Archive for html404

iPad Nano Giveaway and a Facebook Party

Posted by html404 on February 28, 2012
in Contests, Fun Stuff, Giveaways

Just a reminder that Rosslyn Elliot is having the iPod Nano Giveaway and Facebook Party today!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 28th. Winner will be announced at Sweeter than Birdsong Author Chat Facebook Party on 2/28. Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, sharing a sneak peek of the next book in the series, hosting a trivia contest, and more! She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, season 1 of Downtown Abbey, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Rosslyn.)

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A Beautiful View from My Window

Posted by html404 on February 27, 2012
in Blog Stuff

There have been so many times throughout my years of blogging when I have had writer’s block. It is during those times I wish I had known of writing prompts. While I was visiting blogs participating in the Winter Blast of Cash Giveaway, I came across several sites offering them. Bloggy Moms was one of them and I intend to use some of them when a bout of writer’s block hits again and today is one of those days. I could not come up with a Monday Motivation post. So here’s my go at using the writing prompt…

A beautiful view from my window would be…

A blue-green sea lapping on the shore of a sandy beach with the sun shining beautifully all day long. Not a cloud in the sky or a person in sight. It would be perfectly peaceful.

A lush green countryside with cows and horses in the fields. The wind would be lightly blowing as white puffy clouds moved through the sky.

Snow capped mountains.

A field full of flowers in full bloom.

My children playing nicely while they put their creative juices together to create a fort or push their little brother or sister in the swing. Or my older son taking the hand of his littlest brother to help him walk across the yard.

My girls running in the field laughter filling the air as they take photos.

The boys playing quietly on the patio with their army men.

Any activities my children do is a beautiful sight in my opinion, except their fighting.

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Blackberry vs iPhone

Posted by html404 on February 26, 2012
in Technology/Electronics

If you remember two months ago I purchased an iPhone when my Blackberry died. I think my children use my iPhone more than I do! Of course, most of the apps on it are geared towards them! I even let my 4 year old buy a couple of apps on his birthday. In some ways I like the iPhone better than my Blackberry, but there are certain things that I miss about my Blackberry.

Things I like about my iPhone

– Ease of use.
– Easy for the children to use, obviously!
– Much easier to get photos off and onto the computer.
– The camera takes better quality photos.
– Watching videos on the iPhone works better than the Blackberry.
– It seems like we can do more things on the iPhone – apps allow us to read books, play games, listen to music, play videos
– Participating in social media seems much easier on the iPhone.

Things I miss about my Blackberry

– Word Mole (I read reviews the app is nothing like the Blackberry version).
– Google Maps (gotta look for an app!)
– The key pad.
– Going online was easier on the Blackberry. I do not use my iPhone nearly as much to go online as I did my Blackberry. I don’t care for Safari as a web browser.
– My password could be a word, not just numbers. My children hacked my iPhone!

Cell phone choices are highly personal and what I like about my phone(s) may be what irk or dissatisfy you. However, if you are shopping for a new cell phone it is always a very good idea to read what other mobile phone reviews say before you plunk down your hard earned cash so you can make an informed decision.

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Words Spoken True

Posted by html404 on February 25, 2012
in Books, Contests

Set in 1855, Words Spoke True is about a young woman who was raised in her father’s newspaper offices in Louisville, Kentucky. Shunning cultural norm, she was a newspaper woman in a man’s world. However, due to her father’s expectations, political and financial woes he puts her in more danger than anyone ever expected. Amidst the danger and political unrest Adriane Darcy is attracted to an unconventional new editor….her father’s rival newspaper.

I really enjoyed this book. I was an entertaining, suspenseful novel with a romantic twist. It was far from your predictable romance, which you may recall I am weary of. Adriane’s romantic life is filled with more than just controversy and not what you would call a dream romance. More like a nightmare run wild, but that’s all I’m saying!

It was interesting to learn just a little about life inside the newspaper office. What is intriguing is the idea that years ago, printing stories that were true could cost not only subscribers but also your life. It makes me wonder if there is still that risk today? Do reporters focus on truth or a story that will sell? Hmmm…..

Adriane’s father seemed to have lost sight of what was important in his life when he began flirting with a politician. A politician whose wealth and position had “pull” shall we say. I just couldn’t imagine being under the thumb of someone who had the power to control what I said and did. What a scary thought.

I admired Adriane’s grit. She had courage, strength and talent, all of which she used for the good of “her” newspaper. And the loyalty shown to her and her father from their trusted employees is something to envy. Loyalty and honesty among friends are rare gifts not to be taken advantage of, but to be treasured and held like a prized possession.

Two thumbs up for Words Spoke True!

The author of this book, Ann Gabhart, is hosting a fun contest that you can check out here.

“Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Saturday’s Top Five Laughs- Come Join Our Blog Hop!

Posted by html404 on February 24, 2012
in Farm Stuff, Fun Stuff, Organic

Melissa over at The Mommyhood Chronicles is having a Saturday’s Top Five Laughs Blog Hop that seems like too much fun to pass up. I am going to share five things that made me laugh this week. Most of them are what my oldest dear daughter has shared with me or what I have come across online through my scrolling.

1. Moms and Dinnertime. Any moms relate? With four growing boys in the house our cupboards and refrigerator should have revolving doors and automatic restocking! Any inventors out there? 😉 Came across the above comic on Facebook.

2. Maple Syrup Funny. When we first started drilling the holes in the trees it was taking forever and I couldn’t figure out why. Yes, the drill bit did not seem to be in correctly, but no saw dust was even coming out of the hole. Finally I discovered a little switch on the handle that went side to side. I wondered what it would do if I moved it to the far right? We tried to drill the hole and presto! The hole was drilled lickety-split! We had been drilling backwards! What do my daughters and I know about drills? Only that they drill holes.

3. Organic Farming.

4. Entrepreneurs.

5. Motherhood.

My daughter is always finding these memes to share and laugh over. I should be grateful but when my brain is foggy from lack of sleep and my eyes are cross-eyed from staring at a computer screen for too long, sometimes it takes me longer to “get” the message! I got these just fine.

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Tree Hugging Really Was….

Posted by html404 on February 24, 2012
in All Natural Products, Education, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Food and Treats

I loved all your responses to our Wordless Wednesday post! I got a lot of chuckles! The tree hugging really was about measuring the tree, but it was for tapping the trees for sap. We need to measure the diameter of the tree to determine how many taps we can put in each of our five maple trees because we are making maple syrup! Today’s fun with food post will be all about our fun tapping trees and making our very own chemical free maple syrup! (I know there is really no food shown, but it’s all about making our own and being self-sufficient in providing our family’s food from our land – rented land in this case.)

Our handy little reference booklet.

Maple syrup supplies.

Photo from Anderson’s website.

Yes, we can measure with the measuring tape upside down, we are talented that way! 😉

Drilling tap holes.

Tapping trees was a family event.

Two of our maple trees are in the backyard, the other three are in the front.

Stay tuned for more of our journey into the world of making maple syrup in our own backyard!

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Guess What We are Doing?

Posted by html404 on February 22, 2012
in All Natural Products, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Food and Treats, Fun Stuff

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LISTERINE® and REACH® #HealthyHabits for a Lifetime Oral Care Challenge!

Posted by html404 on February 22, 2012
in Family Stuff, Personal Care Products

Did you know that 75% of all American adults have periodontal disease and do not even know it?
Did you know that there are billions of germs in our mouth, more than there are people on the earth? That’s a lot isn’t it?
Did you know that a third of the people in the US do not eat their favorite food or smile because of dental problems?
Did you know that 50% of American children will have a cavity between the ages of 5 and 9?
Did you know that 51 million hours of school are missed each year due to dental issues?

Pretty sobering, eh?

We have been struggling with a couple of our children’s oral care habits. No matter what we say nothing seems to get through to them, until recently one of my older daughters was explaining in detail what happened to teeth when the dirt, sugar and germs broke down the tooth. That particular child said, “Really?” Then took off to brush his teeth. A break through? Maybe, but I have my doubts so that is why we are participating in LISTERINE® and REACH® Healthy Habits for a Lifetime Oral Care Challenge!

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing and participating in the Healthy Habits for a Lifetime Oral Care Challenge. We are being compensated by Johnson & Johnson and TheMotherhood. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review and compensation, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Slique™ Kit

Posted by html404 on February 21, 2012
in All Natural Products, Health, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition

For all of my child bearing years, I have struggled with my weight. Actually, I have struggled since I was a child, I just managed it better in my late teens through mid-twenties with lots and lots of exercise! I am currently at my highest weight ever. I have tried to focus on my mothering more than my weight and protecting my girls from the idea that “I am not good enough” subconscious message that the media pushes on all females. I worked hard to instill in them that beauty comes from within not from what size clothing they wear. It is hard when the “thin” message is everywhere we look and most people have succumbed to those thoughts as the norm. I mean look at me I am still entrenched in it! The thing is even a couple of years ago I was ok, as long as I didn’t gain anymore but I have and don’t want to gain anymore. I am really not happy with my where my weight is now. Yet I still worry if I try to lose weight what message I will be sending to my daughters. It’s a catch-22.

However, my youngest is 18 months old and we have a new product through our Cornucopia Health Scents business, I thought I would try something I have never done before in hopes of getting phenomenal results while giving my body nutrition it needs. This new product just arrived last week and we do sell it, so anyone interested, please visit the Lose Weight tab at the top of the blog or visit our business site.

Slique Kit

The Product Description (credit for this goes to Jeanmarie Hepworth and is used with permission):

A Revolutionary New Weight Management System featuring Slique™ Tea and the New Essential Oil Blend Slique™ Essence!

The products in this collection work together to support effective weight management by:

Suppressing appetite and food cravings while increasing metabolism

Providing low-calorie supplements that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and catechins

Helping with the breakdown and absorption of food

There are two kit choices non-vegetarian and vegetarian.

Lose weight and improve your health with the Slique Experience!

My Personal Goal

I have tried a box of the Slique™ Tea on its own when it came out in the fall, but sold my other box at a trade show, so I was excited to try it again. It is really very good. Since it has stevia (a natural sweetener that comes from the stevia plant), no other sugar is needed.

If I am brave enough, I will share my journey with you in upcoming posts. Being a private person, I am hesitant to make myself that vulnerable to be honest, so I haven’t quite decided what I will do yet. However, I will take the next few weeks to go through each of the products in the Slique™ Tea kit and let you know how I like them. Then at the end of this series I will be offering a giveaway of one Slique™ Tea kit to one of YOU! ($275/$285 Value) One of the biggest giveaways we have ever had on Faith and Family Reviews! So bring it on, eh!? And be sure to spread the word!

An associate of mine researched other brand name weight loss programs and came to the conclusion that the Slique Tea kit is cheaper than other weight loss programs available. If you have any experience with Nutri System, Jenny Craig or others let me know if $275/month is cheaper.

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Winter Blast Cash Giveaway Starts Today!

Posted by html404 on February 20, 2012
in Giveaways

Congrats to Mary.L. – The winner of the $700 Winter Blast of Cash!

Today the Winter Blast Cash Giveaway begins! Please enter to win $700 and help spread the word about this awesome giveaway! This giveaway is open worldwide. Winner must have a valid PayPal account. Giveaway participants (such as yours truly and other bloggers hosting) may not enter this giveaway.

$700 Winter Blast of Cash Giveaway Event

This $700 Winter Blast of Cash Giveaway is hosted by Giveaway Promote.

A fantastic group of bloggers has gotten together to give away $700 in cash to one lucky person. Below is a giveaway form called a Rafflecopter that you can use to easily enter this giveaway. Included is also a list of participating blogs at the end of this post. Complete any of the tasks below to earn entries into the giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.

This giveaway is open worldwide.

It will end at 11:59pm EST on March 4th, 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is brought to you by:

Giveaway Promote	Review and Giveaway	My Kids Review It
Baby Feeding Shop	Miki’s Hope	Yummy Boy Mummy
Gone Klippin’ Krazy	Mamacita La Cuponera	Mama Luvs Books
Colleen’s Book Nook	Made.By.Jess	Frugal Gals
Kat’s Corner Niche	Daily Digital Deals	Couponing4You
Mommies Point of View	Oh! My Heartsie	Money Saving Mindy
Military Wives Saving	Coupons Not Cash	Our Mom Spot
Shopaholic Mommy	Travel Mommy	Building Carpenters
I’m Not Superwoman	Half-Pint House Handouts	A Helicopter Mom
My Cloth Diaper Stash	Someday I’ll Learn	Tidbits From A Mom
Blueberry Squash	Style ‘n Decor Deals	Twingle Mommy
Its the Simple Things	My Kids’ Cool Mom	Acadiana’s Thrifty Mom
JustFindIt4U	The Frugal Navy Wife	Operation $40K
Whoreders	The Ladies Lounge	Ohayo Okasan
Taunya’s Place Too	Faith and Family Reviews	Freebies With Attitude
Disney Contests and Sweepstakes	Emptynester Savings and More	Flaunting it with the Image Diva
Oh My Gosh Beck!	Our Share of Crazy	Carpe Diem
Potato Chip Cats	Perfecting Photos	Choosing Love
Happy Home and Family	Carmen’s Coupon Blog	TheItMom.com
oc Deal Mama	The Anti-June Cleaver	I Heart Giveaways
Krazy Couponing with Trish	Random Deals	My Charmed Mom
Saving While Making Money	I Love My Kids	Fuggs and Foach
Coupon Hauls	Tory’s This and That	SwagSaver
Cheap Junkie	Mothering Matters	Sister’s Saving Cents
Savior Cents	Linda’s Angels	Free Hot Samples
J Magnolia Designs	I Am A Couponer	Picture Clusters
2 Kids and a Coupon	Sweeping The USA	Mary’s Cup of Tea
Feed Your Pig	Wonderful Things In Life	Grow With Stacy
Coupon Savvy Sarah	Book Flame	Family Makeover Maven
Coupon Coffee Shop	Capri’s Coupons	Green-Baby-Goods
Mom Always Finds Out	Pinching Pennies with Heather	The Mommyhood Chronicles
Prolific Shopping	Bake Sew Write	Krazy Coupon Club
Southwest Coupon Clippers	Cheapskate Cafe	The Coup Diva
Mommy Who Loves Giveaways	Uncreative Mommy in a Sea of Crafty Bloggers	Life: Full of Unexpected Happiness
Arizona Moms Network	Bluegrass Savers	Extreme Coupon Professors
Saving For My Family	Sweet Pea Saving	Deal Doll
Wild N Mild Giveaways	Cute-Ecakes	Relax ‘n Save
Adventures in Coupons	Nicki’s Coupon Blog	Black, Divorced & Virtuous
Sassy Savings with Susan	For The Love Of Happy	Live. Love. Sticky.
Cheap Is The New Classy	Beauty and Fashion Diva	The Denver Housewife
Celebrate Woman Today	Finger Click Saver	Teach Me 2 Save
Whole Lotta Mama