Follow Me Fridays

Welcome to the eighth Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:

• Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops. 
• Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots. 
• Follow as many blogs as you like 
• Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow 
• Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
• The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each blog. Follow a few or follow them all.

The list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Friday Follow Blog Hop #8

Hosted by Rita @ One 2 Try Tami @ Hearts Make Families and Lynn @ Midday Escapades . Join us every Friday as we celebrate followers! Link up your blog name and URL below to follow and be followed!




Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? http://www.mcklinky.com/get_code_publicbloghop.asp?listid=19001

Must Have: Dr. Carey's Baby Care Kit Review & Giveaway 04/01 CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

RACHEL!

An e-mail has been sent to Rachel and she has 48 hours to respond. 

Thanks to all those who entered!

*random.org was used to choose the winner

If you are pregnant or have a baby, you will want to read this review and participate in this amazing giveaway for Dr. Carey's Baby Care Kit:

The Dr. Carey's Baby Care Kit includes baby products essential to baby care basics.  Starting out with a 96 page baby care book filled with practical explanations to mom and dad's most frequently asked questions with more than 120 photos showing typical stages of baby development and minor baby health issues.  It even comes with a keepsake decorated box to store all your baby's memorable moments.  You can see actual pictures and a table of contents of the book here.

Even though I'm not a new mom, I see the value in this book with the actual pictures and I can imagine how a new mom would cling to Dr. Carey's baby care book.  The detailed pictures of such conditions like rashes is easier to try to pinpoint when you can see an actual picture of the rash.  The book is a goldmine of information for both new and experienced moms to read and cherish.

One of the items in the kit that drew me to the kit was the squirt bottle for homemade saline solution.  I have an asthmatic at home and keeping her nose cleared when she has a cold is essential.  In fact, any baby should have clear breathing during colds and this squirt bottle allows an alternative choice compared to store bought versions.

The kit comes with everything a new parent needs and it is even great for those with experience.  Every item in this great baby care kit is something you will use with a new baby.

• Dr. Carey's™ Baby Blanket - the book even shows you how to properly swaddle your baby with great illustrations.
• A+D Ointment which most moms know how great this is on babies.
• Hawaii Medical’s GumDrop™ Pacifier - this pacifer is used in hundreds of hospitals.  The low profile fits a newborn's face better and is lightweight.
• Squirt Bottle for Homemade Saline Solution - As nature’s best decongestant, nasal saline is easy to make and simple to use with Dr. Carey’s clear directions. This is a must have for stopped up noses!
• Digital Thermometer - Dr. Carey explains more about fevers in the book.  This will be handy as most parents panic when it comes to fevers but Dr. Carey's advice and information will help to ensure you are doing the right thing at the right time.
• 
  
  Nose Suction Bulb - every house with babies and young children need these!  Not the most pleasant thing to do but a clean, clear nose helps children get healthier.
  
  

About Dr. Carey:

Dr. Carey is a board certified pediatrician with years of experience.  Dr. Carey has published many books and is a guest speaker for numerous expecting parent classes.

Dr. Carey has a practice out of California.

If you have any questions, there is an area on the website to ask: http://www.doctorcarey.org/ask-dr-carey/

Check out Dr. Carey's website, follow him on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Don't forget to enter the correct way to swaddle a baby for a chance to win a Dr. Carey's Baby Care Kit!

I would recommend Dr. Carey's Baby Care Kit to any mom and especially a new mom!  It is full of great information, tips, advice and much more to include an array of products needed for the little one's arrival. 

The Giveaway:

Your own Dr. Carey's Baby Care Kit (Valued at $49.95)!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit Dr. Carey's site to tell me something you learned.

Extra Entries (worth three entries unless otherwise noted):

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow Dr. Carey on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Dr. Carey on Facebook.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries).
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries).

Giveaway ends April 1 at midnight.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.

US only please.

Sam & Bellie for Kids & More: Eco Friendly Company

I have to admit that blogging has advantages in that you are always looking out for the newest product, the latest information and sales.  BTrendi offered these great ChalkMats at a huge discounted price and although the chalk was already sold out, I purchased two of the ChalkMats for my girls.

The ChalkMats come in three patterns and are the only eco-friendly PVC free chalkboard.  Not only is it safer for your kids and better for the environment, it has a dual functionality of being a place mat if you flip it over. There is also a pocket for the chalk, pens and markers.

It's recommended for ages 3 and up and has a patent pending.

The chalk pens are also what I'll have to try. They are toxic free, scent free and are perfect for the Jaq Jaq ChalkMat. the chalk pens work like dry erase markers and are completely safe for children ages 3 and up.  They wipe up with a damp towel or cloth and comes in blue, pink, yellow, white and green.

They offer many other products ranging from bibs, aprons, other types of chalk, activity mats and more.

Stay tuned for my review.

*Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this post.

No Better Deal Flat Screen Contest

Did someone say flat screen??? Everyone loves a flat screen but I wonder if anyone really knows why or is it just the "in thing" like Cabbage Patch Dolls were or VW Bugs?  It's because they have GREAT pictures!  Global Influence teamed up with NoBetterDeal.com to spread the word on this great contest.

No Better Deal Flat Screen Contest

It's really easy to enter and for more information or to find out how to enter and get extra entries, just go here:
http://www.nobetterdeal.com/StoreCatalog/ctl4057/sitecontent/NBDcontest/NBDcontest?=cnbd

Join NoBetterDeal.com on March 12 at 9 PM (EST) as they host another #NOBETTERDEAL Twitter party.

What is your "No Better Deal?"  Tweet "There's #NoBetterDeal Than ____" and they will show you the best deals on the internet. Examples: theres #nobetterdeal than coming home to bacon/eggs…at 9pm!” – Twitter User There’s #nobetterdeal than Lisa! Luvyou!” – Twitter User (awww) Theres #nobetterdeal than the one I just gave the [Unnamed Retail Clothing Store]…$85 for jeans????” – Ironic Twitter User

Create Your Dream Kitchen with Schumacher Homes Contest 3/20

Who needs a new kitchen more than me?  No one?  I didn't think so :).  I'm sure most of us would love to have a kitchen make over but just can't afford it.  My kitchen is probably 12 year's old and the oven just broke, the microwave works but looks as pretty as .... well, you get the picture!  In my humble attempt at redecorating, I failed to secure a slot on the Martha Stewart show but I will at least qualify to enter the Schumacher Homes contest for a new dream kitchen!  Global Influence has teamed up with Schumacher Homes to spread the word on this great contest.

(Hmmmm.....not sure this is a good idea as I won't have anymore excuses to cook)

If you enter, you have a chance to win an iPod Touch from Schumacher Homes.  I have one and they are amazing!  Not only can you get a million different apps for them but they are handy for a number of different reasons from looking up excuses you can claim for not cooking the dinner, where the supply of bon-bons are on sale or to even navigate to the movies to see the next Gerard Butler movie.  My kids love their iPod as they can play Sponge Bob, Doodle, Lola Map and so much more.

Schumacher Homes can provide everything you need to customize and remodel your home:

–

Countertops - Countertop materials generally fall into one of three categories- Natural Stone such as granite and marble, Natural Quartz or engineered stone, and Solid Surface or polymer-based counters.  There are many different options, and each material holds its own value – which one will you choose?


Cabinetry – Cabinetry can be made from a variety of hardwoods, and can be either painted or finished to compliment the rest of the kitchen material and design.  Cherry, Oak, and Hard Maple are very common choices for cabinetry, although some tastes prefer painted cabinets.  The choice is yours!



Dining– Some people enjoy a more casual environment when sitting down for a family dinner, while some prefer a more formal atmosphere.  When designing your own space, remember that the kitchen can be used for many things beyond dining.  When the kids set up shop to do homework or projects, when the neighbors join you for dinner, and when there’s no other place to find some peace and quiet the kitchen becomes a multi-faceted room!  What will you use your dream kitchen for?


Appliances – When choosing appliances, an important aspect to keep in mind is your layout.   A range can be placed on a Breakfast Island with an oven placed on the wall and integrated seamlessly with your cabinetry, or a more traditional slide-in gourmet range can be used with multi-burner capacity.  What appliance set will fit your lifestyle?

Click here to learn more about what Schumacher Homes can provide and to enter the contest to include all the rules and odds of winning.

Ends March 20th so hurry!

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.

Global Influence, 2010 Census and YOU: Why Children Matter

Another year, another census and most feel "so what?"  Many year's ago, I worked as a Census team leader and understand the importance of being counted and for everyone else to be counted to include children.  The Census is used for an array of programs that directly and indirectly affects all of us.  Given that, Global Influence has teamed up with 2010 Census and bloggers to get the word out on the importance of accurate reporting for accurate counting.

Children Count

It has been reported that children have been under reported in every census starting back to the first one in 1790.  I know I have used the Census data in my hunt for family history to help write my historical novel.

What you may not realize is:

Census counts are used, in whole or in part, for more than 140 programs that distribute more than $400 billion of federal funds to states and localities, including such child-focused programs as:

• Special Education Grants to states ($10.8 billion)
• Head Start ($6.9 billion)
• State Children's Health Insurance Program ($5.9 billion)
• Foster Care Title IV-E ($4.7 billion)
• Improving Teacher Quality State Grants ($2.9 billion)

Also, featuring Dora the Explorer, the popular children's cartoon character, the Census Bureau has teamed up with Nickelodeon to create a toolkit with resources to help you spread the word. Please visit http://2010.census.gov/partners/toolkits/toolkits-dora.php to download the children's fact sheet and web buttons.

When it's time for you to be counted, please report everyone and spread the word as it's so vital to your community.

Simply FaBOWlous Donates to Layla: How You Can Help

In honor of precious Layla Grace and in an effort to try to help the Marsh family with their medical bills Simply FaBOWlous have named the Layla Grace Hat.

Shanna, Layla's mom, was a former blogger who reviewed products for Simply FaBOWlous before Layla, her precious daughter was diagnosed with cancer in 2009.   One of the items she chose to review was thier White w/ Pink Peony Crochet Hat.

Simply FaBOWlous has decided to donate $5.00 from every Layla Grace Hat sold on-line to the Marsh family for the rest of 2010 (beginning March 1, 2010).

If you need this hat in an INFANT size you may order that size as well...View  Infant Size Layla Grace HAT.

We will be sending the money to the family via PayPal Donations at the end of each month as the Layla Grace Hats are sold.

You can follow Simply FaBOWlous' donations each month on their  faBOWlous® blog...Or, for more frequent updates become a of FAN of Simply faBOWlous® on Facebook.


View Layla Grace Hat

http://www.fabowlous.com/Child-Crohet-Hat-White-Pink-Peony.html

 

View our blog posts about Layla Grace

http://simplyfabowlous.blogspot.com/search/label/Layla%20Grace

Join Outback Steakhouse To Support Our Troops

For the entire month of March, Outback Steakhouse is having a special Red, White and Bloomin' menu to help Outback Steakhouse in donating $1 million to Operation Homefront. For over 20 years, Outback employee volunteers have traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Kuwait and aboard naval vessels to serve over 150,000 deployed men and women.  My husband remembers what a treat it was year's ago when he was stationed in Afghanistan and Outback served bloomin' onions.

Operation Homefront helps out troops, wounded soldiers and families when they return from deployment.  To learn more about it, go here.

Thanks, Outback Steakhouse!

Hero Nutritionals Slice of Life and Gummy Bear Vitamin Review - Giveaway - 3/2 CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

AROBIMOM & ASTARA!

e-mails have been sent and each have 48 hours to respond!

Thanks for entering!

I've been a vitamin consumer for years now and have introduced my children to them.  Even my oldest is now taking prenatal vitamins and surprisingly, my husband takes them too.  I also worry about the quality of vitamins given everything that has been in the news on the efficacy of vitamins and the brands.  When Hero Nutrionals contacted me to see if I was interested in reviewing their Slice of Life and Gummy Bear Vitamins, I reviewed their site and found several things I liked it.

1. Hero Nutritionals was established in 1995 so they have established a history of reliable products.  They are also the first company to put vitamins into a gummy delivery system and are all natural.
2. The founder and CEO, Jennifer Hodges, consulted with children's nutritionists, food chemists and production experts to create this innovative approach to encourage children to take their vitamins without having to pester and remind them to take them.
3. Slice of Life was born from requests from moms and dads wanting a gummy type vitamin themselves.  Many people, like my father, have a hard time swallowing pills so this is a great way to ensure anyone can get their vitamins.
4. They are available at many stores to include online stores.  Just click here to see where you can find Hero Nutritionals.
5. Hero Nutrionals supports various charitable organizations such as World Vision, Special Olympics, Autism Speaks and many more.
6. Offer other products for good health here.

Slice of Life are delicious tasting and are actually better than gummy bears in my opinion.  There are many to choose from and they are gluten and allergan free.  That is a bonus for many who suffer from issues surrounding glutin laden products.  I was able to review the Multi-Vitamin + Lycopene and Vitamin C + Pomegranate as noted below.

• Multi-Vitamin + Lycopene - Full Spectrum of Daily Vitamins and Nutrients for Adults - the vitamin was just right in flavor and gummy consistency.  I liked that it was as tacky as normal gummy products are and it was delicious tasting.  I expected it to have an unpleasant taste but I was wrong.  I like the fact that lycopene is added to the multi-vitamin given the research conducted with the benefits of lycopene.
• Vitamin C + Pomegranate - Vitamin C with Popular Pomegranate Antioxidant - I just wrote a post on pomegranates so I understand the importance of what pomegranates can provide relative to our healths.  I was happy to see both versions and as is the case with the multi-vitamin with lycopene, it tasted good and the gummy consistency was just right.  I like the idea that I can take a vitamin without it leaving a bad after taste.
• Vitamin B12 Energy - Energy Vitamin B12 for Adults
• CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q10 for Healthy Heart
• Omega 3-6-9 Fish Free - Omega for Good Health
• Vitamin D3 - Vitamin D3 supports Calcium absorption for healthy bones

If you need help with deciding which vitamins are best for you, Hero Nutritionals can help.

Yummi Bears are the #1 Nutritionist Preferred gummy vitamin for supplemental value in nutrition and has won numerous awards with "Kids Critic Choice" for the best tasting gummy vitamins for kids.  The gummy vitamins are easy to chew, allergen free, gluten free, all natural flavors and all natural colors.  They also come in many choices and for this review, I gave my two girls the Multi-Vitamin and Minerals.

• Multi-Vitamin and Minerals - Full Spectrum of Daily Vitamins & Minerals for Children.  My six year old was apprehensive as she's not a gummy bear fan.  She is very sensitive to tastes and smells so getting her to take this wasn't as hard as I thought.  Even my two year old was ready to take the taste test.  It didn't hurt that the cute little gummy bears have what looks like a sugar coating that tempts them even more!  They both seemed to like it and have continued to take them daily.  As in the case of any medication or vitamins, it's important to put these out of the reach of children as I could easily see them wanting to help themselves to more.
• Multi-Vitamin and Minerals Vegetarian - Full Spectrum of Daily Vitamins & Minerals for Children Vegetarian
• Vitamin C - Daily Vitamin C for Children’s Good Health Combat Free Radicals
• WholeFood - Fruits and Vegetables with Antioxidants
• Echinacea - Natural Immune System Support
• Child Bright - Natural Supplement Systems for Focus Capabilities and Attention Span
• Fiber - Optimum Health and Digestive Tract
• Calcium + Vitamin D Vegetarian - Bone Health and Reduce Risk for Osteoporosis
• Omega 3-6-9 Fish Free - Healthy Brain Development, Strong Immune System and Visual Function
• DHA - DHA Supports Healthy Vision and Brain Function
• Vitamin D3 - Vitamin D3 supports Calcium absorption for healthy bones

Yummy Bears Organic are the first and only organic gummy vitamin.  This vitamin is GMO, gluten, casein and allergen-free.  There are also many choices available:

• Yummi Bears Organics Multi Vitamin & Mineral
• Yummi Bears Organics Immunity Shield
• Yummi Bears Organics Brain Booster with DHA
• Yummi Bears Organics Bone Builder
• Yummi Bears Organics Super Vision

Given the test, the history of Hero Nutritionals, the formulas behind the vitamins and the fact they offer such a variety to include organic vitamins, I definitely recommend them for both adults and children.  They were a hit all around between myself, my husband and my two kids. 

The Giveaway:

Two winners will win their choice of two bottles of either Gummy Bears or Gummy Bears Organics.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment after going to Hero Nutritionals on what vitamin you would like to try.

Extra Entries (five entries each):

• Sign up for Hero Nutrionals newsletter here.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Tweet about this giveaway with (stayingyoung2 added to the tweet) - can be done daily
• Follow me on twitter (stayingyoung2)
• Blog about this giveaway

Giveaway ends 3/2 at midnight.  Random.org will be used to pick the two winners.

Thanks for entering!

US only please.

*Disclaimer.  Hero Nutritionals provided three bottles of vitamins in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was provided and my family and I are still taking our vitamins.

Flirty Girl Tees Review & Giveaway 3/24 CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO....


momof3dolls@hotmail.com


An e-mail was just sent!


Congratulations and thanks to all those who entered!

*random.org was used to select the winner.

Flirty + Sassy + Cute = a fun way to express yourself!  FlirtyGirlTees.com's motto is "Our T-shirts Are So Effective, They're Dangerous."  If that doesn't sum up the fun that is expressed in wearing one of these, nothing else will.  The variety is amazing and they even have a cute shirt for little girls with their name on it.  You decide the type of shirt, the color and the color of the font. 

The shirts for women encompass many playful choices:

• Flirty Clothing T-shirts - Women & Girls
• Cougar Women T-shirts
• Moody Womens T-shirts-Funny Bad Attitude
• Super Mom T-shirts
• SweetiePie Tees Little Girls
• Fun, Flirty Fitness T-shirts
• Campus Girls College Girl T-shirts
• Rehab Recovery T-shirts:  Women & Girls
• Breast Cancer Walks
• Environmental Tees - Women & Girls
• Lifestyle - Women & Girls
• Retired Boomer Women's T-shirts
• Spiritual Saying & Message T-shirts
• Military Love T-shirts - Women & Girls
• Courage Word Tees 
• Customized Flirty Clothing Workshop

The choices with messages and themes don't stop there.  You get to choose type of shirt (t-shirt, fitted t-shirt, tank top) and color of shirt with coordinated color of font.

If you prefer to create your own shirt, there is even a choice for a man's t-shirt!  You pick the saying, the color of shirt and font, style of shirt and your own message and it can all be done in under five minutes.

My favorite is the "Saving the Ta Tas" shirt.  I saw that on a bumper sticker about a year ago and thought it was funny, creative yet effective.  I also favor the "Walking for My Grandmother" shirt.

Other details on Flirty Girl Tees:

• 100% cotton
• Super soft vinyl process that is better than screen printed tees - letters don't fade or crack and that is guaranteed
• Free shipping - no minimums
• All sized to include plus sizes
• Testimonials here
• Sign up for their newsletter http://www.flirtygirltees.com/
• Free weekly giveaways
• Follow on Twitter

The Review:

   

The Flirty Girl Tee we received was of high quality, 100% cotton and wasn't sheer or flimsy.  The pink tone was perfect for my little angel! The lettering was not a cheap iron on and was made to last based on the feel and look.  The soft vinyl process for the lettering ensures there will be no cracking and fading.  I've only washed the shirt once so I can't comment on wear and tear yet.  My daughter liked seeing her name in the "cute" font and wore her shirt the next day to school for everyone to see. 

The Giveaway:

Your own Flirty Girl Tee (as shown on my daughter)!  The SweetiePieTee!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what shirt you liked the most at http://www.flirtygirltees.com/.  This is mandatory and all entries will be deleted if not completed first.

Bonus Entries (each bonus entry is worth two extra entries unless otherwise noted):

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Sign up for Flirty Girl Tee's newsletter http://www.flirtygirltees.com/.
• Follow Flirty Girl on Twitter.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries).
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries).

.Giveaway ends 3/24 at midnight and winner will be chosen by random.org.

US only please!
*Disclaimer:  I received a SweetiePieTees for in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Belated Birthday to You from Dr. Seuss

My daughter's school had birthday celebrations for Dr. Seuss yesterday so we decked her out in a red t-shirt with a long sleeve white shirt underneath.  I still had white foam stickers from Valentine's Day and we spelled out The Cat in the Hat on her shirt.  I also added a red and white ribbon bow to her hair.

KidThing is offering four free downloads to these classic Dr. Seuss books.  For more details, just go to http://kidthing.com/marketing/eblast-20100217-1/

I've Been Featured at Six Feet Under!

Tess over at Six Feet Under featured me on her Words With a Blogger Wednesday!  I'm so honored and excited to be featured at this great site!  If you haven't had a chance to check out Six Feet Under,  you should.  Tess is a mom, wife, photographer, writer and like most of us, a super woman!

If you want to be featured, just go on over to Six Feet Under and leave a comment!

Thanks Tess!

AllChildrensFurniture.com Children's Step2 Easel for Two Giveaway 3/24: CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO.....

cdziuba@aol.com

An e-mail was just sent and she has 48 hours to respond!

Winner was chosen by random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

With having two young children and one on the way, finding great sources for toys, furniture, bedding and more all in one spot is convenient and nice. AllChildrensFurniture.com not only has kids furniture but they have playtime items, decor and products for a nursery.  It's a one stop shop online store for all your needs if you have children or need to buy a gift for someone with children.

My expecting daughter has already picked out her nursery design and she has chosen a crib that provided a growing feature such as this Sorelle Isabella 4-in-1 Convertible Nursery Set which ships for free!

If she has a girl, this would be a great addition to the room to hold the dirty clothes.  It's a Lambs & Ivy Petals hamper priced at only $37.79.  It has a coordinating set for the entire nursery.

My oldest two kids like to draw and have fun with arts and crafts.  There is a huge selection of products under the arts and crafts category.  Microscopes to easels to aprons and much more.  I wished I had known about AllChildrensFurniture.com at Christmas but I have birthdays forthcoming and with my daughter's baby coming, it's will be perfect to shop.

The Giveaway:

Step2 Easel for Two from AllChildrensFurniture.com \!

This double-sided easel from Step2 is the perfect solution for parents with two kids. On one side is a metal dry-erase board equipped with a 74-piece magnetic foam letter and number set and the other side is a classic chalk board. With a large storage tray, paper clip to hold projects in place and easy flat folding for storage, this smartly designed Easel For Two is sure to be a hit with you and your youngsters.


Features:

• Two-sided easel: one metal dry-erase board, one chalkboard
• Includes 74-piece set of magnetic foam letters and numbers
• Paper clip on each side holds craft paper or completed projects
• Large storage tray for supplies and completed art work (art supplies not included)
• Sets up quickly and folds flat for easy storage
• Minimal adult assembly
• Ages 3 and up

We have two of these Easels from Step2 for our youngest and they LOVE them!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit AllChildrensFurniture.com and tell me something else you would like to have.

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Blog about this giveaway - five entries
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways - five entries

Giveaway ends 3/24 at midnight and winner will be chosen by random.org.

US only please.

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  AllChildren'sFurniture.com is part of the network of CSN Stores.

Do-It-Yourself Floral Design on DVD Review and Giveaway 3/24: CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

WINNING READINGS!

An e-mail has been sent to Jane and she has 48 hours to respond.

Thanks to those who entered!

*winner chosen by random.org.

I've had some bad experiences with florists since moving to Georgia and really wondered why do I bother to pay the money to get ho-hum flowers.  I could go to Publix and pick up a bouquet just as pretty at a huge fraction of the cost.  To get gorgeous flowers like you see at other great florists, a cute couple of sisters with beaming personalities will teach you all the secrets at how to achieve perfection with your floral endeavors.  This is going to come in handy with a baby shower in the future as I have to do everything just right and above the top.

Flower Duet sisters, Casey and Kit, show you step-by-step how to create many variations such as the European Wrap or Hand Tied Bouquet.  This is a must have if you have a wedding coming up and want to save some money or just enjoy displaying fresh cut flowers.  Not only do they provide this how-to for creating works of floral masterpieces but they give you tips on picking out the right flowers while optimizing their vase life.  FlowerDuet's website is full of information and includes a DVD sample here.

This is really a unique and interesting idea:  Flower Party In-a-Box!  Each box includes:

• How to Create a European Wrap Bouquet DVD to watch with your guests and get to work on your own designs.
• Three Flower Recipes for each design on the DVD - nine recipes in all.
• Floral cutters for each guest to use and take home – these are our favorite we use for every class & workshop.
• To-go Vases that are reusable and lightweight – You pick the color for your party theme.
• Floral design Tip Sheets for each guest to take home.
• And…one free email consultation on where to buy your flowers for your party and what to buy!

What a great idea to have with your friends and family!

From working with flower arranging classes, lessons and workshops to weddings, celebrations, set design and memorials, the ladies at Flower Duet have you covered. 

If you need more ideas, check out their blog.

The Review:

The DVD was inviting and exciting to watch as their personalities shine out throughout the entire DVD.  They make floral designing look fun and easy!  I enjoyed watching the DVD and picking up on all the tips I need to make sure I know what to look for when I buy flowers again.  The information on keeping them alive longer was much needed as no one likes flowers to last a day or two.  I thought the DVD was very professional, was entertaining due to the hosts as I think they could sale anything and their ability to make it look so easy.  I enjoyed the entire package from the DVD to their website given how they have a natural ability to want to share information and knowledge and have a very obvious love for what they do. 

I would recommend this DVD to anyone who likes and enjoys flowers and especially to those planning a wedding or other occasion that deserves floral displays.  These two know what they are doing!

The Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive their own DVD.

To Enter:

Follow my blog!

Extra Entries (worth two entries unless noted otherwise):

• Visit Flower Duet's site and tell me something you learned.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Blog about this giveaway - five entries
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways - five entries

Giveaway ends 3/24 at midnight and winner will be chosen by random.org.

Open to all!