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!

Friday, March 30, 2012

Birthday Bash #Giveaway: Vintage Couture Outfit! (winners choice)


So excited for this giveaway! The lovely people at Vintage Couture would like to offer one blessed GMJ reader an outfit of their choice from their website! They have adorable little girl AND boy clothes so no one gets left out!! My daughter received one of their beautiful outfits for review and we absolutely love it! You can read my review here.

Please enter using the rafflecopter form below. Only the mandatory entries are required...all other entries are totally optional. Thanks for entering and good luck! Ends 4/12 and is opened to US only!
A HUGE thank you to Vintage Couture for offering their products for a Green Mam-a Jam-a review and Giveaway!!

Birthday Bash: Opas Soap~ Organic Children Tea #Giveaway!

 Another great giveaway for children! Enter to win some Organic Children Tea from Opas Soap! You can read my review HERE.

Please enter using the rafflecopter form below. Only the mandatory entries are required...all other entries are totally optional.
Thanks for entering and good luck!
US only/Ends 4/12


Cloth diaper giveaway at Contemplating Cloth!


Have you heard of Ecopipo diapers? I hadn't until I just saw this international giveaway at Contemplating Cloth's blog! Head over and enter to win 3 diapers from Ecopipo! Good Luck! Ends April 17.

Click here to be directed to the giveaway!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Internet Now

Authored by Rickey Combs
Internet wasn’t ever really a big issue for us because, well, we were farmers and we cared a lot more about the pH balance in the soil than we did bandwidth. But in this day and age you’ve got to have good communication with your neighbors and the entire community and we’ve been using the web a lot to email and set prices and even find out info about changes in the farmer’s market schedule. I went to exede.com and got us satellite for the house and that’s been working out pretty well. I love being out here and it’s so quiet all the time so I can really hear myself think. I’ve been working harder on my book because things are so much easier to process and think about out here. What in the world are people thinking living all stacked on top of themselves in the city…why would people do that when there’s so much land to be had? It’s cheap, too, and you can learn to be self sustaining.


**Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

Birthday Bash Sponsor Spotlight: Silver Wings Designs *Review and #Giveaway* US/Can!



When it comes to jewelry, personalization makes it much more special. I absolutely love the personalized jewelry you will find at Silver Wings Designs. The lovely lady behind Silver Wings Designs, Carla, loves to create these special pieces of jewelry and she does all the hand stamping right in her own backyard! 

Carla sent me a beautiful Single Heart Hand Stamped Pendant on a 16" silver chain for me to review. She hand stamped Destiny's name on it and included her birthstone as well. This adorable necklace matched her birthday dress perfectly and looks so pretty on her. 

Destiny loves her new necklace and wears it quite often. She has got tons of compliments from her friends and our church family.

At Silver Wings Designs you will also find bracelets and adorable hair accessories, such as the one pictured below.
Here are some of my personal favorites...

The prices are very affordable and she offers a variety of designs to suit any need. Her jewelry is perfect for new mothers, couples, grandmothers, kids, teens and best friends.

To Purchase
The Single Heart Pendants(w/chain and crystal included) start at $25. VERY affordable if you ask me! Purchase one at Silver Wings Designs on Etsy.


Giveaway 
Carla, the sweet lady behind Silver Wings Designs would like to offer a lucky GMJ reader a Single Heart Hand Stamped Pendant(with crystal and chain)! Thank you so much, Carla!!

Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
Only the mandatory entries are required...all other entries are totally optional and will increase your odds of winning. Opened to US and Canada!
Thank you for entering and good luck!

 **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, March 26, 2012

Birthday Bash Sponsor Spotlight: Opas Soap~Children Tea *Review*

I am a tea lovin' mama and I drink at least one glass of tea a day. As a mom of three busy bodies, I keep caffiene in my daily diet. I do not allow my children to drink caffinated tea, except a sip of mine of course, every once in a while. I am happy to have found Opas Soap.
Opas Soap offers a very mild tea, that is specially made for children ages 2 and up.

I was sent a bag of Organic Children Tea from Opas Soap, to review. This tea consists of a few ingredients such as Verbena, Calendula, Melissa and Nettle. These few ingredients work together to create a mild tea that helps to calm children.

I made the tea two ways for Destiny. First we tried it warm a sprinkle of sugar and a tbs of honey. We also tried it cold with a sprinkle of sugar and a few drops of lemon. Destiny liked it warm best. We drank this tea together, right before bedtime and it definitely seemed to calm her down. Moo Moo, my 3 year old, also tried it. She really loved it as well.

The tea is very simple to make. Boil 8oz of water. Pour the hot water over the tea, in a glass mug, cover and let steep for 6 minutes. 

After 6 minutes, pour the tea blend through a strainer, allowing the liquid to pass through and the leaves to be captured. Discard the leaves.

Drink the tea as is, or add a touch of sweetener, such as honey or a dash of sugar. My kids liked it best with a small amount of sugar and honey. I though it was very enjoyable as well.

To Purchase
You can purchase some Organic Children Tea at Opas Soap for $8.95. Opas Soap offers more products including soaps of course, lotions, candles, oils and lots more!

Giveaway 
The sweet owner of Opas Soap, Mercedes would like to offer a lucky GMJ reader a bag of Organic Children Tea! Thank you so much, Mercedes!

Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash runs from March 25-April 12. Check back and enter to win some Organic Children Tea and many other prizes!! 

Blogger Extra Entries:
Grab Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash button(located on the top left of my blog)~comment with the link to your blog. 
Readers Extra Entries: 
Comment on this post. Tell me another product from Opas Soap that you love, or who you want to win this for...anything related to my review :)
 **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, March 25, 2012

Birthday Bash #Giveaway! #Win an adorable stuffed bunny from ElJay Plushie! Perfect for easter!!

Super sweet giveaway opened!

Enter to win one of these adorable bunnies from ElJay Plushie!!
Thank you Leah, for offering one of your adorable bunnies for a giveaway!!

Giveaway is open to US only and ends April 12.  Please enter using the rafflecopter form below. Only the mandatory entries are required. All other entries are totally optional and will increase the odds of winning! Have fun and good luck!!

Birthday Bash #Giveaway! #Win a me4kidz nail buddy! Everything a little girl needs to do her nails!

 Another Birthday Bash Giveaway!!

Enter here to win a *Nail Buddy* from me4kidz! You can read my review here!

Giveaway is open to US only and ends April 12.  Please enter using the rafflecopter form below. Only the mandatory entries are required. All other entries are totally optional and will increase the odds of winning! Have fun and good luck!!

Enter to #win a super cute Peace Tote here! US only 4/12

It's Giveaway Time!!!
Not actual prize. Giveaway tote will be similar, but may very in color and design.

Enter to win a Peace Tote from Darlin' Details! You can read my review on this lovely product here!
Giveaway is opened to US only and ends April 12 at 12:01am.

Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. Only the mandatory entries are required. All other entries are totally optional and will increase the odds of winning! Thanks for entering and good luck!

Enter to #win a @KinderGlo Night Light here! #Giveaway US and Can!! 4/12

It's Giveaway Time!!!

Enter to win a KinderGlo Night Light. You can read my review on this awesome product here!
Giveaway is opened to US and Canada and ends April 12 at 12:01am.

Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. Only the mandatory entries are required. All other entries are totally optional and will increase the odds of winning! Thanks for entering and good luck!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Birthday Bash Sponsor Spotlight: KinderGlo Night Light ; A night time necessity! *Review* and *Discount Code*!

Night lights are perfect for people of all ages. But, having a night light plugged into a low outlet is dangerous and I would not recommend it for a small child. I have three small children so until now we haven't used a nightlight, except in the bathroom.

I was sent a Quarter Moon Portable Night Light from KinderGlo to review. 

Quarter Moon KinderGlo Night Light
Easy to grab and hold on to. Yet, soft enough to cuddle.
The Qtr Moon's smile and easy to carry design makes it the favorite bedtime comfort and a daytime toy.
  • Dimensions (Moon) 5.5" x 5.5" x 2.75"
  • Includes charging station (compatible with all KinderGlo characters)
  • Timer: 30 minute auto shut-off or continuous on
  • Color modes: continuous cycling or choose red, blue, or green
  • BPA & lead free
  • 6' charging cable

I LOVE KinderGlo!
This night light has been used everyday/night since we received it. Each night, I tuck Destiny in with a kiss goodnight, we say our prayers and I hand her her KinderGlo night light. She is comforted by the moon and I can tell because she happily goes to sleep. Which is not what usually happens. She usually asks "Mommy, can you sleep with me?" or "Can you pray for me to have a good dream?".
I love that the Quarter moon is round with an easy to carry handle and can also be used as a bracelet...makes it fun for kids. This night light is right there in her bed for times where she wakes up at night to use the bathroom. With one click of a button, located on the bottom of the night light, the light turns on and remains on for 30 minutes. This gives her enough time to finish up in the bathroom, get back in bed and drift off to sleep.
After she fell asleep, one of the first nights with her KinderGlo night light, I crept into the room and took this picture.

There are different modes you can choose for colors. You can either use one solid color(red, blue or green) or choose for the colors to alternate, which changes to red, blue and green with other colors in between. Destiny likes the continuous color rotation best because it displays pink, her favorite color. The night light offers bright enough light to gently light up the room, but isn't too bright where it will keep her up.
I expected this night light to get hot, or even a little warm after 30 minutes of use, but it doesn't! I don't need to worry about it heating her up at night and I definitely don't have to worry about burns!

This night light is safe for all ages! My 1 and 3 year old daughter's love this night light as well. The carry it around during the day, when big sister, Destiny is at school. I will probably have to buy at least one more of these. Look at the elephant!! How cute is that!!?!

To Purchase
 KinderGlo offers an awesome variety of portable night lights, for just $24.95 each! Make a purchase at KinderGlo!
How would you like $5 off each night light ordered? Use the code KURM6B54FFVN at checkout!

"Like" KinderGlo on facebook!
"Follow" KinderGlo on twitter!
Giveaway 
The generous folks at KinderGlo would like to offer a lucky GMJ reader any available KinderGlo night light on their website! Thank you so much, KinderGlo!

Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash runs from March 25-April 12. Check back and enter to win a KinderGlo night light and many other prizes!! 

Blogger Extra Entries:
Grab Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash button(located on the top left of my blog)~comment with the link to your blog. 
Readers Extra Entries: 
Comment on this post. Tell me which night light from KinderGlo is your favorite, or who you want to win this for...anything related to my review :)
 **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.


Birthday Bash Sponsor Spotlight: me4kidz Nail Buddy~Girls Starter Kit *Review*

About me4kidz
"me4kidz™, LLC is a family-owned & operated business. Its core focus is designing functional and modern first-aid kits that prompt and inspire parents and caregivers world-wide to be prepared when it comes to every day childhood injuries.  To keep jobs in our Country, their products are manufactured  in the USA. They donate product each year to various educational fundraisers and children’s organizations to better the lives of others that can't afford first aid products. me4kidz is very conscious of the environment. They do their part in keeping our earth green by using recycled, lead-free plastic. me4kidz™ is also proudly partnered with non-profit organizations to humbly provide consistent work for those of various disabilities; allowing them the opportunity to feel a sense of need in the community & increased self esteem. In doing so, all of their products are proudly put together by loving, caring and capable disabled individuals. These are all the little ways that this family makes a difference one little owie at a time. They truly love what they do and they strive for you to love it too! They are not just any first aid company...they are a  first aid company that cares."(information taken directly from the me4kidz website)

My little Destiny is growing up. She is no longer depending on me for many things, including brushing her teeth, brushing and styling her hair and even polishing her own nails. Here is a great product that is perfect for kids her age.

I was sent a me4kidz nail buddy- Girls Starter Kit, for review. She has been brushing her own teeth, hair and dressing herself for quite a while now. But doing her own nails is pretty new for her. She was so excited to receive this nail kit!
This kit includes:
(2) kid friendly nail files
(2) bottles of water based, non-toxic nail polish
(1) bright colored nail brush
(1) nail buffer
(2) sheets of nail appliques-self stick
(1) reusable and recycled carry anywhere case


The me4kidz nail buddy kit includes everything she needs to give herself a manicure. I love that the nail files are small, perfect for small hands and are good quality...not to mention, super cute designs!. The nail polishes are water based so I don't have to worry about her breathing in fumes. The best part about this product is that it is approved for ages 2 and up! Isn't that awesome! Even my 3 year old can use it!!

I like that everything fits nicely into the purple(or pink) carry anywhere case, included with the kit. Destiny doesn't have to search through my big box of nail polishes to find her stuff. 
Destiny loves her me4kidz nail buddy kit and I know your little girl will too!
Me4kids offers other "buddies" as well. Check out their Medibuddy~First Aid Kit to GoLittle Buddy Wipes~Antibacterial Wipes, and other buddies!

To Purchase
Visit me4kidz to purchase a Nail Buddy~Girls Starter Kit! They are only $5.95! Can't beat that price for all those girly nail items!!



Giveaway
ONE lucky GMJ reader is going to win a me4kidz Nail Buddy during Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash!
Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash runs from March 25-April 12. Check back and enter to win a me4kidz Nail Buddy and many other prizes!! 

Blogger Extra Entries:
Grab Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash button(located on the top left of my blog)~comment with the link to your blog. 
Readers Extra Entries: 
Comment on this post. Tell me another me4kidz product you would love to have, or who you want to win this for...anything related to my review :)
 **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.

Friday, March 23, 2012

HUGE #Clothdiaper #Giveaway! #Win $500+ in Booty Buns Cloth Diapers!! Enter here!

Booty Buns Giveaway Event


Welcome to the Go Green ♥ Give Charity Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event sponsored by Booty Buns Cloth Diapers! Over 175 blogs have teamed up to present this amazing cloth diaper giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering.

Here's your chance to win an entire stash of one-size cloth diapers!

This amazing cloth diaper prize pack includes:

20 Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

(these true one-size cloth diapers fit 3-45 lbs!)

20 matching flannel/terry cloth wipes

40 microfiber inserts

20 cotton flannel liners

Booty Buns Cloth Diaper Giveaway
(picture does not show inserts or liners also included)
First, a little about Booty Buns...

Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

In case you haven't heard about them, Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are incredible one-size cloth diapers that truly fit from birth to potty training! They feature a snap-down rise with 5 different snap settings (most one-size diapers only have 3!) and a waist with 10 regular snap settings plus 2 crossover snap settings. The diapers have hip snaps to prevent wing droop on smaller sizes. The incredible size range of this diaper fits from 3-45 lbs!

Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are pocket diapers and each diaper includes 2 snap-on microfiber inserts that can be stuffed into the diaper or laid on top with the included cotton flannel liner against your child's skin. The diapers have a waterproof PUL outer and a soft suedecloth inner with dual gussets on the inner lining to ensure everything stays IN the diaper! Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers come in an assortment of bright colors and each diaper includes a matching handmade flannel/terry wipe. You can find out more about the diapers at Booty Buns, or check out the detailed Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diaper Review at Daily Mothering!

Booty Buns Cloth Diapers

Booty Buns is dedicated to encouraging others to "go green" and "give charity." Shannon, the owner of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers, leads by example. For every diaper that Booty Buns sells, she donates one Booty Buns Cloth Diaper to a child in need in the US and third-world countries. Booty Buns is the exclusive cloth diapers donator for Operation Showers Of Appreciation, and they are also donating diapers to babies that have severe medical issues here in the US. Shannon hopes to donate a lifetime supply of cloth diapers {20 diapers} to every baby in need around the globe. You can join in this effort by purchasing your own set of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers and telling your friends about Booty Buns!
Make sure to stop by and follow Booty Buns via Facebook, Twitter and Blog for news and giveaways!
And now for the giveaway!!

Booty Buns Cloth Diaper Giveaway

ONE WINNER will receive this gigantic cloth diaper prize pack valued at $546!


And, the winner will get to select their choice of diaper colors!

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada.

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Sign in using your Facebook account OR your name and email address.

Click "Do It" for instructions on how to complete each entry.

There is no mandatory entry. Complete as many entries as you wish.
The more entries you submit, the better odds you have of winning!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Birthday Bash Sponsor Spotlight: *Vintage Couture* Serenity Blooms Outfit Review


About Vintage Couture:
 Vintage Couture is a childrens designer clothing company with apparel and gifts for infants, girls, boys and even Mom. In early 2010, we shifted our business model from retail stores to direct-to-the consumer. Our custom-made fabrics and exclusive line of boutique-style apparel is offered through Independent Fashion Stylists who sell online and at in-home Trunk Shows. We offer a flexible, work-from-home, business opportunity for women.
Our mission is to create exclusive brands of high-end clothing across market segments appealing to current fashion trends. Or goal is to become a globally recognized fashion industry leader in quality and design. We strive to offer our customers the highest standards of customer service and unique products. We are empowered to be a socially responsible company committed to giving back and enriching the world through community involvement.
Vintage Couture, Inc. is committed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and their goal of finding a cure for this awful disease. A percentage of profits from the sales of Vintage Couture clothing are donated to JDRF. In addition, at every opportunity, either product collateral or interviews of Vintage Couture celebrity spokesperson Trista Sutter, we are raising awareness of this disease and the need for others to get involved in finding a cure.
(*Info taken directly from the Vintage Couture Website)

I contacted Vintage Couture to see if I could review an item for Destiny's Birthday Bash. They said yes, and allowed me to choose any outfit from their website. I love them all, so it was a hard choice. I decided on the Serenity Blooms outfit because I adore the halter top style and the super cute ruffle bottom pants.
 Here are some photos of my sweet girl in her Vintage Couture Outfit.


Looks super cute in the back too!

*My Review*
I absolutely love this outfit. It is officially the cutest outfit in her wardrobe! No questions asked!! 
This adorable outfit features a halter-style woven top in their exclusive vintage print and plaid print. The fact that their fabrics are made exclusively for Vintage Couture clothing, is super cool to me. You wont find these fabrics anywhere else! There are ties at the back and neck, for a perfect fit.The top has a removable bling pin....so glad they thought of this. I'd hate to throw this in the wash with the pin attached! The ruffle capri pants feature an adjustable waistband.
This outfit is a size 7 and fits her great! The pants seem a little long for capris but they still look super cute and there is plenty of grow room. I can see it fitting her until she is 8, or even 9 years old!! I will surely be holding onto this outfit for my 3 year old and then for my 1year old as well. It's so cute!!

All of the outfits at Vintage Couture are so classy and original!
My personal faves...

...and for the boys...



What makes Vintage Couture even more lovable? Vintage Couture is now sold direct-to-the consumer, and not through retailers. This has given women a chance to do something they love, while making some money! Great opportunity for moms to work from home!
Purchase
To purchase Vintage Couture clothing, visit Vintage Couture. The Serenity Blooms outfit that I reviewed can be purchased for $62.

"Like" Vintage Couture on facebook!
How would you like to win an outfit of your choice from Vintage Couture???
Giveaway 
The lovely folks at Vintage Couture would like to offer a lucky GMJ reader any outfit on their website! Thank you, Vintage Couture!

Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash runs from March 25-April 12. Check back and enter to win an outfit from Vintage Couture and many other prizes!! 

Blogger Extra Entries:
Grab Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash button(located on the top left of my blog)~comment with the link to your blog. 
Readers Extra Entries: 
Comment on this post. Tell me which item from Vintage Couture is your favorite, or who you want to win this for...anything related to my review :)
 **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.

Birthday Bash Sponsor Spotlight: ElJay Plushie (Stuffed Unicorn) *Review*

Super duper, with a strawberry on top, excited to introduce you to this Etsy shop! ElJay Plushie...the cutest animal creations, sewn to perfection! I instantly fell in love with the Dolphin...but I knew Destiny would love the Unicorn, so I contacted for a possible review. The owner, Leah, said YES! Not only did she say yes to a review, but she also said yes to a giveaway!!! (I will give you the details on that later in my review)

My Review
I received a customized unicorn for review. I requested pink and blue colors, Destiny's favorites and this is what I received.
ElJay Plushie
With the perfect mix of pinks and blue(and a touch of yellow), a cotton candy theme was created. A coordinating cupcake applique was applied on it's hip. The unicorn was stuffed generously and is able to stand on it's own. It is the perfect huggable size and is so loved by all of our family. These sweet creatures are made with a super soft fleece material and they are about 10" tall and about 9" from nose to tail. Their "hair" is made of a piece of fleece that is cut into nice strips. Destiny loves to braid her tail.
ElJay
ElJay Plushie has created a one of a kind stuffed unicorn for my little girl and I am ever so grateful.
 Here is a picture of Destiny, when she first met her new friend. Look at all those little hand reaching out to touch the unicorn...they all were fascinated!
ElJay Plushie
I can tell Leah puts a lot of love put into her creations. Destiny's new friend is sewn together so well and is proportioned beautifully.The underside and feet are made with striped with stars material. So adorable and creative!!
ElJay
ElJay Plushie also makes custom stuffed monkeys, dolphins, horses, alligators, elephants and so much more!! You just have to check them out for yourself! I highly encourage you to visit her Etsy shop...you will fall in love with her stuffed animals!
El Jay
To Purchase
You can purchase a custom stuffed unicorn for $25 at ElJay Plushie on Etsy. She makes and sells other items ranging from $8-$30.
"Like" ElJay Plushie on facebook!!
How would you like a chance to win an ElJay Plushie stuffed animal??
Giveaway
ONE lucky GMJ reader is going to win a Custom Stuffed Bunny(like the ones pictured above) during Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash!
Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash runs from March 25-April 12.Check back and enter to win!!
Blogger Extra Entries:
Grab Destiny's 7th Birthday Bash button(located on the top left of my blog)~comment with the link to your blog. 
Readers Extra Entries: 
Comment on this post. Tell me another ElJay Plushie item you would love to have, or who you want to win this for...anything related to my review :)
 **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.