Pre-Order Homestead Blessings The Art of Quilting and SAVE! Pin It

The West Ladies are Back in The Art of Quilting

Pre-order the Art of Quilting Now
Special limited time pre-order price of just $14.95

"The Art of Quilting" is filled with an abundance of useful quilting instruction that will inspire and teach people of all ages. Direction provided in planning your steps, cutting blocks, piecing blocks, assembly, quilting, binding, and a rich appreciation for the history of quilting.

Projects include a pot holder, a full “country quilt”, cozy comforters, and more! If you are just getting started, or growing your skill sets “The Art of Quilting” is the ideal tool.

Learn more about the film.

Watch the trailer for The Art of Quilting:

Watch the Trailer, Learn More, and Pre-order Now f0r $14.95

 

Be sure to check out my previous Review: The Art of Sewing by Homestead Blessings.

 

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Who are you dressing for? Pin It

Clothing can tell a lot about a person.

We see someone wearing a police uniform and we automatically connect that person with being a police officer.

A person in white lab coats walking the halls of a hospital are usually saw as a doctor.

A fireman has their own uniform. EMT’s have their own uniforms. 

But what about your uniform? Your clothing of choice?  Is it telling others you are a child of God or is it giving the wrong impression to others?

I do not deny that I am a Christian. As a Christian woman, I want to dress in a way that honors my Lord and Savior.  Personally, I do not wear pants as I think the material hugs to closely to the legs and rear end to be modest.  I do not wear see through clothing or tight-form-fitting clothing. My body is for my husband’s eyes only.

I know others do not feel the way I do in this and that is their matter with God. I just know for myself, that I need to dress modestly.     Judging others is not what this post is about but rather modest apparel and being a woman who dresses modestly.

The worldly mentality of “God looks at the heart than what you are wearing” is so rampant in the churches today.   God does look at your heart that is true. But to say HE is not looking at what you are wearing I feel is a wrong misconception.    

Can you honestly say that you would bend over in front of God in that mini skirt you have on?  What about that low cut, tight blouse you have on?  Would you bend over in that in front of Jesus? 

You know God does look at your heart BUT I don’t think HE turns a blind eye to what we are wearing.  If we are a professing Christian but we’re dressing like a Saturday Night hooker,what message is that sending to others? 

You can be stylish and still modestly dresses and well-covered. Your body should be for your husband’s or your future husband’s eyes only. 

 

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:9 (KJV)

 

Ask yourself, Is this honoring to God?

May God do a work in me as well as others who have felt conviction with this.  I want to be honoring my God all the time in all I do!

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Sweating the Small Stuff = Saving Money on your Electricity Pin It

When it comes to saving money, often times we forget about the little things that can add up to more kilowatts being used up thus making your electric bill go up.

Many of us automatically think about opening the windows and turning the ceiling fans on rather than turning the a.c. on.   We decide to hang laundry  outside on a beautiful day instead of running the dryer.

But what about the really small stuff that sometimes get overlooked?

What about changing out electric alarm clocks for battery powered or wind up (if you’re lucky to find one at a thrift store or yard sale)?  It may not make a huge impact but every little bit counts.  Battery powered clocks and alarm clocks are easily found at thrift stores and yard sales.   Rechargeable batteries can be bought so you’re not throwing oodles of batteries away.  Yes, recharging the batteries take electricity but you don’t have to recharge them that often and they are not continuously  plugged in as an electric clock is.

Opening up the doors and blinds to let in daylight and keeping the electric lights turned off during the day helps not only your electric bill, but many feel better by being able to see outside, see the daylight, and feel the warmth of the sun coming in the windows.

Putting your computer on a surge protector is not only smart but it can be an energy saver too. When not using your computer, just turn the surge protector off.   TV’s fall into this category too. Plug them into a surge protector and turn them off when not in use. 

Your coffee pot sucks up energy when it’s not in use, especially if it has a clock, timer, etc. on it.

Just looking around your home and finding all the little things plugged in can really surprise you. You’re more plugged into the electric than you may think.  

Isn’t it time to downsize a little and save some money on that electric bill of yours?

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Winner of the book, Green American Style Pin It

Prize: Claimed

The winner of the BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: GREEN, American Style by Anna M. Clark according to Random.org  is…

#5

theladya said... 5

I follow via Google Friend Connect at preciselymine. abailey_crace@yahoo.com

April 22, 2010 9:39 AM

 

Congratulations!  I will be contacting you in just a moment.

 

Winner has 72 hours to claim the prize or forfeit to an alternate winner drawn at random.

 

If you did not win, you can pick up a copy of this book at your local bookstore or  Amazon.

 

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Coupon Previews Pin It

Ever wondered what’s going to be in the upcoming coupon inserts in your local Sunday papers?

Well wonder no more!

WeUseCoupons.com offers previews of the upcoming inserts.

Including RedPlum, Smartsource, PG. 

The new RedPlum Preview 5/16/10  is posted now.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: GREEN, American Style by Anna M. Clark Pin It

 

* giveaway is now closed *

 

Green, American Style: Becoming Earth-Friendly and Reaping the Benefits Author: Anna M. Clark Publisher: Baker Books (April 1, 2010) ISBN-10: 0801013348 ISBN-13: 978-0801013348

Earth Day is coming up on Thursday, April 22 and this book review comes at a great time as the 40th Anniversary is upon us. Plus you’re going to want to read this post as there’s a giveaway involved and you could win a copy of this book.

Many Americans are doing more and more each year to conserve Earth’s energy and/or natural resources.  “Going green” has been a movement that is now 40 years in the making. 

I like this book more than the other “green living” type books I have read.  Why?  Well this book not only explores the green movement from the various walks of life that we Americans come from, but also gives you examples of how to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  If you know me in real life, from an online forum or two,  or have been reading my blog for any amount of time, you KNOW that I love the motto from the Great Depression era …  “Use it up, Wear it Out, or Do Without”.   I love to reuse and recycle things and in the process reduce the things I bring into my home and take out.  I like to donate used clothing, etc. to thrift stores that help the community in some fashion instead of throwing the stuff out; which sadly so many do just because they don’t want something anymore.

In the book is a section that lists out “50 Easy Ways to Save Money and Make a Difference” wherein the author spells out just that 50 ways to save money while conserving energy or reducing your impact on natural resources. I pleased she mentioned eating your leftovers in the list.  You’d be surprised at how many people don’t do that.  We eat leftovers for our lunch the next day or I will revamp things into another meal.  Happy to say she mentioned growing your own food as well (even if it’s some of it sure can make an impact on your wallet too).

I have to say I dislike this sentence, well a portion of the sentence,  on the back cover that promotes the book.

“Green is not about giving up. It's about gaining more money, time, opportunity, health, and well-being.”

Instead of focusing on gaining more money, we should be focusing on other things.  I’d rather conserve the funds we have by buying used when possible, conserving goods in my home, etc., by gardening, etc. than focusing on how to get that next “all-mighty dollar” in my hand.  If you have the skills and knowledge you need, you can survive when a depression era comes.   Afterall, the Bible tells us that “money is the root of all evil”. I think I would rather focus more on God than focus on gaining more money for the mere sake of going green. However, you can “make more money available” to you by reducing, reusing, and recycling and in the process be helping the environment.

If you're ready to go green, pick up a copy of this book as well as visit the below links.  Together, let’s discover how to care for God’s Creation while saving more green!

• savemoregreen.net
• “10 Ways to Save More Green” .pdf
• connect with author Anna Clark on facebook and twitter

Here’s what others have to say about this book:

"Dispelling the eco-hype and celebrating a sustainable model of 'business better than usual,' Clark makes going green seem as American as (organic!) apple pie. Read Green, American Style, then pass it along to a friend. It will change your life--satisfaction guaranteed."--Matthew Sleeth, author of Serve God, Save the Planet, and Nancy Sleeth, author of Go Green, Save Green

 

"Clark provides a practical guide for those wanting to learn more about minimizing the impact their lives have on our planet, especially as consumers. Clark's insights, drawn from her personal journey to living sustainably, make this book a joy to read."--Jim Thomas, vice president of corporate social responsibility, JC Penney

"At a time when many of us are experiencing 'green fatigue,' Green, American Style inspires us to think smarter, cultivate natural-grown leadership skills in others and ourselves, and use our pioneering spirit to cause a ripple effect that will transform our communities, our country, and our world."--Lee Enry Erickson, community manager for SustainLane Creation, www.sustainlane.com/creation-care

About the Author

Anna Clark is a mom of two preschoolers and president of EarthPeople, a global consulting firm helping clients with profitable green strategies. She began by asking herself the question, "Can one person really make a difference?" Today, she has an international base of clients implementing her ideas to improve the environment while making money in the "eco" economy.

And for Anna, going green starts at home, where she's drastically cut her family's utility bills; reduced grocery waste while eating healthier; discovered natural, non-toxic cleaning options; and found unexpected joy in activities as simple as helping her children plant trees and care for a garden. Anna's discovered that anyone can make a difference in caring for Creation, while saving money and keeping their family healthy--and she can't wait to show you how. Join her at savemoregreen.net to help lead the change.

 

Q&A with author Anna Clark

 

Q: What made you write this book?

 

In 2005 I had my first child. To say it was life-changing would be an understatement. I began to feel an overwhelming responsibility toward my child. When I had my daughter, Jordan, I decided to revisit my faith, which I hadn’t paid attention to for about fifteen years. I read the Bible for the first time. I also joined a discussion group for sustainable living. My whole life I’ve had an affinity for animals, and I was saddened that habitat loss through overconsumption was causing mass extinction. One day, I woke up to the fact that change must begin with me. I suddenly felt a conviction that I wanted to contribute to the kind of world I wanted to bring kids into.

I started by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Then I launched a green business and we built a green home. I found myself having fun with it because I was saving money, eating healthier, meeting interesting people, learning, speaking, and writing. As sustainability converged with my faith journey, I became amazed by how intertwined simpler living is with spiritual fulfillment, sharing with those less fortunate, and caring for God’s creation.  Green, as I began to see it, was nothing more than the Golden Rule.

 

Q: What is Green, American Style about?

 

Green, American Style is about saving money, getting healthy, and protecting our future. And I believe women can especially benefit from its message, since we are particularly influential as keepers of the community and mothers of the next generation. Inside my book, you’ll see how environmental issues have been politicized—but the green movement is not about politics. It’s about survival. Never before has our country faced such critical issues as globalization, energy insecurity, water shortages, habitat loss, and health epidemics ranging from asthma to infertility. From an ecological standpoint, these issues are all connected.

Although these issues leave many of us feeling helpless, we have more power than we think we do. Each one of us can make a difference as consumers, parents, and citizens. We Americans can reap tremendous opportunities and wellbeing through earth-friendly living and through spreading these values in our backyards, communities, churches, and places of business.  My book shows why sustainability really is the best way to preserve the American way of life in the 21st century.

 

Q: What do you hope moms will get out of reading your book?

I want readers to get over viewing green as being difficult or a threat to their lifestyle. My book is full of practical wisdom anyone can benefit from. I got into green to make a better world. What I’m getting out of it is a better life. Today I enjoy the feeling of making a difference through small acts like turning off the lights, growing my own tomatoes, and eating delicious organic foods. I love living in my earth-friendly home and finding new ways to conserve energy and money. I also continue to find inspiration in nature—not just for my writing, but also as a path to spiritual renewal.

At the most basic level, you can look at it this way: Green living helps you get healthy and protect your family’s future while saving a good chunk of the family budget. In fact, the advice I suggest in my book can save an average family over $7,000 a year! Who can’t get excited about that?

 

 

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

 

 

GIVEAWAY:

Courtesy of the publisher, I have one copy of this book to give away.

There are several different ways to enter this giveaway. For each one you do, please leave a comment below and a way for me to verify it.

Entry Option #1:   Leave me a comment below telling me something you are doing to helping the environment. Whether it is by conserving energy (how) or resources (what), or tell me about your frugal lifestyle that is contributing in some way.

 

Entry Option #2:  Blog about this giveaway on your blog with a link back to this post then come back here and make another comment with your post link.

 

Entry Option #3:  Follow Me on Twitter and post below that you did and let me know who you are on Twitter

 

Entry Option #4:   Subscribe to my blog (section on the right side there to subscribe to my posts and or comments.  and post below that you did so.

 

Entry Option #5:  Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect and post below that you are following me.

 

Entry Option #6:  Connect with my blog via Facebook’s Networked Blogs and post below that you are following me.

 

There you go. You’ve got 6 entry different options that you can choose from or choose to do all 6. 

Deadline to enter is Sunday, April 25, 2010  at 11:59 pm EST.

I will draw one winner at random on Monday announce here on my blog as well as email them (make sure you either have your email in your blog profile, on your blog, or you leave it below). If I have no way of contacting you, I will draw another winner.

Winners have 72 hours to claim their prize or forfeit their prize to another winner that will be drawn at that time.

This contest is open to US residents only.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Book Reviews: Wright On Time Arizona (Book 1) and Wright On Time Utah (Book 2) Pin It

	Wright on Time: Arizona: Book 1 (Volume 1) Author: Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley Publisher: Do Life Right, Inc. (August 27, 2009) ISBN-10: 0982482906 ISBN-13: 978-0982482902
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	Wright on Time: Utah: Book 2 (Volume 2) Author: Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley Publisher: Do Life Right, Inc. (November 23, 2009) ISBN-10: 0982482914 ISBN-13: 978-0982482919

These are the first two books in a series of children's chapter books about an RV living, homeschooling family who travels the United States.

Each book is set in a different state with a different fun and educational theme.

The family consisting of the parents: Harrison and Stephanie, and their children: son, Aidan age 7 and their daughter, Nadia, age 11

Wright on Time: Arizona: Book 1 (Volume 1) puts the family in the state  Arizona where they explore a cave and

Wright on Time: Utah: Book 2 (Volume 2) puts the family in the state of Utah to discover dinosaur bones.

Each of these books were delightful to read as well as informative. 

Each book contained a map of the state in the front of the book that mentioned landmarks, the state capital, state bird, state flower, etc. 

In the back of each book is a glossary of words in the books to help the children learn what they mean.  In addition to the glossary, is a list of more tidbits about each state.

All in all, my children and I found these books to be very interesting to read and to learn more about the states.   Perfect timing to review these too as we are in the midst of a unit study about all 50 states.

I hope you will pick up a copy of these books for your children to enjoy!

About the Author

Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley has been writing since she was a child, winning her first writing contest at age 9. She's been writing professionally since 2002. Lisa is an active member of RWA and SCBWI. Lisa and her daughters spent many hours searching for children's books about homeschoolers, but found very few. So, they decided to create their own. As they discussed their dream storylines, the Wright on Time series took shape. While they haven't found any mysterious devices yet, they have done lots of field research trying out many of the activities described in these books. Lisa lives and learns while writing in southern Arizona with her husband Greg, two happy always homeschooled daughters Zoë and Teagan, and three cats. Her desire is for all people to live their own personal dreams, now and for always.   Visit her website at: Wright on Time Books

 

 

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

WeUseCoupons.com Wednesdays – Sneak Peek at Savings! Pin It

• Kroger Potato Money Making Deal
• Target Light Bulb Deal
• Target Ad Preview 4/18-4/24
• Walmart - *FREE* Benadryl Itch Sticks
• CVS Preview 4/25-5/1 ECB Deals & Ad Scan Coupon Matchup
• Walgreens 5/2 - 5/8 sneak peek
• Coupon Previews Super Early
  
• Attention Coupon Bloggers and Couponers alike!!! – Want to earn some money?

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Frugality when it comes to Home Canning & Dehydrating Pin It

Garden season is upon us which means soon home canners will be pulling out the water bath canners, pressure canners, , all the canning jars, and some will pull out the dehydrators.

Food for Canning:

Home Canning and Dehydrating foods as well as freezing foods saves one quite a bit of money especially if that person grows their own vegetables and/or fruit, and raises their own cows, chickens, etc. for future meat consumption.
Besides growing and raising your own, you can also save money by searching out local sources whether it's local farmers or a true farmer's market (that's a rant in itself right there for me) and buying fruits and vegetables. This way will cost your more money when it comes to home canning so be aware of that.  

Acquiring Canners, Jars, Rings & Seals as well as Dehydrators:

If you are starting out with home preserving, watch yard sales and thrift stores for canning jars, water bath canners, pressure canners, dehydrators, etc.

If you do buy a pressure canner at a yard sale or thrift store - be sure to inspect the seal and you can take it to your local ag extension office to have it calibrated to make sure it's working properly.

You can also put the word out to friends, family, and neighbors that you are in need of canning jars.

Freecycle and Craiglist are resources to put the word out that you need canning supplies or check to see if someone has some to give away.

I have even found boxes of unopened rings and seals at thrift stores and yard sales as well as loose ones and some in opened boxes.

Watch after season sales to pick up home preserving items too such as jars, dehydrators and accessories, canners, etc.  You can also buy pickling mixes, sure jell, and more during the after season clearance sales at places like walmart, etc.

Buy the Seals in bulk from places like Lehmans or A.C. Sales (Amish owned but you can shop by catalog -).

AC Sales Company
Retail Department
7792 Frease Rd.
Fredericksburg, OH 44627


Reusing Store Jars & Lids

I personally  reuse store jars and their lids such as spaghetti sauce and jelly jars.If you look at the lids and you see a thin rubber band inside the lid (maybe white, maybe reddish colored) that is the seal that is made into the lid. As long as it's clean and not cracked or cut in anyway, it should reseal. Just like any jar when canning make sure it's free of nicks and cracks and wipe the lip clean and same with the lid... make sure it's clean and heated as the jars are when you're preparing them for canning. An example of jars with seals made into the lids are spaghetti sauce, jelly jars, and a few others. Just look at the lid.

I've also reused the glass mayo and mustard type jars for canning. The regular canning seals and rings fit the majority of them. That plastic lids from the jars make great lids to use on the jars after you have opened your home canned stuff. Ball actually makes lids for this purpose but you can save your money by reusing the plastic ones like I described. I did buy a box of them before my brain kicked in.  And I did buy a box of the wide mouth ones as I've not found wide mouth ones yet to recycle.


Reusing Canning Jar Seals

I reuse the regular canning jar seals too without issue. I know the critics say not too, but I've never had an issue with it nor did my mother or several of my friends who do this

Just be sure on regular canning jar seals to inspect the seal as well as make sure they are not rusty on the inside part. The outside part may get a little rusty but you can sand that off to help the ring go on easier when canning. When the seal gets where you can't reuse it, make a garden marker from it by punching a hole in it with a nail and then putting wire through it and hang it or nail it either way to a stake and marking your rows with it.

 

Storage of the empty Canning Jars, Seals and Rings:

I've had to toss some rusty rings though. Those suckers get rusty and I can't salvage those and it makes it nearly impossible to get one off a jar.

You can even use a new wide mouth canning jar ring as a biscuit cutter. :D

I store my empty canning jars upside down on shelves in the large crawl space under our house --- which could probably work as a root cellar if varmints wouldn't get under the house like they do (mean opossums, skunks, cats). This keeps them a little cleaner on the inside thus making it not so hard to get them clean.

I use a took a wire coat hanger took apart at the top to string my rings on and then just hook the top back together and hang it up.  Wide mouth goes on one hanger and regular mouth goes on another.

I use a basket bought at a thrift store too keep the many canning jar seals in... wide and regular mouth.

Learning How to Can Fruits, Vegetables and Meat

I highly recommend The Ball Blue Book of Home Canning for new and established canners alike.

I subscribe to the National Gardening Association newsletter that is tailored to the area I live in. 

Mentioned in an edition of that newsletter was a link to the Food Preservation Information at National Center for Home Food Preservation containing the latest information on preserving various foods at home.

In that article, was a link also to a a free, self-paced, online course for those wanting to learn more about home canning and preservation.

• Introduction to Food Preservation
• General Canning
• Canning Acid Foods
• Canning Low-Acid Foods

This course is offered in the University of Georgia WebCT system. UGA requires registration for you to receive a login.

 

Also check out Simply Canning how-to’s, recipes, articles, and more.

 

 

 

I love canning!  Yes it's a lot of work but boy does it feel good to see all those jars of vegetables on the shelves and knowing that God is so good in providing for our family.

Just to share some scrapbooking with you: (That's part of my pantry in the digi layout to the right there. You can read the journaling here.)

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

The Monday & Tuesday Combined Edition of Contests Galore Pin It

Welcome to another Edition of Contests Galore!

If you would like to be included in one of the Editions of Contest Galore, please use the Contact Form to send me your giveaway/contest information.

If you love these editions of contests galore, put me in your feed reader or sign up for to get my post via email so you don't miss the new roundup.

You MUST visit the contest links below to enter.

No entries are accepted on this post.

If you are unsure if you've entered a contest already, do a search for your username.

Thanks for stopping by and Good luck!

Laura

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CurrClick Contest! Win a $25 Gift Certificate!

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Name of my site:Beauty and Personal Grooming
* Name of the items that I'm giving away : “Sothys Spring Renewal” package worth over $80 including
Cellu-Guard® Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream & Soins Soleil Age-defying tinted care lotion.
* How to Enter: comment on the post, twitter, mention it on Facebook/Twitter, any social bookmarking site, blog about the giveaway or follow blog publicly with Google Friend Connect
* How to win: A winner will be chosen randomly via random.org
* Deadline to enter: April 21, 2010
* US addresses or world-wide? :US & Canada only
* A live link to the contest/giveaway post :
http://www.beautyandgroomingtips.com/2010/04/win-self-tanning-cream-and-lotion-from.html

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A Child Writes
http://bit.ly/9Uz0YN
1 Month Free Access to Care4hire.com
Read blog post and follow instructions, multiple entries daily.
Ends 12am CST on 04/26/2010
Open to USA

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Catch the Drift with Mama Snow
-http://hail2thesnowqueen.blogspot.com/2010/04/baseball-guys-mini-pack-giveaway.html
-Baseball Guys mini pack (Action Figures)
-Leave comment
- 4/26

http://hail2thesnowqueen.blogspot.com/2010/04/baseball-guys-mini-pack-giveaway.html

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Mommy Kat and Kids
CONTEST LINK: http://www.mommykatandkids.com/2010/04/shushybye-sleepover-surprise-book-and.html
PRIZE: Shushybye: Sleepover Surprise Book and CD Set
HOW TO ENTER: Comment on Post
DEADLINE TO ENTER: April 30, 2010
Open to US and Canada

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awesome promotion for one of our clients, offering a free $2,000 makeover for prom!

The makeover will include free hairstyling, mani/pedi, makeup application, a dress and accessories of the winner’s choice (within budget of course)! 

All they need to do is submit their name, city they live in, date of prom and a sentence letting us know they are interested to the following email: kymaro@5wpr.com

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pportunity to win FREE Wisk® HE Laundry Detergent in the Wisk Laundry Room makeover contest.

We’ve recently narrowed down our top five Finalists, and now you have the chance to help pick our Grand Prize Winner.  All five videos are currently featured on http://www.laundryhe.com/contest and open for public voting between April 12 and 19.  If you vote on your favorite entry, you can also enter our sweepstakes for a chance to win a year’s supply of Wisk® HE laundry detergent!

As a quick reminder, Wisk held a video contest in March to give one lucky winner a professionally styled, total laundry room makeover, complete with a brand new Whirlpool® High Efficiency washer/dryer set, a year’s supply of Wisk® HE laundry detergent, and a guest spot on a special episode of TV’s Designing Spaces scheduled to air this summer. 

Even if you don’t vote or enter to win, you can still make some quick and easy tips to your laundry space. Emily Johnston, our partner-in-design and founder of the Material Girls Blog, has put together an instructional video with quick and easy tips to take your laundry room from drab to fab in no time – check it out and let us know what you think.

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Mom Start – Senseo Coffee Machine – Ends May 6^th

http://momstart.com/2010/04/give-mom-a-cup-of-coffee-with-a-senseo-giveaway/

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Mom Start – Zutano’s Itzy Bitzy 75.00 GC – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/zutano-itzy-bitzy-review-and-giveaway/

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Mom Start - Scotch-Brite Full Line of Bathroom Products – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/scotch-brite-bathroom-solutions-challenge-are-you-up-to-it/

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Mom Start – Zibits Remote Controlled Robot – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/zibits-mini-remote-controlled-robot-giveaway/

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Mom Start – National Geographic Little Kids Magazine – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/national-geographic-little-kids-magazine-giveaway/

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Mom Start – Dominos Pizza 20.00 GC – Ends 4/26

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Mom Start – Secrets of the Mountain DVD and CD – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/secrets-of-the-mountain-dvd-and-soundtrack-giveaway/

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Mom Start – Schwans Dinner for Six – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/mothers-day-meal-by-schwans-giveaway/

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Enter to win a Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed (ARV $2,059.97)

http://momstart.com/2010/04/select-comfort-makers-of-the-sleep-number-bed-p5-mattress-giveaway/

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Mom Knows It All - (2 winners) Gift Pack of 4 Avon Yummy Scented Products - ends 04/18
http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2010/ultimate-blog-party-2010-welcome-party-goers-yummy-smelling-giveaway/

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Here And There - Tonic Shop Hair Care products - ends 04/18
http://hereandthere.us/index.php/2010/tonic-shop-hair-care-trio-giveaway/

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From Val's Kitchen - Best Ever Home-Style Cookbook - ends 04/18
http://funcraftsandrecipes.com/index.php/2010/ultimate-blog-party-2010-welcome-party-goers-with-giveaway/

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Game Review Network - choice any Big Fish game (2 winners) - ends 04/18
http://gamereviewnetwork.com/index.php/2010/ultimate-blog-party-2010-welcome-party-goers-with-game-giveaway/

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Sophistishe

CONTEST LINK: http://sophistishe.com/2010/04/the-locomotive-in-our-playroom-may-come-visit-you-guidecraft-train-toy-box/

PRIZE: Guidecraft Train Toy Box ARV $165

HOW TO ENTER: Visit sponsor and comment with a liked product.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: April 17th, 2010 at 7PM CST

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Sophistishe

CONTEST LINK: http://sophistishe.com/2010/04/review-shooshoos-spring-smiley-collection/

PRIZE: Shooshoos toddler or baby shoes ARV $25

HOW TO ENTER: Visit sponsor and comment with size & style needed.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: April 16th, 2010 at 7PM CST

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Sophistishe

CONTEST LINK: http://sophistishe.com/2010/04/secrets-of-the-mountain-primetime-teachable-moments/

PRIZE: the Secrets of the Mountain DVD and soundtrack

HOW TO ENTER: Share why family entertainment is important to your family.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: April 14th, 2010 at 7PM CST

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Read the product review and leave a comment to enter-Win Monave Honey Clay Cleanser and Intensive Emollient Base. Two winners will be drawn.
Open to USA & CANADA
Ends: April 23/10

http://canadianfreestuff.com/monave-minerals-review-giveaway-usa-canada-0423/#axzz0kkIWBK5C

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My Wee View - Purgood – Shampoo/Wash & Lotion Ends Apr 16

http://myweeview.com/2010/04/purgood-shampoowash-lotion/

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My Wee View - You’ve Been Sentenced - Ends Apr 16

http://myweeview.com/2010/04/youve-been-sentenced/

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My Wee View - Burts Bees – $75 Gift Pack  CANADA ONLY - Ends Apr 16

http://myweeview.com/2010/04/burts-bees-75-gift-pack/

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My Wee View - My Storytime Friends (~$40) - Ends Apr 16

http://myweeview.com/2010/04/my-storytime-friends-40/

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My Wee View - Squeak Me Shoes – 2 Winners - Ends Apr 16

http://myweeview.com/2010/04/squeak-me-shoes-2-winners/

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his Mother's day, 20 lucky moms will win $25 each in Nuddle money to purchase a blanket of their choice

Here's How:

From now Until Mother's Day Just log on to "Nuddle Blanket" on Facebook and become a "fan" and tell us your perfect way to get cozy - you will be automatically entered in the Mother's Day Raffle.

AND THAT'S NOT ALL

As a special thank you to the bloggers for sharing the we will send you a code for $25 in Nuddle Money too just by sending us your post.

Remember, no matter if its 20 below or the middle of summer everyone loves to be cozy so we welcome you to visit www.nuddleblanket.com and visit Nuddle on Facebook.

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Debut author, Sarah Sundin, is celebrating the release of her first novel, A Distant Melody by hosting a social sharing promotion!Click the icon below to enter this fab-o contest. Tell your friends and earn extra entries!

A Distant Melody is book 1 in Sarah Sundin's exciting Wings of Glory series. Sarah has partnered with Litfuse Publicity Group for the Netflix® & Nostalgia Contest! Sarah's offering one Grand Prize winner the chance to get NOSTALGIC

THE PRIZE: The Winner of the 'NETFLIX® & Nostalgia' giveaway will receive a vintage prize package, including: *A 6 month NETFLIX® subscription *$25 Starbucks® gift card *A box of See's Famous Old Time Chocolates® *A jar of homemade strawberry jam *A Big Band music CD *A Mini B-17 Model airplane *Vintage stationery and pen *British specialty tea *WWII style playing cards For more information just click on the icon above! Contest will run April 5th and run through April 25th!

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Enter Your Recipe for a Chance to Win Allens Products for a Year!
Do you love to cook with vegetables? Do you fill your kitchen with healthy and flavorful meal solutions? Then we want to hear from you!
To celebrate Eat All Your Veggies Day on June 17, Allens has cooked up the “Feast Your Veggies on This” Recipe Contest that’s sure to please your taste buds.
The top three recipes will be chosen in each of three categories: family entrees, southern favorites and appetizers/side dishes. The top winner in each category will receive a one year supply of Allens brand vegetables. Second place will receive a six month supply and third place will receive a one month assortment.
All recipes must be submitted on/before May 15, 2010!
to enter please visit www.Allens.com and fill out our entry form, post your recipe on our Facebook wall (www.facebook.com/AllensVeggies) or send a post card to the address listed below:
"Feast Your Veggies on This" Recipe Contest
c/o RMD
6116 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43231

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Mommy Kat and Kids
CONTEST LINK: http://www.mommykatandkids.com/2010/04/ecotools-cosmetic-brushes-and-video.html
PRIZE: Two 6 Piice Eye Brush Sets from ecoTOOLS
HOW TO ENTER: Comment on Post
DEADLINE TO ENTER: April 30, 2010
Open to US and Canada

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FREEBIE:

free e-book What About Penmanship
http://bogartfamilyresources.com/free-downloads/
It is available at this link for instant, no strings attached download.  109
pages in length, it includes 36 free pages of copywork.

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Technorati Tags: contests, giveaways, daily contest roundup, bloggy giveaway, bloggy contest, blog giveaways, blog contest

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Is this honoring to God? Pin It

One of the things that stood out in the Sunday night sermon was that statement. 

Is what you or I doing, honoring God?

Is what you or I wearing, honoring God?  

Could others see God on us if we are doing something we shouldn't be doing? 

Could others see God on us if we are saying stuff we shouldn't? 

How about the way we dress?  Does is let others know that we are a Christian or do we blend in so much with the non-Christians with revealing clothing, tattoos, face piercings, wild hair colors, etc. that someone couldn't look at us and say, I believe you are a Christian?  Would others *know* to ask you or I about God or ask us to pray for them?

Would you feel comfortable having God sitting beside you on the couch while you watched that particular show on tv or that particular movie?   

Are you a Christian when it's only convenient for you?  Or do you walk the walk and talk the talk 7 days a week, 24 hours a day? 

May God do a work in me as well as others who have felt conviction with this.  I want to be honoring my God all the time in all I do! 

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

I am so sore! Pin It

We worked the majority of the day yesterday in the garden putting up the fence (made from free extra long pallets and free metal fence posts), making raised beds from rough sawed lumber that a local man gave us (the lumber still has bark on some of it, knots, etc.), filling up the raised beds we got done, planting some, and making a strawberry tier from some 4x4 8' pieces of wood that dh salvaged from an old jobsite.

I was wore slap dab out last night when we went to bed.

This morning I am SORE! My arms hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurts,my knees hurt, you name it... it probably hurts. Hubby is just as sore as I am. 

To top it off... I got sunburned on my face, arms, and neck/chest. I definitely have a farmers' tan and usually end up with one each year.... just not this early in the year.

But the garden is starting to finally take shape to the vision I had for it in my head. The hardest part is getting it out onto ground.

I’ll try to get some pictures when the fencing is done and then the garden with raised beds is finished.

 

Updated with pre-finished pics: 

Fencing made from recycled, extra long pallets from hubby’s jobsite. The opening will be a gate once we have it all completed. The garden will have 3 gates total… one on each end and one on the front.

 

raised bed made from free rough sawed lumber which still some bark on it and is imperfect (notice the wavy edges). This is one of the garlic beds. I have more there in the background that needs to be moved later into this bed in the fall so for now will put something else in here with the garlic. We need to cut that piece of wood off that is sticking out there.

 

How the beds in the main garden looked previously – raised rows.  Along the side of the fence there is a raised bed to grow lettuce and cool weather veggies as it gets a lot of shade in late afternoon.

 

 

My one remaining rhubarb plant. At one time I had 5 but they were in another raised bed with poor soil. The survivor is loving it’s new home near the compost bin. The square bed was a freebie salvaged from a jobsite of hubby’s.

 

Our compost bin made from 3 recycled (free) pallets.  The wood crates beside it were also free from a jobsite and we’ve just not decided what to do with them yet.  You can see the run to the chicken coop there in the right background area.

 

The main entrance to the garden. The big square bed there will eventually be a three layered tier for a strawberry bed and there will be paths around it. The bed in the background is a square foot gardening bed for onions. Egyptian Walking Onions are up nice and big in one of the squares.

This is a picture of the pallet we haven’t put up in the fence yet.  It’s about twice the size of a regular pallet.

 

This is the lower end of the garden where we have yet to finish the fence.  Hubby will bring home more pallets in the next couple of days that we can finish this with. We need approx. 3 more to finish the fence.   Not sure you can see them there along the left hand side but that’s where we have 3 highbush blueberries growing.

 

 

Updated: 4/21/10 with more pics:

The strawberry bed was finished this past Saturday and I got all the strawberry plants put in.  We transplanted a few wild ones into the bed as well to see how they would do.  They are not perking back up but the plants we bought look like they are going to make it. The two small stacked squares in the picture just behind the strawberries ... those are just sitting there. Not sure where I'm putting them or what I'm putting in them yet.

 

This is a pic of the raised bed along the back fence. I am hoping to get this weekend if it dries up. The lower end (far part in the photo) still needs the boards put in place and then I can plant. Growing so far in the part that is done are tomato plants (2 kinds) and Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce starts from a friend that thinned hers out.

and here are our 24 Concord grape vines that are now 6 years old and still waiting for my trellises for them.   That’s our chicken coop and woodshed in the background there. There are Apple and Peach trees growing in the front area of the coop but are hard to see in the picture.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Amy Dacyzyn – The Frugal Zealot – Author of The Tightwad Gazette series of books Pin It

Anyone who knows me well enough knows that I am a frugal person and what a fan I am of The Tightwad Gazette books I have read and re-read those books over the last 15 or so years.     Yep, I still have all the books. I refuse to depart with them. I have notes in them everywhere! lol

I actually stopped at a yard sale a couple of years ago and found a stack of the Tightwad Gazette newsletters. I snatched those babies up fast!

Well I was poking around on facebook and found Amy Dacyzyn and even a video of her (not sure how old the video is but she is talking about grandchildren now so it may be pretty recent). 

 

I am a product of Depression Era parents that's for sure. They grew up during the Great Depression and their parents didn't let much go to waste. Neither did my parents... to the point that Momma was a packrat. I'm not a packrat by any means. I can't stand all that clutter. My stockroom right now is driving me bonkers but I'm dealing with it.

Anyway the motto during the Depression -- "Use it up, Wear it out, or Do Without" is a favorite of mine and I really try to live by those words. I use stuff up instead of letting it go to waste. I Wear stuff out (hence my patched skirts I work in the garden with) or I do without something until either I can afford it or the right deal comes along.

I LOVE yard sales and thrift stores especially but will stop at an estate sale or flea market (true one not those indoor want to be a store things) to poke around to see what I can find we can use.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Secrets of the Mountain Pin It

I am a volunteer product tester for Homeschool.com. I occasionally get the chance to review a product before everyone else has a chance to buy it or in this case, see it.  There is a new movie called "The Secrets of the Mountain" which is a family friendly movie that will air on NBC on April 16, 2010 at 8 pm eastern (check your local listings).  The movie  is sponsored by Wal-Mart and Proctor & Gamble).

Being that we do not have tv reception in our home (by choice), I am glad I got to see this movie before hand. 

This was entertaining to watch and was a nice family movie without all the cursing and sexual innuendos that are so rampant on tv and in the movies nowadays.

About the Film:

Somewhere between the demands of her career, her ex’s wedding and her kids’ busy schedules, Dana James (Paige Turco, The Agency) is noticing her tight-knit family starting to unravel. An unexpected offer to purchase her family’s mountain property sets up a weekend road trip, which she hopes will bring her family back together. But when they arrive, they quickly learn that the mountain is much more than it seems. An ancient secret and a treacherous quest will test the family like never before. It’s an edge-of-the seat thriller that reminds us that when times are tough, families don’t run away from problems – they run back to each other.

 

Watch the trailer:

 

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Friday Edition of Contests Galore Pin It

Welcome to another Edition of Contests Galore!

If you would like to be included in one of the Editions of Contest Galore, please use the Contact Form to send me your giveaway/contest information.

If you love these editions of contests galore, put me in your feed reader or sign up for to get my post via email so you don't miss the new roundup.

You MUST visit the contest links below to enter.

No entries are accepted on this post.

If you are unsure if you've entered a contest already, do a search for your username.

Thanks for stopping by and Good luck!

Laura

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Tons of prizes and tons of bloggers!  Check it out: http://www.5minutesformom.com/19667/ultimate-blog-party-2010/

************************************************************ 1.Title : Lander’s 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Bodywash and Shampoo-1 year Supply Giveaway-2 Winners!
Url: http://momsfocusonline.com/landers-3-in-1-bubble-bath-bodywash-and-shampoo-1-year-supply-giveaway-2-winners.html
Prizes : Win Lander’s 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Bodywash and Shampoo-1 year Supply.
End date: April 10
Open to : US Residents only

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2.Title :Blue Delivered Card Cubby Mini Organizer Giveaway
Url : http://momsfocusonline.com/blue-delivered-card-cubby-mini-organizer-giveaway.html
Prizes: Win Blue Delivered Card Cubby Mini Organizer color of your choice.
End date: April 10
Open to : US and Canada Residents only

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3. Title : Lennah Jewelry for today’s mama trendy in Style Giveaway
Url :http://momsfocusonline.com/lennah-jewelry-for-todays-mama-trendy-in-style-giveaway.html
Prize: Win our favorite necklace from Lennah Designs to make you look good
End date: April 10
Open to : US and Canada Residents only

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4.Title : Erudition, an educational board game Review and Giveaway
Url : http://momsfocusonline.com/erudition-an-educational-board-game-review-and-giveaway.html
Prize: Win Erudition, an educational board game.
End date: April 10
Open to : US Residents only

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5.Title :Uneaks Shoes for your kids Giveaway
Url : http://momsfocusonline.com/uneaks-shoes-for-your-kids-giveaway.html
Prize: Win a pair of Uneaks shoes and 2 pairs of socks of your choice.
End date: April 10
Open to : US and Canada Residents only

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6.Title : Baby Orajel® Cooling Cucumber Teething Gel Giveaway-5 Winners!
Url : http://momsfocusonline.com/25-box-of-surprise-hair-accessories-from-cover-your-hair-giveaway.html
Prize: Win Baby Orajel® Cooling Cucumber Teething Gel
End date: April 10
Open to : US Residents only

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Win a t-shirt from Nacho Mama Tees!

http://www.thriftygrl.com/2010/04/win-free-t-shirt-from-nacho-mama-tees.html

See website for details
4/20/10

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Win one of five prize packs from Elings

http://www.thriftygrl.com/2010/04/win-fabulous-facial-products-from.html

See website for details
4/29/10

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Win a t-shirt from Crazy Dogs T-Shirt

http://www.thriftygrl.com/2010/04/win-free-shirt-from-crazy-dog-t-shirts.html

See website for details
4/20/10

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Mom Start – Eureka Tent (AVR 289) – Ends April 26^th

http://momstart.com/2010/04/eureka-tent-for-spring-and-summer-giveaway/

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Mom Start – 1800Flowers 75.00 GC Giveaway – Ends April 26^th

http://momstart.com/2010/04/spotting-moms-with-1800flowers-giveaway/

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Win a Sneak Peek Private Screening of The Back-up Plan

http://kid-basix.com/blog/win-a-private-screening-of-the-back-up-plan-for-you-and-50-friends/

Kid Basic, LLC has teamed up with CBS Films to offer the ultimate Girls Night Out prize package!
What you can win:
1) Grand Prize: a sneak peek private screening of The Back-up Plan starring Jennifer Lopez at a theater in or near your home town for one winner and up to 50 friends and family. Each person attending the private screening will also receive a free Safe Sippy cup, as seen in the film!
2) Additional Blogger Prize: $100 worth of movie tickets and a basket of Kid Basix products worth $225! Please see details on how to participate in this contest here.

The sweepstakes ends on April 18, 2010 @ 12:34 pm (PDT)

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Abi/4 LOVE of BOOKS

* CONTEST LINK:  http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/2010/04/raindrop-by-brian-mcclure.html

* PRIZE: Children's book: the Raindrop by Brian D. McClure

* HOW TO ENTER: visit author's website leave comment telling me what you found of interest. bonus entries available

* DEADLINE TO ENTER: Drawing April 23rd. US/Canada residents only please

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Mom Knows It All - Arm & Hammer (5 winners) - ends 04/17
http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2010/arm-hammer-affordable-versatile-eco-friendly-spring-cleaning-with-giveaway/

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Mom Start – Pair of BareNaked Ladies Concert Tickets –Ends 4/14

http://momstart.com/2010/04/win-a-pair-of-tickets-to-barenaked-ladies-all-in-good-time-tour-giveaway/

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Mom Start – Alice.com Gift Card Giveaway – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/save-mom-some-money-with-an-alice-com-giveaway/

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Mom Start – Dial Body Wash Giveaway – Ends 4/26

http://momstart.com/2010/04/spoil-mom-with-dials-nutriskin-body-washes-giveaway/

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Mom Start – enGreet Greetings Giveaway 2 winners – Ends 4/20

http://momstart.com/2010/04/engreet-greeting-cards-for-mothers-day-and-fathers-day-giveaway/

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Mom Start – Bella Sara Sunflower Giveaway – Ends 4/19

http://momstart.com/2010/04/bella-sara-spring-sunflower-giveaway/

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Calling all students ages 11 to 18! 

The Post-it Brand 30^th Anniversary Billboard Student Design Contest is launching this week!

To help showcase the creativity, innovation and imagination of today’s youth, the Post-it Brand is teaming with not-for-profit organization Publicolor, to search for the country’s most innovative, creative student artwork to serve as the design inspiration for the world’s largest billboard made entirely of Post-it Notes.

Students ages 11 to 18 are invited to create colorful “billboard artwork” made from Post-it Products that fits the theme, “In 30 years I will…” The most original, compelling and innovative entry will receive:

$5,000 prize

A trip to New York City to attend the unveiling of the Post-it Brand’s 30^th Anniversary Billboard

o The Post-it Brand 30^th Anniversary Billboard will be unveiled in Grand Central Station’s Vanderbilt Hall in August 2010 by a high-profile celebrity.

Work with an artist to help create the world’s largest billboard made of Post-it® Notes

Chance to meet our celebrity judge – more information coming soon!

One year’s supply of Post-it® Products for the winner’s school

Detailed information about the contest as well as the downloadable Official Entry Form can be found at the Post-it 30^th Anniversary Billboard Student Design Contest Web site: 

www.Post-it.com/billboard

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Technorati Tags: contests, giveaways, daily contest roundup, bloggy giveaway, bloggy contest, blog giveaways, blog contest

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy