On to the announcement...out of 55 eligible entries, Random.org chose lucky commenter:
#8 - Sable
Congratulations Sable!! You should be receiving an email shortly with further directions on how to claim your prize. Happy Spending:)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
And the winner is...
I cannot begin to tell you all how excited I am to have gotten to host this $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway. Again, I owe a big thank you to BluePay credit card processing company for the offer. I only wish I had enough for all of you. I appreciate all the participation, this was the biggest response to a giveaway on my blog so far!!! You all gave some very thoughtful responses. Hopefully we can keep these kinds of things going because I sure love passing on great stuff to all of you.
On to the announcement...out of 55 eligible entries, Random.org chose lucky commenter:
On to the announcement...out of 55 eligible entries, Random.org chose lucky commenter:
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Be the tree
Oh how I long to be the tree God has called me to be...roots firmly planted with a solid foundation of rich soil. Branches full of luscious, ripe fruit so abundant that they should be weighed down but somehow they remain unbending. I want to be a tree that doesn't stand alone but instead is found right in the middle of an orchard, surrounded by other trees, some just beginning to sprout up out of the ground and others bigger and more fruitful than myself.
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. - Matthew 12:33
I want my fruit to be so ripe and colorful that even when someone is viewing it from far away it is immediately recognizable to the eye. No bruises, no soft spots, no worms - just perfect fruit.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. - John 15:4
Of course not just ANY orchardist will do when it comes to caring for my tree...I want the original creator of all of nature Himself to be my caretaker. Pruning, watering, fertilizing, taking my fruit off in its moment of perfect ripeness to share with others in a timing only He can determine. I want the One who never leaves, knew me before I was created, has plans for me to prosper, loves me unconditionally.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. - Galatians 5:22
I want my tree to grow not just one kind of fruit but many kinds of fruits. No one fruit compromised by the presence of the other, but instead each variety of fruit would make the others look and taste even better than had they been simply grown on their own. The integrity of my tree would become stronger with each new piece of fruit it bore.
Oh to be the tree...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
$50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!!!
To date I have had some fun things to share and giveaway, but I have yet had the opportunity to share money with you all. Well that all ends today!!
BluePay, a credit card processing company that offers an array of merchant services designed for unique businesses in competitive markets, is offering one of my readers a $50 Visa Gift Card. What great timing as we begin to go into this holiday season!
How to win:
- Check out BluePay's website (www.bluepay.com) Then come back and leave a brief comment on this post stating why you think it is important for small businesses to accept credit cards.
- You must leave a first name and email address I can contact you at within your comment, or your comment will not be counted in the drawing.
- One entry per person.
This giveaway will be open until Saturday October 15th at 9pm PST. Winner will be chosen at random using Random.org.
**I am being compensated with a $50 Visa Gift Card for holding this giveaway**
BluePay, a credit card processing company that offers an array of merchant services designed for unique businesses in competitive markets, is offering one of my readers a $50 Visa Gift Card. What great timing as we begin to go into this holiday season!
How to win:
- Check out BluePay's website (www.bluepay.com) Then come back and leave a brief comment on this post stating why you think it is important for small businesses to accept credit cards.
- You must leave a first name and email address I can contact you at within your comment, or your comment will not be counted in the drawing.
- One entry per person.
This giveaway will be open until Saturday October 15th at 9pm PST. Winner will be chosen at random using Random.org.
**I am being compensated with a $50 Visa Gift Card for holding this giveaway**
---THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED---
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
4 years ago today...
Jordan,
Looking back on it now, it is no surprise to me that you entered the world the way you did - in your own time, in your own way, leaving all of us feeling helpless. Labor would have been over in a handful of hours but you were turned funny and got your head stuck. When you finally turned after hours, you dropped quickly and ended up with the cord around your neck. I clearly remember the OB telling me calmly that the cord was around your neck and that if you were breathing fine they would let daddy cut the cord and place you on my chest but if not they would have to make it quick and take you off to work on you. So when she quickly cut the chord and the nurses rushed you off to the corner I knew that everything wasn't as it should be. The world stood still in that moment. Everyone could see you but me and I felt so helpless in that bed as I waited to see your sweet face and hear the words that everything would be okay. Tears ran down my cheeks and I just prayed as I waited to hear that cry. After what felt like forever they finally gave you to me all wrapped up and doing just fine. You had an enormous bruise on your tiny head from being stuck for so many hours but other than that you were perfect as could be. It definitely wasn't the easy way to do things, but then again, easy isn't really your style!
My Mr. Independent, you always have to do things your way and on your own. And usually you take the most difficult route to get there. You feel things in a big way and react the same. Some of these qualities make it so difficult to parent you as a toddler and now preschooler. But I know that one day these very same qualities are going to make you one amazing adult. To balance that strong personality, you were blessed with a huge funny bone! You are definitely the entertainer in the family, always cracking a joke, doing a dance, making a silly face. The funniest things come out of your mouth and we are never short for laughs when you are around.
For the longest time you were the little brother in the family, always tagging along with Nathan. We used to joke that you had a "middle kid attitude" so it was only fitting when Isaiah came along and made you an actual middle child. At first you weren't to fond of our newest addition but over the past year I have seen you step into that big brother role and you fit in those shoes quite nicely. I am so excited for you because you really have the best of both worlds with a big brother to teach you stuff and a little brother to have look up to you. I know that Nathan and Isaiah feel lucky to have you as their brother.
Happy 4th Birthday my spirited son!! I can't wait to see what this year brings for you as you continue to grow and develop into the little person God has created you to be. We are blessed to have you in this family, you are one of a kind and make each day fun and unique. Hope this day makes you feel as special as we all think you are!
Love,
Mommy
Looking back on it now, it is no surprise to me that you entered the world the way you did - in your own time, in your own way, leaving all of us feeling helpless. Labor would have been over in a handful of hours but you were turned funny and got your head stuck. When you finally turned after hours, you dropped quickly and ended up with the cord around your neck. I clearly remember the OB telling me calmly that the cord was around your neck and that if you were breathing fine they would let daddy cut the cord and place you on my chest but if not they would have to make it quick and take you off to work on you. So when she quickly cut the chord and the nurses rushed you off to the corner I knew that everything wasn't as it should be. The world stood still in that moment. Everyone could see you but me and I felt so helpless in that bed as I waited to see your sweet face and hear the words that everything would be okay. Tears ran down my cheeks and I just prayed as I waited to hear that cry. After what felt like forever they finally gave you to me all wrapped up and doing just fine. You had an enormous bruise on your tiny head from being stuck for so many hours but other than that you were perfect as could be. It definitely wasn't the easy way to do things, but then again, easy isn't really your style!
My Mr. Independent, you always have to do things your way and on your own. And usually you take the most difficult route to get there. You feel things in a big way and react the same. Some of these qualities make it so difficult to parent you as a toddler and now preschooler. But I know that one day these very same qualities are going to make you one amazing adult. To balance that strong personality, you were blessed with a huge funny bone! You are definitely the entertainer in the family, always cracking a joke, doing a dance, making a silly face. The funniest things come out of your mouth and we are never short for laughs when you are around.
For the longest time you were the little brother in the family, always tagging along with Nathan. We used to joke that you had a "middle kid attitude" so it was only fitting when Isaiah came along and made you an actual middle child. At first you weren't to fond of our newest addition but over the past year I have seen you step into that big brother role and you fit in those shoes quite nicely. I am so excited for you because you really have the best of both worlds with a big brother to teach you stuff and a little brother to have look up to you. I know that Nathan and Isaiah feel lucky to have you as their brother.
Happy 4th Birthday my spirited son!! I can't wait to see what this year brings for you as you continue to grow and develop into the little person God has created you to be. We are blessed to have you in this family, you are one of a kind and make each day fun and unique. Hope this day makes you feel as special as we all think you are!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, October 3, 2011
:And the winner is...
So glad you all got so excited about the Poo-pourri giveaway!!! I again want to say a big thank you to Bryann for sharing this product with us...this was part of something she won and because it is something she loves so much, she wanted to share with you all. Isn't that so sweet?
Okay, okay, let's get this thing rolling. Random.org, who is our lucky winner???
Out of 29 valid entries, Random.org picked #...........18 - Holly Hennessy Swint!!
Okay, okay, let's get this thing rolling. Random.org, who is our lucky winner???
Out of 29 valid entries, Random.org picked #...........18 - Holly Hennessy Swint!!
~~CONGRATULATIONS Holly~~
You should be receiving an email shortly with details on how to claim your fabulous prize:)
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Master List of Substitutions for Baking
Honestly, this post is mostly for myself! A place for me to keep all the substitutions I commonly use during baking so I don't have to hunt around for them when I'm in a pinch. Of course by putting it here I hope that some of the rest of you can benefit as well:)
Baking Powder Substitute (as found here)
Mix 2 parts cream of tartar with 1 part baking soda
Buttermilk Substitute (as found here)
To make 1 cup of buttermilk:
-Place 1 Tbsp of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup.
-Add enough milk to bring the mixture to the 1 cup line.
-Let stand for 5 minutes, then use as much as your recipe calls for.
Egg Substitute
Ideas based on it's role in the recipe here
Molasses Substitute (as found here)
Replace 1 cup of molasses with one of the following:
-1 cup dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup
-3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar *best choice if molasses flavor is vital*
-3/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup water
Self-Rising Flour Substitute (as found here)
One cup self-rising flour equals:
-1 cup all purpose flour
-1 1/4 tsp baking powder
-1/8 tsp salt
This list will continue to grow and change as I find different or new substitutions. I would love to hear about any of your favorite go-to swap outs as well!
Baking Powder Substitute (as found here)
Mix 2 parts cream of tartar with 1 part baking soda
Buttermilk Substitute (as found here)
To make 1 cup of buttermilk:
-Place 1 Tbsp of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup.
-Add enough milk to bring the mixture to the 1 cup line.
-Let stand for 5 minutes, then use as much as your recipe calls for.
Egg Substitute
Ideas based on it's role in the recipe here
Molasses Substitute (as found here)
Replace 1 cup of molasses with one of the following:
-1 cup dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup
-3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar *best choice if molasses flavor is vital*
-3/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup water
Self-Rising Flour Substitute (as found here)
One cup self-rising flour equals:
-1 cup all purpose flour
-1 1/4 tsp baking powder
-1/8 tsp salt
This list will continue to grow and change as I find different or new substitutions. I would love to hear about any of your favorite go-to swap outs as well!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
~Poo-pourri Giveaway~
One of my very generous followers recently won a gift pack from Poo-pourri and was kind enough to think of all of you and offer to share what she won. Isn't that sweet?
Let's start by getting the name out of the way - No, that is not a misspelling. You read correctly! Poo-pourri is a bathroom natural air freshener and room deodorizer unlike anything I've heard of before. The original concept to this deodorizer is that it is designed to be used BEFORE you go. Just a few squirts into the toilet bowl before doing your business and when you are finished, flush and it creates a barrier against unpleasant smells. How original!
My friend sent me this cute little package which includes Santa Poo, a Citrus and Holly Fresh blend of Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Evergreen and other natural essential oils that leave the bathroom smelling clean and fresh.
I am happy to pass this on to one of you and can't wait to hear what you think of it! I am going to make this one simple so all you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment on this blog post saying you want it (make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win). One entry per person. You have until October 3rd, 2011 at 9pm PST to enter. Good luck!!
*If you are wanting to learn more about these products you can check out the Poo-pourri website (http://poopourri.com) or their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/poopourri.spray?sk=wall).
**A HUGE thanks to Bryann for thinking of me and my followers!! You are so sweet:)
Let's start by getting the name out of the way - No, that is not a misspelling. You read correctly! Poo-pourri is a bathroom natural air freshener and room deodorizer unlike anything I've heard of before. The original concept to this deodorizer is that it is designed to be used BEFORE you go. Just a few squirts into the toilet bowl before doing your business and when you are finished, flush and it creates a barrier against unpleasant smells. How original!
My friend sent me this cute little package which includes Santa Poo, a Citrus and Holly Fresh blend of Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Evergreen and other natural essential oils that leave the bathroom smelling clean and fresh.
I am happy to pass this on to one of you and can't wait to hear what you think of it! I am going to make this one simple so all you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment on this blog post saying you want it (make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win). One entry per person. You have until October 3rd, 2011 at 9pm PST to enter. Good luck!!
*If you are wanting to learn more about these products you can check out the Poo-pourri website (http://poopourri.com) or their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/poopourri.spray?sk=wall).
**A HUGE thanks to Bryann for thinking of me and my followers!! You are so sweet:)
---THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED---
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