World Vision Gift Catalog Review & Giveaway

I was overjoyed to be able to share in a World Vision Gift Catalog review & giveaway. This book has always been so intriguing to me and I have been wanting to purchase something from it for years. 

Whether it’s for the tax deduction or the warm fuzzy feeling giving to others generates, most Americans plan to make a charitable donation over the holiday season. In fact, nearly 60 percent of Americans say they’ll donate between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to a survey reported in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

With so many worthy causes, it is difficult to know where the gift can best be used.  Gifts to the World Vision Gift Catalog Maximum Impact Fund are used where resources are most desperately needed, to help children and families in struggling communities around the world. With a financial contribution, the gift giver can select one of 36 Maximum Impact items (a few are listed below) that can be given to a loved one and at the same time help a person in need.

 I received my sample gift along with a catalog in the mail.

In it, you will find many gifts you can purchase for someone less fortunate than yourself. Some of the items you can choose from are goats, bunnies, ducks, a well of clean water, a year's worth of school for an orphan, fruit trees, Bibles, newborn care, a small business loan and SO much  more. There is even a section to choose gifts for families in the USA. 

You can give a gift in the Maximum impact section of the gift catalog, in someone else’s honor. In exchange, you will also receive a gift to give them.

 One of the gifts is the VeggieTales Incredible Vegetables DVD that I received. With a $50 purchase from the Maximum Impact catalog, you can receive this fun DVD to gift to someone you love.

There are lots of other cute & interesting gifts to choose from as well.

Here's a video that talks about how the whole process works...

 

I am hosting a giveaway for a lucky reader to receive their own copy of the VeggieTales DVD pictured above. Please take a look at the World Vision website and consider donating to a wonderful cause.

Mandatory Entry:  You must follow me publicly on GFC to enter (+1 entry)

Leave a comment if you already do.

Other ways to enter....

1. Visit the World Vision website & leave me a comment stating what you would choose as a gift for a family in need
2. Like World Vision on Facebook
3. Follow World Vision on Pinterest
4. Like Everyday Mama on Facebook
5. Follow Me on Pinterest
6. Follow Everyday Mama on Twitter
7. Share this giveaway on Facebook, Please link @EverydayMama to your post (You can share once daily for an extra entry!)
8. Share this giveaway on any giveaway linky (please leave link to it in comment) (+3 entries)
9. Blog about this giveaway (+5 entries)

 Giveaway open to US entrants only, 18+. Please make sure your email is visible or leave email in entries. Giveaway ends Dec 17. Winner will be chosen randomly via random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond and if he/she doesn't respond, a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks for entering!

Sunday Social- join the hop!

Came across this adorable blog & meme and I just had to jump aboard the hop! 

A Complete Waste of Makeup has such a beautiful clean layout, she pulled me right in. Hope you'll go on over and check out her blog. 

This weeks questions:

What is currently on your wish list?

I really would love the new iPhone 5, a KitchenAid mixer, and the seasons of Smallville & Parks & Recreation

What's a new fall TV show you've added to your DVR?

Well, I don't have DVR but a new show I've come to love is Parks & Recreation. I'm all about comedies.

Share your Social Media links for us to follow you on (pinterest, twitter, facebook, etc) Tell us which is your favorite and why?

Pinterest
Twitter
Facebook
Google +

My favorite is probably a tie between Facebook & Pinterest. Facebook because I like to keep in contact with my friends & Pinterest is just plain fun!

What is a TV show or Movie or Song you could listen to or watch over and over and over and never get tired of…feel free to name one of each:

TV show: The Office
Movie: Mr & Mrs Smith
Song: anything by Imogen Heap- she's so soothing

Link up & join in! Have a great Sunday.

Winner of SIbu Beauty Age Defying Eye Cream- is it you?

Hello everyone!!

I just wanted to say that this is my biggest giveaway yet! I've never had so many entries. Thanks to all who followed & entered, I appreciate you all!!

Now for the winner...

#68- Cheryl Chervitz

Congrats!! Check your Google email & respond soon. If there is no response within 48 hours, I will draw another winner.

Thanks!!

Sibu Beauty Age Defying Eye Cream Review & Giveaway

Thank you Sibu Beauty for the opportunity to sample a wonderful product!

Sibu Beauty is the Sea Buckthorn company. They have a very extensive and amazing product line consisting of oils, lotions, cleansers, creams, teas, capsules and much more.

I was lucky enough to try the Age Defying Eye Cream

I was very pleased with this product. It's light and soothing. You only need the tiniest amount to tap around the eye area. I can immediately feel results, the skin feels revived and refreshed. It really is amazing!

I love that their products have premium wild-crafted sea buckthorn from the Tibetan Himalayas. Some interesting information about the sea buckthorn berry is below...

High in the Tibetan Himalayas (12,000 feet above sea level) grows a tiny but resilient fruit that resists the harsh weather conditions and high altitudes. The sea buckthorn berry fortifies itself against the elements by producing an array of powerful nutrients. With over 190 bioactive compounds, sea buckthorn is an unsurpassed source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9. And it's a rich source of the elusive essential fatty acid, Omega-7, an essential fatty acid vital to collagen production and healthy skin, hair and nails.

Sea buckthorn is a natural product with 1300 years of traditional uses with the modern scientific research to back it up. Our superior processing techniques and our premium and exclusive source of sea buckthorn allow us to create a revolutionary group of beauty products.

Traditional health-related uses for the sea buckthorn berry include:

• Sustained energy levels
• Improved cellular health
• Cardiovascular support
• Healthy inflammation response
• Joint support
• Moisturizing dry and damaged skin
• Improved immune health
• Decrease in wrinkles and fine lines
• Addressing exzema and rosacea symptoms

Another HUGE thing for me was that these products are completely free of preservatives, ALL of them. They are also paraben free and cruelty-free! All of their products are 100% natural and contain no dairy, wheat, gluten, sodium, yeast or preservatives.

There are sooo many products you can try. I highly recommend you take a look at their site. You can also follow them on Pinterest and like them on Facebook!

One of my readers is going to win their own Sibu Beauty product!! It could be you!

Enter my giveaway before Oct 31st and you may win your own bottle of the age defying eye cream. Check out ways to enter...

Mandatory entry!- You must follow me on GFC to qualify :) If you already do, just leave a comment saying so.

Other ways to enter:

• Like Everyday Mama on Facebook
• Like Sibu Beauty on Facebook
• Follow me on Pinterest
• Follow Sibu Beauty on Pinterest
• Follow Everyday Mama on Twitter
• Comment on this giveaway post saying why you'd love to win
• Share this post on Facebook (ONCE A DAY= 1 extra entry a day)
• Share this post on any blog giveaway linky (+3 entries)
• Tell a friend to enter (they have to mention your name) (+3 entries)
• Add me on Google+

You must be 18 years + to enter. US and Canada entrants are permitted. A winner will be selected on Nov 1st using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Please leave your email address in each comment or make sure it is visible on your profile.
 

Hurry up and get your entries in! Thanks Sibu Beauty!

Puzzle Book Trio Pack Winner

Hello readers!!

I've chosen the winner of the trio of puzzle books...

Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles Vol 2

Puzzle Baron's Sudoku

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Picture Puzzles Vol 2

And the winner is....

Who says the first commenter never wins??? ;)

Congrats Morgan!! You have been emailed!

Thanks to all who entered!!

Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles, Sudoku, & The Complete Idiot's Guide to Picture Puzzles Review & Giveaway

Another fun book review & giveaway! And this time there are THREE, count 'em, three books in this prize pack!

1. Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles (vol 2) ($14.95)

2. Puzzle Baron's Sudoku ($9.95)

 3. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Picture Puzzles (vol 2) ($10.95)

These three brain-challenging books include a variety of puzzles for beginner through expert solvers. If the puzzles prove too difficult, there’s an answer key in each book to help.

My thoughts:

I love the feel of the books. Sturdy and nicely constructed covers. My oldest son, age 5, really enjoys the picture puzzle book. I was afraid to have him write in it, as it is a glossy paged book. They are very portable, perfect to take to soccer practice, at the beach, on road trips, etc. If you enjoy brain teasers, these are perfect for you! The puzzles range from easy to hard so there's something to appeal to anyone who loves a challenge.

WIN IT:

One reader will win their own trio of puzzle books to enjoy!

Mandatory entry: You must be a public GFC follower to qualify. Leave a comment saying you are (if you already are, it still counts as an entry)

More ways to win....

 

1. Like Everyday Mama on Facebook
2. Follow Everyday Mama on Twitter
3. Follow me on Pinterest
4. Follow me on Google +
5.  Comment with when you would most enjoy these books
6. Comment with someone you might gift these books to
7. Share this giveaway on Facebook (link me to it with the @ symbol)This can be done once every day!
8. Share this giveaway on a giveaway linky (please leave link) (+5 entries)
9. Blog about this giveaway (+10 entries)

Thanks for reading and good luck!!

 

Giveaway ends Aug 12 at 10pm EST. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. Please make sure your email is public. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to US residents, 18+, no PO boxes. 

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Spray review & Looking for Blog Event sponsors!

First of all, this hair product line has to be talked about. I don't know if you've heard of it, but I've fallen in love. <3

The first impression I got was from the packaging, just so adorable and plain irresistible, I had to buy some. Their quirky names for each product are so creative. Just look!

I purchased the Not Your Mother's Beach Babe texturizing sea salt spray.

It really works! I've looked high and low for a good texturizing spray and since I won't pay $100 for a bottle (minor exaggeration), then I really never tried the high end stuff. I'm on my 3rd bottle of Not Your Mother's brand and love love love it. I have wavy hair that can blow dry straight or scrunch up curly so it's a little versatile. This gives it a good wave like I was just at the beach. After I spray this all over on my damp hair, I scrunch it all up, then spray some hairspray on to keep it there. 

Here's a photo of my hair freshly done today :) The waves do soften out a bit throughout the day but that's because I prefer a flexible hold hairspray. If you used a strong hold spray, I'm sure it would hold well.

I'm looking forward to purchasing more Not Your Mother's products in the future. I purchased mine at Walmart, I'm not sure if they're sold anywhere else yet. 

You can visit nymbrands.com for more information.

Looking for BLOG EVENT sponsors!!

I'd like to host a Blogalicious Beauty Event and I'm looking for sponsors to show off their products! Looking for beauty products of any type for reviews and giveaways. Please read my PR/Reviews info page for more details and then contact me to participate! I'm trying to get these together by the end of the month. Thank you for your interest and help!

And the winner is....

 

 The winner of their very own copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing is....

#43!

 

 

 

burmmy77 said... 

twitter follower
@BrittanyHanson0

Congrats Brittany!  You have been emailed! :) Thanks everyone for entering!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing! (Review & Giveaway!)

 I was contacted and asked to do a review/giveaway on this book and I couldn't wait to receive it! I'm so interested in couponing but it can be so overwhelming and confusing. This book shows you everything you need to know and the best part is that it's all in easy to understand format. There are mini-tips along the way throughout the book to boost your know-how even more! I highly recommend this book to anyone who's been interested in couponing but didn't know how to start! I've already put many of my new tricks to use at the store.


The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing includes:

• Understanding couponing basics
• Tips on finding and cashing in on coupons
• Advice on multiple savings offers, money-back coupons and rewards programs
• The latest info on deal-of-the-day sites, rebates and other online coupon options
• How to best plan and organize coupons

One of my lucky readers will win their own copy! It could be you!!

To enter....

Mandatory entry-  Follow my blog via GFC on the right, you must be a public follower. (If you already follow, leave a comment saying you do). Please leave a comment for every entry- if it says +10, leave 10 comments or it will only count as one entry.

• Follow Everyday Mama on Google+  (+1)
• 'Like' Everyday Mama on Facebook (+2)
• Follow Everyday Mama on Twitter (+1)
• Share this post in Facebook (please link me to the share post by typing @Everyday Mama in the post) You can do this once per day! (+1 daily)
• Tweet this giveaway (leave me the link) You can do this once per day!  (+1 daily) Tweet the following--- Enter to win a copy of Complete Idiots Guide to Couponing @Everyday Mama. Ends 6/3!#giveaway-http://tinyurl.com/74pe8sx
• Follow me on Pinterest (+1)
• Blog about this giveaway (leave me a link)  (+5)
• Post my blog button somewhere on your blog that's visible & let me know where it's at (+10)
• Tell me why you'd like to win this book (+1)

 US only, 18+. This giveaway will end June 3rd at 10:00pm EST. A winner will be randomly chosen using random.org. I will notify the winner via the email available to me through their profile, please make sure your email is there. If I do not hear back after 48 hours, I will choose another winner. The prize will be sent directly from the company, I am not responsible for lost or stolen packages.

Good luck!

Char Crust Seasoning Review & Giveaway

Oh I have a yummy review for you! And a chance to win your own yumminess too!

Char Crust Seasonings are a fun delicious way to add tons of flavor without added fat or too many calories. I received 4 flavors for my review...

 In case you can't read them, there are All American Barbeque, Roasted Garlic Peppercorn, Ginger Teriyaki and Amazin' Cajun. Sound good, huh?

Well since I'm vegan, I couldn't test it on any meat dishes but I bet they would work wonders!! I steamed some broccoli and tossed it in a heaping tablespoon of the All American Barbecue. It surprised me how good it turned out! A little spice to it and a LOT of flavor for a small amount of seasoning.

 Char Crust® dry rub is one of very few certified kosher rubs on the market!

There are 9 flavors to choose from:

• Original Hickory Grilled
• Roasted Garlic Peppercorn
• All American BBQ
• Ginger Teriyaki
• Smoky Spicy Southwest
• Amazin' Cajun
• Sun-Dried Tomato & Garlic
• Hickory Molasses
• Roto Roast

BUY SOME:

Visit Char Crust's website and order some to try!

WIN SOME:

I'm giving away a 4 pack just like I received for a lucky reader to use at home!

Must be 18+ to enter, US only.
Giveaway ends May 30th.
Please use Rafflecopter widget below to enter.

Goooood luck!

Strawberry Banana n' Nut Butter LOVE these MUFFINS!

Hello all! I found an amazing vegan recipe for muffins that I just have to share! If you're a fan of Angela over at Oh She Glows, then you could have discovered them long ago. Even still, I'm just spreading the word on this jaw-dropping-tasty- heavenly -"love" muffin. That's what she calls them after all, and I know why!!

OH yes. This is heaven. Strawberries. Bananas. Pecans. Chia seed. DEE-licious!!

It was a little extra work compared to other muffins recipes I've done but it was well worth it! These little puppies are SO filling. My mom had one and said it filled her up so much, she hardly ate any dinner later! 

Strawberry, Banana n' Nut Butter Love Muffins

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

 

Makes 12 muffins 

Ingredients

• 13/4 c whole wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1.5 tbsp. ground chia seed (or flax) + 1/4 cup water
• 1.25 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 heaping tbsp. earth balance vegan butter
• 3 tbsp. nut butter(I used Nutella)
• 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 1 large banana mashed, left a bit chunky
• 3/4 cup strawberries, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Grease a muffin tin and set aside.
3. In a small bowl mix the ground chia and water and set aside.
4. In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients (flours, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, pecans, baking soda + powder). Set aside.
5. In a medium sized bowl, mix all wet ingredients (chia + water mixture, milk, warmed coconut butter, nut butter, maple syrup, mashed banana). Mix well.
6. Add wet to dry and stir.
7. Fold in chopped strawberries, reserving 1/4 of them to sprinkle on top of muffins.
8. Scoop mixture into muffin tin and sprinkle on remaining strawberries.
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

*Note- my instructions & ingredients differ from ohsheglows.com because I changed up a few things

 Banana gooey-ness inside, moist & yummy!!

 My little munchkin was happy to indulge!

 Isn't he just a doll??

Nutrition info- Per 1 muffin serving

Calories - 196
Calcium- 7 gm
Fat- 8gm
Protein- 4 gm
Sodium- 31 gm
Fiber- 4 gm

Vegan living rocks!

  

Vegan Minestrone Soup

Now I'm not sure if all minestrone soup is vegan but I know this one is. :D I haven't made it official on blogger but I've recently decided to go vegan. Boy, is it an adventure! It's like a religioun, everything looks different once you make the decision. Most of the things you were eating before (unless you already ate very clean) becomes "off limits". I feel really good though & I'm still trying to use up a lot of non-vegan foods in the house. So I threw this soup together this morning for lunches the next few days. I found the recipe on the side of the vegetable base jar!

Vegan Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons Better than Bouillon Vegetable Base (Organic)

2- 28 oz cans diced tomatoes

2 cups water

1- 15 oz can kidney beans (I used black beans)

1 diced onion 

1- 16 oz package frozen mixed vegetables

1 tsp each of garlic powder, dry basil

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup elbow macaroni

Bring to a boil. Add 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Makes 3 quarts finished soup. 

I used 3 smaller cans of diced tomatoes (as pictured). The Red Gold brand has seasonings so I skipped adding the garlic powder & basil.

I tallied up the calories and I believe if the recipe serves 9 very easily, I didn't measure it but averaged 2 big ladle-fuls per serving. The calorie amount per serving (for 9) would be 183 cals, 1 gm fat, 7 gm calcium, 9 gm protein, & 7 gm fiber. Total cals is 1,650 so you can divide that by however many servings you make it to be.
 It is SO delicious, eating it right now as I type this, matter of fact. 

 The above picture is when it's all put together but not cooked yet.

 After it's cooked & ready to munch down on!

I think this would also taste great over some brown rice or quinoa.

Everyone have a wonderful HUMP day!

Upside-down Broccoli Pizza

Tonight, I made a super delicous yummy dinner that even my kids ate in it's entirety and asked me if I'd make it again. Crazy, you say?? No way! And I'll even share the recipe with you. 

First of all, it says that this only serves 4...I believe it's more like 6. (Probably 8 if they're all kids). The pieces were HUGE. I ate 1/2 of one after a side salad and I was stuffed. 

So, for "Upside Down Broccoli Pizza", you will need....

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 lb ground turkey breast
• 1/2 tbsp italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1/3 c ranch dressing
• 1/2 c alfredo pasta sauce
• 2 cups grated mozzarella
• 1 egg, beaten

The very best part of this recipe is that you make it ALL in one pan, you even bake in the same pan, awesome.

Preheat your oven to 400.
Heat the olive oil in a 10 or 12 inch metal handle skillet (you will be putting this in your oven later!). Add seasonings, onion, and ground turkey and saute' until it's browned.
Stir in the broccoli, ranch and alfredo.
Sprinkle the cheese on top and remove from heat.
Unroll the dough and stretch it out a little. Then place gently over skillet, cover entire top but keep from going over the edges if possible (it won't matter if you don't though), trim off edges. Brush with the beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes, the top will be golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand at least 5 minutes before cutting.

Let me tell you about a couple of variations I did. I did not have ranch dressing or alfredo on hand. Next time I'd like to use alfredo and no ranch (trying to avoid the MSG). But what I did have was the Campbell's Cheddar Cheese soup so I used almost a whole can of that instead. I also only used 1 1/2 cups of cheese as I found it to be plenty! It is very cheesy.

The total calories for this dish with the ingredients I used is 287 cals for 1/8 of the pie. That's more nutrition and more filling than pizza!

The prep for this took maybe 10 minutes and with the baking for 20, it is a 30 minute meal! Soooo good too. My mom and my boyfriend had some and they loved it, too.

Hope you enjoy! Leave me some comments if ya try.

Delicious Healthy Low-Cal Breakfast!

I've recently gotten much more involved in fitness and nutrition. I've always been very interested but never fully delved in. I love to learn about all the ways nutrients help with our bodies functions and the effects they have on us. I also like to find healthy foods to eat that aren't high in calories, fats or sodium. Sodium is a hard one to avoid!

Breakfast is my favorite meal and I've had to cut out most of my favs like sugary cereals, giant bagels & muffins, and pop-tarts. No more of that!

I found a delicious simply morning recipe that's also quick for those of us on the go!

You'll need...

• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms, broken up into smaller pieces
• Small handful of fresh spinach leaves
• 2-3 Tbsp of diced onion (I use the Birds Eye frozen chopped onion, so much easier! lol)
• Small slice of muenster cheese (I used Sara Lee custom slices) or whatever you like(optional)
• Olive oil cooking spray

I should have taken pictures while I cooked this but it's difficult when there's usually an 8 month old sitting on my hip at all times :P

First off, I spray some cooking spray in a small pan and warm it up for about 5 minutes, then throw in the onion and mushrooms and let it simmer for 5-7 mins or until the onions are soft. Then I put in the spinach and cook until they start to wilt. 

Remove the veggies from the pan and set on a plate.

Spray a tiny bit more cooking spray if necessary and add the egg whites. Dont flip or mess with them, just leave them until they are pretty well cooked on the bottom, then lift up one side and tilt the pan so the runny part on top goes underneath. Continue this and cook until the top is thoroughly cooked.

This is when I add the cheese. Could probably cut down the cals & fat even more if I left it off but I have a major love for cheese so it's necessary. I used muenster cheese and it's delicious!

Put veggie mixture on top of cheese and fold egg in half still in pan. Let sit on low a couple minutes until cheese melts. 

And ta-da!

 

Delicious goodness.

And all of this for the specific ingredients I used is 111 calories! Keeps me full all morning!

Hope you enjoy! Give me some feedback if you try it out!

Have a great Friday everyone!

 

 

A fresh start

Happy happy day!!

Finally paid off all my debt that the ex left behind with my tax return.

I feel refreshed & renewed!

From now on, I will manage my money the RIGHT way, without HIS influence.

I always knew what I was doing but he stomped all over my ideas.

I couldn't be more satisfied with where my life is going.

Thank you God for taking me where I needed to go!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful blessed day!!

The luckiest girl in the world

I really am the luckiest girl.

It may not have been planned, it may not have gone how I ever thought it would or should...

but I've met the man of my dreams, the one I always looked for but never thought I'd have.

The one I never thought I deserved.

God held you in a special place for me to find one day.

We both went out separate directions and neither worked out....but...

I think that was the reason all along.

We are two peas in a pod. We fit together like pb&j. We are so much alike, it's just crazy. 

I can't believe it's been almost a year since we met already!

Thank you for making me feel like the most special girl in the world, I'm so lucky to have you, my love.

Looking forward to spending forever with you.

To my most magnificent boyfriend...

(he'll be so embarassed to read this, hehe)