Handmade with Love Winter Giveaway 2/2 - 2/6: WINNERS CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


TWO PAIRS OF EARRINGS:

Tabathia said...

email subscriber
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

February 2, 2011 8:13 AM 

ZAZZLE $25 GC WINNER:

Marsha said...

I'm a new subscriber

Both ladies have 48 hours to respond before a new winner has been chosen via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Welcome to Health, Beauty, Children and Family and the Handmade with Love Winter Giveaway. 

Hundreds of blogs are participating in the Handmade with Love Winter Giveaway Hop!  Each one is offering a themed giveaway - all the prizes are handmade treasures or gift certificates to shops that sell handmade items. There is a linky at the end of this post.  After you've entered here, hop on over to the next blog on the list and keep going as long as you'd like!  The more you enter, the more likely you are to win.  Good luck!

Prize (US, Canada, International):

These two sensational pairs of earrings are perfect for that night on the town or just hanging out.  I love the jewelry from CinLynn Boutique and have purchased ready made jewelry as well as custom made bracelets for my daughter and her baby.  Cindy is very talented, takes great pride in her work and goes the extra mile in delivering beautiful jewelry.  One winner (US) will win both pairs of earrings.  

 

Second Prize (US, Canada, International)

This one is sort of handmade as the designs are made in Zazzle.  The winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate.

 

 

Main Entry:

Follow Health, Beauty, Children and Family publicly on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) and tell me what country you live in.

Bonus Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter
2. Like me on Facebook
3. Subscribe to my blog
4. Blog about this giveaway (can be done once)
5. Tweet this giveaway (RT 1x per day). Sample tweet: Handmade With Love Winter Giveaway @stayingyoung2 #giveaway #hwlg http://bit.ly/dPuHCR

Open to US, Canada and International.

Leave one comment for each entry. Giveaway ends February 6, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. There will be one winner chosen for each prize. The winners will be selected by random.org and notified by email to the email address provided in the winning comments.  The first winner drawn from random.org will get the first prize and the second number drawn is for the second prize.  The winners must respond within 48 hours of the notification email, or another winner will be chosen. 

Disclosure: I received no compensation and I have purchased the items listed in this giveaway.

Here is the linky for more Handmade With Love Winter Hop blogs! 

Anyone Try Avon's Anew Clinical Lift & Firm Pro Serum?

Avon has a new serum in the fight against aging Avon's Anew Clinical Lift & Firm Pro Serum.  Right now, they are offering a free five piece beauty bonus ($50 value).   I haven't tried it yet but I'm always on the lookout for something to take away the wrinkles I'm getting.  As part of Health, Beauty, Children and Family, I firmly believe that when us moms take care of ourselves, it has a domino effect on our families.

According to the Avon site, 93% of women saw more lifted skin from every angle in 3 days.  97% of women agree sagging is visibly improved.

The injectable-grade PVP is a skin tightening polymer and it's formulated with pro-firming beads.  It sounds interesting and I have to admit that I am drawn to packages that look innovative and sophisticated.  I can't wait to read more reviews on the product.  If you have tried, leave a comment please!

My Review:


I've been using Avon's Anew Clinical Lift & Firm Pro Serum for two weeks now and I like it.  I do feel it's helping my face with the fine lines and wrinkles.  I'm also using it in conjunction with the Avon's ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Dermabrasion System and ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Retexturizing Peel.  I definitely like how my face looks in the morning and to me, it's more vibrant, full of color and it just looks more refreshed.  I will post an updated review in two weeks.

If you want to know about Avon's Anew Dermabrasion System and Retexturizing Peel, check out my review here.  It's a winner in my books!


* I am an AVONdreamers Ambassador.  I am not paid for my posts and the products that I'm reviewing were purchased with my own money.

Tiny Prints: What would you do/have you done for love?

An interesting question and one that conjures of images of a romantic relationship.  What would you do have done for love?  If I went through the old memory banks to explain the crazy things I have done to include loving things in relationships, you may not believe me in some instances.  Love can make you crazy and can make you do irrational things especially when you are young and naive.  Instead of focusing on the love in a relationship such as a significant other, I'm going to relate my experiences to my children.  Love is a crazy force that inspires acts sometimes out of character but it's always a result of intense feelings.

My children are my everything and I go to great lengths on so many different levels.  One of the biggest areas I can think of are birthday parties and holidays.  I don't just have a cake, presents and balloons rather I go all out.  I take months planning and preparing, researching ideas and finding the best props I need to make it the ultimate party or experience.  I spend way too much money, a lot of time but I'm met with big smiles, laughs and beautiful memories.  Not to mention, I'll leave behind a legacy for them to continue with their children.  My holidays are met with the same enthusiasm for them.  Take Valentine's Day as an example.  It's not enough to purchase a little card as I have to do it up right down to the perfect card, sweets and decor.  I spend a lot of time finding the perfect card because for me, it comes from the heart.

 

I have shopped at Tiny Prints for many of my celebrations and this Valentine's Day is no different.   Tiny Prints has a host of children's Valentine's Day cards, stickers and gift tags.  Check out the great selection here.

There is such a huge selection to choose from that I can spend a really long time trying to find the right card and gift.  

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Valentines Day cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations. Offering exclusive designs from the nation's top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars.

*Disclaimer:  This post was written as part of a Global Influence campaign for Tiny Prints in which I will receive complimentary cards or a gift code.

Did You Know Covergirl is Celebrating 50 Years?

As part of my participation as a BzzAgent, I'm sharing the news about Covergirl's 50th anniversary and can't help but share the picture of Covergirl spokesperson Taylor Swift as we are a Taylor fan!  All my girls love her and I've even gone so far as to decorate a guitar to match her silver one and change my middle one's room to be a Taylor room.

Join Covergirl on Facebook and learn more about opportunities to save and learn more as well as find out how you can with MyCoverGirl program here.

Win a Celebrity COVERGIRL Experience

• Enter now for a chance to win VIP tickets to The Ellen DeGeneres Show!
• Plus, throughout the year, you'll have the chance to win special prizes with Taylor, Queen or Drew.

Get Free Products

• Every month we're giving away 1,000 free products. To kick things off, we're giving the first 1,000 COVERGIRLs that register a chance to win a FREE LashBlast Volume Mascara!

Make a Difference

• We're donating $1 to Make-A-Wish Foundation^®for the first 50,000 COVERGIRLs who join!*
  

Valentine's Day Giveaway: SpaFinder $50 Gift Card Giveaway 2/11 WINNER CLOSED

Congratulations to ...

Aileen said...

Entered Roundabouts giveaway - 1.
arobimom at gmail dot com

February 9, 2011 7:29 PM 

An e-mail has been sent to Aileen and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.  Thanks to all those who entered!

I posted earlier about interest in a giveaway featuring a $50 gift card to SpaFinder and found out that there was an interest.  I received the gift card last July and with only having one available spa nearby, I am opting out to give it away to someone who might want it a little more than I do!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and MySoCalledHomeschoolLife and leave a comment that you follow both.

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• "Like" me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done once a day for two entries) - Health, Beauty, Children & Family: Valentine's Day Giveaway: SpaFinder $50 Gift Card Giveaway 2/11 http://bit.ly/hDVyY4
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 2/11 at midnight (EST) - US only please

Valentine's Day Giveaway: Red Envelope $100 Gift Card Giveaway 2/11 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Melissa R said...

http://twitter.com/MelissaRin/status/35397220622671872
daily tweet
melisa0072 at gmail dot com

February 9, 2011 12:59 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and Melissa has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered and Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is around the corner and if you want to impress that special someone, I have just the place for perfect Valentine's Day gifts.  Red Envelope!  They have a sensational array of gifts for anyone on your list.  I've been a customer of Red Envelope for years due to the selection, quality and the ease of shopping.  I like the ability to filter down to just exactly what I'm looking for or ideas on what others are purchasing.


Red Envelope has some great Valentine's Day Gift ideas for him, you will find plenty to choose from:

  

My personal favorite is the Secret Message Tie (above) due to the sophisticated and elegant box it arrives in along with the special pocket where you can tuck in a secret note.  How romantic!   They even include 25 paper hearts as well as a nickel heart charm with a sentimental saying engraved or you can have it personalized for a small additional fee.

For the women in your life, they have many gifts just for her.  From flowers to chocolates to sentimental favorites to cherish, the selection is great and perfect for not only Valentine's Day but any occasion.

 

 

The Love by Design Truffles called out my name!   A mixture of dark and milk chocolate designer truffles are not only romantic but playful too.  They are so pretty you almost don't want to eat them!  

One of my other favorite categories from Red Envelope is the jewelry.  It's stylish, sophisticated, fun and much more.  There is something for every woman on your list.  Here are some of my favorites:

 

I was trying to find some of the pieces I have from Red Envelope but they were purchased over a year ago to show you but I think they have been discontinued.  All the pieces I have are of good quality and still look beautiful today.

Did you know that you can select the entire perfect gift at Red Envelope from their signature, beautiful gift boxes to the gift card and of course the gift?  I love the gift boxes and save them to re-gift later.  You can also choose the date for delivery.  There is nothing worse than trying to pick out something ahead of time but not being able to choose the date you want it to be delivered on.  Red Envelope makes it so easy to surprise that special someone.

Check out ProFlowers for additional gift ideas!

For my review, I am sampling the following so stay tuned for my update!

  

The Giveaway:

One US reader will win a $100 Gift Card to Red Envelope!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and follow MySoCalledHomeschoolLife.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" them on Facebook (plus you will know when they are offering special savings for their Facebook fans).
• Follow them on Twitter at @ProFlowers and @RedEnvelope
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• "Like" me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries) - Health, Beauty, Children & Family: Valentine's Day Giveaway: Red Envelope $100 Gift Card Giveaway 2/11 http://bit.ly/dFO2Uk
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries per giveaway entered)

Giveaway ends 2/11 at midnight (EST) - US only please!

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary gift card in exchange for this post and the giveaway.

Avon Product Review & Start Selling Avon for Only $20

I have been an Avon customer for years and years and love the quality, the price and selection of Avon products.  I have purchased products from the high end department stores as well as the really cheap stuff you can find.  Above it all, I have found that Avon products delivers the quality that I'm looking for at a price that I can afford.  When I had the opportunity to become an AVONdreamers Ambassador, I was really interested in spreading the word about Avon products.  I'm not getting paid and although I might get some incentive prizes, I feel as a blogger with readers that I just want to share my love for Avon.  If you haven't checked out Avon lately, you really should as you will be amazed at what they have to offer to include convenience.

There are so many products available from Avon to not only make you prettier but also to help you stay healthy from trimmer shorts to exercise shoes to scrubs.  The best thing of all, products through Avon are great for those on a budget.  They even have an outlet area online to save more money while making yourself look and feel better.

Check out these great Valentine's Day gift ideas:

 

If you are like me, you have contemplated selling Avon but haven't made that jump quite yet.  I have too many irons in the fire to start currently but to date, I have one person become an Avon Representative which is exciting.  Avon sells itself given its reputation for quality.  I also like that Avon has top celebrities helping them with campaigns that affect us as a society such as breast cancer.

I wanted to share some of my favorite Avon products:

Glazewear Lip Gloss on sale right now for $2.99!



It goes on smooth, looks great and has no taste as you know how unpleasant it is to lick your lips and forget you have lip products on when it tastes nasty.  I also like that it doesn't gunk up on your lips like some do so you don't have that sticky feel.  It also lasts a good amount of time.  The colors are perfect for that light pretty appearance.

Frizz Control Lotus Shield



This is an excellent product for those of us that weren't born with straight hair.  It really helps to keep the frizzies away while leaving your hair soft and shiny.  As with all frizz controllers, you can't put on too much otherwise you will get that weighed down heavy look.  It's perfect and a small bottle goes a long way.

Skin So Soft Bug Guard



Although not needed since most of the country has snow, this little bottle of power keeps away those pesky bugs while making your skin feel soft.  My dad loves this product due to all the mosquitoes they have.  It has a pleasant odor and not offensive like most bug repellents have.

Those are some of my favorites and I'll post more.

Check out Avon today or you can look up a representative to come to your house.  Either way, Avon is convenient and fun!

Want to start a career with Avon, let me know!



*Disclosure:  I am an AVONdreamers Ambassador.  I was not compensated for this post and I am a customer of Avon.

My Ideal US Family Great Getaway

Tis the season to start thinking about those family vacations or if you are like me, you want to start planning as soon as you returned from your last one.  Trying to find the perfect or ideal vacation can be hard especially if you are strapped financially like most.  I try to find getaways that are not going to take a lot of our cash yet give us some optimal fun.  When you think about all the possibilities, it's really not too hard to come up with creative ideas.  As part of my participation with SocialMoms teaming up with Alamo, here is my ideal getaway.

Although there are many great ideal getaways, I can think of a few that would really bring us some good solid family fun along with the ability to make great memories.  I have been to many foreign lands and have been around the United States so my experience helps me come up with something that I find as creative yet memorable.  I think an ideal vacation for my family would be taking a scenic route around the historical south.  We enjoy history so having the ability to tour old civil war sights, museums and other areas of interest would really peak all of our interests.  The great thing about visiting sights via a car, it allows impromptu trips to national parks and other natural areas of interest.  It's amazing the memories you can preserve with the diversity of natural formations, monuments in honor of our veterans and the many other points of interests along the way.


Many of the memories I have growing up didn't involve expensive vacations to places like Hawaii, although extremely nice, rather they were road trips camping or to visit national parks.  When you plan a getaway that involves camping out or even staying in hotels along the way, it expands the family time you have together and allows for easy games such as singing in the car, the license plate game and I Spy.  It's amazing how something so simple can end up being priceless.  I will admit that our last trip to Disney was quite memorable too but I think a change of pace is nice too.

Another feature of a getaway like this includes activities that you can do as a family from taking pictures to include in a scrapbook to natural pieces each family member finds such as fossils, leaves to make leaf impressions.   Our American history is rich and educational.  By including something of such prevalence into our children's lives is an excellent way to encourage interest in something vital to our future.  Not only does it teach about our past but it teaches how to spend time as a family with creative and innovative ways.

********

About Alamo

Founded in 1974, Alamo Rent A Car is a value-oriented, internationally recognized brand serving the rental needs of airport leisure travelers. Alamo offers low rental rates and a hassle-free customer experience at the most popular travel destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. In addition, Alamo customers in the U.S. are able to conveniently choose their own vehicles, based upon their advance reservation and requested car class, and then simply drive away from the airport.

The Alamo membership club, Alamo Insiders, offers its members numerous perks including exclusive, member-only deals, quick and simple reservations, and frequent traveler miles with each rental.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here

The Little Shepherd Boy

by Cheryl Malandrinos Book Review


The Little Sheperd by Cheryl Malandrinos and illustrated by Eugene Ruble is a delightful children's book that chronics the story of Obed, who is guarding his first flock of sheep, in the hills outside of Bethlehem. Obed experiences angels who appear to announce the Savior's birth.  Struggling with following the others to see the new King or staying behind to watch his sheep, he decides to go along and witnesses a night of miracles.

The story is geared towards children as it's told in the voice of a child.  My girls enjoyed the story line and the illustrations were colorful and captivating.  The simpleness and innocence displayed is appealing for children as well as magical.  I would recommend this book anytime of the year even though Christmas would be ideal. 

_______________________________

About the Author:


Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A regular contributor to Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group's quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens.

Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book Promotion, a book reviewer, and blogger. Her first children's book, "Little Shepherd", was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, three children, and five cats.

*Disclosure:  As part of my participation in the World of Ink January tour featuring author Cheryl Malandrinos, I received a complimentary e-book for the Little Shepherd.  The book tour is part of VC Grenier - Stores for Children Publishing's new idea in promoting authors a great way to introduce their books.  

Zulily's One Year Anniversary & Special Savings Code 1/26 - 1/31

I shop at many of the sample sites to get a bargain on some great looking items.  I've been a shopper for over a year and have been generally happy with what I get.  I used to check prices to ensure I was getting a good deal and I always do since the sample sites tend to offer up the same great looking products for a fraction of the cost.  Zulily is one of my favorite sites to get a great deal on products that usually center around children, moms and the home.

This Thursday marks the one year anniversary of Zulily which has been fun watching them grow since I joined in about a year ago taking advantage of some of the great deals.  If you haven't checked them out, you should and join the other 1.5 million others who have signed up.  

You can even save $10 with your first $50 order by using coupon code ZFSTBDAY10 (valid from 1/26-1/31).

Here are some of the great deals you will find starting on Thursday:

Birthday Extravaganza Boutique

Featuring Top Birthday Gifts for Every Age

  

1^st BIRTHDAY

Maya Organics Rattles

Among moms and child development experts, it’s well known that helping baby grow and build critical thinking skills start early.  Some of the simplest of toys that encourage touch and play (even chewing) help baby start to evaluate the world around him/her.  Rattles, noisemakers and simple toys that utilize contrasting colors help stimulate baby’s mind and encourage giggles.  Organic toys by Maya Organics are durable, beautiful and non-toxic.

2^nd BIRTHDAY

Squeaky Sneakers

Mobility!  At this age, kids have their feet firmly on the ground and are running running running.  We suggest playthings that can keep pace with those little legs. Squeaky Sneakers are great options or other toys that encourage movement or dance.

3^rd BIRTHDAY

Balance bike

There's no reason to wait until your kids are four or five to teach them how to ride a bike. There's also no reason to go with the false sense of security that training wheels create. Get your little one a balance bike instead. Developed for ages two to six years, these bikes have no pedals. Kids scoot them along and learn balance, agility and confidence as they go. Let's ride!

4^th BIRTHDAY

Bazoongi Play Tent

After you shop for Bazoongi products, your family's playroom will be bursting with fun. The folks behind Bazoongi want to knock your socks off with their quality, craftsmanship and in-house design. Their goal is to create goods that will last for kids to outgrow them and pass them on rather than demolishing them within a few play sessions. We love the whimsical imagery and lively colors they use.

5^th BIRTHDAY

Kidkraft Kitchen

The folks at KidKraft believe every kid is an individual with a limitless capacity to create and explore. Their goal is to inspire the power of imagination through unique and creative heirloom-quality toys and room furnishings. Designed by engineers, these pieces are well-made to the core. KidKraft's durable, high-quality toys and furniture stand up to hours of play.

6^th BIRTHDAY

Power Capes

Start a crime-fighting super-family with these amazing capes, tees, masks, and cuffs. Sized to fit ages two and up (some of us adults here at zulily tried on the "hero" size cape, mask and cuffs, and found them a blast to wear!), everyone can get in on the action. Choose your signature hero color and emblem, place your order, and soon it'll be "up, up, and away!" Now all you need is a hero name.

7^th BIRTHDAY

Zoobooks

Zoobooks is the all-in-one, everything-you-wanted-to-know-but-didn't-know-who-to-ask guide to the world's most fascinating animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Zoobooks magazines are skillfully designed to enhance your child's learning potential through words, pictures, and interactive activities. Parents and teachers trust Zoobooks to educate kids... strengthening their vocabulary and reading habits. Kids just think the magazines are cool!

8^th BIRTHDAY

Dollie & Me outfits

Two is better than one! Dollie & Me knows the perfect outfit is twice as nice when it's shared. They create adorable clothes and accessories in girl sizes, and then make a tiny matching version for her favorite doll. Pretty party dresses, jumpers, cool tunics and leggings don't just make her feel doubly pretty, but they encourage friendship and help develop active imaginations.

9^th BIRTHDAY

Mouthman

Admit it, these shirts are cool and fun to wear for both kids AND adults. Mouth Man was Founded by Ross Valory, Original Member and Founder of the rock band Journey. Ross is Journey's noted bass player and along with Neal Schon, is the only original member of the band still performing with the group.  The original in “animated” apparel, Mouthman shirts convert from regular Ts into toothy velociraptor grins and shark smiles.

10^th BIRTHDAY

Just Jen Birthday T-shirts

You get one day a year that belongs to you - make the most of it with a Birthday t shirt that sparkles. Choose from our Birthday Girl, Sweet 16, Birthday Cake, or Birthday Age designs. Or create your own personalized birthday t shirts online with dazzling crystals.