July 30, 2010

Powermat Giveaway!


My family travels a lot, mostly across the border to MI. While it's only about a 4 hour drive, with two kids, it can seem endless! Let me share with you my top 10 travel trips that help us survive our trip, and make it more enjoyable for all!

1. Make a List! I cannot stress this enough. My mommy brain does not remember things like it used to, so I make a list every time we go somewhere. Write down everything you'd like to bring, and check it off as you pack it into the car. This is the best way to ease that nagging voice in your head that is saying "I know I forgot something..."
2.Pack your meals and snacks! While they advertise convenience, fast food is not that at all, especially with kids. And if you are like me, and like to encourage healthy eating with your family, you will really benefit from packing your meal and snacks. This guarantees you will always have something handy for that voice behind you "Mommy I'm hungry!" even if you just ate :D And no hassles with waiting in line for something that is mediocre. You can pack exactly what you like, and enjoy your meal without the hassle on your pocketbook!
3.Bring a toy box! Well, not an actual toy box, but a small tote or an empty diaper box that would fit perfectly next to a car seat. Fill it with coloring books, crayons, your childs favorite toy, books, etc. I learned this trick late in the game, and I can't tell you how many times I turned around to hand my son a new toy because his fell on the floor. This way your child has easy access and can grab whatever she/he wants to play with at the time. Take this opportunity to scour the $1 bins at your favorite store and put a few new goodies  in your travel box for your kids, what's more fun than a surprise!
4. If you are flying, take all essential items for the children in carry-on luggage: make sure to pack enough food, diapers, medicine, and other items to last through possible flight delays and lost luggage. Maybe put an extra outfit for yourself/husband as well. Not that we want to deal with a delay or lost luggage, but this will certainly make dealing with the situation a little less stressful!
5. Take your time! My husband likes to get to our destination as soon as possible and hates to stop. But having kids, that's no longer an option! Take your time and pace yourself. You have little ones in the car that you need to watch out for now! Especially with potty training toddlers, or babies in diapers-take a break every two hours and go to the bathroom or stretch your legs. You will ALL feel better!
6. Bring a GPS! I do not know how my friend and I would have made it to Washington D.C. without her GPS. While her husband printed very specific directions for us, it was so much easier for us to follow the GPS. It really was a lifesaver for us, esepcially in an unfamilier city-we were able to locate shopping centers, the zoo, everything just by using the GPS. No "quick, look at the map is this our exit? Oh no we missed it!" A GPS will give you step by step directions and will not let you down!
7.Lose the cords, take a Powermat! You can charge your cell phone, iPod, e-books, GPS, and handheld games all in one place! Who wouldn't want less stuff to pack in their bag?!
8. Staying in a hotel halfway through your trip? Pack a separate bag for your hotel. Put in an outfit and toiletries for everyone in one bag-It beats dragging in several suitcases just for one outfit, and put it somewhere where you can easily grab it when you stop so you don't have to rearrange your car to get it.
9. Prepare for an emergency. This is one thing my mom has always stressed to me. I put a small box in my trunk with extra clothes, a blanket, candles/matches, snacks, fix a flat, and other emergency related paraphernalia that if the need arises, we are prepared and not stressed even in case of emergency.
10. Have fun!! Enjoy your time with your family, make memories, and cherish the new experiences together! And don't forget your camera :D

I received a Powermat to review,and let me tell you, it is amazing. It comes with many adapters so you can charge just about anything that requires charging. It comes with a small carrying case, so it fits perfectly in my suitcase. I can't wait to use it when we go to MI next week for Bennetts birthday. My husband and I are always forgetting our charging cords, and we end up buying a new one when we get to our destination. Now we don't have to! This is an innovative device, and a must have for anyone who has gadgets! This is a great item even if you don't travel, it will clean up your outlets by using just one Powermat to charge your technology!


Win it! Powermat is going to give one lucky winner a Powermat of their own, plus a bonus accessory of their choosing! This giveaway is worth well over $100!!
What is a Powermat? Go here to find out how it works! Lose the cords, charge all of your gadgets-your iPhone, Nintendo DS,  Blackberry-use one lightweight, travel friendly device to charge them all!

Mandatory Entry: You MUST follow my blog via google friend connect (click the follow button on the right side of the blog) and share with me how a Powermat would best work for you!

Extra Entries:
To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) for each entry/comment, you must leave your email address!!!


* Share with us one tip that you have for traveling!
*"Like" Powermat on Facebook
* For 2 entries, Leave a message on the Powermat wall saying "I'm a fan of Powermat and have entered to win one of my own at www.lifewiththestevens.com
* Follow Powermat on Twitter
* For 2 entries, post this as your Twitter status "I've entered the @Powermat #giveaway with @hlstevens enter to win at www.lifewiththestevens.com"
* For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
* Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
* Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
* Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA only are eligible. Contest Ends on August 15th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced August 16th, 2010. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Pwermat giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received 1 Powermat and accessory for review purposes only, no other compensation was given. Powermat will be responsible for prize distribution. M80 contacted me on behalf of Powermat for this review.For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.





91 comments:

Jenn said...

I'm a follower of course! :)
I would use it to keep my gps and other thing organized in my car!!
jennifer.lebeda@yahoo.com

Jenn said...

following powermat on fb

Jenn said...

I follow you on twitter @lebedaslife
jennifer.lebeda@yahoo.com

Navy_Frugalista said...

It would work best for best for me and my family because we have a myriad of cords at every outlet in this house...this would help to streamline!

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

My one tip for traveling, brings meds just in case for any emergency, and lots of snacks...stuff the kids dont usually eat..to offer variety

frugalista04 (at) yahoo (Dot) com

Navy_Frugalista said...

Liked PowerMat on FB!!

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

Commented on FB with your msg

http://www.facebook.com/Powermat?v=wall#!/Powermat?v=wall&story_fbid=414363298682&ref=mf


frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

@Navy_frugalista is following powermat on twitter

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

Tweeted your requested msg
http://twitter.com/Navy_Frugalista/status/20136175425

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

FB fan of your page
Lacy Dill

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

Left your requested msg on FB #2

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

@Navy_frugalista tweeted your msg out
http://twitter.com/Navy_Frugalista/status/20136175425
#2
frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

@Navy_frugalista is following you on twitter!!

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Navy_Frugalista said...

Voted on Picket Fence Blogs for you!!

frugalista04 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Kathleen said...

I follow this blog via Google Friend Connect.

I would use it when we travel. Very convenient and less items to pack!

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

My traveling tip is to bring items for my children like books and toys! If my children are happy, than traveling will be a lot smoother!

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

I "Like" Powermat on FB (via Kathleen Dalton)

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

I posted "I'm a fan of Powermat and have entered to win one of my own at www.lifewiththestevens.com" on Powermat's wall

Entry #1

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

I posted "I'm a fan of Powermat and have entered to win one of my own at www.lifewiththestevens.com" on Powermat's wall

Entry #2

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

I follow @powermat on twitter (via @Sparklezstars)

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

http://twitter.com/Sparklezstars/statuses/20192249308

Tweet

Entry #1

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

http://twitter.com/Sparklezstars/statuses/20192249308

Tweet

Entry #2

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

I am a fan of Life with the Stevens on FB (via Kathleen Dalton)

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

Kathleen said...

I follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter (via @Sparklezstars)

Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com

mandala said...

GFC follower. This would really help me when I travel and do field work. I can charge my cell and camera easily and efficiently.

mandalarctic at gmail dot com

mandala said...

Following Powermat on Twitter (@mandalarctic)

mandalarctic at gmail dot com

mandala said...

Following you on Twitter (@mandalarctic)

mandalarctic at gmail dot com

mandala said...

Travel tip - leave a copy of your itinerary with a loved one so they know where and when to contact you. Also I always bring a small first aid kit with meds (for headache, allergies etc)

mandalarctic at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'm actually trying to win one for my mom! She is always losing her chargers for her phone and MP3 player so it wwould be great for her!
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

One tip for traveling is to pack lite. Don't bring all those extras that you "might" use. If you only have the necessities, it will help settling in at night easier! You wont have to lug in 800 bags!

klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Follow them on fb
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Left them a comment!
http://www.facebook.com/Powermat?v=wall#!/Powermat?v=wall&story_fbid=415079988682&ref=mf
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

follow them on twitter @chubbycheeks143
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/ChubbyCheeks143/status/20306274977
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/ChubbyCheeks143/status/20306274977
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Voted for you!
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

like you on fb
klove1432@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

follow you on twitter @chubbycheeks143

sodahoney said...

My tip is pack by the day not by person or type of clothing. Roll or fold the day together no hunting through the suitcase for the underwear or socks.

sodahoney said...

I like powermat on FB

sodahoney said...

shared on FB http://www.facebook.com/Powermat?v=wall&story_fbid=415127468682&ref=mf

sodahoney said...

I follow powermat on twitter

sodahoney said...

http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/20319711314

sodahoney said...

http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/20319711314 #2

sodahoney said...

i have ur button www.sodahoney.blogspot.com #2

sodahoney said...

i have ur button www.sodahoney.blogspot.com #2

sodahoney said...

i have ur button www.sodahoney.blogspot.com #3

sodahoney said...

I am a fan on FB

sodahoney said...

I voted batlorry@gmail.com

Tabathia B said...

google follower and it would eliminate the number of items plugged in to charge our gadgets which would reduce the utilities and the number of cords around the house
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

voted for @ we're on the fence
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

like powermat on fb (michelle barrett)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

follow powermat on twitter (chelleb36)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

left msg on powermat fb wall #1
http://www.facebook.com/Powermat?v=wall&story_fbid=415658493682&ref=mf
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

left msg on powermat fb wall #2
http://www.facebook.com/Powermat?v=wall&story_fbid=415658493682&ref=mf
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Sarah Hull said...

I follow you on GFC and the Powermat would really help us to not have so many cords plugged in all over the house, we could just have a central chaging station instead!
SHull2319 at gmail dot com

Sarah Hull said...

My traveking tip is to pack yummy snacks and water for the trip, but to stop somewhere local, unique and fun for a snack or meal to make the journey more memorable. I like looking up our route beforehand and then researching to see if there are any fun historical sites or places that are famous for a certain food along the way!
SHull2319 at gmail dot com

Sarah Hull said...

I follow Powermat on twitter (@trvlgrl121)
SHull2319 at gmail dot com

Sarah Hull said...

Tweet #1- http://twitter.com/trvlgrl121/statuses/20536664837
SHull2319 at gmail dot com

Sarah Hull said...

Tweet #2- http://twitter.com/trvlgrl121/statuses/20536664837
SHull2319 at gmail dot com

Sarah Hull said...

Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter (@trvlgrl121)
SHull2319 at gmail dot com

Sarah Hull said...

voted for your blog!
SHull2319 at gmail dot com

Carries Rambles said...

It would work best for me because I live in an OLD house and outlets are at a serious premium!
Follow on GFC

Carries Rambles said...

When we travel, it doesn't even have to be that far, I always pack one of those collapsable coolers with drinks. Saves alot of money rather than stopping and buying them

Carries Rambles said...

I like powermat on FB
Carrie I B

Carries Rambles said...

left comment on FB
http://www.facebook.com/Powermat?v=wall&story_fbid=417483433682&ref=mf

#1

Carries Rambles said...

left comment on FB
http://www.facebook.com/Powermat?v=wall&story_fbid=417483433682&ref=mf

#2

Carries Rambles said...

following powermat on twitter
@yorkiemomma

Carries Rambles said...

tweeted
https://twitter.com/yorkiemomma/status/20913936502
# 1

Carries Rambles said...

tweeted
https://twitter.com/yorkiemomma/status/20913936502
# 2

Carries Rambles said...

I follow you on twitter
@yorkiemomma

sodahoney said...

voted 8/11

Meg said...

I'm a follower <3

DivineImmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

My tip...wear comfy clothes and easy to get off shoes...oh and never leave without a baby carrier

DivineImmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

Followed Powermat on Twitter

Meg said...

updated my twitter status

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

updated my twitter status

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

liked powermat on facebook

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

left a message on powermats wall

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

left a message on powermats wall

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

facebook fan!

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

twitter follower

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

link to you on my blog:

livinglifeoutnumbered.blogspot.com

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

link to you on my blog:

livinglifeoutnumbered.blogspot.com

divineimmortal@aol.com

Meg said...

voted on we're on the fence

divineimmortal@aol.com

jakiesmom said...

oh i need a powermat cause i am currently with a dead phone cause my husband unplugged and misplaced my little charger..this would be much harder for him to lose
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

jakiesmom said...

my trip for traveling..when my son was almost 2 he went on a plane for the first time, i used his rolling suitcase as his carry on..he pushed and pulled that thing all over the airport..enjoying every minute of the layover and wait...plus he wore himself out and took a good nap on the plane
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

jakiesmom said...

voted on the fence

sodahoney said...

voted

sodahoney said...

voted

sodahoney said...

voted