Divine Intervention: Cuban Style

This was my most bittersweet win as I still remember seeing I had 2 voice mails. The first was from my mom saying my Grandpa's health was not going to improve and I had to get to the hospital. The second was from 24 Hours newspaper telling me I had won a trip to Cuba. Divine intervention? Perhaps!

At the time, the paper had a 24 Trips in 24 Days promotion. Entries were daily and you had to know which was the destination of the day.

Out of the kindness of my heart, I deferred traveling until the following year. Why? So my brother could turn legal drinking age (rules and regulations of the contest) and accompany me. I called it a high school graduation present. Even though he took a leisurely 5 years to finish.

Aryka's Advice: Contest codes can be easily found online through contest forums. Red Flag Deals is a good resource!

* Ellis Hall was a legend! February 14, 1914 - October 8, 2010*

Front Row!

London. Milan. Paris. New York. Toronto?

Yes, Toronto also has its own Fashion Week and it's actually quite impressive! 

My friend and I were fortunate enough to sit front row for the Line Knitwear show through a MasterCard Twitter contest. Trendy wannabe fashionistas emerged from their winter hibernation which left me feeling quite inadequate in my black and white ensemble. But I'll never say no to an event featuring a red carpet! Even if it's only a 10x10 square. 


Aryka's Advice: Sponsors often have many giveaways leading up to an event. If there is something you want to attend, be sure to find out its corporate partners and follow them through social media!

I'm smart and now I have a phone.

The random winnings continued in 2011. I'm not ashamed to say that I did spend one Friday night at a Disney Live show. However, my current phone was embarrassing and I began a mission to win one.
This was my first contest which involved being judged against written material.

My winning entry:

Winning the Nokia N8 would be an epic improvement as I unfortunately have to carry around a phone that is so mid 2000’s. It definitely ruins an otherwise fabulous outfit when I have to reluctantly take it out and answer a call. 

It would be brilliant to rock the Nokia N8 so I could: 
1. Feel like the latest romance junkie when I use the Love App to give me hot romance ideas!
2. Embrace my inner Jane Austen and write some classic poetry with the help of Love Poems.
3. Spread love and joy through blowing kisses to the masses with the assistance of Kiss & Tell
4. Give a shout out to my global friends with the fring app and/or contact the Grams at the retirement home and hear about her latest Bingo event.
5. Not have a panic attack at 3am when I realize through True Caller that it’s my teenage brother who’s had too much to drink and needs a taxi (aka me) to pick him up.
6. Go all Martha Stewart and have a fully colour coordinated calendar schedule that makes me look ultra popular.


http://www.hipurbangirl.com/2011/02/valentines-day-contest-with-nokia-n8.html

Aryka's Advice: For all of you contest creepers, try to be funny and use product knowledge to stand out against the competition.

I Heart Cali

I discovered that social media was key to supplementing my wins. During the holidays, Virgin Mobile Canada had a 12 Days of Giveaways promotion. What did you have to do to enter? Simply, "like" a window through Facebook. This second of hard work resulted in winning a 2-night trip to LA. I flew with Virgin American and stayed at a swanky hotel in West Hollywood called the Mondrian. 


Many hours were spent at the Beverly Center and walking Rodeo Drive. Unfortunately, the biggest celeb I saw was a guy from LA Ink. Although, my friend swore she saw Chevy Chase at Whole Foods. 

Note to self: Acquire second home in California
Aryka's Advice: Be willing to "like" anything on Facebook. Yes, even that cat food or toilet bowl cleaner.

Socialiting

I continued the winning streak of free movies, tickets to plays, gift cards, and professional sporting events. Yet, this was the first party I ever attended via winning. My first thought at being presented a mask upon arrival? This is a très Gossip Girl moment. 

Posh desserts + upscale drinks + Toronto's elite = A solid Wednesday evening

Either attendees do not need jobs or require sleep because waking up for work the next day was ridiculous.

Aryka's Advice: Always have a change of clothes at work. You never know where the contests will take you!

VIP Style

I started off my magical contesting experience with numerous advanced movie screenings, a dinner gift certificate, Blue Jays tickets, and a family pass to Canada's Wonderland.
However, this was the first time I got the VIP treatment! We had boxed seats for the Disco Lemonade tour at Molson Amphitheatre. With a concert name like that, I probably had better odds of winning. Performers included Keane, Robyn, Far East Movement and Ingrid Michaelson.

What is it like to have your personal server and be able to order any food or drink (yes, this includes ALCOHOL) for free? It's wonderful. Unfortunately, we were both new to this VIP business and had driven to the event. Foolish.

Aryka's Advice: Always know exactly what your prize is in order to fully optimize your contest winning experience!