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Tag: sponsor

Quilted Euphoria Sponsor Spotlight

I’m pleased to share with you all Amber from the Quilted Euphoria etsy shop and blog. She is offering a tote bag as part of the Best Gifts of 2011 giveaway, so make sure you go enter through the button on the left!

Amber lives in Utah (turns out pretty close to my parents!), and loves quilting. No one can say it better than the person themselves, so here’s a little snippet from Amber’s about me page.

Hello world, I’m Amber and I’m addicted to quilting! Not just quilting as I’ve come to find out recently, but I am developing a love for all things crafty! I have been quilting since I was 19, and crafting for…well however long it’s been since I started this blog! I was so inspired as a child watching my grandmother quilt that I decided to do it myself, and that as they say, was that.Then I discovered blogging and the insanity really took hold. And here I am!

I have really enjoyed getting to know Amber through our separate blogs and her Quilted Euphoria shop. Like Amber, I learned quilting from my grandmother as well. Unlike Amber, I did not take it up as a hobby. I periodically help tie quilts for our church, but until I met Amber, that was the extent of my “quilting”. Thanks to Amber I did recently make another small scale quilt, and shared the tutorial of that on her blog. On her blog, Amber also hosts a Weekend Wow Me Party, where you can link up and show off different crafts you have made. I’ve gotten so many ideas from those links, I need to stop browsing them and get crafting!

Now, if you’re like me, you love quilts, especially in the winter time, but you don’t want to spend the time, or have the time to make one yourself. Amber takes custom orders, and I’m sure she would be thrilled to put something special together for you! Quilts make great Christmas gifts, Wedding Gifts, baby shower gifts, and going to college gifts! Really, I don’t think you could ever go wrong giving a quilt as a gift! Just look at some of Amber’s handiwork –

Don’t forget to enter the Best Gifts of 2011 giveaway to win a quilted tote from Quilted Euphoria, plus many other amazing prizes!

November 26, 2011
Little Miss Princess Tutu Review

April is the creator of little Miss Princess tutu, and she does an amazing job! So good a job in fact that TLC’s Quints by Surprise were seen wearing Little Miss Princess Tutu’s! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review an LMP tutu. I’ve got 3 little Princesses of my own, and tutu’s are all the rage! I’ve tried making my own tutu’s (really who hasn’t), and honestly they just never turned out looking like the other ones I see out there. They take a lot of time and patience to get just right!

Helping my princesses dress up, and watching as they play hard in their new LMP tutu, I know that it was made with care, precision, and lots of love!

Of course the camera came out, and she had to “show my moves!” Despite being tossed around the house, worn by 3 Princesses, and never put away, this Little Miss Princess Tutu, still looks brand new to me! Thanks April, for letting my Princesses enjoy a quality made tutu!

I just love browsing through the LMP tutu online catalog and seeing the other beautiful tutu’s and pettiskirts!!!

Yeah I totally want that pettiskirt! How adorable!!!

These would make great Christmas gifts, especially if you’re doing a dress up box! They’d also be great for that Family photo shoot we all do at Christmas time!

Don’t forget! You can enter to win your own custom Little Miss Princess tutu by checking out the Best Gifts of 2011 Giveaway!

November 15, 2011
Sponsor Spotlight – Saressa Designs

Saressa Designs is an etsy shop full of beautiful handmade jewelery! Ladies, put this shop on your Christmas list! Guys, browse around here, and I’m sure that special lady in your life will not be disappointed with anything you choose here!

Rachel, the shop owner was kind enough to let me review a necklace. Not just any necklace though, a customized necklace to my tastes! Like any girl, I love dressing up, and getting all pretty, especially for my man. So I browsed through some of her items, and let her know a couple pieces that I liked, and the color I liked. I was stunned by how beautiful this necklace was when I received it.

Rachel used some cornflower blue quartz in a briolette shape. She then added a brass heard hand stamped and oxidized with a curvy “a”. I adore personalized jewelery, and had not expected the extra addition. What you can’t see pictured here, is that on either side of the lobster clasp is a fresh water pearl. It really makes finding that clasp easy! Princess C again, was home when I opened it, and she asked if she could wear it. This, I told her, was for mommy. She got her HEXBUGS, I got a necklace! Even better is that Mark says “I approve”. To me jewelery is not worth wearing if my husband doesn’t like it. I mean I dress up for him, so if he doesn’t like it, why would I wear it? No problem with this piece this though. He gives his stamp of approval!

Rachel has been crafting jewelery since she was a child from old pieces her mom would give her and fishing line from her dad. Rachel is a mom to 2 boys and loves spending time with all her family!

You can follow Saressa by hearting her etsy shop, following on facebook, or catching her tweets.

Have you entered the Best Gifts of 2011 Giveaway yet? Lots of prizes, 1 winner!

November 8, 2011
HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures Review – Best gifts of 2011

A big Thank YOU to HEXBUG for sponsoring the Best Gifts of 2011 Event here on Home Maid Simple.
We received a HEXBUG Hive Habitat Set and 2 HEXBUG Nano’s for review. Princess C was the only one home with me when the package came, and she was so excited to play with these bugs. Watch the video I took to get a feel for these robotic bugs and the joy they can bring to your child!

Of course as soon as her sisters got home she had to show off the cool “bugs” and their tricks. We’ve played with the Hive Habitat and Nano bugs almost every day since we’ve received them in the mail. The girls could spend hours watching them, chasing them with their hands, and laughing when they flip onto their backs.

Pro’s:

– The kids enjoyed them and kept them entertained indefinitely. The main thing I look at from a toy. I like nothing less than a toy that is played with for one day and then forgotten about. The HEXBUG toys will not disappoint!

– Easy clean up! The Hive folds up and has a wonderful carrying handle. Plus the Nano bugs fit inside too! I’m pretty sure we’ll be bringing this to a couple playdates this holiday season, and to the family parties.

– Many different parts, so you can rearrange the Hive for new fun each time!

– They’re tough! The HEXBUG Hive and Nano’s are for children 3+. We let Princess R (1yr) enjoy as well under supervision. Between the 3 Princesses I thought we’d have a “dead” Nano on our hands day 1. But we didn’t. Princess R did manage to suck on one for a little, but with some gentle tapping it came back to life, and hasn’t been a problem since.

– Learning tool. My kids hate bugs, really I’m not kidding. They like to look from a distance, but never too close, and certainly never touch them. The Nano’s allow my kids to view bugs up close, and watch how they react. My personal opinion is that they really act like live bugs. I was very pleasantly surprised! The Nano’s come in different variations, each one named after Scientists. You can also register them online for more bug fun!

Con’s:

– I think my biggest complaint, is that they are loud. The vibrating on the plastic isn’t the most appealing sound. But, I will gladly block it out while my children enjoy so much fun!

– small parts. I’m sure this is why there is a 3+ age rating on this toy. I only wish I had a better way to store all the flags and pegs.

The HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat is available for purchase nationwide in major retailers, as well as online at www.hexbug.com with a MSRP of $34.99

The HEXBUG Nano’s are also available nationwide or online at www.hexbug.com with a MSRP of $5.99.

OR you can enter to win your own HEXBUG Nano Habitat right here! Head over to this post and enter on the rafflecopter form.

*I was provided with a HEXBUG Hive Habitat and 2 extra Nano’s for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

November 2, 2011
To Sew With Love Giveaway

To Sew With Love is generously giving away a $!5 gift certificate to their etsy shop Arcoiris.I showed you some of their products earlier this week, and I’d like to show you a couple more!a 3-in-1 Headband, hairclip and brooch!A Ballerina Diapers/wipes case, makeup kit or carry-all
And because I just really can’t get enough of this necklace, I’m showing it to you again! Isn’t it just stunning?!
All sales from Arcoiris are donated to the Japanese Red Cross. What a wonderful cause!
*I received a donation to send to the National Alopecia Awareness Project for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
And on to the Giveaway! Just enter the easy Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win a $15 Gift Certificate to Arcioris

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September 15, 2011
Sponsor Spotlight – To Sew With Love

I am very pleased to spotlight To Sew with Love today. I came across these sisters during a giveaway gala, and fell in love! In their own words this is what To Sew With Love is all about

We started as a Facebook group created by me (Lelanie) and my sister (Laarnie), both mothers who love to sew for our kids. We were both beginners but passionate with our new-found hobby. Everybody (beginner or experienced, a mother or not) is welcome to join this group, share their creations, tips and experiences. Let us all sew with love… one stitch at a time. ; )

I just love people with passion, and you can feel the passion just soar off the screen when you read their blog, or visit any of their shops. That’s right, not only do they blog about their sewing passion, they share their creations with everyone! Lelanie and Laarnie are Filipina nationals. Lelanie married a Spanish national and is now residing in Spain (so cool!) and Laarnie married a Japanese National and is residing in Japan! Despite their distance these two sisters are Best friends, and continue to share their passion through the worldwide web.
Joining these beautiful sisters is Lhorie, their high school friend and Filipina singer. She is based in China. Can you say wow? Three different countries, and they are amazingly tight! I live an hour from my 2 sisters, and we only ever talk about doing things these sisters and friends have done. I’m slightly jealous…

Now there are many ways to enjoy “the 3 Ladies”. Are you ready? First off is their etsy shop Arcoiris. Check out these cute owl plushies

And this star necklace which I would totally wear!

One thing that really drew me into following “the 3 Ladies” is their love. They promote their love of sewing through the blog title, To Sew with Love. But they continue to promote their love for people in their shop. 100% off sales from Arcoiris is donated to the Japanese Red Cross. These ladies show their love for all through their love of sewing, and for that I love them (too many love uses? Never!).

You can also find them on twitter, blog frog, Pinterest, networked blogs, and facebook.

I feel very honored to have To Sew With Love sponsoring Home Maid Simple this month of September. When I approached Lelanie about the sponsorship she jumped right on. You see through their sponsorhip here on Home Maid Simple, money will be donated to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. A foundation close to my heart. You can learn more about why I am promoting the NAAF through sponsorships by visiting the Alopecia Awareness Month Tab on the top of the blog. Thank you Lelanie, Laarnie, and Lhorie for sewing with love, and spreading that love throughout the world. You are an inspiration!

September 12, 2011
Christmas In July WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Michele P.

You have won Home Maid Simple’s Christmas in July Giveaway Package! An email has been sent. Please reply within 48 hours or I will have to pick a new winner.

A big THANK YOU to my sponsors

Pure Ayre Odor Eliminator

Cha Cha’s Treasue

Diana Fletcher

August 1, 2011
Sponsor Spotlight: PureAyre Odor Eliminator

Have you heard of Pure Ayre? I love this product! It’s like febreeze, but better! Pure Ayre is your green solution to clean air. No more chemicals in your air, masking the smells. Pure Ayre was designed to break down odors and eliminate them. Who better to tell you all about though, then James Mitchell, creator of Pure Ayre Odor Eliminator. Here is a clip of James Mitchell just before going into the Shark Tank (ABC Channel)

Isn’t that amazing? Still not sure Pure Ayre works? Well, I’ve tried it, and I’m here to tell you I really love this stuff. We recently had a flood in our basement. Unfortunately, no one was able to come take a look at damage until a couple days had passed. What happens when wet carpet sits? It stinks! I mean mildew smell was permeating every corner of our basement. We turned on the fans, we lit a candle, and we turned on our rainmate with some essential oils in it. Then you know what I did? I grabbed my small bottle of Pure Ayre for Home and started spraying the basement. We gave it a bit of time, and then we were actually able to breathe while we ripped out that carpet.

Now yes, I did use other items with the Pure Ayre, but we wanted to be sure to get that smell. The candle worked, as long as it was lit. The rainmate helped, but it was more of a mask. Pure Ayre, I’m positive took out the smell for good. I’m not stopping there though! Just last night, my 3year old, Princess C, threw up all over the floor. She then proceeded to find a different spot, and go right back to sleep without alerting anyone to this stinky fact. 4 hours after the fact and she had climbed in bed with me. I got up to take her back to bed, and that’s when I caught wind of the stench. It was not good. This time I grabbed my bottle of Pure Ayre for Baby, and sprayed that whole room. I actually started with the carpet, and sprayed at the source of the smell. Then I gave the room a once over. Pure Ayre isn’t just for the air though! Oh no, Pure Ayre works on stains too! Don’t believe it? Just go check out this post, where I put it to the test!

Convinced yet? Great! Pure Ayre is sponsoring Home Maid Simple in the Christmas in July Giveaway Hop

Giveaway Closed!

July 18, 2011
Happy On Purpose #BookReview

Happy on Purpose: Daily Messages of empowerment and joy for Women

Author: Diana Fletcher

About the Book and Author: Diana Fletcher is a Life Coach specializing in Stress Reducing Strategies. In her book Happy on Purpose each page is dedicated to a thought followed by a Happy Action. You can learn more about Diana and her book by visiting her website.

My Thoughts: I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Happy on Purpose. I am generally a happy person, but I do have my off days. By reading one though and Happy Action each day it has really been able to put some things in my life in perspective. I decided to really put this book to the test. Each day I read a little, I tried to write down my own personal thoughts in a journal. Things I felt I should change, do better, or just ways to be more happy. I feel I’ve been a happier person just through reading Happy on Purpose and putting some of the Happy Actions into play.

Book excerpt:

“March 7th – Just Because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Happy Action – Don’t do everything you can, just because you can. Some things are just NOT good for you. Take control and make the best choice for your future happiness and good health”

My thoughts on the above – just because I can afford the stuff at a yard sale, doesn’t mean I should buy it. The clutter in my home, does not need more added to it and will only detract from my happiness.

July 11, 2011
Sponsor Spotlight Cha Cha’s Treasures

A month ago Cha Cha sent me a Marriage Pillow to Review. I wrote about it HERE, and said I’d be reviewing it more this month. So here I am, it’s been a month of having this beautiful pillow in my home, and I love it.

Cha Cha creates beautiful pillow covers with the intention of using them as you study scriptures. I loved her commitment to Bible Study, and since I have the same commitment in my life, it really fit well in my home.

The first couple weeks in June I had the pillow on our couch in the front room. It’s colors matched perfectly with the decor in there. The Princess’ absolutely loved cuddling up with the pillow as we had story time and Family Scripture Study each night before bed. There is a really cute flower pinned to the pillow we received, and the Princess’ loved playing with it. I was really concerned that they were going to rip it off, but they haven’t. Even with all the pulling, and twisting that flower is on, and still looks nice. This is a QUALITY made pillow case!

The pillow has a well “hidden” pocket in the front that you can use to leave notes, bible verses that meant something to you, etc. After the few weeks on the couch, I hadn’t really used the pocket at all. So I decided to move it to our master bedroom.

It really added a nice touch of elegance to our room. It does make me want a new bedspread now though. Anyways, so now that’s it’s been on our bed for awhile, I started using the pocket. It’s much easier to leave Mark little love notes in the pillow, and know that he will get them. The first night I put it here, Mark actually searched it for a note. I hadn’t thought that far in advance however, so it was empty. He was sad. No worries though, I’ve made up for it, and he’s started receiving notes. It’s been a lot of fun for our marriage, to have a “secret” place to send love notes.

* I received a pillow for review purposes. All opinion are my own.

July 4, 2011