Saturday, February 15, 2014

The Wandering Minivan's Blog Re-Launch Party & Giveaway!


Woohoo! Welcome to the party!
I am so excited for the path this blog is taking. 
We are now The Wandering Minivan (formerly Makes Mama Smile) 
and I am so happy that you have wandered over 
to join the party as we launch our new look!

I chose the name The Wandering Minivan because
it is a great description of my life. 
I do drive a blue minivan full of five kids every single day. 
People who know me best will tell you that I am not the most organized 
person in the world, and I do tend to wander.
In the wandering we find adventure, 
and I want to share that with my readers.

I can't wait to see this blog grow, and have big plans for the future.

To celebrate I am giving away a Wandering in Style Package!
I put together a few items that are essential 
for any wanderer, minivan or not.
Enter using the Rafflecopter below!

The Wandering in Style Prize Package includes:

$10 giftcard to Starbucks - Because wandering makes you thirsty.
$15 giftcard to iTunes - Because wandering is more fun with good music!
1 Pair of Panama Jack Sunglasses - Because the future is bright, and so is the sun.
Yankee Candle "Clean Cotton" Car Jar Air Freshener - Because your wandering ride should smell nice.
Travel Shopping Tote - To hold all the awesome things you may come across on your journey!

Total package worth $50
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our winner has 48 hours to respond to the email sent, or we will draw another winner.
 
This giveaway is not sponsored by anyone other than The Wandering Minivan.
Thanks for visiting the party and good luck!



93 comments :

  1. I love wandering around northeast Tucson, looking at all of the awesome desert flora and fauna!

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  2. I'd like to see blog posts on easy and healthy school lunches.

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    1. That is a great idea! I pack 3 boys' lunches every day, so I will definitely put that on the list. Thanks for wandering over!

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  3. I live near the Ken Lockwood Gorge...I love to wander in the woods and along the river. The wildlife is awesome, you never know what you will see....we even have a pair of American Bald Eagles.....you get really lucky to see them!
    Ann B.

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  4. I would love see a post on how you keep the kids busy in the car. We used to have to make food out of town name....Example: New Providence, NJ became New Provolone!
    Ann B.

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    1. Ha, I love that game idea ;) I will share some of my road trip tips soon. Thanks for wandering over!

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  5. My favorite place to wander is Target:) I'd love to read anything about organizing and time management! Your blog looks awesome BTW!

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    1. Thank you! I love Target too, so easy to lose track of time in there :) Organizing and time management...definitely things I need to work on AND post about! Thanks for wandering over!

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  6. I'd like to know what snacks you pack for the little ones while wandering about!
    prizewinner at hotmail dot com

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    1. Ooh, travel friendly snacks, great post idea! Thanks for wandering over ;)

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  7. The primary reason I read blogs is for deals and coupon match-ups, but those can be very regional and don't allow you to extend beyond your local area. My wife reads primarily for recipes and home decorating ideas.

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    1. I love coupons too! I will try to find some deals to share ;) Thanks for wandering over!

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  8. I love your blog because you are such a REAL person!! I love practical everyday ideas and thoughts! Plus, your blog is always upbeat and positive! You might be changing your name but you'll still always make this mama smile! Here's to new seasons!

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    1. Aww, thanks! I will keep the upbeat and practical ideas coming ;)
      Thanks for wandering over!

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  9. Some vegetarians recipes would be nice.

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    1. Mmm, I get hungry just thinking about it! I will put that on my list :) Thanks for wandering over!

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  10. I'd like to see posts on fun activities for kids.

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    1. Fun with the kids, for sure! Thanks for wandering over :)

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  11. I enjoy your posts on travels. It's hard to find places that the whole family can enjoy. I appreciate your recommendations.

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    1. Yes, more travel posts are on there way soon! Thanks for wandering over :)

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  12. Wandering at National Parks across the US!

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    Replies
    1. That is a great idea, we still have many more to visit! Thanks for wandering over :)

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  13. I would like to see activities for keeping the kids busy during winter, long trips and during flights.

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    1. We can never have too many good ideas to keep kids quiet and busy can we?! I will add more soon. Thanks for wandering over :)

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  14. i like giveaways, so this is great! more please

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    1. I have more coming up for sure! I love them too :)
      Thanks for wandering over!

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  15. I pretty much enjoy every type of post. I am not picky.

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    1. Easy to please, I like that! Thanks for wandering over :)

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  16. how to can foods or make baby food

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    1. I have done both, so will have to add those to my future post list. Thanks for wandering over :)

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  17. I would like to see some posts of interesting things you run across while on your wandering trips.

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    1. We have run across some unexpected roadside stops in our wanderings. I will have to share soon. I appreciate the idea!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  18. I like to see posts and giveaways about/for dogs.

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    1. My kids beg me for a dog all the time! We don't own one yet, but we do get to play with a really fun standard poodle at my parents' house almost every weekend. I will have to share about him soon :) Thanks for wandering over!

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  19. I would love to see the adventures/wondering you go on and tell us how you make it work with five kids. I only have two and would love to know any tips.

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    1. Yes! I will be sharing more travel tips for families (large or small) very soon!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  20. Oh my goodness peanut free lunch ideas would be fantastic!!

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    1. Lunch ideas are highly requested :) I will gather my best allergy-free tips soon!
      Thanks for wandering over!

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  21. My favorite place to wander is around the grocery store, :)

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    1. Kid-free trips to the grocery store...who knew that could be a mini-vacation?!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  22. Love finding out about good-priced items for the family. And LOVE book reviews!!

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    1. I love a good deal too! I am working on another book review right now ;)
      Thanks for wandering over!

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  23. I'd love to see posts about cleaning shortcuts, organization and simple recipes.

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    1. Always great topics!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  24. The midwest of the USA

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  25. My favourite place to wander is in the nature. I love nature and I enjoy taking in all difference scenes and views.

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  26. I would like to see posts about recipes, DIY, crafts and contest.

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    1. Some of my favorite things too!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  27. Stenella.frontalis@yahoo.com

    I love to wonder in Newport, Rhode Island. So pretty.

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    1. I would love to visit!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  28. I love DIY posts - I'm not very crafty, but I want so badly to be! sometimes just watching others create inspires me to at least try.

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    1. I am always looking for inspiration too! I will see what I can come up with ;)
      Thanks for wandering over!

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  29. I like to wander on the trails near our local lakes.
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Sounds like a great place!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  30. My favorite place to wander is the beach.
    heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

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  31. I love money saving tips and quick healthy recipes.

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    1. Two of my favorite topics!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  32. I would love to see more cleaning tips and beauty tips! jessicapeeling@yahoo.com I love wandering on the beach

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  33. I love the beach too!
    Thanks for wandering over :)

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  34. I love wandering around the midwest!

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  35. I need ideas for cheap but fun outdoor activities for kids and tweens.

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    1. I can't wait until it warms up for more outside play! I will share some ideas ;)
      Thanks for wandering over!

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  36. We wander to campgrounds.Love camping.

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  37. I would love to see posts on eco-friendly cleaning, cloth diapering, and breastfeeding! :)

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    1. I am constantly looking for new eco-friendly and effective cleaning tips! Hope to find more to share soon.
      Thanks for wandering over ;)

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  38. I really enjoy giveaways. Thanks so much!!!

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  39. Some recipes, fun for kids, special deals would be great! Lori D.

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  40. Yay....fun to have you up and blogging again!

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  41. I would love to hear about fun local adventures/outings/day trips.

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  42. I would like to see more free *wandering* ideas that takes your mind off the hustle and bustle of life :)

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    1. What a good idea! Especially with spring coming.

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    2. Love that! Thanks for wandering over ;)

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  43. I wander in my dreams. I see people and places I do not know.

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    1. Oh, I have some strange wanderings in my dreams!
      Thanks for wandering over ;)

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  44. My favorite place to wander is barnes and nobles, I can look through their books for hours.

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    1. Yes! Love to escape there too!
      Thanks for wandering over :)

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  45. would like to see traveling on a budget pieces, thank you!

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    1. We are always on a budget! More about that soon ;)

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  46. I would love to see a post about most affordable travel destinations!

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  47. I love to wander all over the US I have never been west...

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  48. I love wandering at Target - love browsing the clothes, shoes and book sections!

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  49. i wander outside by the pool at least when its not freezing outside

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  50. I'd love to see more kid friendly recipes and crafts.

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  51. Some fashion tips would be a nice addition to your blog

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