Excedrin Migraine Press Event Highlights And GIVEAWAY! 2 WINNERS! 12/5

I am the proud mother of a soon to be 13 year old as well as 2 toddlers. I also have 3 puppies and a husband who acts very much like a big kid a good part of the time. So I think it's safe to say, I know quite a bit about headaches! In all seriousness, though, I have been suffering from severe headaches and even migraines with increasing regularity for around 4 or 5 years now.

This is a condition that is very common among women, and one that can be downright debilitating.Migraine sufferers,I'm sure you know what I mean...Sensitivity to light and sounds, nausea, throbbing, stabbing pain either in one part of the head or wrapping around the entire head...It's no fun and can make completing every day tasks very challenging. I would almost compare the pain of a migraine to that experienced during labor. (Note, I did say almost.)

My worst migraine lasted for an entire week, with no signs of letting up. I couldn't sleep, couldn't concentrate, and wasn't the most pleasant person to be around. This nightmare of a migraine was triggered by an earthquake that my home was near the epicenter of. I had no idea that the pressure changes that occur during an earthquake could act as a trigger for migraines, but my doctor told me I wasn't alone, and that this certainly does happen.

Speaking of triggers, the best way to manage migraines is to learn how to recognize your own unique triggers. This can be hard to do, especially after the onset of a migraine. I know some of my personal triggers include eating foods that are too salty, dehydration, lack of sleep, and you guessed it...PMS. Knowing what triggers my migraines helps me treat them and keep them at bay before they become unbearable.

That's why the amazing folks at Excedrin have come up with a brand new app to help keep track of these triggers. The My Migraine Triggers Mobile App is a very useful tool to help determine when you're at risk for migraines, as well as opening up a detailed dialogue with your physician.

To help celebrate the launch of this great new app, the folks at Excedrin invited their Excedrin Migraine Brand Ambassadors to attend a great event in New York City! While this was a quick trip, I have to say, we were absolutely pampered and learned a lot about the brand and how to help keep migraines at bay. Oh, not to name-drop, but we even got to hang out with the beautiful and amazingly talented Jordin Sparks! Keep reading for photos and the lowdown on my Excedrin Blogger Trip!

Yes, that is Jordin Sparks with the Excedrin Migraine Bloggers!

Now I have never really been to New York City before, so I felt like a fish out of water right away. The sights of the huge buildings and bustling streets was a little overwhelming, but I was super excited to experience The Big Apple!

We stayed at the posh, ultra-modern Affinia Dumont Hotel, located in Dumont Square in Manhattan. My room was amazing, with plenty of comforts like a cozy bed, full kitchen, and a nicely sized work space.

Once I got all settled in, it was time to meet with the other brand ambassadors and the Excedrin team for a fun night out at Vino 313, one of NYC's premiere wine bars and restaurants. We were given all the wine we wanted, tons of delicious food. I have to say, the appetizers were fantastic. They had a nice platter of olives as well as homemade potato chips and some divine hummus that was served with sliced baguettes. The meal was nice, too. We enjoyed a salad of mixed greens and red onions with a champagne vinaigrette, (Yes, I picked all of the onions out, haha) and we also had a nice Tagliatelle tossed in a creamy goat cheese sauce. For the third course, I chose a mouthwatering Hangar Steak with roasted potatoes. Yum!

There was also a lot of great conversation between the bloggers and the Excedrin team. It was a lot of fun getting to know everyone on a more personal level, and I even got to finally meet my long time Blogging BFF, Elaina from A Time Out For Mommy! We've been online friends for a couple of years now, and meeting her face to face and giving her a big hug was definitely one of the highlights of my trip!

The next morning, I was treated to a Swedish Massage at the Oasis Day Spa located within the Affinia Dumont Hotel. I had never had a massage before, so it was a very nice surprise. I actually fell asleep, and was so relaxed that when it was time to get off of the table, my whole body felt like Jell-O.

Then we met up together once again to head to the press event. This was about a 15 minute walk, so I got to people-watch and take in the sights of this busy city during the day. I noticed a lot of great shops, and wished I had brought more cash with me to do some shopping. Oh well, maybe next time!

The event took place right near Macy's! Yes, that Macy's.The Excedrin team worked tirelessly throughout the night setting up a tent dedicated for the My Migraine Triggers App launch.

There was a stage, laminate wood flooring for a homey feel, branded banners, a tea station, and even a bunch of massage chairs so weary New Yorkers could enjoy a free massage! How cool is that?!

When they event started, we got to hear all about the new My Migraine Triggers App from a well-respected neurologist, Dr. Peterson. She herself is a migraine sufferer, and has been dedicated to bringing much needed relief to her migraine patients for years. Dr. Peterson was thrilled to be working with Excedrin Migraine and was quite enthusiastic about what this new app could do to help migraine sufferers manage their condition.

Then they brought out the superstar special guest, none other than Jordin Sparks! We're HUGE fans in my house, and my preteen actually belts out her hit song "Battlefield" when he's in the shower. He probably doesn't appreciate the fact that I am divulging that, or that I told Jordin herself!

Jordin Sparks is also a migraine sufferer, as is her mother. She has been using the My Migraine Triggers app to help track her triggers and has been having some success with it!

Jordin Sparks sharing her migraine experiences

Striking a pose

After Ms. Sparks was done sharing her own migraine stories, she sang us a song, "Have A Little Faith", a capella. You know how a lot of artists just don't sound very good without musical accompaniment or a studio to "clean up" the tracks? Well, this was NOT the case at all with Jordin Sparks! I was blown away by her natural talent, the soothing, angelic quality of her voice, and by her astounding range. I can definitely see why she was the youngest ever winner of American Idol. This woman is truly, truly gifted.

The best part? She's not a diva. After Ms. Sparks had a few press interviews and enjoyed a massage of her own, she actually took the time to chat with us a bit and have her photograph taken with us bloggers. She even told me to tell my son Kyle that she said "Hi," This absolutely made his day, by the way!

Jordin Sparks getting a massage

The Excedrin Migraine Brand Ambassadors!

Hanging out with Jordin Sparks!

Overall, I had a wonderful time in New York City getting to know the other brand ambassadors and the Excedrin Migraine team. I got to finally meet an old friend in person, and I got to make some new ones. I also enjoyed my first massage, and had ladies' night at the fabulous Vino 313 Wine Bar. My first trip to The Big Apple was so much fun, and while I would never want to leave my hometown in Ohio, it sure is a neat place to visit!

On top of that, I got to learn all about the new My Migraine Triggers App, which I plan to use to track my own migraine triggers. I will keep you all updated on how it goes!

AND YES! Excedrin Migraine IS in the process of returning to the shelves! I have been asked a lot lately, and I am thrilled to announce it is back! Be sure to check retailers near you!

HOW TO CONNECT :


You can download the My Migraine Triggers app for free at MigraineResource.com.

You can also follow the Excedrin Migraine Facebook page for their latest products, promotions, and tips.

WIN IT !

Enter for a chance to win the Excedrin Migraine Relief Kit! 2 lucky winners will receive an awesome kit from the generous folks at Excedrin. This kit includes:

 Sleep Mask
 Noise cancelling ear buds
 Branded Stress Balls
 Herbal Compress
 Branded Water bottle
 $15 iTunes Gift Card

Simply enter on the Rafflecopter form below!

This sweepstakes is open to US residents 18+ until 11:59PM EST on December 5,2012. Void where prohibited, No purchase necessary. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook in any way. Winner will be drawn using Rafflecopter's random number generator and will be notified via e-mail. Once notification is sent, winner will have 48 hours to claim their prizes. All entries will be verified, so please play fairly and keep it fun for everyone!

***Disclosure: I am an Excedrin® Migraine brand ambassador. One iPod Touch to test the app was provided by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Excedrin® Migraine; my journey for a migraine-free experience is my own.***

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