Did you know that Kix, and not Cheerios, is General Mills’ oldest corn puffed cereal? I haven’t had Kix in a while, but since receiving this kit, Gadget has fallen in love with Honey Kix. He said verbatim” I love that they’re sweet inside them, and nothing else.” I love the simplicity of the new graphics and the regular Kix have half the sugar as the Honey-flavored product. I enjoyed introducing my kids to a cereal other than the brightly colored, high sugar breakfasts that they usually lean towards in the cereal aisle. If you would like to taste these and receive your own prize pack, please comment and I’ll select a winner and send you one.

I received a “Kid-Tested, Mother-Approved” prize pack including a 24-piece counting-themed floor puzzle, fun learn-to-count flashcards, a sippy cup, a portable snack container and a box each of Original Kix and Honey Kix cereals – given to me from Kix through MyBlogSpark. The “Kid-Tested Mother-Approved®”cereal is made with whole grain corn and is an excellent source of iron. It also is a good source of calcium, fiber, and Vitamins C and D. Original Kix has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

I was scared to test out the SweeperVac, because I thought it was going to desinigrate and then I would have only bad things to say about it, but it not only cleaned up chip bits on carpet, my three year-old was able to do this! What a relief! The packaging it arrived it was super cool.

The cutest thing were the containers of cheerios, hair, crumbs and dirt for “sample spills.” I really didn’t want to make a mess to clean it, so I waited until there was dirt with some weight on it. The boys poured broken chips on the carpet, and the SweeperVac acutally picked it up. It really seems to work better on flat surfaces, like the kitchen, but the boys couldn’t resist being my “helpers!” Putting it together was so simple I don’t even remember doing it. It came with a cord for charging, so it literally becomes a wireless vacuum. Nice.

I work for a company that is combining philanthropy and brand marketing through the Pepsi Refresh Project. Pepsi is giving away millions in grants each month to fund great ideas. How are they doing this in this economic climate? The company has taken the millions of dollars usually spent on Pepsi Superbowl adds, and is now granting millions of dollars to individuals, non-profits and pro-social businesses. Ideas that can make a positive impact in the community are being awarded, so submit your idea in one of the six grant categories defined above.

You are being charged to Submit, Promote and Vote! Any legal US resident can submit ideas, even me, an employee! Of course, I am applying for a grant, and I’ll share those details soon. Submit your ideas starting today. Promote your idea on using your social media presence or good old fashioned word of mouth. Vote starting February 1st, and you can vote everyday of the month. This cycle will occur EVERY month! Grant buckets are the following: $5000, $25,000, $50,000 & $250,000, and up to ten awardees willl be named each month for the first three grant buckets. Get started on your idea today. Download your grant toolkit as well, or if you have more questions see the FAQ.