Ditch the Disposables Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Ditch the Disposables Giveaway Hop, hosted by So Easy Being Green.

This giveaway hop is dedicated to all the wonderful, reusable products available. A fabulous group of bloggers have come together to offer you some great giveaways of reusable products so you can... ditch the disposables! Be sure to hop around to all the blogs involved on the linky below and don't miss the Ultimate Green Family Grand Prize worth $320!

Being more eco-friendly has definitely been on my priority list more and more lately, as I watch Emily grow up. I want to keep the environment as good as possible, as long as possible. For her, for her children, and for everyone who will walk this planet after me.

I am happy to be working with a wonderful group of ladies who run the 3 Chicks Sewing shop on Etsy!

What I loved most, and what caught my eye about them was that they were 3 generations working together, doing something they loved! It doesn't get much better than that. With pages and pages of great ready-to-ship items, it's very easy to get lost in their selection.

For this hop they have very kindly offered one lucky winner their choice of Reusable Paper Towels (something we go through a lot of in this household!). You can choose one that's ready-to-ship, or request a custom pattern. And, there are 2 different kinds you can choose from! 3 Chicks Sewing makes one regular, and the other for those bigger jobs with a scrubbie built right in. :)

Open Worldwide. Please only one entrant per household/IP address. Don't forget to come back daily to claim your extra entries to increase your chances of winning, and to stop by and like 3 Chicks Sewing on Facebook to keep up with new products, sales, and future promotions!

Full terms and conditions can be found in the form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Good luck on ditching the disposables - now increase your odds of winning the best reusable products by entering more giveaways in the Hop, including the Ultimate Green Family Grand Prize!

This prize includes a $50 Gift Certificate to Glass Dharma, glass straws handmade in the USA, and a Softbums Cloth Diaper Starter Kit {includes a wet bag, 3 shells, and 6 inserts! You'll also find the new Merry & Bright Tote Collection from SnapSac resuable bags, a $50 GC to Lunapads.com, and a roll of 12 Unpaper Towels from TheUnpaperTowel.com!

ENTER THE GRAND PRIZE.

So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Ditch the Disposables participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

$200 Cash Giveaway (4 Winners!)

Welcome to the Giveaway for $200 Worth of Cash Prizes from EvaWigs! (4 winners - each wins $50)

I love how gorgeous wigs can change your look from one moment to the other. Why dye your hair constantly to achieve a new look? (and forget taking hours to dye your hair too!)

EvaWigs has an amazing selection of wigs inspired by some of the most stunning celebrities. You should take a look at their selection and visualize how beautiful you would look!

EvaWigs has been kind enough to offer 4 winners a $50 Paypal cash prize each!

 

 

Hosted by: International Giveaways, Home Life Abroad, Tenacious Tinkering and All the Frugal Ladies

Giveaway expires 11/6 and is open to all worldwide! Good luck everyone! :)

 

Entry-Form

Time Management: Learning As We Go

Wow, as I said in one of my last posts, where does the time go?!

These couple of weeks have passed by like a flash of lightning. I don't know where the time went.

With Darren working two jobs now (7 days a week) my days have become full of pretty much all of the parenting duties, and a majority of the household duties (not that I mind, I know he's out there busting his butt so we can move our family forward). It's been quite an adjustment period, but I think we're getting the hang of it.

I was even able to get out a couple of times this week with Emily, on our own. If you are new to my blog and unfamiliar with my struggle with anxiety/depression, you can learn more here.

Yesterday was an amazing day for me. A shopping trip, getting to see a rock legend in concert (can't wait to write my review!), sharing that with my mom, and having my first official night out on my own since having Emily.

All of that being said, it is a HUGE reminder of how time has become especially valuable to me lately. As a mom and partner, as a person managing a health issue, as a sister, daughter, and aunt. But also, as a blogger.

On most days, I wind up with only 3 hours total to dedicate to blogging. Some during nap time (if that even happens. Lately, not so much). Some after Emily goes to bed. Those 3 hours provide me time to go through emails, respond to those that need it, check my social media, link up the giveaways I'm promoting, (squeeze in an uninterrupted shower), maybe write a post if I'm lucky, and then the little one is awake, or it's reached the point where I know I need to call it a night.

When I first started my blog, I made a mistake that I think a lot of new bloggers make. I started pitching to several companies, and finding new opportunities, new groups to join, new websites to join for items to review, because I thought it would be so hard to get someone to work with a new blogger like myself. I pitched so much, and applied for so many opportunities, not at all expecting to get a response. But, lo and behold, I got an overwhelming response and am still catching up from it!

I'm learning that I have to become more selective with the items that I accept for review. I understand, now, just how much time goes into each of these reviews. And that even though I can squeeze in time to test the products, it was a lot harder to squeeze in QUIET time to write.

I don't know about anybody else, but for me, I can't write a full sentence when I have a two year old that just wants me to draw "pretty hearts" for her. Nor, do I think it's fair to the businesses I'm reviewing for to even try to write under those circumstances. I strongly believe that if I can't give you my full attention in my writing or testing process, I'm not giving you the best work possible. And that's what I want to put forward. EVERY time.

There are several businesses that I've had to contact and apologize to, because after trying their product, I just didn't feel like I could dedicate the time to writing a quality review for them. If I am going to write about something, I have to be able to put my heart into it. Otherwise, there is no drive there, and no passion. If you're product doesn't speak to me and I can't write you a quality review, I will let you know, and give you constructive criticism. Plain and simple. I think that's fair.

For those that are patiently awaiting my reviews, I extend my gratitude for your patience. It is very much appreciated, and will not be taken advantage of. Really, to all people that I work with, now or in the future, or have worked with past: You can feel comfortable knowing that I do all that I can every day. If I didn't put forth my best effort everyday, I wouldn't be able to look at myself in the mirror. And I can proudly say that I do that now. After years of avoiding mirrors, I can finally look myself in the eye.

$200 Cash Giveaway

Welcome to the $200 Cash Giveaway!

 

 Sponsored by Michael Phillip Cash.

Seventeen year old Arielle is at a crossroads in her life. Disenchanted with her father, she is testing the boundaries of his trust by dating someone he does not approve.

Under the moonlit sky in Long Island, Arielle and her boyfriend meet beneath the infamous hanging tree. The couple's destiny is rooted to the five spirits in the tree whose lives and deaths are determined by an ancient curse. Will her future be determined by the past or will Arielle's choices alter the course of her life?

---

Find out when you read The Hanging Tree by Michael Phillip Cash!

Michael is the best selling author of Stillwell: A Haunting On Long Island and his debut novel, Brood X.

The Hanging Tree is his first novella. To celebrate the release, Michael would like to offer one fan $200 Paypal Cash and signed copies of his books Stillwell, Brood X and a kindle download of The Hanging Tree!

---

Enter to win $200 Cash via PayPal as well as signed copies of Stillwell, Brood X and a kindle download of The Hanging Tree

What would you do with an extra $200 and a great new book to read? Think about it while you do the tasks on the Rafflecopter below! Good luck everyone! :)

Refer your friends using your unique link at the top of the Rafflecopter for even more chances to win.

One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.

Open Worldwide.

Ends at 11:59pm EST on November 3rd, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway was coordinated by Giveaway Promote.

If you're a blogger and would like to participate in a future giveaway event like this one, sign up for Giveaway Promote's weekly giveaway events newsletter.

$200 Gift Card of Choice Giveaway

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Card Blowout Giveaway!

The Holidays are coming and I am sure everyone could use some extra cash to buy gifts for your loved ones or maybe fund upcoming travel $200 would totally help with all these expenses.

This giveaway is made possible by my awesome co- hosts :

My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life , What Simply Works , Oh Locked Heart , Capri"s Coupon

and a lot more of other fabulous bloggers!

 

 All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below, and one lucky winner will get a $200 Gift Card of their choice! If I had an extra $200, I'd probably use it towards presents. If you win, what you do with it is totally up to you!!  Come back to claim the daily entries to increase your chances of winning. ;)

Giveaway will run until 11/15/2013 at 11:59pm EST, is open worldwide, must be 18 + to enter, and use the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open Worldwide, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s), Jade of Happy Home and Family will be responsible for prize fulfillment. My blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. The sponsor of this event will be responsible for fulfillment of prize (Happy Home and Family). This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

If you have questions about this giveaway please feel free to contact Jade at admin@happyhomeandfamily.com

You could win a Tablet!

Just in Time for Christmas!!

Sponsored by: Everbuying.com

Hosted by: Missi Rose's Views

Co-Hosts:

The World of Contest Patti

Savin' Green Mama

Confessions of a Deal Seeking Diva

Giveaway Promote

The holidays will be here before you know it and the shopping frenzy will begin!

One awesome reader will be the lucky winner of this 7-inch Tablet from Everbuying.com, and will have a great gift for someone special, to start their holiday shopping.  This Android 4.0 Tablet boasts a 7 inch screen and the super slim external shell will be a gorgeous Azure color.

Tablet Features:

• CPU Boxchip A13 Cortex A8 1.0GHz
• GPU Mali 400
• OS Google Android 4.0.3
• RAM 512MB DDR3
• Internal storage capacity 4GB
• External storage Micro SD card (up to 32GB) - Not included
• Screen 7 inch 16:9 TFT LCD capacity multi-touch panel 800X480
• Front camera 0.3 Megapixel
• Flash Flash 10.3
• Support Video Calls Online

Networking:

• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Wireless Internet
• External 3G
• 3G Web Surfing 

Connectivity:

• TF card slot
• Micro USB slot
• 3.5mm Headphone jack
• DC jack

Everbuying.com is a leading global online retail company, operating in the international wholesale market and specializing in electronics. By closely following the very latest trends and developments in Europe and America, Everbuying.com has enjoyed years of continuous growth by faithfully serving a worldwide customer base of thousands of satisfied customers from over 200 countries since 2006.

With more than 10K diverse product lines for the international market, Everbuying.com encompasses the very latest in top-quality products, such as inexpensive Android cell phones, Android tablets, car DVD players, LED lighting, tons of cool electronic gadgets, affordable apparel, outdoor equipment and more!

A tablet is one of those things that would make life a tad bit easier, and a lot more fun! :) With so many uses, one could fit into just about any family! My favourite part about this giveaway? It's open worldwide! Good luck everyone.

Get social with Everbuying.com

on

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

How to Enter:

This event is open to readers WORLD-WIDE, 18 years or older.

Simply enter on the Rafflecopter form below, and don't forget to come back for daily entries! Good Luck!

Disclosure: Missi Rose's Views, nor any participating blog is responsible for prize fulfillment. The Sponsor will ship the prize to the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$150 Gift Card Giveaway!

Welcome to the Giveaway for a $150 Gift Card to Kelka Jewelry!

 

 Keren from Kelka Jewelry wants to give one of YOU lucky readers a $150 Gift Card to use on her beautiful jewelry items! You can even use the gift card to get one one of her stunning gold or silver pieces. Just take a look at her store and you'll see why it's well worth participating! You can also read a review on her jewelry here.   

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. That's all I can say after looking through Kelka Jewelry's selection. I'm a huge Etsy fan, to start with, but those cuff bracelets are stunning! Good luck! 

Hosted by: International Giveaways, Home Life Abroad, and All the Frugal Ladies  

Giveaway expires 10/31 and is open to all worldwide!

 

Entry-Form

Enter for a Chance to Win!

Welcome to the Vtech's InnoTab Giveaway

This giveaway is brought to you by Empowered Mommy and friends!

Co-hosted by Black Coffe Brown Cow,  Nest Full Of New,  Powered By Dad,  Joys Of Life  &  Craft Cravings

Vtech's Innotab is a perfect technology gift for own child, niece/nephew or grandchildren! I was in love with this electronic toy ever since I laid eyes on it! Empowered Mommy and friends teamed together to giveaway one of these tabs to one of their reader!

What is Vtech's Innotab? 

It is tablet that offers a wealth of fun, age-appropriate learning games for kids, plus new ways to play and learn. Kids and parents can exchange and share their text messages, photos and more over a kid-safe Wi-Fi connection using VTech Kid Connect. Children can browse kid-safe and parent approved websites to find even more learning fun right from the InnoTab 3S.

What does this tablet include?

Exchange and Share with Smart phones

InnoTab 3S connects kids to their parents and friends anywhere (available with Wi-Fi connection). With VTech Kid Connect Basic (included) you can wirelessly exchange text and fun stickers between the InnoTab 3S and smart phones. Kids can also connect with friends and siblings safely with tablet-to-tablet communication between two InnoTab 3S tablets no matter where they are- anytime, anywhere.

Browse the web

Make A Wish

Deluxe Apps Package

Movie Maker

Rotating Camera and Video Recorder

Wonder Cam

Magic Beanstalk Game

& MUCH MORE!!!

Emily would get a kick out of her own tablet. She'd love having her own gadget, and she'd be learning without even realizing it. That's the best kind of learning! :) Make sure to come back and grab your daily entries to increase your chances of winning! Spread the word for your family and friends. Good luck!!

This giveaway is open to US/CAN. Entrants must be 18+ to enter the giveaway.

Giveaway dates: October 17, 2013 to November 17, 2013

Enter via rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for the shipment of the prize. This giveaway is not at all endorsed or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter and/or Vtech. This is a self sponsored giveaway brought to you by Empowered Mommy and friends. Once the giveaway is over, the winner will be announced via random.org and will be contacted by Empowered Mommy via. For questions, please email Empowered Mommy. 

Anything Goes Giveaway Hop!

   
Welcome to the Anything Goes October Giveaway Hop. 

This event is hosted by The Review Wire and Review Wire Media. This hop is dedicated to...anything! All participating blogs have a giveaway of at least $20 so hop down the list to see what they have in store for you. Make sure to also check out the Grand Prize over at The Review Wire and enter to win VTech InnoTab 3s, a retail value of $100! 

Anyone else love Etsy as much as I do? Etsy has introduced me to so many artisans, each with their own unique talent. I was so excited to find that there were other people who valued the hard work and love that goes into handmade products. I would like to introduce you all to one of the amazing shops that I've come across.

Take a peek at some of her breathtaking designs!

Meet Shannon!

I'm Shannon Crain, and I'm the designer and creator of Selicias. I moved to Portland, Oregon from San Francisco, CA. I loved living in SF but I was born in Oregon and am happy to be back. I have always loved jewelry and began creating my own designs while living in San Francisco. 
After moving back to Oregon, Selicias was launched in 2011 and my jewelry continues to consist of simple yet striking designs that are made from unique, high end materials. I love finding exquisitely cut and interesting stones and gems, then creating designs to complement.

Now in 2013 I'm working to build Selicia's, especially my online/ Etsy sales. I am a stay at home mom to my 4 year old son and 1 year old daughter, and making jewelry and managing my business gives me something "grown up" to do during the day - in between playing hide and seek, reading kids books and marathon rounds of Candyland! There is nothing I love more than being a Mom and I'm so happy that I found something that I can do while I'm at home with my son!

Here is what Shannon has offered to one lucky Living As We reader!

Gorgeous, right?! I would re-pierce my ears, just so I could wear those earrings! All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below. Make sure to come back and claim the daily entries to increase your chances of winning. Don't forget to share with your friends and family too! I'm sure they would love the opportunity to win! ;)

You can always find Selicia's Jewelry on Etsy, or on Facebook!

Giveaway runs from Oct 17-31st, 2013. One entrant per household/IP address please. Open Worldwide, 18+. Please find the full rules on the form.  
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 Disclaimer: This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on October 31, 2013. The Anything Goes Event Bloggers is not responsible for shipment of the Grand Prize prize or sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in group giveaway events like this one, sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by The Review Wire.

Where Does the Time Go?

Do you ever have those days when you could use an extra 4 or 5 hours? When time just kind of gets away from you? You sit down for one minute, and then your little one has you on to the next thing? You have so much to do, you get everything out that you need to work on but then time runs out before you even have a chance to get started on anything!

 (Unedited Photo by: SleepyJeanie, Flickr)

That has been the past couple of days for this mommy. It's been go, go, go. Even if we haven't moved very far. Emily has been extra energetic. Curious. Asking questions that, even as her mom, sometimes I just can't understand. So I nod in hopes that it's a fitting answer. Usually it suffices. Other times, not so much.

Nap time has almost become non-existent. I feel like I'm spending more time trying to get her to take a nap, than she actually spends napping. She has also discovered two new, shall we say, talents. The first, is the lovely acrobatic/strength act of somehow climbing out of her crib? I have yet to figure out how she does it....but when I do I'll be sure to let you know.

And the second....wait for it.....this one is really good. She has learned how to get mommy's attention with the old "Pee in Potty" trick.

Every night (or at least, most nights) bedtime is around 9pm. We have a pretty good routine at night. A little while ago she started asking me to wrap up her doll like a baby, and then she lays down and asks for her blanket and milk. So every night after stories, and before bed, that's what we've been doing.

Only tonight, after a few minutes I hear, "Pee in Potty!"

I've been trying really hard to keep consistent with her potty training, so hearing this, I do the no-bra mom jog to the room and carry her to the potty. After a few minutes of me asking her if she is going to go potty, she looks up at me, as bold and as clear as day, and says, "No way! No pee". All the while smiling, and shaking her head no.

That is about the point I bit my lip and had to stop myself from smiling or laughing, so she wouldn't think it was a game. That is the LAST thing I need. To play the Pee in Potty game? No thanks lol. 

I guess this is just the way of an almost two year old. Funny how things were so much easier when she was just teeny tiny. I dread the thought of when she reaches the point of no naps! I'm thinking I should get used to pulling all-nighters if this bloggers plans on getting anything done :)

Does time get away from you too, some days? Or is it just me?

It's the Small Victories in Life

Today was one of the most stressful days of being a Mom yet, and not for the reason that it would be for most people. I took my daughter out for the first time by myself in over a year. Woo hoo! :)

Okay, so I know that sounds like something most Moms do on a regular basis...it is, and it should be. Except for people that have severe anxiety issues, like myself.

Lately things have been getting better with my anxiety. I've been doing little things on my own to build up my confidence, learning what my triggers are, and how to recognize them when they are starting to happen. Catching my triggers early on allows me to deal with the anxiety before it becomes a full blown panic attack. It's actually been a big help, and today I celebrate a small victory in my battle with anxiety.

It was a four hour trip, in total, and even the thought of being out in public (especially for four hours straight) terrified me. To throw in bus rides to and from, a life altering doctors visit, and very little sleep the night before....not fun, to say the least. But an important step in managing my anxiety, and rewarding in the sense that I feel a little more confident for next time.

Facing surgery in the near future is just one more step to being Me again. I'm both scared, and excited....but that's a nice change from just feeling anxious about the entire thing. Scared I can deal with, and excited...well, I've got to become accustomed to that one. The excitement for life was snatched from me as a child, but to have that feeling coming back after feeling numb for so long...it's amazing. I almost feel human again. :)

Slowly but surely, things get better.

Off to catch up on writing some reviews, checking my emails and such. Then it's back to organizing my Pinterest boards. I've been trying to get this task done for quite some time now, but there just seems to always be something else that needs my attention lol. So now I'm trying to really focus on organizing them, before they get too cluttered! (Too late).

Sometimes, the small victories are better than the big one's. What has been your favourite small victory?

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson comes to Winnipeg!

Music is something I crave from the inside out. I feel like it's in my blood, even if I never did finish learning to play the guitar.

I love that music can carry me away, but that it always brings me back to where I was supposed to be. It has got a way of making me feel free. I am so happy to be rediscovering my love for music a little more each day, as I find my way out of a long battle with anxiety and depression. I'm not talking about today's music though. Some of that is great, but most of it, I just can't stand.

I'm talking the music from back before technology could give you talent. I'm talking music from the 60's and 70's. Live music. The kind you can feel. The kind that gets under your skin, and deep into your bones. The kind that stays with you, and that lasts a lifetime, even if you only get to see it once. In fact, it's special because you only get to see it once.

One of my favourites along the way has been Jethro Tull, and when I saw that Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull frontman) was coming to Winnipeg to perform Thick as a Brick after all these years, I was so excited!

For the first time in 45 years, he'll take to the stage to perform Thick As a Brick in it's entirety. This is going to be a show of a lifetime! Progressive rock will come alive in this theatrical production including video and other musicians from Ian's band, all of whom have performed with Jethro Tull at one time or another. 

From  The Marquee Club in London in 1968 to the Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall later this month, with over 30 studio and live albums released, and over 60 million of those albums sold, Jethro Tull's music can certainly be considered legendary. People young and old can appreciate the beauty that is their music.

Come join me for Ian Anderson, performing Thick As A Brick from 1972, and the new Thick As A Brick 2, at the Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall October 22, 2013 at 8 P.M. The Centennial Concert Hall is located at 555 Main St. Tickets are $39.50, $59.50, and $85.50 plus taxes and fees. For more info please call 1-855-985-5000 or visit http://centennialconcerthall.com/2013/03/jethro-tulls-ian-anderson/.

To tide you over until then, here's a video of my favourite Jethro Tull song, Aqualung. If you're not in the city, not to worry. There are lots of other tour dates worldwide! Check them out here. Watch for my review soon after!