Eccentric Eclectic Woman

Portland Oregon Safeway VIP Blogger Event Recap #Safewayj4u

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:53:00 +0000

On Wednesday May 16th, 2012 I was privileged to attend the Safeway VIP Blogger Event in Oregon at the Safeway Portland Division Office. This was my very first blogger event so I was thrilled to be invited! I met up with some other bloggers, traded information and socialized. We were also very well fed both breakfast and lunch. Safeway sure knows food :) The Signature Cafe Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, O Organics Blood Orange Italian Soda and the Safeway Select French Berry Lemonade Sparkling Soda was my favorite for the lunch portion of the event. On the table beside the food Safeway showcased some of their brand name food items.

We sat at long tables and Tweeted, Facebooked and sent our readers quick messages about where we were and what we were learning. Safeway showed us a presentation about their new clip-less coupon program called Just for U.

Essentially when you sign up for Just for U on the Safeway website you can save roughly 10-20% more than usual if you add the coupons that you want from their website directly to your Safeway Club Card. This makes it so simple to save money. These personalized price offers in Just for U are even better than Safeway's Everyday Low Prices and great Club Card specials. For those of us that don't clip coupons because of time restraints this is a much easier method and isn't time consuming at all. For those of us that clip coupons religiously or just part time this is also great for you too because you can still stack coupons with the Just for U offers as well and if you have a better offer on a clipped manufactured coupon than the digital manufactured coupon offered or vise versa you get the better offer...so the higher discount always wins. I will go into the program in more detail on another post to try to answer all your questions. There are some questions already answered about the Just for U program on the Safeway website.

After the presentation we were handed a Safeway $50 Gift Card and were told we would be going to one of their Safeway stores to shop so that we could get the feel for exactly how the Just for U program worked. First we needed to sign into our Just for U accounts on the Safeway website and add coupons we would use to our Safeway Club Card. So I added a few to my card that I thought I would buy, but when we reached the Safeway store by shuttle I found that I forgot to add a few of the offers. Fortunately they have computer consoles at the store with printers so you can load your cards with the offers there too and print out your lists. This is handy for those like me that have forgotten to add a few of the offers or those that do not have a home computer and need to add them before they start shopping. You can also add them from your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad or Android.

When we arrived at the Safeway we were going to shop at there was a press conference held and Steve Frisby, Safeway Division President for Seattle & Portland spoke about the program to the media and answered their questions. After the press conference some of the bloggers were followed around by media and filmed for the news. I now wish I had been bold enough to have done this too as my blog could have used the media attention.

The Safeway sponsored shopping trip was a whole lot of fun even though I didn't buy too much because I didn't want to have to carry it all to the shuttle. I saved a nice 36% on my purchases although along with the Just for U savings I used a manufactured coupon I found beside the Tazo Giant Peach Drinks for $1 off and am also getting a rebate back for the 6 pack of Snapple. See how I did on my shopping excursion on my receipt.

After we got back to the division office we had a question and answer session. Then we were given a Safeway reusable tote full of Safeway swag goodies to take home with us. I was the last blogger to leave so they gave me the 5 red mylar balloons that were tied to the railing outside to give to my kids.

Here we are, the Portland Safeway VIP Bloggers. I am the shortest one in the front, with long brown hair wearing purple, green and blue. I really enjoyed my day with the other bloggers, Safeway personnel, and PR. It was fun filled and I hope to do it again soon!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I went to this event because I was invited. I wanted to let you, my readers, know of the savings you could get by signing up for the Safeway Just for U program so I wrote this post. Thanks to Safeway and their representatives for providing me with the information and inviting me to this event. I received free swag for attending. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting.

My Birthday and Teela's Visit at her Babu's

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:03:00 +0000

My birthday was May 10th. I didn't get to do a lot because my husband was working, but here is a recap of my day.

Here is what my kids did: Jaedan made me breakfast in the morning. He made me a breakfast burrito with sauteed green peppers, potatoes, and cheese. It was very yummy! Delbin gave me a necklace he made and some pieces of really neat pottery he found to make a mosaic with. Teela came home from visiting her grandparents, Babu and Papa, and she got me a small pretty fabric gift bag and made me a card that she put in it. She also colored a picture of Pinky Pie (a My Little Pony) and while she was away made me the following special program called Teela's Visit to Babu's 2012...

My parents (aka Babu and Papa to my kids) took me shopping at Ross Dress For Less and I purchased 3 awesome shirts, a beautiful long missoni skirt and a Wilton Mini Rectangle Pie Press with money allotted for me from my husband for my birthday. I also received a very nice dress also from Ross Dress for Less from my parents.

After shopping for my birthday we then had a late picnic dinner with BBQ chicken and potato salad. My mom brought her yummy homemade cinnamon rolls that I ate this morning for breakfast :) I also received a $10 Amazon GC (just another great perk for being a Purex Insider) that came on my birthday from Purex in the mail (actually for Mother's Day, but a very nice treat anyway). My other gifts were a pretty Shamballa bracelet and a bronze floral deer necklace.

Oprah Magazine 12 Issues for Only $10 Deal!

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:00 +0000

I'm reporting to you as your friendly Purex Insider. Purex has teamed up with Oprah Magazine to bring you a fantastic deal: 1-year subscriptions to O Magazine for only $10! That is 12 whole issues of this awesome magazine! I believe this is the lowest price for O Magazine available anywhere on the internet, during this promotion window.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the O Magazine promotion I will get a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card for every 5 subscriptions I generate. Thanks to Purex for providing me this promotion information. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.

Purex Let’s Be Honest Campaign, Sweepstakes And Sample

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:54:00 +0000

I'm reporting to you as your friendly Purex Insider. Starting today, Purex launches their new Let’s Be Honest promotional campaign. Every few days through mid-July at www.purex.com Purex will feature Second City Comedian Molly Erdman in a series of funny, short videos sharing honest moments from everyday life, laundry, etc.

The best part is that you can also enter their sweepstakes to win a full year of Purex laundry detergent. I really love their Free and Clear Detergent!!

Have you gotten and tried a free Purex sample yet? If not, go HERE to get a free sample and try it for yourself!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Let's Be Honest Purex Campaign I am getting coupons for Purex. Thanks to Purex for providing me this promotion information and free coupons. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.

Gardening with Little Miss Greenfingers: Growing Culinary Herbs In Containers by Anja Koch Ebook Review

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Did you know that May 5th 2012 is Herb Day? What better way to celebrate than to plant and grow some culinary herbs in some containers for your kitchen or outdoor area! 'Gardening With Little Miss Greenfingers: Growing Culinary Herbs In Containers - Healthy & Delicious!' by Anja Koch is just the ebook to give you the perfect amount of information you need to do this in an easy and affordable way.

This ebook is the first of a series called 'Gardening With Little Miss Greenfingers' by Anja Koch. It covers all aspects of growing culinary herbs in containers indoors and outdoors. It contains all the information needed for growing herbs including: where to grow your herbs, stuff you need for container herb gardening, growing herbs from seed, culinary herbs suitable for container growing, how to look after your herbs, dealing with pests and diseases, harvesting and preserving herbs, make your herb garden attractive, annual herbs, perennial herbs. Seventeen popular culinary herbs are described in detail with growing instructions and tips for cooking and preserving. The ebook has a total of 85 pages.

I found this ebook very informative and useful for anyone who wants to grow herbs in containers. This ebook is great especially for the person who wants a kitchen window, patio, deck, balcony, or rooftop container garden. Perfect for those of us that are renting and cannot have our own backyard garden or haven't the space to do anything else. It also gives you ideas on how to make the most of small spaces.

My children love to garden and gardening is a great homeschool teaching tool too. I had my boys read this ebook too because they love to learn and I thought it was the perfect thing for them to get to know more about so we could start our own kitchen herb garden together. I also love to cook with fresh herbs and so having them on hand to give that recipe perfection right in my kitchen is fabulous for me! I just wish I had an awesome garden or greenhouse window in my kitchen to place them in like I did when I lived in Reedsport, Oregon...maybe in my future home.

I also love the fact that this ebook goes into storing and preserving the surplus herbs that you grow so that you can have them on hand year round. I would love to have a pantry full of herbs and other plants/flowers hanging in tied bundles upside-down to dry or preserved in jars of oil or vinegar. I also love the idea of ice cubed herbs to throw in soups, dishes, or beverages. I had never heard of salt preserving before and this was also quite interesting.

I also learned a lot about pest and disease control and a little secret about milk I didn't know. Pests and disease can be a nuisance to gardening and this ebook helps you defeat them.

Anja goes into even more detail with the individual herbs that she talks about. I just wish that all of the pictures were showing up in the ebook PDF version I received to download (there were blank spots where pictures should have been, but no picture). Regardless of that small oversight this ebook has a lot of really good information in it. I have never tried chervil and cress so these are going to be very interesting to try out in containers and to also cook with. I am really excited to get going planting, sowing and growing seeds. This was the perfect guide and ebook for adding to my Spring Gift Guide!

BUY IT:
Purchase this ebook in PDF file format from Little Miss Greenfingers at $14.95 or from Amazon.com in Kindle format for only $2.99!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Harlem Globetrotters New Basketball Clinics and Blog Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:26:00 +0000

Hey fellow bloggers! USFamilyGuide.com has a great opportunity for you with the Harlem Globetrotters. They would like to give you and your family free tickets for a game this season! They have a family four pack voucher for you and your family to see a future Globetrotter game this season if you can help spread the word about their new Basketball Clinics. This is a new program and they are excited to get the word out. Your family's tickets would be valid for any game all season. In order to take part of this opportunity though you need to sign up to become a *USFamilyGuide.com blogger. When USFamilyGuide.com accepts your blog you will get an email and then they will send you information to fill out to get the free tickets.

About Harlem Globetrotter's New Basketball Clinics:
This Summer the famous team will be hosting a series of Basketball Clinics in 11 cities. Kids will actually learn from the players! The 2012/2013 Harlem Globetrotters Schedule will be published soon. The season opens up Dec. 26 in Pittsburgh.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Harlem Globetrotters I am getting free tickets for my whole family to go. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.

*USFamilyGuide is a nationwide network of over 500 online family guides generating over 600,000 visitors each month. Your blog will be highlighted in their searchable Moms Connect Directory, a primary feature on all of their 500+ sites. Plus as a permanent feature as one of their "featured local bloggers" on the US Family Guide site closest to you. As a member you will be able to take advantage of their national contacts providing you FREE tickets to performances such as Sesame Street Live, Curious George Live, Disney on Ice, Ringling Brothers Circus, family movie screenings and other attractions when they come to your town and will provide updates on a regular basis as FREE opportunities arise in your area.

Whimsey Kids and My Whimsical Creations Boutique Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:24:00 +0000

My daughter Teela turned 4 officially on April 15th, 2012. I wanted her party day, April 28th, to be special. Teela had picked a Princess and Pony theme for her party this year. My mom (her Babu, short for Babushka) got her a princess crown, wand, and ring to go with the party dress she would be wearing and made her a special carrot cake with cream cheese filling for her birthday cake. I made all the arrangements for getting the announcement out for the event on Facebook since all my friends that had little girls semi close to me were on there. I also bought a cute cake topper for her cake with 4 Disney Princesses and a castle that opened up as a carrying case to house them after the cake was gone. My boys helped me decorate and planned their own puppet show to put on for the guests. We had a few glitches during the party, but all in all I believe it was a success. Teela loved all her gifts she received and had a lot of fun with her friends doing games, dressing up, and watching Disney's Tangled.

The ~~icing on the cake~~ crown jewel was her party dress! Handcrafted by Whimsey Kids (My Whimsical Creations Boutique) this dress was custom made with my specifications and my daughter's measurements. I got a knotted dress with a fairly long skirt so that Teela has a bunch of room to grow in it still. I picked out: the style of dress, the material from Whimsey Kids' fabric stash, what size it should be and what my daughter would love handpainted on the front. Whimsey Kids did all the rest! She was so great to work with! She sewed the dress and added really cute embellishments. I love the ruffle on the top front of the bodice, the white ribbon bow, and the ties in back to make a bow that she added to it. My daughter requested Whimsey Kids paint a pony so she painted Strawberry Shortcake's horse, Honey Pie on the front. Honey Pie looks a bit like our mini pony, Gizmo. Whimsey Kids is so amazingly talented! She handpaints all these characters herself! Go to her website and see what she has done to get ideas. Teela's dress turned out gorgeous! I am very thankful to Whimsey Kids because Teela was definitely the belle of the ball and this dress is awesome for Spring!

BUY IT:
You can find her creations on her Website, Ebay, Facebook, and Yardsellr.

WIN IT:
Prize: Win a Whimsey Kids Custom Dress and Matching Hair Clip.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Whimsey Kids for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wahl Flex Therapy Mini Wand Rechargeable Massager Review and Wahl Facebook Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:24:00 +0000

Being a mother is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. It is also one of the most rewarding roles a woman can do with her life. As mothers we work hard to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of motherhood so that our offspring can learn and grow to be caring individuals. Usually mothers don't have any time to spend to themselves. They instead give of there time unselfishly to those they love.

Every mother wishes for a wonderful Mother's Day. You can make her day extra special by getting her a Wahl Massager. I love mine! I received a Wahl Flex Therapy Mini Wand Rechargeable Massager for free to test and review. I am so glad I did. It is nice to get to relax at the end of a long day and be massaged. This little ergonomically shaped hand-held massager is just the ticket!

This wand massager is compact, but powerful. After being charged with its charger while sitting in its charge storage stand it can be used for over 2 hours. It has 7 massage attachments (knuckle joint, muscle kneading, general body, scalp stimulator, facial vitalizer, deep muscle stimulator, and a spot applicator). These attachments are easily removed and exchanged with each other. The instructions that come with the massager are very helpful in telling massage techniques for different areas of the body. It soothes, relieves and relaxes tension, stress, aches and pain. It also improves blood circulation and has a flexible neck to conform to areas that are normally hard to target. This massager also comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

Enter Wahl's Giveaway on Facebook. From April 26 to May 13 you can like Wahl Home on Facebook and can nominate a mom to win a mom relief package from Wahl. It doesn't matter if it’s your mom, grandmother, wife, daughter, a friend or yourself.

• To enter the Mom Relief Initiative, simply post a comment explaining why the mom on your list deserves relief. Every mom has a story and every story matters.
• Entries will be judged on their uniqueness and sincerity and the winners will be selected once the contest wraps up on May 13. Stories MUST be submitted before then in order to be considered

BUY IT:
You can purchase this massager for $34.99 (or less).

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Wahl and MamaBuzz for sending me product for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

National Princess Week for Teela's Birthday Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:44:00 +0000

It is National Princess Week for Teela's Birthday Party! My little girl has turned 4 years old. Her actual birthday was on the 15th, but I made the party for Saturday the 28th because my husband was working the other weekends. I really couldn't have planned it for a more perfect day. Little did I know that my sister, Jennifer, who lives in Utah was coming to visit my folks and would also be able to attend Teela's party along with my parents. Also, I just heard that it is National Princess Week April 22-28 so that just made it even more extra special since my daughter made her party theme to be Disney Princesses and Ponies. I just hope the weather is nice so we can have some outdoor fun.

Disney, Julie Andrews (author of The Very Fairy Princess and actress in The Princess Diaries among other things) and Target have teamed up to create the very first National Princess Week April 22-28, 2012! I got some great ideas from Julie Andrews on her blog for 30 Ways to Celebrate National Princess Week and before I even knew about this I was pinning all sorts of fun ideas on Pinterest for Teela's Disney Princess and Pony Party. Parents are invited to shop Target for: the 10th anniversary release of The Princess Diaries & The Princess Diaries 2, “The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl!” (part 2 in Andrews’ series), and all sorts of Disney princess Blu-rays, books, toys & games.

I am also going to be reviewing a party dress for Teela that was handpainted and handcrafted by Whimsey Kids soon. Here is a special sneak peek of what it looks like. Isn't it adorable!! I can't wait for Teela to wear it at the party! I will be getting pictures...

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in knowing this information and taking part of the deals on Target. I thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post save the free dress that will be reviewed later.

Celtic Woman Believe Tour Concert Review

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:39:00 +0000

Last night I "Believe" I was in the presence of angels. Celtic Woman came to Portland for their new Believe Tour to the Keller Auditorium at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. My husband and I got to go free for reviewing their CD and DVD on my blog previously. We don't usually get these opportunities to go out on dates as just the two of us anymore since having children, so this was quite the treat! This was an awesome early birthday present for me too (My birthday is May 10th).

We arrived there right on time to will call to pick up our tickets and be escorted to our seats. Little did we know that I would be right in the front row! I could touch the stage! Unfortunately the two seats weren't right next to each other they were one in front of the other. Even though we didn't get to hold hands and snuggle as much as we wanted to we both enjoyed the show thoroughly and we clapped til our hands hurt and gave a whole lot of standing ovations. Celtic Woman definitely deserved all of the applause and standing ovations made by the audience that night. They were spectacular! We also picked up a $20 program during intermission because I wanted something besides the tickets to take home with me as memorabilia.

If you have seen the Believe DVD you know how fantastically decorated and ornate the set on stage and gowns the Celtic Woman wear are. Well they brought all of that to Portland. From the drapery in the background of the scrolling archway to the chandeliers, it was all very lovely. I really enjoyed being so close that I could even see the stagehands up in the scaffolding doing the theatrical lighting. The lighting was grand and there was a scrolling pattern on the raised parts of the stage on either side where the drummers were that when ever was hit by the light it changed that color. They also projected patterns of things on the ceiling of the theater sometimes. The wardrobe of the women was embroidered and ornate as well and made the foursome look very elegant and princess-like.

For the DVD and CD the group is made up of 4 women: vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. For this Believe 2012 tour a new member Susan McFadden joined the group while Lisa Kelly takes pregnancy leave. Even though this was Susan's first tour with Celtic Woman she was awesome and the whole group seemed like they had warmed up to her nicely. Lisa Lambe said this was her very first time in Portland and she was enjoying herself. Chloë Agnew, the veteran member of the group mentioned that usually when they come to Portland it is rainy like Ireland and it reminds them of home because of all the green, but this time they had some sun and it was a nice change. Chloë has been with the group since 2004 when she was age 14. She and Máiréad have been the constants while the rest of the group has changed over time. All these changes to the group really hasn't broken any bonds between all these wonderful woman and you can see how well they get along with each other on stage. They also feature dancers, including champion Irish dancer Craig Ashurst, bagpipers, a six-piece band and the Aontas Choir.

The most memorable song I think for me for this concert was Ave Maria sung by Chloë. She was so breathtaking! I loved her gorgeous voice to this well known song. They also, like they did on the DVD, invited the audience to sing "Green Grow The Rushes" and I sang my heart out :) I absolutely loved seeing Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt leap around the stage like a deer while in heals and playing her violin as she danced, her long flowing dress whipping around her like billowing clouds. Once again my heart ached to play the violin again. My husband joked that if I get another violin that he would expect me to dance with so much high energy while I play like she did. I also loved the bagpipes, even though there was not 16 like on the DVD, they were wonderful. Being so close to the stage makes you wonder if the performers are actually making eye contact and smiling at you some of the time. I thought I caught a glimpse of Máiréad winking at me and smiling as she danced and played, but who knows, it could have been my husband she was winking at, LOL!

After all the fabulous performances by the Celtic Woman were done we stayed after a bit, as people were clearing out, to see the stagehands take the set apart. We also saw people line up for the VIP tour. I would love it if maybe next time we could get VIP passes to see them backstage or have a VIP tour of everything and maybe get to meet them. All in all we had a fantastic time at the concert and definitely would love to see Celtic Woman again when they are back in town.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to the rep and Celtic Woman for sending me tickets for free for the concert to review on my blog. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Free FoodSaver Sealing System at Target with Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:54:00 +0000

By stacking manufacture and store coupons you can get a Free FoodSaver FreshSaver Handheld Vacuuming Sealing System at Target! Save $19.99!

1. Go HERE to coupons.com and you'll be able to print a manufactures coupon for $10 off any FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System. (You may need to put in 55555 and go to the "Household" category to find it. It was on the first page for me.)

2. Go HERE to Target coupons and go to the "Household" category. You should be able to find a coupon for $10 off Select FoodSaver Appliances.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in taking part of this deal. I just took part of this deal myself and thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Itzy Bitzy Klippie Klub Review 2nd Shipment

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:38:00 +0000

I received the 2nd shipment of hair accessories from the Klippie Klub from Itzy Bitzy and these were in red, black and gray. The first shipment was in pink and blue and came with a Klippie Klutch (great for storing the hair clips and hair bands in and for taking them with you traveling) and a extra flower clip with hair band. I love them and so do my girls! The hair clips of flowers and bows are so adorable, well made and very affordable too! It is the perfect way to add to your little girl's collection so you always have the perfect hair accessories on hand, without spending an arm and a leg. Also, every purchase goes towards the support of raising awareness of children with differences so that people are more accepting of them.

Klippie Klub is a fairly new hair clip of the month club where members get to purchase exclusive new release hair accessories at 60% off retail!

2 Membership Packages to choose from:

Krazy

Over 70% total savings
Free Klippie Klutch (value $25.00)
1st Kit Free (value $40.00) (only pay $4.99 S&H)
Free Shipping
$15.99 per month
Retail Value $40.00
Commitment: purchase 6 monthly kits

For a limited time become a Krazy Klub member and get the 1st month's collection + Klippie Klutch Hair Accessories Organizer and Travel Bag FREE (retail value of $65)! Just pay $4.99 S&H.

Kasual

Over 50% total savings
$18.99 per month
Retail Value $40.00
Free Shipping
No Commitment

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Itzy Bitzy for sending me product for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:39:00 +0000

The Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler attaches to the inside of a cabinet door to collect recyclables out of sight and keeps your counters clear. The bag is durable, machine washable, and made of recycled material. Collect your recyclables and then easily lift the bag from the lid and cabinet by the handle to take them out to your recycle bin.

Hinged lid attaches easily to cabinet door with over the door hooks or screws
Bag has wipe-able leak-proof liner and is machine washable for easy cleanup after possible spills inside
Bag is soft-sided allowing for flexibility inside any cabinet
Bag is made from 65% post-consumer resin, meaning it is recyclable too
Packaging is made from recyclable material, making it very earth friendly
Convenient handle for transport to larger receptacle for recycle pick-up
5 gallon bag holds 36 uncrushed 12-ounce cans and is large enough to fit 1 gallon milk jugs
Great for single stream recyclers
Great for apartment living

My Thoughts:
Last year I found out that our city does pick up recycling, but unfortunately here it isn't highly advertised about because the city doesn't want to pay more for it than they think necessary. We only get one day each month to put out recyclables for them to come and pick them up and so as you can imagine it piles up quickly, especially for my family of 6. A lot of people in my neighborhood don't know about this service my city provides or just don't do it because of the inconvenience. I do it every month now and I hope that the city changes so that it is picked up more often and so that more people know about it.

I received the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler from Rubbermaid to try out for free and review on my blog. I thought this was a great product to add to my Spring Gift Guide as it is very eco-friendly and it is for recyclables. It was fairly easy to put together and I tried it with the only cabinet that I thought would work with it, my kitchen sink cabinet since it is an open cabinet with no shelves in the way for the bag. I found, however; that when installing the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler with the over the door hooks and then shutting the cabinet door, the lid to the recycler hit the side of the bottom of my sink. So, for my cabinet it didn't really fit well inside, but my sink isn't original to the house and has a larger basin than the old one had, so I think that plays into it a little. I could still install it with the screws though and it would fit, however; I don't really like the idea of putting more holes in my cabinet door even though they are not the nicest cabinets and the place where the screws go in on the product is made of plastic and looks a bit like it might break if I did. With the screws I would still have to install the whole product a lot lower than it says to in the instructions and the screws are a little long so they would go through my thin cabinet doors also. If Rubbermaid made the hook's length to be adjustable that would make it a whole lot better in my opinion.

Otherwise the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler is a very good product and is great for recyclables. I placed mine on the outside of one of my cabinets because it wouldn't fit any where else...so not very hidden, but it is attractive so I don't mind looking at it. I also love the strap on the bottom of the back of the bag to help tip it over to dump out the stuff into the recycle bin outside. It is space-efficient if placed out of the way, compact, durable, washable, and easy to use.

Other uses you can use the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler for:

In the kitchen to store dirty kitchen linens before they go to the wash.
In the laundry room for your unmentionables or delicates and/or hand wash only items.
In the kitchen to store plastic grocery or shopping bags in so they can be reused.

Link Up with Rubbermaid:
Follow them on Twitter @Rubbermaid. Visit their Adventures in Organization Blog. Fan/Like their FaceBook page.

BUY IT:
The Hidden Recycler is currently available for purchase online at Rubbermaid.com and in store at Meijer.

WIN IT:
Prize: Win a Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Rubbermaid for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Smart Mom Malachite and Green Teething Bling Review and Gift Set Rafflecopter Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:23:00 +0000

Earth Day and Mother's Day are just around the corner and I believe that Smart Mom Teething Bling are wonderful gifts for moms with little ones still teething. I also believe that the jewelry are also great for girls after that teething point too, not just moms. My almost 4 year old daughter also loves to wear my Teething Bling and I let her because I know it is safe. I also know that it is safe for my one year old daughter Zari to chew on and tug on. The pendants have a clasp that when tugged on will pop open without harm to the jewelry or the person wearing it and both the pendants and bangles are made of plastic that is food-safe, non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, latex, lead, and PVC free. They are also dishwasher-friendly.

I was sent the Malachite and Green Teething Bling Gift Set to review for my Spring Gift Guide and this set is absolutely gorgeous! The Malachite and Green Teething Bling Gift Set comes with the Malachite Pendant, the Peridot Bangle, and the Yellow Green Bangle. You can definitely get your GREEN on for Earth Day with this set! I love how the above picture turned out of my daughter Zari and I. My 9 year old son, Jaedan, took it while we lounged in the sun and the shade of my Magnolia tree. I thought it was a gorgeous spot because the white Magnolia petals were falling all around the tree, but the ground was a bit damp still from the morning dew and so I placed my husband's camouflage poncho liner beneath us to sit upon.

BUY IT:
All of the Smart Mom Jewelry would be a wonderful gift this Spring for a mom to a small one or a mother to be. Teething/Teen Bling Pendants cost $15.99-$23.99, Bangles cost $12.99 individually. You can even design your own gift set of either 3 bangles ($28.75) of your choice or one pendant and two bangles ($34.00) of your choice.

WIN IT:
Prize: Win a Gift Set of winners choice.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Smart Mom, LLC for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rascal Flatts Changed Review and Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:16:00 +0000

Sometimes I am in a definite country mood and turn up my favorite twangy songs. I decided to give Rascal Flatts a chance since I really hadn't heard their songs before. I love their new album Changed! The group is comprised of singer Gary LeVox, bassist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney. This is their eighth studio album and their first with brand new material in two years.

Track Listing and my thoughts:
1. Changed: This song is about a change of heart, baptism and coming to Christ. It is a gorgeous ballad.
2. Banjo: This song is upbeat and fun! It pays tribute to a great country instrument, the Banjo. It is about getting away from the craziness of everyday life when you need to and going to someplace to relax and have fun with someone you love.
3. Hot In Here: This is such a fun song about how a pretty girl can make a guy feel :)
4. Come Wake Me Up: I love the piano in this one. It is a powerful, moving and emotional song about the pain of losing a love.
5. She's Leaving: Great guitar and a little bit of violin in this one. Upbeat song about a girl that is leaving her man for a better life. Very catchy lyrics!
6. Let It Hurt: Another great piano and guitar one. Ballad about how sometimes the experiences life throws at you can hurt and that you should let it do so because love will heal the wound. Great message and wisdom.
7. Lovin' Me: This is a great song about how love grows within a relationship and that even when things are rough the love keeps going. Chorus is a bit repetitive, but it works.
8. Hurry Baby: This is a compassionate song about a guy waiting for his love to come back to him and how he misses her. This one has a very nice melody.
9. Sunrise: About how someone can come help heal and save someone else from a broken relationship "One Sunrise at a Time". Touching and sentimental.
10. Great Big Love: About having a bad day, but it doesn't matter because at the end of the day he's coming home to his love. Great country feel.
11. A Little Home: About being away from home and receiving something from home from someone you care about so you will not get too home sick. Tender country ballad with a sentimental feel.

You can find them on Tour here.

Enter to win the Rascal Flatts Fly Away Contest on the widget below: 1 person will win a trip for 2 to see Rascal Flatts on their summer American Band tour kicking off this June with Eli Young Band, Little Big Town and Edens Edge including round trip airfare and a personal meet and greet! Enter to win through April 30, 2012. 1 entry per person. See official rules for exclusions. Good luck!

BUY IT:
You can get the same album from Amazon.com that I received for $11.88 or you can get the Deluxe Edition with 4 other songs not mentioned in my review from iTunes for $13.99.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to One2One Network for sending me a free CD to listen to and review and the information to share with my readers. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Free Sample Box and my Review of Quaker Oatmeal Squares

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:19:00 +0000

I love Quaker Oatmeal Squares! They are some of my favorite cereal. I love that they are good for you and packed with wholesome whole grain, fiber, and calcium. I love the crunch with the milk. They are available in 4 delicious flavors: Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Golden Maple, and now Honey Nut.

I was sent the new Honey Nut to try for free from BzzAgent. It was fantastic! I loved the sweet taste in every bite. My kids devoured it too. They love it just as much as I do. When I gave my diabetic son a small sample box to have for his breakfast he was so excited he hugged me and said thank you! I rarely ever get hugs from him any more as he is 11 and says he has grown out of them, so this was quite a surprise.

Right now you can get a free box of Quaker Oatmeal Squares from Facebook. Just go to Quaker Oatmeal Squares fan page and like them. Then click on the Free Sample Box picture or tab and fill out your information.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am a member of BzzAgent I received word of a BzzCampaign for the Quaker Oatmeal Sqaures products. All information about the products I received from the media kit, the products and the Quaker Oats website. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Smart Mom Teething Bling Bangles 50% off This Weekend!!

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Smart Mom Teething Bling Bangles 50% off This Weekend!! Such a great gift for Mother's Day that is coming up! They are $6.50 each right now! I will be getting the hot pink one and the vanilla bean scented one for Easter and Mother's Day!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I love this website and their products and wanted to share this sale with my readers because I took part in it and thought they would want to also. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. No monetary/product exchange took place.

FREE Target Spring Beauty Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:44:00 +0000

Target is once again having their FREE Spring Beauty Bag stuffed to the brim with coupons and beauty samples. This is a picture of the one I received last year. I had totally forgot I had signed up for it so it was like getting gifts in the mail. I absolutely love it when I get awesome FREE stuff in the mail :)

Go to http://www.facebook.com/targetstyle (the “Page”) and click on the Spring Beauty Bag Giveaway tab to access the Promotion Application (the “Promotion Application”). You must “Like” the Page and allow Facebook permissions in order access the Promotion’s registration form.

Hurry!! Only the first 457,000 Entrants who log on on to the Page during the Promotion Period will be able to access the registration form. It is only while supplies last and is subject to eligibility. The page is acting a bit sluggish so be patient. It is so worth it!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in taking part of this deal. I just took part of this deal myself and thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Novica, YCMT Valentine, For Small Hands, GAIAM, and Itzy Bitzy Klippie Klub Giveaway Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:50:00 +0000

The winner of the NOVICA $50 Gift Certificate is #97 lmurley2000! lmurley2000 said they would love the coconut shell vase in ivory color.

The winner of the YouCanMakeThis Valentine Prize Package is #27 karenmed409! karenmed409 said that she would love to make the The Cozie Car Seat Blanket.

The winner of the For Small Hands Trees and Wildflowers Fandex is #37 justicecw! justicecw said that they have terrific books on their site...she especially likes Zoo in the Sky!

The winner of the GAIAM Fit Body Yoga DVD is #9 Linda Kish! Linda Kish said that she likes the Organic Cotton Bootcut Pant!

The winner of the Itzy Bitzy Klippie Klub Monthly Kit is #20 GoodnessGraces! UPDATE: GoodnessGraces has declined her winnings because she has already won this on another blog. Therefor; the new winner is #22 Ronda Peyton.

Congrats again to all the winners! I will contact each winner by email. If you did not have your email posted please post it here so I can email you! Thanks to all those who participated and don't forget to enter in my contests/giveaways that are going on now! I will also be adding more posts and giveaways soon so stay tuned!

*All winners are chosen by my True Random Number Generator.

FunBites Review and Rafflecopter Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:31:00 +0000

Easter is coming up and I remember when my mother made Easter Bunny Salads for my sisters and I. They had halved canned pears for their bodies, raisins for eyes and nose, sliced baby carrots or almonds for ears, and a cottage cheese tail. My mother placed them on a bed of lettuce or spinach and we ate them up because they were fun to look at and eat. If it weren't so cute we probably wouldn't have eaten the greens out from under them, but then again we were pretending to be bunnies too :) My mother succeeded to make meal time fun so that we would enjoy it and eat our food.

FunBites are perfect for picky eaters and to add even more fun to Bento Box Lunches or Muffin Tin Meals. It is an awesome kitchen tool that cuts kids' food into fun bite-sized shapes. Now available in two sets: Cube It! creates bite-sized squares and Luv It! makes a big heart and two smaller hearts from geometric shapes. Works great on any kids food from pancakes and sandwiches to burgers and cake! Made in the USA, BPA free, dishwasher safe and mom invented. These are great for kids and parents and wonderful for Easter baskets :)

Bento Boxed Lunches and Muffin Tin Meals are all the rage these days. Actually Bento has been around in Japan for centuries, but now has become more popular in the United States. They are meals put together in a fun and aesthetic way that are placed in containers for convenience. Kyaraben or charaben (character bento) is a whole form of elaborately arranged bento which features food decorated to look like people, characters from popular media, animals, and plants. Muffin Tin Meals use muffin tins as the container. There are so many ways to arrange the food to make fun pictures of things or just make it pleasing to look at. I have pinned some awesome Bento ideas on Pinterest to help inspire you.

I received Luv It! free to test out and review. My kids love Luv It! and so do I. It is so simple to use and you can use it on a number of foods. As you can see above I just stuck with the basic heart shape that the Luv It! popped out, but don't you just stop there! You can also rearrange the shapes to create new designs. Be creative!

Try it on: Omelets, Melons, Strawberries, Apples, Pears, Kiwi Fruits, Grilled Cheese, Deli Sandwiches, Quesedillas, Burgers, Pancakes, Waffles, Tofu, Cheese, Pizza, Fruit Leather, Deli Meats, Brownies, etc. You can also use Cube It! to make your own croutons.

Of note when making sandwiches, I did find that when using spread or sauce (like: jelly, jam, peanut butter, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, etc.) you have to be careful not to use too much. If the sandwich has other ingredients besides the spread you can place the spread or sauce in the middle of those instead of directly on the bread. Otherwise it will make the bread mushy or gush out of it when you use the FunBites. Also, toasted bread works better for sandwiches.

I would love to see a flower shaped cutter from FunBites someday :) For now they have Cube It! and Luv It!

BUY IT:
Both Cube It! and Luv It! you can buy individually for $12.99. You can get both for $22.00.

WIN IT:
I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to FunBites for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LDS 182nd Annual General Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:49:00 +0000

Join with me to watch or listen to the 182nd Annual General Conference, a semiannual gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints members and friends from around the world to hear God's words through His prophet. It starts on March 31–April 1, 2012. The four general sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. mountain daylight time. The priesthood session will be held on Saturday, March 31, at 6:00 p.m. mountain daylight time.

In biblical times, God spoke to His children through prophets. God loves His children today as much as He did anciently. In our day, He has called prophets in our day to teach and testify of Him. The Prophet and President, Thomas S. Monson, of my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, will be speaking along with other leaders of my church.

If you want to learn more about my church you can go to the LDS website or to the Mormon.org website.

Foxgloves PDX Fingerless Gloves Review and Rafflecopter Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:07:00 +0000

foxgloves |ˈfäksˌgləv|
noun  (1) fabulous fingerless gloves created in Portland, Oregon. (2) tall leafy Eurasian biennial with spectacular clusters of tubular pink-purple flowers.

Portland, Oregon is like a second home to me. I live in Rainier, Oregon but I love Portland because of the people and atmosphere. Portland is a huge mecca for the artistic. They have a lot of great museums, galleries, a zoo, live concerts, arboretum and botanic gardens, theaters, cinemas, shops, etc. that I love to visit. The people of Portland have their own flavor of style. I love a lot of it, especially the clothing and accessories. One of my favorites I have just found is Foxgloves PDX Fingerless Gloves!

Foxgloves are fun and fashionable fingerless gloves, handmade in Portland, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns, and fashioned from comfortable stretch fabrics (like dancewear, activewear, mesh, knit and jersey). They come in different cuts: elbow length and shorties (wristlets). They are available in adult and child sizes. They are also available in two styles: Thumb style, across the top of the hand, with an opening for the thumb or Finger-style, a v-cut over the back of the hand, with an opening for the middle finger.

Foxgloves PDX have awesome customer service! When I asked if I could review some Foxgloves in their Maroon Gold Knit because I didn't think that I would like the Black & White Striped ones, they were awesome and cut some of their long gloves they hadn't yet sold down to a shortie style and made me up some special in their new latest version of the gloves, which includes a reinforced thumb opening rather than just a cut slit for the thumb (which is the way they used to make all their gloves). They even sent me a pair of their new line of Black & White Stripes also in the shortie style and with reinforced thumb so that I may see the difference in how the stitching lays on the fabric.

I actually came to fall in love with both pairs of gloves and loved how both looked on me. The Maroon Gold Knit ones have this gorgeous raised burgundy maroon flower pattern with gold threading throughout. They are made of such a lovely lacy stretch fabric. Great on days when I want to add some flair to an outfit. The Black & White Stripes are classic. They remind me of zebra stripes or what a sailor would wear :) These are most definitely going in my Spring Gift Guide and the Rose lace ones are going on my Birthday wishlist (My Birthday is May 10th, hint hint!).

BUY IT:
Shortie (wristlet) gloves are $14, Standard length (elbow length) gloves are $15.

You can get FREE shipping if you enter the giveaway below. Just mention that you read about Foxgloves on Eccentric Eclectic Woman blog in their 'Add Special Instructions to the Seller' section whenever you order from the Foxgloves website, and they'll refund your shipping fee.

WIN IT:
I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Foxgloves PDX for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Heart’s Frontier by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith FWCT Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:29:00 +0000

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Lori Copeland

and

Virginia Smith

and the book:

The Heart's Frontier

Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Karri | Marketing Assistant | Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, and their three children and five grandchildren.

Visit the author's website.

Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen inspirational novels and more than fifty articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

An exciting new Amish-meets-Wild West adventure from bestselling authors Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith weaves an entertaining and romantic tale for devoted fans and new readers.

Kansas,1881—On a trip to visit relatives, Emma Switzer’s Amish family is robbed of all their possessions, leaving them destitute and stranded on the prairie. Walking into the nearest trading settlement, they pray to the Lord for someone to help. When a man lands in the dust at her feet, Emma looks down at him and thinks, The Lord might have cleaned him up first.

Luke Carson, heading up his first cattle drive, is not planning on being the answer to anyone’s prayers, but it looks as though God has something else in mind for this kind and gentle man. Plain and rugged—do the two mix? And what happens when a dedicated Amish woman and a stubborn trail boss prove to be each other’s match?

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0736947523

ISBN-13: 978-0736947527

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Apple Grove, Kansas

July 1881

Nearly the entire Amish district of Apple Grove had turned out to help this morning, all twenty families. Or perhaps they were here merely to wish Emma Switzer well as she set off for her new home in Troyer, fifty miles away.

From her vantage point on the porch of the house, Emma’s grandmother kept watch over the loading of the gigantic buffet hutch onto the specially reinforced wagon. Her sharp voice sliced through the peaceful morning air.

“Forty years I’ve had that hutch from my dearly departed husband and not a scratch on it. Jonas, see that you use care!”

If Maummi’s expression weren’t so fierce, Emma would have laughed at the long-suffering look Papa turned toward his mother. But the force with which Maummi’s fingers dug into the flesh on Emma’s arm warned that a chuckle would be most ill-suited at the moment. Besides, the men straining to heft the heavy hutch from the front porch of their home into the wagon didn’t need further distractions. Their faces strained bright red above their beards, and more than one drop of sweat trickled from beneath the broad brim of their identical straw hats.

Emma glanced at the watchers lined up like sparrows on a fence post. She caught sight of her best friend, Katie Beachy, amid the sea of dark dresses and white kapps. Katie smiled and smoothed her skirt with a shy gesture. The black fabric looked a little darker and crisper than that of those standing around her, which meant she’d worn her new dress to bid Emma farewell, an honor usually reserved for singings or services or weddings. The garment looked well on her. Emma had helped sew the seams at their last frolic. Of course, Katie’s early morning appearance in a new dress probably had less to do with honoring Emma than with the presence of Samuel Miller, the handsome son of the district bishop. With a glance toward Samuel, whose arms bulged against the weight of holding up one end of the hutch, she returned Katie’s smile with a conspiratorial wink.

Emma’s gaze slid over other faces in the crowd and snagged on a pair of eyes fixed on her. Amos Beiler didn’t bother to turn away but kept his gaze boldly on her face. Nor did he bother to hide his expression, one of longing and lingering hurt. He held infant Joseph in his arms, and a young daughter clutched each of his trouser-clad legs. A wave of guilt washed through Emma, and she hastily turned back toward the wagon.

From his vantage point up in the wagon bed, Papa held one end of a thick rope looped around the top of the hutch, the other end held by John Yoder. The front edge of the heavy heirloom had been lifted into the wagon with much grunting and groaning, while the rear still rested on the smooth wooden planks of the porch. Two men steadied the oxen heads, and the rest, like Samuel, had gathered around the back end of the hutch. A protective layer of thick quilts lined the wagon bed.

Papa gave the word. “Lift!”

The men moved in silent unity. Bending their knees, their hands grasped for purchase around the bottom edges. As one they drew in a breath, and at Papa’s nod raised in unison. Emma’s own breath caught in her chest, her muscles straining in silent sympathy with the men. The hutch rose until its rear end was level with its front, and the men stepped forward. The thick quilts dangling beneath scooted onto the wagon as planned, a protective barrier from damage caused by wood against wood.

The hutch suddenly dipped and slid swiftly to the front. Emma gasped. Apparently the speed caught Papa and John Yoder by surprise too, for the rope around the top went slack. Papa lunged to reach for the nearest corner, and his foot slipped. The wagon creaked and sank lower on its wheels as the hutch settled into place. At the same moment Papa went down on one knee with a loud, “Ummph.”

“Papa!”

“Ach! ” Maummi pulled away from Emma and rushed forward. Her heart pounding against her rib cage, Emma followed. Men were already checking on Papa, but Maummi leaped into the wagon bed with a jump that belied her sixty years, the strings of her kapp flying behind her. She applied bony elbows to push her way around the hutch to her son’s side.

She came to a halt above him, hands on her hips, and looked down. “Are you hurt?”

Emma reached the side of the wagon in time to see Papa wince and shake his head. “No. A bruise is all.”

“Good.” She left him lying there and turned worried eyes toward her beloved hutch. With a gentle touch, she ran loving fingers over the smooth surface and knelt to investigate the corners.

A mock-stern voice behind Emma held the hint of a chuckle. “Trappings only, Marta Switzer. Care you more for a scratch on wood than an injury to your son?”

Emma turned to see Bishop Miller approach. He spared a smile for her as he drew near enough to lean his arms across the wooden side of the wagon and watch the activity inside. Samuel helped Papa to his feet and handed him the broad-brimmed hat that had fallen off. Emma breathed a sigh of relief when he took a ginger step to try out his leg and smiled at the absence of pain.

“My son is fine.” Maummi waved a hand in his direction, as though in proof. “And so is my hutch. Though my heart may not say the same, such a fright I’ve had.” She placed the hand lightly on her chest, drew a shuddering breath, and wavered on her feet.

Concern for her grandmother propelled Emma toward the back of the wagon. As she climbed up, she called into the house, “Rebecca, bring a cool cloth for Maummi’s head.”

The men backed away while Katie and several other women converged on the wagon to help Emma lift Maummi down and over to the rocking chair that rested in the shade of the porch, ready to be loaded when the time came. Maummi allowed herself to be lowered onto the chair, and then she wilted against the back, her head lolling sideways and arms dangling. A disapproving buzz rumbled among the watching women, but Emma ignored them. Though she knew full well that most of the weakness was feigned for the sake of the bishop and other onlookers, she also knew Maummi’s heart tended to beat unevenly in her chest whenever she exerted herself. It was yet another reason why she ought to stay behind in Apple Grove, but Maummi insisted her place was with Emma, her oldest granddaughter. What she really meant was that she intended to inspect every eligible young Amish man in Troyer and handpick her future grandson-in-law.

Aunt Gerda had written to say she anticipated that her only daughter would marry soon, and she would appreciate having Emma come to help her around the house. She’d also mentioned the abundance of marriageable young men in Troyer, with a suggestion that twenty-year-old Emma was of an age that the news might be welcome. Rebecca had immediately volunteered to go in Emma’s place. Though Papa appeared to consider the idea, he decided to send Emma because she was the oldest and therefore would be in need of a husband soonest. Maummi insisted on going along in order to “Keep an eye on this hoard of men Gerda will parade before our Emma.”

As far as Emma was concerned, they should just send Maummi on alone and leave her in Apple Grove to wait for her future husband to be delivered to her doorstep.

Rebecca appeared from inside the house with a dripping cloth in hand. A strand of wavy dark hair had escaped its pins and fluttered freely beside the strings of her kapp. At barely thirteen, her rosy cheeks and smooth, high forehead reminded Emma so sharply of their mother that at times her heart ached.

Rebecca looked at Maummi’s dramatic posture and rolled her eyes. She had little patience with Maummi’s feigned heart episodes, and she was young enough that she had yet to learn proper restraint in concealing her emotions. Emma awarded her sister with a stern look and held out a hand for the cloth.

With a contrite bob of her head, Rebecca handed it over and dropped to her knees beside the rocking chair. “Are you all right, Maummi?”

“Ach, I’m fine. I don’t think it’s my time. Yet.”

Emma wrung the excess water from the cloth before draping it across the back of Maummi’s neck.

“Danki.” The elderly woman realized that the men had stopped working in order to watch her, and she waved her hand in a shooing motion. “Place those quilts over my hutch before you load anything else! Mind, Jonas, no scratches.”

Papa shook his head, though a smile tugged at his lips. “Ja, I remember.”

The gray head turned toward Emma. “Granddaughter, see they take proper care.”

“I will, Maummi.”

Katie joined Emma to oversee the wrapping of the hutch. When Samuel Miller offered a strong arm to help Katie up into the wagon, Emma hid a smile. No doubt she would receive a letter at her new home soon, informing her that a wedding date had been published. Because Samuel was the bishop’s son, there was no fear he would not receive the Zeungis, the letter of good standing. Rebecca would be thrilled at the news of a proper wedding in tiny Apple Grove.

But Emma would be far away in Troyer, and she would miss her friend’s big day.

Why must I live there when everything I love is here?

She draped a thick quilt over her end of the hutch and sidled away while Papa secured a rope around it. The faces of her friends and family looked on. They filled the area between the house and the barn. She loved every one in her own way. Yes, even Amos Beiler. She sought him out among the crowd and smiled at the two little girls who hovered near his side. Poor, lonely Amos. He was a good father to his motherless family. No doubt he’d make a fine husband, and if she married him she wouldn’t have to move to Troyer. The thought tempted her once again, as it often had over the past several weeks since Papa announced his decision that she would live with Aunt Gerda for a while.

But she knew that if she agreed to become Amos’s wife that she would be settling. True, she would gain a prosperous farm and a nice house and a trio of well-behaved children, with the promise of more to come. But the fact remained that though there was much to respect about Amos, she didn’t love him. The thought of seeing that moon-shaped face and slightly cross-eyed stare over the table for breakfast, dinner, and supper sent a shiver rippling across her shoulders. Not to mention sharing a marriage bed with him. It was enough to make her throw her apron over her face and run screaming across Papa’s cornfield.

He deserves a wife who loves him, she told herself for the hundredth time. Her conscience thus soothed, Emma turned away from his mournful stare.

“That trunk goes in the front,” Maummi shouted from her chair on the porch. “Emma, show them where.”

Emma shrank against the gigantic hutch to give the men room to settle the trunk containing all of her belongings. An oiled canvas tarp had been secured over the top to repel any rain they might meet over the next week. Inside, resting on her dresses, aprons, bonnets, and kapps, was a bundle more precious to her than anything else in the wagon: a quilt, expertly and lovingly stitched, nestled within a heavy canvas pouch. Mama had made it with her own hands for Emma’s hope chest. The last stitch was bitten off just hours before she closed her eyes and stepped into the arms of her Lord.

Oh, Mama, if you were here you could convince Papa to let me stay home. I know you could. And now, without you, what will happen to me?

Yet, even in the midst of the dreary thought, a spark of hope flickered in the darkness in Emma’s heart. The future yawned before her like the endless Kansas prairie. Wasn’t there beauty to be found in the tall, blowing grasses of the open plain? Weren’t there cool streams and shady trees to offer respite from the heat of the day? Maybe Troyer would turn out to be an oasis.

“Emma!”

Maummi’s sharp tone cut through her musing. She jerked upright. Her grandmother appeared to have recovered from her heart episode. From the vantage point of her chair, she oversaw every movement with a critical eye.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Mind what I said about that loading, girl. The food carton goes on last. We won’t want to search for provisions when we stop at night on the trail.”

An approving murmur rose from the women at the wisdom of an organized wagon.

“Yes, ma’am.” Emma exchanged a quick grin with Katie and then directed the man carrying a carton of canned goods and trail provisions to set his burden aside for now.

A little while later, after everything had been loaded and secured under an oiled canvas, the men stood around to admire their handiwork. Samuel even crawled beneath the wagon to check the support struts, and he pronounced everything to be “in apple-pie order.”

Emma felt a pluck on her arm. She turned to find Katie at her elbow.

“This is a gift for you.” Her friend pushed a small package into her hands. “It’s only a soft cloth and some fancy-colored threads. I was fixing to stitch you a design, but you’re so much better at fine sewing than I am that I figured you could make something prettier by yourself.” She ducked her head. “Think kindly of me when you do.”

Warmed by her friend’s gesture, Emma pulled her into an embrace. “I will. And I expect a letter from you soon.” She let Katie see her glance slide over to Samuel and back with a grin. “Especially when you have something exciting to report.”

A becoming blush colored the girl’s cheeks. “I will.”

Emma was still going down the line, awarding each woman a farewell hug, when Bishop Miller stepped up to the front of the wagon and motioned for attention.

“It’s time now to bid Jonas Switzer Godspeed and fair weather for his travels.” A kind smile curved his lips when he looked to Maummi and then to Emma. “And our prayers go with our sisters Marta and Emma as they make a new home in Troyer.”

He bowed his head and closed his eyes, a sign for everyone in the Apple Grove district to follow suit. Emma obeyed, fixing her thoughts on the blue skies overhead and the Almighty’s throne beyond. Silence descended, interrupted only by the snorts of oxen and a happy bird in the tall, leafy tree that gave shade to the porch.

What will I find in Troyer? A new home, as the bishop says? A fine Amish husband, as Papa wishes? I pray it be so. And I pray he will be the second son of his father so that he will come home with me to Apple Grove and take over Papa’s farm when the time comes.

A female sniffled behind her. Not Katie, but Rebecca. A twist inside Emma’s rib cage nearly sent tears to her eyes. Oh, how she would miss her sister when Rebecca left Troyer to return home with Papa. She vowed to make the most of their time together on the trail between here and there.

Bishop Miller ended the prayer with a blessing in High German, his hand on the head of the closest oxen. When the last word fell on the quiet crowd, Maummi’s voice sliced through the cool morning air. “Now that we’re seen off proper, someone help me up. We’ll be gone before the sun moves another inch across the sky.”

Though she’d proved earlier that she could make the leap herself at need, Maummi allowed Papa and the bishop to lift her into the wagon. She took her seat in her rocking chair, which was wedged between the covered hutch and one high side of the wagon bed. With a protective pat on the hutch, she settled her sewing basket at her feet and pulled a piece of mending onto her lap. No idle hands for Maummi. By the time they made Troyer, she’d have all the mending done, and the darning too, and a good start on a new quilt.

Emma spared one more embrace for Katie, steadfastly ignored Amos’s mournful stare, and allowed the bishop to help her up onto the bench seat. She scooted over to the far end to make room for Papa, and then Rebecca was lifted up to sit on the other side of him. A snug fit, but they would be okay for the six-day journey to Troyer. Emma settled her black dress and smoothed her apron.

“Now, Jonas, mind you what I said.” Maummi’s voice from behind their heads sounded a bit shrill in the quiet morning. “You cut a wide path around Hays. I’ll not have my granddaughters witness the ufrooish of those wild Englischers.”

On the other side of Papa, Rebecca heaved a loud sigh. Emma hid her grin. No doubt Rebecca would love to witness the rowdy riots of wild cowboy Englischers in the infamous railroad town of Hays.

Papa mumbled something under his breath that sounded like “This will be the longest journey of my life,” but aloud he said, “Ja, Mader.”

With a flick of the rope, he urged the oxen forward. The wagon creaked and pitched as it rolled on its gigantic wheels. Emma grabbed the side of the bench with one hand and lifted her other hand in a final farewell as her home fell away behind her.

Icebox Knitting XOB Upcycled Knit Cap Review

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:46:00 +0000

In the spirit of Spring which officially starts March 20th and Earth Day which is April 22nd I am featuring Icebox Knitting and their XOB Upcycled creations on my Spring Gift Guide this year. "Xob Upcycled hats and accessories (say Zob) employs this concept: upcycle what you've got and create fun!" They upcycle thousands of wool sweaters and suit jackets to make new things. They stitch together the useable pieces and accent them with boucle’ yarn turning them into new products and then recycle the rest of the textiles. This process is very earth friendly and the end product is unique and beautiful. They have hats, caps, arm warmers, hand warmers, mittens, headbands, scarves, pillows, sweater monkeys, stockings, blankets, and bags. They are available in the color options: blue/green, brown/tan, black/grey, or brights. Fabric patterns vary and are one-of-a-kind.

Icebox Knitting sent me a Knit Cap to review and my son, Jaedan, loved it! The one we received is in great gender neutral colors for both him and I to wear it. Although, I probably would have got one in pinks and purples like the other one in the picture above if I were buying one for myself. The cap is warm to wear in the brisk air and very well made. They make so many other different hats too not just this kind. I also love their Xobomber hats and their Pom hats too.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about this product. Icebox Knitting provided me with the product for free to try and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Creative Grandparenting: How to Love and Nurture a New Generation by Jerry Schreur FWCT Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Finamoon) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:20:00 +0000

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jerry Schreur

and the book:

Creative Grandparenting:
How to Love and Nurture a New Generation

Discovery House Publishers (December 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to
Susan Otis/Creative Resources for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jerry Schreur is a marriage and family counselor, educator and researcher. He has a Ph.D in family studies and is the co-author of five books and co-producer of several video series relating to building strong families. Judy Schreur is a retired professional manager, a humorist, and a motivational speaker. She has been a featured speaker at the Time Out for Women National Conference. Judy is also the co-author, with her husband, of When Prince Charming Falls Off His Horse. Jerry and Judy have five grandchildren and live in Michigan. Their daughter, Erin Schreur, is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College, and a development assistant at the University of Chicago working with alumni relations and development. She is a resident of Illinois.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When grandparents are involved in their grandchildren’s lives they have fewer emotional, social and behavioral problems, according to recent studies. Jerry and Judy Schreur, with their granddaughter, Erin Schreur, encourage creative involvement and building meaningful relationships in their book, Creative Grandparenting: How to Love and Nurture a New Generation. They say the role of the creative grandparent is to be a historian, connector, mentor, role model, nurturer and hero. At each stage of the grandchild’s life, the grandparent can provide love and acceptance, while finding opportunities to pass along their wisdom, values and faith as they share their lives. The Schreurs share principles and inspiration to help grandparents make a difference in their grandchildren’s lives.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99

Paperback: 272 pages

Publisher: Discovery House Publishers (December 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1572934883

ISBN-13: 978-1572934887

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Creative Grandparenting

Is for You

Nineteen years ago I (Jerry) held my two-hour-old grand- daughter, Kendall, in the palm of my hand and silently offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God. I have never forgotten that day; its importance rivals that of my wedding day and the day my firstborn child came into the world. Arthur Kornhaber, researcher and writer, reminds us that there are three natural, life-transforming events in our lives over which we have no control: our birth, our death, and becoming grandparents. Even now, nineteen years later and with Kendall on her way to college, my heart skips a beat thinking about that moment when I held her in my hand.

I never dreamed, even then, that grandparenting would define my life quite like it has. Not a day goes by that I do not think about my five grandchildren, now ranging in age from nineteen to twenty-seven. Seldom does a week pass without me talking to or spending time with each one of them, even though they are scattered across the country, working and studying. Judy and I find—and make—time to be with them every chance we get. We are disappointed if we miss their calls; we cancel dinner plans with friends when our grand- children come into town; we delay planning vacations until we know if we will be missing out on a chance to spend time with them. Vacations can be rescheduled and friends can wait, but being with our grandchildren cannot. There is simply no such thing as being with them enough. We are creative, involved grandparents. You can be too—there is no greater privilege.

Creative Grandparents Described

Creative grandparents find new ways to love and enjoy their grandchildren at every age and stage of their lives. They know them intimately, what they are thinking and dreaming, their fears and struggles. They know when to talk and when to listen. They have the awesome privilege of watching their grandchildren become all they will be. This kind of close relationship imparts profound joy but also carries a weight and confers responsibility. In return for getting to be part of their lives, grandparents have a responsibility to be available, to be accepting, and to love unconditionally.

Being available is taking time out of your busy schedule to be with them. It means making them a priority, choosing to be with them instead of doing other things and being other places. It is fitting into their schedules, not demanding they fit into yours, or trying to squeeze them into your limited time. It is fulfilling your promises to them, being there when they count on you. Most importantly, it is letting them know how important they are to you and to God.

Loving and accepting your grandchildren unconditionally is seeing their uniqueness and the uniqueness of their individual journeys, not expecting them to be like you, their parents, or anyone else. It is looking for and encouraging their good qualities and positive traits, not focusing on negative traits. It is listening to their ideas and suggestions and doing what makes them happy when possible and practical. It is enjoying each one of them and letting them know how grateful you are for them and for the privilege of being a part of their lives.

Creative grandparents actively look for ways to be involved in the lives of their grandchildren, and enter their world, wherever and whenever allowed or invited. Creative grandparents know the interests and passions of their grand- children and share their own with them. They are open to learning from their grandchildren and trying new things together. Creative grandparents are grateful for each opportunity to include them in their plans, but also allow them to say no to their invitations, without feeling personally rejected.

Creative grandparents enjoy their grandchildren, not merely endure them. Creative grandparents look into the eyes of their grandchildren, connect with them, see the love in their eyes, and respond to that love with a greater love. Creative grandparents walk with them, hand in hand through life, in good times and in tough times. Creative grandparents experience the great joy of having their grandchildren look up at them and say, “I just love to be with you, Grandpa.” Creative grandparents thank God for their grandchildren and for their relationship with them each and every day, leading grandparents to wonder what they could possibly have done to be so privileged. Kornhaber and Woodward in Grandparents/ Grandchildren call this relationship “the vital connection . . . second only in emotional power to the parent-child bond.”

Grandparenting is a unique and special joy. We can delight in the love and affection of our grandchildren without having to parent them. We can watch them grow into young men and women without having to keep track of curfew or worry about their school work. Grandparenting offers all the best things about parenting without the accompanying weight of responsibility. We can be free to enjoy our grand- children in a way that we may not have been able to enjoy our children. We are older, seasoned, perhaps less rigid with the passing of years. We’re more ready to laugh and cry, better prepared to love without reservation.

There are biological grandparents and there are creative grandparents. Biological grandparents carry pictures in their wallets and hang photos on the wall. They have sporadic con- tact with their grandchildren and limited input in their lives; they are gift-givers and perfunctory hug-receivers. Creative grandparents carry memories in their hearts and love in their souls. Creative grandparents go beyond showing off their grandchildren as trophies. They want to impart to them their values. Christian grandparents serve God and their grand- children by teaching them about Jesus. They seek to live in a way that makes them heroes of faith to their grandchildren. They shower their grandchildren with love and acceptance. They build deep, meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. Creative grandparents make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren.

This book is about creative grandparenting. Creative grand- parenting goes beyond the occasional phone call and birthday present. It challenges to you to take grandparenting seriously. Judy and I want to help you realize that, as grandparents, we can have a profound influence on our grandchildren, and they on us. We want to inspire you to be the best creative grandparents you can be.

The Benefits of Creative Grandparenting

The creative grandparenting challenge isn’t something we take lightly or take on without reason. We believe that grandchildren benefit greatly from a strong relationship with their grandparents, and research has indicated this time and time again. Studies show heightened self-esteem, greater chance of success in later life, and a stronger sense of family values in adults who have had good relationships with their grandparents. The facts are in. They tell us that, now more than ever, children need love and acceptance. Now more than ever, children need trusted adults to tell them that they are okay. Now more than ever, children need role models, adults living out their faith and values with honesty and integrity.

As much as our grandchildren need us, we need our grandchildren. The benefits of being a creative, involved grandparent are many. When interviewing grandparents we constantly heard the phrase, “My grandchildren keep me young.” They do. They show our tired bodies what it is like to run barefoot through the summer grass. They inspire us by scaling the trees we climbed in our youth. Their youthful enthusiasm reminds us of days long past. Grandchildren give us a renewed sense of what is possible. They give birth to new hope in us, reminding us of things we have forgotten about ourselves and teaching us things we’ve never known.

They also let us into the world of young people today. One grandmother we know listens to the music of her teen- age grandson. She says, “I just want to know what’s going on in the world, and John helps me stay in touch. He never treats me like an ‘old fogey’ but thinks it’s kind of neat to lend me his CDs and create playlists for my iPod. He even brags to his friends that his grandma likes hip-hop.” As we get older, we may begin to feel isolated from our families and from the mainstream of society. Our grandchildren bring us back. They provide us with an entrance into the world again, a ticket to American culture.

Taken from Creative Grandparenting: How to Love and Nurture a New Generation, © 1992, 2011 by Jerry Schreur and Judy Schreur. Used by permission of Discovery House Publishers, Box 3566, Grand Rapids MI 49501. All rights reserved.