Simply Earth December Recipe Box Review & Giveaway #EssentialOils #ComplimentaryProductReceived

 

Disclaimer: I received complimentary product through Simply Earth in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. Affiliate links are in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Simply Earth is a wonderful essential oil box subscription service. Every month they have a brand new box filled with four full size essential oils and other things to help you make 6 products to use in your home. Simply Earth's essential oils are 100% pure with no added fillers or artificial fragrances and the ingredients are toxic free. They are GC/MS tested to make sure of this. All of their ingredients are ethically sourced and come from smaller, family owned farms.

The December Recipe Box has 4 full sized essential oils, plus ingredients and recipes cards with recipes for the great things to make. With your first subscription you will get a Big Bonus Box with Almond Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil, Beeswax Pastilles, 6 Roll On Bottles, and 6 Amber Glass Bottles to help you with your first recipes. The recipe box has 6 recipes you can make with the combined ingredients from this box and the Big Bonus Box. These recipes include the: Winter Skin Protection Balm, Orange Grove Exfoliating Soap, Cocoa Marble Soap, Winter Sunshine Diffuser Blend, Calming Orange Grove Roll On, and Soap Jellies. The box also comes with labels that are sized to fit the individual bottles, etc.

 

Here is The December Recipe Box Reveal:

Simply Earth December Recipe Box Contents

 

December Recipe Box Contents:

• Bergamot Essential Oil, 15 mL
  
• Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil, 15 mL
• Winter Spice Essential Oil, 15 mL
• Cedarwood Himalayan Essential Oil, 15 mL
  
• Goat Milk Soap Base, 2 oz
• Soap Mold
  
• 6 Recipe Cards
  
• Labels

 

My Thoughts:

I received the Simply Earth December Recipe Box to try out. This DIY soap making kit gets you started making your own soap and other products to use at home. I love the fact that each monthly recipe box comes with not just one, but four full size essential oils! Simply Earth has added so much love to each box they hand pack. If you are a new subscriber you will also get a free Big Bonus Box that will come with your first month. It has wonderful ingredients and bottles to use with your first recipe box. Plus you can have fun making all the natural recipes together with family and/or friends. My kids love to help out in the kitchen.

The December Recipe Box is wonderful! My favorite of the essential oils from this box was the Bergamot EO because of its warm citrusy floral scent. These EO boxes have so much more to offer than just a single EO subscription that you would find other places. I love that this subscription comes with a whole kit to make your own soap, plus other things. If you watched the December Recipe Box reveal video it has one thing that isn't in the kits: the dried orange slices. This is because Simply Earth had trouble with the quality and didn't want to put something in the kits that was subpar. Instead they have on their website instructions to make your own dried orange slices. 

I can't wait to make the recipes from this box! One recipe in particular, the Winter Sunshine Diffuser Blend, is supposed to boost your spirits this winter and it just sounds heavenly. I definitely need some cheering up with all that has been going on in the world lately. What better way to keep my mind off of these things than to keep busy with Simply Earth's fun recipes.

I love that Simply Earth has quality products at a fraction of the prices you would see from other companies. The Simply Earth subscription won't break your budget or empty your bank account and by subscribing you won't have to get pressured into sales at any EO parties. Also, 13% of profits from Simply Earth go to end human trafficking! This subscription would be a great gift for someone during the holidays!

BUY IT

Purchase the next Essential Oil Recipe Box and get the Big Bonus Box free with your first subscription! What Does It Mean to Be a Simply Earth Subscriber? Click here to find out and watch this funny video.                            

WIN IT

Win a Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box (US and Canada Only): FOUR essential oils & ingredients to make 6 toxin-free recipes. Go to this link to enter: http://grow.simplyearth.com/giveaway?kid=1E80WD

Simply Earth November Recipe Box and Big Bonus Box Review & Giveaway #EssentialOils #ComplimentaryProductReceived

Disclaimer: I received complimentary product through Simply Earth in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. Affiliate links are in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Simply Earth is a wonderful essential oil box subscription service. Every month they have a brand new box filled with full size essential oils. These essential oils are 100% pure with no added fillers or artificial fragrances and the ingredients are toxic free. They are GC/MS tested to make sure of this. All of their ingredients are ethically sourced and come from smaller, family owned farms.

The November Recipe Box has 4 full sized essential oils plus ingredients and recipes cards with recipes for the great things to make. You can make 6 recipes with the ingredients this box comes with and the Big Bonus Box comes with, the: Love Candle, Winter Woods Candle, Wax Potpourri Disks, Love Bath Melts, Energy Synergy Roll On, Love & Spice Diffuser Blend. The box also comes with labels that are sized to fit the individual bottles, etc.

Here is The November Recipe Box Reveal:

 

Simply Earth November Recipe Box Contents

 November Recipe Box Contents:

• Pine Scotch Essential Oil, 15 mL
  
• Love Essential Oil, 15 mL
• Nutmeg Essential Oil, 15 mL
• Lime Essential Oil, 15 mL
• Soy Wax, 3 oz
• Dried Flowers: Gomphrena Globosa Buds, 6 ct.
• 2 Candle Wicks
  
• 6 Recipe Cards
  
• Labels
  

 

Simply Earth Big Bonus Box Contents

Big Bonus Box Contents:

• Almond Oil, 4 oz
• Fractionated Coconut Oil, 4 oz
• Coconut Oil, 12 oz
• Beeswax Pastilles, 2 oz
• 6 Roll On Bottles, 10 mL
• 6 Amber Glass Bottles, 5 mL

My Thoughts:

I received both the Simply Earth November Recipe Box and the Big Bonus Box since I was a new subscriber. I love the fact that each monthly recipe box comes with full size essential oils and they don't skimp on any of the fun extras. The Big Bonus Box comes with your first month and it has wonderful ingredients and bottles to use with your first recipe box. This DIY kit gets you started making your own products to use at home. Plus, it is fun to make natural recipes together with family and/or friends.

I loved the November Recipe Box! My favorite of the essential oils from this box was the Love EO: which is a combination of Amyris, Bergamot, Sweet Orange, & Ylang Ylang. It smells so good and definitely would put me in a romantic mood. I love that this is no ordinary EO box as it doesn't just have one EO included and it also comes with so much more. One recipe in particular, the Energy Synergy Roll On, is supposed to rejuvenate you and who doesn't need that with this pandemic going on?!! All the recipes sound like a great deal of fun and I cannot wait to make them.

I love that Simply Earth has quality products at a fraction of the prices you would see from other companies. You can see all of the GC/MS reports on every batch of EO made. The Simply Earth subscription won't break your budget or empty your bank account and by subscribing you won't have to get pressured into sales at any EO parties. Also, 13% of profits from Simply Earth go to end human trafficking!

BUY IT

Purchase the next Essential Oil Recipe Box and get the Big Bonus Box free with your first subscription! What Does It Mean to Be a Simply Earth Subscriber? Click here to find out and watch this funny video.

WIN IT

Win a Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box (US and Canada Only): FOUR essential oils & ingredients to make 6 toxin-free recipes. Go to this link to enter: http://grow.simplyearth.com/giveaway?kid=1E80WD

Darn Good Yarn Sale for February!

Darn Good Yarn provided me with this promotional information and offer to share with my readers. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Darn Good Yarn is having some awesome sales store wide. If you know of anyone that loves yarn, knitting, crocheting, felting, or any kind of fiber arts this is the sale for you! They have some wonderful gifts that would be great for gifting during the holidays too. This would be a super Valentine's gift for fiber arts fans.

Here are the sales that are going on now:

• $10 Mystery Knitting or Crochet Kit from Darn Good Yarn
• Buy 2 Get 3 Free Sari Wrap Skirts
• 50% Off Yarn Storage Bag Bundle - Everything you need to create and store your WIP's
• Save 25% off Fat Quarter Storage Bag Bundle
• Up to 75% Savings when you add an item to cart. Unlock their top-secret mystery box
• 35% Off - 3 Pack of Hand Beaded Yarn and Yarn bowl for $99
• Save 70% on Wooden Yarn Bowls, no code necessary

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Darn Good Yarn for providing me this promotion information. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Darn Good Yarn Sales and How To Crochet

Darn Good Yarn provided me with this promotional information and offer to share with my readers. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Buy 1 Pair of Socks Get 1 FREE! | Must Add 2 Pairs to Your Cart

Summer Clearance Sale - RECYCLED INDIAN SARI SILK WRAP SKIRT - Now only $24.99 | was $69.00. You Save 63% ($44.01)

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Darn Good Yarn for providing me this promotion information. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

How To Window Box: Small-Space Plants to Grow Indoors or Out Book Review

I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Chantal Aida Gordon & Ryan Benoit are authors of the popular garden blog, The Horticult. It chronicles their learning experience about gardening and design. I personally love their blog and want to incorporate more of a "plant-infused lifestyle" into my everyday existence.

You don't have to have a lot of space to garden and window boxes create the perfect space for plants both outside and inside your window sill. Chantal Aida Gordon & Ryan Benoit's new book, How To Window Box: Small-Space Plants to Grow Indoors or Out, is a nod towards traditional container gardening, but with some exuberant flair. The book takes window boxes and breaths new life into them.

Book Contents.

This small hardback book is just under 6 x 9 – and less than 180 pages, but has a tremendous amount of  information. There are 16 total designs that this tiny book features: from herbs to succulents to carnivorous plants, to jungle plants to woodland plants and other plants in between. This book has a window box for everyone. Projects range from super simple to challenging. This book shows how to: choose plants, know where to purchase them, arrange them, cultivate them, make window boxes for them, use lighting, know how much to water them, know where these plants will likely thrive, fertilize them, prune them, do other fun projects to maximize your space, etc. The photos are colorful and inviting and help give reference to the plants and completed window box projects.

Inside Sneak Peek.

I am loving this gardening book! I highly recommend it to others that: don't have a lot of space to garden, need more ideas for container gardening, want to bring more plants indoors, want to brighten your window spaces, or just love gardening. I can't wait to try out the projects in this book!

BE SOCIAL
Official Website: https://thehorticult.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHorticult/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thehorticult @thehorticult
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chantalgordon/the-horticult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehorticult/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Thehorticult

BUY IT
You can purchase How To Window Box on Amazon for $10.52 (at time of post).



DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Blogging For Books for sending me this book for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Darn Good Yarn Sale!

Darn Good Yarn provided me with this promotional information and offer to share with my readers. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Darn Good Yarn is having a 30% off site wide sale! If you know of anyone that loves yarn, knitting, crocheting, felting, or any kind of fiber arts this is the sale for you! They have some wonderful gifts that would be great for gifting during the holidays too.

Right Now Save 30% Off Site wide!!
Use Coupon Code FROSTY30 at Checkout

• *Please note only 1 coupon code per order can be applied
• Expires December 31, 2017
• Subscriptions are Not Eligible for Discount, but you can Subscribe to the Yarn of the Month or Bead of the Month & Save 50% for $10.00 only!

Along with the 30% off sale there are other sales too going on now. You can purchase $15 Sari Silk Wrap Skirts! Also warm your feet this winter with the Buy 1 Get 1 Free Fleece Lined Wool Socks. The pretty Scarf Pack - Bundle of 4 is now only $99.99 from the original price of $138.99. All Wooden Yarn Bowls  are 50% off until the end of December with code YB50! Also Clearance Sale products have very limited quantities available. Once they are gone, they are gone!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Darn Good Yarn for providing me this promotion information. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Disney Villains Hairstyles & Looks Book Review

We received this product free to facilitate this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Disney Villains Hairstyles & Looks is a great book to get for the aspiring Disney Villain wannabe for the Halloween howliday or a costume bash. This book takes the experience of dressing up one step further and helps you have the wicked hair too. It has 33 sinfully creative hairstyles to create. *insert evil cackle here*

Excerpted with permission of the publisher, Edda USA, from Disney Villains Hairstyles & Looks. Copyright (c) 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is available at bookstores and online booksellers.

You can get the look for famous Disney Villains like: Maleficent, Queen Grimhilde (Evil Queen), Ursula, Captain Hook, Cruella De Vil, Mother Gothel, Madam Mim, Lady Tremaine, and the Queen of Hearts with the book, Disney Villains Hairstyles & Looks. In the beginning of the book each villain they feature are summed up with a synopsis about their back story with suggested: color palate, what to wear, makeup, and accessories to help you with getting the look perfect. The book is then broken up by the villain with 3-4 hairstyles for each one. These Hairstyles show step by step in color photographs on a real girl what to do along with the printed instructions and end result photo. This is so helpful as I am very visual and love seeing what I am doing every step of the way.

Excerpted with permission of the publisher, Edda USA, from Disney Villains Hairstyles & Looks. Copyright (c) 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is available at bookstores and online booksellers.

My daughter Zari had the perfect dress for dressing up like Cruella De Vil. It has Cruella's favorite colors: black, white, and red. Her dress has a black velvet bodice, a red bow and a dalmatian looking polka-dotted skirt. We did her hair up with the "Glamorous Buns" hairstyle, took some flour and dusted one side of the hair-do. She looked just divine and so the part.

Zari with Cruella De Vil "Glamorous Buns".

These hairstyles are so much fun and very creative. My daughters love it when I do their hair in a new way. They also love to dress up as different characters, so this book is wonderful. This book is perfect for costume parties, cosplay, Halloween, themed birthdays, or when you just want to change up your everyday look to something different and unique.

Get this Disney Villains inspired hairstyle and look book now...

BUY IT


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Disney Frozen Hairstyles Inspired by Anna and Elsa Book Review

We received this product free to facilitate this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

The Disney Frozen Hairstyles Inspired by Anna and Elsa book is great for anyone who loves the movie Frozen and wants to take the experience one step further. This book has 28 fabulous hairstyles to create.

Disney Frozen Hairstyles is split into four sections: Braidschool, Twists & Braids, Updos & Buns, and Waves & Ponytails. The Braidschool section goes through the basic braids that one needs to be familiar with first before moving onto the more advanced hairstyles. There are a variety of hairstyles in this book that are wonderful for active girls as well as for special occasions such as parties, proms, and weddings.

Excerpted with permission of the publisher, Edda USA, from Disney Frozen Hairstyles: Inspired by Anna and Elsa. Copyright (c) 2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Rights reserved. This book is available at all bookstores and online booksellers.

It has full color photos and step-by-step instructions to help you along the way. I love the gorgeous photographs of the young girls with the beautiful hairstyles. These real life photos show you exactly what it should look like on a real girl. Every hairstyle is accompanied with a full color photo for every step and one for the end result. This makes the book very easy to follow along.

Excerpted with permission of the publisher, Edda USA, from Disney Frozen Hairstyles: Inspired by Anna and Elsa. Copyright (c) 2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Rights reserved. This book is available at all bookstores and online booksellers.

My girls, Zari and Teela were excited when they saw the book. They love it when I take the time to make them look fancy. My mother had made them each a Frozen cape to go with their new hairdo as well. I did Zari's hair with the "Anna's Braids" instructions and for Teela's I did a more advanced "Elsa's Icy Braid". I am not the best braider in the world, because I don't have much practice really, but I think the DIY instructions and photos helped me tremendously. The hairstyles made Zari and Teela both look enchanting and very princess-like. They had a blast getting all pretty and dressed up for my photos. It will be a lot of fun to try the other hairstyles and experiment to also make our own with this inspired book.

Teela with "Elsa's Icy Braid".

The Disney Frozen Hairstyles Inspired by Anna and Elsa book would be a great holiday gift for anyone that loves the Frozen movie. Fans of the royal sisters will delight in this book while learning to create these fantastic Frozen looks.

Zari with "Anna's Braids".

BUY IT


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

DIY Upcycled Ideas for Washing Machine Parts

We've replaced our clothes washer about 4-5 times (I lost count) this past year because of different things failing on them. One didn't agitate anymore, one soaked our floor as it died, one had its spider joint crack, and the others had similar issues. They were "Craigslist Specials" because frankly we couldn't afford brand new ones. We couldn't believe that we were going through so many washing machines because the first one lasted about 6 years.

I always try to look at the bright side of things when things just don't seem like they are going right. I try to have a "When life hands you lemons, make lemon-aide" kind of attitude.  I wanted to turn a bad situation into something good. This is what I came up with...

Top loading washing machine with the stainless steel drum exposed.

My husband taking the washing machine apart.

The stainless steel drum of our old washing machine (to be used as a fire pit or planter).

Washing machine drum container gardening.

• Upcycle a drum of a washing machine and use as a fire pit/BBQ, drink cooler, planter, seat, footstool, small end/coffee table or lamp/light! If you have a washer with a stainless steel drum/tub it will last longer for these projects than the other metals and plastic ones shouldn't be used for the fire pit. The drum has natural air holes for the oxygen to circulate while the fire is going for a fire pit. You can also set it on an old over sized metal dish from a Satellite TV provider. The stainless, metal or plastic drums can also be used as the perfect planter...just set a flat rock or affix a metal plate over the large hole in the bottom. It even has natural draining holes so that the soil doesn't get too soaked when you water your plant(s). You can also attach it easily to a DIY stand. Here are some other neat ideas for a seat and lamp and too!

Front loading washer glass door window.

Front loading washer glass window upcycled for a fruit bowl.

• Upcycle the glass door window of a front loader to a stylish fruit or mixing bowl. Just take the glass bowl shaped window off the door, remove extra parts, clean it up, and voila...instant fruit bowl!

Front loading washer top upcycled to a magnetic board.

• Upcycle a side or top piece of the washing machine for a magnetic or dry erase white board. This is great for use in your office or homeschool! My kids love this and since ours was the top piece of a front loader it has brackets at the top that you can use to hang it easily on the wall!

Washing machine hose upcycled as a water bucket filler.

• Upcycle a washing machine hose to be used as a bucket filler for water. These hoses are shorter and easier to handle than a long gardening hose for this purpose...especially around the farm when buckets of water need filled daily. We also got some 2-way and 4-way faucet expanders/distributers/extenders at the hardware store to let us use the faucet water from the same spigot even while the washer is all hooked up and running.
• Upcycle a washing machine into a chicken coop! This clothes dryer was even made into a chicken coop. I am sure a front loading washer could probably be used the same way.

These are my ideas to get your creative juices flowing. You can get the plans for all of these projects by searching for them online. There are many different ways to make some of these. Choose the best suited for your own needs. You can also find tutorials on how to take your broken washing machine apart. Different makes and models come apart differently.

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: If you do any of these projects I am not liable for any injuries that happen. Make your best judgement and try not to get hurt.

YouCanMakeThis Apron Knot Dress Review and Valentine's Package Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review the Apron Knot Dress by Little Lizard King downloadable PDF. I love this adorable pattern! It has detailed step by step full instructions, diagrams, photos and directions. Multiple sizes are included in this pattern ranging from 6 months – 12 years. It also has a great deal of customization you can do with the many options it has. It is so versatile! You can use toned fabric scraps or an array of mix-matched coordinating fabrics. You can have your little girl wear it in the summer with a cute tank top or in the winter with leggings and a long sleeved shirt. It also has an apron knot dress pattern for an 18 inch doll. This pattern looks simple and straightforward. I am so excited to try it out when I get some new fabric!! My girls and their dolls will look so precious! I will be posting pictures and updating you with my results later when I get the chance to sew them :) In the meantime, enter the giveaway for the whole Valentine's Prize Package that is pictured below...

WIN IT:
YCMT is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win Valentine's Prize Package. This Gift Pack of patterns include: sewing, crochet, and quilting. There are home décor pieces, as well as accessories and clothing items.

Valentine's Prize Package includes:

• Rosetta Bag by SisBoom
*This bag also has a video to go along with it too.
• Smitten Pillow by Kimberbell
• Crochet Hat Pattern Vintage Inspired by Kris Moore
• Love Elephant by DIY Fluffies
• Apron Knot Dress by Little Lizard King
• Bonus Pattern DIY Dish Love Quilt by DIY Dish (not pictured)

Mandatory:
Go to the YCMT website and tell me what other pattern(s) you love. Leave links in the comment for the item(s).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and YCMT in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

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9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @YouCanMakeThis #WIN #Giveaway YCMT Valentine Prize Package http://bit.ly/xmvfZa (Daily Extras are Available)

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Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday March 2, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to YCMT for sending me a pattern for free to review and a package of patterns to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Pictures of the dress(es) I make with the pattern I received and more of my thoughts about it will come later.

Fresh Baby So Easy Baby Food Kit Review and Giveaway

I don't know if you have been following all the news surrounding baby food from stores being recalled recently. In France they had a voluntary recall of Nestlé Baby food in glass jars, P’tit Pot Recette Banana baby food by Nestlé France, following the finding of glass in one jar by a consumer. Also, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning people not to consume certain Heinz Strained Meat baby food products because some jars have a glass deformity that could break off during normal use.

This is not a new problem it seems though because back in March of 2006 H-E-B brand products in Texas recalled their entire line of H-E-B baby food products from the shelves due to a few customer reports of pieces of glass being found inside the baby food jars of H-E-B peas, carrots and applesauce. It also happened in June of 2004 in Washington with Organic Baby and Naturally Preferred brands which were also recalled because of glass shards found. Even in February 1986, March 1986 and Sept. 1984 the well known Gerber brand of baby food had glass shards found in their jars, however; in 1986 Gerber never recalled the jars because the FDA instead dismissed the it saying they didn't plan on any action.

Over the years other things have been found in baby food and/or baby food packaging sold in stores across the country. Some of which are: Lead, mercury, mold, botulism, metal shards, BPA and Semicarbazide. No one wants to ever feed their baby hazardous things. For me these news stories only reinforce how much better and safer homemade baby food is.

Homemade baby food is not only safer but it is also very easy to make too, especially with the Fresh Baby So Easy Baby Food Kit. With this kit you can make fresh, natural baby food in less than 30 minutes a week. This kit is super convenient! Just open the box and get started! Everything you need is all right there for you. This award-winning all-in-one kit includes cookbook, freezer storage trays with lids, how-to DVD, and nutrition tip card. It is recommended by pediatricians and a perfect baby shower gift. The So Easy Baby Food Kit takes all of the guesswork out of making baby food. Nurture your growing baby with a balanced diet and provide the right start to a lifetime of healthy eating with the So Easy Baby Food Kit guiding you along every step or the way.

Benefits of Homemade Baby Food:
- increased nutrition
- elimination of additives
- improved freshness
- additional variety
- enhanced control
- less waste created
- more economical

The cookbook is very helpful. It is hardcover and spiral bound so it opens up flat. It goes through and talks about healthy eating habits, benefits of home-prepared baby food, introducing solid foods, dietary guidelines for babies, making and serving baby food, kitchen tools needed, safety basics, food choices broken up by age, traveling with homemade baby food and managing your time. It also has places to record your baby's eating milestones and recipes depending upon development. The recipes also have variations, things that would be good to combine with it and nutritional information.

The reusable trays are great for freezing baby food and they have lids that go on snug so that nothing foreign gets into the food and everything is sealed so there is also no spillage. These are made of a BPA and phthalate-free plastic that washes up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Also, I am glad the trays are reusable. I certainly don't have all the packaging waste now that I am not buying baby food in jars which is a bonus since my recycling program here doesn't take glass. Now to find cool things to do with my old empty baby food jars and lids :) Even though the So Easy Baby Food Kit is designed for babies making the transition from breast or bottle to solid foods (babies about 6 months old), I have found these trays to be great for storing and freezing breastmilk in before the baby is ready for solids and also for making your own baby rice cereal. After your baby has moved on from baby food these trays can be used a number of other ways too. These include flavored ice cubes, regular ice cubes, toddler snack tray or Bento box meal tray, single serving dipping sauces, soup stock cubes, etc.

The DVD is 22 minutes long. It goes through the basics and step by step takes you through the simple process of selecting the right produce to preparing and making baby food on your own. Very helpful for the visual learner.

The nutrition tip card is laminated so it wipes clean easily. It includes: 10 healthy eating habits, common baby ailments and foods, best sources of nutrients, choking, fresh baby food tips, first foods by age. Great resources to have right at your fingertips so you won't have to flip through the cookbook to find them.

I am glad that I have this neat kit to make healthy homemade baby food for my daughter, Zari. I now know everything that I am putting into the baby food I make her so I know that it is safe and nutritious. It has helped to have a baby food grinder and blender on hand also to help me make the baby food. She is enjoying the homemade meals even more than the store bought ones she used to have. I also have a mesh teething baby safe feeder that she loves chewing on with the frozen cubes of baby food in.

So Easy Baby Food Kit includes:

• Cookbook: covers introducing solid food, includes over 40 recipes, hundreds of serving suggestions, and is all organized by age. (Hardcover, 118 pages).

• Freezer trays: designed for storing baby food in pre-portioned one ounce servings to simplify meal time and reduce waste. (2 trays and 2 lids, spill-proof, stackable, dishwasher-safe). BPA and phthalate-free.

• How-to DVD: offers step-by-step instruction - from selecting the right produce - to making baby food - to serving it.

• Nutrition tips card: gives you tips on the best sources of nutrients, introducing foods by age, first aid for choking, and more. (Waterproof Finish)

BUY IT:
The Fresh Baby So Easy Baby Food Kit is $37.95 and includes: So Easy Baby Food Cookbook, 2 freezer trays with lids, how-to DVD, and nutrition card.

WIN IT:
Nannette from Fresh Baby has generously offered another Fresh Baby So Easy Baby Food Kit for one of my readers to win.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Fresh Baby website and tell me another product you would love and why.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Become my fan/like on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the left sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Fresh Baby in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

9. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

10. Tweet this: @finamoon: @FreshBabyBiz #WIN So Easy Baby Food Kit #giveaway http://bit.ly/o1XkoK
(Daily Extras are Available)

11. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

12. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

13. Comment on any of my regular posts (not giveaway posts) and let me know which post you commented on. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

14. Fan Fresh Baby on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow Fresh Baby on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday July 22, 2011 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. Only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure. I found all of the recall information from news stories online. This information is only correct to the best of my knowledge and understanding.

YouCanMakeThis "Not-so-Scary" Halloween Review and Giveaway

Have you got your kid(s) their Halloween costume(s) yet? Are you dressing up? Halloween is just around the corner! I have been so very busy I haven't really thought much about it. Although my daughter, Teela, is probably going to be a dalmatian puppy this year because we found a cute reversible coat that has a dalmatian on one side and a lamb on the other. We also have a box of costumes that we keep out all year for dress up. Last year my husband made his own costume out of a large stuffed Beast he found from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. It was one of the very best costumes I have seen that was made the very same day. My husband has come up with some very good ones over the years. The first Halloween we had together when we were married he made his very own Batman costume and I went as Poison Ivy. It's too bad I don't have any pictures of that Halloween to share with you. We looked awesome!

Making your own costume can be very fun! I received a PDF download to review of a Fancy Filled Tutu with Bonus 40 Tutu "Recipes" from You Can Make This. They have all kinds of neat DIY projects including a lot of fun Halloween projects to make on their website. Their step-by-step instructions are all easy to follow and detailed. I have gotten a lot of their other FREE patterns by download to try too. The Fancy Filled Tutu pattern I received had a lot of fun ideas as well as the step-by-step instructions on how to make each tutu. My favorite is the hydrangea tutu! If you didn't know the purple/blue hydrangea are one of my favorite flowers.

Here is a video of how to make the Fancy Filled Tutu...

Other things I would love to make from YouCanMakeThis: Under the Sea Quiet Book and some Sea Creature Appliques!

YouCanMakeThis also has two sister sites one focused on Quilting and one on Machine Embroidery. If you love those hobbies or want to learn more about them, you can visit YouCanQuiltThis.com or SWAKembroidery.com.

WIN IT:
Courtney at YouCanMakeThis has given me the opportunity to choose one lucky reader to win a $50 bundle of Halloween downloads. The bundle includes the following books:
Fancy Filled Tutu with Bonus 40 Tutu "Recipes"
Pumpkin Polly Patterns
Paper Piecing Project: Pumpkin Patch Pillow
Frayed Applique: Too Cute to Spook!
Little Miss Spider Applique Patterns
How to Applique the Easy Way
Hocus Pocus Patterns
Just a Little Something for a Happy Halloween Table Runner

Mandatory:
1. Go to the YouCanMakeThis website and tell me another DIY project you would like to make AND comment about this post or about what you will be doing this Halloween (Do both or be disqualified!).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on facebook. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and YouCanMakeThis in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Add me on twitter and retweet this: @finamoon: @YouCanMakeThis WIN: YCMT $50 bundle of DIY Halloween downloads http://bit.ly/tmDlp
(Daily Extras are Available)

8. Add the YouCanMakeThis blog to your blogroll or link to your website and let me know your url and where it is located. (1 extra entry)

8. Fan YouCanMakeThis on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

9. Follow YouCanMakeThis on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

10. Buy something at YouCanMakeThis and let me know what it was. (3 extra)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. This contest ends on Friday October 23, 2009 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open Worldwide!!