I enter A TON of giveaways every month. I like entering giveaways even though I have only actually won one. I thought that would sooth my desire to win free stuff but it did not. I only want to win more free stuff.
Can't find giveaways you want to enter? Here are my top three websites for finding giveaways:
Giveaways, Sweepstakes, etc
Etsy Giveaways
Blog Giveaways
A few tips for when you start entering giveaways:
1) Only enter giveaways for items you LOVE. It takes the frustration out of entering tons of giveaways for stuff you really don't want.
2) Giveaways with entries completed through a Rafflecopter are the best! It's the EASIEST way to enter any giveaway. I've gotten to the point where if the host doesn't use a Raffle I just don't enter. The Raffle takes a lot of the work out of your hands. Also, wait for the Raffle to completely load before moving on to the next step. I didn't know how the Raffle works the first couple giveaways I entered and actually didn't complete steps that I said I completed because I didn't know what I was doing. If you have questions ask in the comments and I'll do my best to answer!
3) Most giveaways require you to like or follow several blogs on Facebook or Twitter. Great news! On FB after you like those blogs, you can then HIDE them from your newsfeed. This is what I do so I can still see family and friends in my newsfeed. I rarely look at my newsfeed on Twitter so you're kinda on your own there. :-P
4) This is a great way to find new blogs you really like. I've found several crafting blogs that are super cute. And how awesome that your new friends want to give you free stuff?!
5) The smaller the blog the higher your chances are for actually winning! Keep in mind that most of the blog giveaways for the 1st and 3rd link HUNDREDS of people enter those giveaways. Don't expect to win the first time you enter (if you do I'll be super jealous!). But the fewer followers, the smaller the blog, the more likely you are to win.... The Etsy giveaways are usually smaller.
6) Giveaways are not just for women! :) there are tons out there for the guys too.
7) Make sure the giveaway you enter is open to whatever area of the world you live in! I've actually entered a couple that were only open to Canada... I didn't win....obviously!
If you have any giveaway tips please add them in the comments! Happy Giveaway Hunting and Entering!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
I Suppose Some Would Call It....
I suppose some would call it "Going Green". For almost 3 weeks I haven't washed my hair with regular shampoo. I have washed it twice a week with baking soda and then on Saturday evenings (or Sunday mornings whenever I take my shower for church) I've used a spray-in dry shampoo.
My hair is definitely more curly than it was two and half weeks ago. It's much fuller. It is also a little coarse/greasy to MY touch (Adam has said nothing about it; could be a good or bad thing). From the blogs I've read it should take about 4 weeks for my hair to "adjust" to its natural state.
Also, I've constructed a clothes line in my basement. I have maybe used the dryer twice in the last month. I have folded 100 times more clothing doing laundry this way. It cracks Adam up because it's twice as much work. Now he thinks we need to line-dry dishes so I'll want to wash them too.... not the same thing for sure.....
My hair is definitely more curly than it was two and half weeks ago. It's much fuller. It is also a little coarse/greasy to MY touch (Adam has said nothing about it; could be a good or bad thing). From the blogs I've read it should take about 4 weeks for my hair to "adjust" to its natural state.
Also, I've constructed a clothes line in my basement. I have maybe used the dryer twice in the last month. I have folded 100 times more clothing doing laundry this way. It cracks Adam up because it's twice as much work. Now he thinks we need to line-dry dishes so I'll want to wash them too.... not the same thing for sure.....
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Living Room Rearranged
We recorded this last night to show the in-laws what we've done with the living room. But on top of rearranging the living room we've also suspended our cable to encourage more creativity (from both of us!). We're excited to see what happens for both of us during the next six months without cable!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
InstLife July 15-28th
I'm a little behind on showing pictures of my life. The last two weeks have been pretty busy!
1. Adam wrote a letter to the Western Recorder and it got published!
2. I love free samples in the mail! And, heavens, are these good samples! P&G has a wonderful customer appreciation program.
3. I've really slacked on my Photo A Day July project. But this is day 20 which I actually took on day 19 (I didn't realize it was the 19th)...
4. Friday we took a day trip to see Adam's parents. The church my father-in-law is a pastor at has just built a huge gym/family center. I forgot to take pictures of it. Sad.
5. While we were at the church a terrible accident happened and if you look closely you can see the down motorcycle. My FIL found out that CSI was investigating the scene! Super exciting about CSI being within blocks of me but sad about the person who died from the accident.
6. Two samples within two weeks! Life is good! These are brew over ice k-cups from Green Mountain Coffee. I love their coffee so I was super excited about some freebies!
7. I think it was the following day when I tried it....and it needed some cream and sugar for sure!
8. One night I decided I wanted something sweet so I made peach cobbler with 1 can of peaches and about a cup of pancake mix. It was pretty good for being a "Poor Man's Cobbler"!
9. I am in the process of re-arranging the house. Yes, the entire house. For starters, most of our musical instruments are now in the living room to promote more playing of said instruments. (it's working because every time Adam walks past the djembe he has to play it just a little bit!).
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1. Adam wrote a letter to the Western Recorder and it got published!
2. I love free samples in the mail! And, heavens, are these good samples! P&G has a wonderful customer appreciation program.
3. I've really slacked on my Photo A Day July project. But this is day 20 which I actually took on day 19 (I didn't realize it was the 19th)...
4. Friday we took a day trip to see Adam's parents. The church my father-in-law is a pastor at has just built a huge gym/family center. I forgot to take pictures of it. Sad.
5. While we were at the church a terrible accident happened and if you look closely you can see the down motorcycle. My FIL found out that CSI was investigating the scene! Super exciting about CSI being within blocks of me but sad about the person who died from the accident.
6. Two samples within two weeks! Life is good! These are brew over ice k-cups from Green Mountain Coffee. I love their coffee so I was super excited about some freebies!
7. I think it was the following day when I tried it....and it needed some cream and sugar for sure!
8. One night I decided I wanted something sweet so I made peach cobbler with 1 can of peaches and about a cup of pancake mix. It was pretty good for being a "Poor Man's Cobbler"!
9. I am in the process of re-arranging the house. Yes, the entire house. For starters, most of our musical instruments are now in the living room to promote more playing of said instruments. (it's working because every time Adam walks past the djembe he has to play it just a little bit!).
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Favorite Pinterest Ideas: Wedding of Mars
Pinterest has allowed me to "plan" my baby sister's wedding! She is not dating, she is not engaged, nothing! I just want to plan her wedding! Hahaha! Here are some of my favorite wedding ideas (yes, a lot are clothes, but she's a fashionista! what do you expect me to do?!)!
For the Bride:
For the Bridemaids:
Wedding Decor:
Photography:
For the Bride:
For the Bridemaids:
Wedding Decor:
Photography:
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Kat's Eye Photography
My running partner, Katie, is a pretty amazing photographer. She does weddings, senior pictures, family sessions, etc, but I know newborns are her favorites. And when she has a newborn session I get to help!
Check out Baby Landon. He is the first newborn session I helped with and he is soo precious!
Here is her website and Facebook.
Check out Baby Landon. He is the first newborn session I helped with and he is soo precious!
Here is her website and Facebook.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Mentalist
I have become obsessed with this show. It's got all my favs: murder, mystery, enough humor to make it funny, and little to no gory stuff. If you need a little preview: http://www.cbs.com/shows/the_mentalist/
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Favorite Pinterst Ideas
For my hubby and me!
Pinterest is a great place to find some fantastic ideas for dates (relatively cheap as well!) for you and your hubster! Here are a few of my favs!
Pinterest is a great place to find some fantastic ideas for dates (relatively cheap as well!) for you and your hubster! Here are a few of my favs!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
InstaLife: July 8-14
1. My brothers 17th birthday with his favorite Key Lime Cheesecake
2. We tried to take him to a Drive-In theatre for his birthday but we got rained out! So to the regular theatre we went!
3. One of my favorite places to be: church.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Favorite Pinterest Ideas
July and August: summer's pride and glory. It's hot and what in the world is better than a slice of watermelon (sprinkled with a tad of salt!) on a hot summer day?! Nothing, my friend, absolutely nothing!
Here are a few of my favorite watermelon ideas floating around Pinterest:
Here are a few of my favorite watermelon ideas floating around Pinterest:
Friday, July 13, 2012
Home Tips: Washing Dishes
I hate washing dishes. I always have and I always will. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to make messes in the kitchen! I love to cook and bake but when it comes to cleaning what I have made dirty I am less than enthused. And to top it off I don't have an dish-washer machine. Oh, wait! I am the dish-washing machine!
So if you are like me and hate washing dishes, well, I have a tip for you. Fill your sink with the hottest possible water (don't forget the soap!), let your dishes soak until the water is at the point where you can put your hands in it (for me this is about 15-20 minutes). While your dishes are soaking read a book, watch tv, put on a load of laundry, anything. Then come back to the kitchen sink, wash your dishes, TA DA! Done!
I don't know why but spreading out the chore of dish washing makes it much more bearable for me.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Social Media Tips
A recent pin on Pinterest had this written beneath it:
"Pin now, look later"
Sorry, friends! This is *not* how Pinterest is supposed to work.
There are amazingly crafty people in the world with amazing ideas and they should receive credit for those ideas! So PLEASE! Look NOW, pin now!
It is so simple and quick to verify a pin. If it opens to an actual website (blog or site) with directions, etc, (not just pictures), then you're good to go! Pin away. If it opens to a tumbler, a single picture (or blog) without giving credit to the creator then just stop and don't repin it.
I admit, there are times I get so excited about pins I see on Pinterest that I forget to verify (we aren't perfect!) but I do my best to be very mindful of everything I pin.
So be kind and give credit where credit is due!
Look now, Pin now! and.be.happy!
"Pin now, look later"
Sorry, friends! This is *not* how Pinterest is supposed to work.
There are amazingly crafty people in the world with amazing ideas and they should receive credit for those ideas! So PLEASE! Look NOW, pin now!
It is so simple and quick to verify a pin. If it opens to an actual website (blog or site) with directions, etc, (not just pictures), then you're good to go! Pin away. If it opens to a tumbler, a single picture (or blog) without giving credit to the creator then just stop and don't repin it.
I admit, there are times I get so excited about pins I see on Pinterest that I forget to verify (we aren't perfect!) but I do my best to be very mindful of everything I pin.
So be kind and give credit where credit is due!
Look now, Pin now! and.be.happy!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Swagbucks
I have recently joined Swagbucks. I've been reading about it on the various blogs I follow and curious as ever I decided to sign up!
The basic idea is to earn "swagbucks" by completing surveys, watching videos, searching via their search bar, etc, etc. By doing so you can then redeem your swagbucks for items in the Swag store for things like giftcards, baby products, lots of digital items, etc.
I have yet to redeem my swagbucks because I'm saving my bucks for something special! If you want sign up, please send me your email so I can invite you and then earn matching bucks! You can in turn do the same with your friends!
The basic idea is to earn "swagbucks" by completing surveys, watching videos, searching via their search bar, etc, etc. By doing so you can then redeem your swagbucks for items in the Swag store for things like giftcards, baby products, lots of digital items, etc.
I have yet to redeem my swagbucks because I'm saving my bucks for something special! If you want sign up, please send me your email so I can invite you and then earn matching bucks! You can in turn do the same with your friends!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
InstaLife
I have to give credit to my sister, Bethany, for this idea of showcasing your week/life through pictures (mostly from Instagram). But ever since her first post doing it I haven't been able to get it out of my head. So here goes! My week via Instagram:
1. Dumpster diving with my brothers was very exciting and fruitful! Six beautiful pallets for my little DIY heart!
2. My giveaway win from Papercuts by Dmytro and Iuliia hosted by Created by Laurie
3. My youngest brothers came to visit for the week. Last Sunday we went to Copper River Grill and they downed "Bigfoot's Mother-in-law". Spank even finished all of his fries! But Micah did eat TWO tomatoes and he HATES tomatoes!
4. Micah got Facebook! Finally! :)
5. In the midst of dumpster diving Spank found his dream car!
6. and 7. Adam trying to tie a cherry stem into a knot in his mouth. It took him a while but he finally did it!
1. Dumpster diving with my brothers was very exciting and fruitful! Six beautiful pallets for my little DIY heart!
2. My giveaway win from Papercuts by Dmytro and Iuliia hosted by Created by Laurie
3. My youngest brothers came to visit for the week. Last Sunday we went to Copper River Grill and they downed "Bigfoot's Mother-in-law". Spank even finished all of his fries! But Micah did eat TWO tomatoes and he HATES tomatoes!
4. Micah got Facebook! Finally! :)
5. In the midst of dumpster diving Spank found his dream car!
6. and 7. Adam trying to tie a cherry stem into a knot in his mouth. It took him a while but he finally did it!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Favorite Pinterest Ideas
For the Home:
Lately, I've been obsessed with pallets, crates, old/vintage wood, etc. And to further my obsession there is Pinterest with soo many amazing things you can do with old crates or pallets. I'm seriously in love with each of the following ideas:
Lately, I've been obsessed with pallets, crates, old/vintage wood, etc. And to further my obsession there is Pinterest with soo many amazing things you can do with old crates or pallets. I'm seriously in love with each of the following ideas:
Friday, July 6, 2012
First 5K Run!
Wednesday I completed my first ever 5k! My time was 45.38 and that includes a bit of walking in there but I don't care! I am so pleased with myself and with my body. Four months ago I would have never dreamed I'd be able to run so much.
I started the Couch to 5K program with my friend, Katie, from church in preparation of the Color Run (coming up at the end of this month!) a couple months ago. We started off barely able to run 45 seconds! But we pushed on and look at us now! We finished.
My goal is to push harder and to build up my strength to that I can finish the Color Run with better time. I am a competitive person by nature so I want more. I want to be faster. I want to be stronger.
*picture taken by Adam on Katie's phone! :)
I started the Couch to 5K program with my friend, Katie, from church in preparation of the Color Run (coming up at the end of this month!) a couple months ago. We started off barely able to run 45 seconds! But we pushed on and look at us now! We finished.
My goal is to push harder and to build up my strength to that I can finish the Color Run with better time. I am a competitive person by nature so I want more. I want to be faster. I want to be stronger.
Home Tips
Do you love the taste of fresh cilantro or parsley? I sure do! But if I don't use the whole bunch within a week it tends to go bad. Ever had that happen? Well, never worry about that again!
After washing your cilantro and patting it dry, split into 3 or 4 smaller bunches, and then put in freezer bags. Freeze until needed. Your cilantro or parsley will be a snap to chop and it will taste as fresh as ever!
After washing your cilantro and patting it dry, split into 3 or 4 smaller bunches, and then put in freezer bags. Freeze until needed. Your cilantro or parsley will be a snap to chop and it will taste as fresh as ever!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
a newbie to marriage
At the beginning of my marriage to Adam I realized how selfish I was: single, only having to look out for myself.
My wants.
My needs.
My money.
My time.
Mine.
Mine.
Mine.
I've had to change my mindset to "us" with all of those things.
Today I realized how selfish I still am even after almost 6 months of marriage. Sure I've changed my basic thought process since getting married but I'm still consumed with me, myself and I.
I have put MY life as the focus of my life. I've forgotten, neglected, shamed my first Love. I've put my physical life before Christ. It wasn't hard for my own desires to give birth to sin as the Book of James warns.
Thankfully, I have a Savior Who loves me and desires LIFE more abundantly for me.
My struggles:
Change. I hate change. I've been working with the Lord to overcome this fear.
No family. No job. No friends....all huge changes.all very hard.
New town, new state, new people, new job, new church....all new.all different.all changes.
Adam is constantly telling me to affect change where I can.
So I've been pursuing friendships. I have been making the first move. This is hard for me because I tend to be very shy at the beginning of a friendship.
But.I.Love.Coffee. And having coffee dates takes pressure off of me because I feel like if someone comes to my house it needs to be the perfect little American home. And I am far from perfect.
I pray that the Lord will continue to convict me as I strive to live for Christ. I also ask for prayer that I will keep Christ first. That I will put Adam above myself. I ask for prayer as I figure out how to enhance Adam's life and not turn it upside down because of changes I want (but don't always need).
I'm a newbie to marriage and need prayers.
My wants.
My needs.
My money.
My time.
Mine.
Mine.
Mine.
I've had to change my mindset to "us" with all of those things.
Today I realized how selfish I still am even after almost 6 months of marriage. Sure I've changed my basic thought process since getting married but I'm still consumed with me, myself and I.
I have put MY life as the focus of my life. I've forgotten, neglected, shamed my first Love. I've put my physical life before Christ. It wasn't hard for my own desires to give birth to sin as the Book of James warns.
Thankfully, I have a Savior Who loves me and desires LIFE more abundantly for me.
My struggles:
Change. I hate change. I've been working with the Lord to overcome this fear.
No family. No job. No friends....all huge changes.all very hard.
New town, new state, new people, new job, new church....all new.all different.all changes.
Adam is constantly telling me to affect change where I can.
So I've been pursuing friendships. I have been making the first move. This is hard for me because I tend to be very shy at the beginning of a friendship.
But.I.Love.Coffee. And having coffee dates takes pressure off of me because I feel like if someone comes to my house it needs to be the perfect little American home. And I am far from perfect.
I pray that the Lord will continue to convict me as I strive to live for Christ. I also ask for prayer that I will keep Christ first. That I will put Adam above myself. I ask for prayer as I figure out how to enhance Adam's life and not turn it upside down because of changes I want (but don't always need).
I'm a newbie to marriage and need prayers.
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 - Welcome
2012. Thank you for coming. Some of my favorite memories from 2011:
February: Adam sent me my first ever Valentine's Day flowers. A dozen red roses.
March: Adam proposed on the 17th, St. Patrick's Day. I picked out my wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and created my registries.
July: Adam took me to Upstate (Western) New York and also to Niagara Falls.
August: I got married and took an incredible honeymoon to the State of Washington.
October: My amazing nephew Madden was born and I also carved my first pumpkin.
November: I cooked my first turkey (and it didn't cook all the way) and also served my In-Laws Thanksgiving Dinner (I cooked everything but the gravy).
December: First Christmas as a married woman and also away from home. Also went to my first Bowl Game (Music City Bowl). And I also saw the inside of the Opryland Hotel.
My last moments in 2011 and my first moments in 2012 were spent listening to the Avett Brothers live in concert.
It's been a good year. I'm very thankful for Adam and I love that he desires to take me places I've never been. I am sooo looking forward to the new adventures 2012 will bring my way!
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