GLUTEN - FREE LENT

Today is Ash Wednesday. That means the start of Lent. After a bit of thought, I've decided to give up wheat for Lent. Yes wheat.

I have recently started a gluten-free diet with my youngest, Julien. If I join him in the diet, I will be not only showing him my ultimate support, but it will be a common factor that we can both share. We'll be able to discuss which gluten-free recipe we like & don't like, where we can eat out, & how we feel about the change in lifestyle. A bonder of sorts.

Why did I take him off of wheat products? I was hoping it would help with some behaviors he was having problems with. I have seen notable improvements in only a month so we're going to stick with it.

It's quite an undertaking to remove all wheat from your diet. That eliminates all obvious - breads, cakes, cookies, gravies & cereals. But also all the surprising places like soy sauce, chips, gums & barbecue sauces. GF is becoming much more recognized, and many products are labeling now, but you still have to check everything.

So I begin my journey into Gluten -Free living.

PURRFECT PLAY - PET TOYS GIVEAWAY!!!!

There are 3 things that you need to know about Purrfect Play

1.) My NON-PLAYING pets LOVE the toys they received

2.) Their toys are ORGANIC, DYE FREE, & FAIR TRADE

3.) The customer service is the BEST

REVIEW:

These are by far the BEST pet toys ever!!! Seriously. I won a contest that landed me a wool ball for my pooch Santos. To be real honest, when I learned that I had won, I wasn't real excited - I mean my dog or cat had never been too big on pet toys. So, I figured that the ball would just lay around.

When I received that package from Purrfect Play, I was shocked that she had included a couple sizes of balls, not knowing what size dog I had. Also, she included a nice catnip mouse - just in case I had a cat. Those special gestures & attention to detail were my first impression of Purrfect Play.

Right out of the box, I noticed that these toys were well made & they felt like healthy raw materials.

I introduced the toys to my pets right away.

Santos ran off with the ball. This turned into a fun game of "I'm gonna get your ball". I'd try to grab it from her she'd try to keep it and once I got it I'd throw it and we'd go at it again. No big deal you say? I'd been trying to get her to play and fetch for years. Santos is now in the gallery of happy customers :)) She's in the top row - far right - check her out!

By the time I checked on the cat, he was real silly on catnip & rolling around with the mouse. No big deal you say? I've not seen him like that in at least five years.

I'm not sure exactly what the secret is to these toys. I do know that every Christmas I buy them both toys and snacks for their stockings. I usually buy them good quality pet shop toys. We have never found anything very impressive. I thought these would be the same.

The "she" I've been referring to is Pam from Purrfect Play. Pam has been wonderful to work with. One of those good people experiences. I am so totally impressed with her products and service, that I will stick with her & recommend Perrfect Play whenever there is a need for pet items. I love her concern with keeping our pets chemical free & her commitment to looking into that a bit deeper than most. And even better, she is a fellow Indiana girl!

GIVEAWAY:

Pam from Purrfect Play is offering one reader a toy to accommodate either a cat or dog. We decided to go with the long theme, so for a cat you could win a Organic Cotton and Catnip Snake which is a fun tube of 4 1/2 ounces of fresh certified organic catnip. My Brutus has the snake & he loves it. It's a lot of catnip, so he gets a little nutty!

And if you have a canine friend an Organic Cotton Tug Toy would be good fun & good for teeth and gums :))

TO ENTER:

Head over to PURRFECT PLAY and sign up for their informational newsletter - because I think you should read it if you have pets or kids

EXTRAS :

* Take a look & tell me which toy looks like fun for your furry friend

* Tell me all little about your pet who would benefit from you winning

*Follow my blog

* Tweet this giveaway & post the direct URL :)))

ENDS :

Friday March 6th @ 11:59 PM - GOOD LUCK to EVERYONE - Remember PURRFECT PLAY for all your pet toy & pretty pet tag needs

WINNER KAMA SUTRA LOVER'S KIT !!

CONGRATS!! To Paula, who said...
We try to put the kids to bed early in the evening. Then we either watch a tv show that we've recorded or talk all while cuddling under a blanket on the couch. That really helps. We also like to take showers or baths together.It'll be better soon when my husband finishes redoing the downstairs bedroom. Right now our son is in our bedroom and the other kids are next door in the other bedroom.

When I contacted her with the good news, she was up sick with a cold. She said the excitement helped her feel better. I know how that is, I'm glad it helped for a minute - get well so you can enjoy the kit!!

Everyone remember all of your intimate gifts, romantic gifts, sensual products needs are found at Eden Fantasys!

Glitchy

By now you all know about the Blogger glitch . I was affected & had to go into my dashboard and switch all of the blogs I follow to public. I lost a lot of my readers :((( It appears that you are all still there, you just need to go into your dashboard, go to blogs I follow, manage and set all of them to public again.

Hope all gets back to normal soon! I was just complaining about Blogger yesterday - I hope I didn't jinx us all!!

BIRTHDAY BASH @ I NEVER GREW UP :)))

Stop by for a great Birthday Party! We all love a good birthday bash right? Vanessa has over $1200 worth of Birthday gifts that she's giving her readers!! Head over to I Never Grew Up and enter to win. Make sure to tell her Happy Birthday !!

TEAPOSY GIVEAWAY!!!! I LOVE IT :)))

CONTEST CLOSED!!!!


With Dominic being British, as you can imagine, we drink lots of tea in our home. I serve a traditional English tea like I would a coffee, with cream & sugar. Herbal teas with lemon & honey -
unless it's chai -then it's cream & sugar again.


It's a very nice, calming tradition that they have across the pond- to come in from shopping, or a hard day at work- they virtually make time stand still just long enough to have a cup of tea, or two. No putting up groceries, no phone calls, no nothing- just putting on the kettle for tea. I found it such a valuble stress releaver while I was there. Something we Americans don't do - just stop and sit with a warm cup of tea, letting the world carry on until we are done.


So when I was lucky enough to try Teaposy for my self, I and everyone in my home were thrilled. When the package arrived, I was in the middle of mopping the floors. I stopped in good British fashion, put on the kettle, took out some Walker's biscuits & we had tea proper.


The tea is amazing to watch! It's a piece of art and I felt truly inspired watching it bloom. All of us gathered around the teapot to watch - it was really cool.


The flavor is mild, expectantly so being a white tea & I could taste the subtle flavor of the Calendula flower & the floral scent remained as an aftertaste.


It really is an amazing tea set to have - I will save mine for special occasions like tea with the girls. I am planning a tea party for when my grandma comes home in the summer - she'll love it!

WIN IT!!! CONTEST CLOSED

The generous people at Importika have offered one lucky reader a "Celebrate" Teaposy set of their very own!!!

To enter, take a look at the different teas they offer, tell me which one you'd love to try - I know this part is hard.

EXTRAS

• While you are picking out a tea, look at the flavor profile and tell me which note appeals to you about the tea you picked
• Follow Wishing Penny
• Follow me at Twitter & Tweet this giveaway
• Blog this giveaway
• Tell me how you would make an special occasion with your Teaposy set
• Tell me what I was doing when the Teaposy arrived at my home

*Please comment for each extra, as this will be your entry for what you do :))

*for those that haven't - I'll still count what you put into one comment :))

Good Luck to everyone. This contest will end Wednesday March 4th. I will pick a winner using Random.org & will email the winner.

Joobles Giveaway @ Growing Your Baby

Stop by Growing Your Baby for a really cute Giveaway! Enter to win a Joobles Gift Package Containing 1 Joobles bear and a Hooded Sweater (value $98) from Fair Indigo.

I love the fair trade & eco-friendly concept of Fair Indigo. Stop by for your chance to win a comfy, healthy set for your little one :))

Giveaway Closes on Friday February 20th, 2008

WINNER OF THE COMPLETE LAUNDRY SYSTEM

CONGRATS to LO from The Family O - she won the Complete Laundry System!! I know she & her family won't be disappointed!

Thanks to everyone who entered - I really wish I had a set for everyone.

Remember to consider investing in a set @ Mystic Wonders Inc. - it will save you loads on detergent & drying time. It's also a very healthy choice for you and your family :)))

Have a great one!

iPod Touch Giveaway! @ Skimbaco Lifestyle

Yep - you can win a second generation ipod touch. Just head over to Skimbaco & enter for your chance to win. Katja is one of the Eleven Mom's & she has teamed up with Wal-mart to offer this wonderful giveaway. You'll also receive a $10 Wal-mart Gift Card so you can download 10 songs.

Hurry, this contest ends today-02/13 at midnight EST!!!

Nordic Naturals Giveaway @ AutismLearningFelt

Tammy @ AutismLearningFelt is hosting a wonderful giveaway. Nordic Naturals are known for being very high, contaminate free quality supplements. Fish oils are healthy for everyone, but new research is being done on the ability for Fish oils to benefit children in the Autistic spectrum.

This excerpt is taken fron this full article at Natural News.

- Two American researchers, Louise Patrick, SLP, and Ronald M. Salik, MD, have recently reported the results of a clinical trial of the effects of a fish-oil supplement on language development and learning skills in children with autism or Asperger's syndrome1. Fish oil provides essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are critical for brain health. Children with attention deficit, autistic, and related disorders have been shown to have significantly lower levels of EFAs in their red blood cells2.

I have concerns with my youngest & have recently started him on a gluten-free diet, seeing notable improvements in behaviors. I would love to win these wonderful supplements. I think they would only further his health & maybe restore a deficiency.

KAMA SUTRA LOVER"S RETREAT GIVEAWAY!!!

CONTEST CLOSED!!!

Would you like a vacation from Mommy?

A place to escape for just you two?

It seems the longer you've been together as parents, the more ingrained the parenting mode becomes. Even a romantic dinner alone isn't free of Mommy mode - the first crying baby you hear, or toddler having a tantrum, auto parenting kicks on.

It is nice however, to just be a lover, if only for a couple hours, in your own bedroom - a retreat, for just you two.

With Valentine's Day nearly upon us, romance is in the air. This giveaway tells you that any day can be a special lovers holiday for you and your special someone :))

GIVEAWAY :)))))) CONTEST CLOSED!!!

Who : Drew from Eden Fantasys has very generously offered one reader the chance to win a very special lovers retreat for just you two.

What : Bedside Lover's Tool Kit by Kama Sutra. A sampling of KamaSutra’s finest products in a beautifully handcrafted antique replica box. Discretely holds Oil of Love , Edible French Vanilla Body Soufflé , Love Liquid water-based Sensual Lubricant, Sweet Honeysuckle Honey Dust with a feather applicator in a pretty little box for your bedside table.

Where : You can purchase this wonderfully sensual kit at Eden Fantasys. Be sure to have a look around during your alone time - you can find all your intimate gifts, romantic gifts, sensual products, sensual gifts, discreet gifts, adult gifts, adult toys there. Weather you're looking for romantic, naughty, funny, or indulgent - Eden Fantasys has what you're looking for.

When : This contest will begin today Friday Feb, 13 - and will close Monday Feb.23 at 11:59 pm EST.

How : To enter, just comment here about how you step outside of Mommy mode and into being a lover. Give it a bit of thought please :)) You must complete this step to enter.


Extras

*Go to Eden Fantasys and tell us what you like about their site

*Leave a comment about how you would spend a night for just you two

*Follow my blog

*Blog about this contest

*Follow me at Twitter & tweet this contest

Good Luck to Everyone!! This has been a fun, laid back, no pressure experience thanks to Drew!! He's great!!

And the winner is... Drumroll please

The winning number via Random.org was #49 which belonged to Jan @ A Quilty Pleasure

I made a fun goodie box up and I hope she loves it! I have had a lot of fun participating in this event. I hope it becomes a tradition for me. What a great "bring people together" idea. Thank You Lisa :))

Congrats to all the winners out there, there were some amazing pieces of art on display. I was truly amazed by all the talent shown.

This giveaway was a feel good experience for me :)))

VALENTINES DAY SWAP GOODIE BOX :))

I participated in 2009 Valentine's Day Swap @ An Island Life. What fun it has been!

I was lucky enough to have Pam from Country Mouse, City Mouse have my name in the swap. I have enjoyed getting to know her & love reading her blog. Already I've shed tears, took part in a mystery, & sighed in relief that her daughter was ok.

So yesterday, when I checked the mail I find a package covered in glittery hearts all the way from Canada!! I was so excited!

It was such a fun box! Just opening it there was a doilie on the lid & bright colored paper wrappings. A sweet card sending love for Valentine's Day was the first that I opened. There was definitely love in the box! Next I saw two Body Shop bottles of Mango scented bath yummies!!! A cute magnet pad for the fridge (I already used it for a shopping list!) and a really cute handmade crafty three hearts hanger that has found it's perfect home in the kitchen. I was so excited already & then I found under all of that was a nice heavy hinged picture frame.

Ok Pam must be Psychic ! How did she know that we had just had pictures done of me & the boys? I always think about picking out some frames, but while I'm out I always forget. It was perfectly what I needed. How nice!

Thank You Pam for your sweet goodie box all the way from Canada. You made my day!!!

WINNER LIFEWAY KEFIR GIVEAWAY!!

I have a winner for the Probugs Giveaway!!

valerie2350 said...
subscriber

Random Sequence Generator
Here is your sequence:
11
4
16


CONGRATS Valerie !! Thanks to everyone who entered!!!

COMPLETE LAUNDRY SYSTEM GIVEAWAY!!!!

CONTEST CLOSED

In the past several years, I have been very aware of what I'm putting into mine and my family's bodies. Health is an important aspect of life. I have also become very aware of of what we are putting into our environment. A healthy world for our children & generations to come is an important aspect of life too.

Product Description
*The Wonder Ball works through physics. The frequency enhanced mineral blend within the ball creates an energy field when agitated in the machine. When this energy meets with the water, the water is in it's best cleaning state. It is the water that does the cleaning. No detergent needed.Good for three plus years of use.

*Wonder Dryer Balls are simply placed in the dryer with wet clothes, turn on the dryer. Working together in balance, the balls keep your clothes separated. The nubs keep redistributing the heat; cutting drying time. Engineered for a lifetime. No fabric softeners or sheets needed.

Product Review
I don't want to write a long review that no one will read. I do want to do a good job in explaining just how impressed I am with the Complete Laundry System. I am totally sold.

*My youngest is very sensitive & knowing that all washables that he comes in contact with are chem free feels so healthy.

*Even my beast of a duvet, that usually ends up with white streaks & takes four dryer cycles, has been tamed by the Complete Laundry System. No white streaks, fully dry & fluffy in 2 1/2 dryer cycles.

*Cleans clothes without the use of detergents or chemicals, thereby lessening your exposure to toxins

*Completely green

*Cuts cost of buying laundry detergents for three years !!!!!!

*Cuts energy cost with faster drying !!!!

*Clothes feel real clean, as one Wonder Laundry Ball user put it "I was used to having unscented sheets, but this no-scent was different,a smell that was like fresh, clean air after a thunderstorm."

Children have a higher respiratory rate than adults, so they inhale three times the amount of contaminates, i.e.: chemical residues left in clothing and bedding. However, because their detox systems aren't fully developed, they can't filter toxins as adults do. We now have a higher rate of kids with cancer and learning disabilities than ever before. Indoor air pollution is a suspected culprit in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. - Bill Adler Jr. 1991

Summary
It's that product - the one you're so glad you found. The one you tell everyone about & buy as gifts. I'm even going to pitch it to my favorite health foods store when I go next. I love how my laundry feels & smells. I love that it feels healthy. I love that I am doing my part to keep the environment clean. I wish I could give one to each of you :)))) I would encourage you to seriously consider investing in the Complete Laundry System - it will save you loads of moola.

BUY IT
You can buy The Complete Laundry System along with a whole range of healthful and eco friendly products at Mystic Wonders Inc.

WIN IT CONTEST CLOSED
Ms.Gunderson is generously offering one reader the chance to win The Complete Laundry System Retail Price: $49.95 a Set!!!!

To enter: Check out all the neat stuff offered at Mystic Wonders & come back here letting me know what you'd like to try & why.

For extra entries:

* Blog this & leave me the URL
* Follow me at Twitter & tweet this post

* Follow my blog

* Subscribe

This contest will start Friday Feb. 6th and will end Monday 16th

I will draw the winner using Random.org & will email the winner the same day

Good Luck!

What if people stopped discovering? Stopped wondering? Nothing would ever change. Fortunately, there are those who keep pushing the boundaries. Making something new. Something original. Get your Complete Laundry System today."To grow you must be willing to let your present and future be totally unlike your past. In the past it was detergent and fabric softeners TODAY AND YOUR FUTURE HOLDS THE COMPLETE LAUNDRY SYSTEM!

-Fern Gunderson

ONE WORLD ONE HEART :))) GIVEAWAY!!!

COMMENTS CLOSED!!


I have been entering all of these amazing giveaways. Pieces crafted by people's loving hands, their art that they have put themselves into that they will wrap up in small packages and send out their treasures to fellow bloggers from all over the world. I think that is beautiful.



I was really touched by all the care that goes into this. Started by Lisa Swifka to connect bloggers who might not have the chance otherwise. Her efforts have really paid off with over 850 participants!



Starting to feel guilty for entering but having nothing to give, I determined that next year I am going to be prepared to be a part of this caravan. But , after seeing many surprise packages being offered, I decided that there is really nothing stopping me from participating this year. I am up for the adventure of putting together a fun surprise package! It will be fun! I will do it up good, I promise :))

This is open to EVERYONE. Just comment below. That's it!



I am a new blogger & I look forward to meeting new faces :)) Make sure you leave a contact email!!! Also, head back over to the OWOH hub and mingle :))



Comments will close at 11:59 PM Feb. 11th. I will draw a winner using random.org and will email the winner on Feb. 12th. Good Luck & Happy Entering!

COMMENTS CLOSED!