SassyScoops.com » Giveaways & Special Offers

Story@Home conference pass GIVEAWAY!

Emily — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:10:13 +0000

Who doesn’t love a good storyteller? I can sit entranced for hours thanks to the storytellers behind books like The Poisonwood Bible, The Book Thief and yes, even Can You Keep a Secret? I can also sit and listen to my husband for hours as he tells stories from his childhood or even better, the rated R movie I was too scared to see myself. He is a great storyteller.

My mom reading books to Madison (now 14) and Lauren (now 12).

…
Me? Not so much. Once in a while I can bust out a good story like the one about how we went from non-pet people to dog people almost overnight. But for the most part, my storytelling could use some help. My kids ask me to tell stories all the time and I always defer to their father (due in part to my very “normal” childhood) or their older sister who can weave stories like they’re going out of style.

That’s why I’m super excited to attend the Story@Home conference sponsored by CherishBound and FamilySearch. The conference has three tracks: Blogging, Storytelling and FamilySearch (family history). Though I’d love to attend the Blogging track, I’m actually thinking the Storytelling track would be a great way to exercise my creative side…and maybe lead to better writing on my site.

No matter how you tell your stories – through your family history, at your child’s bedside, on your blog, or from a stage – your stories matter. Join us for a conference that will change the way you see your stories and the world, and help you connect in new ways with those you cherish most.

Workshops and performances by award-winning storytellers, performers and speakers, will help you explore ways to use the power of story in your home. You’ll be able to record your own story, start on some research to learn more about your family’s history, get started on a blog and learn how to tell your story through social media.

I’ve seen the agenda and it is full of phenomenal speakers and workshop presenters. We’re talking C Jane Kendrick, Rustin Banks of BlogFrog, Rachael Herrscher of Today’s Mama, Heather Madder and even our very own Tauni Everett. And I’ve heard from a pretty good source (that would be me) that our very own Sassies Kim and Lindsey will be hosting a special box lunch keynote during the Blogging track. (You better believe I’ll be hopping over from Storytelling to be there for that!)

I have my ticket already, how about you? At $79 (meals not included but coupons/discount cards will be in attendee goody bags) for the two-day conference, it’s a total steal. And it’s in downtown Salt Lake City—that’s right in your own backyard! If you’d like to make it an overnight getaway, the conference has secured a special room rate at The Plaza Hotel downtown; rooms are only $79 a night! SLUMBER PARTY!

I’d hurry and register. Seating is limited and the conference may sell out before a winner of the giveaway is announced. If you purchase a ticket and then win, you will be issued a refund for your ticket price.

SassyScoops is giving away one (1) full-conference pass to Story@Home!

To enter, leave a comment telling us which track you’d most like to attend.

For extra entries, do any of the following. Each counts as an additional entry. Please leave a separate comment for each one you do.

~ “Like” Story@Home on Facebook.
~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook.
~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter.
~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops in your tweet.
~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway.

Giveaway ends Monday, January 30th at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

P.S. For another chance to win, head over to Not Just a Housewife where our friend Stacy is giving away a full-conference pass as well!
P.S. Story@Home is offering a Sweetheart Special. Everyone who registers by February 14th will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive 2 tickets (one refund for her and a ticket for someone she loves). LOVE that!

One Sweet Slice Giveaway & Coupon

Vanessa — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:09 +0000

Before the giveaway and coupon we have to show you our video review of One Sweet Slice. Each of us tell you in the video whether or not we enjoyed our visit (and our cupcakes):

One Sweet Slice is offering our readers a coupon for $5 off a HALF dozen cupcakes OR $10 off a pre-ordered Valentines Day Cake.

But…

One Sweet Slice asks that you:

#1 Like them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/onesweetslice

#2 Leave a comment below saying you did so and the coupon will be emailed to you by next week.

Want to enter yourself for a chance to win a $15 Gift Certificate to One Sweet Slice?

Then…

Like them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/onesweetslice

Thanksgiving Point Annual Pass Giveaway

Vanessa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:23:53 +0000

Thanksgiving Point Membership Giveaway

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Why not give something that can be enjoyed for an entire year?

A Thanksgiving Point Annual Membership offers access to all venues, from the always popular Dinosaur Museum to the award-winning gardens and even $5 movies on the XanGo movie screen. It’s the perfect gift for your best friend and her family, your favorite neighbor or even yourself.

This pass will come at the perfect time of year! They have a lot going on this holiday season at Thanksgiving Point, some for a minimal cost, lots with a discount if you are a member and some of them FREE:
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Holiday Lights: It is the 9th year of the holiday lights, the outdoor lights have more than one million sparkling lights set to holiday music, artwork by Simon Dewey and a reading of “The Christmas Story.” One year we took a carriage ride through the lights and it is a night my girls will never forget. Entry is $8 per car or $4 per car for Thanksgiving Point members. Guests can also see the lights on the trolley ($3 per person, $75 for a reserved trolley of up to 30 people), by wagon ($3 per person, $90 for a reserved wagon of up to 30 people), by carriage ($40 by reservation only) or by private bus ($25).
Breakfast with Santa: Santa’s annual breakfast is at Thanksgiving Point’s Show Barn on three December Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. Joined by Mrs. Claus, his elves, Buddy the Elf and the Gingerbread Man, Santa will host a fun family breakfast. Tickets purchased in advance are $15 for children 12 and under and $20 for kids and adults age 13 and older.
Voice Male Christmas Performance: Utah’s award-winning a cappella group Voice Male will perform its annual Christmas concert in the Show Barn on Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are reserved seating and are $14 in advance or $17 on the day of the event. Thanksgiving Point members will receive a 10 percent discount.
Live Reindeer and Christmas Trees: From Nov. 25 to Dec. 23, two of Santa’s reindeer, Comet and Cupid, will be at Thanksgiving Point’s Water Tower Plaza Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. Children can feed and pet the reindeer while the family chooses a freshly cut evergreen to bring home. My girl’s eyes just light up when they see these reindeer and I love that it is FREE!!
Photos with Santa: Christmas photos with Santa Claus are a must have every single year. Santa will be at Thanksgiving Point on Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Water Tower Plaza.
Ice Sculpting Demonstration: See the fascinating art of ice sculpture on Monday nights in December. Each evening will feature an artist transforming a 300-pound block of ice into a holiday-themed design or character. Come watch this amazing piece evolve on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Water Tower Plaza. This event is free to the public.

…

Thanksgiving Point is giving away a one-year membership to one lucky reader ($175 value).

To enter, leave a comment on this post.

For extra entries:

~ Link to this post on your blog and be entered twice (leave a second comment telling us you blogged about it).

~ Tweet about this giveaway and/or Facebook about this giveaway (leave additional comments if you did so)

~ Like Sassy Scoops on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sassyscoops

A winner will be chosen at random on Dec. 18th. Good luck!!!

Spotted Owl Soaps: Good enough to eat & GIVEAWAY!

Char — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:17 +0000

Holly Reed is the brains and the brawn behind Spotted Owl Soap. She’s also a girl who knows her soap (and lotion, and body butter, and lip balm). She understands the chemistry behind it. She gets giddy when she explains it to you. And, she tells you exactly what’s in it.

The best part? After she tells you what’s in it, you’re not afraid to let her borrow one of your mixing bowls, like Sassy Kim did. I also heard a rumor that Holly licks a bar of soap from every batch to make sure that it’s safe to use. You know…kind of like licking a 9-volt battery to see if there’s any “juice” left in it (but with less chance for electrocution). Serious dedication, no?

This fall we’re making the holidays simpler. We’re busy creating several gift sets for all budgets plus, now through December 15 we’re offering free custom gift wrapping for every order over $10. At checkout time, just tell us who the gift is for and for what occasion. We’ll ship something that looks like you personally slaved over it.

Spotted Owl Soaps has gift options to fit any budget, including 3 different options under $5.

What’s in it for you?

Holly is giving all Sassy Scoops readers 15% off using code “SASSY15″. This discount can be applied to everything but gift cards and the already discounted gift sets. (Try the whipped shea butter and thank me later.)

Spotted Owl Soaps is also offering one lucky reader a gift set of her very own (lotion, salt, 2 soaps, lip balm).

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us which which product from the Spotted Owl Soaps store you’re most excited to try.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” Spotted Owl Soap and Body Products on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, November 11th.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

Spotted Owl Soap online: http://www.spottedowlsoap.com/
Spotted Owl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spotted-Owl-Soap-and-Body-Products/109146739152147
Spotted Owl on Twitter: http://twitter.com/spottedowlsoap

Shake, shake, shake, your cupshake & GIVEAWAY!

Stephanie — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:00:19 +0000

The Sassies recently visited Sammy’s Cafe in Pleasant Grove. And after reading about our visit I am sure you are already DROOLING over the thought of fry sauce and cupshakes.

We visit a lot of local businesses because we truly LOVE local. It is always wonderful to hear about how the owners support local too. Sammy actually uses local cupcake shops at all 3 locations for his cupshakes. How awesome is that? Local supporting local? It’s like the circle of life… business life. (I wonder if you say local too many times in one paragraph if you won’t go to heaven. Just like AIN’T.)

The Sassies discovered how to make sweet potato fries dinner and DESSERT all at once. Sammy’s will give you a side of caramel sauce that makes your dinner a sweet treat. I am pretty sure Lindsey smuggled some out under her shirt. (This may be her casual “I have caramel sauce dripping down my shirt” face)

So… what are you waiting for? Get hungry… grab the family… go to Sammy’s Cafe. They have locations in Rexburg, ID, Provo, UT, and Pleasant Grove, UT for your pie shake eating pleasure.

Sammy’s is all about getting locals to try local so they’re giving away two prize packs!

Prize pack #1: $30 in Sammy’s Cafe gift certificates; 3 “free shake” cards; 1 Sammy’s trucker hat

Prize pack #2: $20 in Sammy’s Cafe gift certificates; 2 “free shake” cards

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us which which shake you’d most like to try. You can view the menu here.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” Sammy’s Cafe Pleasant Grove on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, October 21st.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

A little R&R at REMEDEZ HairSpa & GIVEAWAY!

Lindsey — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:00:05 +0000

As part of our review experience at Aveda’s REMEDEZ HairSpa in Utah, each Sassy got to experience a rejuvenating treatment. Some had pedicures, others facials and I received a full-body deep tissue massage.

I have had plenty of massages before, but I appreciated the extras that REMEDEZ offered, from closing my eyes and choosing an oil scent that I liked the most to the heated table to the therapist answering my questions during the treatment.

We all have busy and stressful lives and deserve to treat our bodies well every once in a while. Towards the end of my session, I asked my therapist, who had been working on my muscles for the hour, which muscle groups were in the worst shape and what kind of maintenance I could do on them outside of massage. She told me the two areas that needed the most attention: the muscles on the side of my neck (probably due to working on the computer) and muscles in my hips/glutes (from not stretching enough after I run.)

After the treatment, she met me in the hallway with a glass of cold water and showed me a series of stretches to do everyday (morning and night!) to benefit my problem areas. She also gave me a great tip: Every time you walk through a doorway, readjust your back posture. Brilliant!

I love the extra time and interest she took in helping me become a more healthy person, but that is the Aveda mission that REMEDEZ feels so strongly about.

From their website:

At REMEDEZ, our mission is to create the ultimate beauty and wellness experience. The balance you desire and the tranquility you deserve awaits you at REMEDEZ HairSpa. Imagine your perfect day, today!

REMEDEZ feels so strongly about their mission that they are offering the following treatments to TWO SassyScoops.com readers:

1 Gift Card for the Nurturing Relief Spa Package (Focus Facial, 30 minute massage, and a pedicure) ($95 value)

1 Gift Card for the All About You Spa Package (One hour massage & Foot Relieving Pedicure OR Signature Facial & Foot Relieving Pedicure)

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us which spa treatment your body needs more right now. Check out a menu of their treatments if you are not sure.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” REMEDEZ HairSpa on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, September 16th.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

Station 22 Cafe & Giveaway!

Kim — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:00:38 +0000

Nestled in the heart of downtown Provo is one of the most amazing eateries I have had the pleasure of experiencing both mind, body, soul and stomach. Since joining the SassyScoops last spring, I have become a foodie snob of sorts, and Station 22 Cafe exceeded every and all expectation on what a good food experience should be. I say “experience” because that is exactly what a meal at Station 22 Cafe is. A delightful experience.

From the moment you walk in the door, all of your senses are hit softly with what I call “a helping of yum.” The ambiance of this place is incredible. From the quaint New York City sidewalk eatery feel (except, get this, you are indoors) to the live music, to the soft-yet-bright lighting, and finally, let us not forget the delicious smells, this place has it all. Station 22 Cafe has gone to a lot of work to make sure all of your senses are satisfied, not just your taste buds. One of my favorite things about walking in is the sign that reads “Welcome Friends!” I love that I am their friend already.

Meeting Richard Gregory was also refreshing. He is passionate about the food he serves to his clients and believes strongly in providing what he calls “luxury foods for the middle class.” And then he takes those luxury foods and proceeds to “elevate [them] to the highest form that [they] possibly can.” I don’t think I could say it better myself. I loved listening to their passion, and experiencing his passion for his restaurant only helped me to appreciate it more fully as well.

Now, let me take a moment to share my love of the food. Firstly, I am not a huge fry lover, however Station 22 Cafe fries are honestly -the- best fries I have ever eaten, ever. If you know me at all, you know I do not, repeat, do not eat ketchup. However, I did try the Truffle Ketchup and it was delicious, as was the secret seasoned blend of fry sauce. Secondly, every sandwich I tried was SO good. When I go to a place I usually find one item and then order it every time. Station 22 Cafe is not that kind of place, and a different sandwich should be experienced each time you go. My favorite? The Memphis Chicken Sandwich. As Kristina and I agreed, the sandwich melts in your mouth, if you can believe chicken can melt, well, I assure you, it can. A close second favorite was the Mighty Meatloaf Sandwich with bacon wrapped meatloaf. Need I say more?

So, if you are lucky enough to live in Utah County, make Station 22 Cafe your next date night restaurant, and if you are not? Plead with them, like I am, to build one in Salt Lake County. Until then? I’ll make the trek for delicious melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches and salads.

Station 22 Cafe online: http://station22cafe.com/

Station 22 Cafe on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Station-22-Cafe/181945971847102

Station 22 Cafe on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Station22Cafe

Station 22 Cafe is giving one lucky SassyScoops.com reader Dinner for Two!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us if you’re already a Station 22 Cafe fan. If so, what’s your favorite menu item? If you haven’t visited yet, tell us what you’d most like to try on their menu!

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ Follow @Station22Cafe on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, September 9th.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

Utah TRAX Giveaway!

Vanessa — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:36:57 +0000

A couple weeks ago TRAX invited some of the Sassies to be part of the first group to ride their newest line. You can read the news story here on that. But let’s first share what some of us thought of it. Then (most importantly), we’ll announce the giveaway!

Sassy Vanessa Brown took her three girls and these are some of the things she had to say. “The girls love TRAX. It is a special treat for them to ride “the train” to downtown and do something fun. It is even better when we invite some friends to come along. Obviously at this time in my life I don’t use TRAX for commuting but I really hate driving downtown when it is super busy AND even though I’m a grown woman, I still cannot parallel park so the TRAX line is well needed sometimes in my life….I really do wish that the TRAX stop was closer to the Daybreak “downtown.” That really would have been nice for the restaurants and shops to have people closer to support those businesses. I also have an issue with how I *thought* TRAX was too expensive for our family. But it turns out that I have been buying tickets for my kids for 5 years that I didn’t need to be buying. Yep, that is right. You don’t pay for kids 6 or under…I have always had a good experience with TRAX. It’s always kept very clean and always runs on time.”

Sassy Emily Hill shares her fun experience: “I admit I don’t use public transportation as much as I should. I’m guessing it has to do with taking a bus to and from work during college. The trip took nearly an hour one way and I was only traveling a handful of miles. That combined with an experience years later (two kids plus newborn plus stroller in a packed TRAX train during the holidays) has me nearly breaking out in hives when I think of boarding a train going anywhere…But thanks to a recent UTA Mom Aboard event, I got my butt out of my minivan and took the kids on a test ride of UTA’s new Mid-Jordan TRAX line…The only thing I thought odd was how far away the Daybreak Parkway Station was from SoDa Row. It would be a long haul with or without kids in tow, but perhaps they’ll install moving sidewalks from the station to the shops….Even without the taffy, train hat and train whistle, I’d have been impressed with the new TRAX line and the serious effort UTA is putting into connecting north, south, east and west in our great state of Utah. I may even attempt a TRAX ride with the kids to the Salt Lake City Library…”

A Past “Guest” Sassy Rebecca Wright said, “I love public transportation with all my heart. I realize that’s a strange thing to love (and even stranger to love it with all my heart) but it’s true….I have used TRAX several times when going downtown, but that’s really all I’ve used it for because, well, it didn’t really GO anywhere else! But that’s all about to change in a couple days. I am so excited to know I have the option to take public transportation to more places and I am sure I’ll use it more often than I do now. Riding the train is quite fun, you know….I still wish public transportation would take me anywhere I want to go like it does in New York City, but until that day happens, I’ll watch with excitement at all the new things UTA is making happen. This is only the beginning and I’m excited to see where it goes!

“Retired” Sassy Evonne Sell had this to say about the event: “When UTA asked me to come ride the new Mid-Jordan TRAX line I couldn’t resist saying yes…my daughter has been talking about riding the bus ever since her school field trip in May, and I can’t remember the last time I took her on TRAX…It was fun making memories with my kids and it helped that the train stopped at one our favorite hot spots where we had lunch! I am definitely a fan of public transportation, and since they are making TRAX in my neck of the woods now…there will be a lot more train trips!

RIDE UTA is giving away one pass for 4 people to ride TRAX for free!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” Ride UTA on Facebook

Giveaway ends Saturday, August 5th, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

P.S. On August 3rd (prior to its grand opening on August 7th), the public can ride the new Mid-Jordan and West Valley lines. UTA is partnering with the Utah Food Bank to “let food be your fare” that day. Those boarding at one of the new stations will be encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item. Rides will begin at 9:00 a.m. and both lines will offer 15-minute service for the entire day in addition to other festivities at the stations.

$100 Giveaway to ECOMAIDS!

Vanessa — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:18 +0000

Over the past week a few Sassies were invited to receive a free house cleaning from ECOMAIDS so we could write about the company. I (Vanessa) was the last blogger on the list so today I am going to let you know what I thought of this company. I received a free deep cleaning of my entire home. The next week I hired them to just do a regular house cleaning. I have had house cleaners for a couple of years now so I feel like I am a good judge of what people should expect with house cleaners. I hope my review proves that.

Let me just jump right in and tell you a bit about the company and then I’ll share the ‘Good Points’ and ‘Bad Points’ I had with my experience with ECOMAIDS:

Our Truly–Green cleaning system is designed to maximize clean; improve indoor air quality; protect the health and safety of our clients as well as their children and pets, cleaning workers, and the general public; and do it all in a sustainable manner that minimizes its overall environmental impact. ECOMAIDS developed a proprietary Truly–Green cleaning system as part of our underlying commitment to sustainable business practices and green cleaning. ECOMAIDS is the only national cleaning company that offers Truly–Green cleaning services at 100% of its locations.

Good Points:

The dusting! Boy, they really got in every nook and cranny with those microfiber cloths. The blinds looked amazing. The baseboards and everywhere else received a really great, deep clean. They dusted on top of every shelf and every frame (and boy, do I have a lot of frames). It was really awesome.
Alright, my husband is a dog trainer so I have issues with the dog hair in this place. ECOMAID’s vacuums worked really well on the carpet with the dog hair.
I really like that with ECOMAIDS they TRAP and TAKE OUT all the dust, dog hair, dirt, etc. They don’t just “spread it around.” All of their tools actually trap it so the house felt cleaner for longer.
The female employee in the team that came to our home was extremely friendly and was such a hard worker! She really did a fantastic job on her part of the checklist. I could tell she was working fast, but at the same time doing an efficient and really thorough job.
I appreciated the plant-based products that are nice to the earth (our family cares about that), that won’t get the dogs sick (I can’t use strong chemicals in my home or my Rotty throws up…it’s gross) and that won’t give us reactions to our sensitive skin (myself and my middle child have that problem).
I like their legal policies. They do background checks on the employees, take care of everything to do with the taxes and if any accident were to happen in my house I wouldn’t be held liable…I don’t have to deal with any of that because the company does!
I was happy they didn’t use any water (I think; I didn’t hear any being used)! My old house cleaners would use tons of water. ECOMAIDS cleans in a way that doesn’t eat up a lot (if any) water.
They create less waste. They clean with microfiber cloths and a sort of “scrubbing stone,” which cuts down on the waste.
They can customize a cleaning plan for you and they don’t lock you into a contract. If you just want the core section of your home cleaned or simply a deep cleaning every 6 months, they totally do that.
I really liked the owner Keith. He was very professional, knowledgeable and quite friendly. It is always nice to support a local company with an awesome owner behind it! Also the female employee that was cleaning our home was very friendly and a hard hard worker. The training supervisor Mitch also seems like a very friendly and professional guy.

Bad Points:

In the first visit I thought the mopping was done too quickly and not very well. I have a lot of tile in my home so I want everything pulled out from the walls and mopped behind. I don’t want dust, hair etc. just to be pushed into the corners. Also, there were spots where someone should have gotten down on their hands and knees to scrub. I think mopping is the last thing on their checklist to do, but they still need to pay really good attention to it, even if it is the last thing on the list! But during their second visit to my home it was done really well although it left a strong smell behind (like a dirty mop smell) so I had to put down some LYSOL.
I wish that the bathrooms were left smelling better. Usually after I clean the bathroom (particularly my husband’s bathroom), the products I use leave it smelling good for a few days. Then I know it is time to go clean it again is when it smells. (I know, gross.) But with ECOMAIDS it smelled dirty right after they left, even though it LOOKED clean.
I might suggest using some sort of organic, earth-friendly natural fragrance for the home. People like walking into a home that has a nice, fresh smell! With the plant-based products they use, you just don’t get that. But I wonder if they could figure out a way to do so.
The price is still a bit too high for me. I am willing to pay more for a local business, willing to pay more when it is eco-friendly, willing to pay more to avoid doing the work on background checks, etc. BUT I still feel as if my house needs to be about $30-40 cheaper per week than what they quoted me. Although they do offer lots of different options for every budget so I need to explore that more.

I think with training and experience for their employees, the cleanings will get even better so some of my “Bad Points” may be eliminated. I know that I might be bordering on nit picky. But really, when it comes to someone cleaning your home that is the way you need to be.

I also need to say that when I PAID to have them come the second time the results were superb, they did have 3 employees AND a trainer to check their work at the end. So either it was that OR that there employees are just learning and growing.

To celebrate their grand opening, ECOMAIDS is offering their full-house Initial Service cleaning for just $79! For more details, check their Salt Lake specials.

Also, even better: ECOMAIDS currently has a deal running on KSL for $49 for a limited time!! Hurry and check that out.

Now for the GIVEAWAY…which is what you really want to hear about!

ECOMAIDS is giving away a $100 gift certificate! You must live in Salt Lake County or have a friend/family member that can use this credit within SL County limits. AND you can use your gift certificate toward the current grand opening special!

To enter for the chance to win this giveaway you must just comment on this post!

Now for extra entries you can: Like SassyScoops on Facebook, Check out ECOMAIDS Website, Tweet about the giveaway or Facebook about the Giveaway. Just leave a comment for each one you do.

Good luck!

Time for you to Run Like a Girl! & GIVEAWAY

Emily — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 07:00:44 +0000

I’m a ginormous fan of fitness and exercise (probably because I’m a ginormous fan of eating lots of good food—and by “good” I mean “greasy and delicious”). I got into sprint triathlons last summer and have quickly become addicted to yoga and Pilates thanks to our local rec center.

One thing I don’t love, even after one marathon and two half marathons, is running. I’ve never enjoyed it, probably because I’ve trained badly in the past and am not very good at it. That’s why I’m super excited to tell you about a new retreat for runners of all levels, even mediocre runners who would rather swim a mile than run a mile (that would be me).

The Run Like a Girl retreat will take place at the Zermatt Resort in Midway from August 11-13 (the main part of the event is Friday and Saturday). Here’s a bit about the event:

This year, our women’s-only running retreat will be hosted by the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah. Nestled in the mountains, it provides a sweet escape from the bustle of everyday life with ideal routes for runners. Participants will learn to train smarter at the feet of local running elite. You’ll walk (or run) away with a personal regimen designed to help you take your fitness to the next level. Then you can put your learning to the test by running the race on Saturday! Whether you have just started running, or you have been running for years, this event is for ALL skill levels!

You can choose to attend the full weekend or just participate in the run Saturday morning. So. Much. Fun! Here’s a sample schedule:

Thursday
3:00-6:00 – Check-In
8:00 – Evening run/jog

Friday
7:00 – Pilates or Fun Run
9:00 – Seminar
9:45 – Success Story
10:00 – Seminar
10:30 – Zumba!
11:00 — Seminar
12:00 – Lunch
1:30 – Keynote Speaker
2:30 – Shoe fitting/Gate analysis
4:30 – Jog/Run

Saturday
7:00 – RLAG 10K Start
7:15 – RLAG 5K Start

Registration for the full Run Like a Girl retreat (does NOT include lodging) is $175 and includes entry into Saturday morning’s women’s-only 5k or 10k. It also includes:

Access to all day event Friday & Saturday.
Opportunity to learn from the best on how to increase performance.
Training on how to run faster and more efficiently.
Group runs during the day Friday.
Entry to 5k or 10k race (plus race t-shirt).
Free entry into the yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes.
Retreat T-shirt (Totally stylish! You’ll have a hard time NOT wearing this around!)
Snacks & one meal during the event.
Run Like a Girl charm.
KILLER swag bag.
Most importantly, a girls’ weekend out doing what you love with friends!

…
RLAG has negotiated some discounted prices for lodging during the event. You can find info on discounted rates on their event website.

I AM SO GOING TO BE THERE and already have plans to room with my friend Lori. (Yay for fun roommates!) I would so love to see other “sassy” ladies there—who’s with me?!?!

I know one of you will be running with me because Run Like a Girl is giving away a full event pass to one lucky SassyScoops.com reader! YAY!

To be eligible for this giveaway, leave a comment telling us your favorite way to exercise. Is it running? Swimming? Spin class? Or is chasing after your kids exercise enough?

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” Run Like a Girl Retreat and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, July 22nd, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.