Red Envelope ~ Introducing New Designs this Fall Season

Cute? Yeah super cute.

Made especially for my Julien & Capri.

I ordered them from Red Envelope. I love the place. They take the guess work out of gift giving. It doesn't matter who you're buying for, or for what occasion, when you choose a gift from Red envelope you're going to make them smile. Shopping at Red Envelope is almost like having a personal shopper - your gift will always be perfect!

You'll find quality, unique, and personalized gifts at a price that will make you smile :)


The  personalized pillows for kids are a part of this seasons new designs, new collections, and over 300 new gifts to make it even easier to find that perfect gift.


Part of the personalized kids decor collection, the personalization process was fun and user friendly. There were so many options, which made creating the perfect pillows for my kids a snap. 


As always, I'm in love with the finished product I received from Red Envelope and so glad they'll be here to help this holiday season!

$18 for a 3-Month Membership to Bluum.com - Sending You the Best Mom & Baby Products Monthly - a $36 Value

I just wanted to let you all know that bluum is currently running a special promotion with plum district for the next 3 days. Members can buy a 3 month subscription for half off the regular price of $36. That's only $18 for 3 months!!!


Maybe you  would like to try out bluum and not pay full price (who doesn't love a good deal?!!). 


With the holidays coming, keep bluum in mind - makes a perfect gift for a new or expecting momma. Why not get a fabulous deal on that gift while you're at it!


You won't be dissapointed. We love getting my goodie bluum box every month!

Seventh Generation ~ Natural Dish Liquid ~ Prize Pack ~ Le Creuset! ~ #rafflecopter GIVEAWAY!!! ~ Ends 11/4

The power of scent is remarkable. It can have positive effects on your mood, reduce stress, and even help you sleep better. But not all scents are created equal. The fruit, floral and herbal ingredients used to create the scents in Seventh Generation’s new natural dish liquid come from fields, not factories.

• Seventh Generation dish liquid contains only essential oils and botanical extracts, and delivers real cleaning power. Your tableware will be left fresh and ready to serve your next home cooked meal.


• With authentic ingredients like lavender from the fields of Drome in the foothills of the Alps, clementines from sunny Calabria and lemons from the soils of Sicily, Seventh Generation natural dish liquid is free of unnecessary synthetic colors or chemically engineered scents.


• Enter the “Nature Makes Perfect Scents” sweepstakes at seventhgeneration.com/scents and you can have the chance to take a trip for two to visit one of the sourcing sites of Seventh Generation natural dish liquid fragrance ingredients. Visit seventhgeneration.com/scents to learn more about each scent’s origin.

If you're going to be doing something as dreadful as dishes, why not make the most of it. The nature of the beast is to have your hands soaking and the warmth of the water insures even more that you're absorbing what's in your water through your skin.


By now you know that Seventh Generation cares about what you absorb into your skin and what goes down your drain. You're good when it comes to soaking your hands in their dish water.


But did you know that what you smell while using their dish soap is more than just a pretty fragrance? The natural scents were chosen for their properties as well as their aroma.






With scents like Fresh Citrus and Ginger, Lavender Floral and Mint, Lemongrass and Clementine Zest, you can view the dreadful dishes as an opportunity for a little aromatherapy :)

LEMONS: Immune system booster: a good source of Vitamin C, B Vitamins and also contains minerals Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium. Digestive system support: great for the stomach, liver and overall digestion, also acts as a cleansing agent for detox. Winter warrior: the natural antiseptic properties of lemons help to fight throat infections. Just add freshly squeezed juice to water and gargle. Clear skin promoter: lemon juice added to sugar can be a great skin cleanser and exfoliant, but also drinking daily lemon in water helps to promote clear skin from the inside, eliminating toxins that come out through the pores. AROMATHERAPY: Stimulates liver and lymph activity, it is highly detoxifying and energizing. Purifying for the skin and respiratory tract.


LAVENDER: Nervous System: excellent tonic for the nerves therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Blood Circulation: good for improving blood circulation in the body and hypertension. Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea. Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. AROMATHERAPY: soothes skin eases breathing and relaxes the nervous system.


GINGER: Colon Cancer Prevention:A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Morning Sickness:several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.Motion Sickness: effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness. Reduces Pain and Inflammation:ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller. Heartburn Relief:Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment:helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract. AROMATHERAPY:stimulating and grounding. It aids memory and is an aphrodisiac. Helps with pain relief and detoxification. 


I make no claims here, but thought it would be fun to share some of the traditional health benefits and aromatherapy properties of some of the ingredients found in these dish liquids. If we're going to use products, we might as well use things that have health benefits :) 


Seventh Generation ~ Natural Dish Liquid performs great too. I have used SG dish liquid in my home many times and will continue to use it. It's a feel good product.


Together with my friends at MyBlogSpark and Seventh Gerneration I'm giving away a fabulous prize pack which includes  4 bottles of Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid in varieties Free & Clear, Lavender Floral & Mint, Fresh Citrus & Ginger, and Lemongrass & Clementine Zest scents, Premium 3 Qt. 12” x 9” Baking Dish from Le Creuset,(2) Twist loofah sponges and (2) Twist© scour pads made from 100% post-recycled materials, Set of 3 organic cotton dish towels. 

Giveaway will end on November 4th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)


"Disclosure: Product review, information, and giveaway have been provided by Seventh Generation, Le Creuset, &Twist through MyBlogSpark  .”

Sopapilla Cheesecake ~ Recipe ~ Yum!

This is the picture that tormented me all week. It started with just a tiny whisper and ended up screaming at me until I sent the honey to stop off and grab some cream cheese on the way home from work.

If you find yourself ( more often than you probably should ) at Pinterest, chances are you've seen this picture too. And, chances are it's tormented you as well.

The original source of this torment can be found at My Yellow Umbrella - blame her, not me! :)))

It's easy to wip up - just be careful, it's richer than Oprah. And if you're having a serious craving, be warned that it takes awhile to cool.

Ingredients:
-3 cans pillsbury butter crescent rolls - they now make crescent sheets!
-2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1/4 cup butter (melted)
-Cinnamon & sugar

Instructions:
Unrolled and spread 1 & 1/2 can crescent rolls on bottom of un-greased pan. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla ( food processor was great here). Spread mixture over crescent rolls. Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.


I melted my butter to liquid, but I think it would work better if butter was softened to spreadable - not pourable.

October is Fair Trade month ~ Shop Ethical Ocean

Fair Trade is Good for the Earth, good for animals, good for your family. More than ever, consumers are becoming more conscious of their purchases and the long-term impacts that they carry. Until now, only the most eco-conscious knew what to look for in their products and where to find them – enter Ethical Ocean, the shopping site that is transforming ethical commerce.

And Since October is Fair Trade month, a month dedicated to promoting and celebrating the positive impact of Fair Trade on the communities that produce many of the products we buy here in North America, I wanted to share some of our favorite fair picks from cosmetics and home decor, to fashion and food:

·       Shwarmis by Bundu: Made by a co-op of women artisans in Zimbabwe, here’s one of our favourite toys from Bundu. http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/warthog-shamwari

·       Dresses by Lionne: African fabrics made a splash at London Fashion week for a reason. One of our favourite and mostaffordable designers is Lionne, whose dresses are made in Ghana. http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/orange-wrap-dress

·       Bowls by Bundu: Gorgeous on a coffee table or as a fruit bowl, this paper maché bowl by Bundu was made by a group of HIV positive mothers who are earning an income and health education in Southern Africa.

http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/paper-mache-bowls-1

·       Kazuri Beads by Bazant: Made by a group of single mothers outside of Narobi, these artisans are earning an income to support their families. The bracelets are then made by Toronto-designer Lara Bazant. http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/kazuri-bracelets

·       Yoga Bag by One Mango Tree:  Make a statement with this yoga mat bag by One Mango Tree, are made by artisans throughout Africa.

http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/yoga-mat-bag-cowry

·       Coffee by Ethical Bean: This fair trade coffee by Ethical Bean is marked with a QR code – when you scan it you get the full story of where it was grown, the batch number.

http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/lush

I wanted to introduce you all to Ethical Ocean - just take a look around. There are many similar sites but there always seems to be a problem with selection and quality. At Ethical Ocean there is a huge selection ( you could browse all day! ) and high quality products and brands you know. I just love what they offer and I know you will too!

Be sure to Like Ethical Ocean at Facebook to stay updated on all things making the world a better place.

Happy Fair Trade month!

Cut Your Cell Phone Bill in Half. Feel Richer - With Straight Talk.

This post brought to you by Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.
You have to be crazy to be tied down to a phone contract - these days you don't have to be.  With Straight talk there's never a contract. No surprise bills, no credit checks.
Let's talk savings. - No activation, reactivation, or termination fees. Ever. And, get the power of Android with the "All You Need Plan" for just  $45 a month which includes unlimited calls, text, picture messaging, and web. That's $499 for a whole year unlimited!
Just imagine the money you could save by switching to Straight Talk!  Cut your cell phone bill in half. With the holidays coming, I bet you know just how you could could spend that savings.
Two factors in a provider that I know that are important to our family, are quality phones and network coverage. Straight Talk has you covered. They only use trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia, and Samsung. And Straight Talk uses one of America's best networks, so you're assured of great coverage, fewer dropped calls and clear connections.
I should also mention that you can pick up reconditioned phones with camera, Mp3 player, mobile web access, and bluetooth capibility from only $10 - great for young users!
So, get all the apps and games you need, with a smart phone and a smart price... and Feel Richer with Android :)


I love this commercial! The power of Android

Say 'Happy Holidays" with cards from Tiny Prints

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat... oh, excuse my singing,   I get carried away when it comes to Christmas. And it's true, Christmas is coming. As of this moment, there are 74 days, 23 hours, and 48 minutes -which is roughly 2.5 months, but who's counting?

My Christmas preparations are divided into three sections - early out, Christmas tree, and late out.

The early outs are things that need taken care of before December ever hits. Things like preparing & sending holiday greeting cards, hanging outside lights, some of the indoor decor that helps get me into the spirit. This is the time we start writing out Christmas wish lists, start discussing menu's and baked goods & candies that we will be wanting. Time to do some deeper cleaning than normal - guest ready :)

Then comes the Christmas tree bins that include ornaments for the tree, garland, and wreaths - time to check the string lights and buy new if needed, bring poinsettia into the house, buy and trim the tree and deck the halls with garland. We buy real trees and so we wait until around the 10th of December to bring one home. This is when we trade babysitting duty within the family so each of of can do some secret shopping. I normally get all of the little ones one night for a snowball fight, cookies & cocoa, and Christmas movies snuggled warm under fluffy blankets - it's become a tradition.

The late outs include stockings, our traditional "Night Before Christmas" book, the tray we serve Santa his cookies and the reindeer their carrots on. All the things that are last minute. The big night is almost here!

The early out section is fast approaching. We have plans for family pictures next week that will adorn our holiday cards. Our cards this year will be from Tiny Prints. They just do it right. I have had business cards & birth announcements done through Tiny Prints. They always offer the best selection in a user friendly design format so that you get exactly what you want. There is something for everyone at Tiny Prints.

Just take a look - whether you like traditional, or modern, simple, or ornate, you'll find a design that you fall in love with- actually you'll find many - that's the hard part!

I think this is the one we've chosen for this year!

So here's to your early outs - they'll be here before you know it!

Freschetta ~ Pizza ~ Proud to Support Pink ~ Prize Pack ~ #rafflecopter GIVEAWAY!!! ~ Ends 10/19

I think it's great when a product that I enjoy already, gives me even more reason to love them.

Freschetta makes really good frozen pizza. They use the better ingredients, so that you get a better pizza.  

We always keep a couple in the freezer.

But knowing that they support the fight against breast cancer, assures that I will keep a couple in my freezer. It's a cause that is too close to my heart and seeing a pink ribbon on a product makes me feel like in some small way I can help.

If there are two competitor brands for something on my shopping list, and one has the pink ribbon, that's the one I'll choose. Like I said, it's always wonderful that a brand I already feel good about, shows their support. Thank you Freschetta!

Guess what I had for breakfast? A slice of cold Freschetta pizza left over from last night! Yum :)

One lucky winner will receive a coupon for one FREE Freschetta Pizza & two sets of pink headphones/earbuds!

* Also, FRESCHETTA® Pizza is giving away 50 iPod shuffle® players each week to their fans and donating 50 iPod shuffle® players each week to a Cancer Center through PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK®! Enter to win here http://bit.ly/p3XyIn and earn up to two extra entries each day by sharing PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK® through Facebook and Twitter!

Natural House~ Trashy, Sinky and Flushy ~ Probiotic Cleansers ~ #rafflecopter GIVEAWAY!!! ~ Ends 10/17

Probiotics are living microscopic organisms, or micro-organisms, that scientific research has shown to benefit your health. Most often they are bacteria, but they may also be other organisms such as yeasts. In some cases they are similar, or the same, as the “good” bacteria already in your body, particularly those in your gut. They keep your intestinal flora in check.


I make kefir for my probiotic needs. Somewhere I read that pouring some kefir down the drains in the kitchen was good for the environment in the pipes. 


So, I thought it was really cool when Natural House asked me to review their line natural household cleaning products which work by probiotic action.


My trash can, sinks, and toilets do to.


The natural probiotic action in these cleansers digests gunk, elemenates odors, and scours pipes clean.


I love this stuff! Let me tell you about it. Our upstairs toilets have a problem staying clean.  I do my part in keeping them clean, but it seems like they need it way more often than the down stairs toilet. It's like they get ring around the collar - almost like the water pressure isn't as good upstairs. Since using Flushy in all of my toilets, I am very happy to say that has not been a problem. It's like I have normal toilets upstairs!! Yay! Just drop the little bag in, wait for it to foam real good, and flush! That's it.


The same with Sinky. Now I haven't really had any problems with my sinks, but I do notice that the kitchen sink has been completely fresh, with no odors at all. 


And Trashy is a trash bin crime fighter! As long as I spray a couple shots between trash bags, it's fresh sailing which means I don't have to scrub it out as often.


Natural House natural household cleansers are feel good products. Safe for people, pets, and the environment.




You can purchase Natural House products directly on their site http://www.naturalhouse.com/products/  


or http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_hpc?_encoding=UTF8&node=3760901&field-brandtextbin=Natural%20House This is a nice option for those who use Amazon perks like "Free Super Saver Shipping" or "Amazon Prime."


I just assumed that these specialty products would come with a special price as well. These products are very reasonably priced.

King Arthur ~ Baking Mixes & Flax ~ 10 mixes ~ #Rafflecopter GIVEAWAY!!! ~ Ends 10/16

I get very excited when I find good gluten free products. Like dance around the kitchen excited. Good food is important. There was a time a gluten restricted diet meant sacrificing the foods you loved for funny taste and funny texture.

Then there was a more recent time that if you could find foods that got the taste and texture right, it was like gold. Often you would find a product that tasted really good, but the texture was off and vise versa.

Gluten Free products have advanced so far, that it doesn't matter if you're gluten restricted, chances are you'll enjoy it.

Still, as with everything else, we have our favorite brands & products.

King Arthur Flour was a staple in our home before going gluten free, and I'm happy to say is one of our favorites still.

I was sent one of each of the new gluten free mixes and a box of flax seeds & flax meal.

gluten-free bread mix

Now, enjoy your favorite sandwich on gluten-free bread. Our easy mix makes a high-rising, moist and tender loaf, perfect for everything from PB & J to breakfast toast.

gluten-free chocolate cake mix

Looking for a delicious gluten-free birthday cake? Here it is. Bake a tender, tasty, two-layer chocolate fudge cake for that special someone living the gluten-free lifestyle. - The BEST GF cake on the market!

gluten-free brownie mix

These dense/dark, fudgy brownies are a chocoholic's dream come true - and you'll never know they're gluten free! Super-moist; super-rich. Makes an 8" square pan.

gluten-free cookie mix

Buttery brown sugar cookies are tender/crunchy, and oh-so-tasty - the perfect base for your own chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. 16-ounce mix makes about 2 dozen unadorned cookies; or about 40 with chips, nuts, fruit, etc.

gluten-free pizza crust mix

Create classic thin & crunchy (or thick & soft) pizza crust, a delicious gluten-free base for all your favorite toppings. Makes two 12" thin-crust pizzas.

gluten-free pancake mix

Whip up a batch of tender, fluffy, delicious pancakes the whole family will enjoy - no one will know they're gluten free! Makes sixteen 4" pancakes.

gluten-free muffin mix

This muffin mix features a hint of vanilla, a touch of nutmeg - and it's 100% gluten free! Makes a dozen light, tender, high-rising muffins.

gluten-free multi-purpose flour

King Arthur's carefully tested blend of white rice and whole-grain (brown) rice flours, tapioca starch, and potato starch is perfect for all of your gluten-free baking recipes. 24-oz. box. - A life saver - perfect for gravies, and replacing wheat flour.

whole flax seed 

Rich in protein, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids, flax is a nutritional powerhouse.

whole flax meal

Golden flax seed is cold-ground into whole flax meal, retaining all its nutrients. Meal is then stabilized for superior shelf life.


One lucky winner will receive one of each!