Saturday, September 28, 2013

Day#18 of the Kindness Challenge


To join the 21 Days of Kindness Challenge please visit http://www.kindspring.org/

The first duty of love is to listen. --Paul Tillich 

Day 18: Make Time To Listen To Someone

The Idea: Each day we amass such a wealth of experience. Joy, sorrow, hope, wonder, fear, love, disappointment, inspiration ... there is so much that a single life contains, and sometimes the greatest gift we have to give -- is that of simply listening to each other. So today's challenge is to make time to listen to someone in your life. Focus on listening deeply, without judgment and with total presence, to whatever they have to share, whether it's about their current struggles, highest aspirations or whatever else may be bubbling to the surface in the moment. Because sometimes the humble act of listening can do more to serve than even the most well-intentioned advice. If you want to step-it-up, make a commitment to reach out to someone who you think could use a listening ear each week. 

Friday, September 27, 2013

TruMoo & Goosebumps Haunted Halloween Hollywood Vacation Sweepstakes



TruMoo is dressing up for Halloween this year, with the same delicious taste and feel-good nutrition underneath.

As a member of Bzzagent, I received a FREE product coupon in exchange for this review.  I received no further compensation and all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

Using my FREE coupon, I was able to pick up a 1/2 gallon of the chocolate TruMoo at my local grocery store.  Unfortunately for me, the store did not have any gallon sizes in stock.  They also did not have the orange vanilla variety.  I will have to check with a different store for this variety as I think it would be so cool as a special treat for my youngest for Halloween.  

Anyways, I took the TruMoo home and put it in the fridge and when I decided to go try a little for myself this is what I found 



the jug was almost empty.  I asked my little guy if he had drank all of that because it hadn't even been in the fridge for 30 minutes and he said "I didn't even know we had it."  Well that left just one other suspect....the Husband.  I looked at him and he grinned and said "at least I left you some."  I had forgotten just how much my hubby loves chocolate milk LOL.  I poured myself a little bit and told hubby to leave the rest for our son and promised to pick up some more soon.  I REALLY hope to find the NEW vanilla in Halloween orange because I like to send little treats back to college with my older too.  :)

I have to say that I really enjoyed the rich flavor of TruMoo.  And as a mom, I really appreciate the fact that it is made from pure, fresh milk from a trusted dairy with no articial growth hormones or high fructose corn syrup added.  It tastes great and even has 35% less sugar that the leading chocolate milk brand.  This milk is packed with 8 essential nutrients:  calcium, protein, vitamins A,D, and B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium.  All of these are important components for building strong bones, teeth, and muscles.


*A leading low-fat and fat-free chocolate milk brand contains 28g of sugar per serving. TruMoo® low-fat and fat-free chocolate milk contains 18g of sugar per serving.

TruMoo is getting into the spirit of Halloween by dressing up with a limited spooky edition of chocolate and a NEW vanilla in Halloween orange.  Plus they are giving everyone a chance to win a
Goosebumps Haunted Halloween Hollywood Vacation and get $2 off any Goosebumps DVD with your next TruMoo purchase.

TruMoo gets a big thumbs up at my house.  
Just like the label says "so YUMMY it'll make you SCREAM!"


Day#17 of the Kindness Challenge

To officially join the 21 day KindnessChallenge visit www.kindspring.org 

A compliment is verbal sunshine. -- Robert Orben 

Day 17: Compliment Two People Today


The Idea: Today is the day to think your nice thoughts out loud. Sometimes we underestimate the simple act and art of paying a genuine compliment. And yet we've all experienced how words of warmth and heartfelt admiration can lift our spirits, and rekindle faith in ourselves. So now is the time to pay that feeling forward! Use this day's challenge as an opportunity to tune into the gifts of people around you. Whether it's a colleague, friend, family member or a stranger you cross paths with on the street, take a moment to really appreciate something about them, whether it's their smile, their attitude, their actions or even something as simple as their outfit. If you want to step it up, make an effort to pay an authentic compliment to every single person you have more than a five-minute interaction with today. Notice how becoming more aware of the good you see in others, and expressing it, has the immediate effect of sweetening your own day ... 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Reminder - Giveaways ending September 30th


win $25 gift card sponsored by Green Giant through MyBlogSpark 

and

FREE product coupon for full size package of Purex Ultra Packs plus Oxi  sponsored by Purex Insiders

You can't win if you don't enter!

$10 off $25 JCP in-store

thru October 2nd you can save $10 off your purchase of $25 or more at JCPenny

IAMS so good!


I was offered the chance to review IAMS as a member of Smiley360.  
All opinions expressed here are 100% my own and not influenced in any way.  
I received a $10 Kroger giftcard in order to purchase the IAMS dry food product of my choice.  
I used it to purchase the 6.3 oz package of IAMS so good pictured above (cost  $9.49 w/o tax).

I love the IAMS brand for several reasons including the fact that they add NO sugar, dyes, or artificial preservatives to their products.  Now as a mother, I don't like to fill my kids full of crap so why would I want to fill my furbaby full of it?  

IAMS so good is a tail-waggin' tummy lovin' nutrition that includes irresistible chicken flavor that is bowl lickin clean and satisfaction guaranteed (sounds a little like KFC huh?).  It has veggies and Fruit with natural fiber for a healthy tummy and protein packed Chicken for a strong, healthy body.  The crunchy kibbles help keep teeth strong, healthy, and white.

One thing that I noticed is that they also post a feeding guideline on the package that goes by weight.
this is very helpful because overfeeding or underfeeding your pet is harmful to their health just like a human.

IAMS is manufactured by the IAMS company which is a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, one of the most trustworthy bands of all time.  IAMS offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and lists a "use by date" on the package just like "real people food".  For more info on IAMS visit here.  Remember that IAMS is available in the pet aisle at your local Krogers so you can make Krogers your "one stop shop" you can even find coupons here to help save money on your next purchase :)

Day#16 of the Kindness Challenge - How are you doing?


I haven't posted the challenge everyday because you and I both know there are many ways to show kindness. The ideas suggested here from Kind Spring are merely suggestions to help you stay on track with the challenge.   Personally, I have had a lot of fun with this during the past few days. I have left little surprises wherever I go for strangers to find:  a rootbeer in the drink machine outside Krogers,  baskets filled with candy around campus at my kid's school, a bag of "necessary goodies" for a struggling friend, cooked dinner for a friend, etc.....How are you doing?  Personally, I believe that the challenge is to make acts of kindness part of your everyday life. Just think about what a better world we would have if everyone were more considerate of others.  

In silence there is eloquence. Stop weaving and see how the pattern improves. -- Rumi 

Day 16: Spend 15 Minutes In Silence


The Idea: Today, carve out time in your day for quietude and stillness. Sometimes in the whirl of activity and chatter of the weeks we lose connection with the deeper parts of ourselves and our highest intentions. Moments of silence and stillness can be real teachers. And the beauty of it is that by getting back in touch with ourselves we strengthen our capacity for touching the lives of others. For fifteen minutes today, practice a form of silence and going within that resonates with you, whether that's through meditation, prayer, a simple walk in the garden, or just sitting on your front porch in gratitude. Whatever the form, let the spirit of it be that of reconnecting with yourself. If you want to step it up, increase the fifteen minutes to an hour. Use those moments of silence as a touch point through the day. Notice how the quality of your attention and interactions change as you carry that experience forward. 

To officially join the 21 Day Kindness Challenge please visit www.kindspring.org 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Comfort baby products from Krogers


I received a bzzkit from BzzAgent containing FREE item coupons for the products pictured above in order to fascilitate this review.  I received no further compensation and my opinion was not influenced by anyone other than my friend Amy and our experience using the products on her little one.

I have a friend who is struggling right now because her husband is laid off from his job and they have a new baby.  I was thrilled when I was asked to participate in the Comforts Bzzcampaign because I knew that Amy could really use these and I also knew that I trusted the Kroger company to provide a good store brand that a mother could trust.  You should have seen Amy's face when I stopped by the other day to drop off these goodies!  At first she was like all shocked and appreciative and then her pride stubbed up and she said she couldn't accept a hand out.... I told her that there was no hand out here that if she wanted these products she had to help earn them :)  I explained to her that I was using her baby as sort of a guinea pig for BzzAgent and that I needed her to give me an honest opinion on the quality of these products in order to complete the review.  After hearing this, she smiled sweetly and agreed to let me know how she liked everything. 

Well, this afternoon Amy called to say that she was absolutely thrilled with everything!  She gave a glowing report of the Comforts diapers saying that she had had no leaks and any mother knows that is a bonus.  She was equally thrilled with the Comforts wipes (I got her the Unscented variety) as she said they were nice and thick and big enough to handle even the messiest job.  She also said that the baby wash & lotion left little Madison smelling so good just like baby products should.  Amy is quite a fashionista herself so she absolutely adored the cutsie little bibs especially the pink cheetah prints.  Overall, she had absolutely no complaints and just bragged and bragged about how she was so thrilled with everything and thankful for the opportunity to review the Comforts line.  She assures me that she will definitely be purchasing Comforts for Madison from now on as the price is much more affordable without losing quality.  I think the name "Comforts" is perfect for the Krogers line of baby products because it not only brings comfort to baby but also to mommy :)

The prices for the products pictured are:
comforts diapers - $6.21
comforts wipes - $1.67
comforts lotion - $1.57
comforts wash - $1.77
comforts bibs - $6.99

Here's a little Info about the products:
  • products are dermatologist approved tested & approved by pediatricians
  • Comforts diapers have an ultra-absorbent core that shields your baby's sensitive skin from moisture
  • Comforts diapers also have a hypoallergenic liner to help reduce irritation 
  • Comforts diapers have soft, stretchy side panels, and dual leg cuffs with a back waistband to provide optimal leakage protection
  • Comfort Wipes clean and moisturize without alcohol or other harsh chemicals
  • They come in Sensitive, Fragrance Free, Scented, Shea Butter, and Toddler varieties
  • The baby shampoo, wash and lotions are also hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested 
  • the shampoo is clinically tested to be tear-free and gentle on baby's eyes and also comes in a lavender and chamomile scent to relax and soothe your baby
  • The wash is also tear-free and is an ultra-mild cleanser that builds a rich lather without irritating skin or eyes
  • the wash is 100% soap-free, dye-free and ph balanaced and also comes in a Night Time Baby Bath variety
  • the Comforts lotion is mild enough for even the most delicate skin 
  • Non-greasy formula protects baby's skin from dryness and leaves it soft and smooth
  • All are Paraben and phthalate free
  • The Baby Bibs & Burp Cloths are so cute and come in a variety of prints and patterns that are absolutely adorable and function well to protect baby's clothes (and yours) from spit-up messes
  • There are many other products available in the Comfort line such as teethers, toys, feeding utensils, cups, etc.
Be sure to stop by the baby aisle at your local Krogers!  
With one-stop shopping, Comforts help pick up where the stork left off!
To learn more about the products visit comfortsforbaby.com 


Sunday, September 22, 2013

Day #12 of the kindness challenge


We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill 

Day 12: Donate Clothing Or Household Goods


The Idea: Stuff, despite our best intentions, often tends to accumulate. We sometimes end up with a closet or cupboard of wonderful things that we hardly, or never use. Things that could make a world of difference to someone else. Today is the day to go through that shelf or closet and pick out an item (or items) that you'd like to pay-forward to a family in need, or a shelter, thrift store or orphanage in your area. It's a wonderful feeling to give things a new lease of life in this way. To step-it-up host a clothing drive amongst your circle of friends and family. It spreads joy, reduces your imprint on the environment and has the added benefit of de-cluttering your space! 

To officially join the 21 day Kindness Challenge visit www.kindspring.org 

Target Shampoo & Body Wash Deal


Now this was a Target deal to brag about.  
6 large pump bottles of Pantene (assorted shampoo & conditioner)  $6.59 each
3 bottles of tone $3.49 each
2 Lindt candy bars (one didn't make it home LOL) $2.79 each

Used 3 x BOGO mfg. Q Pantene coupon (max value $.4.99 each)
Cartwheel deducted $2.64
2 x $1/1 Target Q for Tone + 2 x $1/1 mfg Q for Tone matched with store promo B2G1 FREE
2 x $2/1 mfg Q for Lindt + 2 x $1/1 Target Q for Lindt
and $2 ShopKick reward
Paid $25.81 O.O.P. 
Got back $20 in Target Gift Cards for the Pantene promo buy 3 get $10

basically ended up costing me $5.81 for all this 

LA Looks hair gel for a quarter :)


Picked up these two large bottles of L.A. Looks hair gel at Kroger for just a .25 each
 using a .75/1 coupon matched with sale price of $1 each.  

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Help Save a Life - Be the Match!



I personally registered with the National Marrow Donor Program shortly after the birth of my 3rd child.  There was a local drive hoping to find a match for a 3 year old girl in my community.  It wasn't anyone that I knew but I had an overwhelming desire to try to help this family.  I wasn't a match but I was placed on the national registry for future needs.  As a mother, I knew that if my child were suffering from cancer I would want someone to do the same if they could.  I encourage you to think about registering with the "be a match" program in an effort to help save lives.
  For more info please visit bethematch.org

For people with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma or other diseases, a cure exists.  Be the Match connects patients with the donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant.  

**I am in no way affilliated with this program.  I was not asked to write this blog post and did so purely on my own with only good intentions.

Day#9 the Kindness Challenge


To officially join to 21 days of Kjndness Challenge visit www.kindspring.org 

Unexpected intrusions of beauty. This is what life is. - Saul Bellow 

Day 9: Surprise Someone With Flowers


The Idea: Flowers have a way of warming the heart instantly. Spill some floral cheer into someone's life today! Pick some flowers from your garden, or buy some from your local florist. Or if you're feeling artistic, fashion your own flowers from cloth or paper. Surprise a friend, neighbor, colleague, or relative with a charming bouquet. To step-it-up, gift flowers to someone who renders an unheralded service to the world. Maybe the security guard or the janitor at work, or a construction worker or toll booth operator in your town. 


Idea of the Day

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

How I'm getting my son's college text books FREE


I have two kids in college which could be ridiculously, crazy expensive but.... believe it or not we've managed to keep it under control.  My kids enrolled in a private work-study school where they are required to work 10 hrs a day on campus in exchange for full tuition (YES I said full tuition).  They are responsible for paying for room & board to the tune of $8000 a semester YIKES!  

This is my son's second year and my daughter's first.  Last year DS received enough scholarship money to completely pay for his room, board, and books likewise DD has done the same and actually will pocket around $7,000 at the end of the year in unused scholarship money (She's very smart) and lucky for her most of her scholarships are renewable so she doesn't need to worry about the next three years.  On the other hand, DS's scholarships were not renewable so he had to dig deep and find more and luckily he was able to land some aid that is renewable for the duration of his college career YIPEE.  However, we still ended up having to pay $1,000 out of pocket/semester plus books.  But, I am not complaining because that cost is nothing compared to what it could be.  But, I did have a plan I was able to cover the cost of his books using SWAGBUCKS.  I cashed in my points for Amazon codes and used them to pay for text books ordered through Amazon (now that's what I call smart thinking).  And even better, I am well on my way to having next semester's books covered using SWAGBUCKS too!

I know that many of you are looking to earn extra money to pay for things your family needs.  Maybe it's Christmas which is just about 100 days away.  SERIOUSLY?  Yes!  SWAGBUCKS allows you to choose rewards that best suit your needs such as Target, Walmart, BestBuy, ToysRus, Kmart, JCP, Bath&Body, StarBucks, gas cards, or even PayPal.  There's nothing to loose!  Nothing to invest except for your time.  You simply register and start using them to do internet searches, answer a daily poll, watch a SBTV ad, etc... You earn points and turn that into cash (or cards in this case LOL).  So why not check it out HERE.  

**The link provided is my referral link


Win a $25 gift card & help STOP bullying


Last week I told you about the Green Giant Company partnering with PACERS National Bullying Prevention Center and We Day Minnesota to help parents "Raise A Giant" and put a STOP to bullying in their community!   Bullying has become an epidemic that plaques our schools and creates longterm negative effects on society.  PLEASE take a moment to read the full post HERE  where you can also enter the drawing for the $25 gift card.  

Day#7 of the Kindness Challenge


Visit www.kindspring.org to officially join the 21 days of Kindness Challenge

Kiindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. --Lao-Tzu 

Day 7: Send A Handwritten Note

The Idea: In today's world of texts, voice messages and email, receiving a handwritten letter or card is increasingly rare. And yet we all know the incomparable feeling of opening one up. There is something personal, vulnerable and profound in the act of putting pen to paper, and translating heartfelt thoughts into ink. Today is your day to do just that! Write a letter to a dear friend, relative or colleague who you are feeling grateful to have in your life. To step-it-up, write to more than one person, include the lessons you have learned from them, and how you have applied them in navigating your own life. 

Idea of the Day

Monday, September 16, 2013

Looking Back ....

I started this blog in February 2009 after a very successful experiment with couponing.  I was so excited that I had learned the trick to saving money on the things I needed for my family that I wanted to share my experiences with others.  This post http://elle-tn.blogspot.com/2009/02/life-is-expensive.html started it all.  I'm not sure what happened to the picture posted but for some reason it just disappeared ??  but I remember that trip like it was yesterday.  I was so proud and if you take a minute to read the bottom line of what it cost me and what I hauled home I think you'll understand why I was so excited  Excited wasn't really the right word more like PROUD.  So proud that I actually carried around a copy of the picture and showed it to everyone I knew LOL.  Unfortunately, somewhere along the way that picture disappeared too.

Couponing has been a life saver for my family.  Shortly after I really learned to coupon my husband lost his job when the economy tanked.  Couponing saw us through the economic recession and it's helping us get through the economic recovery.  If you are new to the couponing band wagon and need a little encouragement I'd be glad to help :) 

Cable TV - the good, the bad, and well you know... the bill!

We pay a pretty hefty cable bill every month and yet we still complain there is nothing on tv.  Recently, our contract expired and I noticed our billing increased by over $30.  I called the company and after much arguing and insisting to be transferred to someone who could give me a better deal I got my bill lowered (ironically even less than the expired promotional rate) and added more premium channels with no contract and no short term promo rate.

While the new programming does include Showtime and HBO, I must admit I have my tv settings adjusted to block anything over PG13 so basically all of those channels are of no interest to my family. However, our new line-up does include Insp and Up as well as MeTv.    I am so excited that we now have lots of inspirational & classic family friendly shows to choose from as well as the fact that we saved money.

I suggest that you check with your cable company and see if you can get a better deal.  If at first you don't succeed CALL BACK.  My first attempt got me nowhere.  I hung up and called back and stood my ground and it paid off.  LMK if it works for you :)


Day#6 of the Kindness Challenge

Visit www.kindspring.org to join the 21 days of Kindness Challenge

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Day 6: Beautify Your Neighborhood

The Idea: Sometimes the smallest things can make the heart sing! Add a little touch of beauty to your community today. Perhaps you'll choose to post an inspiring message on a lamp post, or create vibrant chalk art on the sidewalk. Maybe you'll plant flowers in your front yard for passersby to enjoy, or rake leaves or mow the lawn for your neighbors. If you want to step-it-up throw a Trash Party! Bring friends and family together to pick up litter in a public park or community space. No matter what you choose to do, let today's act of kindness draw you into a deeper awareness of the quiet beauty in your own life. 


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Day#4 of the Kindness. Challenge



Day 4: Thank A Public Servant Today


The Idea: The daily whirl of our lives is supported by the steadfast contributions of so many unsung heroes. From the person who delivers your mail, and the one who collects your garbage, to the bus driver who gets you to school or work on time, and the police officers who help keep your neighborhood safe.Today is your chance to celebrate one of them! Make time to express your gratitude verbally. And if you want to step-it-up think of a small gift you can surprise them with and accompany it with a personalized Thank You card. Because everyone appreciates appreciation :)

Visit www.kindspring.org  to join the challenge

Friday, September 13, 2013

Bullying - Pledge to help STOP bullying and enter to win a $25 gift card


As a mother of three, I have faced many incidents where my children were being bullied.  And quite honestly, I actually can remember times in my own childhood where I was bullied.  And even worse, it has actually happened to me as an adult.  With all that being said, I'm even sadder to tell you that just yesterday a young man in my community took his own life to end his torture.  I can NOT imagine the pain that rips through the hearts of his parents knowing that they couldn't protect their child from bullies.  Sixteen year olds should be having the time of their life not taking it by their own hand.  I only hope that school administrators will take serious actions to put a STOP to the madness and punish the bullies to the fullest extent allowable under the system and even through the courts.  Kids have to learn that there are consequences for their actions and that being a bully and tormenting someone is not acceptable.

Ironically, this all occurred at the same time I was invited to write a blog post about Green Giant and their partnership with PACERS National Bullying Prevention Center and We Day Minnesota to help parents Raise a Giant and put a stop to bullying in their community.

What does it mean to be a giant?  It isn't about being the biggest or the best.  It means standing up for others!  It means lending a hand to someone in trouble or needs a helping hand.  Studies show that the most effective way to stop a bully is to speak up and say "that's not okay" but that's a tough thing to do sometimes.  And that's why we need your help.  We're asking parents to write a letter to their kids telling them how they are special and encouraging them to be a part of bullying prevention.  Please visit RaiseAGiant.com to read letters written by other parents (including myself) and to post your own.  I also challenge you to spread the word with your friends and challenge them to become a part of the movement.

**Disclaimer - The information and prize pack were provided by Green Giant through MyBlogSpark.

Check out this video about how to Raise a Giant.

I did a little research on my own and did you know that 75% of kids admit to being bullied at least once in their school career?  Did you know that bullies usually suffer from a dysfunctional home life, suffer from a bad past social experience, or act out of pure jealousy?  Did you know that being a bully sets a pattern for antisocial behavior that can stick with a person through-out their entire life? And that bullies are more likely to drink alcohol, smoke, use illegal drugs, drop out of school, and commit crimes.  Did you know that victims are more prone to suffer from anxiety and low self-esteem that may cause them to become violent, commit suicide, or seek revenge through school shootings or bombings.  Do you see the seriousness of this problem?  
Let's pledge to make a change and STOP this madness.  Together we can make the world a better place!
I only wish it wasn't too late for Josh, the young man I spoke of earlier.

*I received no compensation for writing this post however a donation in the name of Crazy with the Crawfords was made to the PACER's Center for Bully Prevention.

 General Mills through MyBlogSpark supplied me with a $25 gift card to give away.  Enter to win by commenting below that you have visited the RaiseAGiant.com  and become an active participant in this movement by writing a letter and what you plan to do to help STOP the madness of bullying.  A winner will be drawn on September 30th. and announced here.  Winner will have 24 hours to contact me with their info.  

Purex UltraPacks plus Oxi + Giveaway


Introducing NEW Purex UltraPacks - now with the stain fighting power of Oxi.

As a member of Purex Insiders, I was given a pack of these convenient, easy to use  laundry pods.   I was especially excited to hear FedEx knock on my door this morning because I was right in the middle of starting the laundry when I realized that I was completely out of detergent. UGH does that ever happen to you?  Now anyone who knows me knows that I am not the Donna Reed or June Cleaver type of homemaker.  I typically just stay in my pj's and don't even bother to shower until I get the housework done so running out of laundry detergent put a real kink in my plans for the day.  I had just about decided it was s sign that I could take the day off and sat down to watch the Walton's when here came FedEx lol.  
Now that is more like a sign!  

Of course Purex is my favorite detergent because I know I can trust the 2x cleaning power in every drop and it always leaves my clothes bright, white and clean.  These little laundry pods were no exception.  At first I was skeptical and wondered how on earth those tiny little detergent capsules could possibly take care of my dirty laundry.  But as usual I was thrilled with the outcome time and time again. 

Each tinycapsule contains enough concentrated liquid detergent and dissolved quickly once added to the laundry. No measuring, no accidental spills, no more mess!  Just toss one in and start the machine. And even better, it's estimated the average family can save $45 a year by using Purex UltraPacks plus Oxi. 

Since I have 2 college kids I decided to cash in two of the coupons provided in the kit and send a package of Purex UltraPacks with Oxi back to the dorms so that the ladies of Carrick and guys of Howard could try these too. I also printed off instruction for the Purex Laundry Help App (check it out here) to post over the machines. I don't know how laundry could be made any easier for college laundry newbies. 

I did save a coupon to give away so for your chance to try these for free please comment below.
This giveaway will end September 30th.  
Winner will be posted here and will have 24 hrs to contact me or forfeit the prize..
Plus Purex is hosting a sweepstakes Enter here
 Find the red jersey hidden somewhere on Purex.com and WIN 
$50 (10 winners) **HINT - Just Toss and Go!

Please note a few safety warnings:

SAFETY FIRST


1. DO NOT let children handle laundry products.

2. DO NOT PUNCTURE.

3. Store out of child's sight and reach.

4. If swallowed or exposed to the eye, call 1-800-457-8739
    and seek medical attention immediately.


**Disclaimer- I received this product in exchange for my personal opinion and in order to fascilitate this review for my Crazy with the Crawfords.  All opinions expressed here are my 100% my own and I received no further compensation.

Warm Up Your Walls HouseParty


HP Warm Up Your Walls House Party House Party

Host an HP Warm Up Your Walls House Party

Warm Up Your Walls this holiday season with HP Photo Wall Décor! Get the girls together for some fun as you showcase your favorite photos on stunning HP Canvas and Mounted Photos, including new Multi-Panel Canvas and Multi-Panel Mounted Photos, available with same- or next-day pickup from your local Walmart Photo and Meijer Photo store. Pose for festive photos together, learn about great photo gift ideas and Warm Up Your Walls together with HP Photo Wall Décor.
If selected and confirmed as a host, your exclusive Party Pack will contain:
  • Host coupons for 1 FREE 16x20 HP Photo Canvas, 1 FREE 8x20 HP Mounted Photo and 1 FREE 5x7 HP Mounted Photo for you to make before your party featuring your own photos (over $60 retail value)
  • Party prize coupons for 4 FREE photo gifts to give to your guests (including 1 24x72 Photo Banner, 1 11x14 Canvas, 1 Custom Cover Photo Book and 1 Wall Calendar; range in value from approx. $15 to $30 each)
  • Twelve party guest coupons for 1 8x20 HP Mounted Photo to make for $5 ($14.96 savings)
  • “12 Days of Photos Gifts” coupon flyers to share with friends/family
  • Plus, lots of fun, festive photo props, crafts, decorations and more!

Hosting opportunities are limited. Apply Now

Day #3 of the Kindness Challenge



 

Day 3: Gift Your Favorite Book


The Idea: Books can serve as lifelines and lighthouses along our journey. They can be a place of refuge and renewal. Think of a book that has special meaning for you and gift it to someone you think would enjoy it. Maybe it's a book that shaped your life trajectory, or comforted you through a difficult patch, maybe it's a book that had you erupting into uncontrollable giggles. Have fun thinking about the perfect person to send it to in your life -- or let serendipity strike and leave it on a park bench or at a restaurant table! If you'd like to step-it-up, inscribe a special message in it, or slip a handwritten note between the covers describing what this book means to you and why you want to pass it on.

Visit www.kindspring.org to join the challenge

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Step into Fall $1,000 sweepstakes from Purex


Summer has officially ended and school is in full swing. 
 Let Purex help you step into fall with a bang.
Enter to win $1,000 from Purex 

Soda Stream


My daughter applied to host the new Soda Stream Fizz Ed 101 Party through my Houseparty account.
She's very much hoping that she gets chosen as a hostess so that she can treat her friends.
If chosen she will be hosting a mixer for the ladies of Carrick Hall & the men of Howard Hall.
Wouldn't this just make her the most popular kid on campus LOL??
As luck would have it, the selected day of the Houseparty is also ALC's Homecoming.
What a wonderful addition to the days events if she is selected :)

If you'd like to apply simply visit Houseparty
If selected and confirmed as a host, your exclusive Party Pack will contain:
  • SodaStream Genesis starter kit with two sampler packs of 24 flavors
  • Full size sodamix flavors of Kool-Aid® Grape, Energy and Cola
  • ½ liter carbonating bottles
  • Spare 60L carbonator
  • SodaStream T-shirt
  • SodaStream stadium cups
  • SodaStream mini megaphones
  • EyeBlack strips
  • And more!
  • SodaStream® Fizz Ed 101 House Party

Simple from MAKERS - "Kind to Skin"


I recently applied to host a houseparty for Simple products from MAKERS.  
Honestly I had never tried this product but I was curious. 
 I happened to pick up this trial pack of Simple facial wipes at Target. 
Let me tell you I have been so pleased with the results.  
Using these Simple wipes, leaves my face feeling clean and refreshed .  
I am very surprised that I have had no adverse reactions to these as I have sensitive skin issues.
But, these Simple wonders are doing just what they claim to do be "KIND TO SKIN"
I highly recommend that you try them for yourself.  
And even better, Houseparty is still accepting applications for hosts.  
You can follow the link below to check it out.  
If selected and confirmed as a host, your exclusive Party Pack will contain:
  • Full size Simple® Moisturizing Facial Wash           
  • Travel size Simple® Replenishing Rich Moisturizers        
  • Simple® Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes     
  • Walmart gift card                      
  • Simple® water bottles
  • Custom DVD
  • Walmart coupons         
  • And more!

  • Make a Change with Simple®, presented by MAKERS
    SPONSOR:
    Simple®
    PARTY DATE:
    Saturday, November 02, 2013
    HOST SPOTS:
    1000
    CATEGORY:
     Beauty





Day 1 of the 21 Days of Kindness Challenge

What better day to start this challenge than on the day that changed America forever 9-11.  
We can't erase the horror of the tragedy that happened that day BUT we can remind people that there is still some good in the world.

Please visit www.kindspring.org for more details of the 21 Days of Kindness Challenge

Day 1: Pay Forward A Surprise Treat


The Idea: Rev up the engines -- it's time to upgrade someone's day from mundane to magical with unexpected kindness! Kick off the Kindness Challenge by leaving extra change in a vending machine for the next person, or give $5 to the cashier at your favorite cafe and ask them to gift someone a cappuccino or delectable pastry during the day. If you want to step-it-up, bake or buy a sweet treat and gift it as a surprise to a hardworking someone, maybe the janitor in your building, or the friendly face at the checkout counter, or the colleague who's having a rough day. Because there is nothing quite as disarming as unanticipated kindness, and your small act just might restore someone's faith in the goodness of humanity.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Small Acts that CHANGE the world

"Nothing can make our lives, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness."  
Tolstoy


5 Reasons to be Kind to one another 
  • Because there can never be enough kindness in the world
  • because our very presence here is proof of kindness
  • only kindness makes sense as a response to sorrow
  • because human history was shaped from human kindness
  • because being kind is in our best interest

Put kindness in motion and change your life (and the lives of others)
 through the 21 Day Challenge starting September 11th  
Challenge Yourself!  Challenge your Family!  Challenge your Friends!
I DARE YOU!
Sign up to join the kindness movement   21 Days of Kindness
Change yourself and Change the world!  One small act of Kindness at a time.


Please leave a comment below sharing what you did to be "KIND" today.



Saturday, September 7, 2013

Purex Laundry App

Purex has done it again! 
Believe it or not they have added another fantastic way to help us with laundry.  
Introducing the Purex Laundry App.
If you are anything like me this will come in handy on a daily basis.
Plus, I have encouraged both of my older kids who are in college to download this App especially since they are laundry newbies.

As you can see there are a variety of issues that the Purex Laundry App can help you with.
  • Stain Guide - offers expert advice on treating the toughest stains
  • Label Decoder - helps you decipher those funny little symbols on your clothing tags 
  • Fabric Care - helpful instructions on caring for popular fabric types
  • Ironing & Folding - useful guide on how to properly iron and fold various items
  • Laundry Time - a useful tool to make sure you never forget another load
  • Promotions - to keep you up to date on the latest Purex promos
  • Mix-n-Match - a fun little game to help you pass the time while doing laundry
  • Product Info - key info on all the great Purex products
  • Barcode Scanner - use to scan your Purex barcodes to find out detail info about the product 
My two favorite features are :
the Stain Guide because my kids are so sloppy 
and
because my mother never taught me the proper way to iron and believe it or not there is a trick to it.  
And, also because I could never really get those fitted sheets folded correctly like good ole' Martha Stewart LOL.

You can download this fabulous App now by following either of these links:
IOS users              or                 Android users 

Plus click on the following link for your chance to win an IPad mini