Lilla Rose Review and Giveaway!

I know you've seen them on other blogs lately.  I have and have secretly wanted to try one out.  I recently recieved one in the mail and have worn it every day since!  When I am at home working I must have my hair up---off my neck and out of my face---I just can't work otherwise!  I have had several accessories through the years to keep my hair pulled back....bandanas, ponytail holders, head bands, claws, banana clips and much more.  Some look garish or as Jeff would say "something that Great-Aunt Edra" would wear.  Many hair clips have not held up to my thick hair and have quickly gone into the trash can.  Some just hurt me!  I can happily say that the Flexi-Clip definitely looks nice, has held up my hair in a ponytail for the last few days and hasn't caused me any pain.  So far, I am loving it!

I wish I could tell you that these lovely hair-dos were my own or those of my daughter's.  I think we definitely need to spice up our hair styles.  I think the Lilla Rose website has given me the encouragement to add a little flair to my hair.  I love these simple but elegant syles.

Lilla Rose has many clips to choose from...from the very simple to the very ornate!  Choose which style suits you best.  Not only do they have the Flexi-clips, but also the cute U pins, headbands, earrings and eyeglass holders.  Kaelan and I have already made up our wish list for our next order and are eager to play around with some new styles.  Check out these videos for a look at some of the easy styles that can be accomplished using the Flexi-clips and watch the sizing video to see just what size you need for your needs.







Now for the giveaway.  You have two chances to recieve a $15 gift certificate for any Lilla Rose  from Paula Ramm.

1.. Visit Paula Ramm's Lilla Rose website here and then leave a comment letting me know which clip is your favorite.

2.  Watch the sizing and styling video and leave another comment letting me know which style you like the best!  You must watch the video to determine what size clip you need for your own hair.

That's it!!  You have two opportunities to win, so be sure to leave a comment letting me know your favorites.  One for the clips and one for the hair style.  Can't wait to see  your choices!

This giveaway is open to those in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Deadline for entering is Wednesday, October 5!!  I'll post a winner on Thursday, October 6!

Stamped Jewelry Giveaway from Blessings!

Several months ago I won a beautiful handstamped necklace made just for me!  I chose to have all seven of my children's names engraved in the large disc and it is so precious to me.  Shortly after, I discovered a local friend was making necklaces and other jewelry very similar to my special necklace.  I knew my oldest daughter, Lauren, would love one as well, so I ordered one for her.  It is one of a kind.  Very similar to the one shown in the below picture, Lauren's  has three discs with a C, E and A for my precious grandchildren.  She treasures her necklace just as much as I do mine.  It's a great way to keep your children close to your heart and is a great testimony to others.  I have had many people ask about my necklace when out in public and I am always eager to share how it has all of my children's names and to share with the inquirer about how we are so very grateful for the children that God has blessed us with. 

I love the simplicity of this piece!   Here's what Emily shares about herself and her jewelry:

"I'm a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of 4 that loves spend time with my family, read, sing, pray, play games, watch movies, spend time on facebook, and make pretty things and bless others with them. I've been making jewelry for several years, and have wanted to make stamped jewelry for the past couple. When my little brother died in Dec, 2010, I was a mess. I couldn't focus on anything and nothing made sense anymore. I needed an "out", something I could have some peace doing and be able to pray while doing, and something to help me focus on and put my heart into. So I ordered a few basic supplies in addition to what I had, took some "crash-courses" from the internet, poured my thoughts and ideas into a notebook, and went with it. This is more than just jewelry to me. It's actually been my therapy! It is an expression of my heart, my love, and my faith. It is an expression of ME. Many of my pieces are beat up, look worn, etc., but are even more beautiful because of it - and I hope that is a reflection of me. God has brought me through so much in my life and I guarantee you I wouldn't be alive without Him. He makes beauty from ashes and my life is living proof... Please enjoy these little pieces of my heart, and know they were made with the utmost love and care. :) And of course, above all else, be blessed and serve our King."

Don't think Emily's jewelry is only for moms!  She has many pieces that anyone could wear.  Some are symbols of faith like the one above.

And some are just fun and seasonal.

And what a cute way to propose to your special lady!

Take a peek at Blessings and come back to let me know which design you like best.  That's all you have to do to enter the drawing for the $20 gift certificate.  I'll announce the winner next Tuesday, so spread the word while there's still time!









 




 

FB Giveaway

I'll be hosting a giveaway later this afternoon on Busy Hands Busy Minds Facebook page.  Want to know what it is that I am giving away?  You'll have to join us over there to find out!!

47 and a Giveaway

Today is my 47th birthday.  It is so hard to believe that I have lived 47 years.  I really don't feel "that many fingers" old!!  Where did the years go?  In the last few days I have reconnected with my hometown via a Facebook group.  It has brought back memories from childhood that are sweet as only small town memories can be, but also memories that are not so sweet as there have been many mistakes made in my life.  I have laughed and smiled remembering friends and teachers, people I worked with at McDonald's in my teenage years and people who worshipped with me in a beautiful sanctuary that is no more.  I have mourned as I have seen a side of small town life that I really didn't know about and rejoiced as I realize, once again, that God's hand was leading me....even as a child.

This morning I walked into the kitchen where my daughter was preparing breakfast to get my morning coffee which was prepared in the wee morning hours by my wonderful husband who had already been hard at work for an hour or so.  My daughter noticed my Ben Gay scent which is one other indication that my years are catching up with me.  A brief rub down of that delightfully scented ointment enabled me to sleep last night.

Birthday greetings abound and even the two year old--who has no idea that his mama has a birthday today and doesn't seem to mind that I am so very old--gave me the sweetest gift as we settled in my chair for our morning snug-fest ritual.  I asked him, " Do you know I love you?"  And, with a very deep sigh as he snuggled ever deeper into my arms, he said, "Yessssss."  I consider it such a blessing to be 47 and still have a little man to snuggle in my arms each morning.  Thank you, God, for that sweet, precious gift!!

A hearty breakfast with gift bags placed beside my chair.  A sleepy six year old awakened for the "revealing".  He enters with a sheepish smile and quickly goes to collect a bag that he had hidden last week.  A large ceramic mug in just the right shade of orange, a bright red colander (my girl doesn't like to acknowledge how much like her mom she really is....her gifts reveal the traits that are not hidden to others), a package of Snicker bars to have for those moments when nothing else will satisfy  (it's an inherited trait), a huge container of mocha cappuccino mix,  a six year old boy's cut out efforts consisting of a couple of brown hearts and a paper dog and a musical composition whose melody can only be heard in his heart, but the effort is so very precious.  A package from my husband that hasn't arrived yet, but he can't keep a secret and I can't wait to get my new canning cookbook.  I am such a practical homebody!!

A promise of a wonderful Italian dinner with dessert of my choice, laundry gathered, sorted and the wash started without my asking.  Facebook and email birthday greetings and extra time to soak in the tub this morning while enjoying the latest edition of Above Rubies magazine.  And now to spend the rest of the day teaching and serving these most precious gifts that God has given me....my family!

But before I leave I have a gift for you today.   Kaelan (12) and I have greatly enjoyed Victoria Botkin's audiobook series Voices from the Past.  Today I have The Letterbook of Eliza Lucas Pinckney.  From the cover:  When 16 year old Eliza Lucas's father was deployed to Antiqua in 1740, he left the management of his household and three plantations in Eliza's capable hands.  In these lively letters, she describes her adventures handling her father's affairs, cultivating and exporting indigo, educating her sister and the black children on the plantations, and helping to build up the economy of her fledgling colony through her many business schemes.  Hear her words of encouragement and exhortation to four generations of men in her family, including her two sons, both Revolutionary War heroes, over the full and fruitful lifetime of this great mother of our country.


If you would like a chance to win this very well-done audio book, please leave a comment letting me know.  I'll draw the winners name next Monday!  Be on the look-out for more giveaways this week!!

Hip Homeschool Moms Giveaway Day

Voices from the Past Giveaway

Kaelan and I have been greatly enjoying this series of audiobooks  Voices from the Past adapted and read by Victoria Botkin.  Kaelan has enjoyed them so much that she requested a personal CD player so she could listen to them on her own in the evenings before bed.  Her favorite so far is A Bride Goes West, but we have really enjoyed them all.  

Today I am offering Abigail Adams:  Her Letters which is a 3 CD set of these delightful audio books.  Abigail Adams has long been a model of a virtuous woman in our home and this CD set was a wonderful addition to our collection of books regarding this Founding Family.  I think you will enjoy this set as well.  Victoria has a very nice voice which makes listening to the letters of Abigail Adams very interesting.  

Any of these CDs would be great for your summertime lessons or a great enhancement as you travel with your family.  We have many great memories of long car trips that were made more bearable by listening to wonderful tapes or CDs.   What a blessing it would be to share these with your family!  

Please leave a comment letting me know that you are interested in winning the Abigail Adams Her Letters collection of CDs.  One comment;  that's all!!  Deadline for entering is midnight, Wednesday, June 1.  The winner will be announced on Thursday, June 2.

http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2011/05/giveaway-day-52611/ 

Thoughts to Ponder and a Giveaway Reminder

Just wanted to remind you all that the giveaway for Victoria Botkin's Curriculum Advice vol. 1 and 2 ends tonight at midnight!  Click here to sign up in the comments.

Things are a little chaotic around here with some croupy sounding coughs and little boys who need help with shoes and snacks and jackets and, well, pretty much everything!  The following quotes were posted on FB this morning and I thought I would share them very quickly for you to ponder today. 

Now I am off to take care of some kitchen duties that have been piling up all week.   I also noticed that there are a few piles of laundry that have accumulated in the hallway and lots of muffin crumbs in the dining room and, well, you can imagine what all there is to do today after having a quick dinner last night before heading out for piano recital and then home to quickly get the dishes done and then piled the little ones in the beds.  Twelve people make a little more mess than eight people...especially when three of them are three and under!  I know that the work I do in my home is not only for my benefit, but for the benefit of my family and, if done well and with a thankful attitude, brings glory to God.

"Feminism is mixed up with a muddled idea that women are free when they serve their employers but slaves when they help their husbands." ~G.K. Chesterton

You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts." -Charles Spurgeon.

The Disappearing Act

Ok, we all know that blogger was out for the last day or so and that was bad enough.  But we are back up again and my latest post is missing!!  And there are comments from my Victoria Botkin giveaway from Wednesday's post missing as well.  I really want my last post back up there.

If you commented on the giveaway post, please go back and post again!  Remember the deadline is Wednesday, May 18!!

Curriculum Advice from Victoria Botkin Giveaway

In 2009 I wrote a review of Curriculum Advice from Victoria Botkin.  Apparently many people are interested in what Victoria has to say because that post is one of the top ten posts on my blog as far as traffic is concerned.

Curriculum Advice by Victoria Botkin

Victoria Botkin is the wife of Geoffry Botkin, the maker of The League of Grateful Sons. A couple of years ago we were able to meet the Botkin family and I was struck with how articulate their children were and at how much they had done in their young lives. While I thought I knew what their educational philosophy must be before asking, I just had to ask Victoria any way. I asked her what curriculum they used in their homeschool. I am sure now that she has had many people ask that same question, but she was gracious enough to talk with me briefly. The only curriculum they use is Saxon math. Nothing else. No other curriculum, but lots of reading, writing and one-on-one discussion time with each other and as a family. Knowing this was so very freeing for me. We struggle between wanting to educate our children according to their individual bents and focusing on Scripture or educating to the world's standards with a college degree being the goal.

We recently met up with the Botkins again and, to my mortification, Jeff shared with them that I was experiencing some homeschool burnout (oh, the shame!) A few weeks later we received a package including all of the Botkin family cd and dvd products. We already had everything with the exception of the Curriculum Advice by Victoria. Jeff and I were both convicted as we listened to this two cd set on our recent trip. The Lord has been showing us a better way for our family to live and learn together in the last few weeks and this was just one more glimpse into what that could be.

In the two years since writing this review Jeff has worked with Geoffrey Botkin on a couple of projects and has spent some time visiting in their home.  The Botkin's are the REAL DEAL, folks.   They have a warm, welcoming home whose inhabitants are gracious and service oriented.  The family works together for the good of the family and reaches out to their community and to the larger homeschooling community as well.


I have both volumes of Curriculum Advice from Victoria Botkin to share with one blessed reader.  Volume 1 offers practical help for beginning homeschool mothers while volume 2 offers help for intermediate home educators.  I truly think any of you would be encouraged by Victoria's testimony about homeschooling her own children and hearing from several of the children themselves.  Victoria Botkin is truly a Titus 2 woman!


If you would like to receive this 2 CD set please leave a comment telling me what is your most challenging aspect regarding homeschooling.


For an additional entry:  Like Busy Hands Busy Minds on Facebook and leave another comment telling me you have done so.


For another entry:  Follow Busy Hands Busy Minds and leave another comment telling me you have done so. 


If you would like a fourth opportunity to enter:  The Botkin's son, David, is getting married this weekend!  Please lift David and Nadia and both of their families in prayer as they finish up wedding preparations and pray that the wedding ceremony will be a testimony of God's amazing goodness in bringing these two together to become one.


That's it! You have four opportunities to win,  Entries end next Wednesday, May 18, and I will post the winner on Thursday, May 19, which just happens to be Kaelan's 12 birthday!!  Then I'll do another giveaway of a CD that Kaelan really enjoys!  Stayed tuned!

Reminder!

Just wanted to remind you all to register for The Homestead Blessings DVD giveaway here!  If you missed it, I have three DVDs in The Homestead Blessings Collection to share:  gardening, herbs and canning.  To enter you must leave a comment before midnight, Friday, April 22!  Please feel free to spread the word!  Please don't comment on this post.  Go to the linked post to comment!

Homestead Blessings Giveaway--Three DVDs!!

I have told you all several times how my family has been greatly inspired by the West Ladies in the Homestead Blessing DVDs.  I've given away one of the DVDs before, but now I have three DVDs to share with you: gardening, herbs and canning.  I have learned so much about gardening, herbs and canning  from the wholesome and engaging instruction of Vicki West and her three daughters, Jasmine, CeCe and Hannah.  Their down-home personalities will have you wanting to invite them over for tea or wanting to jump into the car to head to their homestead outside of Leeper's Fork, TN for some one-on-one teaching sessions.

The gardening DVD covers making and using compost, raised bed, container and lasagna gardening as well as a nifty no-soil plan for growing potatoes.  Did you know that basil LIKES to be planted by tomatoes?  I didn't either, until the West ladies shared that little tid-bit of information with me.  What are some natural ways to deter bugs from your garden produce?  Watch this DVD and you will find out!

The herb DVD had me searching out apple mint in order to make some of that delicious tea that the West Girls made so easily.  And yes, I found some!  The West Ladies show you how to grow, preserve and cook with the herbs.  We started growing several of our own herbs after being inspired by this DVD: parsley, cilantro, oregano, sage, thyme, chives, apple mint, spearmint, peppermint and more now grace our table...straight from our own garden.  Oh, and basil...we can't forget the basil!!

The canning DVD made we want my own outdoor kitchen.  I have caught the canning bug and last year I probably canned about 100 jars of assorted jams and jellies!  I don't think I will need any this year!  I recently received a pressure canner and am looking forward to canning much of our garden produce this summer.  In fact, this afternoon a friend and I are going to start canning some of that abundance of milk we have been receiving!  I am so excited to get started!

As I said before, the West Ladies have really given us a vision as to what we could do with our little homestead and we are constantly striving to get our place in order.  I would love to have our home garden be as productive and inviting as the West Ladies.  You can tell they work hard and enjoy what they do.

If you would like to win this set of 3 DVDs please click on one of the many links in the post and watch a short clip of any of the three DVDs.  Then, leave a comment telling me which clip you watched.  That's it!

If you would like even more chances to win do one or all of the following leaving me a separate comment for each action. That gives you five chances to win!

-Become a follower of Busy Hands Busy Minds

-"Like" Busy Hands Busy Minds on Facebook (look in my side bar)

-Share this post on FB

-Write about the giveaway on your own blog

And just in case  you don't win these three Homestead Blessings DVDs or you want to see more of the West Ladies, you can get 10% off your order at the AFA Store.  Really, you get 10% off your order of any item from the AFA Store!  All you have to do is type in this coupon code at checkout:  ANITA64.  Now, ready,  get set, go!!  Deadline to register is Friday, April 22.  I will announce the winner on Monday, April 25!


Linking up today at Homestead Revival.

raisinghomemakers.com

 

http://gnowfglins.com

Giveaway!! Navigating History Begins Monday!

Working with The Homeschool Channel has allowed my husband, Jeff, to meet some of the greatest people who lead, share and encourage others to be the men and women that God has created them to be. Jeff has been able to spend time with the entire Botkin family during this last year doing webcasts from the studio here in Tupelo, having Mr. Botkin and his daughters speak at our local homeschool support group's annual father/daughter banquet or brainstorming together in their home.  Last week Jeff visited the Botkin home and came home telling us about Isaac Botkin's upcoming adventure.  It sounds very intriguing and you all have a chance to join in on the fun.  Here are the details:

"On December 1st, a team of young Christian filmmakers will be traveling to Egypt as part of the Navigating History Project, just announced by Western Conservatory. "Navigating History: Egypt" is a 6-episode adventure travel series designed to teach history, geography, current affairs, and worldview analysis from a Biblical perspective. The series will focus on the events and influences that shape nations, illustrating that ideas have consequences and that culture is never neutral. 

Egypt, the oldest continuous culture in the world, has been influenced at various times in its history by the four dominant ideologies of the globe--ancient paganism, Greco-Roman humanism, the Christian Church, and the rule of Islam--making it an ideal place to show that culture is religion externalized. Along the way, the team will be providing book recommendations and pointers for further study. Unlike television shows where hosts are shot and edited by invisible camera teams, every aspect of production and travel will be visible to those watching from home, as every member of the team serves both on-camera and as production staff. 

Episodes and live Q&A sessions with the team will be aired at 8:00pm CST every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, starting November 29 and continuing through December 17. Subscribers who join the three-week journey will have access to web site resources and updates. The tight deadlines for each of the episodes will add another element of drama for the viewers anticipating the next installment of the adventure. With live timers and GPS tracking, subscribers can monitor the team as they move between destinations and race against deadlines. "

“Each lesson which students learn about Egypt will help them face the challenges of the questions facing young Americans today — in America. We want students to be sharp analysts of America’s political issues, church issues, and family culture issues. Egyptian culture illustrates the consequences of modern challenges with alarming clarity.” -- Isaac Botkin, team leader

“What we want to do is show students how to use unchanging theological truth to assess every aspect of culture and history . . . past, present, and future.” -- David Noor, team member

To win your own subscription leave me a comment telling me at least ONE of the 10 plagues that God put on Egypt.  Drawing will be held be noon on Monday so that you will have enough time to set up for the first session.    The sessions will be archived and subscribers will have access.  A DVD will also be made after the completion of the trip.  I am looking forward to learning more about Egypt with my family over the next few weeks with this group of young filmmakers.

Goats Milk Stuff Winner

Sharla at largefamilytravel.blogspot.com has just won three bars of goats milk soap in her choice of scents from Goats Milk Stuff.  Congratulations, Sharla!  I have left a comment on your blog, so email me asap so I can put you in touch with PJ at Goats Milk Stuff.  Thanks to all who participated! Now, go buy  some great soap for your family or for some great Christmas gifts for friends and loved ones!

Did You Miss It?

My Goats Milk Stuff giveaway, that is?  Maybe Fridays aren't the best days to post a giveaway  with people busy getting ready for the weekend adventures.  So, I am giving you another chance to sign up for some great goats' milk soap.  Just click here to go back to the original post for instructions.

Goat Milk Stuff Review and a Giveaway

Got milk?  How about goats' milk?    While I haven't yet brought myself to taste the goats' milk that my friend down the road has offered me fresh from her own goats, I have been using goats' milk soap for a couple of years now.  I recently discovered a large homeschooling family's home business which is making and selling goats' milk soap and other products.  The Jonas family began making their own goats' milk soap for their own family in order to help clear up a child's eczema problems.  It worked and others soon began asking for soap as well.  So much so that Papa Jonas quit his job and came home to make soap full time along with his wife and children.

Goat Milk Stuff has a large product selection with plain and scented soaps, laundry soaps, stick lotions, lip balms and much more.  I purchased the "Purity" soap for my little guys and myself and for the big guys "Musk Blend".  I actually told  one of my extreme eczema sufferers to use it on their hair as well and it got rid of the flakes!  This soap is creamy and oh-so-soft!  And it's pretty, too!

I also purchased the large laundry soap bar.  I grated it with a cheese grater and then mixed it with washing soda and borax.  This lasted for over 80 loads of laundry.  All natural ingredients, no harsh chemicals and no added scents.  Low sudsing as well for my front loading washing machine.

Another item I purchased was the Clean Cotton Lotion Stick.  It's like lip balm only for your skin!  It comes in a large tube that would fit great in your pocket or purse and is very easy to apply directly where you need it.  The Clean Cotton smelled fabulous, but was a little too scented for me.  The almost empty tube sits next to my computer, though, where I stop work and scrape out what remains to put on my dry, scaly dishpan hands.

How would you like to win three large bars of your own Goat Milk Stuff soap?  You can do just that by following these easy steps!

1.  Go to goatmilkstuff.com .  Look over the products and let me know what you would order in the comment section of my blog.

2.  Become a follower of my blog and let me know you did by leaving me a comment.  Or let me know that you are already a follower.

3.  Sign up for the Goat Milk Stuff newsletter on the goatmilkstuff.com website.  Leave me a comment letting me know you signed up!

4.  Become a Facebook fan of Goat Milk Stuff!  Click the link found in the lower left hand corner of their website at goatmilkstuff.com.  Leave me a comment letting me know you fanned them.

5.  Follow PJ Jonas' blog at goatmilksoapers.com.  Again, let me know by leaving a comment on my blog.

Wow!!  You get five chances to win three large bars of some fabulous goats' milk soap!  Hope to hear from lots of you.  This soap really is great and did I mention that it is very pretty as well!  So what's your favorite soap?


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Cookware Winner!!

Congratulations to cartoon loving Stephanie!!  Stephanie will soon be enjoying her new ice cream or yogurt maker.  I hope she has some good recipes!!  Thanks to cookware.com for the fun contest!!

Cookware Giveaway Reminder

Don't forget to register here for the $60 gift card from cookware.com!!  Drawing will be held next Friday!

A Cookware Giveaway!

If you have been a reader of my blog for any length of time, you know that in this house we eat a lot.  That means we also cook a lot and we like to stay equipped with the tools needed to provide delicious meals for our family and guests.  I love to use my cast iron  dutch oven (click on the words "dutch oven" to see some great ones)  for slow cooking roasts and chicken in the oven.  I love how evenly the food cooks and I can serve it straight from the dish.   The folks over at Cookware.com have a  huge line of beautiful dutch ovens that I could really get excited about.  I really like the colorful ones like orange, red and blue.  Oh, my!! They also have all kinds of kitchen gadgets that you might find useful.  They even have some cute aprons.  I always make a mess of myself cooking in the kitchen, so I have my eye on a couple of these in order to protect my clothes and just to add a little old fashioned cuteness to my day.

How would you like to win a $60 dollar gift card to Cookware.com ?  To enter this giveaway leave me a comment telling me what product(s) you would choose if you win.  Leave another comment if you follow my blog or become a follower.  Tell your readers about this giveaway on your own blog and link back here.  Leave me another comment if you do that!  That gives you three chances to win big!

We'll announce the winner on July 30 so enter now.  I'm excited for the winner!