Embracing a Healthy Family

Spruce Up Your Yard Fourth of July $25 Home Depot GiftZip.com Card Giveaway 6/29 CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


DEB!


An e-mail was just sent and Deb has 48 hours to respond before the next winner is chosen by random.org.


Thanks to all those who entered and remember GiftZip.com for gift card purchases!


A new promotion is forthcoming so stay tuned!





GiftZip.com is perfect as a last minute gift idea or just as a more efficient, greener way of giving gift certificates from popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, and iTunes. Simply click on your retailer of choice and GiftZip.com takes you directly to their secure, electronic gift card.  How easy is that?  I sometimes struggle with trying to find the right gift for someone that has everything so giving a gift certificate can be easy.  Other times, giving an eGift card is even easier since so many people are online and if they are like me, enjoy shopping online sometimes more than in person.
Amazon Fandango Kohls
These are the most popular eGift cards on the planet. Whether it's a gift card for him, or an eGift card for her, there are gift certificates everyone will enjoy no matter the age. A gift certificate is a great choice for a gift for a retirement present, or even for a new baby.
No matter the occasion, there is gift card that will fit perfectly. Maybe you need to buy a gift card for an anniversary, birthday, or even a graduation, there is a great electronic gift card choice for it. Forget to get a gift until the last minute for a Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, or wedding? Agift certificate will be a life saver!
Need to buy a good birthday, wedding or baby shower present someone very environmentally conscious? An eGift card is the way to go! They don't use plastic, and there are notransportation or packaging costs. eGift Cards are Eco-Friendly Gift Cards. Don't know what to get the kid who is heading off to college? Get them a gift certificate and let them choose what they want.


The site is really nice and broken down in easy to find gift ideas whether you need a gift for a man, a woman, a gourmet lover, sporting goods, unique and so much more.  It really makes the whole gift giving process so much simpler!


Dick Blick's Art Supplies Chocolate.com E-Gift Cards The History Channel

Pink Power Moms: Honoring Moms and Their Inspirational Fight Against Breast Cancer




Each year, Bright Starts™ honors and rewards eight women for their inspirational fight against breast cancer.  Not only have these women persevered through their battles, they have become inspirational leaders and role models for their families and communities. Whether they have started their own breast cancer foundation or have taken on an active role in existing charity organizations, they have made it their goal to make a difference in the world. You can read about these women at http://www.pinkpowermom.com

Bright Starts™ wants to help these women and support their cause. We invite you to Become a Fan of Bright Starts™ on Facebook and Be a Giver. Through the month of June, Bright Starts™ will donate $1 for every new fan that joins us during the campaign to benefit Pink Power Mom charities. These moms will appreciate your help and support.
Bright Starts
Pink Power Mom

Giveaway Party at Village of Moms

Village of Moms

About Village of Moms:


Valerie is a Christian, a wife, and a stay-at-home mother of 2 trying to do what’s best for my family, but I needed a little help, of course. This blog is a “1-Stop Shop” of resources and advice for the working and the stay-at-home mom who need a little help (like myself). It features you, a mom and a reader, so if you have something to say or some advice to give, please contact me! I really do encourage guest blog posts of any topic that you think might help other moms out there.


Ready for a giveaway party?  Village of Moms has a party that you will love!


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Look at all the great giveaways:

June 13 – BabyLegs (Ends 6/27)
June 14 – Boon Scrubbles (Ends 6/27)
June 15 – BornFree Trainer Cup (Ends 6/27)
June 16 – Fresh Organics (Ends 6/27)
June 17 – Posh Little Tutus set (Ends 6/27)
June 18 – Beyond Weddings (Etsy Shop) Personalized Minky Pillow (Ends 6/27)
June 19 – Sassy Baby (Ends 6/27)
June 20 – Kidorable umbrella (Ends 7/4)
June 21 – Seventh Generation Free and Clear Kit (Ends 7/4)
June 22 – BioKleen products (Ends 7/4)
June 23 – Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil (Ends 7/4)
June 25 – Earth Mama Angel Baby $25 e-Gift Certificate (Ends 7/4)
June 26 – EccoBella Natural Cosmetics (Ends 7/4)
June 27 – The Name is Product ~ hair pomades (Ends 7/4)

Powermat Wireless Charging System Review/Giveaway 6/19 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


HBOMB!


An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected by random.org.  


Thanks to all those who entered and Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!





Are you ready for something pretty amazing and ultra or I should say uber cool (my oldest would be rolling her eyes at me and calling me a geek now)?  You don't even have to be a gadget geek to love this one!  As part of my participation in the Mama Buzz group, I received a complimentary Powermat Wireless Pad and accessories to power up our iPods, iPhone, Nintendo DS Light and other accessories in exchange for an honest review.  I didn't fully grasp what an opportunity this was until the package arrived and my 21 year old said "Wow, you got one of those? "  Her fiancé was also very jealous so that shows you the worth of the Powermat's reputation.  Apparently she knew much more about it then me as after I saw it initially, I thought "cool, I'll try it out."


Nintendo DS Lite Back Panel for PowermatNintendo DSi Back Panel for Powermat
The package arrived and we were like kids at Christmas!  Each box is even packaged in an inviting, deluxe way that brings more attractiveness to the product.  The sleek black and green adds to the eye appeal and the boxes were packaged in such a way to protect each piece of equipment.  By the way, it's very durable as the travel mat was dropped along with the receiver for the DS Light and no problems!  They were easy to open thankfully as we were in no mood to wait!  As we opened each box with lots of "ohhhs" and "wows," I couldn't help but think of the envy my poor hubby in Kuwait will be feeling when I gloat (I mean tell him) about this great package!


Universal Powercube  Receiver with the default Mini USB tip


The entire set was extremely easy to set up with no lengthy instructions required.  Each gadget easily fit onto its receiver and for those gadgets we didn't have a receiver for, the Universal Powercube Receiver allows you to charge many other devices.  It arrived with adapter tips and a great carrying case with a magnetic closure.  The entire packaging was really dynamic with more magnetic closures for ease of viewing pleasure.


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If you have an iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch, Blackberry, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Light and so many other gadgets, the Powermat is for you!  With the ease of drop and go, it will charge and emit a sound when the connection has been made. Once charged, you just pick up and go and it's ready to go!  I've not seen anything easier than this and love how my kids can just set the Nintendo DS Light down on the powermat and the charging begins with no wires or cords.  It's easy and I don't have to worry about them messing around with electrical outlets as the one pad takes care of them all.  

This is a GREAT gift for anyone and especially for Father's Day which is coming up!






Powermat Portable:







The Powermat Home & Office Mat can be purchased for $99.99.  The Portable Powermat is also $99.99 and the Dock for iPod & iPhone is priced at $39.99.  The Universal Powercube Receiver is available for $29.99 with tips sold separately for $6.49-$8.49 a piece.  


Free shipping is available for orders over $50.  You can follow Powermat on both Facebook and Twitter.


The Giveaway:


Your own Portable Powermat and iPod Dock just in time for Father's Day!  You can enter by doing one or more of the following.  Leave a separate comment for each way that you enter.  Winner will be selected by random.org, on Saturday, June 19, just in time for Father’s Day!  You can create a cute e-card to notify your special dad that it will be on it's way!


Mandatory entry:  Follow my blog and you can choose to complete one or all the extra entries below:

  • Visit Powermat and tell me what feature of the Powermat you like the most (two entries).
  • Follow Powermat on Twitter.
  • Follow me on Twitter.
  • Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway and leave a link (worth five entries)
  • Subscribe to my blog.
  • Enter any of my other giveaways or click here to learn about more ways to earn entries or enter other giveaways.





Giveaway ends 6/19 at midnight!
(Disclosure: I received a Powermat Home & Office Mat, a Portable Mat, a Dock for iPod and iPhone, and 3 Universal Receivers (one of which was a Powercube), free of charge, from Powermat, for the purposes of this review.)

4 Coupons for FREE Bryan Food Giveaway 6/20 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO...


BARB!


An e-mail has been sent to Barb!



  


I have four coupons for FREE Bryan products up to $4.00 off which equates $16 in free food!  Coupons expires 7/31/10.


Bryan.  The flavor of the south.


If you would like to win, just leave a comment! 


If I get more than one response, I'll use random.org to draw a name on 6/20.


Please make sure your local stores sells Bryan Foods as they are a southern food item.

LargeFormatPosters 18 x 24 Poster Print Giveaway Ends 6/24 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

MRSMCHAPELL!

An e-mail has been sent.  Winner chosen by random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Who doesn't love posters?  I ordered a print last year of my two oldest in Hawaii and framed it for my middle one's room which looks great.  Posters can be used for so many things whether it's a birthday, a welcome home, a gift or any occasion.  Posters that you can customize can be a special sentimental treat to someone you give it to.  With the ease of ordering online and costs, you really can find cheap poster printing as well as Large Format Posters.






With Large Format Posters, you have options to choose from whether it's high gloss poster or semi-gloss poster and the size you want.  It was so easy creating a poster from a photograph with LargeFormatPosters!  After I selected the size I wanted and type of finish, I uploaded my picture and that was it!  I chose a picture from Disney we took:






The posters would be great to personalize your child's room, personalize for a birthday party or shower or just give as a gift from a memorable moment.   Here is something that I didn't know about LargeFormatPosters.com, they have wall graphics as a choice for your custom creation!


Before you purchase, you can opt to upload and preview or get a free proof before you pay!  That is a great feature for me as I know in the past I have wasted money with other companies that do not offer that feature.


There are also banners and canvas products to choose from in addition to adhesives and posters.


The Giveaway:


One winner will receive a 18 x 24 poster print!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me what you would choose for your personalized photo (i.e. picture of my two year old's birthday party).


Extra Entries:




  • Sign up for LargeFormatPosters.com e-mail specials (two entries)
  • Follow me on Twitter (two entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
  • Subscribe to my blog (two entries)
  • Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
  • Enter any of my ongoing giveaways (five entries)
  • Grab my button for 5 extra entries (each) to any on-going giveaway.
  • Enter any of the on going giveaways for 5 extra entries.  Just leave five comments or fill in the area on the form (pending on which giveaway) with the giveaway you entered.

US only please and winner must be 18 years of age.  Winner will be chosen by random.org and giveaway ends 6/24 at midnight.

SootheTIME: Soothing Solutions for Baby & You Review



Sleep and comfort were always my first concerns for my children and myself when they were born.  Like most, if not all parents, I frequently checked to ensure they were breathing but outside of that, I always worried if they were too warm or too cold.  Kids and blankets do not mix and I often wonder if my two year old has some magnetic force hooked to her that if a blanket hits her body, it flies immediately off.  I know most kids are like this which is why products that help to give peace of mind are essential for a new parent's rest.


soothing tummy comfort


The SootheTIME's motto is "Soothing Solutions for Baby & You."  SootheTIME has many products for your baby and some are broken down by stages.  The first stage is the sleep stage and the SootheTIME Snooze Wrap Plus is for babies between 7-14 pounds/0 to 3 months.  Made of 100% cotton and a tummy portion that provides comfort against colic and a sense of snuggling, it cute and functional.  If you have children, you know the age old problem with sleepers of having to unzip and try to take off the upper portion without waking the baby or causing too much disruption to cause her to stay awake was nearly impossible if not impossible at all.  With the SootheTIME Snooze Wrap Plus, it unzips from the bottom which is quicker and more efficient as who doesn't want to cut down on time in the middle of the night?


arms free option

Here is a quick how-to instructional and illustrates how easy it is to swaddle your baby with the SootheTIME Snooze Wrap Plus.

adjusts for growth

More Features:
  • Gentle head support ensures proper positioning which may reduce the development of flat head syndrome.
  • Soothing tummy comfort that may help relieve symptoms of colic while providing extra security to help baby sleep more comfortably.
  • Adjusts for growth as baby grows so does the Snooze Wrap Plus thanks to the adjustable pocket.
  • Arms free option lets you choose which is most comfortable for baby.
  • Cradle support pad helps add security and confidence while holding baby and lifting her.
Here is another optional feature with the SootheTIME Snooze Wrap Plus:

Sleep stage 1

Use the Snooze Wrap Plus with the Snooze Sheet to create a healthier and safer sleep environment. Innovative Sleep Stabilizer Tabs comfortably secure baby in the pediatrician-recommended back sleep position without loose blankets or wedges. Simply attach the Sleep Stabilizer Tabs to the center of the Snooze Sheet. Easy, safe, security for baby and you.



I love that idea!  For this review, we did not review the sheet to be able to provide any feedback on it.  


SootheTIME has a host of other products for different stages of baby growth, sheets with more coming for food, bath and traveling.  Sign up to stay current on new products!


Overall, the material is very soft and handles regular machine washing.  It held up nicely and came out a little softer than before.  I love the fact it can be zipped from the bottom thus allowing us to change our baby's diaper without too much activity to fully wake her.  She did sleep better as she was warmer since she was unable to come unwrapped.  It's a great feature for comfort, warmth and better sleep!  I wished I had this for my now seven year old who never slept well!  I would recommend!


To purchase, go here and sign up here to receive updates on new products, coupons and information.


Snooze Wrap Plus Swaddle - Blue - Soothe Time  - Babies"R"Us
 Snooze Wrap Plus Swaddle - Sage - Soothe Time  - Babies"R"UsSnooze Wrap Plus Swaddle - Pink - Soothe Time  - Babies"R"Us
 Snooze Sack - Blue (3-9 Months) - Soothe Time  - Babies"R"Us  Snooze Sheet - Ecru - Soothe Time  - Babies"R"Us



* Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary product by either company or PR agency in exchange for my honest review.

The Women: Have You Seen It?

There are a series of movies I tend to watch again and again and drive my family crazy over them.  I tend to watch a couple of different genres.  One are the movies about Europe or England specifically that deals with the wars or the royal families.  Of course now that I think of it, they are tied hand in hand usually.  I loved Braveheart and other movies like Elizabeth and The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman.  The other types involve romance/humor tied in with strong women.




The Women The Other Boleyn Girl


I just watched The Women with Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing and Annette Benning and love it.  I love it because it empowers a middle aged woman to be who she was meant to be.  It tells the story of what so many women endured of giving up their dreams for another dream.  Having a family is a wonderful dream and some women manage to juggle both while others tend to the family dream only.  The movie delivers a good message in that it is a reminder that you can live your other side outside of roles of mother and wife.  It shows younger women to pursue your dreams while reinforcing to us older women it's never too late.  I also liked Annette Benning's character which reminded me that I also like Samantha's character from Sex and the City.  


Other movies I enjoy are The Upside of Anger with Joan Allen and Kevin Costner, Out of Africa with Meryl Streep and an adorable Robert Redford and Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway.  All women who struggled not only with life but with love.  Wonder if there is some hidden psychological thing going on?  Have you seen P.S. I Love You with Gerard Butler and Hillary Swank?  A real tear jerker but I love it!



 

Custom Coffee Holders by Evelyn White Fine Fabric Fancier Etsy Shop

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Customized Java Jacket with Your Name and Your Coffee Order

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Customized Java Jacket with Your Name and Your Coffee Order FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Customized Java Jacket with Your Name and Your Coffee Order


Another great find for Father's Day or beyond!  These great double layered canvas java jackets are customizable and protect your hands from the heat and keeps your hands dry from summer heat with sweating cups.  The sleeve is made out of durable canvas with a velcro closure.  Fits all standard sizes of coffee cups and cold cups sold in coffee shops.  Since they are washable, they are eco-friendly!


FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE ON ALL CUSTOM JAVA JACKETS!


Click here to check out all the other great items at Evelyn White's Fine Fabric Fancier Etsy Shop.




Gold and Cream Damask Floral Placemats and Matching Napkins (Set of 4)

Burgundy Tailored Dinner Napkins (Set of 4)  Linen Tan and White Striped Extra Wide Table Runner Silky Moss Green Travel Jewelry Tote with Slate Green Lining

Father's Day Labels & More from Martha Stewart

You still have time to get that perfect personalized present ready for Father's Day and I love today's craft from Martha Stewart.  It's also very easy.



Retro Father's Day Clip-Art Labels




He'll go nuts for personalized pistachios -- or pickles or hot sauce. In fact, these retro labels make it a cinch to turn any of Dad's favorite foods into a custom gift for Father's Day.

How-To

1. Download our designs. Print them onto plain or self-adhesive paper, enlarging or reducing the size as desired. 
2. Affix labels to cellophane bags filled with treats, jars of homemade goodies, or store-bought products. Use double-sided tape if your labels are on plain, not self-adhesive, paper.

For more great ideas, visit Martha Stewart!

  

Today's Target Savings & Sunday Coupon Preview



Pampers Wipes $2.34
Shout $1.34
South Beach Bars $2.59
Heinz Catsup $2.49
Heinz Catsup $2.49
Yoplait Go-Gurt $2.19
Armor All Glass Cleaner $2.69
Armor All Glass Cleaner $2.69


Total:                   $18.82
Out of Pocket:     $3.90*


*should have been $2.90 but the cashier or how Target took off the Armor All coupon left off a $1 savings.


Check out Red Plum for new coupons here and Coupons.com here and We Use Coupons here.


CVS Preview and Matchup for upcoming Week: http://www.weusecoupons.com/upload/cvs/64569-cvs-6-13-6-19-ecb-deals-ad-scan.html 


Food Lion Ad for Upcoming Week: http://www.weusecoupons.com/upload/food-lion/66639-6-9-6-15-ad.html 


RiteAid Preview and Matchup for upcoming Week: http://www.weusecoupons.com/upload/matchups-scans-printables/66533-ra-week-6-13-6-19-a.html#post561096 


Click below to see this Sunday's coupons:




Coupons for Bagel Bites, Scrubbing Bubbles, Huggies, General Mills and so much more in Smart Source.

Blogmania 2010: Hello Sweet World

Welcome to Hello Sweet World Etsy Shop and wonderful Blogmania 2010 sponsor of my site! For unique photo crafts, prints and unique finds, click on over to Hello Sweet World!  


Here is an example of some of the beautiful products you will find:


Bluebird Mirror Wall Hanging Sew in Love Wall Art Heart Connection



A little about Hello Sweet World:

I love photography. I learn each time I take a photograph. My camera collection is growing faster than i can keep up. But i still love them all the same. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

I've tried to make unique photography crafts with all my work that you won't find anywhere else. You might find a few non-photography related items too. Either way, thanks for peeking into my sweet world!

My website at www.sweetworldphotography.com 

And i'm now a member of the Photographers of Etsy team, Independent Photograhers team and Visual Arts Street Team! So check them out! 



You can also find Hello Sweet World's blog here and follow her on Twitter here.

Link Up Your Giveaways!

Gerber Stripe Nylon Diaper Tote, Pink

Need more exposure for your giveaways?  Click here and enter your giveaways!
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