Sure, 2011 is fast approaching, but I can't help reminiscing about days gone by, thanks to these delectable vegan marshmallow snowflakes by Sweet & Sara, the prize for this week's "Win It" Wednesday contest:

I simply can't shake this thought progression:

Vegan marshmallows -> gooey vegan s'mores -> fireplace -> scary urban legends reflections about personal victories for animals

And considering that the "feels like" temperature is 19 degrees and my sweet tooth is crying out for chocolate-y relief, I'm not gonna try to fight it. So, as I char my umpteenth snowflake over the flames, I'd describe the time I came across a squealing mouse on a glue trap tossed in the trash and hurried to get him home. Once there, I gently freed him from the torturous device with some sunflower oil—and after a little R&R, bright-eyed Mr. Mouse went on his way.  

So, ante up your heartwarming tale of triumph for an animal who needed your help—the two tales that most make us feel all warm and gooey inside will score the treats.

The contest ends on December 22, and the winner will be chosen on December 24. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Good luck!

Written by Karin Bennett

Vegan marshmallow peepers! That's right, the sugary (but pig skin–laden) treats have taken the vegan leap thanks to Sweet and Sara's Easter Chick & Bunny. They are the cruelty-free, must-have edible couple of the season:

Want to call these confectionary cuties yours? Just tell us what excites you most about the upcoming arrival of spring—from extra-long walks with your animal companions to Easter-inspired month-long candy binges. We're giving a bag of these peepers to the reader with the vision that most makes us crave March's out-like-a-lamb end.

Enter by sharing your springtime hopes in the comments section. The contest ends on March 24, 2010, and we'll pick the winner on March 26, 2010. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting. Good luck!

Written by Logan Scherer

Last night's Unwrapped, which featured Sweet & Sara's vegan s'mores, had me thinking that HD stood for highly delicious. Unlucky for me, I was stuck with unfulfilled temptation—the treats in prime viewing range, but nowhere near me to be eaten. Lucky for you, the lure of vegan marshmallows on Food Network last night has resulted in today's "Win It" Wednesday prize—these Sweet and Sara heart-shaped, chocolate-dipped, cruelty-free marshmallows:

To win these confectionary hearts, tell us how you'll celebrate Valentine's Day with the animals in your life. The three readers with the holiday plans that warm us the most will each get three of these giant, hand-dipped marshmallows. If you can't wait for us to announce the winners, hurry over to Sweet & Sara's Web site—right now, you can get a 20 percent discount by entering FN20, the Food Network Code, at checkout.

Leave your Valentine's animal activities in the comments section. The contest ends on February 3, 2010, and we'll pick the winners on February 5, 2010. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting. Good luck!

Written by Logan Scherer