Mabel's Labels Giveaway

For several years I've been using Mabel's Labels for all three boys to label their gear.  They are so durable - they last through numerous washings and tough play.  It sounds crazy, but I've found that their clothes fall apart long before these labels do!  Pierce, Cort and Reid have their labels on things like backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, towels and jackets. 

This summer, Mabel's Labels has a new day camp set and offered to send me one to review.  I ordered a set for Cort.  You can personalize the labels with fun pictures unique to your child - Cort loves to ride his 'trick' bike so I picked a bike for his labels.

In addition to receiving the two metal tags which are perfect for swim bags or backpacks, he also got an assortment of different sized labels.  One thing I love is that they have rounded edges, so even if you stick them on a tag in a shirt, they aren't prickly or itchy. 

Would you like the chance to win a pack of labels for your child?  Just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway below for the opportunity to win:
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Disclaimer: I received a pack of Mabel's Labels for review purposes. The opinions above are my own. 

DIY Sewing Bag Kit Giveaway

It's been a while since I have done a giveaway, and Shine Kids Crafts recently asked for me to host one for a DIY sewing bag craft.  The kit includes everything you need to make this adorable small tote.

The winner will receive:

- Floss in different colors

- metal needle

- tote / small bag (Size: 20 x 20 x 5.5 cm)

- instructions

- an embroidery hoop

You can find the Shine Kids Crafts Store HERE on Ebay.  Right now her Jewelry Charms are 30% off and Swarovski crystal is 20% off.  If you check out her rating, you'll see that she is an established seller with tons of positive feedback!  Here is an example of a few of her charms:

This fun embroidery kit would make a great gift - and it would be an excellent project for a tween to do on a summer road trip.

 

Good luck!

Enter by Rafflecopter here:
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Itunes Gift Card Giveaway

I haven't done a giveaway in a little while, and it is Paul's birthday today.  So I thought I'd give away a $10 ITunes gift card in celebration of his birthday, and my loyal readers.

Entering is simple.  Just click on the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win.  Good luck!

Readers, do you use iTunes?  If so, what do you like to download?  I mostly stick with podcasts, but once in a while I do like to purchase some music or a television show season. 

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Back to School - Pencil Case Giveaway

Have you done your back to school shopping yet?  I have - unbelievably the boys return to school on August 10th.  This time of year I fill up my Etsy shop with pencil cases of all sorts of fun designs.  My Little Pony, sharks, super heroes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hello Kitty - if I can find the fabric I can make it.

I thought I'd do a giveaway of one of my pencil cases this year.  Winner gets to pick their favorite from the shop.  I will ship worldwide. 

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

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Good luck!  Got a minute and want to check out the pencil cases I have available?  You can visit the Two Bears Farm Etsy Shop HERE. 

Cat Wallet Sewing Kit Giveaway

Are you looking for a fun project to keep your kids busy this summer?  Shine Kids Crafts has a lot of fun craft kits for children.  I browsed through the site and chose an adorable cat wallet, which will be given away in a week, and the winner gets to choose from 3 different colors.  Here is some information about the kit:
 

* Cutting is not required. Patterns are pre-cut.
* The kit also includes:
needle, thread, instructions, pattern, zipper, etc. (Instructions are translated in English)
* Size: 11.5cm x 7cm

Aren't they adorable?  I'm thinking if you laid out all the pieces on a small baking tray, they would make a fun car activity on a long trip to the beach. 

Shine Kids Crafts has many other fun sewing projects, so be sure to check out her Etsy shop.

Readers, do you see any kits on her site that interest you?

To enter the giveaway for a chance to win the Cat Wallet sewing kit, just click on the Rafflecopter below:
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Homemade Easter Soap Giveaway, 2 Win

I'm giving away another set of my homemade soaps.  This is a really sweet glycerin soap bunny with an Easter basket.  It will be scented in either lavender or lemon verbena. 

To enter, all you need to do is click on the Rafflecopter below.  I will ship anywhere!  Good luck!
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Homemade Lemon Verbena Life is Good Soap Giveaway, 2 Winners

Time for another one of my homemade soap giveaways!  This time I am featuring a lemon verbena scented soap, to get everyone in the mood for spring.  Technically, spring is right around the corner! 

How cute are these homemade glycerin soaps?  They are a light lemon yellow, and feature a sunflower with the words "Life is Good". 

There will be two winners.  To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway.  I will ship anywhere.  Good luck!  And stay tuned - in a few weeks, I'll have another soap giveaway, this one for Easter.

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Readers, do you decorate your home for Spring in any way?

Homemade Valentines Soaps Giveaway, 2 Winners

I ordered some new soap molds over the holidays, and several of them came in last week.  I decided to celebrate by having a Valentines soaps giveaway.

There will be two winners.  Each one will receive one 3.5 ounce Valentines soap from the mold seen above.  Scent will be either lavender or lemon verbena.  These are glycerin soaps, and even though they are pretty, yes, you can use them!

Entry is easy - just click on the Rafflecopter below.

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Readers, do you have a favorite scent of soap? 

Five Years

Do you know what yesterday was?  It was my five year blogiversary!  Unbelievable.  I love that I have so many memories and photos from the past five years preserved here.  One day perhaps the boys will read it and laugh over their antics.  And I've enjoyed so much the friendship of other bloggers.  Those two things are what keep me posting day after day. 

I'm going to celebrate with a giveaway of one of my homemade soaps.  It's a santa soap, scented lightly with peppermint.  To enter, you must be a follower by GFC, and you must leave a comment.  That's it!  I will ship anywhere.  Drawing to be done on 12/15/14.  Winner must respond in 48 hours to be eligible.

Readers, why do you like blogging?  What keeps you going over time? 

NuNaturals Stevia Giveaway - 4 Winners!

NuNaturals has a new syrup out - cocoa mint.  It is calorie free, and made from Stevia. 

I tested it out on breakfast one morning.  I made some basic crepes, and then made a filling from cream cheese, vanilla extract, a little milk, and a little cocoa mint syrup (it only takes a tad).  I sprinkled the top with cocoa powder.
The boys really enjoyed them.  This was the first time I ever made crepes.

I think the cocoa mint syrup would be great in hot chocolate this winter! 

NuNaturals is offering four lucky readers a bottle of the Cocoa Mint Syrup, the Cocoa Syrup, a box of 50 count white powder stevia packets, and a bottle of cherry vanilla liquid stevia.  To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

Disclaimer:  I was sent several NuNaturals products for review purposes.  The opinions above are my own.

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Camelbak Relay Water Pitcher Giveaway - 3 Winners

I have been a long standing fan of Camelbak products.  I've had one of their hiking backpacks with the internal bladder systems for probably 15 years, in addition to other products.  I've found their water systems to hold up well under rigorous use over time.  Recently, they sent me one of their BPA-free Camelbak Relay water pitchers to try. 

First, I found that it is easy to use, and dishwasher safe.  Even Pierce, who is 7, is able to use the pitcher and refill it, as the lid is spill-proof and stays securely in place with side-locking latches.  Holding 10 cups of water, it has a slimline shape so it doesn't take up too much space in the fridge. 

On the top, there is a handy dial system to remind you of when you need to change the filtration system.  The filters need to be changed every 4 months - they last twice as long as the leading competitor.

Then, just flip the top to refill the pitcher.  I cannot stand to drink room temperature water, but I've found if I have cold water in the fridge at all times, I am much more likely to drink it throughout the day.  The filter removes 97% of chlorine, taste, and odor.

We've been very pleased with Camelbak's Relay Water Pitcher.  The water is very refreshing and tastes wonderful.  You can find out more about their products by becoming a fan of their Facebook site.  Camelbak Relay water pitchers are available at Target, Amazon, and Camelbak.com. 

Disclaimer:  I was sent a Camelbak Relay for review purposes.  I was not compensated in any other way for this post.  The opinions above are my own. 

Three lucky winners will receive a Camelbak Relay of their own!  To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  Good luck!

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NuNaturals Giveaway - 4 Winners, Plus Energy Balls Recipe

Disclaimer:  I received products from NuNaturals for review purposes.  All the opinions in this post are my own. 

I've worked with NuNaturals before, and I love using their sweeteners made from Stevia.  They have a wonderful assortment (lemon, vanilla, orange, etc.) and this time I got to try a new one - cherry vanilla.  It tastes amazing in the ice water I take with me to work - I just add a few drops before I leave (and is also a fun, calorie-free way to sweeten iced tea).

NuNaturals has a new product out that is a cocoa syrup.  I decided to use it to make some Energy Balls, which the whole family enjoys as a light dessert.  It's also a great way to sneak dates or figs into your children!

Ingredients:
1 cup quick cooking oats
8 dried dates
1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. cocoa powder
3/4 tbsp. NuStevia cocoa syrup
1 1/2 tbsp. water

Place all ingredients in food processor and process until well-blended.  Form into 1 inch balls (if mixture is too dry, add water by the teaspoon until you reach the proper consistency).  Store in refrigerator.  Yield:  20

NuNaturals is offering 4 lucky winners a generous prize pack:  1 bottle of vanilla NuStevia liquids, a 50 packet box NuStevia powder packets, a bottle of the new cocoa syrup, and a bottle of the new simple syrup - a $52.00 value.  Plus, there will be one bonus product!  This giveaway is open worldwide (no P.O. boxes).  To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter below.  Good luck!
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Winter Handcrafted Soap Extravaganza - Giveaway with 8 Winners!

Today I have come together with several other awesome soapmaking bloggers to offer a Soap Extravaganza.  There will be 8 winners of these decadent, beautiful handmade soaps.  Perfect for nourishing your tired, dry winter skin.  This is one way to bring some brightness and sunshine to the dreary winter days. 

Marissa from A Homemaker's Journal crafts a wide variety of both hot and cold processed soaps.  Looking at the pictures of her soaps - they look good enough to eat, and must smell amazing too.  She sells her soaps at Lemonberry And Lime if you'd like to check out her store.
Up for grabs from her shop are a Gingersnap Crumble Goats Milk hot process soap and a So Soapy Clean artisan soap:

In addition, she is giving away another soap duo - Spiced Pumpkin Goat's Milk Cold Process Soap and a Milk Oats and Honey Artisan Soap:

Next up is Nancy, from A Rural Journal.  Nancy has sent me some of her soaps before, and I love that they aren't overly perfumed and have a marvelous lather to them.  My skin felt so smooth afterwards.  You can buy Nancy's soap in her Papio Creek Shop.  The first soap she is giving away is a Papio Creek Toasted Coconut Cold Processed Soap:

The second soap she is giving away is a Papio Creek Aromatic Anise cold processed soap:

Also participating is Teresa from Eden Hills Blog.  She has a farm with many animals, including lots of very cute goats.  Teresa crafts soaps from goat's milk, and you can visit her store at Eden Hills Market to find out more about her products.  She is giving away a Chocolate Chunk Goat Milk Soap:

And she is also giving away a Red Apple goat milk soap:

I am  offering up two decorative homemade soaps.  You can check out the Two Bears Farm Etsy shop to see similar soaps.  First up is a shea butter glycerin peace dove soap, lightly scented with lemon verbena:

Also offered is a mother and child shea butter glycerin soap, lightly scented with lavender.  This would also be a wonderful gift for a new mother:

Have you found a soap you simply must have yet, readers?  Just click on the Rafflecopter below to enter:
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Blue Monday Clif Bar Giveaway - 5 Winners

Have you heard of Blue Monday?  It's the Monday of the last full week in January (today!) and some say it's the most depressing day of the year.  Think about it.  The holidays are over.  Some have received large bills from the holidays.  And winter still stretches a couple of months ahead.  Not only that, but by now some folks have lost the motivation for their New Year's resolutions.

To combat the winter blues, you can grab a Clif bar and head outdoors for some natural endorphins.  They're offering a pack of Clif bars to 5 lucky readers.  I recently tried one of their seasonal flavors, Pecan Pie, when I was working late one night.  It really helped me stay focused for the evening.  They're made with organic ingredients, and have a wonderful flavor. 

And if you can't get outside, you can always dream up your next adventure, by checking out http://www.meetthemoment.com/.  To enter for a chance to win one of 5 Clif bar gift packs, click on the Rafflecopter below:

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Dislaimer:  I did not receive anything in exchange for hosting this giveaway, but it felt it would be of interest to my readers. 

Stay warm readers!  Blue Monday will be over before you know it.

Eshakti Vintage Floral Embroidered Winter Skirt Review and $30 GC Giveaway

Disclaimer:  I received one item from Eshakti for review purposes.  The opinions below are my own.

I have worked with Eshakti a couple of times now, and I always enjoy reviewing their clothes.  This time, as I browsed their site, my eye was drawn to a vintage floral embroidered winter skirt. 

It's a skirt with a lot of volume, a banded waist, side-seam pockets, and is made from woven houndstooth, which combined with the lining make for a warm skirt. 

I like the neutral brown combined with the embroidered white flowers.  It makes the skirt pop, but at the same time, I can wear it with a lot of different items in my closet.

 At Eshakti, you can customize their dresses and skirts to fit your size, shape, and style.  Somehow, their clothes always strike me as being classic but also unique.  You might want to check out some of their new arrivals. 

The sizing on this skirt ran a little small - the waist was more true to sizing before the vanity sizing took over.  So if you're on the fence about a size, you may want to order the next size up, particularly since there is no stretch to the waist. 

Now, two lucky readers are going to win a $30 gift card to Eshakti!  Open to the US and Canada.  Just click on the Rafflecopter below to enter. 
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K5 Learning Website Review and Giveaway

Disclaimer:  I was provided with a 6 week trial of K5 Learning for review purposes.  I was not compensated in any other way for this post.  All opinions are my own. 

I've blogged before about how I like to supplement what my boys learn at school with additional learning activities at home.  We usually do workbooks and printables, but I was intrigued when K5 Learning contacted me to see if I'd like to do a review of their website.  They provide an online reading and math program for grades kindergarten - 5th, which builds skills through independent study. 

K5 Learning has sections for reading, math, and spelling.  There are lessons children can do, which are fun and engaging.  The characters are cute and get excited when kids get a problem or game correct.  Parents can also go in and give their child assignments that he or she can do when logged on. 

The twins are just four, and still in preschool, so they are still a little young.  However, they were able to do some of the lessons - alphabet letters, numbers, and beginning sight words.  Both Cort and Reid loved trying their hand at the lessons, even the ones that were too advanced for them.

And although our internet connection is horrifically slow (we have to get online through our cell phones, and the connection is poor due to the mountain behind our house), this website loaded easily and ran efficiently.

One helpful thing the site offers free is an assessment in reading and math.  Once your child is assessed, lessons start at the appropriate grade level, and build from there, growing increasingly challenging as your child builds on skills.  I had Pierce do both assessments.  Pierce is in first grade, but he is in a second grade reading group at school.  He is also at a second grade math level (he has passed the end of first grade math level test, so they give him extra work at school to keep him challenged, as I didn't want to move him up).  It took Pierce about 30 minutes to take each assessment on the K5 Learning website.  Once he finished, the results were immediately available when I logged in as the parent.  The website placed him on a second grade math and a second grade reading level.  So their results are consistent with the results I have received from Pierce's school.  In addition, now Pierce can go to the website and continue to build on his current skill level from home.  He's the type of kid who loves to learn, so he is excited to continue using this program.

K5 is offering a free six week trial to one lucky reader!  Just click on the Rafflecopter below to enter:

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Xperience Days $100 GC Giveaway

Do you have a big life item on your bucket list that you haven't checked off yet?  Something like a hot air balloon ride, or a drive in a racecar?  Xperience Days is a website where you can purchase a unique experience.  You could treat yourself; or it would make an amazing gift for someone special who has always longed to bungee jump, fly a helicopter, or have a relaxing spa day. 

These are the experiences that bring memories that make you smile years later.  Below is a picture of Paul and I on a Lewis and Clark rafting tour on the Niobrara River.  It was more than 10 years ago (note that Paul still had hair), but I still recall a fascination at the history facts learned. What a fun, warm day it was on the river! 

There are a wide variety of experiences available, and many are available for purchase for $100 or less.  The site is easy to search - I looked at several cities within a two hour drive of us.  I found a zipline canopy tour in Greensboro that I would love to do ($85).  The winner can also use the $100 GC towards a more expensive experience - like a hot air balloon ride (I found one available about 2 hours from me in Charlottesville, for $250), to make the cost more affordable. 

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  Readers, what bucket list experience do you dream of doing someday?

Disclaimer:  I have not purchased an experience from XperienceDays, but it looks like a wonderful website with many opportunities that I felt would be of interest to my readers.  I was not compensated in any way for this post. 

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Lemons and Lavender Eco Guide to Better Homekeeping - Giveaway

One thing I'm pretty passionate about is ecofriendly living.  I bring my reusable bags everywhere I go, try to repurpose items in the home, and love finding healthier and less expensive ways to live.  When my copy of Lemons and Lavender by Billie Sharp arrived, I flipped through and was thrilled it was so full of tips that fit right in with my life philosophy.  Sharp encourages readers to embrace the good life with suggestions for how to budget through thrift, how to fit in organic foods, and how to have homemade holidays. 

I really loved all the how-tos.  Recipes for everything from sea salt bath to headache remedies, from eco-cleaners to thyme tinctures abound.  There are gardening tips and a sourdough starter -- and don't get me started on the soups!  I love soups, and will certainly be trying out some of these recipes this fall. 

Sharp's recipes are health conscious and eco conscious - focused on wholesome and frugal living.  It's such a handy book to have - she's even got tips on how to fix a toilet or clean up a broken CFL bulb in there.

Readers, I know you are totally going to love this book!  I get to give away one copy - and you can enter by clicking on the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  Good luck!

Disclaimer:  I received a copy for Lemons and Lavender for review purposes.  The opinions above are my own.

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Signazon Review and #Giveaway

Recently I've been thinking of having a booth at a local craft fair with some of the items I've been making in my spare time...homemade soaps, tooth fairy pillows, gnomes, painted birdhouse gourds, and pencil cases.  I've never been a vendor at a craft fair before, and the whole idea of this foreign experience makes me a little anxious.  I want my booth to be as professional as possible, so I decided to order a trade show banner from Signazon.  Their banners are quite affordable, starting at $29.88. 

I never designed anything like this before, but I knew I wanted to keep it simple.  I used a photo I took of Pierce's hands when we were hiking late last Spring.  I did the lettering in a forest green, to match my business cards.  I will probably use either a dark brown or a forest green tablecloth.  When the sign arrived in the mail, I LOVED it.  It's much larger than I expected, and is made from a durable vinyl.  It has grommets in each corner which can be used to hang the sign in a variety of places.  And it rolls up small for easy storage and carrying. 

Do you know what Pierce said, when I showed it to him, and told him those were his hands in the picture?  He said, "But Mom?  I don't remember my hands ever being THAT big!" 

In addition to a large variety of signs, Signazon carries car magnets and window graphics.  I found their design process very easy to maneuver - even at my beginner skill level.   I am going to feel so much more confident going into the craft fair, knowing that my table is going to look just as nice if not better than the booths to each side of it!  Wish me luck, readers, as I hope to earn enough money to fund this year's Christmas shopping. 

Signazon is generously offering one lucky reader a $50 gift code to use on an item of the winner's choice on their website.  Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

Disclaimer:  I received the pictured banner for review purposes.  The opinions above are my own.

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Sony Reader and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs DVD #Giveaway

I don't have an e-reader, but I know many people who have them and love them.  Today, I'm giving away a brand new Sony Reader to one lucky reader!  A digital book reader, it is Wifi certified and includes Public Library, Evernote, Reader Store, and Facebook.  It comes in black, and touts a long battery life.  In addition, the lucky winner will also receive a copy of the DVD Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  Just think what great Christmas or birthday gifts these could make for someone special.

To enter, you will just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  I'm keeping entries simple this time around, so it is extra easy to enter!

Disclaimer:  I received these items to give away on my blog as part of the campaign I did for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 this past July.  The opinions above are my own.

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