It’s summertime in Arizona, and the heat is on.  So why not plan to get out of the heat by taking advantage of the summer fun at Fleming’s Steakhouse?  With 4 Valley locations, (and MANY across the country) there’s no reason you can’t enjoy one of Fleming’s fabulous experiences this summer.

Of course, look for some of these experiences to be offered on Shwaag as well.

Get Shwaag'd with fun experiences from Fleming's!

We’re starting with the Summer Grilling Seminars at the Fleming’s Steakhouse Peoria location.  Enter to win 2 tickets to this fun and fabulous event.  You’ll get out of the heat on July 16th or July 30th from 1:00-2:30pm.

Chef Partner Jeff Fearing at Fleming’s Peoria continues his popular Grilling Seminars this summer with two sessions on that American classic: barbeque. A competitor and winner in many renowned BBQ competitions, Chef Jeff will take participants through the different styles of barbeque, grills and smokers. He’ll also share some of his secrets and tips for rubs, marinades and brines.  At the end of the 90 minute sesssion, everyone will get samples of Chef’s own grilled goodness with different sauces while Fleming’s wine managers recommend different drink pairings.

Also, stay tuned for a Shwaag exclusive cocktail reception celebrating their three skinny summer drinks…cocktails that are only 99-calories each!

Click here to check out the other summer fun Fleming’s has to offer.

You stay cool, Arizona.

We sure hope so. Shwaag sponsor Local Motors does, too!  That’s why they’re running the current Shwaag offer…one ticket to #CoCreatePDMA.  Learn more about this high-impact conference here.  If you register now, Shwaag Members are being offered a 20% discount.  Email info@shwaag.com to get the code.

Enter for this Shwaag offer courtesy of Local Motors! Local Motors is offering one ticket to the first-ever Co-Creation Conference at the Micro-Factory in Chandler. The conference will include notable leaders like Chris Anderson (Wired), Dale Dougherty (MAKE Magazine),David ten Have (Ponoko), and Ben Kaufman (Quirky) as well as leading co-creative companies like Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, Microsoft, and others.

Click on the presenter’s and/or company’s name to engage with them in the social media streams.  Give them a big shout out for being speakers at #CoCreatePDMA!

The conference is being held in Phoenix, Arizona on June 27-28, 2011.  This Shwaag offer is for one ticket (valued at $1,250).  Airfare and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the winner.

So what are you waiting for?  This Shwaag offer runs from June 17 – June 21.  The lucky Shwaagee will be chosen and notified on June 21st.  Make sure you have your Shwaag profile’s shipping information completely filled out so you don’t miss out on your winnings!  To our surprise, it happens frequently!

Enter to Get Shwaag’d with the RCPM CD Release Bundle!  Formerly known as The Refreshments, this band is Rockin’!  This bundle includes the new CD “Unida Cantina” autographed by Roger Clyne, as well as a T-shirt and Mexican Moonshine shot glass.

No need to wait to Get Shwaag’d for this one, though!  Be one of the cool kids to stay on top of the music scene and buy this CD or the featured single on it’s official release date!

This Shwaag offer good from April 17-April 21, 2011

Login and Get More Shwaag!

Want to See More Shwaag?  It’s as easy as logging in.

You know how it goes…you visit www.Shwaag.com to see what cool offers we have running.  But if you’re not logged in, you may not be seeing all there is!  That’s right.  If we have multiple Shwaag offers running, you’ll only see the “Featured Shwaag” if you’re signed out.

And in Arizona, we have Local Shwaag live and running on a frequent basis.  But you can’t see it until you’re logged in! Fleming’s Steakhouse, Macayo’s, Cowboy Ciao, the list is growing all the time.  And as we roll out other local markets, you’ll want to keep your eyes open!

The whole point is that you’ll only see the Shwaag for which YOU are eligible!

Yeah, we know, we know.  Logging into websites can be a pain…what with all the passwords and user names to remember.  Who can keep track?

That’s why you don’t have to anymore at Shwaag.com.  Login with your Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn account simply by clicking on the icon on our login screen.  Pretty sweet, right?

So no more excuses!  Log into Shwaag, and let the games begin!

Build Your Entourage, ShwaagStar!

At Shwaag, we’re trying to the make the concept of influence, passion and marketing more fun.

As a Founding Shwaag Member, wouldn’t it be fun to see how many people have joined Shwaag….all because of you?!  We thought so, too!  That’s why we’re rolling out the Shwaag Entourage.

Here’s how it works:

Every time you tweet or post about an experience you’d like to Get Shwaag’d with (AKA win) there’s a short url that’s generated just for you and that product.  Now anytime someone clicks that unique url and joins Shwaag, we’re crediting you for the new member! With each new member that joins through your urls, you add another person to your entourage. Now that we’ll be aware of who has joined because of you, their influence over time adds to your influence over time as well.

At Shwaag, we’re all about celebrating YOU.  So far, we’ve:

• Given away HUNDREDS of Shwaagtastic high-end products like Flip Cams, and Kindles, and iPads…oh my!
• Given away many meals to wonderful restaurants
• Co-hosted exclusive events in Arizona with Shwaagvertisers Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar and Macayo’s…with more to come!
• Provided publicity and a little Shwaag Love to charities such as the Avon Foundation: Breast Cancer Research and Boys & Girls Club…all through the generosity of Shwaagvertisers as well as YOUR recommendations.
• Given away countless items as live event sponsors like AZEC and SMAZ
• And lots more…

As you know, Shwaag membership is exclusive.  The ONLY way to get in previously was through a direct invitation via Shwaag, Inc.  Now we’re giving you, the Founding Members, a way to directly provide that exclusive invitation.  That bonus tweet and post you make to get something you have a passion for, now has a little more meaning!

On a final note, don’t be afraid to get creative! We’re providing a way for you to brighten someone’s day  And while we have set up the basic system to make that happen, we’re far more interested in seeing how YOU choose to invite people to join your entourage.  You’ve got the social networking sites, you’ve got the exclusive Shwaag invites.  The rest is up to you!

Have fun, ShwaagStar!

Nominated by Shwaag Member Steve Daniels, the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley is a finalist in the Shwaag for a Cause contest.  (Want to help Steve support this cause directly? Click here to contribute.  Want to vote for the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley to win the Shwaag for a Cause contest? Click here and “Like” the photo!)

Steve originally got involved with Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley when invited to sit on their board.  He had been looking for a way to give back to his community, but hadn’t found a cause that really resonated with him.  However, when he found this organization, something sparked for him.

“This is such a great cause that helps keep kids off the street,” Steve said when asked about his passion for this charity.  ”The Boys & Girls Club brings positive influences into the lives of kids, and gives kids a place to go and stay out of trouble.

According to the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley’s website:

Many children have no adult supervision after school. Studies have shown that the hours between 3pm – 8pm are the hours that most kids are likely to get involved with crime, be victims of crime or engage in other risky behavior. The Clubs provide an alternative to the dangers of the streets. Moreover, the Clubs provide stimulating activities that help build character, self-esteem, values and skills.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley offers that and more! Our Clubs instill a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

Steve elaborated about the marketing efforts of this club.  All the clubs handle their own social media presence, and as such could really benefit from winning the Shwaag for a Cause contest.  ”(Winning the contest) could help us keep our supporters and parents updated on what the kids are up to and spread awareness.”

Want to help the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley by donating now?  Click here.  Want to help this organization win the Shwaag for a Cause contest?  Click here and “like” the photo! The charity with the most “likes” on their logo wins!  Voting ends Wednesday, January 12th at 3:00pm MST.

The Family Involvement Center was nominated by Shwaag Member Krista Long.  (Want to help Krista support this cause directly? Click here to contribute.  Want to vote for Family Involvement Center to win the Shwaag for a Cause contest? Click here and “Like” the photo!)

When I asked Krista why she thought this should be the winning charity for the “Shwaag for a Cause” contest, she didn’t even hesitate:

“This is a much needed charity, but they’re small.  They are just getting started on their social media presence, so they could really benefit from winning a Shwaag item through this contest.”

The Family Involvement Center is a not-for-profit, family-directed run organization that was founded by Jane Kallal in 2001.  Focusing on children with emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health challenges, the Family Involvement Center provides assistance, education, and support to the parents.

Krista’s passion for the Family Involvement Center is very personal to her.  Krista’s son battles with issues that are covered by the organization.  The greatest benefit has been the ability to connect with other families facing similar challenges.  The education and support programs provided for Krista’s son and their family has played a significant role in his development.

With an organization like Family Involvement Center, children who are often overlooked by the system get the help they need to overcome the significant challenges in their development.

A quote from the organization’s website says it perfectly: “It is thought that families who receive consistent support will not only achieve higher levels of community integration and well- being, but will also become less entangled with (and dependent upon) formal services.”

If you want to help this charity out by making a donation, there’s a Paypal link on the homepage of their website.  If you’d like to vote for this charity to win “Shwaag for a Cause,” Click here and “Like” the photo! The charity with the most “likes” on their logo wins!  Voting ends Wednesday, January 12th at 3:00pm MST.

(Don’t forget to Like this organization on Facebook!)

Read below, in Michelle’s own words, why she supports the March of Dimes.  Want to help Michelle support this cause directly? Click here to contribute.  Want to vote for March of Dimes to win the Shwaag for a Cause contest? Click here and “Like” the photo!

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In Michelle’s words:

“I have had a few encounters with premature babies. The first experience was in 1990. My 11 month old daughter was at Children’s Hospital San Diego with Rotta Virus. It was traumatic. As I wandered the halls one night while she was being treated, I came across the NICU. Thru the windows I saw babies that looked like they were smaller then Barbie dolls. I didn’t know babies were born so small.

My next encounter was in the late 1990’s. I I was working in the food and nutrition department at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, CA.  I had an order to deliver a late meal for a parent to the NICU. I was amazed at how many extremely tiny babies I saw.

I now work for Famous Footwear who is a national sponsor of the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes works to educate, prevent, and treat premature babies, their families, etc. Their advances have led to women being instructed to take Folic Acid in pregnancy, newborns getting a foot prick PKU test, and oral polio vaccinations, among other victories.

As I have worked for Famous Footwear the last two years,  I met the Lucero Family. They are Northern Nevada’s Poster Family. Their daughter Madison was born at 28 weeks. She was only 1 pound, 14 ounces and 11 inches long. She is now a happy, healthy 5 year old. I have had the pleasure of meeting her twice this year.

Madison’s story is at http://madison4babies.com/index.html there is a photo of her with a beanie baby that is as big as her. I have seen the beanie baby and it is the typical 6 or 8 inch beanie baby. There is also a photo of her now.  They also have a page with a few photos from her hospital stay.

All premature babies deserve the chance that Madison got. Please help me help the babies.

Quick History

President Roosevelt formed the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis; better known as the March of Dimes. With advances in vaccinations Polio was eliminated.  With their original mission accomplished, they moved on to preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Since 2003, their focus has been on prematurity.

Prematurity is the number 1 cause of newborn death!

National March of Dimes Facts

• Nationwide over 543,000 babies are born prematurely each year.
• This is a 30% increase since 1981.
• Nationwide 1 in 8 babies are born too soon.
• Premature births cost society more then $26,000,000,000.00 year.

Nevada March of Dimes Facts

• Nevada has more then 5400 babies born premature each year.
• Nevada has 1 in 7 babies born too soon.
• Of the 770 babies born in a week in Nevada, 4 will not live to see their first birthday.

Personally in the two years I have worked with Famous Footwear, I have been involved with the March of Dimes Walk. In 2010 I raised 250.00 on-line via friends and family. At work,  I have also participated in our twice a year, in store,  fund raising… in the spring prior to the walk, and in November during the prematurity awareness month. This year, I also had the privilege of helping at the Signature Chefs event.

My page for the 2011 March of Dimes walk is located here. I am trying to meet or exceed the amount I raised in 2010.”

Want to help Michelle support this cause directly? Click here to contribute.  Want to vote for March of Dimes to win the Shwaag for a Cause contest? Click here and “Like” the photo! The charity with the most “likes” on their logo wins!  Voting ends Wednesday, January 12th at 3:00pm MST.

The "Before" Blog

Where has the Shwaag Blog gone?  We know….this question has been plaguing you for the past week or two.  You’ve lost sleep, wondering why you haven’t seen any blog updates from the Shwaag Team.

Well…fear not! We’re back!  And (as you might have noticed) we’re redesigned.

The last quarter of 2010 has found the Shwaag Team hard at work behind the scenes.  We’ve been working diligently to put changes into play that will give our Shwaag Members a fantastic experience as we prepare to roll out new and exciting things.  WooHoo!  And while many of the changes we’ve been hard at work over aren’t visible yet, this one is!

That said, we’re still evolving the blog to turn it into the perfect “water cooler” of all things Shwaag.  We think…er, KNOW…our members are smart, forward thinking individuals.  We would love to hear from you about our blog.

1. What features would you like to see here?  Any cool widgets or plugins you think we should know about?

2. What content would you like to find here?  We’re looking to use this as a one-stop-source of information for Shwaag.  Not just about our Shwaagvertisers, but about our members, too.  So tell us what you’d like to see, and we’ll bring it!

Can’t wait to hear your Shwaagtastic ideas!

Shwaag Week: The week before Thanksgiving dedicated to celebrating Social Goodness.

We want to learn all about YOUR favorite charities and causes.  We want other members to have the opportunity to learn about those causes, too.  Together, we can effect change simply by spreading the word and sharing our passion.  A great storm starts with one simple rain drop!  So Shwaag Members, get ready to Shwaag for a Cause!

How to participate:

• Post a link to your favorite Charity on the Shwaag Facebook Wall.
• In your post, tell us WHY you are passionate about supporting that charitable organization.
• The links with the most likes will be highlighted Shwaag-Style between now and the end of the year
• Tell your friends, and have them vote on your post!
• A surprise will be awarded to one lucky Shwaagee and their Charity!

So post that link…then start spreading the word!  We can’t WAIT to learn about your favorite charity!

Other Shwaag Week Features: Shwaag to be Thankful for, Bonus Shwaag