Monday, July 25, 2011

The Christmas In July Event is LIVE! Giveaway Ends 7/31


Welcome to the Christmas In July Giveaway Hop brought to you by Just Married with Coupons, Matter of Cents and Money $aving Michele

I'm excited to be participating in this event! I've put together a fun prize package outlined below! 

Once you're done entering, hop to all the other participating blogs in the list at the bottom of this post. All giveaways end July 31st! Let's check out our sponsors and prizes.


Fluttering Creations
Sponsor Spotlight
Prize: Bottlecap Magnet 4-pack, 3 Holiday Pendants with Chain ($16 Value)



Celebrating Home with Holly 
Sponsor Spotlight
 Shop ~ Facebook 
Prize: $25 Gift Certificate to Celebrating Home


Shop/Save/Love
Sponsor Spotlight
Prize: Scentsy Plug-in and sample scent! ($21 Value)


Win it!
One winner will receive the 3 prizes specified above! Winner takes all!! :)

"Made With Love" Event WINNERS!




Thank you to all who entered this event and supported these awesome sponsors! The following winners were chosen through Rafflecopter, by random.org. They will all be emailed right after posting this. All winners have 48 hours to respond with their mailing information, phone number, and prize choice/colors/materials (if applicable).

Don't forget to enter the "Christmas In July" Event giveaways! Check out my prize package and enter over 100 more on the linky in the post!

If you see your name but did not receive an email, please email me right away at thereynoldsmom @ gmail.com with "MWL Winner" in the subject line.

Congratulations!!

RachelNichole ~ Erin N.
Our Baby Creations ~ Krystyl O.
Two Sweet PotatoesErica F.
jjh creationsJoy N.
DesiderioChocolates ~ Amanda S.
One Orange Giraffe ~ Sarah H.
Peachtree Lane ~ Stephanie E.
Ladesigns2 ~ Sue V.
The Crafty Chic ~ Diane A.
CK Bakery Shop ~ Wanda F.
Urban Walls ~ Tracy T.
Heather's Hobbies ~ FOKXXY
The Orange Owl
~ Jennifer H.
JessyCatsMom ~ Brittney M.
Neko Knits ~ Cyndi S.
NotyBaby ~ Janet W.
Fluttering Creations ~ Natalie O.



Sunday, July 24, 2011

"Made With Love" Event Ends TONIGHT!


 

Hurry! The "Made With Love" event ends tonight! Please keep in mind I will have limited internet access while on a mini vacation with my family for a few days. I will try my best to get all winners picked, verified and at least notified during that time (I hope!). I will forward winner's information to sponsors as soon as I can, with Friday being the latest. I do have the "Christmas In July" event scheduled to go live on Monday too so don't forget to check that out!

 All 29 "Made With Love" giveaways on my blog will close at 11:59pm EST.

Don't forget to visit my Co-Hosts for their giveaways too! Each one has their own set of sponsors!!


RachelNichole ~ Apron of Choice (US/CAN)
Cow Patties Cloth Diapers ~ Cloth Wipes (US/CAN)
Our Baby Creations ~ Pacifier Clip (US/CAN)
Two Sweet Potatoes ~ 2 reusable Snappy Snacks (US only)
Olsen Trademark Crafts ~ $30 Gift Certificate
(US/CAN)
jjh creations ~ $15 Gift Certificate (US only)
Simplicity Cosmetics ~ Mineral Eyeliner/Eyeshadow Trio (US/CAN)
LubethDesigns ~ $25 Gift Certificate (US only)
Calabasas Candy Company ~ Truffle Sampler Box, $24 Value (US only)
DesiderioChocolates ~ Vegan Sea Salt caramels & Three Nut Vegan Nougat
(US only)
YellowPlumBlossoms ~ $40 Store Credit (US/CAN)
One Orange Giraffe ~ $15 Gift Certificate (US/CAN)
Great Cakes Soapworks ~ Natural Facial Soap & Moisturizer (US/CAN)
The Ruffled Cupcake ~ {Norah} Double Headband (US/CAN)
Peachtree Lane ~ Heather Earring Set (US/CAN)
Ladesigns2 ~ Halloween Basket (US/CAN)
The Crafty Chic ~ $20 Gift Certificate (WW)
CK Bakery Shop ~ Jar Cake (US only)
Urban Walls ~ Vinyl Wall Decal (US/CAN)
Heather's Hobbies ~ $25 Gift Certificate (WW)
The Orange Owl
~ Two soaps and a lip balm (US/CAN)
Kaleidoscope Art&Gifts ~ $15 Gift Certificate (WW)JessyCatsMom ~ $15 Gift Certificate (WW)
Queen of Paper Cards ~3 Card Listings of Choice (US/CAN)
A.W.E. Handcrafted Jewelry ~ Flourish Earrings (WW)
Neko Knits ~ Any item in shop (excludes purses) (US/CAN)
Earthly Remedies by Erin ~ Natural Roll-on Bug Repellant (US only)
NotyBaby ~ Double Minky Lovey (WW)
Fluttering Creations ~ $15 Gift Certificate (US only)
 

Friday, July 22, 2011

"Made With Love" Event ~ July 18-24!



Welcome to the 2nd "Made With Love" Event! 

This event features handmade artists and designers who have joined with us in sharing their talents this week. On just my blog, I have 29 sponsors. Each one has been reviewed, and is offering a giveaway prize to my readers! THANK YOU to my wonderful sponsors for making this event possible!

Most sponsors have offered Exclusive Event Promotions too! Just check each sponsor's post!

All giveaways will end on July 24th at Midnight EST. I'm using Rafflecopter to take entries. It's pretty new, and makes entering easy. Please let me know if you have any issues with it and I'll check it out. Below is the list of sponsors, linked to their individual review and giveaway post.

Check out my Co-Hosts! Each one has their own set of sponsors too!!


RachelNichole ~ Apron of Choice (US/CAN)
Cow Patties Cloth Diapers ~ Cloth Wipes (US/CAN)
Our Baby Creations ~ Pacifier Clip (US/CAN)
Two Sweet Potatoes ~ 2 reusable Snappy Snacks (US only)
Olsen Trademark Crafts ~ $30 Gift Certificate (US/CAN)
jjh creations ~ $15 Gift Certificate (US only)
Simplicity Cosmetics ~ Mineral Eyeliner/Eyeshadow Trio (US/CAN)
LubethDesigns ~ $25 Gift Certificate (US only)
Calabasas Candy Company ~ Truffle Sampler Box, $24 Value (US only)
DesiderioChocolates ~ Vegan Sea Salt caramels & Three Nut Vegan Nougat (US only)
YellowPlumBlossoms ~ $40 Store Credit (US/CAN)
One Orange Giraffe ~ $15 Gift Certificate (US/CAN)
Great Cakes Soapworks ~ Natural Facial Soap & Moisturizer (US/CAN)
The Ruffled Cupcake ~ {Norah} Double Headband (US/CAN)
Peachtree Lane ~ Heather Earring Set (US/CAN)
Ladesigns2 ~ Halloween Basket (US/CAN)
The Crafty Chic ~ $20 Gift Certificate (WW)
CK Bakery Shop ~ Jar Cake (US only)
Urban Walls ~ Vinyl Wall Decal (US/CAN)
Heather's Hobbies ~ $25 Gift Certificate (WW)
The Orange Owl ~ Two soaps and a lip balm (US/CAN)
Kaleidoscope Art&Gifts ~ $15 Gift Certificate (WW)
JessyCatsMom ~ $15 Gift Certificate (WW)
Queen of Paper Cards ~3 Card Listings of Choice (US/CAN)
A.W.E. Handcrafted Jewelry ~ Flourish Earrings (WW)
Neko Knits ~ Any item in shop (excludes purses) (US/CAN)
Earthly Remedies by Erin ~ Natural Roll-on Bug Repellant (US only)
NotyBaby ~
Double Minky Lovey (WW)
Fluttering Creations ~ $15 Gift Certificate (US only)


Questions? Links not working? Need help? Interested in a "Featurette" post or advertising? Email me at thereynoldsmom @ gmail.com

 

Christmas In July Sponsor Spotlight: Shop/Love/Save & Scentsy!


Shop/Love/Save is an awesome blog where you'll keep up to date on coupons, deals, freebies and every other way to save your hard-earned money!

Tiffany from Shop/Love/Save has generously offered this Scentsy plug-in and 1 sample scent to the winner of my Christmas In July prize package! Tiffany purchased this prize from her awesome Scentsy consultant, Leanne, and would like to share her love of Scentsy with you!

Value: $21


Check out Shop/Love/Save on Facebook!


This sponsor and prize are part of my Christmas In July prize package! Be sure to come back to my blog between July 25-31 to enter for a chance to WIN this prize!

Christmas In July Sponsor Spotlight: Celebrating Home With Holly Brown


Celebrating Home is all about home, heart and heritage. You'll find beautiful home decor, kitchen and entertaining products, Scents of Home signature fragrances, gourmet food, and so much more!

Holly Brown is an independent distributor for Celebrating Home ~ a Direct Sales home party and fundraising business. If you are interested in selling, hosting a party, or need help raising funds for your organization, please contact Holly! She'd love to hear from you!

Check out Celebrating Home with Holly on Facebook!

Holly is generously giving the winner of my Christmas In July prize package a $25 Gift Certificate to Celebrating Home!

This sponsor and prize are part of my Christmas In July prize package! Be sure to come back to my blog between July 25-31 to enter for a chance to WIN this prize!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Christmas In July Sponsor Spotlight: Fluttering Creations


Did you get the chance to read about Fluttering Creations in my recent review? You probably never knew bottlecaps could be SO much fun, right?  At Fluttering Creations, bottlecaps turn into unique custom gifts, party favors, decor, and accessories! 


Whether you want just one bottlecap accessory or 50, you can turn your next party into a real hit with bottlecap necklaces, magnets, keychains, cupcake toppers and so much more at very affordable prices. Need a bridal or baby shower favor? Personalize your bottlecaps with Denise! She's full of ideas to help you with any task you have. She welcomes all custom orders!

Check out Fluttering Creations on Facebook and Twitter!

Denise has generously offered the winner of my Christmas In July prize package a Holiday Magnet 4-pack, and 3 Holiday Pendants with a Chain!

Value: $16


This sponsor and prize are part of the Christmas In July event! Be sure to come back to my blog between July 25-31 to enter for a chance to WIN this prize!

ECOlunchbox Winner!

The winner of the ECOlunchbox giveaway is...

#9, cupcake mama!

Congratulations! The winner has been notified by email and has 48 hours to respond.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Voda Swim Review, Discount and Giveaway! Ends 8/3


Let's be honest here....I dread putting on a swim suit. Oh, you too? Phew, then it's not just me! I can deal with the love handles and bigger backside from having a baby (2 1/2 years ago!), but the hardest part to fit for me is...ahem...my chest. I was small before, but I think breastfeeding made them shrink to almost nothing. NONE of the swimsuit tops I have from before I had my son even slightly fit now. When I saw the opportunity to review for Voda Swim, I jumped at the chance to see if they could fix my problem.

Voda Swim offers a unique line of bust-enhancing swimwear. Not only are their suits already super cute, but the cups in all their tops are designed to give you more support, lift and cleavage. This patent-pending Envy Push Up design includes no underwire, no stiff padding, and gives a much more natural look than a lot of padded suits give. There are lots of places to see the difference on VodaSwim.com. The material feels a little like foam, but has a very low water absorbency, and does not sag at all when wet. I've seen photos of these suits being worn on other blog reviews, and I'm convinced it works for most women (keep reading for my results!). A Voda Swim bikini, tankini or one-piece suit should increase your bust size by 1-2 cup sizes, and helps you fill out your swimsuit!
I chose the Midnight Envy Push Up® Tankini & Adjustable Scoop to review. As much as I also love the look of every padded bikini and Brazilian swimsuit that Voda Swim offers, my wrinkly mama belly says otherwise! I really like this tankini though, and I don't have to feel one bit self conscience about my belly while having fun in the sun. :)
This tankini features a classic black color, Envy Push Up bust, ruching under the bust, a scooped cut-out with tie in the back, halter-style neck tie, and a long length to fully cover the stomach. I'm 5' 7", and the length goes over the bottoms a little. You can see in the photo above how the cups are not lying flat! This is what you want in a push up swimsuit or padded swimsuit. How else did you think it would work? :) Anyway, they are very shapely, and will definitely provide lift and support for any chest size. The ruching under each cup gives the illusion of a larger bustline too. I love the cut-out in the back and actually had no idea there was one until I received the suit. The website just says a tie in the back. The actual cut-out is a great selling point and is really cute on!
The Adjustable Scoop bottoms are designed for full coverage. Sadly, my seat requires the next size up. Lovely. You can order different sizes for the top and bottom at Voda Swim, but I really thought I was the smaller size. Reality check...once again...I'm no longer the same size and shape I used to be!! I do like how these are actually cut to cover your full seat, and I can just tell I need the next size up to fit better. Right now it just cuts in at the wrong place.  The side ties on these bottoms allow you to adjust how high or how low you want the sides to be. This also effects how and where the bottoms will fit on the seat too. I really like this feature and it helps you achieve the right fit for you (if you actually order the right size!). At the end of each tie are 14K gold plated end caps which definitely add to the personality and higher quality of the swim suit as a whole.

So, did the Envy Push Up work?

Of course I was hoping the Envy Push Up would work and make my chest appear 1-2 cup sizes larger, but sadly, becoming a mother changed my chest SO much that I barely have anything left! Embarrassing, I know. However, this top DID fit (and lift), meaning I had no major gaps and it looks fine. I absolutely believe this push up swimwear provides the look Voda Swim promises for women who start with a little more of a bust than I have. Why? Because NONE of my other swimwear tops give me even the slightest appearance of having some sort of bust. This at least looks like I have something AND I'm comfortable in it! I'm just not showing cleavage and all that like the photos. It also doesn't absorb water or sag like their site says. I like hiding that I'm wearing padded swimwear! Although I am in NO WAY concerned about looking sexy or anything at the pool, it's really nice to just have a suit that actually FITS! And THAT'S why I like Voda Swim!

Voda Swim also offers lots of other styles and colors for every personality and taste. Whether it's a Brazilian bikini, a push up bikini, or a one-piece, each suit offers the patent-pending Envy Push Up. They even offer FREE First Class shipping! They'll even pay your return/exchange shipping too. I hate paying for shipping mostly because it's hard to know something is really going to fit and loosing that shipping cost AND paying to send it back is such a bummer. At Voda Swim, you can shop with confidence and you don't have to worry about your new suit not fitting!

Exclusive Discount!
Use code Reynolds for 10% off at www.vodaswim.com!


Price: The Midnight Envy Push Up® Tankini & Adjustable Scoop I received is $120. A little pricey, but for a good fit and a high quality suit it's worth it.

The Verdict: I love the whole concept of making you look fuller on top, but I'm really just THAT small that it doesn't completely work and a smaller sized top just doesn't exist. However, it still fits well, looks really cute, and this is the best suit top I have (and I have TONS from years past) so I've been wearing it to the pool! I will be taking it with us on a mini vacation to the coast here shortly too! Thank you Voda Swim!


Buy It!
Check out www.VodaSwim.com to get your new suit today!

Win It!
One winner will receive their suit of choice from Voda Swim!

Monday, July 18, 2011

"Made With Love" Event: Fluttering Creations Review and Giveaway Ends 7/24 (US)

~This post is part of the handmade "Made With Love" event. All giveaways run from July 18th-24th. View all 29 sponsors on my blog and visit additional co-hosts for this event HERE


About the Designer...
Hi there! My name is Denise and I am a fun-loving, always smiling daughter, sister, aunt, wife, teacher, friend, and crafter from a small town in New Jersey. I have been making hand-made gifts, party favors and cards since I was a little girl and have always loved being creative. My recent crafting obsession is anything with bottle caps! I decided I was going to make some personalized necklaces as little Valentine's Day gifts for a group of students and the next thing I knew I was listing them on etsy... and the rest is history! My favorite part of making my bottle cap creations is actually making custom designs for my customers. I love when someone emails me and says, "Can you make...?" I love that my creativity can make someone else happy.

Review...
With a passion for all things you can do with bottlecaps, Fluttering Creations is sure to put a smile on your face! From necklaces, keychains, zipper pulls, pins, hair bows and magnets, to cupcake toppers, clips, plaques, and bow holders, you will love what you find!
Denise took my logo to create a Custom Business Package for me! This came as a total surprise to me, and I'm SO excited about this set! Not only is it great for businesses, but it's great for bloggers like myself too! Some day I WILL go to a blogging conference, and proudly wear my new necklace. :)

This set is an incredible value. Valued at only $10, it includes a set of 3 magnetic bottlecap photo/memo clips, one individual bottlecap magnet, and one bottlecap necklace. As you can see, the bottlecap image is completely customizable to whatever you want it to be! Just let Denise know what you need! The necklace features an 18 inch chain with a bottlecap pendant. The 3 clothespin clips have a layer of decorative paper and are then coated with a glossy sealer. The clips and individual bottlecap magnet are each backed with a super strong little magnet. I love the clips so much! They are on my fridge right now, holding up some coloring "art" by my toddler. These are also great for important documents, to-do lists, or photos too.
Bottlecap accessories from Fluttering Creations are a fantastic, affordable option for birthday party favors, wedding favors, bridal/baby shower prizes, and so much more. They're the perfect addition to any gift and come packaged ready to give. I can tell you personally how fun it is to open a personalized gift like this, so I know it's a great option for someone special in your life. So many of her designs are very fun and whimsical, and are great for young kids all the way to adults. I'm sure tweens would love these too!

Denise loves a challenge and enjoys making new things and custom designs. If you don't see what you're looking for, let her know and she'll she what she can do! She's constantly adding new items to her shop and highlights them on her blog too. Here are a few I like!





~Exclusive Event Promotion~
Get 10% off your purchase with code MadeWithLove - Expires 07.31.11


Win it!
One winner will receive a $15 Gift Certificate to Fluttering Creations!

"Made With Love" Event: NotyBaby Review and Giveaway Ends 7/24 (Worldwide)

~This post is part of the handmade "Made With Love" event. All giveaways run from July 18th-24th. View all 29 sponsors on my blog and visit additional co-hosts for this event HERE


About the Designer...
Hi my name is Maria. I am a wife to a wonderful & supportive guy and a mother of a sweet 2-year old boy. When he sleeps, I make boutique-style baby accessories that are stylish and functional! The name "Noty" was my nickname when I was growing up. Once I found out we were expecting our little son, the obsession for anything baby began! So, with the help of another pregnant friend, I rediscovered my sewing skills from grade school and my passion for amazing fabrics! I started off by making blankets & burp cloths for my baby and for friends as shower gifts. I started getting referrals and special requests from friends and family for my creations that I wanted to have a forum so people can view my stuff. Now I make blankets, bibs, burpies, paci-bibs, loveys, car seat canopies, changing mats and other custom orders!

Review... 
NotyBaby is the place to go for fashionable yet functional baby blankets, baby accessories, nursing covers, and more! A great blanket is certainly a necessity, and NotyBaby has one that's made it to the top of my list.
 
Maria sent me the 2D Zoo Stroller Blanket to review for her. It features Alexander Henry’s 2D Zoo in blue cotton print and a navy blue minky dot fabric for a luxuriously soft side for your baby (or toddler!). The print is one of my favorites, and is such a classic, yet modern choice for baby accessories right now. As you can see, the blanket is delivered in a beautiful presentation, ready for giving as a gift. This blanket is top stitched perfectly, and just feels so thick and durable. If should certainly last for years, and I hope to pass it on to the next kiddo.

Minky blankets from NotyBaby come in a variety of sizes. The stroller blanket I received is the smallest at 30" x 40" and is still generously sized. Yep, that's my silly little boy! He's a very tall 2 1/2 year old, and this blanket is the perfect size for cuddling on the couch and still easily covers his legs and most of his body. He LOVES his new blanket and puts the minky side up to his face to feel how soft it is all the time. I'm really loving everything about this blanket, and I'm a hard one to convince when it comes to blankets!

One word of caution, be careful to not shrink this blanket! Sadly, I left it in the dryer on medium heat for only about 20 minutes and the print fabric shrunk a little (and the minky dot did not!). Not at all a reflection of NotyBaby, but I would recommend hanging the blanket to dry the first couple times to avoid what I did! It's cotton so I should have known better!

Here's what an Etsy customer had to say about their purchase of a Minky Dot blanket from NotyBaby!
"Wonderful seller, amazing product. We love it so much its used daily in and out of the house. The minky side is SO soft I put it close to baby's skin to feel the warmth. High quality product, beautiful fabric, just all around great!"
I LOVE this Groovy Guitars printed Minky Blanket too!

Maria creates truly beautiful blankets and other baby necessities that you'll definitely want to check out. She is very professional and passionate about her work. You will not be disappointed! She's also putting together NotyBaby.com, so be sure to check on it's progress often!


~Exclusive Event Promotion~
Get 10% off anything in NotyBaby's Etsy shop for the month of July with coupon code MADEWITHLOVE at checkout!

Win it!
One winner will receive a Double Minky Lovey from NotyBaby! 
(Winner's choice of print from available fabrics)

"Made With Love" Event: Earthly Remedies by Erin Review and Giveaway Ends 7/24 (US)

~This post is part of the handmade "Made With Love" event. All giveaways run from July 18th-24th. View all 29 sponsors on my blog and visit additional co-hosts for this event HERE~


About the Designer...
Hi my name is Erin Ethier- I am the owner of Earthly Remedies by Erin. I have been married for almost 10 years to my best friend. We have two wonderful sons who are 6 and 9, along with 2 dogs, a bunch of chickens, and some bees!!! We live about 50 miles west of Albany, NY. Three years ago I started playing around with making some healing salves with no chemicals, no petroleum, no preservatives, no parabens, no GMO's, and no synthetic fragrances because both my youngest son and husband were having skin problems and nothing was working. Well the salves worked and brought them relief! I was then encouraged by my family to try and sell my products. My business has grown ever since and continues to grow.

I make a wide array of salves, along with some hand/face/body creams, a baby line that is cloth diaper safe, a pet line and so much more. I am currently working on a sunscreen, deodorant, acne treatment, and shampoo at the request of customers. I strive to create products for my customers that have no chemicals and are mostly organic. Overall, I try to create something that you can feel good about using on your body.

Review...
If you're interested in natural, chemical-free products, check out Earthly Remedies by Erin. You'll be impressed by her all-natural bath, body, baby, and pet care handcrafted products that are mostly organic!

I received the Essential Oil Roll-on Bug Off from Earthly Remedies by Erin. It's loaded with various 100% organic essential oils and organic sunflower oil that, in combination, are very effective in keeping away bugs. Erin recommends this be used on your exposed skin, ankles, wrists, or anywhere you find bugs are "bugging" you! It does NOT contain DEET, a potentially harmful chemical commonly found in bug repellants. 
I love how easy this rolls on, and you don't have to get your hands covered in a lotion, or risk getting a spray in your eyes (or your kids' eyes!). You also don't have to use much because this has a very strong citronella scent. You know those citronella candles you burn outside while sitting outside in the evening? This is like the same concept, only it's on your skin. It's SO easy to use! 

I was honestly skeptical about the effectiveness of a bug repellant without all the harsh chemicals. I don't really know why I felt that way, but it's great to try an all-natural product to open my eyes to something new! It definitely works! I had no idea essential oils could have such an effect on keeping bugs away. I'm also very excited that this can be used on my son, and safely too.
I'd love to try Erin's Essential Oil Roll-on Breathe Deeper, Foaming Face Wash, or Eczema Relief Cream just to name a few. Her commitment to quality, all-natural ingredients in her products is fantastic and impressive! She certainly has something for the whole family, including Wool Dryer Balls, Wool Longies and Wool Soakers, and skincare products for babies too!


~Exclusive Event Promotion~
Take 10% off your order when you mention “Made With Love”! You must email orders to info@earthlyremediesbyerin.com to take advantage of this offer.


Win it!
One winner will receive Essential Oil Roll-on Bug Off from Earthly Remedies by Erin!