Archive for Giveaway

New Mother: Using a Doula, Midwife, Postpartum Doula, Maid, Cook, or Nanny to Support Healing, Bonding, and Growth Book Review & Giveaway!

August 1, 2012 Book Review, Giveaway 2 comments

New Mother: Using a Doula, Midwife, Postpartum Doula, Maid, Cook, or Nanny to Support Healing, Bonding, and Growth (Volume 1)

So the book is called:

New Mother: Using a Doula, Midwife, Postpartum Doula, Maid, Cook, or Nanny to Support Healing, Bonding, and Growth

First of all, I LOVE the title. I like how it makes it sound that no matter what I choose to help me through those early days of motherhood, it’s all good. No choice is wrong and all perfectly acceptable.

Allie Chee, the author, reached out to me on Twitter (she is @AllieChee). She thought this book would be a great fit for the readers of HomemadeMom and I agree whole heartedly!

The book gets RAVE reviews on Amazon and to me that’s a big deal. I always feel that the reviews on Amazon tend to be very honest and reliable. Seriously folks, every review on there is a full 5 stars! That’s impressive. What’s the book about? Here’s is what Amazon has to say:

New Mother…
Reclaim the magic in motherhood!

It is possible to have it all: a more natural birthing experience; fun, relaxing family time; time to care for yourself; time to take care of your home; and the ability to choose whatever vision you hold for your experience of childbirth and motherhood. That’s not what we’ve been told, taught, or empowered to do… until now.

There’s more to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum than what is usually discussed in literature and doctors’ offices: the next problem, pain, or procedure!

New Mother offers a delightful, clear vision for reclaiming the beauty and sacred nature of pregnancy and parenthood.

This how-to is divided into three parts:

Part 1- Pregnancy & Labor and Delivery explains how with the help of a midwife and/or doula even a hospital birth can be–once again–the magical, loving, experience it already is naturally.

Part 2: Postpartum discusses the importance of rest and nutrition for the first 30-40 days postpartum: the “sitting moon” of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is practiced in various ways by many cultures around the world. If offers detailed instruction for finding a postpartum doula, and an in-depth outline of the services one should expect.

Part 3- Raising an Infant: addresses the continued need for help in a family with an infant. The first year of the baby’s life can be the most magical–and enervating. The energy loss can tax the family and compromise the joy, the healing, and the bonding that can be experienced otherwise.

In times and places of “villages” help for the new family came from extended family and neighbors. Most people in the States today will not be able to count on that kind of village, but they can create their own. With even a little help, but preferably a lot, from a maid, cook, and/or nanny, parents can conserve their energy and use it to create the magical experiences that will guide their baby’s and their family’s life forever. This section explains the role and duties of hired helpers and offers suggestions for how to find those that best support the needs of the family.

Throughout the book, vignettes of the author’s and other mothers’ experiences are included that will resonate with parents, keep them laughing, and encourage them to rewrite the story of their lives.

So what do you think? Would you read it? Don’t you wish you had it when you were pregnant? Know someone that’s pregnant now and needs this book? Well guess what? I’m giving one away!!!

Here’s what I want you to do, tell me what was the most influential book for you during pregnancy and/or the early days of motherhood.

If you’d like to share the love it would be great if you would like Allie Chee on Facebook and follow Allie Chee on Twitter but it’s not required.

So many women don’t understand the options they have with labor and delivery, like a doula or midwife. I think this book should be a must have for all pregnant women everywhere. I often feel like I wish we still lived by that “it takes a village” mentality, because raising kids is hard. So share here! Leave your comment below to be entered to win this great book! Share this giveaway with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Details: Giveaway ends on August 15th, 2012 by midnight. Only one entry per person please and good luck!

Home Management Printables Giveaway!!!

December 10, 2011 Giveaway One comment
I received these amazing printables from a girl named Ashley B from SweatPeaLife.
~ Giveaway ~
Want to win your own set? Leave me a comment telling me about your own Home Management Binder. Where do you get your printables?
Giveaway ends December 18th, 2011 by midnight central time.

$25.00 AmEx Gift Card Giveaway!!!

December 6, 2011 Giveaway 15 comments

UPS is hoping that their new service will eliminate the frustration that comes with missing a package delivery. I’m sure we all know how it feels to get home and see that familiar sticker on the door saying a delivery was missed and they will try again tomorrow. That sucks. That’s why UPS is transforming the package delivery experience with a first-of-its kind, customizable delivery service for residential receivers called UPS My Choice.

This ground-breaking service increases the likelihood of a successful delivery on the first attempt by providing delivery alerts, specific delivery time frames, reroute options, a visibility dashboard and electronic signature release – all by accessing ups.com through a computer or mobile phone.

We’re all busy. Especially during the holidays. I know as a mom of 3 with 2 part time jobs, I’m in and out of the house all day. It makes being home for deliveries quite difficult. Delivery Alerts help consumers avoid the disappointment over missing a package they were eagerly awaiting. Consumers can now schedule package delivery around THEIR lives. Can I get a WOO HOO!!!

The catch? Membership. There are 2 options:

o UPS My Choice members receive phone, e-mail or text alerts notifying them a day in advance of when packages will arrive and providing a four-hour approximate delivery time frame. They also have the option to electronically authorize release of packages that require a signature and, for a $5 transaction fee, to reroute a package to another delivery address or have it delivered to the nearest The UPS Store® location. (so this option is free unless you want to waive the required signature – sweet!)

o UPS My Choice Premium Membership, available for a $40 annual subscription, provides all the benefits of a regular UPS My Choice membership at no additional cost and in addition, members gain access to an online delivery calendar that shows the status of UPS home deliveries. Premium members also are offered a two-hour delivery window. A $5 transaction fee is charged only upon successful delivery of the package within the two-hour commitment. (this option costs quite a bit more, but if you often have time-sensitive requirements, it would be well worth the fee for peace of mind)

~ Giveaway Details ~

Register today for UPS My Choice to be elligible to win a $25.00 AmEx gift card!!! Leave me a comment stating that you signed up for My Choice and I will select a winner on December 18th, 2011 by midnight centra time.

Disclosure StatementPer the FTC Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, you are required to disclose on your blog that you received compensation in exchange for your participation in this campaign. You are responsible for maintaining and posting your endorsement policy, which must be easy to understand and posted on your blog in a clear, conspicuous manner. You must also disclose your connection to UPS and receipt of compensation from UPS in any social media relating to this campaign. In conjunction with your participation in this campaign, you must, at a minimum, include a disclosure similar to the following:

I received compensation from UPS in the form of a gift card to participate in this campaign promoting the UPS My Choice delivery service. In addition, UPS provided the gift card I am using as the prize in my promotion.

{Giveaway Alert!} Aren’t you sick of buying razor blades? Want a way to make them last?

November 27, 2011 Giveaway, Product Reviews for Mom 8 comments
Enter the Blade Buddy. It’s a revolutionary new tool that will save your razor, allowing you to use it longer! So it will save you money, and produce less waste for the environment since you will be using less!
Problem: Every time you shave, the edge of your razor blade gets microscopically bent,

Solution: Gliding your razor up the Blade Buddy‘s micro-honing, grooved surface straightens the bent edge back into alignment, restoring the sharpness of your blade. So one blade gives you a close, comfortable shave for months, instead of days.rendering your blade “dull” after only a few uses.

Did it work? Yes it did! My razor was dull and not cutting very well. After a few passes on the BladeBuddy my razor was noticeably sharper! I swear it!!! You need to use it after every shave to maintain a sharp blade. It’s not intended to renew an old blade though (my bad). Here is a snippet from their site about exactly what I tried:So from what I understand every time you use your razor you are bending the blades in a way that makes it less sharp and need to be replaced more often than if you were able to keep the blades straight. The blades are just so thin on disposable razors that there isn’t a way to keep them from bending, so you need to maintain them. How? The BladeBuddy!

When I watched this video I had no hesistations on the functionality of this product. I knew it would work. The premis and the idea makes perfect sense! I was waiting to buy a new razor, even though I really needed one because I really wanted to try out this product! The idea is to use it from day one with a new razor, but I wanted to really test it and use it on an old razor to see if I could extend the life and bring it back to life.

Blade Buddy is designed to maintain the sharpness of new or like-new razor blades. It is not meant to restore blades that are damaged, dull or rusted.

 

1. Before shaving, lubricate Blade Buddy with a thin layer of shaving cream

2. Set razor blades flat on three arrows. Push razor forward with moderate speed and very light pressure along the entire Blade Buddy surface

3. Lift razor and repeat 15-20 times, keeping the pad lubricated

NEVER pull razor backwards!

~ Giveaway ~

I get to give one BladeBuddy away to one lucky HomemadeMom reader!

- Like BladeBuddy on Facebook (required – 1 entry)
- Follow BladeBuddy on Twitter (optional – 1 entry)
- Subscribe to their YouTube Channel (optional – 1 entry)
- Tweet this giveaway (optional – 1 entry)

Use this tweet: “ I entered to win the giveaway You can too! http://goo.gl/fb/0oQ9km ”

Giveaway will end on December 4th so that way you can keep it or gift it just in time for Christmas!

*Disclaimer: I was provided BladeBuddy to form an opinion and facilitate a review. All opinions are my own.

$50 Experience Gift giveaway! Hot Air Balloon ride? Stock Car ride? Helicopter Tour?

November 24, 2011 Giveaway 27 comments

Are you tired of trying to find that perfect Christmas gift? How about giving an experience instead of a gift? Have you heard of Experience Gifts?

Xperience Days is the country’s leading Unique Gifts, Adventure Gifts and Experience Gifts company, offers thousands of unique gift experiences nationwide. Experience Gifts are perfect gift ideas for Christmas Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Birthday Gifts and more. All our unique gifts are presented in the form of a gift certificate which may be redeemed by the recipient at their convenience. All experience gifts are sent in an attractive gift pack.

Who wouldn’t like a gift in the form of an amazing adventure that would last a lifetime? What about:
- A hot air balloon ride
- Helicopter Tour
- Air Combat Dogfight
- Private Cooking Class for 2
These are just a few examples that I found, most from my nearest city of St. Louis, Missouri. These amazing once in a lifetime type gifts can be found in cities all across the countries. Click here to see the cities available. You are bound to find a city near you!
Now…how about a giveaway?
One lucky HomemadeMom reader will win a $50.00 voucher to use on any of the exciting adventures available on the Experience Days website!!!
The details:
  • Leave a comment telling me who you’d give the Experience Gift to? (1 entry)
  • Share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. (2 entries)
  • Stumble this post. (1 entry)
  • Follow Experience Days on Twitter (1 entry)
  • Follow HomemadeMom on Twitter (1 entry)
  • Like HomemadeMom on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Tweet this giveaway on Twitter. (1 entry daily)
So you can have 9 entries total in one day and you can tweet daily (don’t forget to leave me a comment with the link to your tweet) for additional entries! Giveaway will end on Monday December 12th, 2011 by midnight central time.
*Disclosure: I was invited to share this website with you and offer a voucher to one of my readers. All opinions are my own.

$50.00 GNC Gift Card Giveaway!

November 21, 2011 Giveaway 2 comments
GNC Live Well™
Cold and flu season is here. We’ve already been battling colds and sore throats. The boys have been snotty, congested, coughing and just downright icky. I battled a sore throat for a few days, but that’s about it. However, Cutler was diagnosed with strep throat last week. He’s been running a fever and hasn’t been able to eat anything except Chocolate milkshakes. Not very nutritious. A week prior to that I took the boys in for their flu vaccines. They all received flu mist and I got the shot. My arm hurt for days! I don’t like subjecting my boys to needle sticks if I can avoid it, so I’m happy with the mist for them. They all tolerate it quite well, no side effects here!
So the doctor mentioned, well, stressed actually, how important it is to take a multivitamin. I know it’s important and I don’t take one either. I’m terrible about taking pills. She recommends they take Flinstones vitamins, but my boys can’t stand them. They prefer gummy vitamins to chewable. They’ve never liked chewable anything, including tylenol. Their pediatrician says that the chewable vitamins are more effective than the gummy vitamins. I don’t really know if there is any truth to that. I couldn’t find any research online to support that. I did find this snippet from LiveStrong.com:

Absorption of Gummy vs. Chewable Vitamins

Gummies and chewables are quickly absorbed since digestion begins as soon as enzymes in the mouth act on the vitamins. However, the rate of absorption does not mean a vitamin is more effective. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the absorption of the vitamin effect is not any different when the vitamins are in gummy or chewable forms. The overall quality and purity of the product are what matters most. The FDA advises consumers to look at scientific reviews of many of the popular brands for factors such as ingredients, areas of improvement, quality level, safety, and overall value of their vitamins.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/443399-absorption-of-gummy-vitamins-vs-chewables/#ixzz1eJ3TVk9r

So, what I’ve decided is that as much as I’d like to think I eat a well balanced diet, I don’t. I have faults and I’m sure I’m deficient in a few vitamins and minerals, like most people. One of my new year’s resolutions is to take better care of myself, like it is every year. It can start now though by taking a multivitamin. We can get through cold and flu season a bit easier if we have good health on our side. Also by washing our hands frequently, but that one is a given. So, time for the giveaway!!!

~ Giveaway ~

Who wants to win a $50.00 to spend at GNC? ME!!! My husband would LOVE me for this one! He’s big into taking supplements and has a whole shelf in the kitchen for his stash. This gift card would be the perfect gift for just about anyone!

~ Requirements ~
  1. Become a GNC fan on their Facebook Page

  2. Follow @GNCLiveWell on twitter AND

  3. Follow CMO @JeffHennion (who takes care of all of the branding of GNC) on twitter.

Since all 3 are required all you need to do is leave me one comment stating that you have done all 3 and your twitter ID so we can verify the follow. Giveaway will end Sunday December 4th by midnight central time.

Carmex celebrates 75 years with a Facebook Giveaway!

November 21, 2011 Giveaway No comments

Carmex Skin Care Kit GIVEAWAY and review!

October 29, 2011 Giveaway, Skin Care 5 comments
Welcome Bloggers | Carmex® Blog Squad
presents a giveaway and review!
 

I can’t wait to tell you about a new giveaway and product review! I LOVE me some Carmex! Did you know that Carmex has been creating the lip balms for 75 years? Now they have a skin care line to show off! It’s non-greasy and full of the same quality ingredients that make Carmex what it is.

They are currently available at Walmart, Walgreens and CVS. The full sized bottles are $5.99 and the small travel sized bottles are just $0.99 each! I even saw them on the counter at a sporting goods store yesterday!

 

So what’s the difference?

 

The Healing Lotion is for anywhere your skin feels dry. You can buy it in a tube or NEW pump. Personally I prefer a pump at home. Easy to use after the shower when your hands are wet. It includes Aloe and Vitamin E which will nourish and moisturize skin.

 

The Healing Cream is for your driest skin — especially hands, feet, elbows and knees; available in tube or NEW handy little tin. It has 9 healing ingredients penetrate and help repair your very dry, rough or cracked skin. It is concentrated so you only  have to use a small amount.

For years I have been using Carmex in the little jar. Seriously, for as long as I can remember I purchased one every fall for the last 20+ years. I LOVE Carmex! To battle the chapped dry lips of winter Carmex was the only thing that worked for me! I love the smell too. It reminds me of fireplaces, apple cider, hayrides and pumpkin pie. It’s all things fall/winter for me. It’s comforting. The scent that comes from the jar when you unscrew it is exactly the same scent as the lotion and cream. It’s just as familiar and comforting. Not to mention that it really works. That’s always a plus!

 

I used to carry a jar in my backpack in high school. I vividly remember being at a bonfire one weekend in ’96 with my boyfriend and applying carmex to my lips. As we rode off after a long evening I reapplied more carmex on the way home. I crave that minty feel. It’s addicting. I finally got to the point that I couldn’t go without it. I would buy a few extra jars, especially when they were on sale and I would keep one in my backpack, one in my purse, one in my car and one in my coat. You could say that I was addicted. It’s good stuff! How could you not be?

 
Giveaway details:
Up for grabs is:
  • 1 Carmex Healing Lotion
  • 1 Carmex Healing Cream
  • 1 Travel size Carmex Healing Lotion
  • 1 Travel size Carmex Healing Cream

 All I want from you is to leave me a comment telling me about Carmex in your life.

 
When did you start using it?
Where do you use it?
How many do you have?
 
{Giveaway ends Sunday November 26th, 2011 by midnight central time. Winner will be chosen at random.}

 

Disclosure: I received my Carmex Healing Lotion and Healing Cream as a member of the Carmex Blog Squad. I was asked for an unbiased review of both products. Opinions are my own.

{Giveaway Alert!} Freschetta is Proud to Support Pink!

October 16, 2011 Giveaway, You need to know 5 comments

Since we are in the midst of Breast Cancer Awaremess month I wanted to share with you about what large company is doing to help. Freschetta has specially marked pizzas and Artisan Pizza Crusts that count as participating purchases. When you purchase one of these items you will help them reach their goal of donating $50,000 to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center! Specially marked packages are printed with codes that you can enter at www.ProudToSupportPink.com. For each code that is entered, the makers of Freschetta products will donate $1.00 to this center to support breast cancer research.

The ProudToSupportPink.com site has a place for people to share their breast cancer journey or the journey of a friend or loved one. These stories will be displayed on that website and on their Facebook page to inspire all those who read them. They are also giving away 50 Pink iPod Shuffles players each week in October! Also, 50 Pink iPod Shuffles will be donated each week in October to four cancer centers around America to be enjoyed by breast cancer patients during treatments.

As part of my participation with Freschetta I received a coupon for a pizza and a set of Freschetta Proud to Support Pink Earbuds. My local Kroger had these pizzas on sale this week so I purchased 2, but only used the coupon on 1. I wanted a separate flavor for me and Lou and the kids wanted pepperoni. It makes me happy to think that something we would have already purchased and eaten is actually making a difference! I LOVE seeing companies taking a stand and helping to raise money for worthy causes.

The pizzas turned out amazing!

So yummy! If you are craving some pizza pick up a Brick Oven Pizza today! You’ll be glad you did!
And now on to the giveaway! I get to giveaway a Freschetta kit that includes a coupon to try any Freschetta Pizza and two pairs of Freschetta Proud to Support Pink earphones (one for the winner to keep and one to share with a friend or family mamber). All I need you to do is leave me a comment telling me how breast cancer has affected your life or the life of someone you know. Sharing is caring!

Giveaway is open until October 30th, 2011 by midnight central time. I will select a winner at random.

*Disclosure: The makers of Freschetta Pizza contacted me and provided these products for me to review.  The opinions are my own.

Justin Hines – Days to Recall CD Giveaway!

October 6, 2011 Giveaway, Music Review No comments

In the last few weeks I’ve had more and more time around the house to listen to some quality music. Well, I’ve actually had to make the effort, but it’s been well worth it. I try to listen when I’m cooking dinner instead of watching TV. My aunt said something to me years ago that really stuck with me.

“I don’t want to live my life in 30 minute segments.”

That hit home.

A few weeks ago I shared that I would be reviewing the Justin Hines CD – Days to recall.

He truly has an amazing story. If you didn’t read it in my last post, here it is again:

Hines has thrived all his life against odds that would daunt someone with a less indomitable spirit. Hines has Larsen Syndrome, a joint dislocation condition that confines him to a wheelchair. “The reality is I don’t really look at my situation as that big a deal,” he says. “We all have our things that challenge us, just some people’s are a little more visible in the forefront. Mine is very apparent, whereas others wear it on the inside.”

That natural optimism permeates much of his American debut, “Days to Recall,” (available now) the singer/songwriter’s collection of heartfelt songs about life and love. “I don’t want to pretend that dark times don’t exist, but I have a hard time leaving things negative,” he says. “I think every challenging situation leads to something better. When I’m writing I don’t do it consciously in the songs, it’s just how they evolve.”

Well guess what?!? I get to share some soul searching music with you! All I want from you is a comment. Tell me your current favorite artist, or why you want this CD, or what you think about his optimism! Share the love with Justin as well and connect with him on Facebook and Twitter! Give his album a listen on iTunes, buy the music and tell him what you appreciate about it!
Giveaway ends Sunday October 23rd by Midnight. Winner selected at random by random.org.

*Disclaimer: A CD was provided to me for review and one for giveaway on this blog. All opinions are my own.

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