$5 Target Gift Card Giveaway

Can you help me out with a survey that I am hosting? I am interested in you as my reader, and this information will help me personally reach out to you, as well as help my business.

For your participation in this survey, that should take less than 5 minutes, you will be entered to win a $5 Target gift card. This giveaway will be open through Monday, August 30th, 10PM CST.

Please click here to take survey

When you have completed the survey, leave a comment of the date/time that you completed it, and your email address, to be entered. If you have already completed the survey, you are eligible to win as well, so just leave your best estimate as to the date you completed the survey, with your email.

I appreciate your help and feedback!

Giveaway Winners

Thank you all for entering! It was so nice to read all the comments about the touching cards you've given or received. Also, it is neat to see what everyone would buy with free money!

Stay tuned, because the Pear Tree giveaways will be monthly!

The winners have been chosen for the stationary and CSN giveaway.

Personalized Stationary:

sweetone62406@

CSN Gift Certificate:

kt1969@

Winners have 24 hours to respond to verify their information or another winner will be chosen.

Redecorating and $40 CSN Giveaway

I am currently in the process of redecorating my guest bedroom. We moved in 2 years ago and the poor room is just boring and neglected! Not to mention, I already have the decorations for the walls in this room, but don't have a bed or bedding to match yet! I definitely did things backwards. So, in the process of searching, I came across this.

I'm looking for something reasonably priced and efficient for the space, but not cheap (in construction). I found this at CSN, whom I've used before and had outstanding results. I think the fact that this comes with the nightstand and has the drawers underneath would eliminate the need for a separate dresser (maybe). This would match perfectly with my decor!

If you'd like to win the $40 CSN gift certificate giveaway, leave a comment stating what you'd look forward to purchasing from any of their 200+ stores. *You must leave your email, otherwise I will pick another winner.

Extra entries:
Follow this blog and leave a comment.
Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment.
Facebook, Tweet or Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment.

This giveaway available for Canadians as well!

*Shipping and international charges may apply depending on the product.*
Giveaway ends 7/30 at 9 PM CST.

Giveaway Page

Don't forget to check out my Giveaway page for the latest giveaways on my site. I will be updating this frequently with anticipated and active giveaways.

Currently, I am hosting a Truvia Giveaway and a Stationary Giveaway. Go enter, and spread the word to your friends!

Personalized Stationary Giveaway

Have you ever received a hand-written note from someone that you saved, because it meant so much to you? Have you ever received a note at the perfect moment, when you needed it the most? That you pull out every now and again, because it brings a smile to your face. Or, is there someone you feel that could really use a note from you right now?

There is a something special about receiving a hand-written note, especially these days when email is so popular. I always love to get mail, and something that is special and out of the blue makes it even more touching.

In honor of these special moments, Pear Tree Greetings is giving one of you a free set of personalized note cards (up to 16 cards) from their new collection.

Who is Pear Tree Greetings? Pear Tree Greetings is a fun, fresh and affordable personalized stationery company that offers Birth Announcements, Moving Announcements, Photo Cards,

Baby Shower Thank You Cards and more, all on 100 lb matte card stock and truly affordable prices!

I have personally received a set of these note cards, with my name on them, and the quality of this product is outstanding. The card stock is a nice weight and there are several cute and funky designs to choose from.

Also, throughout the month of July, enjoy Free Shipping at Pear Tree Greetings! Just

spend $29 on your purchase of Birth Announcements, Moving Announcements, Photo Cards, Baby Shower Thank You Cards and more!

Use code PEARJUL10. Shop Pear Tree Greetings.

Now, for the giveaway!

If you'd like to win a personalized set of stationary from Pear Tree Greetings, leave a comment regarding a special card you've received or sent to someone at the perfect moment. Email must be included, so I can contact the winner! (Required entry)

Extra Entries:

Follow this blog or leave a comment that you have.

Follow me on Twitter, and leave a comment with your Twitter handle.

Tweet, Facebook or Blog about this giveaway and leave the link. (up to 3 extra entries)

Giveaway ends July 30, at 9 PM CST! A winner will be chosen at random, and contact via email.

Truvia Review and Giveaway

I was recently sent a box of Truvia to host a review and giveaway. I traditionally don't use many sweeteners, but when I do, I prefer it to be a natural sweetener. Typically, the only time I use it is in a cup of tea or on oatmeal.

Per the manufacturer website:

Truvia™ natural sweetener is a zero-calorie sweetener made with the best tasting part of the stevia plant.

Truvia™ natural sweetener is made from rebiana, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf, erythritol and natural flavors. See our ingredients page for more detailed information.

Erythritol is an all-natural, non-caloric sweetener, used as an ingredient that provides bulk for the tabletop form of Truvia™rebiana. Bulking agents are additives that increase the bulk and contribute to the texture of a food. Erythritol has been part of the human diet for thousands of years as it is present in fruits such as pears, melons and grapes, as well as foods such as mushrooms and fermentation-derived foods such as wine, soy sauce and cheese. It is added to foods and beverages to provide sweetness, as well as to enhance taste and texture.

Yes, Truvia™ natural sweetener is safe for people with diabetes. It has no effect on the glycemic index.

Truvia can be found at your local grocery store or supermarket, as well as Whole Foods and Walmart.

My Review:

I really enjoyed using this product. I used it in my hot tea and on fresh fruit to determine if there would be an aftertaste. I was pleasantly surprised at the sweetness, and did not notice an artificial aftertaste like other sweeteners leave. You do not need that much to get the sweetness. I used half a packet in my cup of tea and the amount on fresh fruit varied based on what the fruit was. I really appreciate that a natural sweetener has been created for those of us who try to avoid artificial ones, and will definitely be using this product in the future. I'd be interested to see how it tastes in baked goods. The website offers a variety of recipes.

Giveaway:

If you'd like to receive a box of Truvia to try for yourself, leave a comment stating why you'd be interested in trying this natural sweetener. (Required)

Extra Entries:
1. Follow this blog and leave a comment stating that you have.
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment stating that you have.
3. Tweet, Blog or Facebook this giveaway and leave the link separately for each.(up to 3 extra entries)

Giveaway Ends Sunday July 18th, at 9 PM CST.

I received this product through my membership at The Product Review Place and courtesy of Truvia. All opinions stated are my own. I am not liable for any effects that using this product may cause.

Organic and Natural Coupons

Stephanie, over at Saving Naturally (a great site!) just posted that Earth Fare has put up some great organic and natural coupons! There are several coupons there. Some of these are manufacturer and some are store coupons. If you have an Earth Fare nearby, you may be able to use their store coupons as a competitor coupon, but if not, you can use the manufacturer coupons that are available.

While you're searching natural products, check out this neat Block Party Giveaway! You could win free organic and natural products - including an Ipod Nano and Compost Bin! I've always wanted to compost! It ends July 5th, so hurry and enter - one entry per person.

Good Earth Meal Kit WINNER

The winner of the Good Earth Meal Kit is Eunice B! Congratulations! I'll be emailing you for your information.

You have 24 hours to respond.

Thank you all for entering! There were so many good comments and reasons why we can all use a quick and healthy meal. I could not pick, so left random.org to the decision making!

WINNERS - Pull Ups Potty Dance Kit Giveaway

The winners of the Pull Ups Potty Dance Kit Giveaway are:

4 - Mom2Many

11 - sjt42075

6 - sponge423

12 - ropp dot 5 at wright dot edu

9 - Shanna

Winners were selected using random.org. I have contacted you and need a response within 24 hours, so that I can mail this ASAP.

Thank you so much for entering!

Good Earth Meal Kit Review and Giveaway

Recently, I was sent a pretty neat dinner kit from MyBlogSpark. The kit contained a dry dinner kit from Good Earth - Mediterranean Chicken, 2 bamboo plates, 2 bamboo silverware settings, a bamboo cutting board, and a reusable bag.

I was really interested in doing this review, because I try to cook nutritious meals with low calories and saturated fat, as well as lean meats and whole grains. This product is right up my alley.

Information from MyBlogSpark:

"With appetizing entrees from Good Earth, dining in is sure to become the new dining out. Enjoy cooking a sophisticated, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Each variety includes vibrant and flavorful sauces along with specialty ingredients like sweet basil, white wine and dried tomatoes. Delicious dinners that allow you to keep a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste, Good Earth dry dinner kits are perfect for whipping up a no-fail, five-star cuisine in less than 30 minutes.

100% whole grain, no trans fat, no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives, no MSG - just add meat and, voila! Dinner is served.

Coming to stores this June, Good Earth dry dinner kits offer a selection of four delectable meals: Mediterranean Chicken with angel hair pasta, Spicy Citrus Glazed Shrimp with angel hair pasta, Herb Crusted Chicken with mushroom risotto and Tuscan Chicken with penne pasta."

My review:

The first thing I did when I got the item was read the ingredients, to verify all the claims. I was pretty pleased, although I was somewhat disappointed that it contains hydrolyzed protein and corn syrup. Overall though, for a packaged meal, this is a top choice for me now (if and when I'd buy).

This kit serves 5. I was pretty skeptical that it would make that much, but it really does make a good portion. The kit is very easy to use and requires limited ingredients from your kitchen. Basically all you need is chicken, olive oil and milk, at least for the Mediterranean kit. Everything cooks pretty quickly and is very straightforward. However, as I was cooking, I kept thinking that it didn't look very appealing and wasn't creamy at all. I looked at the instructions again and realized I forgot the cream sauce! OOPS! It looked much better after that.

Surprisingly, the taste was pretty good. It had good flavor and honestly, didn't taste like it came from a box. Both my husband and I liked it. My son is in a finicky stage right now, so he wouldn't even eat the chicken. I think he would've liked it though.

Overall, I'd recommend this if you are looking for a quick, healthy alternative to fast food, etc. I can't wait to try some of the other flavors!

I received this kit courtesy of MyBlogSpark and General Mills. All opinions stated are my own. I have been offered to give away a kit to one of my readers, courtesy of MyBlogSpark.

Giveaway:

If you'd like to receive the same kit that I did, here's your chance to win one!

1. Leave a comment stating why you need a quick dinner.

Extra entries:

2. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment that you did.

3. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment that you are a follower.

4. Blog, Tweet or Facebook this giveaway and leave a comment for each that you do.

Giveaway ends Monday 6/21 at NOON, CST.

Dad's Rock Bash Hosted By The Thrifty Mama

If you haven't ever been to visit The Thrifty Mama, you need to check her out! She has a huge Father's Day Extravaganza going on with multiple other bloggers and there is a nice long list of prizes you could win for yourself or your hubby/dad.

You have the weekend to enter all the giveaways, so check the list out here.

Pull Ups Potty Dance Kit Giveaway

A while back, HouseParty and Huggies joined together to throw a Huggies Do The Potty Dance House Party. I was one of the lucky recipients of a great kit. However, not as many people were able to attend as I had hoped, so I have several kits left sitting around. The only disadvantage is that the actual dance song is not included, but you can view it on the Pull Ups website.

I appreciate everyone that has followed along with our potty training, so I have decided that I will give away the remaining 5 kits I have left.

Included in the kit:

2 $2 Huggies Pull Up Coupons

1 Training Fact Sheet

1 Potty Training DVD

1 Potty Dance Mat

7 day trial of eMusic

To enter:

1. Required: Post a comment or tip about your potty training experience.

Extra Entries:

2. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment.

3. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment.

4. Blog, Tweet or Facebook this giveaway (up to 3 entries) and comment for each that you do.

Giveaway ends June 18th at 10 PM CST.

These products were given to me courtesy of House Party and Huggies. I received permission to give the remaining products away on my blog.

Giveaway Winners

Thanks to everyone who participated! The winners of the giveaways are as follows:

The Heart Mender - 2 Copies:

12 - jbh813@

10 - rsmile2u@

Burt's Bees Kits:

Balm:

15 - aunteegem@

Color:

21 - janetfaye@

I will be contacting each of you. Winners have 24 hours to respond.

The Heart Mender Review & Giveaway - 2 Copies

I recently received a copy of the book The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews, courtesy of Thomas Nelson and BookSneeze. I typically do not read books that are period stories. I stick mostly to my Amish or other Christian fiction. I am so glad I chose this book though!

"In the classic storytelling style of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift, New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews now delivers an adventure set sharply against the warm waters and white sands of the Gulf of Mexico in WWII America.

Saddened and unable to abandon her resentment toward the Nazi war machine that took her husband's life, the young and attractive Helen Mason is living a bitter, lonely existence. Betrayed and left for dead, German U-boat officer Lt. Josef Landermann washes ashore ina sleepy town along the norther gulf coast, looking to Helen for survival.

The Heart Mender is a story of life, loss, and reconciliation, reminding us of the power of forgiveness and the universal healing experience of letting go."

http://www.andyandrews.com/theheartmender/

This is an amazing story of life, loss and love in an unexpected place. When I began reading this book, I was thoroughly confused, because the first part is Andy's recount of discovering historical artifacts. However, I can't even begin to say how dumbfounded I was when I was reading this book. To be living in Alabama and not realize all of these things took place in our history, was amazing to me. In reading this book, I could visualize exactly where these events took place. It became very interesting and so real to me, because I knew the locations being presented.

In further reading this book, I became completely engaged in the WWII story and quickly finished the book. The story itself is disturbing in relation to WWII and Hitler's regime, engaging, heart wrenching and will bring tears to your eyes. If you want to read a book about love, hope and forgiveness, this is the ultimate story! I highly recommend that you read this book.

Giveaway:

Thomas Nelson Publishers and BookSneeze have graciously given me an extra, brand new copy of this hardcover book to give away. I am also giving away my copy of the book. So, you have two chances to win a copy of this book!

For entry into this giveaway:

1. (Required) Leave a comment below with your email.

For extra entries:
2. Follow my blog and leave a separate comment that you did
3. Follow me on Twitter and leave a separate comment that you did.
4. Tweet, Blog, or Facebook this giveaway and leave a comment (with link) - 1 entry.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, May 25th at NOON CST.

All opinions stated are my own. I received 1 copy of this book to read and review myself and another copy to giveaway to one of my readers, courtesy of BookSneeze and Thomas Nelson.

Burt's Bees Giveaway - 2 Kits

I am getting big into natural products. Not that I haven't been for a while, but I'm really trying to focus more on them lately. Hopefully the companies will continue to send out awesome coupons for these products, so that they are more affordable to consumers!

A while back, I bought a huge Burt's Bees grab bag. There are some really awesome products in it. While I like the lotions, etc, my favorite products are the lip balms. For some reason, Burt's Bees lip balm is unlike others (besides the fact that they are natural!). Typically, I use a lip balm and need to keep reapplying it. This is not the case with Burt's Bees lip balm. I usually apply it overnight and I wake up with soft, repaired lips. This is my nightly routine before I turn out the lights.

So, if you haven't tried Burt's Bees lip balm or other products, you should! To offer you a chance to try these products, I have decided to give away my stash of lip products, in two giveaways. I have a bunch stocked up from a sale last year, so I really don't NEED these.

All items are sealed and brand new, except lip gloss does not have a seal, but has not been used (not my color!).

Color Kit:

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss - Zesty Red

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer - Toffee

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer - Merlot

Burt's Bees Travel Case

Lip Balm Kit:

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil (YUMMY!)

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Burt's Bees Lip Balm Key Chain Holder

To enter this giveaway:

Required

1. Leave a comment stating which ONE kit you would like to win. Entries that include both won't be considered, so choose wisely! You must leave your email address as well.

Bonus Entries:

2. Follow this blog and leave a comment that you did or that you already do.

3. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment with link to your profile or that you already do.

4. Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog and leave the link (if possible).

Giveaway ends Tuesday, May 25 at NOON CST.

I am giving away my own purchased products. All opinions stated are my own. Results are individual and I am not liable for any adverse reactions or effects of using these products.

New Mambo Sprouts Coupons & Giveaway

Mambo Sprouts has just loaded a bunch of new Spring E-Coupons. Go check them out. There are some great product coupons available.

Also, it is Celiac Awareness Month. In honor of this, Mambo Sprouts is hosting a gluten free product giveaway and also a copy of Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elena Amsterdam. Personally, I'd love to win some gluten free products to try, and the cookbook sounds interesting too!

The Thrifty Mama Hosts Mother's Day Extravaganza

The Thrifty Mama is hosting a Mother's Day Extravaganza. There are LOTS of opportunities to win some awesome prizes, so check it out!

While you're there, learn about BlogFrog and Alice.com.

ShopAtHome $100 SpaFinder Giveaway

Now through May 5, if you visit ShopAtHome's Facebook page and like them, you will be entered to win a $100 SpaFinder gift card! You must also leave a sentence long reason as to why you or someone you know deserves a day off! You share this with your friends and get them to vote for you. The more votes, the better chance of winning

This would make a great gift for your mom (or yourself!) for Mother's Day!

Yoplait Greek Yogurt "Nourish Your Inner Goddess" & Giveaway

UPDATE:

I forgot to share a good coupon with you, I apologize! If your store doubles, this coupon for .30/1 could possibly make this a great price when on sale!

MyBlogSpark recently sent me a Yoplait Greek Yogurt pack. The pack contained some pampering products, as shown above. Also, I received two coupons for free yogurt.

Let me first start by saying Greek yogurt is TOTALLY different than regular yogurt. It is thicker and has a tangy taste to it. I've not really been a fan of eating it on its own, however, I love to cook with it.

I typically do not buy Yoplait yogurt, because some of their products contain ingredients I avoid. However, this Greek yogurt contains sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. The flavors offered are strawberry, blueberry, plain and honey vanilla.

I bought the blueberry and honey vanilla flavors to try. I first tested the blueberry and was completely put off by the first bite. It was so sour and just unappealing. I tasted a second bite and it was just as bad, so that is all I ate of it. I'm not sure if the cup I bought was bad or not, but I wouldn't eat that one again! The honey vanilla, on the other hand, is very yummy. You can taste the vanilla and it is sweet enough to not be so tart. I thoroughly enjoyed the honey vanilla. My two year old even likes it. Although I didn't try the plain, I would probably only reserve that one for cooking and baking!

I really do like the thickness of this yogurt. It is better than having runny yogurt. The creamy texture does something to your taste buds too. For me, it satisfied a sweet craving I was having, but was definitely more healthy than some things I could have chosen instead!

I still prefer organic yogurts, but if I didn't have an option or if this was on a decent sale, I would probably buy this, because it contains natural ingredients.

Would you like to 'nourish your inner goddess'? Here's a chance for you to win a neat pampering prize! Kit includes a robe, slippers, and various pampering tools. Also, you will receive 2 coupons for free yogurt.

To enter (REQUIRED entry):

Leave a comment stating which flavor you'd like to try, along with your email.

Extra entries (each entry must be a SEPARATE comment with your email):

1. Become a follower of my blog. If you are, leave a comment letting me know that as well.

2. Tweet, Facebook or Blog this giveaway. Leave a comment with link back.

3. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a separate comment that you did this.

Winner will be notified on Tuesday 4/20, by email, and I will also post the winner.

***Gift pack and coupons provided by Yoplait and MyBlogSpark. In return, I have offered my honest opinion of the products.

Seventh Generation Review and Giveaway

Since Ian was born, I have tried to eliminate harmful chemical use in my house. My husband has always been sensitive to cleaning smells, so this would benefit him also. For my son, I was mainly concerned that he would breathe in these chemicals and there is no telling what kind of lasting and unseen effects they have on us as adults, but even more, a small infant who has a much weaker immune system. When you think about it, the things that aren't good for your child aren't good for you either, so really it benefits everyone, even the cats! I have tried several products out there, some of course, better than others.

I was recently sent an awesome kit of Seventh Generation supplies to use and review. I have used some of their products before and have really liked them. Some of these products are new to my use. I am not completely ‘green’ in my cleaning (although I am becoming more green), but I believe this company is going to be receiving most, if not all of my cleaning business from now on! Seventh Generation is definitely at the top of my product list!

I liked this kit because it gave me a variety of products to try and was not limited to one room of my house.

The kit contained:

Seventh Generation Reusable Bag
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi Surface Cleaner, Lemongrass & Thyme
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes, Lemongrass & Thyme
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Lemongrass & Thyme
Seventh Generation Natural Shower Cleaner, Green Mandarin & Leaf
Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear
Seventh Generation Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner, Emerald Cypress & Fir
Seventh Generation Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner, Free & Clear
Seventh Generation Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Emerald Cypress & Fir
Seventh Generation Paper Towels

I am not a germaphobe by any means. I believe that our bodies are capable of standing up to bacteria and that we have to allow ourselves to be exposed to some things (I'm not talking extreme stuff here), so that our bodies can build immunity. Saying that, we had a HORRIBLE stomach virus in the house the past couple of weeks. It basically has lasted 7-10 days, and hopefully we're over it now. I can't tell you how thankful I am that I had these natural disinfectants to sanitize behind everyone!

Pros:

Natural disinfectant products offered, kill 99% of germs (some other brands do not disinfect)
Disinfect most of the same viruses/bacterias as other brands with chemicals
Smell good, but different than typical cleaners (Although I felt like I'd been cooking in the bathroom because of the thyme scent!)
Clean as well as chemical cleaners
Sparkling shine to the tub and glass
Visible soap scrum removal
Paper towels are as good as name brand
Wipes were thick and moist
Safe for your household
Biodegradable

Cons:
Paper towels aren't pretty (but they aren't bleached either...)

Giveaway:

If you'd like to receive a kit with all the supplies I have listed above, here's how to enter. Leave a comment for each below. 3 entries/comments allowed.

Required Entry:
Visit Seventh Generation and leave a comment (with email) about what your favorite product is or which one you'd like to try.

Separate Extra Entries:
1. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment you did so.
2. Tweet, Blog, or Facebook this giveaway, and leave a link to your post, in a separate comment.

Winner will be chosen Sunday night, 4/18, using random.org. Kits will be sent directly from the company.

***All opinions stated are my own, based on using these products personally. I have received these products in return for my honest opinion, courtesy of Seventh Generation.