Cotton Pickin Cute

Giveaway: Make every room fresh with Renuzit Pearl Scents

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 31 May 2015 20:57:00 +0000

When I think of decor in my home, I think about visual, comfort, textures and scent. All these things, when put together is what really makes a home feel comfy. Leave any one out and you'll know something is missing. Especially if you have odors, that lets say, aren't so pleasant.

Renuzit Pearl Scents are so pretty too. I just removed the label so I could see the sparkly scented beads.

I have several cats, and that means I have a litter box in my laundry room, so I always want something that will make it a bit more pleasant in there.

Best of all these little beads continually fill your home with long-lasting odor neutralizers with aromatic scents for 30 days. Plus there's no need to plug anything in and cause your electric bill to rise. That's also a safety feature in my eyes, no hot wax to spill and burn you. As the beads dry out they start to shrink and you know it's time to replace them.

Renuzit Pearl Scents are now available in 5 aromatic scents:

Blue Sky Breeze
Serenity
Sparkling Rain
Tranquil
Seductive Pineapple

Renuzit Pearl Scents are available now at your local retailer! Keep up to date on all of Renuzit latest products and promotions by following them on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about Renuzit Pearl Scents visit there website

What do I think

Renuzit keeps my laundry room, baths, living room & kitchen smelling fresh and clean. Since adding one to my kitchen counter I no longer have lingering food smells.
Pearl Scents come in an attractive container and the shiny beads make it a pretty decorative accessory.
For less than $4.00, Renuzit Pearl Scents are very affordable.
All-in-all I give them a 2 thumbs up.

Now comes the fun part, one winner will receive not one but THREE FREE COUPONS for their choice of Renuzit Pearl Scents. Entering is easy, just follow the simple instructions on the Giveaway Tools form below.

Entry -Form

Good Y'all...

Create in me a pure heart, O' God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Dial Sugar Cane Hush Scrub Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 02:00:00 +0000

When I received Dial's newest hand soap and saw that it was Sugar Cane Husk Scrub, I wasn't sure that I would care for it. That is until I squeezed a little out. See I normally avoid those sugar flavored body creams and candles. I just don't care for those scents, but boy is this so different. I'd like to bath my whole body in it and then carry the bottle around to sniff. It's that awesome!!

The gentle micro-scrubbers gently deep clean, while skin conditioners hydrate, moisturize and smooth your skin.

This is the newest scent in Dial's Boutique Collection which includes:

Yellow Raspberry
Water Blossoms
Coconut Lime Verbena
Sugar Cane Husk Scrub

Visit dialsoap.com to see their full line of products. You can also find them on facebook, twitter, and youtube.

It's the little luxuries in life that count and don't you deserve that? Everytime you wash you hands, I guarantee you'll catch yourself inhaling deeply. Next time you go shopping be sure to sweeten up your life by picking up a couple of bottles for the bathroom and the kitchen.

Dial has been busy lately coming up with delicious smelling new soaps, remember the Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash review and giveaway that I posted last week. You can click here to enter that giveaway too, but first things first.

Enter to win

I have 2 FREE Dial coupon's to giveaway. One coupon is good for 1 FREE Dial Complete Omega Moisture Foaming Wash, and the other is good for 1 FREE Dial Liquid Hand Soap. Entering is easy. Simply follow the instructions on the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway ends 4/8/15 at 11:59 PM. EST. Good Luck!!

Entry -Form

Happy Easter Y'all...

Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

~ John 13:1-7

DIAL MIRACLE OIL BODY WASH GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:56:00 +0000

Disclosure: The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash in exchange for a product review. As always all opinions expressed are my own.

I'm so happy spring is finally here in Florida, but I know a lot of you are still dealing with what seems like the year of the never ending winter. Don't give up yet, the end is close.

Whether it's cool weather or warm weather, our skin takes a beating. It's nice to pamper it anyway you can. That's why I like Dial's new Miracle Oil Body Wash, it's a no effort way to treat my skin to a little tenderness.

What's new about this Dial Body Wash?

The first thing you notice on the bottle are the words MIRACLE OIL. Why are they calling it that? Easy, it's infused with caring Marula Oil. And here's a Marula Oil fact: Marula Oil is known to deeply hydrate and nourish skin while protecting it from skin-damaging free radicals.

Now you're probably wondering where does Marula Oil come from. I can answer that too. The oil is comes from the ripened fruit of the Marula tree, which is found in Africa. They extract the oil from the kernels of the Marula fruit. I'm certain you'll be hearing lots more about this miracle oil in the future.

What do I think about Dial's New Miracle Oil Body Wash?

When I shower or bathe I don't want to step out feeling like my skin is taut and dry before I even dry the water off. That's the problem with most soaps. Not so with the Marula infused Dial. My skin feels soft and silky without feeling oily or greasy.

I save money wherever I can and Dial is so affordable. It only takes a small squeeze to product a rich lather. The 16oz bottle will really last.

Most of all I love the scent. I just want to stand there with the bottle squeezing and smelling. UMMM....heavenly. I smell the warm scents of amber and vanilla, sort of like a sensual candle that you would burn. I want to take a shower every night just before bed (as opposed to earlier in the day) just so I can fall asleep breathing that calming scent. I hope they come out with a Dial Miracle Oil lotion now. hee-hee. I give it 5 cotton balls, which is as good as 5 stars any day.

Learn more at: DialSoap.com and Facebook.com/Dial

Winning is Easy

There will be 2 lucky winners. Simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below for your chance to win a FREE coupon and you can have your own mini spa moment. Ends 4/4/15 at 11:59 PM EST.

**I also have another Dial giveaway going on. You can click here to enter to win a FREE coupon for Dial hand soap.

Entry -Form

Happy Spring Y'all...

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

~ Matthew 20:26

NEW! Purex PowerShot Laundry Detergent Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 03:19:00 +0000

Disclosure: Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex PowerShot detergent in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

I know that my long time readers don't need to be reminded of how much I love Purex products, but for all you new readers, I'll say it again....I LOVE Purex products.

Just when we think they can't come up with anything better, they do. The New Purex PowerShot takes the guesswork out of measuring and simplifies your laundry routine. No more measuring, no more messy drips. New PowerShot dispenses the right amount of super concentrated formula every time.

Bonus: There is 50% more stain fighting power in every drop! Booyah Y'all!!! That's Purex, they are always offering you something more.

The new bottle with built-in auto-dosing technology is super easy to use. Just open the cap, flip the bottle upside down to deliver the perfect dose of detergent. That's it - you're done! Now the PowerShot engine automatically refills and is ready for the next dose. What could be easier?

Purex PowerShot is available in their two most popular fragrances, Mountain Breeze and Natural Elements Linen & Lilies.

What do I think?
Well I'm thinking cha-ching! By using the new Purex PowerShot, not only am I saving time but I'm saving money. No more waste for using too much detergent or having it wasted dripping down the bottle. I'm thinking this is a real game changer for the parents who have young laundry helpers in their homes. All you need to know is:

Use 1 flip for regular loads
Use 2 flips for large or extra dirty loads

Now Purex and I are giving 2 Cotton Pickin Cute readers a chance to win a FREE bottle of Purex PowerShot detergent. That could be you! Simple enter using the easy Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway Ends March 7th at 11:59 PM EST.

Entry -Form

Good Luck Y'all...

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A List of Giveaways Just For You

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:08:00 +0000

I've been kind of missing in action lately, but I thought you might enjoy a few giveaways and sweepstakes I've found online.

My best friend Julie has just the giveaway to get you in the Christmas spirit. If you don't already know Julie, you soon find out she's as sweet and giving as you can get. She's proving it here by giving the readers of her blog "Mamawj's Moment Away" a chance to win one of these beautiful Forest Fresh Christmas Wreaths from Christmas Forest. I can almost smell the fresh pine now. The giveaway ends on 11/30/14 at 11 PM EST. You can enter for your lucky chance here:

http://mamawjsmomentaway.blogspot.com/2014/11/win-christmas-forest-holiday-fresh-made.html

Would you like a vacation? How about a trip to the Italian Dolomites? You can enter through my link here: http://woobox.com/8ognsr/c6j7a1

Would Maybe you would rather take a trip to London, that is fit for royalty. In the World Market Sweeps you could be the winner of:

Trip for 2 to London, England (airfare and Accomodations)
Private tour of Highclere Castle
Visit the set of Downton Abbey
$1,000 World Market gift card

You can enter here: http://www.worldmarketsweepstakes.com

Limit one entry per person using only one email address per day. All entries must be received by 11:59 ET on 12/26/14 to be eligible.

Here's another blog giveaway. Jen is giving her readers at "Born 2 Impress" the chance to win a set of Cariloha Bamboo Sheets. The giveaway ends on 12/6. You can enter here: http://is.gd/trMflh.

Be sure to check out Jen's other giveaways on her Holiday Gift Guide here: http://blog.born2impress.com/

Are you still wanting more? I have a whole page of sweeps listed in facebook. You can request to join my sweeps group "Tracy's Sweeps" or you can just stalk us a bit, but I bet you'll want to join. It's open to the public and all the members post the newest sweeps and it's a great place to connect with other sweepers. You can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TracysSweeps/

I'd love to hear from you. Leave me a comment and let me know if you'd like to see more of these post.

Hugs Y'all...

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and I will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

~ Isaiah 7:14

Android Tablet #Giveaway Ending Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 00:28:00 +0000

Time is ticking....

I know how you all love giveaways and just in case you've been hiding under a rock and haven't heard Nicole Vosburgh is generously giving away an Android Screen Quad Core Tablet to one lucky Cotton Pickin Cute winner.

I'd hate for you to miss your chance to win this awesome tablet.

You can read all about the great features and enter here on my post: Android Screen Quad Core Tablet Giveaway.

Don't wait. It ends tomorrow night, 10/29 at 11:59pm EST.

I recently reviewed Nicole, the super winning sweeper, in 2 segments. You can read the reviews, see the fabulous prizes she's won, and read her tips here and here.

If you love sweeps/giveaways, I'd like to invite you to join me on facebook at Tracy's Sweeps. You'll find new giveaways every day. You can share yours there too.

Good luck y'all...

He who has seen Me has seen the Father.

~ John 14:9

Android Screen Quad Core Tablet #Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:11:00 +0000

If you've been reading my post this week, you are probably all pumped up and ready to get busy entering sweeps and winning prizes. That's what today's post is all about. It's giveaway time!!!! Que the Rocky theme.

If you have been hiding under a rock, or rocking a trip you won and missed those post, you can read my interview with super sweeper Nicole Vosburgh here: Part I and Part II. You really want to read them, because they are jammed packed with photos of her exciting wins and tips on how to be a sweepstakes winner. And we're not even finished. I have a least one more post about Nikki coming up.

Nikki asked if I would like to post a giveaway for a Android Tablet. What a generous soul she is. So now YOU have the chance to win this awesome prize for yourself.

Let me tell you a little about what you'll be winning. First off, I have to tell you I'm a little jealous, I don't even have a tablet. My grandkids do, but me no. So I wish I could win, but alas I cannot. That being said I can only give you a description of the Lattie iMuz Q9 Android Tablet, and not a review.

From the Manufacturer

This powerful yet still beautiful 9.7" retina display tablet is equipped with an industry leading quad core processor, a quad core graphic processor, bluetooth 4.0 and dual cameras (2M front and 5M rear). Android 4.2.2 will bring you to a next level of Android experience. Built in 2GB RAM as well as large 16GB built in memory will let you have enough room to store many complex applications and all of your personal files such as movies, music, pictures without compromising speed. Its stunning bright and clear screen provides one of the highest resolution in the market (2049 X 1536, 264 PPI Comparable to iPad). Experience a new level of Android tablet at an affordable price. See it, Touch it and Believe it.

Product Description

This powerful yet still beautiful 9.7" retina display tablet is equipped with an industry leading quad core processor, a quad core graphic processor, Bluetooth 4.0 and dual cameras (2M front and 5M auto focus rear). Android 4.2.2 will bring you to a next level of Android experience. Built in 2GB RAM as well as large 16GB built in memory will let you have enough room to store many complex applications and all of your personal files such as movies, music, pictures without compromising speed. Its stunning bright and clear screen provides one of the highest resolution in the market (2049 X 1536, 264 PPI Comparable to iPad). Experience a new level of Android tablet at an affordable price. See it, Touch it and Believe it.

Technical Details

Size: 9.7 - Inch

Color: White

Processor: 1.6 GHz-A-Series Quad - Core A10-4655M

RAM: 2 GB

RAM Type: DDR3 SDRAM

Memory Slots: 1

Size: 16 GB

Speed: 6000 rpm

LCD Native Resolution: 2048x1536

Speakers: External Speaker

USB 2.0 Ports: 1

Size (LWH): 9.47 inches, 7.33 inches, 0.38 inches

Weight: 1.28 pounds

Battery Type: Lithium ion

Rated Charge (normal use): 8 hours

Wireless Type: 802.11bgn

I'm so excited to be able to offer this giveaway to all my old Cotton Pickin Cute readers and even the new ones too.

Thank you to Nikki for sponsoring this giveaway and for all the time she has taken to answer questions and share her expertise with us. If you're not already following Nicole Vosburgh on Facebook, I highly recommend that you do. She'll keep you up to date with the latest giveaways and sweepstakes. You can follow her here.

I also have a sweepstakes group on Facebook. If you'd like to join just click onto Tracy's Sweeps here.

Time to enter.

Entry -Form

Good Luck Y'all...

Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

~ Romans 5: 2-4

Does Anyone Really Win Those BIG Sweepstakes? Sweeper's Interview Part II #Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 12:50:00 +0000

Everyone loves a success story. Everyone that is except haters, and who needs them right? Well Nicole Vosburgh is just that, no not a hater, but a success story. She took a little hobby of entering giveaways and turned it into a full fledged way to contribute to her family. If you didn't read the first segment of Nikki's story you'll want to go back and read part 1 of her story here.

Yesterday I told you about all the food that Nikki wins. What a nice way to help stretch her husbands income.

Winning a brand new LG French door fridge gives her more room to store those steaks and other goodies that she wins. I think I'd fall out if that was delivered to my house, all because I entered a sweepstakes. You can't win if you don't enter.

Lets get back to the interview.

TS - Do you work outside the home? Is this a hobby or do you sweep full time?

NV - On top of being a wife and a mommy, yes I enter sweepstakes full time. I average about 800-1,000 sweepstakes entered each day on top of searching for new ones. I am online entering for about 8-12 hours each day. It can be a lot at times, but my wins have been so worth it!

TS - What type of sweepstakes do you like to enter? Online, mail-in, dropbox (in stores) blogs, social media, skill contest or another type?

NV - I love to enter every type of sweep possible. My dailies (those that you are allowed to enter once per day), instagram, twitter, facebook, blogs, and I am just getting more serious about entering mail-in sweeps. The more variety that you have in what you enter, the more you will win.

Do you use your phone to enter sweeps?
Yes, every day! From texting sweeps, to call-in sweeps, to instagram ones. I'm always taking photos wherever and whatever we seem to be doing, because you never when you will need that photo for a sweep!

TS - What are your best tips for staying organized?

NV - Use Google book marks! I stay so organized by simply using this system. Creating folders labeled with my dailies and knowing to go back each day to enter them is a huge help! Time management is a huge key in being able to enter as many as I do in the amount of time that I can get them done. Be organized!

TS - Do you have a strategy?

NV - Whenever someone asks me "how do you do it" or "share your tips please", I always tell them: Consistency, determination, and organization. If a sweeps tells you that you can enter daily, well you'll bet that I enter daily to get my best chance of winning. Have an accountability partner that you can share sweeps with and help keep each other entering during those rough or dry periods (no wins).

TS - Are you the only sweeper in your family?

NS - Yes I am. Occasionally, I'll send a really good sweep that I've found to my sister or even to my parents to enter and they will, but I'm the only truly dedicated one. My dad did win a 60" TV a few months ago by entering a one-time sweep.

TS - Do you belong to a sweepers group?

NV - I actually just met a friend who has been sweeping for 30+ years and she belongs to a group in Philly. I was just invited to attend with her on October 12th for the first time, so we shall see how it goes! I'm excited!

TS - Do you go to sweepstakes conventions? If so what do you like about them?

Nikki and her BFF Rachel, look like they had a blast at the 25th Annual Sweepstakes Convention.

NV - My first sweepstakes convention was just in August at the 25th Annual Sweepstakes Convention in Orlando, Florida. I had such a great time meeting fellow sweepers from around the nation that I communicate with online, on a regular basis. It was great learning new tips and tricks during the meetings and the prizes were absolutely amazing! Two cars were even given away!

TS - How do you stay motivated in a slump? Do you enjoy reading about other peoples wins?

NV - I absolutely love reading and hearing about other's wins! they are so motivating during those slow times. The thing that keeps me the most motivated though would be my sweeper bff and personal friend Rachel. We bounce ideas, prize wins, and sweeps off of each other every day. When one is winning and the other isn't, it's motivating to "try and get a better win" or "have more dailies than the other one". Super friendly and loving competition of course!

TS - What are a few of your favorite prizes that you've won?

NV - Oh goodness. Where do I begin? :) I have won some absolutely amazing things in my almost 4 years of sweeping. I've won over 20 trips.

Get ready for a photo overload. They're too exciting not to share.

Nikki with her husband Ben in Hollywood meeting Kaley Cuoco from the Big Bang Theory.

Nikki and Ben enjoying another winning trip to Sonoma/Napa Valley, CA, where they got to meet and watch the TrueCar Indy Racing Team.

Ben & Nikki sitting in Mario Andretti's car while at the Sonoma Raceway.

Trip wins aren't just an occasion thing for Nikki. She seems to win on a regular basis. She's been to Orlando, FL a few times. She's also won a trip to Panama City Beach. But that's just Florida. She's also won trips to the following exciting places:

Nikki took her husband and friends with her on one of her many NYC wins. This one included a $2,000 shopping spree in July of this year. Wow, how many of us dream of buying $2,000 worth of clothing and shoes?!

Just a couple of years earlier Nikki won another trip to NYC for a Skintimate photo-shoot with a spread in a magazine.

Nikki looks like she's been modeling for years. She's quite a natural at it. How exciting to have a professional photographer do your photo-shoot.

Just last year Nikki took her mom with her on a $1,000 shopping spree to the Steve Madden store in NYC. She's nearly a NY native after winning so many trips. lol. And yes, believe it or not that is Nikki's mother, and not her sister. You can see where Nikki got her good looks.

Winning tripslead Nikki on some wonderful adventures, like this trip to Bermuda last year.

I don't know if I would ever be able to pull myself away from those turquoise waters of Bermuda. If you're Nikki, I guess you have to go home occasionally to see what mail is waiting for you with plans for your next exciting destination.

There have also been trips to the Bahamas a couple of times. She won a wonderful trip to the Atlantis Resort and had the fun experience of swimming with the dolphins. That's a trip I hope to win one day. Nikki has even won a trip to Italy!! What a hard life, lol.

You've already seen the checks she has won for $10K and $20K yesterday. Nikki likes cash. Don't we all? She's won lot's of $5K checks too. And of course there has been plenty of smaller ones like this $500 win from Corky's Pest Control a few months ago.

I tried my best to wrap Nikki's interview up in this post, but it's just not possible. She's won so many great things that you'll just have to come back again to find out more.

Oh' and I promised you a surprise, didn't I? Remember the hint was that Nikki was VERY GENEROUS! After reading these 2 segments about her, you've probably realized how sharing she is with her family and friends.

Now she wants to share her good fortune with you, by giving Cotton Pickin Cute readers the chance to win a

Lattie iMuz Q9 Android 4.2" x 9.7" XHD IPS screen quad core tablet featuring:

Dual cameras
2GB RAM
Wifi - 16GB
White/Silver
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
9.7 inches XHD IPS Display
Quad Core Cortex A9 up to 1.6 Ghz
16 GB Flash Memory, 2 GB RAM Memory
1.28 pounds

Are you as excited to enter this giveaway as I am to host it? I had planned to put the entry form up on this segment but have decided that it's best to do it on a separate post since this one has so much going on already. Watch for the giveaway to go up in the next 24 hours. Until then, why not stop by and say hi to Nikki on her facebook page here. She'd love to hear from you. I'd like to read your thoughts here too so please leave me a comment. Have you had a win lately? What was it? Do you know someone who wins all the time. Share the dirt so we can all enjoy reading about them.

Hugs & Happy Sweeping Y'all...

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: " Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."

~ Genesis 15:1

Does Anyone Really Win Those BIG Sweepstakes? Read My First Sweeper Interview - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 12:50:00 +0000

We've all seen them.

Those tempting adds that make us start dreaming of having a bundle of cash dropped in our laps. After we come back to real life we wonder, does that really ever happen? Does anyone ever win prizes like these? Then our cynical side says there must be a catch. Well lets find out.

My own experience says YES.... you can win awesome prizes but CASH, really? I had my doubts, thinking it must be extremely rare to win once, much less more often. But hold on to your hats because today is the first segment of my interview with Nicole Vosburgh.

In my opinion she is

ONE MEAN WINNING MACHINE

and when you get through reading this, you'll know why she is the inspiration that fuels my sweeping train.

First, if your are not a sweeper, you're probably asking who is Nicole Vosburgh? To get an answer to that question and more I went straight to the source, Nikki herself and asked. Lets get started with my interview and see what she has to say. Yeah I'm channeling my inner Ellen today.

Aren't Ben and Nicole the cutest couple.

TS - Tell us a little about you.

NV - I am a 27 year old wife and mommy to our 4 year old little boy, Tyler. I grew up in Bucks County, PA and I'm still living in the area with my family. My husband and I met at Word of Life in upstate New York in 2007 and were married in May of 2009. It's been 5 crazy, but fun filled years already!

TS - How did you get started sweeping?

NV - I became a first time mommy 4 years ago and I've always known that I wanted to be a stay at home mom. With my husband still in school, I wanted and needed to find a way to make money while still being at home full time. I noticed that a friend of mine from college kept posting these small little giveaways for little girls bows, outfits, etc... on her Facebook page and it got my interest. I don't have a daughter, but I do have a little sister (who was 7 at the time I began entering). So, I followed my friends lead and began entering for those little girly things. It worked!

I began winning them and soon my mailbox became full of little girly things! Well, my husband wasn't impressed. We had a boy for goodness sake and here I was spending my time winning girly things. Well, I decided there had to be a way to win bigger and better things, right? I did my research and came to realize that there was this whole, huge community of sweepers and that they really did win...and boy did they win BIG things! I became hooked and a dedicated sweeper ever since.

TS - What is a good month of winning? How many prizes do you win?

NV - A good month of winning for me is anywhere from $10, 000 to $20,000 (you read that right - THOUSANDS) in prizes that month. I would say about 25 - 50 prizes a month.

~~~~~~~~~

Wow I didn't even know that people won that much! I bet you'd like to see some of those awesome prizes Nikki has won. Well I've got that covered. Nikki was nice enough to send photos of just some of her favorite wins. Let's take a look.

Nikki's done a great job furnishing her home through sweeping. Setting a table with the dinnerware she won must keep her mind on entering more sweeps, even when she's not.

As if that's not enough to keep her focused on her favorite hobby, the food drives the point home. Look at the huge amount of steaks she won from Omaha Steaks.

Of course Nikki can't feed her family on meat alone. She's doesn't have to thanks to her "Winners Never Give Up" attitude. This ~~lucky~~ hardworking, positive thinking gal was the Grand Prize Winner of a $250 gift card to a local grocery store.

Lunch is covered with a big peanut butter win from Peanut Butter & Co. You know she has one happy little boy.

Anyone need some milk to wash it down with? Ben must love all the money she's saving him through entering sweeps.

Since she doesn't have a magic carpet she has to buy gas for the trip to the store. No worries, she's won $500 in Shell gift cards to cover that.

When warm weather rolls around, Nikki takes her cooking to the outdoors. There's no shortage of grills at her house. This is just one of many, including the much loved Big Green Egg.

If Nikki doesn't win what she wants she can always go buy it for free with the stack of GIFT CARDS that she wins.

Oh' how much I would love to win a $500 Home Depot Card like she did.

Maybe $500 just isn't quite enough. If that's the case she can always cash her $10,000 GRAND PRIZE CHECK!!

And for those really big purchases she can just break out this bad boy for $20,000 *TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!*

Does this girl rock or what? I wasn't kidding when I said was my inspiration to keep going and never give up.

~~~~~~~~~

Now if you are thinking Nikki's story ends here, well you'd be wrong. We're just getting started. Today I concentrated on a few things around the house and $$ MOOLAH $$. We haven't ever talked about things like electronics, adventures and more.

Plus, I'm sure you're wanting to know more about how Nikki wins all these wonderful prizes, but you'll have to come back tomorrow for another segment of Nikki's Sweeping Story. She has an extra special treat for you. Okay, I'll give you one hint:

Nikki is VERY GENEROUS

Wouldn't you love to have boxes backing up at your door like this? I know I would.

I love hearing about other sweepers wins. It's what keeps us all going when we're having those dry periods. I'm really grateful to Nikki for agreeing to share her world of sweepstakes with us. Nikki's not a blogger but you can catch up with her on here on Facebook. Stop by and say hi, she'd love to hear from you and have you follow her. Heck you can even stalk her like I do. She's such a sweetheart.

**Update - you can read the 2nd segment of Nikki's story here.

See y'all tomorrow...

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

~ 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV

#EatSmart CalPal Digital Bathroom Scale Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:32:00 +0000

Disclosure: I received this product for free to facilitate my review. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.

I have a new fitness tool and I couldn't be more proud to share it with you. Look how slick and attractive this EatSmart body scale is. No need to hide this baby!

EatSmart is always at the forefront of innovation and this scale proves that they never stop improving. My last bathroom scale was made by EatSmart and I didn't think it could get any smarter. Boy was I wrong.

The new EatSmart Precision CalPal Digital Scale features a daily caloric reference that calculates how many calories are needed to maintain your weight.

I want to highlight the awesome features of the CalPal with you:

The CalPal displays 3 readings: current weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), and estimated caloric intake.
Automatic User Identification Technology - CalPal immediately identifies the user based on past weights. I love this feature. Neil & I only enter our basic info once and it knows which one of us steps on the scale from now own.
Easy to program
EatSmart "Step-On" Technology - Get instant readings!
Large 4.3" LCD display with cool blue backlight - making it easy to read from any distance.
4 High Precision Sensors - Consistent and accurate measurement
2 Measurement Modes: Pounds or Kilos
Sturdy oversized 12.5" x 12.5" platform that can measure up to 440 lbs / 200 kgs.
Auto Calibrated; includes 3 AAA batteries
The sleek design combines high density plastic and tempered glass to create a modern look with a slim profile.

You won't believe the amazing low price for all this.

Only $35.00

That's right, you can purchase the EatSmart Precision CalPal through Amazon for the low price of only $35.

I really do love this scale! It's as easy as setting up your profile once and there's no need to touch it again. It comes on when you step on the scale and then goes off automatically when your done. How smart is that! I also like that the CalPal tells me how many calories I need to eat to maintain my current weight. This scale really keeps me on track!

Stay Fit Y'all...

Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity.

~ Leviticus 19:35

Sometimes You Just Have To Walk Away

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 12:35:00 +0000

I'm back after being on a one month hiatus. One whole month of being unplugged from my blog. Summer was just so nice, and after blogging for 5 years straight, I thought a break was just what I needed, and well deserved if I say so myself.

I can't say this was my best Friday though. Heading home from downtown today our car lost complete power in the middle of a torrential downpour. We were heading to the top of the bridge and only 40 minutes before the start of the 5pm rush hour. That's not the worst of it. You couldn't see 20 feet in front of you and our flashers weren't even working. Ugghh... Called the emergency road service and waited and waited. Called back and they dispatched them to the wrong bridge.

All I can say is Thank the Lord, his grace was with us and kept us protected. Nothing scarier than people flying up on you and barely missing you on a bridge.

So what exactly have I been doing for a month?

For starters I gave up running. I really, really miss it too. I got bursitis in my knee. This picture was before it got really big. I changed my workout routine getting rid of squats and anything else that would over work the knee and replaced them with others. I'm happy to say that this week I went back to walking (and just a little lite jogging).

I made a new ironing board cover and continued to iron clothes every week. Neil ripped said new ironing board cover, which got him the stink eye from me.

Neil has been playing Mr. Green Jeans (a throwback to our Captain Kangaroo days) and is having fun nurturing his tomato plants.

While he's tending tomatoes I'm filling window boxes. I spray painted the old black trays aqua and added lime coleus. Much brighter and cheerier now.

My first sunflowers ever. They were a little sad looking but they still made me smile. Next year I will shop for better seeds and plant them earlier, in big bunches. I'm already excited about it.

Loved my pretty fuchsia zinnias. I'll be planting more of theses too.

The last couple of months it seemed to rain a lot. Sadly beach days were few and far between. We're hoping to catch a few more rays before the warm days are gone.

(via)

Sometimes it's just good to walk away. You get a fresh perspective and you can find the joy in things again. It's good to be back. It's time to change my schedule around. That's what's nice about a change of season, it's like you get a chance to make a fresh start.

What's your favorite part about fall? Mine is the crisp air & the many colors. I feel energized by it all.

It's fall y'all...

Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.

~ Deuteronomy 11:14

ToiletTree's New Protective Case & Replacement Brush Heads Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 14:25:00 +0000

Disclosure: I received the Toilet Tree Professional Skin Care System Case & Replacement Brush Heads to facilitate this review. As always all opinions are 100% my own.

Women deserve to be pampered, that's all there is to it. If you can't afford to go out and get pampered, then by all means find ways to pamper yourself at home.

One way I pamper myself is to use my ToiletTree Professional Skin Care System. You can read the review that I wrote earlier this year here. This wasn't the first skin care brush I've had, but it absolutely was the best I've ever used. The ToiletTree system, unlike the others, has several attachments.

There was only one thing that I though it lacked, and that was a carrying or storage case. Imagine how happy I was when the company contacted me and asked if I'd like to review their new Storage and Travel Case!

I love this convenient case with a spot for the Face and Body Brush System along with each attachment. Now everything is together in one place. That makes me happy!

But that's not all, you get more than just the storage case, you also get a set of 4 interchangeable replacement heads.

Body Brush
Face Brush - medium for normal skin types
Face Brush - soft for sensitive skin types
Pumice Stone

(Face and Body Brush System sold separately)

The ToiletTree Professional Skin Care System would make also make a great gift. Perfect for someone heading off to college. This Travel Case keeps everything neat and tidy. It's easy to order one for yourself or someone special by visiting Amazon.com.

You can learn more about ToiletTree and their other awesome products by visiting the sites below:

Hugs Y'all...

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it."

~ Psalm 139:13 -14

Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser Giveaway #MiaMariu

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:05:00 +0000

Disclosure: I received Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser through Tomoson.com to facilitate this review. As always all opinions are 100% my own.

A good facial cleanser is just a must for any woman. I haven't used soap on my face since I was 10. The skin on our face is our biggest asset. Am I right ladies? It's the first thing people notice. And we all know that the skin on our face is more delicate than anywhere else on our bodies.

You can use all the moisturizers you want, but if your skin's not clean, you're just trapping in the dirt. Good skin starts with clean skin.

What I look for in a cleanser

Gentle on Skin
Tough on Dirt
Non-Irritating
Oil-Free
Nice Smell

Product Description

Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Cleanser - New and Improved anti-inflammatory formula with 8 natural botanicals! Aloe, marigold, sea kelp, sea lettuce, plus nourishing essential oils: orange peel lemon, lime and grapefruit are at the heart of this soft pampering cleanser. This improved formula has increased levels of Aloe along with the addition of anti-inflammatory Sea lettuce and essential oils making it an extra gentle cleanser. Suitable for all skin types, non-irritating, paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free.

The Mia Mariu Philosophy

makes the connection between beauty and health inside and out. Mia Mariu's high performance products are formulated with the most natural ingredients available helping you achieve vibrant beauty and health inside and out. Each unique product fuses nature and technology by combining the highest quality botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and peptides. The result? healthy products that provide a perfect balance that reflects itself through youthful, healthy, beautiful, glowing skin and renewed energy and vitality, at an exceptional value. Mia offers natural skin care, professional makeup artist quality mineral cosmetics and brushes, fine fragrances and nutritional supplements to Reveal Your Unique Shade of Beauty!

More Than Skin Care

Mia Mariu's skin care line is just the beginning of the fabulous products they offer. I could use a set of their Perfecting Brushes to help me achieve a flawless complextion. And I'd love to get a whiff of their parfums and men's colognes.

I'm dreaming of full pouty lips with these luscious colors.

Maybe I'll go for the sultry eye look.

My Final Thoughts

The first thing I do when I drag myself out of bed each morning is meander into the bathroom and wash my face. It's the only way to wake me up. Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser has the most refreshing smell! Hence the name. This cleanser has the energizing citrus scent of lemon, but it's light and not overpowering at all. The smell says clean, well if smell could talk that's what it would say.

With only a dime size amount of the gel cleanser, all the impurities are gone, leaving my skin silky clean and refreshed. The natural cleansing agents are tough on dirt while the Sea Kelp & Aloe made it super gentle on my skin. Mia Mariu's is suitable for all skin types. It's non-irritating, oil-free which makes it perfect for my combination skin. It's definitely a cleanser I would use again.

Visit Mia Mariu's to see their full catalog here: http://www.miamariu.com/

Win It

You can enter to win a full sized bottle of Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser by entering with the giveaway form below. Entrants must be in the U.S. Giveaway ends 8/20 at 11:59 P.M. EST.

Entry -Form

Be good to yourselves and good luck y'all...

She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

~ Proverbs 3:15

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.

What Is Worry Worth?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:15:00 +0000

I'm a worrier. There I've said it. Ahhhh....

Normally at this time of year I'm worrying that we won't get any fall and that these hot days will continue right up until Christmas. Fall is my favorite time of year.

But this year is different. This year we've had such a comfortable summer. The weather has been the most comfortable I can remember in decades! We've gotten an abundance of rain and everything looks gorgeous outside. Okay, maybe I could use a few more sunny afternoons for beach time, but I'm not going to complain.

So now I have a new worry this year. I'm concerned that the end of summer is coming too fast. Even though we have warm days way past August, my mind tends to say that beach days are over in September.

September just says fall to me. The magazines are touting cozy sweaters and muted colors. It's a return-to-nature time of the year. Watch for wine, grays and camels this year.

The days of wearing your Lilly Pulitzer citrus explosions are coming to an end. Truth is we can get away with wearing them a little longer here in Florida, still I can see the days creeping up when it will be time to take them from their honored place hanging in the closet and lay them to rest under my bed.

I remember having this same anxiety as a kid, as soon as the calendar would flip to August. School held no interest for me. I would feel sick to my stomach for weeks before school started. Now here I am in my 50's with twinges of those same feelings.

I can't help but think of this bible verse: Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ~ Matthew 6:27

So why not.....

Trust in God & let your worries go...

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

~ John 14:27

Getting Creative with the New Spellbinders Celebrations Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:02:00 +0000

Being a Purex Insider you can usually expect me to show you the newest products to keep your clothes looking and smelling their best but today we're going in a whole new direction.

We're getting creative with PAPERCRAFTS!!

Today we're talking about the new Spellbinders Celebra'tions Collection by Richard Garay. Richards new collection makes it easy for anyone to look like a crafting superstar. His complete collection features dies, stamps, paper, inks & accessories all coordinated to work perfectly together. They're making it easy for you to impress your friends with one-of-a-kind cards, gifts, scrapbook layouts & more.

When you see how these little kits make it so easy to create something unique, you'll realize you can make a card in minutes. No more running out to the store for a last minute card that frankly, is less than impressive.

I was sent these two "make and take" kits that gave me everything I needed to create two beautiful projects, including an instruction sheet. I changed a few things to make it my own, but didn't veer too far from their directions so you could see just how quick and easy they are to make.

I couldn't wait to create the "Celebrate Party Hat Card". You can see I stayed with the original theme while still putting my own spin on it.

The polka-dot paper was two sided so I chose not to go with the pink. I have some decorative edge scissors so I used them to trim the papers. Every time I looked at the instructions, the photo looked more like a slice of cheese to me than a party hat. That's why I chose to put the flower at the top. Now that's a party hat. I added a few extra rhinestones I had too.

I wanted to add a sentiment to the inside of my card since they included a set of 15 fun stamps that are made of photopolymer and feature cling technology so they can effortlessly adhere to clear blocks. I love this set. I'm going to be able to use it on so many projects.

I had a block and ink on hand so I was all set. So easy peasy!! A totally unique & cotton pickin' cute card in less that 10 minutes. Yay!

Time to create the next craft, which is the "Best Day Ever Treat Bag".

This was even faster than the card. I cut the top of the bag with my decorative edge scissors and used my ink pad to add a touch of turquoise. Glued the little "Happy Day" phrase they included to the tags that I also cut with decorative edge scissors, and popped on a little rhinestone. After filling the bag with some candy, I wrapped the top of the bag with the twine included, threaded the tags and a sequin onto the string, and tied the bow. Boom, Bam, Done!!

Every day is the perfect day for a Celebration!

Creating paper crafts is a fun way to pass the time and have something wonderful when you finish. It's also a wonderful way to spend time with your kids. You can make something as simple or elaborate as you like. You're only limited by your imagination.

You can learn more about Spellbinders, including video tutorials by visiting their website at: https://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Home.aspx

Disclosure: The Spellbinders brand provided me this sample of Spellbinders Celebrations in exchange for this product review. As alway all opinions are 100% my own.

Hugs Y'all...

But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.

~ Isaiah 64:8

What's In My Beach Bag - #LivingtheSaltLife

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:54:00 +0000

It's just now occurring to me that I haven't even shown you what's in my beach tote this summer. I mean, I have been spending more time with this bag than I have with my purse.

I have my usual Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion and Coppertone dry oil but this year I also added Neutrogena Sport Face lotion for even more protection.

Two beach towels and a camera are a must.

In this little mesh cosmetic bag I keep my hair supplies and chap stick. I love the Burt's Bees Shimmer Stick. It adds a touch of sheer sparkling color.

You can't hit the beach without shades. We can't leave the beach without picking up a few shells, so I made this little beach shell collecting bag earlier this year. I even added a little pouch for sharks teeth.

I take a book to read and Neil usually brings a crossword book to pass the time. Since the beach can make you ravenous, I always pack plenty of snacks, the non-melting kind, along with water and drinks. Neil's drink of choice is Lipton Diet Sparkling Kiwi Green Tea, he loves it. Mine is always coke, but I'm actually enjoying water more than soda these days.

I also have this cool little insulated beach cooler seat. It folds up and is so easy to tote. It's the perfect size for the 2 of us. It's got 2 zippered compartments, one can hold a whole 6 pack of drinks. The other's perfect for keys, change, etc...

I almost forgot, a cover-up like this tee-shirt dress is a must. No putting shorts on over my bathing suit for the ride home. Yuck.

My Top Tips

Tip #1: I hand wash my swimsuit out as soon as I get home for 2 simple reasons. First it keeps my suit from fading and keeps it nice looking, secondly it's washed and ready for that next trip to the beach or pool.

Tip #2: I wash my beach towels and repack my tote, so that I'm ready to go at a moments notice. I NEVER turn down a trip to the beach.

This year I traded in my usual beach bag for this huge tote bag instead. I'm loving how roomy it is. It's so much easier to find things now. But I did need to glam it up, so I sewed on a cute shell charm to the front. Every bag needs a little sparkle.

So that's a glimpse inside my beach tote. My motto is keep it simple. Of course I don't have any little ones to pack for. Been there - done that.

Are you a beach, lake or pool type of girl or guy? What's in your bag?

Sunshine Wishes...

Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters; They have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders of the deep.

~ Psalms 107:23-24

Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash Giveaway #GetNoticed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:45:00 +0000

Disclosure: I love trying new products and being able to share my opinions with you. I received the Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash from the Dial brand to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Just when I think Dial can't come up with anything I'll like more, they do. I'd like to introduce you to the NEW Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash, the newest member of the Dial Coconut Water family.

Coconut Water
& Mango

Ultra Fresh Hydrating Body Wash

Summer 2014 seems to be the season of mango for me. I fell in love with Mango tea and now I can bath in that same great mango scent! Really, I wish I had smell vision for y'all. I love the refreshing scent. Does summer have a scent? I think so and Dial put it in a bottle for us to enjoy. Just a simple little something that makes me happy.

Healthier Skin. Healthier You.

Coconut water is a leading trend known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that help provide replenishing hydration. Mango is known for being nutrient rich and adds a touch of tropical freshness.

Win It

Thanks to Dial 2 Cotton Pickin Cute readers will each win a coupon for a FREE Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash. To enter the giveaway, use the Giveaway Tools form below.

This giveaway will August 6th, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST. The winners will have 48 hours to respond once notified by email, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Entry -Form

Best of luck...

He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

~ Acts 15:9

Win a Years Supply of Purex Fels-Naptha "America's Stain Remover" #Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 07:07:00 +0000

Who says older isn't better? Not me, because the newest product on the block isn't always the best. Take Purex's Fel-Naptha laundry bar for instance. Fels-Naptha has been removing stains for over 100 years.

No kidding, since 1894 Purex Fels-Naptha laundry bar has been working overtime to remove greasy, oily stains, perspiration, and ring-around- the-collar. To celebrate they will be giving away a year's supply each day from July 14-23 at 6 PM .

There's no time to waste......

Enter HERE Now!!!

Best of luck y'all...

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

~ Psalm 51:7

Win a $1000 GC in the Purex One Step Ahead #Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 23:08:00 +0000

Purex is a giving machine! They don't just save you money on the best detergents around, but they also give away prizes because they appreciate their fans and customers so much.

I love being a Purex Insider because I get to share all the good news with you. Right now they have another awesome sweepstakes going on.

How would you like to be the grand prize winner of this awesome prize pack?

A gift certificate valed at $1000 from One Step Ahead
A years supply of Purex Baby Detergent
A years Supply of Purex Crystals for Baby

This sweepstakes ends July 31st 3 PM PST, so be sure to get your entry in now.

To enter this sweepstakes just click here or click the photo above.

Best of luck y'all...

And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. " Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

~ Mark 10:13-16

Random Things I Love This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 12:45:00 +0000

Things I love, like.....

The beautiful shapes and colors the sea deposits on the shore for me to find. As far as the sharks teeth go, Neil seems to have the eagle eye for spotting them this summer.

The bright colors and shape of colors of new clothes before the sizing has been washed out.

Being the first person to flip through a brand new magazine with it's crisp pages. *I'm the lucky recipient of bag fulls of magazines from my neighbor, and hers are almost like new, heck sometimes I think she never opened them.

Giving my feet a paraffin wax treatment.

Playing with all the fun, bold nail polishes available this summer.

Dipping my colorful toes in the sea and sand.

Having a basket full of swimsuits to choose from. *Secret...I still want more. shh - it's our secret.

Giving things away.
Speaking of which, my Hapari Swimsuit giveaway is coming to an end. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Hapari gift code! You can enter here, but hurry it ends July 20th at 11:59 pm EST.

Most of all I love knowing I can look for all the answers in the book next to my bed. Gods word is there for me in good times and in bad. He will never forsake me or you.

Now I want to know what is something that you love. Tell me what makes you smile. Is it your kids, maybe your fur babies? Is it your new flip-flops or an iced coffee? Lets hear all about it, don't be shy...spill the beans!

Happy weekend y'all...

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

~ Jeremiah 33:3

Day Trippin' to Green Cove Springs, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:40:00 +0000

As part of our get out and explore summer, we visited Green Cove Springs, Fl. which is just a short drive from Jacksonville.

Over 7,000 years ago natives first inhabited the area after being drawn by the warm mineral springs.

Green Cove Springs is named after the portion of the St. Johns River where it is built. The river bends here, and the area is sheltered by trees that are perennially green. It's mother natures way of giving visitors a wonderful respite from the summers heat.

I love the mini dips of the rolling green lawn. The Jacksonville area is pretty much as flat as a pancake, with the exception of a few spots.

Doesn't this little bridge have the cutest iron work.

I love spotting sweet little gems like this when I'm out sightseeing.

You can see their city sign represents the spring, river and greenery it's famous for.

Don't you love the old Spanish architecture of the Old City Hall.

The mix of the victorian architecture and spanish moss draping the old oaks leaves a haunting impression.

The hydrological spring, locally know as the "original Fountain of Youth", attracted guests in the 19th century. At the time more than a dozen hotels sprang up near the spring.

Today the sulfur-scented spring water feeds an adjacent public swimming pool.

I still remember taking a Sunday drive with daddy when I was very little girl and visiting the park. Well it could have been a Saturday but that's what dad liked to call those drives. I never forgot the sight of the big pool or how daddy explained it spring fed waters. It's funny how those little moments of time stay with us all our lives. I treasure them.

It's hard to see how deep it is because the crystal clear water clearly shows the beautiful green trees and blue skies in its reflection.

The spring water leaves the pool and travels pass bald cypress knees a short distance to the St. Johns River.

The photo above is the little stream of spring water that flows to the St. Johns River. I love all the greenery of the banana trees surrounding it. Just looking at this photo cools me off by 10 degrees.

Source: http://www.greencovesprings.com/departments/city_pier.php

The city pier is the perfect place to pull up to and take a break. I mean really, who wouldn't enjoy this view.

The Pier provides a centrally located covered pavilion and 12 floating finger boat slips which allows visitors to dock for very affordable prices:

0-6 hours of dockage with electricity and water....$5.00
Over 6 hours with electricity and water $10.00
Overnight with electricity and water......................$20.00

All-in-all, it was another nice day in the south. If you're ever in my neck of the woods be sure to visit Green Cove Springs and stay awhile.

Where have you been lately? Maybe you enjoyed something fun or pretty right in your own neighborhood. I'd love to hear about it. I hope you'll share some comment love with me.

Hugs Y'all...

P.S. Don't forget to stop by and enter my $100 Hapari Swimsuit giveaway here.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; it's leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:8

Nice Weather + Great Summer = Hapari Swimsuit Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 22:50:00 +0000

I can't believe I was dreading the heat of summer so much. Do you know we had a record low maximum temperature of 79 degrees on Saturday? The previous record low/high (does that make sense?) on July 12th was 81 degrees set in 1898. WOW! Think about that. I would have been wearing this....

Instead of one of these...

It would hardly be worth going to the beach, would it? Thank heaven I wasn't living then. Can you imagine Florida's heat and no a/c. ugghhh.

I can still remember the day when we had our central air install at my parents house. No a/c until I was about 5 yrs old. Crazy but we were one of the first families I knew to have it. Funny central air conditioning and the bikini both became big in the U.S. around 1962 and lucky me by 1964 we had both - lucky me! As good as that ice cold a/c felt, a day at the beach always felt better. I'm like a fish out of water on dry land.

You can enter to win my Hapari Swimsuit giveaway where one lucky person will win a $100 gift code good for anything Hapari sells. Just go here to enter. Good luck!

Hugs Y'all...

Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

~ John 3:5

How To Cut a Watermelon Fast with No Waste

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 13:22:00 +0000

Remember the star cut watermelon I showed you last week here.

We enjoyed it all weekend. I usually keep watermelon chunks in a the fridge throughout the summer to snack on but we kind of like having the little stars in our bowls. It's easy to plop 2 or 3 in a bowl for a just the right size refresher. A little hydrating snack throughout the day does a body good.

But whether you want stars or just plain old chunk size bites, I'm going to show you how to get the most out of your watermelon with the least amount of waste.

For years I cut my watermelon in half and stuck the two halves in the fridge, after first fighting to find room for them. Not anymore though. Now I get the most out of my watermelon and there's no wasted space in my fridge either.

Before you even start you it's important to choose the right watermelon. Many people have no idea how to select a watermelon.

Look for a firm, symmetrical watermelon free from bruises, cuts or dents. If the watermelon has any lumps or bumps, this may mean that it received irregular amounts of sunshine or water during growing, causing dryness or inconsistency.
Lift it up. It should be heavy for it's size, as this lets you know that it's full of water and nice and ripe. Always choose the heavier one. This advice is good for most fruit and vegetables.
Look for the field spot. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot. This is where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. The darker the field spot the better. If the field spot is white, or even nonexistent, this probably means that the watermelon was picked too soon, and won't be ripe.
Inspect the color. A perfect, ripe watermelon should be dark green in color and dull in appearance, rather than shiny. A shiny watermelon will usually be underripe.
Give the watermelon a firm rap with your knuckles and listen. A ripe melon should sound full, think more tenor than base. You don't want a dull or deep sound, this means the watermelon is unripe.
Look at the stripes. The more defined they are the longer the watermelon has been on the vine ripening, meaning it will be more sweet.

Cut a small piece off of each end.

It helps to sit your watermelon on the edge of a butcher block or a tray in my case and slice downward. It's not nearly as messy as you would think.

After you cut all the rind off, go back and trim the extra white off too. *Tip -if you do this in the house working on top of a garbage bag makes for easy clean up.

You can display your pretty fruit on a tray or on a stick. You will have lots of bite size pieces left after cutting out your cute shapes. Nothing goes to waste when you cut your watermelon like this. Plus, once stored in covered dishes, it's ready to eat whenever you like.

That's it in 5 easy steps.

Now here are 5 facts about Watermelon...

Watermelon is 92% water.
A great source of vitamins A and C and potassium
It is a cousin to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash
Watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew
The first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1776 contained a recipe for pickled watermelon rind

There's nothing better than a nice cool salad during the hot summer, whether it's a fruit salad or a vegetable salad like my Chilled Herb Tomato Salad here.

Eat light & be happy y'all...

Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works.

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Last Minute 4th of July Party Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 19:46:00 +0000

Did you have big idea's for this years 4th of July festivities? I know, we always do but then life happens. Don't give up yet, I'm here to help you with some easy projects. If you hurry to your local Dollar Tree or other dollar store I think you can still pull off a great party with very little money.

I've put together a last minute shingding for the 4th of July by picking up some inexpensive but festive items, and using a few things I have on hand around the house.

Forgive the dark photos, Hurricane Arthur has been getting in the way with his on and off dark clouds.

There are so many cute patriotic items you can pick up for a buck at the dollar stores. Here's a breakdown of what I used to pull this together.

Dollar Tree Items

Uncle Sam hat
weighted centerpiece
lighted hanging lanterns - 3
pinwheels - 2
2pk of paper medallions
red white & blue metallic garland - 3
door hanger bell
blue metallic cardboard stars
napkins
cupcake papers with toothpick flags
8 pk of batteries for lanterns
pack of Florida's Natural Fruit Strips
bag of flag dinner mints
bag of pixie sticks
pool noodle (at Dollar General)

I spent a total of $19 at Dollar Tree & $1 at Dollar General for a total of $20. Woo-Hoo!!

Things I had on hand

flag bunting
red woven basket
blue flower tray
red, white and blue filler
red, white and blue hanging tin pots
red and blue lanterns
wooden flag candle holders
handmade Pillow
handmade garland
wood flag stars
star confetti
vintage Drum
Wooden skewers

Food

red, white & blue cupcakes
red, white & blue marshmallows
cutout watermelon shapes
variety of candy
cokes, water Lipton kiwi sparkling tea

Stars on a plate or stars on a stick, both are fun and simple. Just slice your watermelon end to end and use cookie cuts to cut out the stars. You can also put a few blueberries and a star on a wooden skewer for a no mess way to eat.

Or you can cut out some cute summer shapes like boats and whales. Those cookie cutters were another $1 find that I found at Michaels craft store last year. They're great for cutting sandwiches too and kids will really get a kick out of them.

How I put it all together

Paint is a diy'ers best friend. The flower trays that hold the drinks were painted a bright new shade of blue and will be hanging on my windows soon. The metal table lanterns were found at a thrift store for a $1 each and I just painted them. Same thing goes for the hanging metal planters that I used as candy holders. I found them at Dollar Tree a few years back and painted them in patriotic colors. Last year I used them to hold flowers on my 4th of July porch.

Wreath

Turn your pool noodle into a wreath by bending and taping the two ends together with clear packaging tape.
Wrap garland around. Mine took 3 1/2 garlands. 4 would have been better but it was fine. I taped mine so I could use the noodle wreath for other holidays by removing the garland.
Using string I tied the door knocker with bells to the center.

I painted an old flower tray to hold the drinks & ice. I used an old drum as a platform for the cupcakes. You can color the cupcake icing with McCormicks food dyes. Top with colored sugar or sprinkles.

Patriotic Marshmallows

Put some sugar in 2 small ziplock bags. With a toothpick add just a few dots of Wilton concentrated paste colors and massage until blending. Keep going it doesn't take much, just work it in good. You can use liquid food color but it may clump a bit until dry. Transfer sugar to ramekins or small dishes.
Dip one end of your marshmallow in a cup of water then dip into blue sugar. Put sugar end on skewer. Repeat dipping the other end in water & red sugar.
Using floral foam inside basket you can now arrange the marshmallow sticks.

DIY Garland

Sorry I didn't get a close-up it's barely visible at the top of the first photo.

Cut triangles out of fabric.
Using hot glue gun (be very careful) lay a ribbon across on the wrong side of the top of the triangles, spacing evenly and glue folding over the top.
Turn over and glue stars to the front.

Be sure to have sparklers on hand for your guest. I made little packages by tying them with ribbons. Be sure to sprinkle your table with some fun patriotic confetti too.

DIY Flag Pillow

You can see my tutorial for the flag pillow here: http://cottonpickincute.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-easiest-diy-sewing-project-ever.html

Here's a picture of last years 4th decorations. You can see more porch decorating ideas here: http://cottonpickincute.blogspot.com/2013/07/decorating-with-old-glory-for-4th-of.html

I bought four of the large flag buntings years ago at Joann's using 40% off coupons. We use them for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day every year. It was so worth it, best buy ever!!

So see it's not too late you just have to HURRY!! I hope you enjoyed my post. Don't forget you can enter my Hapari Swimsuit giveaway to win a $100 Hapari gift code here:

Hapari Giveaway. Be sure to also enter my Denny's giveaway, where you can win a $25 gift card here: Denny's Giveaway.

Wishing you all a fun and safe Independence Day...

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

~ Psalms 33:12

Celebrate At Denny's With a $25 Gift Card #Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:30:00 +0000

Disclosure: Denny's provided me with products for this article, as always all opinions are 100% my own.

My family loves switching things up, like eating breakfast at dinner time for example. Denny's has always been our go to restaurant for that. I love the fact that no matter what time of day - 24/7, I can take my family to Denny's and know that I'll get the same delicious meal in a clean, family friendly environment.

Eating at Denny's is like a mini celebration when we all go out to dinner. Thinking about it, makes me miss all those times when my son was young and we would sit around laughing and having fun over breakfast for supper at Denny's. Neil and I will still run up there at the strangest hours to get a late night bite.

And when we're out of town, on the road we're sure to find a Denny's anywhere we go. Did you know, there are over 1,600 Denny's in the United States? To find the one nearest you, visit http://dennys.com/#/location.

With the 4th of July week upon us, there will be lots of celebrating going on. Go America!!! A lot of you will have family visiting for the long weekend so why not save yourself some time and sanity and take them to Denny's. It's affordable enough to take the whole family and they'll love you for it. You don't have to tell them that you're saving yourself a lot of work. :) And remember Denny's is "America's diner" that's always opened. There is something on the menu for every one at Denny's, they have much more than breakfast to offer their guest. Don't take my word for it, just take a peek at their mouth watering menu here: http://www.dennys.com/.

Here's another reason to smile. Kids eat FREE on Tuesday nights from 4 to 10 PM with the purchase of an adult entree of $4.00 or more!! Denny's is an affordable option for any family meal, with regular kids' meal pricing at around $3.29

Win Your Own Denny's Prize Pack

My friends at Denny's want to give one Cotton Pickin Cute reader a $25 gift certificate to Denny's. The winner will also receive two of the cupcake drink cups filled with a sweet surprise, it's candy - shhh...don't tell anyone. The cups, which are available in stores for $1.99 each with the purchase of a drink, are complete with a red and white striped straw and are great for milk, juice, water or even to bring snacks on the go.

To win simply fill out the #GiveawayTools form below. This giveaway will end on July 12, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected.

Entry -Form

Good luck & Enjoy the celebrations y'all...

For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

~ Psalm 107:9

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DIAL MIRACLE OIL BODY WASH GIVEAWAY

Disclosure: The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash in exchange for a product review. As always all opinions expressed are my own.

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**I also have another Dial giveaway going on. You can click here to enter to win a FREE coupon for Dial hand soap.

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Happy Spring Y'all...

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Last Minute 4th of July Party Ideas

Food

Patriotic Marshmallows

DIY Flag Pillow

Celebrate At Denny's With a $25 Gift Card #Giveaway

Win Your Own Denny's Prize Pack

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