Dec 6, 2011 | Articles
Its rad to be part of the Holiday Blogger Ambassador Program at Sears. No matter which holiday you’re shopping for – Sears has something for that person on the list. This year its some items for family for their house. Sears is out to hook you up with money to go shopping also. Every day until December 24 they’re giving away $200 on through the Sears Holiday Shopping Challenge. Just sign up on their facebook page, cross your fingers and browse through the site to start cyber window shopping.
There are some friends of mine that are joining me as an Ambassador with Sears. Daddy MoJo, Mom Start, Our Ordinary Life and Savvy Sassy Mom (who did an awesome video).
The Sears Price Match Plus is simple and easy to follow. If you find a lower price on the same item within 14 days of purchase, just bring in the advertisement and Sears will match that price plus, give you 10% of the difference.
The Real Deal is worth visiting every day because you’ll see a new deal every day.
The international shipping is perfect for those with family that might be overseas for the holidays or work or life or why would you be living over seas (slowly starts a U-S-A chant :P)
Dec 5, 2011 | Articles, Giveaways
One of the toughest things these days is to know which books to buy for the kids – this holiday season I’ve got some help from my friendly little elves at The Scholastic Store – with some top picks!

Clifford loves to care. He shows he cares–about his neighbors, his family, and his park–and everyone cares about Clifford! Perfect for the youngest puppy fans, this simple story is done in classic Clifford style and also has a padded cover!
From the eyes of a baby penguin the world is a great big place. The sky so high, the ocean so deep, and the mountains so steep–all these things are magnificent from it’s point of view. But in the eyes of it’s mother–this little penguin is the biggest, most important thing in the world! This beautiful story is highlighted with foil on the cover and throughout.
Join Santa’s wild ride in this soon-to-be Christmas classic! When the harness to Santa’s sleigh breaks mid-flight, Dasher, Dancer, and the rest of the reindeer gang fly off into the night…leaving Santa and all of his presents stranded! Who will guide Santa’s sleigh and save Christmas now?
Which team will win? You decide! Nobody wants to go to the mine to do a messy job. There’s only one way to settle it–a chug-of-war! Kids will love using the magnets in this interactive book! 8 magnets PLUS magnetic book and play area!
If you should ever get a rhinoceros for a pet, you’re in for a surprise. It won’t chase a ball. Or a stick. Or a frisbie. In fact, according to the experts, a rhinoceros does only two things: pop balloons and poke holes in kites. But don’t be discouraged. As you’ll discover in Jon Agee’s hilarious picture book, rhinoceroses can do more–so much more–than that!
The cows, pigs, and sheep have been waiting for Cousin Edward to visit Hawthorne Farm. The fun is never ending as Edward tries his best to milk the cows, tend the sheep, feed the pigs, plant the garden, and much more. It is truly a day that Edward will never forget!
Can You See What I See? Toyland Express by Walter Wick – (Ages 5+; $13.99)
Kids will love this amazing new search-and-find adventure from the creative mind of renowned photographer and author Walter Wick – the creator of award-winning picture books, the author and photographer of the New York Times bestselling Can You See What I See? series, and the photographer of the bestselling I Spy series.
Giveaway Package
From the eyes of a baby penguin the world is a great big place. The sky so high, the ocean so deep, and the mountains so steep–all these things are magnificent from it’s point of view. But in the eyes of it’s mother–this little penguin is the biggest, most important thing in the world! This beautiful story is highlighted with foil on the cover and throughout.
Join Santa’s wild ride in this soon-to-be Christmas classic! When the harness to Santa’s sleigh breaks mid-flight, Dasher, Dancer, and the rest of the reindeer gang fly off into the night…leaving Santa and all of his presents stranded! Who will guide Santa’s sleigh and save Christmas now?
Kids will love this amazing new search-and-find adventure from the creative mind of renowned photographer and author Walter Wick – the creator of award-winning picture books, the author and photographer of the New York Times bestsellingCan You See What I See? series, and the photographer of the bestselling I Spy series.
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 11th 2011.
You must comment telling us which of these book your kid would love to read is, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks
You get 1 extra entry for following The Scholastic Store on twitter – twitter.com/scholasticstore
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:
@scholasticstore #littleone gift pack @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/sQ2Mw4 and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win the @scholasticstore #LittleOnes Gift Pack of books from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/sQ2Mw4
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall)
You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: The Scholastic Store for the prizes for the raffle.
Nov 30, 2011 | Articles, Giveaways
VTech and research firm Toluna conducted a survey that took a pulse on holiday season attitudes and behaviors, and found that:
- Parents want to get everything done and still have time to enjoy the season, but moms (33 percent) and dads (32 percent) say that find that balance is a challenge and causes stress. In fact, 48 percent of moms said if they had an extra set of hands to get things done, they’d spend more time with family and friends.
- Shoppers are still feeling the effects of the economy, with nearly half of respondents ranking having “more money to give presents” as their top wish during the holiday season. In addition, 47 percent of consumers said not having enough money is the most stressful thing to worry about during the holidays.
- A special moment with family and friends is all consumers want for the holidays. The holidays are known for great food and special traditions, so it’s no surprise that consumers embrace the season for its togetherness. Survey respondents ranked a holiday meal (24 percent) as the No. 1 thing not to miss during the holidays, followed by a special family tradition (22 percent). The holiday spirit rings strongly, as the overwhelming majority of consumers don’t want to miss out on any seasonal festivities with only 13 percent of consumers saying “bah humbug” to holiday cheer.
Included in this basket of joy is…
- Functional leather basket
- Chocolates
- Beverage warmer
- $100 Staples gift card
- Desktop organizer
- VTech Multi-tasking phone system
- Fun holiday trimmings
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 7th, 2011.
Leave a comment below with one item you’d love to have in this basket and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @vtech411 @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/tKRhfa and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.
Example: I want to win a @vtech411 holiday basket from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/tKRhfa #giveaway
You get 1 extra entry for following @DaDaRocks on twitter –www.twitter.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for following @vtech411 on twitter –www.twitter.com/vtech411 You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming their FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/VtechPhones (and leave a note saying that www.dadarocks.com sent you) You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for liking this page on facebook (like button at the top of the post NOTE: you must be signed into facebook for it to work!)
You get 1 extra entry for suggesting and having 5 friends become fans of DaDa Rocks on facebook (and have them leave a note saying you sent them)
You get 1 extra entry for writing about this giveaway on your blog (with a link back to http://dadarocks) you must also comment with the link to your post.
You get 1 extra entry for putting this on reddit, digg, or any other social bookmarking service.
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Vtech Phones supplied the basket for this giveaway. Limited to the USA
Nov 29, 2011 | Articles, Giveaways

I’ve written some great tips from LifeLock on how to stay safe shopping but now I have a chance to giveaway a LifeLock Ultimate account!
What is LifeLock — LifeLock, helps protect you against more than just credit fraud, LifeLock alerts you whenever they detect your personal information being used to apply for wireless services, retail credit, utilities, and mortgage loans within their extensive network. If you become a victim of identity theft while you are a LifeLock member because of some failure or defect in their service, they will spend up to $1 million to hire experts, lawyers, investigators, consultants and whoever else it takes to help your recovery. Restrictions Apply and of course there are some Terms & Conditions that you can see on their site.
Whats included in the membership?
- Alerts of potential threats–both credit and noncredit related
- Online access to a personalized dashboard showing current threats
- Relentless identity monitoring for exposure of your personal information
- Member services with local phone support—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Stolen or lost wallet remediation services to help cancel and replace credit and debit cards*
- Comprehensive recovery services if you become a victim of identity theft on our watch.
Then in the Ultimate membership adds to that…
- Priority status and dedicated LifeLock Ultimate member services team
- Expanded monitoring of personal information across a comprehensive network of databases
- Enhanced, online reporting of threats
- Advanced checking and savings account application alerts
- Public record surveillance
- Payday loan monitoring
- Daily monitoring of all 3 credit bureau reports
- Alerts when contact information changes on existing credit card, checking, and savings accounts
- 24/7 online access to your annual TransUnion credit report and monthly score
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 8th, 2011.
Leave a comment below with one feature you love about this service and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @LifeLock @dadarocks #lifelock – http://bit.ly/tgfSa9 and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.
Example: I want to win a @lifelock ultimate membership from @dadarocks #lifelock – http://bit.ly/tgfSa9 #giveaway
You get 1 extra entry for following @DaDaRocks on twitter –www.twitter.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for following @lifelock on twitter –www.twitter.com/lifelock You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming their FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/lifelock (and leave a note saying that www.dadarocks.com sent you) You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for liking this page on facebook (like button at the top of the post NOTE: you must be signed into facebook for it to work!)
You get 1 extra entry for suggesting and having 5 friends become fans of DaDa Rocks on facebook (and have them leave a note saying you sent them)
You get 1 extra entry for writing about this giveaway on your blog (with a link back to http://dadarocks) you must also comment with the link to your post.
You get 1 extra entry for putting this on reddit, digg, or any other social bookmarking service.
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: LifeLock supplied the membership for this giveaway. Limited to the USA
Nov 28, 2011 | Articles, DaDa Rocks, Giveaways
Between DaDaRocks.com and LateNightParents.com over the next few weeks you’ll see a few wonderful AT&T Mobility phone giveaways. Thats right I’m this seasons AT&T Phone Fairy! On Black Friday LateNightParents kicked off the giveaways with the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play…
Tonight we’re kicking off the LG Thrill 4G Smartphone which also happens to be pretty awesome as its a standalone 3D camera too.
The LG Thrill 4G is a good android device that runs on the AT&T mobility network and has features like two cameras at its rear end and fascinating special effects.
It is not true that the customers are going to spend their hard earned bucks on something that is not valuable and when it comes to the LG Thrill 4G there is something more to it apart from 3D feature without glasses. The fact that this device is being put on major Holiday Specials really talks about how much energy AT&T is putting behind it – right now its just $0.01 on amazon (with new service or renewal).
LG Thrill 4G Hardware
The LG Thrill 4G has dimensions of 5.07 x 2.68 x 0.47 inches and weighs 5.93 ounces. The 4.3 inch display of the smartphone has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and is also equipped with identical layout for the camera, hardware keys and ports just like the previous version of Optimus 3D.

The internals of the LG Thrill 4G include dual core TI OMAP 4430 processing unit clocked at 1 GHz, 512 MB RAM, two 5 MP cameras for capturing 3D images, one 1.3 MP frontal camera and a 1500 mAh lithium ion battery. The standard Android keyboard of the device is also accompanied by few tweaks from LG.
LG Thrill 4G Software
Where most of the Android devices flocking the shelves are embedded with Gingerbread this handset has Froyo or Android 2.2 pre-installed in it.
LG Thrill 4G 3D Technology
Instead of a dedicated camera key the LG Thrill 4G is endowed with a 3D key on its right side that acts as a toggle switch between 2D and 3D when you are using the camera and also opens up 3D options and applications on menu screen outside the camera mode. The menu items float above the screen and the idea of incorporating camera, games, gallery, YouTube, apps and 3D guide.
This to me is the coolest part of the phone. I test with taking over 40 minutes of videos and dozens of photos. The photos work great in 3-4 feet worth of depth. The videos work great at 5-10 feet of depth, but the big question came of what can you do with it?! I never figured it out before I whipped the drive – I had the coolest Elmo video from Sesame Place but its certainly something people will be talking about when you show them what your phone can do.
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 5th, 2011.
Leave a comment below with one feature you love about this device and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @LGUSAMobile @ATT @LateNightParent #ATTphoneFairy – http://bit.ly/uGmKj3 and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.
Example: I want to win a @LGUSAMobile Thrill 4G from @dadarocks & the @ATT #ATTphoneFairy – http://bit.ly/uGmKj3 #giveaway
You get 1 extra entry for following @DaDaRocks on twitter –www.twitter.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for following @ATT on twitter –www.twitter.com/ATT You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming their FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/ATT (and leave a note saying that www.dadarocks.com sent you) You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for liking this page on facebook (like button at the top of the post NOTE: you must be signed into facebook for it to work!)
You get 1 extra entry for suggesting and having 5 friends become fans of DaDa Rocks on facebook (and have them leave a note saying you sent them)
You get 1 extra entry for writing about this giveaway on your blog (with a link back to http://dadarocks) you must also comment with the link to your post.
You get 1 extra entry for putting this on reddit, digg, or any other social bookmarking service.
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: AT&T Mobility supplied the mobile device for this giveaway. Limited to the USA
Nov 27, 2011 | Articles
I didnt even walk out the door to a store on black friday but that doesnt mean I didnt shop – I hit up sears.com and nailed a few gifts down for the family and others. For some of the crew I didnt care if it was on sale or not because I knew I was getting some of the lowest prices around but someone in my family is getting a toaster oven that was regular 149.95 marked down to 89.95 and someone else got a fancy blender… I was eyeing some of the craftman tool sets since I barely have a hammer in my apartment and I would love to have just a simple 20 piece set to take care of little things here and there. Then again I’m not handy at all.
Check out was a piece of cake and I was able to use a free shipping code too use code REALJOY and boo yah free shipping what could be easier then that?!
Sears Holiday Shopping Features that work for you
Lowest Price Guaranteed – we’ll match a competitor’s advertised price on same items plus give you 10% of the difference. The Best Price Guarantee
Free Shipping – Can’t find the item in store? They will ship it for free!
Return/Exchange in 5 Guarantee – Start the return on Sears.com and complete your return in 5 minutes in store, or get a $5 coupon
Diversity of Selection & the Best Brands such as Kenmore, Craftsman, Diehard, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Microsoft Xbox, NordicTrack, Dyson, KitchenAid, Amish Heat Surge, Cannon, Keurig, Samsonite, Levi’s, Bongo, UFC, Nautilus, Brunswick
Dads get a Craftsman Hand Tool Lifetime Guarantee – if a covered Craftsman hand tool ever fails, we’ll repair or replace it for free. You know the amount of things we break? LIFETIME! that’ll come in handy I’m sure!ears

Enter the Real Joy Sweepstakes! Sears is giving away $200 everyday on their Facebook page! Follow @Sears and @SearsDeals for hourly deals and giveaways!
Nov 23, 2011 | Articles
The People have spoken! and Sears has listened – it’s called the People’s Pick and it lets us vote to pick the american idol choose which items are the better deal and what we’d like to see on sale. At the end of the week items with the most votes will be the ones that will go on sale! You can also put in your e-mail address to be notified which deals won, then shop the deals Friday & Saturday. It is a crowd sourced deal, letting the customers choose what they like and want to buy.
Nov 23, 2011 | Articles
Can’t think of what to get people on your holiday gift list? Well, everyone needs a vacation! This holiday season heed the advice from Travelzoo’s Senior Editor Gabe Saglie (twitter: @GabeSaglie) on how best to purchase travel and entertainment as a gift for those on your list.
- Miles. Use can use your own miles to book a trip for the person you are buying for and there will minimal fees associated with doing this. Gifting miles is also an option, however, you need to be wary of fees. You could also consider buying miles into the person’s own frequent flier accounts as an option.
- Gift Cards. Airline gift cards are a good alternative to buying actual airline tickets. It allows the recipient to buy his/her own airfare to best fit their schedule, but be aware of expiration dates.
- Travelzoo Local Deals. Travelzoo usually sends you to travel companies directly to purchase a deal but with Travelzoo Local Deals, you purchase a voucher directly from Travelzoo that you then redeem when you visit the local business. You can purchase a voucher for anyone right from the site or from the new Travelzoo app for iOS. The Local Deals are transferable so if you see a deal you like now and are not sure who you want to give it to, get it and then give.
- Buy An Airline Ticket. The most important thing is to make sure you know your recipient’s schedule as change fees for airline tickets can be $150 each way. If you’re buying a ticket for holiday travel, act fast but save yourself some money by shopping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for airfare deals, consider alternate airports, book early and connecting flights and pick destinations on sale (New York and Europe in winter, Caribbean in summer, etc.). It’s always a good idea to check Travelzoo’s Fare Calendar to find the best dates to travel, too.
The Travelzoo Holiday Gifts page just launched and includes great travel and entertainment gift ideas to buy right now: http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/holiday-gift-guide/nationwide/
Nov 22, 2011 | Articles

Significant spending over such a small period of time can increase the opportunities for identity theft and identity fraud,” said Mike Prusinski, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications with LifeLock. “Simply being a smart shopper doesn’t necessarily ensure you have done enough to reduce all the risks surrounding identity theft this holiday season. Sometimes drastic times calls for drastic measures, and this season maybe it’s the right time to go beyond the normal tips and suggestions.
Here are some tips from LifeLock to keep your wallet safe while racing the crowds:
- Credit – One Size Fits All – Cancel your debit card and use only a credit card or a gift card. If you’re the target of an identity thief, you’re not losing your money but the lenders. If you don’t have a credit card, consider purchasing a pre-paid credit card to limit the amount lost if you are victimized. Don’t give the criminals direct access to your funds.
- Smarter Savings –Don’t open store credit, even if they are offering you 20% savings. By opening store credit you are creating more opportunities for your personal information to be exposed and/or lost and chances are good that you can find a similar discount code just with a few clicks online.
- What’s Your Frequency? If your card has the volume symbol on the front or back, your card is emitting a signal just looking to connect (radio frequency identification) to a card reader– and a thief knows this. RFID credit cards reduce the need for the consumer to scan their card, instead the card just connects. Identity thieves are creating devices to electronically pickpocket you if you’re carrying and RFID card in your purse or wallet. Call your lender and request a credit card without the RFID chip.
- Swipe in Style – Don’t swipe your credit card at the checkout, instead, hand it over to the cashier to run through on the register. Identity thieves are compromising point of sale terminals and capturing your personal information.
- Wi-Fi Worries – When browsing online, avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi networks and shared computers. You cannot guarantee the security of the computer and you are placing your personal information at risk whenever you use a public or community computer to make a purchase online.
When: Friday November 25, 2011 – 3:00PM PST/6:00PM EST (No RSVP)
Hashtag: #LifeLock
Who: Hosted by @LifeLock www.twitter.com/LifeLock
Prizes: Grand Prize: (1) One $600 Best Buy gift card & (1) 1-year LifeLock Ultimate Membership will be awarded to one participant of the Twitter Party; winner selected at random (4) Four $100 Best Buy gift cards & (4) 1-year LifeLock Ultimate Memberships will be awarded to four participants of the Twitter Party; winners selected at random
Nov 21, 2011 | Articles
This year the wife and I are really hoping to get a super large LED HDTV that I can mount to the wall… I am hoping to see a really good deal on them for Black Friday. I guess I should say I’m hoping to get the TV, my wife really just wants me to get hide all the wires. Sears will offer customers more than 900 doorbuster deals and provide Shop Your Way Rewards Members with exclusive coupons and offers.
Sears has one awesome promotion. The day before Black Friday, Sears shoppers have the opportunity to purchase items in the Black Friday circular online before they can get in the store.
Beginning on Black Friday, customers will also be able to pick up a Sears Real Deal Coupon Book (while supplies last) for more than $3,000 worth of savings storewide throughout the holiday shopping season. Customers can use the coupons starting on Saturday, Nov. 27 to save on their holiday shopping.
Customers do not have to wait until Black Friday to save. Circulars for Sears deals are available weeks in advance on searslocalad.com, which provides real deals in real-time from local Sears stores using frequent inventory updates and access to ads 24 hours a day. Plus, shoppers can take advantage of services such as Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store, ship-to-store and free shipping options. Once again I’m part of the Sears Holiday Blogger Program I will be compensated for my posts as well as received gift cards. All opinions are my own.