Welcome to my Sweet and Simple blog. I am a mama to 5 crazy kids, ages 2 years to 14! When I'm not picking up toys and cleaning....I am cooking, crafting, and writing reviews! This blog is PR Friendly!

Saturday, December 31, 2011

$100 Amazon Twitter Blast!!!

Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift code sponsored by Amee from Madame Deals and Jen from all her blogs  (Kobiso, Makobi Scribe, Sason and Pobi, etc)

Simply use the rafflecopter form below. You only need to enter on one blog. We all have the same rafflecopter form and duplicate entries will be deleted.

Giveaway is opened from December 15, 2011 to January 1, 2012!!
Have fun and good luck!!

Friday, December 30, 2011

**Winter Wonderland**Sponsor Spotlight: ThatCrochetGirl *Crochet Hat Review*

I came across a facebook page one day that was having a referral contest. I referred some friends and I won a hat of my choice from ThatCrochetGirl. I chose a super cute pink and purple hat with flower and she made it in my size.

In no time, I received my bright pink and purple hat in the mail. My new hat fits great and features ear flaps to protect my ears from the chill of winter. Looks cute doesn't it?

At ThatCrochetGirl, you will find handmade one of a kind purses, character hats and more!
Look at this adorable Snowman hat!!
 ...and the Grinch. (I know a man who this would be great for~my hubby! Shh...don't tell him I said that :)

To Purchase
To purchase one of her awesome hats, just visit ThatCrochetGirl on facebook. Her prices are amazing!

Connect with ThatCrochetGirl on facebook!

Giveaway
ThatCrochetGirl is sponsoring in the "Winter Wonderland" blog hop event! She would like to give one very lucky reader their choice of hat, from her fb page! Thank you so much, ThatCrochetGirl!! This hat will be one of two prizes!

Want EXTRA ENTRIES? Visit ThatCrochetGirl and tell me something you love or share her page on fb. COMMENT ON THIS POST TELLING ME WHAT YOU DID.(If you shared her page, please leave me the URL. :)

**Disclosure~ I was sent a free hat because I won a referral contest at ThatCrochetGirl. I was not offered any compensation for writing this review. All opinions are mine and mine alone.

Toast to 2012 Blog Hop Event~Sponsor Spotlight: HammeringRedhead{Etsy} *review*


Allow me to introduce you all to a wonderful Etsy shop, Hammering Redhead. The owner of this shop is a mother of two college age children and she loves making gifts for people to love. Her jewelry is stunning and so unique.

I have been blessed with a gorgeous piece to review...a hand stamped and personalized mothers necklace sterling silver name circles with baby owl charms. I instantly fell in love with this special necklace. She personalized it with my three daughters names which makes it even more special to me. This truly is a gift I will cherish forever!
The chain, owls and charms are all made of sterling silver. The chain is available in three different lengths~16", 18" and 22". Each circle is hand stamped with your choice of name/word with pretty, very clear lettering.
Here is a shot of how it looks while it is worn. This is the 18" chain.
So pretty.
The necklace I reviewed is the second generation owl in the family. The original necklace looks like this.
The owls are antiqued brass and are attached to the (2) sterling silver circles and (1) brass circle.

She makes so many unique items. Here are some of my favorites...

Family hand stamped and personalized vintage and copper necklace with reddish brown chalcedony~$50

Bee happy hand stamped personalized sterling silver washer with sterling silver baby bee charm~$40

Handstamped and personalized petite copper dog tag necklaces. Customized with names and birthdays of family and friends~$28

Right now, she's got over 70 unique items listed in her Etsy shop. Have a loved one with a Birthday coming up? Have you thought about what you want for Valentines day? I am sure you will find the perfect gift at Hammering Redhead on Etsy.

To Purchase
You can view all of her lovely creations and make a purchase at Hammering Redhead on Etsy.


Giveaway
Mel, from Hammering Redhead has offered a prize in the Toast to 2012 Blog Hope Event! She would like to give one super lucky Green Mam-a Jam-a reader a $40 gift card!! Thank you so much Mel, for this generous donation!

TO ENTER
Be sure to check back January 10-17, during the Toast to 2012 event, and enter to win! This will be one of many prizes!

For extra entries, comment on THIS post telling me something you love in her shop!
**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Climbing Mount Laundry – with the help of Shout Free Stain Remover! ends 1/4

Climbing Mount Laundry – with the help of Shout Free Stain Remover! ends 1/4
I use this stuff all the time!! Come and enter this great giveaway at Life in the Lost World! :)

Thursday, December 29, 2011

25 FREE Prints at Walgreens! (Simple coupon code)

Now until Dec 31, you can score 25 FREE prints at Walgreens! Just use the coupon code "PRINTNOW" at checkout. You must only have 25 (4by6) prints in your cart.

Easy Peasy...you can even pick them up in one hour at a local Walgreens! WOW!

CLICK HERE and don't forget to put the coupon code at check out (PRINTNOW)

Jessi G.

MooMoo's 3rd Birthday~Sponsor Spotlight: The Strawberry Hill{Etsy} *Review and Discount*

Up for review is a new and sweet Etsy shop, The Strawberry Hill! I was given the opportunity to choose any item to review from the Strawberry Hill and I choose the Candy-Sweet Headband - Pink Felt Flower and Turquoise Ruffle. 
It is Gorgeous!!

It's my guess that you have never seen an adorable headband like this one...I know I hadn't until I found this shop. It is so different and I love that. My girls love the larger bows...this definitely fits into that category. My daughters are picky when it comes to wearing a headband. Within minutes, some are just too tight and they just want to take it off. This headband fits comfortably on all of my daughters and me as well! The pink is made of felt and the blue is made with fabric.
Since the last time I visited her shop, she has added more pretty hair pieces and some super cute leg warmers!!! For all my cloth diapering mama's, you HAVE to see these leg warmers!!
Hearts Legwarmers - Grey, Hot Pink and Yellow with Black Rosettes, Fits Toddler, Girls, Dancers~ $10
Funky Legwarmers - Lime, Hot Pink, Black and Grey, for Toddlers, Girls, Dancers~ $10
Take a look at my favorite headbands...
Chartreuse and Brown Polka Dot Headband - Fabric Rosette, Crystal Center, Infant and Toddler~ $12
The Blues Lace Headband - Turquoise, Blue and Navy with Pearl and Lace, fits Infant and Toddler~ $10
You can also find some adorable toddler dresses in her shop! There are 40+ items listed at the Strawberry Hill and I would highly recommend you check them out! The prices are very reasonable and shipping costs are low. She ships out of the US for cheap too!

"Like" The Strawberry Hill on facebook and get 10% off your first order! (Just comment that you were sent by Green Mam-a Jam-a and she will send you a coupon code)
To Purchase
Visit The Strawberry Hill on Etsy to purchase her lovely items!

Giveaway
Sasha, from The Strawberry Hill has offered one Green Mam-a Jam-a reader a chance to win a $15 GC to her shop during MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash! Thank you so much, Sasha! 
Be sure to come back and enter to win from Jan 14- Feb 1.
###Comment ON THIS POST with your favorite item in her shop to get some extra entries into the giveaway!###

BLOGGERS: Get some extra entries into ALL MooMoo's Birthday Bash giveaways by posting my beautiful button on your blog. Just comment and let me know where you posted it :) 
*Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash~Sponsor Spotlight: Wild Dill~ Green Toys Tea Set *Review*

Have your heard of Wild Dill
Wild Dill is an online shop that features organic, fair trade and natural toys, clothing and bedding for little ones. Featuring over 50 different brands, you are sure to find lots of items to love!

The lovely people at Wild Dill gave me and MooMoo the opportunity to choose anything on their site to review and we chose the Green Toys Tea Set. I have to admit, it was tough to choose just one because there are so many neat toys that we would love to own at Wild Dill! I am so glad we choose the Green Toys Tea Set...this set has been a big hit with all three of my girls!
Green Toys Tea Set~$24
Imagination and fun are invited to this green tea party! This colorful tea set is just what your child needs to brew up some creative play. This tea set from Green Toys is made in California of recycled milk jugs with no phthalates, BPA or lead. Not only is it good and safe for your child but, it is good for the earth as well.
Product Features:
Set of 17 pieces including: tea pot with lid, sugar bowl with lid, creamer
Milk jugs recycled and tea set made all in California
Safe plastic with no phthaltes, BPA and lead

I was excited to find out this adorable tea set is made from recycled milk jugs!! How cool is that?! This is the way all toys should be made.
MooMoo loves playing with this tea set and it goes great with her cupcake kitchen!
MooMoo making mommy's favorite tea :)

I have tried so many different kinds of teas, it's ridiculous! MooMoo has become a professional tea maker and I get to taste all of her delicious creations! I just love a toy that allows a child to use their imagination!

This tea set is made of thick, durable plastic and I can tell it is going to last. 

Wild Dill has some super cute products! Here are some of my faves...

Ecoleeko Ellybo Elephant~ $40


Global Green Pals Organic Kyle Doll~$28

Cotton Monkey Organic Sweet Jane Hooded Towel~$57

 I could go on and on...you should really check it out for yourself!
Sign up for the Wild Dill Newsletter to receive coupons, deals and be the first to know about new products!
To Purchase
The Green Toys Tea Set can be purchased at Wild Dill for just $24 and ships within 1-2 business days!

Giveaway
Wild Dill is sponsoring in MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash and would like to give one super lucky Green Mam-a Jam-a reader a $30 gift card to spend on their site!! Thanks so much, Wild Dill, for this awesome prize!!

To Enter
Come back January 14- February 1 and enter to win this Wild Dill $30 gift card as well as many other awesome prizes!

For BLOGGERS~ Be sure to add MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash Button to your blog in advance to get some extra entries into ALL the giveaways!! (button is located at the top right sidebar)
**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

"Green Resolutions Blog Hop"~Sponsor Spotlight: My Cloth Baby *Review*


I am so excited to introduce you all to a new cloth diaper shop I found recently. My Cloth Baby! At My Cloth baby, you will find cloth diapers in an awesome variety of colors and prints. On top of the all the cloth diaper options, you will also find wetbags, leg warmers, baltic amber necklaces and more! This shop has it all! Now, just when you think it doesn't get any better, it does...the prices will blow you away! Cloth diapers start at only $10!! 

This diaper is very soft and has very strong elastic in the legs.
There are 3 rows for size adjustment. There are also hip snaps which help to prevent wing droop and get a better fit. (see picture below).
The inner fabric is very soft and seems to resist stains. BuBu has pooped a couple times in this diaper yet I have not noticed any stains after washing. I don't know about your little ones poop, but mine usually causes a light stain, which eventually comes out after being washed several times. The inner fabric is suedecloth.
The pocket opening is a bit small, but has a great stretch to it so it does not make it difficult to stuff. 
This diaper fits wonderfully on BuBu when it is on the second to largest setting.

She weighs almost 19 lbs. I can imagine this diaper will fit her until potty training as there is a lot of room to grow. The microfiber insert is not bulky and is very absorbent. I have tested this diaper in practically every way and have not been let down. One thing I really love about this diaper is that it fits great under jeans. I also love the cute print, its softness and resistance to stains. I guess there is a whole lot to love about My Cloth Baby diapers! 

To Purchase
You can purchase a My Cloth Baby diaper for just $10-$12 at My Cloth Baby on Hyenacart. That is an awesome deal!!! Be sure to check out the Deal of the Day!!


Giveaway
Come and enter to win your choice of diaper from My Cloth Baby during the "Green Resolutions" giveaway blog hop, Jan 16-30. Read my review and comment on this post for extra entries into the giveaway :)

**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash~Sponsor Spotlight: ZipBin *review*


What’s the best soft sided storage for your fantasy theme world? Whether you’re taking your farm animals for a ride or through the wilderness for exploration, ZipBin® Country Stable Play Set is the perfect toy box and outdoor playground! The play mat features two barns, a pond, a training paddock and ample corral. This is a must have for every horse lover. Country Stable includes two beautiful Safari Ltd.® replicas. When you’re tuckered out from a day of riding, jumping, and wrangling, lead your animals back to the stable and zip them away for another day out on the range.

Features:
  • Colorful, durable, wipe-clean surfaces
  • Sturdy, heavy-duty zippers
  • Meets child safety standards
  • Patents pending
  • Dimensions:
  • Bin: 10.5 x 9.5 x 8.8 inches Mat: 32.5 x 28.5 inches
  • WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts
  • Not for children under 3 yrs.

I was sent a ZipBin Country Stable for me (and MooMoo) to review. First off, let me say, I was expecting MooMoo to be thrilled when she saw this...I was right! She absolutely LOVES horses...they are her favorite things to play with. This awesome ZipBin actually comes with stable toys~ two horses, three people, a dog and two obstacles for the horses to jump over. These all store inside the stable when they are not being played with! Neat-Oh!
Here is MooMoo showing off her Country Stable ZipBin
Big sister, DeeDee loves it too!
They actually played nice and had a great time racing the horses on the ZipBin mat! Once they were done, it was so easy to clean up! Just zip, zip toss the toys in and zip once more. There is plenty of room for lots of other horses and stable items in the ZipBin.
The material is durable, the zippers are heavy duty and the mat is easy to clean. A toy that is made to last a long time...I love it!
There are lots of other ZipBins to choose from including, but not limited to, Barbie, Lego Star Wars, Hot Wheels, Shapes and Play Packs!

To Purchase
To view all of the different ZipBins, or to purchase, please visit Neat-Oh.com

Connect with ZipBin on facebook!
Follow Neat-Oh on twitter!
Giveaway
Good news...ZipBin has offered one Green Mam-a Jam-a reader their choice of ZipBin for MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash!
Be sure to come by and enter during Jan 14-Feb 1! There will be loads of prizes!

BLOGGERS: Earn some extra entries into ALL the Birthday Bash giveaways by posting the button now! Leave a comment on this post with your blog URL to qualify for the entries! (the button can be found in the top right sidebar of my blog)
**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Toast to 2012~Sponsor Spotlight: Charm Factory *Review*

Are you looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry but don't want to spend a fortune? Charm Factory has got you covered! At the Charm Factory you will find lovely pieces of jewelry for very low prices. To give you an idea of all the items they have to offer, I am going to post some pictures for you.
as well as chains and charms (separate) to create your very own bracelet!

I was sent a beautiful Cross Bracelet for review.
 Product Description
One end screws off
Material: Silver Plated Brass
Lead free pewter
Glass
Assembled in the USA
Pewter beads - Made in the USA
Bracelet and glass beads - Imported

This bracelet is very attractive and looks beautiful with just about everything I wear. It goes great with a pair of jeans and a light colored top. The beads are heavy and that makes them, and the cross slide down, making the cross dangle. Very classy!

To Purchase
This particular bracelet retails for $17.99 and is now on sale for just $10.99! WOW! Visit Charm Factory and see all of the beautiful jewelry they have to offer.
Giveaway
Charm Factory has offered one Green Mam-a Jam-a reader a chance to win their choice of bracelet from this page during the Toast to 2012 Giveaway Blog Hop! This prize will be one of many! Be sure to check back Jan 10-16 to enter to win!

For extra entries into the giveaway, visit Charm Factory and comment on THIS POST...tell me another product you would love to own.

**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.


Sunday, December 25, 2011

12 Pearls of Christmas~Day 12 *Rachel Hauck*

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!



Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this spring, just click this link and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).

Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and earrings giveaway! Enter now by filling out this {form}. The winner will on 1/1 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***
Jesus -- The Reason For the Season

By: Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the world? All right, Mary, way to go.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married, and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother. They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name…”

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly said, “Generations will remember me!”

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth. Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s done great things for me!”

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord this Christmas!”

***
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding Dress. www.rachelhauck.com.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

12 Pearls of Christmas~Day 11 *Robin Dance*

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!



Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***
The Panhandler's Breath

By Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though, baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there was no where to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind. The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he nodded in my and my son’s direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate. The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***
In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist, Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. www.pensieve.me

Friday, December 23, 2011

12 Pearls of Christmas~Day 10 *Debora M. Coty*

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!



Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***
Inside Out Christmas

by Debora M. Coty

My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she’d been vomiting incessantly and her worried owner didn’t know what was wrong.

“Why don’t you go on home?” Dr. Katie told the owner. “I’ll need to run tests for about four hours. We’ll give you a call when we’re finished.”

Dr. Katie’s assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her assistant over.

“Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?” she asked incredulously.

“Matter of fact, it does,” replied the astute assistant. “And look, there’s an angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it’s Baby Jesus!”

At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog’s distraught owner. “I can’t believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my manger scene yesterday. There’s nothing there but an empty stable!”

As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem. With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior’s birth never really makes it to the outside.

Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations, baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They’re merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.

Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?

I’m afraid all too often, the answer is no.

I’m just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul by the vacuum called urgency.

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (Psalm 68:3, NLT).

This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God’s presence, and letting my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of true joy.

Yep, there’s a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than our colons.

***
Debora M. Coty is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at www.DeboraCoty.com.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash~Sponsor Spotlight: Giddy Snacks *Review*

When it comes to the snacks I choose for my kids, I would consider myself pretty picky. I try to steer away from unhealthy, fattening snacks that are low in nutrition.
I recently came across a new snack called giddy dip 'ems.

  dip'emsTM – Our dip'ems are a wholesome take on kids' snack standbys. Each individually wrapped snack pack has scrumptious biscuits baked with whole grains to dunk in yummy dip made from real fruit.
These neat snacks come in four flavors
  • Strawberry
  • Tropical
  • Sour Apple
  • Grape
I was sent two boxes of giddy dip 'ems to review. One box of Tropical and one box of Sour Apple. In each box, there are four individually wrapped servings. Great for on-the-go!

I quickly went for the Tropical dip 'ems because I am not a fan of sour apple. Yes, I tried these before I gave them to my little ones! The biscuits are on the crunchy side and dip was thick and very tasty!
Next, I offered them to MooMoo...
She dug right in...no hesitation! She loved the dip and ate every bit of it even after the biscuits were gone. The dip is thick enough that is does not drip. No messes here! Just one satisfied kid and one happy mama!
My one year old, BuBu, also loved these. They were a bit hard for her to bite, since she only has a couple teeth, but she was able to bite them after drooling on them for a minute. 

Overall, I think these snacks are wonderful for kids and parents! They are fun, tasty and healthy...what more could a mom ask for!?!

To Purchase
Price: $19.16 for 4 boxes(16 individual snack pouches) OR $34.49 for 8 boxes(32 individual snack pouches) *prices at Amazon.com
Giddy dip 'ems are available for purchase at a number of San Francisco Bay Area retailers and Target stores and are now available at Amazon.com! You can view a list of retailers HERE.


Giddy is sponsoring in MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash and would like to offer 2 Green Mam-a Jam-a readers a week supply of Giddy dip 'ems! Thank you so much, giddy, for this awesome prize!!

To Enter
Come back from Jan 14- Feb 1 and enter to win some giddy dip 'ems and lots of other great prizes during MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash!!

BLOGGERS~ Be sure to grab MooMoo's 3rd Birthday Bash Button to get some extra entries into every giveaway!! (locate on the top right side of my blog)
**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.