From the category archives:

Giveaways!

KLUTZ Glossy Bands GIVEAWAY

by Jo-Lynne on June 26, 2010

My 7-year-old daughter is all about the arts and crafts. She’s the kind of kid that can take a cardboard box, a pair of scissors, and a pack of markers and spend hours working on a craft project. She always has an idea about what she wants to make and how she wants to make it, and she can make something out of nothing. I can barely keep her in art supplies. Now that she’s home all day every day, the art projects abound. She’s always working on something.

If there’s anything she likes as much as making things, it is jewelry. Every store we go into, she finds a bracelet or a necklace she wants, and of course she goes gaga for those ridiculous Silly Bandz.

So naturally, jewelry that she can make herself is the perfect marriage of her two obsessions. KLUTZ, famous for their inventive activity books, has a new book called Glossy Bands that allows you make your own bracelets or rings using gel paint.

My daughter has been having a blast with this. Almost every day she makes two or three. She’s experimented with almost every design in the book. She makes them for herself, for her sister, for her friends. It’s adorable.

Here’s a quick one-minute video showing you how it works.

Basically, you squeeze out dots of gel paint following one of the patterns in the book.

Then you use a toothpick (included) to make a design.

It has to dry for 24 hours, and then you wrap it around your wrist and stick the ends together for an original piece of wearable art. It stretches so you can take it off, although you do have to use care or it will break.

This is the perfect birthday gift for your craft-obsessed little girl (or boy — my son actually made one in blue and green, although I’ve yet to see him wear it. I think he just wanted to make one.) It is recommended for ages 8 and up and retails for $19.95.

WIN IT! I am giving away 3 copies of the KLUTZ Glossy Bands book. This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only.

To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me about the child in your life who would enjoy Glossy Bands. You may earn an extra entry by sharing about this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook or where ever your favorite social network is located. And if you’re a subscriber to Musings of a Housewife, give yourself another entry. That’s a total of 3 possible entries.

I will select 3 winners at random on Wednesday, June 30. Good luck!

{ 56 comments }

Because Housework Should Be FUN

by Jo-Lynne on June 7, 2010

in Giveaways!,homemaking

This giveaway is closed. I do believe this is the most entries I’ve ever had in a single giveaway!!! I never knew so much excitement could be elicited by a vacuum cleaner.

And now. Without further ado, the winning number is…

Congratulations, Sharon, who said on June 7, 2010 at 6:53 pm:

Well, considering my vaccum is held together with ductape, a wish and a prayer and we have no money for a new one, winning this would be a total blessing!!

Sharon, please enjoy your new vacuum cleaner and may it never meet a roll of duct tape.

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I used to absolutely detest vacuuming. I know, it’s probably not high up on anyone’s list of favorite things to do, but when it comes to housework, it was always my least favorite chore. I would curse the heavy canister that banged into my walls and woodwork, and then I’d charge around the corner in frustration to untangle the hose when it got hung as I moved into the next room. Then after the gruesome chore was completed, I’d need a shower to recover from the workout I’d endured for the good of the household.

Then I got an Oreck. My mom got hers first, and she absolutely loved it, so when we moved to our current house, my husband and I cashed in our AmEx points and ordered an one for ourselves. This was four years ago, and I am still a 100% satisfied Oreck customer.

The Oreck totally changed my attitude about vacuuming. Before I got an Oreck, I had both a canister (there’s no comparison between an upright and a canister when it comes to ease of use) and an upright (which must have weighed three times as much as the Oreck), and both gave me a total-body workout.

The Oreck, true to its claims, is the lightest vacuum I’ve ever operated. It hardly takes any effort to push it around, and I can zip through the entire house in about 15 minutes. It’s even easy to use on the stairs. Plus, it’s totally easy to take apart if it gets jammed. My husband, who criticizes the design of just about everything he takes apart, has only good things to say about the simplicity of the Oreck’s design. Suffice it to say, we are customers for life.

A few weeks ago I was contacted about the newest generation of Orecks — the Oreck Platinum Pilot.

What’s the big deal about the Oreck Platinum Pilot? This vacuum has a ball-joint and pivot connection that makes vacuuming around furniture a breeze. This thing turns on a dime, and the pivoting action makes it easier to move the bag and handle out of the way when you’re vacuuming in tight spaces. Plus, in the tradition of the Oreck, it weighs a mere 10 pounds.

The first thing I noticed, though, when I turned it on for the first time, was how easily the self-propelled mechanism works. Maybe it’s because mine is old, or maybe this has more power, but it just glides along with hardly any effort from me. But it’s easy to pull back and redirect. Honestly, this thing is a dream. Plus it has a snazzy new blue outfit. Oreck nailed it with this one.

It also has a HEPA filtration system and a self-sealing, no-mess vacuum bag that locks in dirt and dust and allergens.

Like most Orecks, it comes with a separate lightweight handheld vacuum with attachments for cleaning furniture and steps and reaching up to grab cobwebs that might appear in the corners of your rooms. It’s also great for vacuuming out the car.

The Oreck Platinum Pilot Vacuum retails at $599, and you can find it at Oreck Clean Home Centers and at oreck.com.

WIN IT! Not only do I get an Oreck Platinum Pilot to keep, but I get to give one away as well!

To enter:

1) REQUIRED: Leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to win the Oreck Platinum Pilot.

2) OPTIONAL: Share about this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, and/or your blog for one extra entry. Leave a separate comment for that entry.

I will randomly select a winner on Monday, June 21st. The winner will be contacted by email and must have a U.S. mailing address.

Disclosure: I received an Oreck Platinum Pilot to facilitate this review and one to give away.

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Don’t forget about the Initials, Inc. giveaway ending this Friday.

{ 430 comments }

Because A Girl Can Never Have Too Many Cute Bags…

by Jo-Lynne on June 3, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping,Giveaways!

This giveaway is closed, and the winning number is #79. Congratulations, Crystal P!

* * *

As anyone who has visited this blog can attest, I’m a sucker for a cute handbag. I can’t believe that I used to have one handbag that I carried for an entire season. These days I swap out handbags more often than Lindsay Lohan changes her hair color. I’m kind of a Plain Jane when it comes to my wardrobe, so a cute handbag is my favorite way to jazz up an outfit.

I tend to go for leather bags, and I also love the laminated canvas bags for durability and practicality. But sometimes a cloth bag is the perfect thing — particularly when you want something light weight. Initials, Inc. has the most adorable cloth handbags. They offered to send me a bag to see for myself, and after much perusing and deliberation, I chose the Hippie Chic.

It’s a messenger-style bag, and at $39.99, it’s quite affordable. It comes in two colorful, summery prints — Oasis and Cosmo (don’t you love those names??) I chose Oasis because I tend to go for pinks and I thought it would be fun to have something different. The green and blue pattern reminds me of the swimming pool. It’s lightweight and easy to carry. The strap is adjustable so you can carry it over your shoulder or across the body. It’s the perfect bag to take to Disney World or Hershey Park or anywhere that you need a light-weight, versatile bag to carry.

Here’s a photo of me with my bag at my daughter’s Mother’s Day Tea last month.

They have tons of different styles and patterns to choose from, and they monogram each one for free. It would make a great personalized birthday gift for a mom or sister, or bridal party gifts or, well, a myriad of possibilities.

The other thing I like about Initials, Inc. is that it’s a mom-owned company, and I’m all for supporting mom-owned and run businesses.

Initials, Inc. was founded by Sisters – Britney Vickery and Ivy Hall shortly after becoming SAHM’s. During that time they loved being home with their children but found that they were seeking three things; to be challenged creatively, to have flexibility in schedule and to contribute financially to their homes…but they didn’t want to give up time with their young families to get it. Initials, Inc. was created to meet those needs as women and new mothers. Over time, they quickly realized that the solution that they created for themselves could be a blessing to other women. Initials, Inc. officially launched in February 2005. Today, Initials, Inc. is national in scope and is supporting women and families all across the country through home parties selling personalized gifts! Personalization is always FREE!

Initials, Inc. is also a party plan company. If you like the product, you can find a rep in your area and host a party in your home, or you can even start your own Initials, Inc. business. Or if you just want to shop, you can go here to find a “creative partner” in your area.

WIN IT! Initials, Inc. would like to offer one $50 gift certificate to a Musings of a Housewife reader that can be applied toward any product of their choice in the catalog. To enter, take a look at their catalog and then come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me which bag you would get with your $50. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents. I’ll select a winner with Random.org on Friday, June 11.

{ 90 comments }

Works for Me: Real Food On A Real Budget

by Jo-Lynne on May 18, 2010

in Giveaways!,Health and Wellness,Works For Me Wednesday!,meal planning,time management,whole foods

This giveaway is closed, and the winner is #25 — Kristen M. Congratulations, Kristen, and big thanks to Stephanie for offering this giveaway!

Over the past 6-8 months, I have written much on the topic of real food, whole foods, whatever you want to call it. These posts generate many comments – most encouraging, and some not so much – but the comments that pain me the most are the ones saying they would love to incorporate more whole foods into their diet but feel that they simply can’t afford it.

When I hear such comments, I feel heart sick. Eating well should NOT be complicated. Everyone who earns an honest living should be able to afford nourishing food to eat.

I wish I had better advice, but to be honest, I spend A LOT of money on food. I am thankful that we can afford to. But I know that many can’t, and I often wish I had a great resource to point them to because I KNOW there are people out there who are doing it. I just don’t know how. Or I didn’t, but I do now.

Several times over the past few weeks, I’ve alluded to a book I was reading that has helped me with my meal planning and budgeting. I finally have the go-ahead to tell you about it!

Stephanie of Keeper of the Home has recently published a book entitled Real Food on a Real Budget — How To Eat Healthy For Less. In it she explains just how affordable and easy-to-obtain real food can be. With topics such as budgeting, meal planning, finding sources for real food, eating nutrient-dense foods, gardening, preserving, buying seasonally and locally, and making time to cook from scratch, she focuses on techniques that anyone can adapt to where they live, what they eat, and how big their budget is.

Is it worth it? YES, IT IS. Really, I wouldn’t tell you that if I didn’t believe in it. Since reading her book, I have begun menu planning, as you know. I’ve also begun a spreadsheet as she suggests, comparing prices on foods I buy. It’s been quite eye opening. She discusses how to prioritize what you buy if you can’t do it all (and no one can.) She’s realistic, but she doesn’t lie to you. It WILL cost more to eat well, and it WILL take more time, but if it’s a priority for you, it CAN be done.

Everyone will have to come to their own conclusions about what they can make themselves and what may be worth paying the price for convenience, and this book helps you do just that. She even includes charts and spreadsheets to help you get organized.

I love this quote from the introduction:

Instead of the superwoman of the 90’s, who was supposed to balance a full-time power career and come home to serve Uncle Ben’s to her smiling family, there’s a different sort of woman coming out of the woodwork these days. One who isn’t afraid to get some garden dirt under her fingernails. One who enjoys the therapy of kneading bread on a winter afternoon, who is up to the challenge of learning to can tomatoes and make jam, and who sees the value in cooking homemade food- from scratch, no less. She’s more likely to be seen perusing the farmer’s market (or at least the perimeters of the grocery store) with a cloth bag in hand, and a quick inventory of her pantry would discover bulk wheat berries and dry beans instead of Campbell’s canned soup and Bisquick mix.

For this kind of woman, and the many others who are beginning to wonder what a wholesome, nutritious diet might look like – even on a budget – there is much hope. Real food on a real budget is not an unachievable ideal. This book will examine all of the tools I use in my arsenal and explore their full potential.

If she is describing you in those paragraphs, I highly recommend this book. It should be helpful to anyone struggling to fit real food into their budgets. It works for me!

The digital copy (eBook) sells for $18.97, and the paperback book is $21.97 plus $3.99 for shipping.

WIN IT! To win Real Food on a Real Budget in eBook format, leave a comment on this post telling me anything you want about your real food journey and your struggle to fit real food into your budget. I will select a winner on Monday, May 24th through a random number generator. This giveaway is open to anyone anywhere in the world.

* * *

Also, don’t forget about Jenny’s eCourse starting on June 1st.

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Disclosure: I will earn a small commission on any sales of Stephanie’s book or Jenny’s eCourse from my links. You have my word that I only promote products that I wholeheartedly believe in.

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For more Works for Me Wednesday posts, visit We Are THAT Family.

{ 83 comments }

Because Two is Better Than One

by Jo-Lynne on May 5, 2010

in Giveaways!,Love and Marriage

This giveaway is closed. The winning numbers are…

Congratulations Rachel and Michelle! I know you will each enjoy your two free nights at the Hyatt.

Last year you may (or may not) remember that I participated in Hyatt’s The Big Welcome campaign and received a free night at the Hyatt. I also got to give away a free night at the Hyatt to five lucky readers.

Well, guess what? I was recently asked if I would like to be a part of the new Hyatt Insider blogger program.

Huh. Would I ever!

Guess what that means? That means more opportunities for me, and for you, to stay at the Hyatt’s fabulous hotels and resorts throughout the year FOR FREE. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about the free. And I really love campaigns like this one that allow me to share my perks with my readers.

Since there’s no time like the present, I’ve already received 2 (that’s TWO) free Big Welcome Back award nights which we are planning to use next weekend at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina down on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

This will be an early 15-year anniversary trip. FIFTEEN YEARS of marriage, y’all. I guess I’m officially a grownup now. (Our anniversary isn’t till August, but this month worked out best for our busy summer schedule.)

I spent a few days perusing the various Hyatt sites within driving distance of Philly, trying to decide where to go. I really wanted to go somewhere that is a destination in and of itself, rather than a Hyatt in the middle of a city or a tourist destination. We just want a place where we can relax and hang out and eat good food, so when I discovered this resort, I decided it was perfect.

I hope the weather’s nice enough to sit by the pool and sip a mojito, but if not, it looks like there are plenty of lovely places to sit indoors. Like, here perhaps. I have a stack of books to bring that I’ve been trying to read, and I may even pick up a new knitting project before we go. I’m looking forward to just relaxing. We MIGHT even try out the spa while we’re there, since this IS our 15th anniversary trip, after all.

We still have to decide where we’re going to eat. I was told to make reservations in advance, and we’re leaving in 10 days, so I need to be figuring that out. Suggestions? Has anyone been there?

Of course, an anniversary trip to a beach resort calls for some new duds, wouldn’t you agree? And it just so happens that last weekend I attended a CAbi party. I totally splurged on a colorful silk tank top that should be perfect for an evening out at the beach. I wonder if I can find it online. Oh here, you go. (Click on Bright On, and it’s the Cosmo Tunic.)

I know. It pretty much broke the bank, but isn’t there a rule that states that you can’t go to one of these home parties and not buy something? (That’s what I told my husband, anyway.) Really, hon, I was just being polite.

And of course, one of Murphy’s Laws clearly states that when you go to one of said parties, you will fall in love with the most expensive item there. What, that doesn’t happen to you? I suppose it’s one of my many talents.

Anyway, I fell in love with that top the second I saw it, and even though I tried on probably half the tops she had in stock, I knew the Cosmo Tunic was “the one.” Just picture it — a romantic dinner by the ocean, sipping a crisp Chardonnay, feasting on fresh seafood, no little ones interrupting our conversation… I can’t wait.

I’ll be sure to take more than my fair share of photographs while we’re there so I can fill you in when we get back. It will be the next best thing to being there. Of course, that would be weird. If you were there, I mean. Pictures are better.

Any-WHO. In addition to my own 2 free Big Welcome Back award nights, I get to give away 2 sets of 2 free Big Welcome Back award nights that can be used at any Hyatt in the world. They will expire on August 30, 2011 so you’ll want to be able to use them soon.

To enter, just tell me which Hyatt you’d like to stay at (don’t worry; you don’t have to commit. You can change your mind if you win.) I will randomly select 2 winners on Friday, May 14. If you win, you will need to register for a Hyatt Gold Passport account, and the two free nights will be awarded to your account. This contest is open to anyone anywhere in the world.

Disclosure: As a member of the Hyatt Insider blogger program, I was provided with a points upgrade to elite Platinum Gold Passport status and 2 free Big Welcome Back award nights to use at my leisure, plus 2 sets of 2 free Big Welcome Back award nights for my readers.

{ 207 comments }

Because Every Girl Loves A Tea Party

by Jo-Lynne on April 30, 2010

in Family Fun,Giveaways!

Tea parties are pretty much a rite of passage for most little girls. I know my girls love to have pretend tea parties with their dolls and stuffed friends. They have had several tea party sets over the years, and each one has been well loved (read: used and abused.) I love the way tea parties inspire the imagination and creativity.

My friend Heather has a site called Garden Party Teas where she sells everything you need to host a fabulous tea party. She contacted me and asked if I’d like to receive a package to have a tea party with my girls. Well yes, as a matter of fact, I would love that! So she sent a big box full of hats and beads, a purse, a fan, a parasol, a tea (coffee) pot, a variety of demi spoons, and a cute little ‘party pal’ sandwich cutter — perfect for making petit fours from a regular size sheet cake.

We eagerly dove into the box when it arrived, and my four-year-old has been playing with the hats and beads and parasol for weeks. Finally we decided to actually have a tea party. She had a friend over, and we broke out all the goods. I put orange juice in the “tea” pot and pulled out some of my fine china for them to use. They put on the hats and sipped juice out of china cups and ate cheese sticks and apple slices and pretended to drink tea. They had a blast. Here’s my daughter, hamming it up.

And here they are enjoying their “tea.”

Garden Party Teas is full of tea party supplies for all ages. One of the products I want to call your attention to is this Tea Set by Green Toys.

I’m familiar with this brand, so I immediately zeroed in on it when I visited the site. It is actually made from recycled milk jugs and contains no phthalates, BPA, or lead. It is manufactured and assembled in the USA, and even the packaging is made from recycled materials and is recyclable itself. It makes a great gift.

But in addition to that, there are supplies for REAL tea parties like this traditional Blue Willow teapot and even teaware by Vera Bradley, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Take a look around and see what you find. The prices are quite reasonable.

And because I shouldn’t get to have all the fun, Heather has generously offered 3 giveaway packages to Musings readers. You may enter to win one of the following:

Giveaway #1: A container of Elmwood Inn Early Grey teabags, a teabag squeezer, 2 tea caddies, and a set of 12 teddy bear demi spoons — perfect favors for luncheons and showers.

Giveaway #2: A a container of Elmwood Inn loose leaf Indian Chai tea, a tea tip strainer, a symphony stainless steel demi spoon, and a tea cup in the Sophie pattern.

Giveaway #3: A Blue Willow teapot with infuser for loose leaf tea, cobalt creamer & sugar set, and a traditional pattern sugar ladle. (How CUTE is that!?)

To be eligible to win one of the three giveaway packages, visit Garden Party Teas, poke around, and then come back and leave a comment on this post telling me one of your favorite products. I will randomly select 3 winners next Friday, May 7.

In addition, all Musings readers are eligible for a 10% discount off of all orders from Garden Party Teas, including sale items, with the code musings-10.

Disclosure: I was given a box of products from Garden Party Teas, as listed above, to facilitate this review.

{ 36 comments }

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

March 30, 2010

I believe someone left a comment on my braces post wishing for a discount on Invisalign for Musings of a Housewife readers. Well, guess what? If you live within the vicinity of NYC, you may be in luck. Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, one of the top 10 Invisalign doctors worldwide, has made a generous offer to [...]

1 comment Keep reading

Fashion Friday: Summer Sandals

March 18, 2010

This giveaway is closed, and the winning number is… 131 !!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to Alexandra Traylor !!! Enjoy your new Danskos, Alexandra. * * * TGIF! This week I’m especially thankful it’s almost Friday because tomorrow afternoon I hop a train to NYC and for 24 blessed hours I do not have to cut anyone’s meat [...]

201 comments Keep reading

One More Chance to Win a Palm Pre Plus!

March 17, 2010

Guess WHAT? Tonight there is one more chance to win a Palm Pre Plus. Along with the rest of TheMotherhood.com’s Verizon Palm Pre Plus mom blogger team, I will be hosting a Smart Mom/Smart Phone Twitter party tonight, Wednesday, March 17, from 9 to 10 PM EST. In preparation for our guest appearance on The Fly Lady [...]

3 comments Keep reading

Verizon Palm Pre Plus WINNERS and Final Comments

March 5, 2010

For months I had been hankering after a new phone that would organize my life, cook our dinner, put away our laundry, and bring peace to the Middle East. I also wanted a cellular network that doesn’t cut me off when I’m in the middle of a life-or-death conversation with my hairdresser and gets reception [...]