{Copy Kids Eat Fruits and Veggies} Giveaway

Do you ever have trouble getting your kids to eat healthy? Do they tell you they don't like something when you know they have not even tried it? Yes, you don't say....

I am all about kids eating healthier options than processed foods. I like that my kids eat a lot of fruits and veggies but it still can be difficult to get them to try things and I know a lot of people don't use our method of- you eat 3 bites of everything on your plate regardless of if you like it or not.  For us, we just tell them it is a balanced meal and keeps them healthier.

If you want to see how this works then please check out the reviw for Copy Kids Eat Fruits and Veggies here at my friend April's page Krazy Klippers. I am glad she gave me the opportunity to join up with her to share in this giveaway opportunity to you! It is an easy entry- Just like my Facebook page!

Enter the Giveaway here:


a'>http://www.rafflecopter.com">a Rafflecopter giveaway

{HouseParty.com & The Lucky One}

This post will cover a few things. First, if you have never signed up for a House party, or heard of them, go register now. Be able to try out products for companies by hosting a party in your home, inviting your friends, and sharing pics and feedback afterwards. You have to fill out a survey first for each party you want to host. There are lots of topics from adult themes to home décor/projects, and even food and kid items. Anyone can sign up and it is free. You will usually even be sent coupons and goodies to share with your guests. This is a way that companies can build their business and get real reviews by word of mouth.

Recently I was selected to host a Nicholas Sparks “The Lucky One” party. I love Nicholas Sparks books and have read most of them. I have even seen most of the movies. I received a sweet little box of goodies from House Party and set them out around my living room for guests to see what they would be able to take with them.  I think it turned out pretty sweet. I love the forum on the website where people can share their décor ideas for these parties. I had a fun little turn out with my friends and then we dove into reading the book.

I read the book in a week, while also juggling 3 kids, one of them being a newborn, along with blogging and regular housework. It was an easy read, as most of Sparks’ books are. I will say it was not his typical ending and I was pleasantly surprised with it. It was romantic and thoughtful. I do recommend it for those that typically like his writing style and romance stories.  I have not seen the movie yet, but will probably rent it once it comes out since it is hard finding a sitter for 3 kids under 5 and still afford a night at the movies.

Have you read The Lucky One? Do you typically like Sparks’ novels? What is your favorite?

I have a giveaway for you from this party. We had a few books leftover as well as a movie poster, bookmarks, and a signed bookplate from Nicholas Sparks.  I am not going to do rafflecopter on this giveaway. There will be one Prize pack that will include the book, signed bookplate, and a few other goodies, and then I have several copies of just the book, so please just comment  “I WANT IT” and make sure I have a way to reach you If you win. This giveaway will be up for 2 weeks. You have until the 27^th to win.

    

{UPrinting Giveaway}

 

Check out their options here - Print Business Cards I have not had a chance to review these cards yet or to build my own. I will be doing it shortly and will post a review for you after mine arrive. They requested we do the giveaway first. I know either way, everyone can use some business cards, and you can't beat them being completely free to you, no shipping costs or anything. So go ahead and enter. This giveaway will be open for 2 weeks. Share with your friends.

I am using Rafflecopter for the first time. I hope it makes it easier for you to enter.

  

 Prize Information: 250 Die-cut Business Cards for one (1) winner

2×3.5″ Rounded Corners,

2×2″ Rounded Corners,

1.75×3.5″ Rounded Corners,

2×3.5″ Leaf,

2×3.5 Rounded one corner,

2×3.5″ Half-Circle Side,

2×3.5″ Oval,

or 2.5″ Circle

on 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated

6 Business days print turnaround time

Free US shipping only 

Restrictions:








1. This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18 years old and above.



2. No prize substitutions allowed.



3. Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period.



4. Only email addresses used for the giveaway will be eligible to claim the prize



  a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclaimer: You should assume that I will receive free print products in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions. Interested to hold a giveaway like this? Please sign up here.



Father's Day giveaway

Great Father's Day Giveaway for Bloggers from Bella Savvy

This is all her information. She gave me the ok to share what she wrote. You will find this same information on her blog.

This Father’s Day, Black & Decker wants to help one special dad get his backyard prepped and turned into an oasis for summer-long grilling and entertainment — without the added expense. Of course it can also be a special place to call his own, if he wants.

Black & Decker, as I’m sure you already know, is an iconic global manufacturer of quality power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products that are sold in more than 100 countries. They provide consumers with products that help make every day living and working easier and more efficient.

What dad wouldn’t want that?

GRAND PRIZE:

One grand prize winner will receive each of the following:

• 20V MAX Lithium Drill/Driver
• 2-speed Quick Clean Sprayer
• 36V Lithium High Performance String Trimmer with Power Command
• Garden IQ Hand Tools Series — including pruners, hedge shears, steel trowel, culti-hoe, heavy duty hose nozzle, water hand hose attachment, miscellaneous safety items AND work gloves
• Total value of $500

WHEN: 

The event will begin on May 20, 2012 at 12:01 pm. EST and will end on June 3, 2012 11:59 pm.

Cost: FREE in exchange for your participation and event publishing

Event sign up is limited to the first 200 blogs on a first come, first serve basis.

What is required?

• Post an announcement on your blog by May 18, 2012 11:59 pm. EST.
• You must publish the html in full provided to you concerning this giveaway on May 20 12:01 AM (I will check posts as of around 9am est that morning and will start deleting those who have not done so).
• You must agree to mention the giveaway on Twitter and Facebook at least once after the giveaway has started!

Ready to join?

Fill out the Sign Up form with your information. If you have any questions, please email Dee at bellasosavvy@gmail.com.

{Giveaway} Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler

If you haven't already seen my review on this Hidden Recycler, you can check it out here.We are still enjoying our Recycler at my house. It is a great little chore to give my 5 year old, and teach her about recycling. 
Rubbermaid is generous enough to offer a Free Hidden Recycler to one of our readers. 

To enter :

• Leave a comment on this post about where you would use it. 

Extra Entries:

• Share this giveaway on facebook and comment here when you have done that
• Share on Twitter
• Like and leave a comment on my Facebook page
• Follow me on Twitter @begintocraft
• Like Rubbermaid's Facebook page 
• Follow Rubbermaid on Twitter

Easy and several ways to enter. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, and a way for us to contact you if you win.

The Giveaway will run through next Wednesday, May 2nd.

{Blade Buddy Review}

Blade Buddy

When I was contacted by the company to review this new product. I couldn't imagine how it could increase the life of a razor blade, but I was definitely interested since the blade refills are so darn expensive.Now let me be honest, I do not shave that often during the winter, I mean really, I am wearing long pants and shirts and I was pregnant when I got the product. My husband does shave a lot so between the two of us we should be able to do a pretty decent review.

Let me tell you one of my biggest issues is that when the blade goes dull, you end up cutting yourself more by having to put more pressure on the razor when shaving, and I am clumsy enough.

I received this product in Mid- December. I started seeing other bloggers post their reviews in Mid January and everyone was very happy, so in order to stand out I wanted to hold out until my blade buddy didn't seem to sharpen the blade anymore. Well we are mid March and I haven't seen that happen yet. I really seems to work amazingly well. My husband and I use the same one even.

So what is it? Check out this video:

And how do you use it? check out this video:

See all you have to do is add some shaving cream and take the razor and slide it from bottom of blade buddy to TOP, NOT from top to bottom, it will re-align the blades and restore the sharpness. See- its very simple and then you can use it. Repeat 15 to 20 times. We did this before each use since it only takes moments. Then rinse the blade after.

This product only costs 19.99 which really is just the cost of a refill pack of razors- so it is Totally worth it and recoups the cost for you immediately. Who else has had a razor last from December to March? and that is with 2 of us using it! 

This is an awesome product for a couple reasons:
- It reduces waste since you don't use razors as quickly
- It reduces costs since you won't have to purchase blades as often

It can not restore old razors so just start with a new razor for a true view of how this works.

I was not paid for this review but did receive 2 samples. We used one to review, and I will be giving away 1 of them.


To win a Blade Buddy:

- Like Blade Buddy on FB
- Like Begin to Craft on FB
- Comment below when you have done both

You have until next Friday- 30th to share with friends and comment to win your very own Blade Buddy. Make sure there is a way to contact you- so at least leave your email address. Good Luck and check out this product.

WINNER:

Our winner chosen via Random.org  is #6 Jereka Hunt.
Please check your email. Thanks for entering. More giveaways coming soon!

{My Memories Suite Giveaway}

Ok so the other post was just too long already. I want there to not be any confusion for the Giveaway. 

One lucky reader of Begin To Craft will win a Free Copy of My Memories Suite Software! How awesome is that? This is one of the biggest and Best giveaways I have had yet.

If you want to read the review to see what all it can do, go here: 
http://begintocraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-memories-suite-software.html


Ok So in order to enter you have one  mandatory entry. This is assuming you are already a fan/follower of Begin To Craft, so make sure you already are. There are also multiple ways to get extra entries.

Ok let's get to it. Winner will be chosen Sunday 10/16/11 at 7pm EST.


Mandatory Entry:

• visit  www.MyMemories.com and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout, then leave a  comment telling which one you chose.

Extra Entries: Leave a separate comment for each extra entry you complete.


Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/

Facebook- MyMemories

Facebook- Begin To Craft

 
Twitter- My Memories Suite

Twitter- Begin To Craft

Ok, Good Luck!! I am so excited for you!!! I know you will Love this product!

{My Memories Suite Software}

My Memories

I used to love scrapbooking. The old fashioned way. I scrapbooked growing up through elementary, middle and high school. I basically had my own yearbook for my senior year. It was wonderful and perfect and I still love it. I got into Creative Memories and kept up an album for my college years. I finally did an album for my Wedding of my husband and I when we started dating- right after I graduated college. That was the last time I scrapbooked. Sound familiar? No time once I had a husband, let alone when I started having kids. I have a great craft room with stamp stuff, scrapbook stuff and more but rarely had the time to do it. I had heard from so many people about digital scrapbooking and got a software program for Christmas one year but it was complicated and I didn't like my choices. The biggest thing is time, right. This is not an issue with this program, it really can be done quickly. 

I worked on many things for my son's upcoming birthday that I can't share right now, as well as some ideas for our baby reveal.

When Liz contacted me about possibly reviewing this product, I took a look at the website. I thought that it would be a good fit for this blog about craft stuff, and I wanted to get into digital scrapbooking so what they hey, let's give it a try. I am So glad I did. This was easy to use on my mini laptop- the Acer!! I can't wait to tell you more about it.

This is the program they sent me to try. I downloaded it from the website.  I took this information directly from their website: 

My Memories Suite will help you build beautiful pages from scratch or to make a page using one of the many professionally-designed scrapbook templates provided within the scrapbook software. A large collection of papers and embellishments are available at your fingertips to help you make each page uniquely your own. Drop in your in pictures in seconds-then crop, edit, retouch and rotate them right on the page. If this were any other scrapbooking software, you might be finished. But with My Memories Suite, the real power-and fun-of this software is just beginning.
You can make a beautiful scrapbook an interactive memory experience for anyone who sees it. Use simple one-click options to enhance your scrapbooks, with music, narration, video, and even the Internet. Go beyond pictures by showing off video of the birthday party, or record a narration to capture the memories that pictures alone cannot. With My Memories Suite you simply don't look at a scrapbook-you experience it!

Version 2.0 includes 20+ new templates, over 1,500 new papers and over 1,300 new embellishments. There is even a new color swatch library with matching sets of papers and embellishments. And if you're searching for even more templates, visit My Memories Suite’s online Design Shop, which offers a growing library of digital scrapbooking templates, papers, and kits to inspire your creativity!

Now- I will tell you, I found it to have a TON of various color choices for backgrounds, as well as textured papers. You find a texture you like and then can choose just about any color variation that works best for you. I was supposed to have this completed within 2 weeks of receiving it. That was beginning of September, oops, sorry, I was just having so much fun with it that I lost track of time. I am going to share with you a few things I made, but not everything. It is kinda personal and all, ya know. But blogs are about sharing projects and ideas and I want to be able to fully disclose to you some of what I was able to do.


I wanted to tell you that if you are familiar and happy with Photoshop programs or other professional photography programs, this program works with it directly. They can be incorporated with it.

I also like that it is easy to share pages, like on the blog. They make it simple and give you lots of choices:

When have you seen a scrapbooking program that allows you to share it so many ways!

Now there are lots of options to download more background papers, embellishments and more- even Quick pages, which will be kept under the embellishments area. Some have a cost, but if you are patient, you can get stuff for Free. You can create your own pages, or us pre-designed options. Check out Free kits here.

This is a page that I built from scratch using various elements they had available. IT was fairly quick to do. It wouldn't have taken me so long if I wasn't roaming around checking out the various options. Playing with the sizes. The buttons I used are all the same button. I was able to alter their size for a different look. I tried 3 the same size but didn't like the way it felt. I LOVE Ric Rac and they have quite a collection of that as well. Adding text was extremely easy and I could change color, font, size, as well as the shape of the word for some fun options.


There are Free quick pages and elements and designs all the time. I have gotten so many emails with free downloads since I started working with this. The next 2 are ones available currently on their blog and Facebook pages. They are Halloween templates, there is also a Halloween card freebie now. These were ready to go. I just added the kids pictures to them. I think it is so cute. I will print these off for the grandparents. You can change and remove elements. Like the words "eye of newt" can be changed to whatever you want.

The 2 pages above are quick pages. They are downloaded (FREE) and found under embellishments. Drag and drop in place. Pick a picture to add in. Adjust the shape, or crop the picture and then choose to move it to the back. DONE. Except the second one I added text in the notebook page area. 


BUT you can do so many things besides just scrapbooking! This is where it gets fun and really allows you to be creative.  You can make different cards for various occasions very easily to either print out at a store or you could print at home. I did a generic Happy Birthday card, and a Wedding card. These took me less than 5 minutes each to make.

 I also was able to download some templates for free on their website. These gift tags came in very handy, because they can be pretty expensive to buy plain ones at the stores. These ones can be personalized with the kids pictures or of the gift recipient.

Now, if you are not sure how to do something or get stumped, they have a video tutorial page that is very helpful and walks you through things step by step.

http://www.thepinktoque.com/category/mmstutorials/

I do want to Disclose, I was given a free copy of  Mymemories suite software to review. And let's face it I am cheap, so I have also not paid for any of the templates or extras I have downloaded . They have So many templates you can download for free.

The other thing that I like about this software is that you can download and use elements from other digital scrapbook programs and sites or make your own. There is a tutorial on how to do it. Your options are unlimited. You can also take paper you have and scan it into your computer and use it as a digital scrapbook background, or same for momentos- ticket stubs, napkins from weddings, etc.....

I have several projects in the works for upcoming posts- like Halloween treat bags for my daughters preschool class. Many things for my son's first birthday. Stay tuned to see what else I have used this great digital software program for.

 

 Are you interested yet? Ok So for some of the details. This program costs $39.97. However, for my readers you can get $10 off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software- $29.97, AND $10 coupon to use at the MyMemories.com store ($20 value)

Just go to the website: 

MyMemories.com

CODE: STMMMS72256

Feel Free to share this code with anyone and everyone. I am all about saving money.

They have a great social media presence:
Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite





Since this is already a long post, check out the next post for details of the Giveaway of this product!!

One Lucky Begintocraft Reader will Win a Free copy of MyMemories Suite software!

Facebook Giveaway

Please make sure you are a follower on Facebook. When we build the new page back up to 200 I will be giving away a Paypal gift card!

Click Here to "Like" Begin To Craft on Facebook

Country Bob's Sauce Review and Giveaway

I received a sample of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce to review and Giveaway. I had not heard of them before, but let me say that it was VERY good sauce. I waited a while to complete my review since I wanted to give it a Full work up. We Love using it several ways, so let me start sharing with you a list of a few things we used it on:

*chicken on the grill, used as a marinade, then basted on.

* as flavoring in hamburger patties- we make our own. MUCH better than preformed, and super easy- can you say YUMMY!
* dip for chicken nuggets- or hot dogs as my 4yo likes :-)
* as a vegetable seasoning/marinade
*steak marinade and/or dip
* mixed in with baked beans!! LOVE!
* as BBQ sauce- I am talking the pork butt that is smoked for 8 hours and then shredded- My hubby loves making bbq. and this was a Great sauce to use when I wasn't up to making our own!

*mixed in with meatloaf

And then our bottle ran out- it lasted us quite a while. I think this is a really good sampling, and we WILL definitely be ordering more of this sauce. In fact, I just saw it in Walmart- so I will be purchasing more of this sauce. They were also very friendly, family based business.

How does anything really good get its start? Where do great products come from? Usually they are the result of much time being exerted and a tremendous amount of love being invested. At that point you can say, "That's mine! I made that." That's the way Country Bob Edson created his All Purpose Sauce.


Taken from their website:
"In 1968 Country Bob perfected the sauce of his dreams. After years of giving the sauce to friends and family he began to sell it in 1977. The reaction was overwhelming just as it is today. Almost everyone who tries Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce becomes a lifelong user. And why not, it is the perfect complement to practically any meal set on your table.
It was actually October of 1982 when Country Bob, Inc. became the company, which remains today. Bob Edson, Terry Edson, Al Malekovic and Reed Malekovic formed a corporation with equal ownership. Since that time Country Bob's distribution has magnified regionally in all directions from our corporate office located in Centralia, Illinois. Even with the tremendous growth we have not forgotten where we came from, continuing in our relentless pursuit of product excellence.

This is the part I love the best! I am a Christian and I try my best to support other businesses that open stand up for their beliefs.

It would be nice if we could claim responsibility for the success of the company, however, credit must be given where credit is due. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." We have placed true ownership of Country Bob, Inc. in the hands of God. "Christ is our CEO" and He is an Awesome Boss!

So be sure to check out this great company and product:

www.countrybobs.com

And to get you started, We are Giving away a Bottle of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce to one lucky reader!

All you have to do is Like our facebook page, and comment below "I want Country Bob"

Contest will end Friday afternoon at 4pm!

~~~Linking up to: ~~~~

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Last Chance Giveaways!

Don't forget to enter these giveaways. They will be ending soon!





Make Your Mark



Applied Labels

Make Your Mark Review/Giveaway

I recently purchased 2 adorable charms that are a really cute representation of my children:

These sweet charms are hand stamped, and added to the jump ring are little star charms and a swarovski crystal of their birthstone. I added these to a silver chain that I already had that is pretty long. I Love the way it looks. It is so sweet and light. I also like the washer version that she does, but since I am not done having kids yet I did not want to get it yet. These charms can easily be added to a charm bracelet later as well.

Jennifer makes these sweet gifts as well as other hand stamped or beaded jewelry items over at Make Your Mark jewelry. Her facebook page is Here, and her blog is www.makeyourmarkjewelry.blogspot.com

This is another of her creations! Isn't it just beautiful! I am in awe of her talent and the ideas she has. And you don't have to just do names and birthdays. Another friend of ours did an inspirational saying. There are sweet sea shell necklaces:

And I am sure just by what you have already seen you may be thinking about Mother's day Gifts But There are some great ideas for the Men too, and you still have time to get in orders for Father's day! This key chain for instance:

I know my husband would appreciate this gift. Every man has keys to keep up with, in fact, my hubby has several sets. I could probably order ones labeled for him- Farm keys, tractor keys, master lock keys, etc.

She has created great personal looks for bridesmaids gifts, and could make something special for proms, wedding day mementos and more. So Guess what!!


Jennifer at Make Your Mark is offering to give away a keychain to one of our lucky readers! That's right!!

You have the chance to win a keychain similar to this:

All you have to do is go to Jennifer's Blog: www.makeyourmarkjewelry.blogspot.com
and become a Follower. Then come back here and comment below what your favorite item is. That is all!! You may be able to find the pictures quicker on her facebook page. Contest ends Sunday May 8th at 8pm.




Alright- go show my friend Jennifer some Love! and have a Wonderful Day!

Applied Labels Review/Giveaway!

Applied labels :
* scroll to the bottom to see the winner~
First let me apologize for the pictures they were taken on my phone. I am working on making the photos that I share better looking and easier to view. If you have any tips, please share.

So, I want to tell you about these labels. They make waterproof, dishwasher-safe labels, that can be used as specialty baby bottle labels, date labels and clothing labels including iron-on labels. These are great for a number of uses, including daycare, camp, and more. The tag-a-longs and shoe shields are pretty nifty too. Imagine those pricey Gymboree shoes or ballet shoes that you don't want to lose, or don't want to lose just one, so you currently have to write the name inside the shoe or on the bottom, but that makes them harder to resell or consign. With Shoe shields you can put the sticker inside the shoe, place the clear shield sticker over it and peel off when you don't need them. The same with the clothing labels, it is basically 2 stickers stuck to each other with the tag in between like a sandwich. (can you tell its almost lunchtime here?)

When I knew I was going to get to review this product I got to choose a font, the text and an icon to be put on the label. I chose the standard font since I have a baby boy and the pirate ship icon. I only used his first name since it is fairly unusual.  However I could have used first and last name, or initals, etc.  I took several pictures of my usage of it. I have previously used the free+shipping Vistaprint labels for bottle labeling, and I even show Applied Labels as compared to the Vistaprint ones. I will say they peel off much easier when you want them to and they are capable of getting wet without messing up. The Vistaprint ones start peeling apart when they get wet. I have not come across a negative, except I would  not personally purchase the disposable date labels because they are disposable. I would want something reusable, or cheap. I am Loving the name label with icon. and the clothing label is working nicely too. It has not irritated my very sensitive skinned little boy either. He breaks out to anything other than 100% cotton.

These are the bottle tags- 2 different types; the printed name ones, and the blank ones for the date.

This shows my use of the clothing tags, the date tags, and the name stickers. It also came with shoe shields- clear stickers that you place over the name tag to protect it. These date stickers are used as the backers to the name sticker on a clothing tag to make it stick but allows it to come off easy. I used a gel pen to write the date on these date stickers hoping to reuse them, but that is a no-go. It is nice that they peel off easy, but they are not reusable. I am going to try to use some alcohol or nail polish remover to take off the ink to see if that helps.

This is what happened to my  gel ink pen writing- it just smeared.

I tried a regular ink pen- that DID not work, it did not show up on the labels at all! and then went to my trusty sharpie.

This is how the labels from vistaprint look after a couple days.

Now for the fun part!!! You can win $25 to use at Applied Labels!! Go check out their website, or facebook page. Tell me what you would use $25 to buy in the comments here! Winner will be drawn May 7th using Random.org

Be sure to check out Applied Labels and Thank them for sponsoring this Giveaway!!
Website (www.AppliedLabels.com),
Twitter (www.twitter.com/AppliedLabels)
Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Applied-Labels-LLC/57280604120),

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**** The Re-drawing Winner as selected by Random.org is #4:

Christie said...

The Daycare Label Pack are great!  Congratulations and please check your email to respond within 48 hours.

Become Facebook fans

Like the new Facebook page (here) to win a Organizing for Dummies book. Comment here that you did.

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Cricut giveaway

Favecrafts is a Craft site with a Free newsletter filled with nice little tips

They are currently giving away a Cricut! I Love my cricut and know many gals saving up for one. Good Luck on this giveaway! Also be sure to sign up for the free newsletter!

Contest ends May 14th!