift Guide: Spread Joy & Delicious Smells with Old Factory Candles {and a Giveaway}

Can you even believe Christmas is almost here? I'm finishing up my holiday gift guide with some of my absolute favorite products and these candles are on that list!

These candle sets come in packs of 3 and each candle burns cleanly for around 20 hours. The little beauties are hand-poured in the US with natural soy wax and scented with premium fragrance oils... which means they are basically like little pots of gold.


Each gift set is themed around a group of related fragrances - my Fall Harvest bundle contained a pumpkin spice candle, a cranberry candle, and an autumn leaves candle and each one smells delicious! The scents are strong without being overpowering, providing the perfect balance for any occasion.

Old Factory offers a variety of sets ranging from a "50 shades" themed set to a "Winter Wonderland" themed set... There's an option for everyone on your shopping list this year and for every room in the house.

Now I understand if you want to go ahead and buy a set for yourself, but I'm excited to announce one lucky reader will win a scrumptious set of Old Factory candles! Use the giveaway tools form below to enter to win:

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.