Yoplait Kids Review and Giveaway!

March is National Nutrition Month and there's no better way than to try a great product like Yoplait yogurt!  I try to give my son yogurt every other day and we were privileged to try Yoplait Kids which has 9 grams of sugar per 3 oz.  We chose to sample the Lightning McQueen Vroom Vroom Vanilla.  This came in a 4 pack.  Each time I gave my son this yogurt, he gobbled it up and kept asking for more!  It's exciting that he likes nutritious food!

We also had fun with the other prizes in the review package.  Shrade really liked the ball and the Scavenger Hunt cards are great for TV free entertainment!  All good ways to get the body moving as well as eating a wholesome snack like Yoplait kids yogurt.

So, here's the giveaway: the Yoplait Kids prize pack includes a coupon for Yoplait Kids yogurt, a foldable travel cooler (to take your yogurt on-the-go), a cool four-piece spoon set, a power magnet picture frame, trendy alphabet-shaped “Kiddie Bands”, a great big bounce ball and a “My First Scavenger Hunt” card game for some after-snack fun.

Giveaway ends Sunday, April 10.

*This coupon offer for a free four pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

*Yoplait provided me with the free product, information, and giveaway through MyBlogSpark.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.




1. Be a follower on my blog 
2. How do you get your kids to eat wholesome snacks?
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog)
5."Like" Yoplait on Facebook

6. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site)

Entry for Yoplait Kids Prize Pack

Crofter's Organic Review and little Giveaway!

Have you heard of Crofter's Organic? Well, they make jam and their mission is simply to make a product with the most natural ingredients.  Prepare to tantalize your tastebuds with Crofter's Organic fruit spreads.  I chose to review Crofter's Superfruit Spread made with Maqui and Passionfruit blended with Morello Cherries and Red Grapes.  Yum, yum!  These fruits come from South America and contain a healthy dose of antioxidants.  My son and I used this spread for our sandwiches and he kept asking for more!  There was a mix of sweet and tartness that was perfectly delicious.  This fruit spread is made with reduced calorie products and uses alternative sweeteners and fruit juice concentrates.  So check out Crofter's Organic today and see what you are missing!  And guess what, I have a giveaway!!!

Giveaway:  I have two 50 cents off coupons from Crofter's Organic Products for TWO winners!  Giveaway ends Wednesday, April 6.  Open to US and Canada.

To enter: Leave a comment about something interesting from Crofter's Organic website or a  flavor you would like to try and your email address.

Be sure to connect with Crofter's Organic on Facebook.

Project Simplify Week #3

I like having someone give me a project and a deadline even though I've been pretty good about disciplining myself. But to have to get something done in a week and also post pictures, that's motivating.

This week's project is cleaning kid's toys and clothes. I'm in the midst of setting up my son in his new room so this was perfect. I dumped all his toys/books in his new room, but didn't take time to organize them. I also am moving all his clothes into the room as well.

BEFORE

AFTER

PS. Here's a picture of my sweet little guy!  We transitioned him to his new room/new bed and he has done great!

I'm hooked up with Simple Mom.

52 Weeks of organizing with The Organizing Junkie Week #12

Theme: Daily Maintenance

Through this journey of decluttering, I'm becoming more aware of how quickly things can pile up, so I am making it a point to clean up daily as I walk around my house.  So refreshing!

When I get a call from the local donation center that comes to my house to pick up my stuff, I go to the places where I have stashed things and start cleaning them out!  This week, it was my downstairs hall closet.  I'm glad there's a door because I cringe everytime I open it and throw something in.  I can't believe I do that, but I have so little space in my house and I don't like to see messes.  So anyway, I pulled everything out and put back what belongs in a neat way and boxed up the rest to give away!  I'm so pleased with the results!

UGH!  Before!

Stuff I pulled out!

Whoa!  Much better!

I'm smiling!

Now that I've had a chance to look at the the fun games we have in our closet I want to play some with my hubby after we put the little guy to bed. Date night/game night!

I'm hooked up with The Organizing Junkie!

Tropical Traditions Skin Exfoliator Review/Giveaway

Recently I tried Tropical Traditions Citrus Mint Skin Exfoliator.  WOW!  I absolutely love this product and how smooth my skin felt after using it.  First, I tried it on my hands because they get so dry and it soothed away all the dryness and rough spots.  I also used it in the shower on my whole body.  ZING!  The feeling of awakening in my senses was partly because of the fragrance, but also just the way that after washing off the product my skin just was full of energy.  (Caution: Be careful after using in the shower since the oils can cause the tub to be slippery.)

I had no reservations in using this product on my skin because it is 100% natural with NO alcohols, artificial fragrances or petroleum products.  For the scented products, only the finest quality essential oils are used.  All ingredients are organic and exfoliating smooths the skin, unclogs pores and helps reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles.  How's that for a wonderful refreshing product?

Exfoliating your skin at least once a week is what I would recommend I would highly suggest using the Skin Exfoliators from Tropical Traditions!

Buy it: Right now this 4 FL. oz jar of Skin Exfoliator (lavender, citrus mint or unscented) is only $11.99.

When you place your order please use my ID # to get your FREE book: 6015262 in the "Referred by a Friend".  (Thank you!) You can also obtain your own complimentary copy of Virgin Coconut Oil book through the Referral program if you are ordering for the first time.  Please click: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/referral_program.htm for more info. The book will be automatically be added to your order.  I encourage you to look through the website for some great products.  I have already tried the Lavender Natural Deodorant (aluminum free), the Organic Shredded Coconut and the Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to get updated information on products and sales.

If you need any help in placing your order please click here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/customerservice.cfm.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Win it: One reader will receive one 4 FL oz jar of Skin Exfoliator in the fragrance of their choice (lavender, citrus mint, unscented).  Giveaway ends Sunday, April 3.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.  Thanks!

1.Be a follower on my blog (required)

2. Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me another product you would like to try. (required)

3. Subscribe to my blog by email. 

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. "Like" Tropical Traditions on Facebook

6. Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter

7. Sign up for the Tropical Traditions Newsletter.

8. Make a purchase at Tropical Traditions using my referral code: 6015262 (+5)

9. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Entry for Tropical Traditions Skin Exfoliator

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal cookies (Cookie Carnival)

I like to join fun clubs online and this is a fun Cookie Carnival that happens every month (although I don't participate every month).  It's real simple.  Sign up with Tami Rose and she will send out an email with 2 cookie recipes for that month's carnival.  It's up to you if you want to participate.  If you do, make the cookie and send an email with picture back to Tami.  You can read more info HERE!

This month I made Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Cookies.  I followed the recipe, but I added some wheat germ to make it "healthy."  Also, I didn't chill the dough.  It made 6 dozen cookies.  I've never used cream cheese before, but it keeps the cookies moist even after freezing.   This recipe came from Quaker Oats.com.

Ingredients

• One  8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 8  tablespoons (1 stick) margarine or butter, softened
• 1  cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2  cup granulated sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1/2  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• 1-1/2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2  teaspoons baking soda
• 3  cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 1  cup chopped nuts
•   Powdered sugar (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparation

In large bowl, beat cream cheese, margarine and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Add combined flour and baking soda; mix well. Add oats and nuts; mix well. Cover; chill at least 1 hour.
Heat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are almost set. (Centers should still be moist. Do not overbake.) Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. Store tightly covered.

Cook’s Notes

To melt chocolate chips, place in 1-quart glass measuring cup or microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Or, place in top part of double boiler over hot, not boiling, water; stir occasionally until smooth.

Yield

ABOUT 6 DOZEN

Women in the Word Wednesday: James 4

I can't believe that I only have one more chapter in James.  Doing a few verses everyday has really strengthened my understanding of what God wants me to learn.  I love going back through my notes and I intend to do this often even when I finish this study.

Here are my rich nuggets from chapter 4:
*Ask God for things with the right motives.
*Be humble before God- submit, resist (evil), come near, wash and purify.
*Confess and repent of my sins.
*Choose love over judgment.
*Focus on God's plans for my life.

How about you?  What are you learning in God's Word?

Family Life Marriage Bible Review

I was so pleased to be able to review the Family Life Marriage Bible.  This Bible is designed especially for couples who desire a deeper intimacy with God and with each other.  This Bible is written in the New King James Version.  Included in this translation are unique devotions for couples based on the passage in that particular book of the Bible, biblical insights and articles, parenting questions and answers, romantic tips, notes  and quotes scattered throughout, an introduction to each book of the Bible and the Family Life Family Manifesto.  This is not designed to be a study Bible, but rather a resource that focuses on enriching marriage.

I picked two books of the Bible to read.  From the Old Testament I read Ruth and from the New Testament I read Philippians.  I was expecting more King James type language even though this is the new version, but I was pleasantly surprised.  I really liked how easily it read. I also liked the different articles from Dennis and Barbara Rainey.  I'm excited to read through the Bible again in this version with the focus of marriage.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bea's Gift Basket Giveaway! GOLDEN BLOG

Today, I'm the GOLDEN BLOG!

You get 5 extra entries today only!

Here is my giveaway post, but if you have already filled it out, then just click on the link below to just enter for the GOLDEN BLOG entry!  Just type your name, email and click follower, then fill out the last question with GOLDEN BLOG.

Entry for Bea's Gift Basket Giveaway

The Craft Barn- Choose your discount sale until March 31!

Yay!  Another sale at The Craft Barn!

I just love stocking up on gifts with sales.

Here are some great deals at The Craft Barn until March 31.

PDF patterns- 20% off 

Coupon Code: MARCHPAT

Wooden Roses- 25% off 2 or more dozen

Coupon code: MARCHROSE

Personalized Fleece Blankets- 25% off

Coupon code: MARCHBLANKET

Be sure to stop by The Craft Barn today and shop with these sale deals by March 31.

*As an affiliate I receive a small commission from each sale at this store.  Thanks for shopping!*

Heavenly Homemakers Gift Certificate...hurry...only until Monday, March 21!

Get 2 $10 Gift Certificates for only $5 each from 

Heavenly Homemakers through Monday, March 21.

Now through Monday, March 21, you can purchase a $10 Heavenly Homemakers Gift Certificate for only $5!!!  That means you pay only $5 for $10 worth of items in the Heavenly Homemakers Shop!  By taking advantage of this, you have the opportunity to save big time on our eBooks, or even receive $10 off our Curriculum Kit!

Limit TWO certificates per customer/household.  Your two certificates may be combined when used in the shop.  Certificates expire one week after purchase.  You will receive your certificate code by email within 12 hours of your purchase.  You may purchase the gift certificates as gifts and send the code to be used by a friend or loved one, but still the limit of two certificates purchased per household applies.  Certificates are good for purchase of all items in the Heavenly Homemakers Shop except for the Hand Crocheted Items.

Purchase your Gift Certificate directly from Laura's Heavenly Homemakers site (this link) and then when you are ready to purchase, please use the links in this post.  I receive a small commission from every sale at Laura's site.  Thanks for your support.  This is also a great time to get the Curriculum Kit- Learn Your Letters, Learn to Serve for a great price!  I can't wait to use it with my son.

52 Weeks of Organizing #11 and Project :Simplify week #2

Theme: Conquer and Consolidate

Lately since I've been decluttering and cleaning my house I've had to let go of a lot of things.  I pick stuff up and wonder why am I keeping this?  It's hard for me because I am somewhat of a packrat.  But I'm taking little steps and making lots of trips to the Goodwill!  I know that I won't miss most of that stuff.  It feels SO good to clean stuff out.  My whole perspective is changing and I'm feeling more peace as I walk through my home.  Ahhh!  ;)

Simple Mom's project was paper clutter, but I have that under wraps, sort of, but what needed the most attention was my bookshelf!
This week I combined my decluttering efforts.I tackled the bookshelf!

Are you kidding?  Why do I let it get like this?

Oh, much better!  I love it!

I must say that I own so many books.  I love them, I hate them (when they pile up) and I can't seem to get rid of them.  Sound familiar to anyone.  :) I'm hooked up with The Organizing Junkie and Simple Mom.

Bea's Gift Baskets and Gifts Spring Giveaway Hop

Anyone interested in winning a cute Easter Gift Basket from Bea's Gift Baskets? 

Take a look around and see how adorable and fun these lovely little baskets are, not to mention filled with yummy goodies made of the highest quality ingredients!

I think my favorite is this Joy of Easter Gourmet Gift Basket.

What's yours?

 One entry from all blogs' entries collectively will be randomly chosen on April 16 to receive a Bea's Easter Basket of their choice up to $50 (US only, please).

This giveaway is open until April 10th.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.  Thanks!

1. Be a follower on my blog (only one that is required)

2. What Easter basket do you like best from Bea's Gift Baskets?   

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on my blog)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. "Like" Bea's Gift Baskets on Facebook

6. Follow Bea's Gift Baskets Blog

7. Follow @basketsender on Twitter

READ CAREFULLY:

8. 5 extra entries (only on the day that my blog is chosen as the GOLDEN BLOG, please reenter your name, email, click follower and in this box type Golden Blog).  The timestamp will tell me.  You will know that by visiting Bea's Gift Basket Facebook page or blog.

Entry for Bea's Gift Basket Easter Giveaway

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem Book Review

Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing It Right by Catherine Hickem has one main theme weaved throughout this book: Be an intentional mom.  Catherine's conversational flow and rich nuggets of wisdom made this a great book for busy moms to devour.  The way to be intentional is for moms to focus on themselves, not in a selfish way, but to really get to know themselves and make wise decisions on how to take care of their children.  In order for moms to teach their children, they must know what they want their children to learn.  There are seven principles that Catherine expounds upon: understanding your purpose, knowing and affirming your child, being a vision keeper, developing emotional intelligence, maintaining your position, addressing your fears and being God-dependent.

I really loved the content of this book.  I'm a young mother and I want to raise my kids without regrets.  Each chapter ended with some Faith Points (Bible verses), some questions and actions to take.  The end of the book included a parenting plan for you to fill out and work on different areas.  One thing lacking was a nice summary of the main points in each chapter.  There was so much information that I needed a breakdown.  I recommend this book to any parent.  Also, be sure to check out Catherine's website: Intentional Moms.

Project: Simplify Week #1

Yep!  I'm doing another decluttering project in tandem with my 52 weeks.  This one is from Simple Mom and I'm given the hot spot area to clean.  So Closet/Clothes here I come!  There are also prizes attached to this challenge and since I really just need to clean I'm so ready to take on any challenge these next few months.  I plan not to do much after baby comes in the beginning of May.

BEFORE- pregnancy clothes

AFTER- pregnancy clothes

BEFORE- drawers

AFTER- drawers

BEFORE-closet side 1

BEFORE- closet side 2

AFTER- this is what's left!

GIVEAWAY pile of clothes

As I went through my closet this week I made some tough decisions.  First, I'm 7 months pregnant and I know my body has changed since my last pregnancy so there are lot of clothes that don't fit anymore.  Second, I had a whole wardrobe of professional teaching clothes that I have not worn in over 2 years.  And even if I do go back to teaching I won't wear those clothes and they might not even fit.  I bagged up a lot of clothes that I've had for years, but I know it's time.  It feels so clean in my closet, empty, but clean and I know I will be happy not pawing through all the those clothes that I "might" wear!  Fun project!

52 Weeks of Organizing with The Organizing Junkie Week #10

This week I tackled the linen closet! I took out a lot of things and I also moved some things (knitting and sewing) in here. We have an extra room that will become our son's new room so I had to get stuff out of there!

BEFORE

AFTER

Theme for this week: Tips for cluttered surfaces

Questions to ponder:

1. What are your hot spot landing zones?  My hot spots are the kitchen counter and the dining room table. 
2. Think about ways you can tackle these flat surface areas to manage the stuff that continues to pile there.  I'm still working on clearing out some other spaces where I can put the things that are cluttering these two hotspots.  I don't have money to buy any organizing baskets or gadgets so I have to make do with what I have.
3. What are you most proud of so far in your 52 weeks journey?  I'm so proud that I'm actually doing this challenge with being pregnant!  I'm so motivated to get this house in order before May 6!

I'm hooked up with Laura at The Organizing Junkie!

Booking It: March 2011

I thought I wouldn't be reading as many books as I did last year and yet, I still crave reading.  I guess I always need a book.  It gives me something to look forward to in my down times.

Here are the great reads from last month:


I also have been reading through the New Testament and I'm up to Mark 7.  Last year I read through the Old Testament, but I decided to take a slower pace this year.  I'm also doing several Bible studies that I'll be sharing about too.

Of these 4 books I recommend: (MUST READ list)
*Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Jane Anderson
*The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World by Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis



I'm hooked up with LIFE AS MOM!