Archive for the ‘Give-Away / Contest’ Category

Random.org decreed the winners of the Homestead Blessings DVD Giveaway to be…

#9 and #10

I have already talked to both Jerri and Valarie, and their DVDs are probably already on the way from Franklin Springs Family Media!!

And the winners of a Bondi Band of their choice?

#1 – Lisa, and
#6 – Shelly!

These two lucky ladies just need to respond to the email I sent, and they’ll be enjoying their goodies in no time.

Thank you again to our generous giveaway sponsors, as well as to all of you who participated!

Just a reminder to click over and leave a comment to enter to win in each of the two drawings we have going on right now!

You can win one of TWO copies of the new Homestead Blessings: The Art of Quilting DVD (ends tomorrow, 6/26)!

And you can be one of TWO winners of a Bondi Band of your choice (ends 7/3)!

Plus, you earn an extra entry in each drawing, just by entering the other one (make sure to leave a comment to let me know!)… Pretty easy, eh?

I was delighted to receive the latest edition of Franklin Springs Media’s wonderful Homestead Blessings series for review (and a giveaway – keep reading!):

Homestead Blessings: The Art of Quilting

The West Ladies welcome us back with their familiar warmth and charm, this time into a cozy sewing room complete with a lovely old treadle sewing machine.

After a little introduction to the history of quilting, we dive in to a start-to-finish tutorial.

Looking at a lovely Amish quilt may make the entire process seem intmidating, but the West Ladies break it down into simple, managable steps that really made me feel like it was possible that I could make a quilt!

They touch on color selection, fabric, and laying out your quilt, then delve into the mysteries of piecing the blocks together, assembling the quilt, the actual quilting, and binding.

During the course of the video they make a complete (if small) “country” quilt, as well as adorable quilted potholders. They also show and discuss “whole fabric” quilts, including tied quilts.

I was a little disappointed by this DVD, which seemed skimpier than previous installations.

The cover of the box has a lovely quilt image on it, but more complex designs are never more than mentioned in passing. The intro to the DVD shows what looks like a quilted casserole dish cozy, but that is not shown or mentioned in the program.

Although a quilt is, indeed, a large undertaking, it seemed like it either needed a lot more depth, or perhaps needed to include another small project or two (such as the potholders) to fill it out.

Some of the instruction was also frustratingly vague, and the closeups of Jasmine attaching the binding showed only the back of her hand, rather than how to perform the task.

In spite of that, though, it was a great way to inspire confidence in our ability to complete a simple quilting project, and Jewel and I are anxious to get moved, get out our sewing machine, and give it a try! (And I’m putting a treadle machine on my “Wish List”!).

This DVD would be an excellent starting place for someone who had never quilted, and perhaps never even considered it.

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I received this product free from Franklin Springs; I was not compensated in any other way for this review. This review has not been approved or edited by anyone.
I was “disclosing” before it was cool. See my Review Policy for the full scoop.

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WIN IT!

TWO lucky As For My House readers will win their own copy of the Art of Quilting DVD!

Make sure to leave your email address with each comment. (Used only to contact the winner. If your email is entered in the form it will be saved for me but not displayed).

1. Leave a comment here and share whether you’ve ever quilted, or even considered it!

Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each).

Once you have completed #1, you can earn additional entries by doing any or all of the following. For those worth multiple entries, please leave that number of separate comments – each comment is one entry when I draw a number at the end!

2. Become a Facebook Fan of Franklin Springs Family Media.

In additon to these, there are MANY more ways to earn extra entries. You know, all the usual stuff like subscribing to the blog, Tweeting, and so on? Just click over to our Giveaway Policy page for all the details!

This giveaway ends Saturday 6/26 at 11:59pm (Eastern).

The winners will be chosen using random.org and announced on the blog, as well as contacted by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be selected. Your goodies will ship directly from the sponsor!

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Comments are now closed! Look for the winners announced soon in a separate post!

Faithfully random, Random.org decrees the winner of our Easy LunchBoxes Giveaway to be:

#38

And the 38th comment was:

Tori – Submitted on 2010/03/25 at 12:26pm
2. Become a Fan of EasyLunchboxes on Facebook. – did it

Congratulations to Tori!

She just needs to respond to my email within two days, and her terrific prize package will ship to her directly from EasyLunchBoxes.com!

Did you enjoy reading about the new Homestead Blessings DVDs?

Random.org decreed that the lucky winner of all three DVDs was #76:

tina – Submitted on 2010/03/28 at 12:01pm
i subscribe to your blog thanks

Tina just needs to respond to the email I sent, and she’ll be getting a treat in the mail directly from Franklin Springs!

Don’t forget, you have one week left to enter our giveaway for the very cool Easy Lunchboxes set!

Living in an RV has switched a lot of my problems around.

Like a lot of people, I used to have a cupboard with WAY too many plastic storage containers of all shapes and sizes. I had a monumental investment in expensive Tupperware containers, a whole host of the semi-disposable containers (a la Ziploc and GladLock), and even a smattering of recycled favorites (I’m partial to the larger size Boston Market side dish containers).

So when I needed a container, I would open the cupboard, easily select precisely the size and shape needed, and grab its matching lid.

Er, not.

The “overwhelm” factor is gone here in the RV, with such limited cupboard space. I had to pick and choose carefully what to bring.

Now, naturally, it is easier to find a matching lid (although not as easy as you’d think!). The problems here are more related to things like not having the size you need, since the *one* container that size is invariably in the fridge with leftover peas in it.

Naturally, I was very interested to learn about Easy Lunchboxes. Kelly was a mom of three in a similar bind – but instead of just wishing for a better solution, she designed one!

My clever solution to the lunch-packing chore is the simple two piece EasyLunchbox container : The bottom has three compartments to hold an entree or sandwich and two side dishes. The fitted lid (which comes in 4 colors) covers all three compartments in a snap. No more mismatched plastic container pieces to keep track of (matching up all those bottoms and lids was the thing that drove me nuts!) or wasteful baggies. Fits perfectly inside the roomy EasyLunchbox custom carrying bag. And there is still plenty of room to throw in an extra snack or two, whole fruit, perhaps a thermos of soup, drink and ice block. Flexibility is key, and since so many different things can fit, no matter what menu you choose to include, it packs easily and quickly. It’s amazing how much faster, ‘greener’ and easier lunch box packing is with the EasyLunchbox system.

It’s a great idea, and right in line with the trendy “bento box” style lunch packing that I keep reading about. Plus, it’s microwave and dishwasher safe.

And since anyone reading this blog is likely to ask: Plastic safety?

The answer is a resounding YES!

We are very proud of our products’ safety ratings. We have ensured that all the materials used in our containers and bags are food and child safe and even pass strict FDA requirements! Easylunchbox products contain NO Lead, Vinyl, PVC, Phthalates, or Bisphenol A (BPA).

Resuable. Inexpensive. Convenient. Green. Cute.

One feature that I really enjoyed is that the Easy Lunch Box is easy for kids to handle. Have you ever watched a two year old try to open a tightly sealed Tupperware container? (Heck, sometimes I have trouble!)

Jewel is going through a “playing school” phase right now, so she immediately claimed the Easy Lunchbox bag as hers – good thing it was purple! I packed a lunch for her and R.T., and they went outside and had a picnic.

I packed a tray for each of them, with a sandwich, grapes, and a few marshmallows for a treat. Both trays fit nicely into the bag, and there was still enough room that I could have slipped in an ice pack if it had been needed.

I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience I had with Easy Lunchboxes. Kelly was friendly and helpful in our email exchanges. The products are totally professionally manufactured and packaged (this isn’t a “homemade” experience). The containers were sturdy, fit together well, and opened easily. All in all, I give EasyLunchboxes highest marks for convenience, frugality, quality, ease of use, and appearance.

My only caveat is that “suitable for adults and children” may be a little broad. My teenage son would certainly not be satisfied with what could be packed in one container. You would need to make sure you did fill up the back with an additional Thermos of soup, piece of fruit, etc.

I think I may need another set…

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Want to get your hands on this great system? Here’s how!

BUY IT!

WIN IT! One lucky As For My House reader will win a complete Easy Lunchboxes set – four trays, plus a bag in the color of your choice! Sorry, but you must have a USA mailing address for this giveaway.

Make sure to leave your email address with each comment. (Used only to contact the winner. If your email is entered in the form it will be saved for me but not displayed).

1. Head on over to Easy Lunch Boxes and leave a comment here telling me your favorite feature, or something you learned.

Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each).

Once you have completed #1, you can earn additional entries by doing any or all of the following. For those worth multiple entris, please leave that number of separate comments – each comment is one entry when I draw a number at the end!

2. Become a Fan of EasyLunchboxes on Facebook.

3. Follow @EasyLunchboxes on Twitter

4. Until 3/28, you can also earn a bonus entry just for entering our Homestead Blessings DVD Giveaway (and leaving a comment here telling me you did)!

In additon to these, there are MANY more ways to earn extra entries. You know, all the usual stuff like subscribing to the blog, Tweeting, and so on? Just click over to our Giveaway Policy page for all the details!

This giveaway ends 4/3/10 at 11:59pm (Eastern).

The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on the blog, as well as contacted by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be selected. Your goodies will ship directly from Easy Lunch Boxes!

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I received this product free from Easy Lunchboxes; I was not compensated in any other way for this review. This review has not been approved or edited by anyone.
I liked Easy Lunchboxes so much, I became an affiliate! Any sales from links presented here will be counted to my benefit.
I was “disclosing” before it was cool. See my Review Policy for the full scoop.

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Comments are now closed. Look for a separate post announcing our winner!

Remember Homestead Blessings?

I have been following this series with delight – be sure to check out my reviews of the first three DVDs, as well as the “Second Season”. And now…

The West Ladies are back indoors for some winter wonderment!

I’m going to go through all three new DVDs, and make sure you keep reading – you can win your own free copy of the new set!

The Art of Cooking

This program is such a delight! I felt warm, cozy, and HUNGRY watching it!

The West Ladies teach us how to make a few delicious dishes for each meal:

• County Breakfast with Stacked Pancakes, Fried Potatoes (think Home Fries), and Fried Apples and Onions.
• Lunch of Pizza, Tomato Soup, and Salad with Homemade Dressing, and a yummy Smoothie.
• Dinner featuring Pot Roast (with carrots and potatoes), Buttermilk Biscuits, Green Beans (fried with onion), and scratch Gravy (for the roast or the biscuits!), plus a Peach Cobbler for dessert!

The cooking advice was very good, for any cook coming in at a wide range of levels – and of course their recipes and tips would be useful to anyone. I thnk this was probably my favorite of these three new progams.

Although guideline measurements were given, the ladies emphasized the need to adjust to conditions to make sure things work properly (especially for more sensitive foods like biscuits), as well as the cook’s ability to improvise with ingredients, seasonings, etc.

The Art of Dairy Delights

The thing that this DVD accomplished best was to make me long even more strongly for a cow!!

But, naturally, you can do these projcts with milk from the grocery store, as well, and still reap economic, culinary, and nutritional benefits.

Watch as the West Ladies make some yummy homemade ice cream, a variety of butters, yogurt, and even cheese!

Like some of the others in the series, this DVD suffers a little from randomness of information. In some cases the information is extremely deailed, and perhaps even repetitive. But other times facts I’d really like to know about are glossed over – like finding and choosing an ice cream machine. They also demonstrate making mozarella cheese, but have no general discussion of cheese-making, or other varieties.

That said, I did enjoy the DVD, and it is sure to provide lots of great inspiration and ideas.

The Art of Sewing

The West Ladies start us out by making a few simple projects, and along the way teaching some basic sewing techniques:

• Doll pillow, pillowcase, and quilt
• Tiered skirt
• Rag quilt
• Blouse

The first three are done using only basic measurements and/or a self-created pattern. For the blouse they recommend buying a simple pattern, then they walk through how easy it can be to sew it up, and create many variations.

My favorite section is the final one – ideas for creating your own inspired items, and upcycling other fabric goods (wholesale conversions, grabbing a ruffle, and many other great ideas).

I’m so disappointed with one thing, though. Throughout the series, I’ve been enjoying Hannah’s beautiful skirts created from converting blue jeans (pants!) – she even had a very stylish new one on in this DVD… But they never mentioned it! What a lost opportunity to not only satisfy my curiosity, but also to give women another great option for upcycling their bargain finds into modest clothing.

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Whether or not you’ve watched the first six installments of Homestead Blessings, if you’re interested in learning homekeeping arts, you should check these out!

BUY IT!

• Amazon.com price is $19.95, eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping (if your order totals $25 or more).
• The Homestead Blessings site currently has them on sale for $17.95, but shipping is $4.50 each (no multi-item discount) – cheaper if you really only want one DVD, more expensive otherwise.
• Prices at the Franklin Springs site are typically the same as Amazon.com (sans Super Saver Shipping) for single DVDs, but you can get a much better value on one of the various collections of three, six, or all nine programs.

WIN IT! One lucky As For My House reader will win a copy of all three new DVDs!

Make sure to leave your email address with each comment. (Used only to contact the winner. If your email is entered in the form it will be saved for me but not displayed).

1. Leave a comment sharing a tip on Cooking, Dairy, or Sewing. Or just tell me which one you’re most looking forward to winning!

Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each). Once you have completed #1, you can earn additional entries by doing any or all of the following. For those worth multiple entris, please leave that number of separate comments – each comment is one entry when I draw a number at the end!

2. Blog about this giveaway, and link to this post. Please leave the link to your post in the comment. (3 entries)

3. Subscribe to As For My House by reader, and/or email. (1 entry for each, you may do both!)

4. Follow Tiffany on Twitter and Tweet about this contest. Please post the link to your Tweet in the comment. You may Tweet once per day for additional entries! Suggested Tweet:

WIN Homesead Blessing DVDs at As For My House! Ends 3/28 http://tinyurl.com/yazaoyj Please RT! #giveaway

5. Add a link to As For My House to your blogroll/sidebar/etc. Leave your URL, and location of the link, in the comment.

6. Follow As for My House on Facebook Networked Blogs.

7. Give As for My House a 5-Star rating on FaceBook.

8. Suggest As For My House to your FaceBook friends, or post about this give-away on FaceBook (the “Share This” link at the bottom of the page can help). (1 entry for each, you may do both!)

9. Add As For My House to your Technorati Favorites.

10. Post/share/link to the blog (or this post) on your favorite *other* social media outlet – and tell me what it is. Kirtsy? Stumble Upon? What else works for you? You may share on as many as you’d like, and earn an entry for each (leave separate comments).

11. Become a Facebook Fan of Franklin Springs Family Media.

This giveaway ends 3/28/10 at 11:59pm (Eastern).

The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on the blog, as well as contacted by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be selected. Your DVDs will ship directly from Franklin Springs!

.

I received these three DVDs free from Franklin Springs; I was not compensated in any other way for this review. This review has not been approved or edited by anyone.
I was “disclosing” before it was cool. See my Review Policy for the full scoop.

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Addendum 3/20:

You can now find all the MANY ways to earn extra entries over on our Giveaway Policy page!

PLUS, earn an additional bonus entry here by entering the Easy Lunchboxes Giveaway as well (and leave a comment here telling me you did!).

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Comments are now closed. Look for a winner in a separate post soon!

I recently posted a giveaway for a copy of the lovely breastfeeding picure book Near Mama’s Heart.

As decided by Random.org, the winner is…

#4 Nicole! She shared,

This is a great book. I have not come across too many made-for-children books about breastfeeding. So many of them portray the baby taking a bottle. My daughter who is three and still breastfeeding would love to read this book. Probably over and over again. My favorite breastfeeding book so far has been Adventures in Tandem Nursing. It helped me to know that I was not alone in what I was going through with two breastfeeding children.

I have emailed Nicole, and she has three days to provide her shipping info so that she can receive her prize!

Congratulations!

I hope you enjoyed the Mommy Give-Away!

The winner (as “drawn” by Random.org) was #6…

Erin says:
Gave your Facebook page a 5 star rating!

Congratulations!

Stay tuned, everyone, for the next exciting Give-Away…

Yippee, I won something… so *you* can win something!

I was delighted to discover that I had won the Nursing Bra Washing Cube Give-Away over at the Mommy News & Views blog (go read it and check out this cool product!).

I left a comment because I enjoy Judy’s blog, and like to participate… but I already own a Bra Washing Cube, so I don’t really need another one! (They also work the same magic for non-nursing bras, BTW…)

Judy has graciously agreed to hang on to it for a little while, and ship it directly to whichever of my readers re-wins it!

WIN YOUR OWN!

One lucky winner will receive a brand-new Nursing Bra Washing Cube!

Make sure to leave your email address with each comment. (Used only to contact the winner. If your email is entered in the form it will be saved for me but not displayed).

1. Leave a comment sharing how you usually wash your bras, and/or if you’re happy with the results.

Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each). Once you have completed #1, you can earn additional entries by doing any or all of the following:

2. Blog about our new blog, and/or about this giveaway specifically, and link to www.as-for-my-house.com or this post (depending). You may do each one separately, for a total of TWO extra entries. Please leave the link to your post in the comment.

3. Subscribe to As For My House by reader or email.

4. Follow Tiffany on Twitter and Tweet about this contest. Suggested Tweet:

WIN Bra Washing Cube! Ends 11/8 **** RT @tiffanyblitz

5. Add a link to As For My House to your blogroll/sidebar/etc. Leave your URL, and location of the link, in the comment.

6. Follow As for My House on FaceBook.

7. Give As for My House a 5-Star rating on FaceBook.

8. Suggest As For My House to your FaceBook friends, or post about this give-away on FaceBook. (You may do both – leave two separate comments for two entries!)

9. Add As For My House to your Technorati Favorites.

10. Post/share/link to the blog or this post on your favorite *other* social media outlet – and tell me what it is. Kirtsy? Stumble Upon? What else works for you?

That’s actually 12 ways to win!

This giveaway ends November 8th at 11:59pm (Eastern).

The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on the blog, as well as contacted by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be selected.

Comments are now closed. Look for the winner to be posted soon!