Wednesday, November 30, 2011

NeatReceipts mobile scanner for PC


NeatReceipts is a mobile scanner and digital filing system that helps you manage all of your paperwork on the computer. Includes software that identifies and extracts the important information from receipts, business cards and documents and automatically organizes it for you. All scanned documents can be searched by keyword so you can find exactly what you need.

The Neat software gives you an easy-to-use, intuitive application to manage all of your business and personal paperwork. This version does not work with a Macintosh computer. Retail is $199.95.

Key Features:

Scan in receipts to:
• Save digital copies of receipts and records of vendors, dates, and totals
• Create expense reports and manage business and personal expenses
• Keep track of expenses for tax time (records accepted by the IRS)
• Export data to PDF, Excel®, Quicken®, QuickBooks®, TurboTax®

Scan in business cards to:
• Keep digital images of cards and contact information
• Capture name, address, company title, etc.
• Create your own searchable contact database
• Export data to Outlook and more

Scan in documents to:
• Create searchable PDF files
• Edit text using copy/paste
• Organize and store in your digital filing system

New in Neat software:
• The Quick Scan Center lets you scan documents from a system tray application
• The Inbox organizes all of your scanned items and lets you verify and then file the information
• The application interface has been redesigned to be faster and easier to navigate

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The name of winner will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Striiv fitness bundle




Striiv is a sleek fitness device that fits on your keychain and counts every step you take. Striiv motivates you to transform your life with games, donations, and personal challenges that are powered by your activity. Striiv's always-on TruMotion technology credits you for every step you take. It works in your hand, belt, and even your purse!. Earn rewards and bonuses for walking to lunch, climbing the stairs, or taking your dog for a run. With Striiv, fitness finally fits around your schedule. With Striiv, every step you take counts towards a donation to charity– at no cost to you. When you walk, Striiv and other sponsors make donations on your behalf. The more you walk, the more you give. Striiv games are powered by your movement. Create your own enchanted island filled with exotic wildlife and plants. Retail is $99.

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The name of winner will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Pair of Motorola two-way radios


Motorola's Talkabout MS350R 35 Mile Range, Waterproof, Two-Way Radio is by no means a fair weather radio. This high performance, ultra durable waterproof radio is right for the extreme outdoors. It uses both Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies providing more channel combinations. With a range of up to 35 miles, 22 channels and PTT Power Boost Feature, this radio is built for function, but also boasts a sleek contemporary look.  Retail is $99.99.


Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The name of winner will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.


Recent Winners:
Legos Book--Mark Sheppard, Huntersville
Zomm cell phone leash---Keith Rosenthal, Charlotte
Pelican iPhone case---Michael Smith, Charlotte

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Zomm: wireless leash, speakerphone and emergency dialer


The Zomm is "alarmingly smart" item to protect your iPhone and you. The device uses Bluetooth technology to give you a one-touch connection to emergency assistance. It also features a panic alarm, mobile speakerphone technology, and the ability to sound an alert if you ever leave your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad behind. The wireless leash is designed to work in unison with the myZOMM App, available from the App Store. Retail is $99.99.

  • Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth technology
  • Auto-dials 911 (or any number you choose)
  • Answer calls with speaker and noise-cancelling mic
  • Alerts you if you leave behind an iOS device
  • Find your keys with the myZOMM App

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 Sunday. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The name of winner will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Heavy duty Pelican i1015 iPhone Case


Pelican i1015 Waterproof iPhone/Blackberry Dry Case Protect your iPhone, iPod Touch or other Smart Phones from the elements with the i1015 Waterproof iPhone/Blackberry Dry Case from Pelican. Water resistant, crushproof, and dust proof, this i1015 dry case will protect your gadget from most hazards. The easy open latch securely fastens the case closed and a custom rubber liner doubles as o-ring seal keeping out the elements. The external headphone jack lets you listen to your player with the case closed (headphones not included). A built-in cable manager holds the earphones and cables to prevent that nasty tangle you get when you put them in your pocket or backpack. You don't have to let a little rain or splash get you down when you have your Pelican i1015 Waterproof iPhone/Blackberry Dry Case with you! Please note, case is NOT waterproof or submersible. Retail price is $41.99.


Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The name of winner will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Recent Winners:
Robot Kit, Heidi Anderson of Charlotte
Oprah Book,  Haja Kiawoh of Charlotte

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Lego Ideas Book

Did you ever wonder what you can do with all of those LEGO bricks after you have created the project they came with?

Now with The LEGO Ideas Book, you can take what you already have and make something new. The book is divided into six themed chapters-transportation, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure, and useful makes-each with basic templates of key models and spreads to inspire you to create your own.

Hints and tips from Master Builders can help you turn your classic car into a race car or add a bridge to your castl. Don't be concerned if you haven't got all the bricks you need: this book also shows how to simplify details, making this a great user-friendly guide for any building ability. Retail is $24.99.

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The name of winner will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Recent Winners:
Alien Robots Kits: Heidi Anderson, Charlotte
Ifrogz Head Phones, Cornelius

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

'The Oprah Winfrey Show: Reflections on an American Legacy'

A $50 value, this coffee table book allows fans of the Oprah Winfrey show to celebrate the show's impact while reliving favorite moments, guests and stories. Tell us why you want the book in an email to  giveaway@charlotteobserver.com.

You must pick up this book at the Observer. Deadline for entry 11 p.m. Tuesday night.

Monday, November 21, 2011

'Voice Rockrz Mic' for kids who love to sing


From the living room to the stage, whether you’re performing solo or with friends, Voice Rockrz gives you the tools you need to shine in the spotlight! Voice Rockrz is an innovative microphone that magically interacts with included accessories to transform your voice. The crowd cheers in amazement! Retail is $24.99.


Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. This item will  have to be picked up at the Observer.


Tomorrow's Prize: A $50 Oprah Winfrey  Show coffee table book

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Alien Robots Kit from David Eckold



Make science spring to life with a whir of motors, levers, gears, axles, and propellers! With six kinetic alien monsters to build, this DK kit doesn't just feed the imagination but, together with the science-packed companion book, it also explains all the physics and theories behind what makes the models work.  For ages 8 and up, the retail value is $24.99.




Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Ifrogz Earpollution cs40s Headphones

Whether you're a businesswoman enjoying Pavarotti on a flight to Paris, or a teenager chillaxin' to Radiohead, you'll experience a dynamic 40 mm driver with amazing bass and incredibly smooth undertones, pumped through AeroFoam ear cushions. Includes a foldable design. Retail is $39.99.

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The name of winner will be published. This item will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Monday Winner of Cookie the Pup:Franchyell McLaughlin, Charlotte
Tuesday Winner of Time Civil War book: Josh Vannais, Charlotte








Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Playkool Poppin Park Elefun busy ball popper

Once the balls pop out of the elephant’s trunk, it’s baby’s guess which way they’ll roll. With 10 fun tunes to play and this elephant’s trunk controlling the poppin’ direction, the play is exciting, engaging and, most of all, fun. Includes elephant, stability base, ear attachment, 5 balls and instructions. Requires 4 “D” batteries (not included). From Playskool, the retail price is $29.99.

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. This item will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Civil War, An Illustrated History




TIME observes the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War in a richly illustrated chronicle of the conflict that changed America. It's an immense battle between freedom and slavery, waged across the breadth of the still-expanding nation over a period of four years. The book focuses on little-seen photographs and original artifacts from the period: sketches from soldier's diaries, unusual and rare military and political memorabilia. And it brings us face-to-face with those who lived through the period. Retail price is $29.95.





Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.




Recent winners:

Weekend, ear buds, Paul Manos, Charlotte
Thursday make up, Cynthia Binning, Monroe

Monday, November 14, 2011

Cookie My Playful Pup


Just like a real puppy, Cookie My Playful Pup barks, wags her tail, moves her head in the direction of loud sounds (like her squeaky toy), and makes puppy talk when you talk to her! When you touch her cheek, she moves toward your hand! Pet her back and she’ll bark and wag her tail! She’s so soft! Puppy comes with squeaky toy bone. Requires 4 “C” batteries(temporary batteries included). Ages 4 and up. From FurReal friends, the retail value is $79.95 (The box is slightly damaged, but a little tape should take care of it.)









Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. This item must be picked up at the Observer.



Saturday, November 12, 2011

Ifrogz TimbrePro Ear Buds With Mic



The speaker chamber is made entirely of wood, allowing rich sound and deep bass. TimbrePro EarBuds deliver quality sound, super-deep bass, smooth, undistorted highs, and crystal clear vocals. The ear buds come with three tip sizes to fit your ear canal and are compatible with iPhone™, iPod™, BlackBerry®, and any other media device with a 3.5 mm jack. The ear buds include a convenient in-line microphone to allow enjoyment of in-depth acoustic tuning, without missing calls from your mobile phone. Retail is $49.99.


Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline is 11 Sunday night, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Make Up For Ever: Professional


This limited edition set from Sephora contains six of Make Up For Ever's best-selling products to create a beautiful holiday make up look from start to finish. Products include HD Microperfecting Primer, HD Microfinish Powder, Smoky Lash mascara, Aqua Cream #13, Lab Shine #S4 and Aqua Eyes #OL. Retail is $55.






Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 tonight, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.



Previous Winners:


Monday's Pyrex Kit--Kathy Matson, Charlotte.


Tuesday's Facial winner--Julie Reuter, Pineville


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Handy shop scissors for the toolbox





The Fiskars ShopBoss Hardware Snip is an innovative multipurpose tool that



combines some of the most frequently used tools in your toolbox. The



ShopBoss features Titanium coated, heavy duty blades designed for



tough cutting jobs, a wire cutter, wire stripper, twine cutter and



bottle opener along with a multipurpose holster with a belt clip,



deburring file, tape cutter and pencil holder. Retail price for the item is $29.95.







Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 tonight. Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser


This plant based cleanser has a two-phase action, phase one is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make up. Phase two is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin. Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, clearer skin. Value: $32



Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 tonight, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Pyrex cook kit with loads of cool stuff


The Pyrex company sent the Observer a big press kit box with 3 pieces of glassware, kitchen utensils, apron and fun odds and ends. Win this for your favorite cook and there could something delicious in your future.


Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to: giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 tonight, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published.

This item will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Thursday winner of the Bobble water bottle: Melissa Gray, Charlotte

Weekend winner of the tool bag: Diane Hurst, Charlotte.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Great tool kit for a budding do-it-yourselfer


A set of tools from Shaw Floors, perfect for a new homeowner or apartment dweller. Everything you need for small repair jobs or for hanging items on the wall. It includes a screwdriver with interchangeable bits, three small screwdrivers, a level, tape measure, regular and needle-nose pliers, adjustable wrench, hammer, assorted fasteners and a storage bag. There's no retail price for this kit, but it is very nice,

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to sendto:giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 Sunday night, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. Large items will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Bobble Refrigerator water filtering jug




Designed by Karim Rashid for Move Collective, bobble jug is a faster, smarter, sleeker reimagining of the squat, slow-filtering jugs that have hogged space in refrigerators for generations. Bobble jug is available exclusively at Target stores nationwide, as well as via www.waterbobble.com. Thereafter, bobble jug will be available at select major retailers nationwide at a suggested price of $29.99.

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 tonight, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. This item will have to be picked up at the Observer.

Winner of the Easy Bake Oven: Charlie St. Clair, Hickory

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven


The EASY-BAKE brand introduces the EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven. This oven features a heating element, similar to a conventional oven and that does not require a light bulb. Easy to use, the oven features a larger cooking chamber and bigger baking pan. In addition, the new oven bakes an extended menu that includes cookies, red velvet cupcakes, checker cakes, pizza, pretzels, cinnamon twists and brownie sticks (refills sold separately). It comes with all the tools tweens will need including a baking pan, cupcake pan, pan pusher/spatula, storage drawer, and mixes to make 12 mini cookies and 12 mini red velvet cupcakes complete with frosting and sprinkles. Adult participation and electricity required. Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99.

Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 tonight, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. The winner must pick up this item at the Observer.

Tuesday Winner of the Life anniversary book: J.D. Hathcock, Mint Hill

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Life 75 Years: The Very Best of Life


Get this before the official publish date of November 8! In this deluxe commemorative edition: The best war photos ever taken for LIFE; the loveliest pictures from Hollywood the best sports pictures, the funniest pictures the magazine ever ran. It also includes a complete reprint of the first-ever LIFE issue, with the Margaret Bourke-White photograph of the Fort Peck Dam on the cover. Retail price is $36.95.


Send a short pitch on why you want the prize to giveaway@charlotteobserver.com. Deadline 11 tonight, Include name, mailing address and phone number. The names of winners will be published. This item will have to be picked up at the Observer.


Chocolate winners from Monday: Charlotte Manis, Charlotte.


Ray McCormick. Charlotte