Six Months of Diapers and Wipes Giveaway (Ends 9/12) US

First time parents might be shocked by all the diapers they need.  Experienced parents will remember the hundreds and hundreds of diapers they used.  Do you have diapers on your list grocery list constantly? Or maybe you have a new addition coming to your family soon?  Then you will want to check out this AWESOME company that will DELIVER diapers and wipes to your front door.

Home of the "Year Supply of Diapers", BabyShowersByMail.com offers an amazing service that actually delivers diapers and wipes right to your house!  You have the option to get the diapers for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.  BabyShowersByMail also has lists of baby gift ideas for any family.  This company has thought of EVERYTHING!

Are you one of those people who has a difficult time deciding what gift to give?  Or do you hate going to the store to do your shopping?  Well head on over to BabyShowersByMail!   Ordering is pain free and shipping is quick.  Life made simple!   BabyShowersByMail offers products that will help keep mother and baby happy forever.  They have an amazingly simple diaper and wipe monthly delivery service that has every brand and size one could want.  Mom and Dad's time is precious give them the gift of time and have those diapers delivered!

One winner will receive a 6 month diaper and wipe delivery package.

Giveaway ends September 12, 2014 at 11:59pm.  Open to US, ages 18+. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers, including The Philosopher's Wife, were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

7 Quick Takes: Random Photos of My Morning

This post contains affiliate links. 

1.  So you can buy the pink Fisher-Price Little People Open and Close SUV, which really does provide hours of fun, for ten bucks at Walmart, twenty on Amazon, or for fifty cents at your local yard sale.  Where do you think we got ours? 

2.  Forget Starbucks's Pumpkin Spice Latte, or whatever it is, just give me a Dr. Pepper and a homemade cookie and I'll be a very happy woman.  By the way, Catherine told me that I "accidentally put too much delicious" in these cookies.

3.  Wow, that photo didn't turn out as well as I would have hoped!  These yarns are super bright and fun.  I'm thinking that I might make some fun hats to sell at a craft fair later this year.  (And a few for my kiddos, of course.)

4.  Check out some more of my awesome yard sale finds.  I love those wooden boxes.  They are super study.  And two boxes of beads!

5.  This is our newest photo wall.  The frames were spray-painted and turned out wonderfully.  (That's a blog post for another day!)

6.  I've only been getting a few minutes here and there to work on my Swirl Hat, but you see the swirl pattern starting.  I think it's going to turn out very nicely.  Don't forget to enter to win a skein of the beautiful hand dyed Apple Picking Yarn.  (Giveaway ends 9/4/14.)

7.  Catherine is going to be starting some Kindergarten level work next week.  She's so excited!  

For more Quick Takes visit Jen's blog.

WIPS

My Swirl Hat is coming along.  We had weekend visitors and a little bit of sickness which drastically slowed my progress.  I also took a long time with the joining in the round and the first row -- I very much wanted to make sure my work wasn't twisted.  I am really loving the Apple Picking yarn from Never Enough Thyme!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway to win a skein of the same yarn I'm using above!  (Ends 9/4/14)

If you have any finished projects you'd like to show off, please link up at my Yarn Fanatic Party!

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

My New Shirt from Allied Shirts (A Product Review)

I received a shirt in exchange for this review.  Everything in this post is my own honest opinion.  

Here I am sporting my new shirt courtesy of Allied Shirts!

Catherine, age 4, took this picture of me and Dominic.

Shirts start as low as $3.54, but price is determined by number of shirts and how many ink colors you need, so it will be a bit more for a single shirt.  I think mine would have been over $30.  However, I don't think you would ever have to pay full price, because they are constantly having sales!  (This morning I checked and they are having a 30% off sale.)  BUT, they also have a Low Price Guarantee.  Additionally, they have free shipping on standard orders!  Free shipping is a huge plus, however, keep in mind that it does take a little while.

I am happy with this t-shirt.  The shirt is the "Unisex Classic" in Ash.  I generally am a ladies medium, but since this is a unisex shirt I ordered a small.  I think the size is perfect.  The shirt is 100% preshrunk cotton.  There are lots of colors to choose from in this style.

I must admit, the grey shirt is the second shirt that I received from Allied Shirts.  The first shirt had a quality control issue with the shirt itself and I was disappointed with how the printing turned out.  (The image wasn't vibrant at all.)  When I informed them of my concerns they immediately started working on solutions.  I can attest firsthand that they are serious about customer satisfaction.

The printing options are just about endless, but you will want to keep in mind some images won't work as well on some colors of shirts.  Here's my original image:

This image looks good on the shirt I'm wearing in these pictures, but it didn't look as nice on a black shirt.  Just something for you to keep in mind when you create your own shirts.

I can think of a lot of great reasons to make a custom shirt: family reunions, class trips, school (traditional, non-traditional, or homeschool!), advertise your blog, and more.  How would you customize yours?

Disclosure: 

Like I said above, I received a shirt for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own. 

Yarn Fanatic Party #4

Wow, this is the already the fourth Yarn Fanatic Party!  All you knitters and crocheters, are you getting ready for fall and winter by starting some scarves and hats?  Or have you started your Christmas crafting?  Or are you just enjoying the last bits of summer?

Photo Source

Check out these cozy socks Brandy knitted.  The striping came out beautifully, didn't it?

Don't forget to enter to win this skein of yarn!  (Ends 9/4/14. US only.)  Believe me, you want this yarn added to your stash.  

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

7 Quick Takes

This post may contain affiliate links. 

1.  Here's my girl during one of our walks:

2.  Here's my boy, he's a little less enthusiastic:

3.  I got the elusive Magic Loop to work!  This opens up lots of knitting project goodness!

4.  Finding Normal is a cute chic flick.  Sure, it's predictable and rather unoriginal, but it's the most wholesome romantic comedy I've seen in a long time and for that I have to give it kudos.  

Photo Source 

5.  I'm still pretty proud that I ran my first 5K!  Getting back into shape feels good.  Here I am with my official 5K t-shirt:

6.  Here's another picture of Dominic, just because he's cute.

7.  If you knit or crochet check out this giveaway that I'm hosting because you could win some pretty yarn.

Check out more Quick Takes. 

The Beginnings of a New Project with Never Enough Thyme Yarn

I received a skein of yarn for in exchange for a review. 

When I have a particularly beautiful skein of yarn I always have a difficult time deciding upon a project.  Sometimes I have one in mind, but then deem the project unworthy of the yarn.

After much debate (with myself), I decided to use this beautiful Apple Picking yarn that I received from Never Enough Thyme Yarn to knit a Swirl Hat.

I have to admit, the last hat that I tried to knit was a total and complete disaster.  However, my knitting skills have evolved quite a bit since then, including a better understanding of the Magic Loop.

Enter to win a skein of this beautiful yarn for yourself!  

(Giveaway ends 9/4/14. US only.)

Also, if you knit or crochet, make sure to link up your projects at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party!

In other knitting news, I am just about finished with my Baby Sophisticate.  I finished the sleeves and just need to work the collar.  The sleeves were made using the Magic Loop method, and like I said above, I think I finally got it.

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Never Enough Thyme Yarn Giveaway (Ends 9/4) US

I am so excited to be able to bring you this awesome yarn giveaway!  This yarn is from Never Enough Thyme Yarn, run by a mother and daughter team.  They have have a five star average with over two hundred reviews, so you know that they care about quality!

A little about this yarn:

• Composition: 80% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon
• Yardage: The skein contains 463 yards
• Washing instructions: Machine wash and lay flat to dry.  (I always recommend the gentle cycle for handmade items!)
• This yarn is currently available for purchase on Etsy.

One lucky winner will receive one skein of this beautiful fall colorway called Apple Picking.  

Enter on the Rafflecopter below.  Must be 18 to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  Social media is in no way affiliated with this giveaway.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yarn Fanatic Party #3

Welcome to the Third Yarn Fanatic Party! 

I really love seeing all the awesome projects that you make with yarn.  Yarn is just so much fun, isn't it?

Check out these awesome Frangipani Shoes linked up last week by Liz.  Aren't they cool?

Have you seen this oldie, but goodie?  I think it makes a great Kindle Cover!

Like previous weeks, I am going to use a basic link up.  Unfortunately, this means that there won't be any thumbnail photos.

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links. (One of mine and the features!)
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

I Ran My First 5K

I did it.

I ran a 5K.

Sure, some of it was a slow jog and some of it was even just a fast walk, but I did it.

I crushed all of my practice times.  I even beat my goal time, which in all honesty I thought would be impossible because that time was seven minutes faster than my best practice time.  I dropped about nine minutes from my best practice run.  (I suppose that's one of the benefits of being a beginner, it's easy to drop lots of time!)

I'll admit, I'm a little bit proud of myself.

After finishing, with my personal cheerleader.  

By the way, I find it somewhat amusing that I did this (and that I want to run a marathon someday) because I really am a terrible runner!  It's not just that I'm on the slow side, but my form is unique.

WIPS

***If you have blogged about any of your finished "yarn-y" projects, 

I cordially invite you to come link up at my second Yarn Fanatic Party!***

My Baby Sophisticate is moving right along.  I will be working on the sleeves today.  I am going to try the Magic Loop again.  The first time I tried it I failed utterly and completely.  I'm really hoping I get it this time!  I've watched various videos and looked through many picture diagrams and I understand how it's supposed to work.  Now I just have to put theory to practice.  Do you use the Magic Loop?

Check out this beautiful yarn from Never Enough Thyme Yarn!  Be sure to follow me somehow, because I will be giving away a skein of this yarn very soon.  I am going through all of my saved patterns trying to figure out which would do this yarn justice.

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Silhouette Portrait Giveaway (Ends 8/22/14) US

Yarn Fanatic Party #2

Welcome to the Second Yarn Fanatic Party!  

This is a place to share all of your projects made from yarn.

Last week's inaugural  party had about a dozen awesome projects linked up!  The following are three of my favorites.

I really am in love with the scalloped boarder on this Pink Crochet Baby Blanket:

This Hat for Mama is simply adorable:

I love the color play happening in this Candy Cushion:

Here's one of my older projects (I can't believe that this is almost two years ago!) that I thought I'd share today, The Elegant Hat:

Also, all you crafty people, you might want to check out this Silhouette Portrait Giveaway (Ends 8/22/14).

Now for the Link Party!

Like last week, I am going to use a basic link up.  Unfortunately, this means that there won't be any thumbnail photos.   I can't wait to see what everyone has this week.  Please come visit and link up every week!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links. (One of mine and the features!)
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

Silhouette Portrait Giveaway (8/22) US

 

Welcome to the Silhouette Portrait - Let's Get Crafty Giveaway!

Hosted by: Momma Lew

What is the Silhouette Portrait? And why do you want it? The Silhouette Portrait is an electronic cutting tool that works with your PC or Mac. With a small blade, it cuts paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more! You can use the included design software to cut any font on your computer, download shapes and designs from the Silhouette Online Store, or even create your very own designs up to 8 inches wide and 10 feet long! Momma Lew recently had the chance to review the Silhouette Cameo. You can read her review here to find out more about this great crafting tool! Now, how about you win one? That's right! We're giving away a Silhouette Portrait to one lucky reader!

   

 This giveaway is open to US Residents, 18+, one entry per household. To enter, follow the steps in the entry form below. Remember: be sure to come back to complete the daily tasks for more entries! Giveaway closes at 11:59pm EST on 8/22. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Only Momma Lew was compensated for this giveaway. Momma Lew & participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment.

 

 Are you interested in sponsoring a giveaway such as this for your company? Please email reesa@mommalew.com or me for more information.

WIPS: Baby Sweater, Update, and a New Party

I cast on a new knitting project this week.  It's the Baby Sophisticate, which is free on Ravelry.  Isn't the yarn a lovely shade of blue?  It's Simply Soft in Ocean.  I've learned a couple new techniques already.  One is so simple I almost had to laugh: the slip stitch.  So easy.  It's just the first time I've come across it in a pattern so I needed to look it up.

I'm still working on my sweater, but I needed a (few) quick project(s).  I didn't take a picture of it today because the progress is probably only noticeable to me.  Do you work on long term and short term projects simultaneously?  Sometimes I just need the satisfaction of completing something.

I am hosting my very first Yarn Fanatic Party this week!  I'd love if you'd link up any of your finished projects that use yarn.  I'm sure you can dig something up to share!

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Yarn Fanatic Link Party #1

Welcome to my first Yarn Fanatic Link Party!  This party is to share anything that you made using yarn.  I'm assuming that there will be mostly knit or crochet projects linked up, but anything using yarn is welcome!  After all, yarn is awesome, right?

Here's one of the projects that I finished recently, a crocheted Baby Bulldog Hat:

Now for the Link Party!

Right now I am going to just be using a basic link up, sadly, this means that there won't be any thumbnail photos.  (I'm too cheap to pay for a link up service with thumbnails right now, but maybe someday in the future.  If you're not cheap and have a service and want to co-host, shoot me an email or leave a comment!)  Yes, I know it is Tuesday night, but my goal will be to post these parties on Monday mornings and have the party open all week.

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links. (One of mine and in future weeks the features!)
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not today.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)