Sunrise in Temecula, California at Vindemia Winery

Yup! You read that right. Yep! It was free 99. How? Luck. No I'm serious, it was luck, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention the amount of such luck I've had over the years. So how did I get to check an item off my bucket-list without spending a dime? Sweepstakes! I know what you're thinking, "Aisjah, nobody wins those." Yes, people who do not enter sweepstakes have zero chance of winning anything. It's like the lottery right? You have to play to win.

My list of winnings include an iPod, tickets to see Beyonce (when she first went solo), tickets to see Miguel (twice), a huge box of hot tools and hair accessories (blow dryer, 2 flat irons, 2 curling wands, hot roller set, etc), make-up, smaller valued miscellaneous gift cards and last but not least, travel related gift cards valued at $1500. I used these winnings for a few things as I was able to make this win streeeetch. That included this hot-air balloon ride, spa treatments and hotel/airbnb accommodations in places like San Francisco, Colombia and the Bahamas. Pretty cool right?! I have yet to win an exclusive destination trip but I feel like that is in the cards for me very soon. I'm claiming it!

How often do I enter these contests? I have a daily routine actually, where I spend about an hour each day just filling out sweepstakes/contest entry forms. It literally has become a ritual. I do this either at the beginning of my day or right before I got to bed. I'd rather use the time I would be wasting, browsing social media aimlessly, on something that could potentially get me paid, get me a out of the country, or get me other free prizes. If you haven't noticed yet, I love free stuff.

So where can you find all these sweepstakes to enter? I know you are probably thinking "ain't nobody got time to be searching for random sweepstakes to enter all day!" I know and you're right. I wasn't about to be searching all day either; although if I am browsing social media and I come across a contest, I will definitely enter it.

I primarily operate from this website where there is a tab that shows all the new contests/sweepstakes for the day and is updated daily. There are also tabs separated by money, dream vacations, electronics & cars. So now that you know...Happy sweepstaking!

Disclaimer: be mindful of the pre-checked boxes that will sign you up for newsletters. You can uncheck the optional ones. Some contests do have the newsletter sign up in their terms & conditions so it's up to you whether you want to continue entering that particular contest. This cuts down on an influx of unwanted emails. You can however, unsubscribe later. Also, auto-fill saves so much time! I can sign up for twice as many more contests than with manual entry.

Now a quick blurb about the actual ride experience.

Vindemia Winery is a family-owned business located in Temecula, Ca. The hot-air balloon ride also included a yummy breakfast with mimosas and they surprised a few others and myself celebrating the same birthday, with cake. We also got to do a mini wine tasting to finish off the day. The staff at Vindemia was exceptional; provided blankets for the chilly morning ride and had great knowledge of the winery and ballooning business. I learned a thing or two, aye!

The ride was absolutely amazing with breathtaking views. I loved every moment of it and was so sad it had to end. The landing was sort of shaky but hilarious. The basket ended up on one of it's side, hence the pictures below. Turns out, it was a pretty sturdy wicker basket after all. If you ever get the chance, check them out: California Dreamin Balloon Adventures: Sunrise in Temecula.

How I Went Hot-Air Ballooning: Gratis!