Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Giveaways!
Wordless Wednesday-Kaia is 3!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Eco Store Giveaway *CLOSED*
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sprig Toys Review & Giveaway! *CLOSED*
These really fun toys are growing in popularity. A few months ago I hadn't even heard of Sprig and through another blogger, I saw these adorable little items and asked them if I could check them out too. Sprig Toys are a company based out of Colorado. They are made to be earth friendly and are simple, yet sturdy in their design. Their products are made of recycled Sprig wood which contains child friendly bits of recycled woods and plastic. They are not painted but, the wood itself is stained at times to achieve color. Sprig uses "safe pigments, keeping our toys free of soluble heavy metals, phthalates or endocrine disruptor's."
"Sprig Toys, Inc., is an Eco-friendly company dedicated to making the best toys
the right way.
Inspired by our collective desire to keep kids active and the planet healthy, Team Sprig is dedicated to infusing creativity, smart design, quality manufacturing, earth-friendly materials, product satisfaction and responsible business practices into a superior line of fun, kid-powered toys.
We help make the world a better place and we get kids off the couch. Pretty cool, huh?"
My daughter just turned three and is definitely in that imagination and active mode. She likes to play with her dolls just as much as cars, etc. She really took to her Story Builders Barnyard toy! She helped me set up the fences, the barn, and the animals. She liked the fun illustrations and the little scene it made. It's made for 3 years and up but, is a little difficult to put together on their own at that age. A parent definitely needs to be involved and it should be done on a flat surface, not a carpet.(too hard to stand the characters up)
They also are featuring toys from their Adventure Series right now. the Adventure Series features non electronic and electronic toys that are full of fun and imagination. All of them feature a little adventure guide and themed items to match the adventure.
Contest will end January 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM Arizona time. U.S. entries only please.
*thank you to Sprig Toys for providing the review and giveaway items*
Saturday, December 26, 2009
You're Three Today
You were and have been, a fulfillment of a promise. You aren't really mine but, His. I'm so thankful that I have this time with you. You have healed me in so many ways and you will always be my baby.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Eco Store Review
Baby Wash
Aromatherapy wash made with all natural ingredients. I personally like the smell. It smells "natural" and plant derived which it is. It has a mild lather and rinses easily without leaving a film or residue. Currently, it's winter and we also live in the desert. This is the time when my daughters eczema flares. She gets patches on different spots on her body, she hasn't had any problems or reactions while using this wash. This wash isn't very moisturizing so at this point, it would be the only downside. It doesn't contain petrochemicals, laureth sulfates, popylene glycol, dyes, artificial perfumes, and no parabens. They do not test on animals, which is another wonderful benefit to their products.
As a mom, I like of course the fact that these artificial and harmful ingredients aren't in this baby wash. I also like that a little goes a long way.
Pure Oxygen Whitener
I received the whitener and the baby wash at the same time. I've been able to do multiple loads of laundry with this to get the full effect. This whitener is natural and made with mineral salts and plant ingredients derived from coconut and citrus. This product was developed to be a safer alternative to chlorine bleach. It's safe for septic also.
The directions ask you to dissolve first in warm water and then add to your wash to prevent it from reacting to the clothing too soon. I did that and added my washing powder. I noticed an immediate difference in my husbands white T shirts and socks. After a few more washes, the clothes are getting even brighter. Their claim that it works effectively and safely is true. I also like that this is incredibly economical.
Eco Store was voted New Zealand's "Sustainable Business Of The Year" in which they are very proud. They are dedicated to the environment and safety of the people using their products.
*thank you Eco Store for giving me the baby wash and oxygen whitener to try out*
Wordless Wednesday-Kaia And Her Cousins
Uprinting.com Post Card Giveaway!
Monday, December 21, 2009
A Family Loss Due To Fire
At 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, an old friend of mine lost her home, her belongings, her husband, her 4 year old son and her 8 month old daughter to a fire. She was saved by a neighbor who put a ladder up to her bedroom window. Her 12 year old step daughter also made it out on her own. The neighbors tried to put a ladder up to the children's window, where their father was trying to save them, but were unable to due to the smoke and flames. The fire department was able to remove her husband and children from the home within 10 minutes of arriving, but as I already mentioned, it was too late.
I've been having a hard time keeping my eyes dry for the last couple days. I know her story and this isn't the first time I've cried for her. When we were in high school, I remember going to the funeral home for visitation for her mother who passed away. I cried again for her at her wedding where they had a rose and picture of her mother set up front with the thought that her mother was smiling down on her wedding from heaven. At those times I couldn't imagine going through life and getting married without my mom by my side. Now I couldn't imagine the rest of my life without my husband by my side and watching my children grow.
This friend, Amanda, is only 27 and has suffered unimaginable loss. She could use a lot of prayers right now and, because she has lost everything, she is in great need of financial support as well. I don't have a very large reach on my little blog, so I was hoping that some of you could help me spread the word by blogging about this as well.
Her work place has set up the 'Buckland Family Trust Fund' at the Eastern Michigan Bank, but they are also accepting donations, for those who cannot make it to the bank, at the following address:
Ullenbruch's Flower Shop
C/O Amanda Buckland
1839 Lapeer Ave
Port Huron, MI 48060
***Update: There is now a Paypal account set up to accept donations. You can reach the donation page by clicking on the button below. If this donation button doesn't work, please use the one at the top of my sidebar (upper left-hand corner of my blog).
Again, I know this time of year is super busy and times are tight, but if you can please help spread the word and/or send a donation-no matter how small, every little bit helps. Of course, if you don't have the means to help in either of those ways right now, prayers are greatly appreciated! :-)
Thank you to everyone who has expressed their condolences already and to those of you who have been praying for Amanda and her daughter. I will be sure to pass on your thoughts and prayers to Amanda when I see her at her family's funeral tomorrow. (Typing 'family funeral' is not easy! Phew!)
*I also want to send out a safety reminder to anyone who reads this. Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in your house and that you change the batteries twice a year. (The recommended times to change them is when you change yours clocks for daylight savings time.)
**If you would like to read more about this horrible tragedy, you can do so here.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
New Giveaways-December 21
Daddy Forever is giving away an HP Touchsmart 600 computer!!! Isn't that amazing? HURRY ends December 23rd.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wordless Wednesday-Cousins
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Growing Tree Toys Review
Another Child With God
Please also pray for those that have chosen this day to be cruel to this family.
Rest sweet angel, Bryson Drago Ross (photo courtesy of twitpic @Military_Mom)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Come On 2010!
Midway through the year, things came crashing around me and have steadily done so. There's gonna be some "clean up" time required. I'm OK with that. I'm trying to see where God wants me to be. That's always important!
I'm thankful for what I have, and try everyday not to forget it. I haven't been much into the Christmas spirit this year, as a matter of fact, I've spent so much time with everything else that it has crept on me like no other!
My little girl is going to be three, December 26Th. Her precocious and charming little self is keeping me busy too. Life is moving on. I think many people are getting a "cleansing" so to speak of their physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. It's not always fun. Relationships with key people are changing too. That's not always fun!
My hope for the new year coming is that my relationships are stronger with everyone, primarily my God. That my home comes together more cohesively, since we are going to be in it for awhile. That our financial state gets better(who doesn't?), and that we are blessed with one more child to complete our family.
Do you look forward to the new year?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
New Giveaways-December 12-20
Double Bugs is giving away a Wii Fit Plus!-Hurry ends today December 12th
Little Stomaks is offering a $50 Target gift card as a giveaway to promote her new ebook "Expert Nutrition Tips For Your Toddler". Go check out the excerpts of the book and enter.- Ends Dec 17.
Pink And Posh is giving away a HP TouchSmart 600 desktop computer with windows 7-HURRY ends Dec 18
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wordless Wednesday-First Christmas
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Making Tuesday Tasty-Pumpkin roll
CAKE
•3/4 cup all-purpose flour
•1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•3 large eggs
•1 cup granulated sugar
•2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
•1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
•1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
•6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•Powdered sugar (optional for decoration)
conversion calculator DirectionsFOR CAKE:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. (If using a dark-colored pan, begin checking for doneness at 11 minutes.) Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
FOR FILLING:
BEAT cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
COOKING TIP:
Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Safety Tat Review
Safety Tat's are another invention brought on out of necessity. A Mother, Michele Welsh, was concerned for her children while going to an amusement park. She decided to write her phone number on each child as a safety precaution. She became frustrated that she had to re-write the numbers over the course of the day and a few times she was stopped and asked if her children had her phone number on them, and that day an invention was born.
I had a chance to check out both the standard temporary Safety Tat tattoos as well as their newer type, which is the Quick Stick. I was intrigued by the idea of the Safety Tat's purpose, and wanted to see what they were like. I was really impressed that I was able to get a pack of original Safety Tat's pre printed with my phone number. That means that I don't have hurry up and stick it on my daughter with the water, and then write my phone number down on each one.
The pack I received contained a permanent black ink marker, 18 safety tats, a few quick stick safety tats to check out, and a sticker. There are gender specific tats, allergy alerts, and multiple designs. The allergy alerts were genius. If you are going to have a sitter, or someone that isn't familiar with your child, they are a great way for them to know and remember. I think it would be a great idea to even add the medical alerts to their line for children with diabetes, etc.
Winner-16x20 Rolled Canvas
Smart Cents Mom- I want to get a photo calender for my parents. Thanks!
Thanks to everyone that entered! And Congrats.
Melanie
*thank you to online poster printing for providing the rolled canvas*
Friday, December 4, 2009
New Giveaways!
Kailani over at Island Life is giving away a $250 Visa gift card!!! Ends Dec 8!
The Mom Reviews is giving away a gorgeous white pearl necklace. go check it out! Ends Dec 11
Penny Pinching Diva is giving away a Bumbleride Indie twin stroller! Ends Dec 16
My DFW Mommy is giving away a $100 Shopathome gift card.-Ends Dec 8
The Mom Buzz is having a giveaway right now for a Jones NY pashmina-Ends Dec 24
Avon Specials For Campaign 26
I am an Independent Avon Sales Representative. Please let me know how I can help you! You can find me at http://mbreyer.avonrepresentative.com.
My faves from this campaign!
A Cuddle Pillow-I am getting one of these for my girl! They are so cute and there's options to choose from. (wonder pets, Dora, Boots, Sponge Bob, Elmo, and Cookie Monster) $19.99
All liiv botanicals your choice 50% off!(skin care, scents, body wash, body butter)
ANEW Clinical-Advanced Wrinkle Corrector is now $22.(regular price is $32)
Also...you can buy one get one for $5 on select items!!!
Did you know? You can order trial sizes of our most popular ANEW products???
ANEW Rejuvenate is offering Any 2 for $38. Mix and match style.
ANEW Alternative eye cream is just $15.(reduce dark circles, start to fade in 7 days)
****************************GIFT BASKET, only $1 with $20 beauty purchase************
ANEW anti aging makeup is on sale.(lipstick, eye lifting serum, smoothing eye liner, foundation, and smoothing duo)
Holiday Brights makeup!! Gorgeous shadows and eye liners to show your spirit of the occasion. Will perk up the dull winter too! On sale
Beauty Gifts!!!
Want to get something special for HER? Check out these gift sets.
6-piece holiday luxuries set-($100 value) Only $24.99 with $10 beauty purchase
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon gift set-A $64 value. Only $39
In Bloom limited edition Parfum-$59
mark on the case holiday gift set-(More than $50 value!) $26
mark glitz and gloss Mini purse & go-$12.50
mark Holiday Treats Mini Juice Gems Squeeze On Lip Gloss-All boxed up! $12
*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*Makeup*
U by Ungaro scent collection as well as NEW eye shadowsFOR HIM
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Nico And Zoe-Review
I had a chance to review Nico & Zoe, an online children's store filled with whimsical and educational toys for children. The layout of the shop is easy to navigate, there are categories such as Toys Made In USA, pretend, plush items, etc.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Food Service Warehouse Giveaway!
Winner-Kids Wearhouse
daizee November 17, 2009 7:37 AM 3 I follow you on blogger.
Congrats!
An email has been sent, thanks to all that entered my giveaway. You have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Melanie
Thanks to Kidswearhouse.net for providing the $50 credit
Wordless Wednesday-Second Christmas
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Making Tuesday Tasty-Peppermint Bark
Here's my first recipe. Minty and chocolately! mmm
Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
Place the peppermints in a resealable food storage bag and, using a rolling pin, tap the candies to break into small pieces. Place the crushed candies into a strainer with medium holes and shake over another bowl - only the very large pieces should remain in the strainer. Add the melted chocolate to the small pieces and stir to combine.
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and pour the chocolate-candy mixture onto the paper. Using a rubber spatula, spread smooth to a thickness of about 1/4-inch. Press the large peppermint pieces onto the top of the mixture and transfer to a refrigerator to firm.
When firm, break the bark into bite-size pieces and place in an attractive serving bowl or package in airtight containers to give as gifts. Serve at room temperature.
This is best refrigerated if kept for any length of time.
Winner-Oompa toys giveaway!
Niecey I love the wooden breakfast play set. My kids would have fun with it.
Congrats! Thanks to all who entered my giveaway. An email has been sent and you have 48 hours to respond.
Melanie
*thanks to oompa for providing the toy*