My 7th Heaven

I am a Student!

2012-01-13T10:15:00.001-05:00

I am thrilled to announce that I'm a student again! I signed up for my writing class and am waiting for my materials to come. I'm already coming up with ideas for things to write and have even started a story. I cleaned up my craft room to make it a writing/craft room. I have bookshelves and a desk and even put up some Van Gogh paintings to give it a nice ambiance. I can go there to get away from the noise and write if I need to. Having four teenagers in the house means there's always a bustle of activity.

I can't wait to get started, and finish something that was left undone years ago. When I get my diploma or certificate I will feel like I truly accomplished something good.

Purex UltraPacks

2012-01-11T16:27:00.000-05:00

Purex is giving us a new way to do laundry. They have come up with Purex UltraPacks. They are a small liquid-filled pack that you just toss into the washer when you do your laundry. No measuring involved! I have kids who do their own laundry, so I don't have to worry about them using too much with these wonderful UltraPacks! I used them in the last few loads of laundry and LOVE the smell on my clothes when they are done. I am going to be using these a lot now! Another great thing is they come in different scents including Free & Clear for those with allergies to scents.

Stay tuned for a giveaway of valuable coupons in the near future.

Great deal on iCaughtSanta

2012-01-11T13:54:00.001-05:00

Take this deal and get 4 custom images and a video of Santa in your home to show your kids at Christmas! You save 56% with this amazing deal! Check it out now by clicking the above link.

New Chapter

2012-01-11T07:57:00.001-05:00

My life has been filled with chapters, some good and some bad. I have seen miracles happen in the form of healings in my own body and in the bodies of those I love. I have also seen tragedies like my son who had seizures and is now a victim of autism, and my beloved mom passing away 2 years ago. Chapters of our lives shape who we are, both the good and the bad ones.

This new chapter in my life is exciting, and maybe a little bit scary. I am a student again! I'm taking a writing class, actually finishing one that I started years ago. It feels good to finish something I started, because I hate leaving things unfinished. I don't know if God has it in His plans for me to get published, to make any money, to write for His glory or just finish the class and get my diploma/certificate. Whatever happens, I will keep this Bible verse in mind as I do my class and see what happens: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for man. Colossians 3:23

~Anastasia

New Blog Title

2012-01-08T19:48:00.001-05:00

You may have noticed my new blog title, My 7th Heaven. I have five kids, plus myself and my husband make a family of 7 and it feels like heaven (most of the time!) Thus, the new name! I'm not focusing so much on just handmade and crocheted things now that I closed my online shop. Now my posts will be more about family life, recipes for large families that are easy and inexpensive, deals to save money, and more. I appreciate you readers sticking with me through the changes!

Bealls Outlet Gift Card Giveaway

2011-12-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

Bealls Outlet is giving away $25 gift cards and I just had to share so you can all enter too. The link to the giveaway is here: http://bit.ly/vjVadf Even if you don't have a Bealls Outlet in your state, you can go online and shop! I love giveaways and enter everything, because if you don't enter, you can't win! Free stuff is something I can't pass up. I shop at Bealls Outlet weekly, for clothing, accessories, makeup, housewares and more. It's my absolute favorite shop. Enter the giveaway now for a chance to win $25 to spend at Bealls Outlet! Please leave me a quick comment letting me know that you entered!

New Purex Triple Action Detergent and Coupon Giveaway!

2011-12-27T12:21:00.000-05:00

I recently got a bottle of Purex's new Triple Action laundry detergent and have used it several times. I love it! Purex is amazing. It's affordable AND it works! The scent of Purex Triple Action lasts for days on my clothes and lifts my spirits every time I put on something clean. I noticed that I used a lot less detergent with this Triple Action than when I use a regular detergent. If you like saving money like I do, this is something you should try.

I have five children plus myself and my husband in our family. I am always doing laundry, and the laundry soap can get expensive when buying for this large of a family. Using Purex Triple Action laundry detergent will save my family money. Four of my kids are teenagers, and they can have a distinct odor in their laundry, not to mention the stains they somehow get on their clothes. This wonderful soap removes all of the odors and stains, and makes them smell great. I am forever a loyal Purex user.

I am giving away THREE coupons to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment and tell me why you would love to win coupons for this amazing new Triple Action laundry soap. Let me know what your laundry issues are for an extra chance to win. One week from today I will announce the winner. Thanks for reading and leave me a comment!

Keep Your Weight Loss Resolution with Slim Fast's Great Tasting New Shakes

2011-12-27T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have struggled to maintain weight after I lose it in the past, and Slim-Fast made it so much easier. Even if I’m not dieting, I will buy Slim Fast shakes just to help maintain my current weight. They taste great and are filling. Is your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight in 2012? Slim Fast is a great way to keep your resolution since they have great tasting shakes and other helpful weight loss products. Losing weight should not require sacrificing taste! There are so many wonderful flavors of Slim Fast shakes such as creamy milk chocolate, rich chocolate royale, French vanilla, strawberries n cream, and for those coffee drinkers the cappuccino delight. Wow your taste buds with Slim Fast shakes that give you 10 grams of filling protein and 24 vitamins and minerals. That makes it easy to stick to your goals, feeling full and satisfied from a delicious shake.

The new Slim-Fast[ 3-2-1 Plan is a great way to keep your weight loss resolution. Just eat 3 nourishing snacks a day, like Slim Fast 100-calorie snack bars or veggies, fruits or nuts. Then take 2 Slim Fast shakes or Meal bars every day for balanced nutrition and great taste. Last, eat 1 balanced meal worth about 500 calories. It’s that easy. Anyone can do it! Slim Fast shakes are available everywhere so it’s easy to stay on the plan. There are no special trips to certain stores, or having to order online. Just pick them up at the grocery store, drug store or Wal Mart! Try a snack bar instead of a fattening holiday cookie. They are delicious and nutritious and you won’t hate yourself in the morning! Look at the picture below and drool with me over this yummy looking snack! The Peanut Butter Crunch Time bars look awesome too. I can't wait to try one.

Check out Slim Fast on Facebook, like their page http://www.facebook.com/slimfast and get great ideas on how to get and stay SLIM! You can also get coupons and enter to win sweepstakes sometimes.

LG DoublePlay will Save Time and Make Life Easier

2011-12-19T20:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was checking out new phones today and found this LG DoublePlay™, exclusively from T-Mobile, that is really cool. It’s a slide-out cell phone with a 3.5 inch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. I love a cell phone with a good camera, and this one has a great 5-megapixel camera with LED flash plus records HD video. I’m always taking videos with my cell phone, of my kids and when we go on vacations and holidays. This is perfect!

I am an avid texter, I send probably over a couple thousand texts a month. I found that the LG DoublePlay has some nice messaging options including Cloud Text which allows you to send and receive texts from a PC or tablet and creates group chats. Anything to make texting easier and faster is good if you ask me!

LG DoublePlay features Android 2.3, and you get access to Android Market. Android is an excellent operating system, and has many features to make life easier. I am a serious multitasker, so I like to be able to flip between screens and do more than one thing on my phone at once. I love to go on Facebook and Twitter, and doing those things on a phone is convenient. It’s a real time saver for me to be able to text and go online faster!

If you’re looking for a new phone, or even if you’re not, check out the LG DoublePlay™ from T-Mobile. How many hours do you spend online every month? How much texting do you do per month? This phone is great for both of those. I think it would change the way you interact with the special people in your life. Send me some comments about how you think this phone will make your life easier! I’d love to read them and I will respond to all of them.

COWGIRL BY DESIGN

2011-12-13T07:26:00.001-05:00

This week's Featured Artisan is Michele Blair - Cowgirl by Design. Beautiful

Creations that will make Wonderful Gifts! You can find Cowgirl by Design on:

Artfire

Blog

Twitter

You can grab the code for your blog HERE!

GIVEAWAY

2011-12-07T22:17:00.001-05:00

I have news that has not been released to the public yet! Purex is having a giveaway that will be announced next week to their fans. I'm on their consumer panel and get to let you all know NOW! 20,000 random winners will enjoy an entire year of smart, approachable articles from BHG (Better Homes and Gardens). The entry form is now live, and will go through December 20 at www.purex.com/bhg.

Head on over and enter now! You may be one of the lucky 20,000!

Hilarious Family Friendly Comedy Videos

2011-11-19T04:01:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Family Insurance for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I watched these videos online at AmFam today that were absolutely hysterical. I sat here laughing the entire time! These days it can be really hard to find family friendly comedians, and these guys were nice and clean. They talked about family and things that I could really relate to. The fact that my kids could sit and watch these comedians with me is a great big bonus. Parents and children alike would get the jokes and enjoy these shows!

I especially enjoyed the Bill Bellamy videos. He cracked me up with the stories of his childhood and his Mama. I laughed so hard watching him, my belly’s aching now! I watched some of them twice. When he talks about the "look" his mom would give him when he was a child, I could truly relate to it. My mom had a "look" too and when she gave it, I knew I was in big trouble!! I headed to my room to get away before I could get more than just a look.

I think the American Family Insurance company putting on this clean show, Stand Up For Family, for families is really cool. A company who cares about families is hard to find these days! HHSo many don’t care at all, and when I find one who does and it actually shows, I will want to do business with them.

Puppies vs. Babies Showdown

2011-11-15T02:01:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is a contest going on online right now, Puppies vs. Babies. Sure, puppies are adorable, but babies will always win out for me! I love babies. They are cuddly, sweet, and perfect. It’s awesome when they start cooing and making noises, and even better when they start saying words. Puppies can never do that. The faces babies make and watching them grow and start to crawl and eventually walk are all so darn cute. Puppies are cute, of course, but will never compare to babies. My babies were all beautiful, and puppies couldn’t have won in a contest against them. Look at the above picture and tell me that this baby isn't much cuter than any puppy you've seen! That little baby melts my heart!

I will definitely be going to vote, and hope you all will too! Go here to vote: Puppies vs. Babies online contest The contest is going on until November 23, 2011. The winning puppy or baby will get $5,000! I’d love for you to leave me a comment stating which one you will be voting for, too. I'll be watching my comments section and responding to all comments, so keep them coming!

Gifts of Red

2011-11-03T07:40:00.000-04:00

It's all about RED today! This post will help you find some beautiful Handmade red items. These are wonderful gifts for Christmas or any occasion. I have jewelry here, winter wear, hair accessory, and much more. Enjoy!

BUY HANDMADE THIS CHRISTMAS! Support Local Independent Artists!

Crystal Twist Necklace

By Twisted Tiger Sisters on ArtFire

Pleated Black and Burgundy Floral Purse Handbag

By Pretty Purse Designs on ArtFire

Black, Feather, Red, Silk Flower, Headband, Hair Accessory

by ChichiChick on ArtFire

Wine Red Dahlia Flower Stainless Steel Post Earrings

By Ingrid's Creations on Etsy

Cross Red Beaded Bookmark SALE Forty Percent Off

by Cherry's Creations on Etsy

Red Bracelet, Gemstone Bracelet, Chain Bracelet, Silver Bracelet

by Eclectic Jewelry Designs on ArtFire

Neck Scarf, Spring Summer, Mother Gift, Black and Red

By Flight 0627 on ArtFire

Knit Hat, Red Hand Knit Hat with Genuine Leather Dark Brown Button

By Up North Knits on ArtFire

Really the Last Day to Enter!

2011-11-01T14:52:00.001-04:00

Last Day to Enter!!!!

I thought yesterday was the Last day to enter Amanda Stephan's giveaway, but it's TODAY. Hurry up! Today is the very LAST day to enter the giveaway my friend Amanda Stephan is having for a Nook, Kindle and iPod shuffle! Go here: Books By Amanda Her book is amazing, I had the chance to read it before it was published and LOVED it. I highly recommend "Lonely Hearts" By Amanda Stephan. You can get it in paperback or e-versions. Check out Amazon to see how to buy her book. And enter the giveaway today!!

Handmade Children's Gifts, $5 and Under

2011-10-31T19:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some wonderful Handmade children's items that would make awesome Christmas gifts. They are all $5 or less. From toy items to hats and pillows, there is a nice selection of handmade gifts to buy for the child in your life. You can support small business this Christmas and get a handmade, high quality item to give as gifts. None of the items are from my own shop, they are just items I have found on Etsy and Artfire while browsing trying to find the cutest kids' items for under $5.

Flower Crayon 1Pk, $1

by craftiworks on ArtFire

Sock Monkey Mini Crayon Roll Up Party Favor, $2.50

by PartySuppliesandBlanketShop on ArtFire

Get to the Tub Robin Party Favors, $1.95

by Melsfunsuds on Etsy

Zebra Print Infant Beanie, $5

by FlowerPatchBoutique on ArtFire

Green Splatter Toddler Childrens Pillow, $3.20

by Aerasboutique on ArtFire

Yellow Fleece Tooth Fairy Pillow with Embroidered Dragon, $3.50

by TheBeadedBranch

Stripey Face Bean Bag Toy, $4.00

by Valmade

Last Day to Enter!!!!

2011-10-31T15:24:00.000-04:00

Today is the very LAST day to enter the giveaway my friend Amanda Stephan is having for a Nook, Kindle and iPod shuffle! Go here: Books By Amanda Her book is amazing, I had the chance to read it before it was published and LOVED it. I highly recommend "Lonely Hearts" By Amanda Stephan. You can get it in paperback or e-versions. Check out Amazon to see how to buy her book. And enter the giveaway today!!

Awesome Giveaway

2011-10-27T20:33:00.000-04:00

There is a great giveaway going on at http://www.thepriceoftrust.com/. Author Amanda Stephan is having a book launch of her new book "Lonely Hearts" and is giving away a Kindle, Nook and iPod Shuffle! Her book is one that I got an advance copy of and I wrote a review on Amazon that you can see here: Lonely Hearts on Amazon. If you want to find out how to win one of these great prizes, just go to her blog and find out more. This book is amazing and I highly recommend it! Her first book "The Price of Trust" was amazing as well and definitely worth the read. You can get paper books or on Kindle through Amazon. "Lonely Hearts" will be launched on November 1st.

Men's Christmas Gifts $5 and Under

2011-10-26T22:01:00.000-04:00

Here is a selection of awesome Men's Gifts for you to browse. These would make great Christmas presents for the men in your life! All of them are $5 or less, and handmade to boot, can't beat that. Enjoy this post full of manly goods from Etsy & ArtFire!

Hardwood Musk Handmade Soap $5

by bodyliciousbath

Wooden Handled Shaving Brush, $5

by She's Batty Designs on ArtFire

Men's Helicopter bleached T Shirt Size XL $5

by bethbeez

Winter Warmer Mens Brown Short Sock $5

by SunriseKnits

Leather Stamped Painted Cross Saddle Tag, $4.50

by SpuroftheMomentDesigns

Ladies' Christmas Gifts for $5 and less

2011-10-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

You can find wonderful Christmas gifts for $5 and under, and support independent artists in their handmade craft. Supporting small businesses instead of huge corporations helps the individual instead of the CEO of a big store. Independent sellers who sell on Etsy, ArtFire, Ebay and other venues have beautiful items and many are not very expensive. Today I will show you several items you can buy that are handmade, quality items, and they are $5 or less. Thanks for supporting small businesses and local artists!

Rosebud Earrings in Ash $4.50

by Ingrid's Creations on Etsy

Emerald Forest Mineral Eye Makeup $4.00

by Mummumscrafts on Etsy

Turquoise Heart Pendant Silver Tone Necklace $4.00

by TeenyLady on ArtFire

ACEO Sisters and Friends Metallic Photo Card $4.00

by LDPhotography

Zebra Fleece Scarf with Hot Pink Ribbon $5.00

by Divababies on ArtFire

3 Ounce Scented Soy Blend Apple Cinnamon Candle Dye Free $3.00

by mibellacreations on ArtFire

Pumpkin Spice Soap $4.00

by Earthbalisms on ArtFire

These are just a few goodies I've found while looking through Etsy and ArtFire for handmade gifts for women $5 and under. There are tons more! I hope this selection makes you smile.

Buy Handmade this Christmas!

Online Christmas Shopping

2011-10-24T07:14:00.000-04:00

NEW SERIES

I'll be writing about Christmas shopping for the next couple of months. Here you will find lots of great HANDMADE gifts, like jewelry, home decor, clothing, accessories, and Christmas decorations. There are some wonderful online venues like Etsy and ArtFire. There are less known venues like Zibbet and many more like it. What better way to save money and support small businesses instead of the huge corporations. If you like unique or one of a kind creations, handmade is the way to go! Here are a few examples of some beautiful handmade gifts to tease you and let you see what's to come:

LusciousLather

A Beaded Affair

HeartandSow Designs

Happy Shopping!

Watercolors by Barbara

2011-10-12T22:22:00.001-04:00

This week's featured artisan is Barbara Rosenzweig - Watercolors by Barbara. Beautiful creations to add to your home! You can find Watercolors by Barbara on:

http://www.watercolorsbybarbara.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbararosenzweig

http://barbararosenzweig.blogspot.com/

http://barbararosenzweig.wordpress.com/

http://www.twitter.com/barbarasart

http://www.facebook.com/WatercolorsByBarbara?v=wall&ref=pdem

GIVEAWAY, Win a Nook ~ Kindle ~ iPod Shuffle

2011-10-06T15:14:00.000-04:00

Win a Nook ~ Kindle ~ iPod Shuffle My friend, author Amanda Stephan, is having a huge giveaway on her site. I had to share with my readers because it's such an awesome giveaway. You could win a Nook ~ Kindle ~ or ~ iPod Shuffle!! Just go to her blog http://www.thepriceoftrust.com/ to see how to enter. Some ways to enter once you get there: blog about it, tweet it, or share it on Facebook. There are many great ways to win these amazing prizes! Go to her blog and check it out!

Anastasia

Armored Hearts Feature

2011-10-05T22:35:00.001-04:00

This Weeks Featured Artisan is Frann Ramales - Armored Hearts!

Beautiful chainmail creations and more! You can find

Armored Hearts on:

Saving for Christmas by Cutting My Cell Phone Bill

2011-10-01T10:01:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am saving up to buy Christmas presents for my kids, so I’m glad I have Straight Talk which costs about half of what the other companies cost! I have 5 kids to buy for, plus a husband and other family, so the cost of Christmas adds up quick and any way I can save money is a blessing! I love the fact that there are no contracts, and no surprises on my bill. Every month my bill is the same, so that makes budgeting my money so easy. Straight Talk’s coverage is nationwide and has excellent reception, too. Hook, line and sinker

There are plans to fit any need and any budget on Straight Talk. The “All you need plan” comes with 1000 minutes, 1000 texts and 30 mb of data per month. Then the Unlimited Service is available and you can call, text, picture messaging and go online as much as you want for only $45 a month! Can you believe you can get unlimited calls, texting, picture messaging, and web for the entire year for just $499.00? For those who call other countries regularly, the Straight Talk International Long Distance Service is a flexible calling plan that lets you to call internationally from home, your cell phone, or office at nice, low rates. Call a friend

Most companies charge for 411 calls, but with Straight Talk they are always free! Also free are the activation, reactivation and termination fees. No other company can say that.

Many phones are available starting at $10.00 for reconditioned phones with camera, mobile web access, MP3 player, and blue tooth. Those are what I usually get for my kids. There are also smart phones, touch screen phones, and app capable phones with lots of features such as voice navigation, camera, video, music player, instant messaging and Blue Tooth. Android on Straight Talk

With all the ways Straight Talk helps me to save money, I’ll be able to buy some really cool gifts this Christmas!