Step2 Play Up Gym Giveaway (Ends 3/13) US

While I actually do enjoy winter, I am more than ready for spring play days!  (Catherine certainly is ready and Dominic doesn't know what he's missing!)  I know that my kids would spend hours on a gym like this one, and I bet yours would too.

A little about today's sponsor and hosts:

Viva Veltoro and Thrifty Nifty Mommy recently had the opportunity to review this brand new swing set! Make sure you check out their reviews and then enter to win a Step2 Play Up Gym Set for your own family below.

Thanks to the generous people at Step2, one lucky family is going to have a brand new Play Up Gym Set to enjoy once all the snow melts! The Step2 Company, headquartered in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world’s largest rotational molder of plastics. They strive to be the leading innovator of children’s products that build imaginations and enrich the family’s celebration of childhood. Step2 products are made to last and will hold up despite the beating that children tend to give everything they come in contact with. Their toys are colorful, fun, and encourage imaginative play. Every Spring they release brand new toys and this year, we are really loving the new stuff they have to offer, like this Play Up Gym Set redesign! The Play Up Gym Set™ combines a swing set and playhouse into the ultimate children’s backyard jungle gym. Kiddos can increase their motor skills by climbing in the playhouse and swinging on the swings. Youngsters will be fascinated with the whimsical design of natural colors and outdoor play features the kid’s gym set includes! The Play Up Gym Set will provide your youngsters with hours of climb, swing and slide adventures. Made in USA of US and imported parts. Swings made in China.

The Play Up Gym Set features:

• Tree house shape, trendy design and fun colors fuel creative and pretend play
• Raised playhouse features a high platform, steps for climbing, a steering wheel and a slide for an easy exit
• Two attached swings for hours of fun
• Ground anchors secure the swing set to the ground (included)
• Durable poly construction
• Recommended for children ages 3-6, it has maximum weight limit of 240 lbs. (60 pounds per child) and a limit of 4 children at a time

Open to the Lower 48 US states only, ages 18 and up. Ends at 3/13/1215 11:59 PM EST.
Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This giveaway is hosted by Viva Veltoro and Thrifty Nifty Mommy, and generously sponsored by Step2. Thrifty Nifty Mommy, Viva Veltoro, The Philosopher's Wife, and the participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact vivaveltoro(at)gmail.com with questions about this giveaway. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited.

I See Me: Sweet Dreams, Fairy Personalized Book Review

This is a sponsored post.  Everything you read is my own honest opinion.

Catherine is a voracious (almost) reader.  One of the highlights of her week, and mine as well, is our weekly trip to the library.  We both have to limit ourselves.  So when I See Me asked if I was interested in reviewing a book for them my answer was "Of course!"

Yes, I made the Yellow Hat!  Check out the blog post about it.

The book that I received was the Sweet Dreams, Fairy Personalized Book.  

Overall it is a very cute book.  The main character, which is modeled after your own little girl, is a busy forest fairy who tends to her garden, eats dinner with her family, gets ready for bed, and lets a magical bedtime story float her off to sleep.

I do have one critique.  During the personalization phase it asked for the names of two friends.  Catherine gave me two names, one was a friend and the other one was her brother.  I didn't think anything of it, because it did not specify that the friends had to be girls.  "Dominic" is a clearly a girl fairy.  (If only I had gone with his nickname, "Porcupine"!)

In my humble opinion there really aren't many (perhaps any?) children's books worth $34.99.  So I highly recommend taking advantage of I See Me's special offer running through 3/31/15: Enter code FAIRY at checkout at ISeeMe.com and they will take $10 off orders $50+. And, any orders $75 or more will ship free. 

Connect with I See Me on social media:

Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Instagram   Google+ 

This was a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of I See Me.  All opinions are my own.

Jackpot Candle Giveaway (Ends 3/8) US

This is a sponsored post. 

Do you like candles?  Do you like jewelry?  If yes, then you should check out Jackpot Candles.  Their lovely hand-poured candles are made with 100% natural soy.  This will give you a long lasting candle with a beautiful natural scent -- no overwhelming chemical fragrances.  This high quality candle has a little "jackpot" hidden inside: jewelry!

Blueberry Muffin

To make these candles even sweeter, you get to pick the type of jewelry!  When making your purchase you select your ring size, or earrings, or necklace.  Do you have more necklaces than you could possibly wear?  No problem, you can get a new pair of earrings.  Do you have sensitive ears and don't wear too many earrings?  No problem, you'll find another type of surprise! 

Curious, but still have questions?  Are you asking how does it work?  It's easy!

Here's an insider's tip, make sure you patiently burn your candle!  Another great tip is that the initial burn should be three hours -- short burn times cause tunneling.  It makes sense, but I did not know that, did you?

After you unwrap your pretty new jewelry I'm sure you will be eager to find out it's worth.  Each piece is valued between $15 and $5,000.  Your sparkling surprise is labeled with a code.  Go to the appraisal page and enter that code.  

Hot Fudge Brownie

If you spend $45+ shipping is free.  Also, right now there is a $5 off coupon available on the website. (If the box doesn't automatically pop up for you click the red box on the right side.)

I'm excited to say that Jackpot Candles is sponsoring a giveaway! 

One lucky winner 

will receive their choice 

of candle (with jewelry!). 

Details and Important Information: Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  Winner must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  Social media is not affiliated with this giveaway.  Jackpot Candles is responsible for prize shipment and fulfillment.  Contact The Philosopher's Wife with any questions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yarn Fanatic Party #25

Welcome to the 25th Yarn Fanatic Party!

Did you see the Windmill Square Fat Bottom Bag linked up to last week's party?  Too cute!

When you're a blogger pageviews are exciting.  I'm always interested in seeing what other people like, lately this Mint Blue Elegant Hat has received quite a bit of attention.  I can't believe how much Catherine has grown in the past year!

Did you see Eye Love Knot's super cute hearts?

This week I have a really fun giveaway for you!  Buttons and Things is our lovely sponsor.  One winner will get one set of buttons (or magnets) of her choice.  Aren't these buttons fun?  Seriously, you have to check out all of her items!

Details and Important Information: Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  Winner must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  Social media is not affiliated with this giveaway.  Buttons and Things is responsible for prize shipment and fulfillment.  Contact The Philosopher's Wife with any questions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Time to party!

What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  It can be a new project or an old one.  (I would appreciate it though if it had not been linked up to a previous Yarn Fanatic Party.)  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Add my Yarn Fanatic Party button to your post or party page.


<div align="center">
<a href="http://philwife.blogspot.com/" title="The Philosopher's Wife"><img src="http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj172/thephilwife/150yfpbutton_zps8fd644fd.jpg" alt="The Philosopher's Wife" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

• Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots.
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  Personally I do a little happy dance every time I have a new comment -- and I bet that I'm not alone.  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts . . . eventually.)  
• If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

An InLinkz Link-up

Free (For A Limited Time) eGuides on Craftsy

The following are free through Saturday night (2/21/15).  These are my affiliate links.

eGuide: Understanding Exposure for Better Photos Now: Beginner Photography Tutorials

Cake Decorating

eGuide: Not-So-Basic Buttercream Decorating Ideas

Food & Cooking

eGuide: Delicious Doughnut Recipes You Can Make at Home

Paper Crafts

eGuide: 6+ Stash-Busting Paper Craft Projects

Drawing

eGuide: Drawing the Human Face: A Primer

Painting

eGuide: Beginner's Guide to the World of Watercolor

Gardening

eGuide: Success With Container Gardening

Woodworking

eGuide: Woodturning Basics for Beginners

WIPS: Booties, Hat, and Giveaway Reminder

It's especially cold here today, how is it where you are?  (Tonight's forecasted windchill is -22, which for this area is crazy!)

I whipped up some little booties for Dominic.  I used this pattern but used an H crochet hook and didn't put any decoration on the booties.  They are a little bit big, which unfortunately means that they are super easy for him to remove.  I do need to weave in the last two ends at some point.

I am still knitting my Mont Royal Hat.  I'm such a slow knitter in comparison to my crochet speed.  I also have an easier time holding the Little Guy and crocheting.  Knitting and cuddles just seem to be a sure recipe to poking an eye.

Have you visited this week's Yarn Fanatic Party?  It's a weekly party where you can link up your projects that use yarn.  I also try to have a giveaway every week!  This giveaway is a continuation of last week's.  Expression Fiber Arts is sponsoring this giveaway.  You could win a skein of the above yarn!  (Ends 2/22/15.  US only.)

I'm also hosting a beautiful handmade jewelry giveaway right now.  (Ends 2/22/15.  US only.)

A Collection of Crocheted Cakes and Cupcakes

These crocheted cakes and cupcakes all look delicious enough to eat. I just had to share them with you!  To make it even sweeter, click on the link below the picture to get to the free crochet pattern.

Source

Source

Source

Source 

Source

Source

I simply can't resist the chocolate and peanut butter combination, so I can't have a crocheted cake post without honorable mention going to the following paid pattern:

Peanut Butter Cake

So, which one is your favorite?

Yarn Fanatic Party #24

Welcome to the twenty-fourth Yarn Fanatic Party!

I really love looking through all of your projects every week!  Did you see Julie's Tea Cup Cozy?

Here's a bonus feature because it's particularly chilly this morning and this bright red hat by Silvia is just so cheery.

Alexandra and I both recently shared beanies on our blogs.  She shared newborn beanies and I shared a grown up beanie.  Be sure to check them out!

Have you entered the awesome yarn giveaway yet?  It's sponsored by Expression Fiber Arts and the yarn is truly scrumptious!

Enter to win a skein of Celestial 'Resilient' Superwash Merino Sock Yarn!

Details and Important Information: Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  Winner must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  Social media is not affiliated with this giveaway.  Expression Fiber Arts is responsible for prize shipment and fulfillment.  Contact The Philosopher's Wife with any questions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Time to party!

What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  It can be a new project or an old one.  (I would appreciate it though if it had not been linked up to a previous Yarn Fanatic Party.)  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Add my Yarn Fanatic Party button to your post or party page.


<div align="center">
<a href="http://philwife.blogspot.com/" title="The Philosopher's Wife"><img src="http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj172/thephilwife/150yfpbutton_zps8fd644fd.jpg" alt="The Philosopher's Wife" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

• Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots.
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  Personally I do a little happy dance every time I have a new comment -- and I bet that I'm not alone.  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts . . . eventually.)  
• If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

An InLinkz Link-up

Ergobaby Original Baby Carrier Giveaway (Ends 2/24) US

Welcome to the Ergobaby Original Baby Carrier Giveaway!

Sponsored by Babies"R"Us & What to Expect.comHosted by Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews Co-hosted by Stellar Manic Mommy and Momma Without a Clue

I love baby wearing, so I was very excited to be a part of this giveaway.  In my humble opinion, being able to keep a baby close, but also to keep my hands free is the only way to get anything accomplished!  

From the host:

Babies"R"Us's annual Love-It list, in partnership with go-to baby resource, What to Expect.com, is an annual guide for parents to simplify their baby registry needs. Winner of a “Moms Love-It” Award, the  Ergobaby Original Baby Carrier is a must-have for all babies!  These innovative baby carriers include mom-approved safety and security features, with adjustable padded shoulder straps and waist belt, a large zippered storage pocket, and an adjustable hood that keeps baby shielded at all times.
Features:

• Cradles baby in an ergonomic, natural sitting position

• Designed to distribute baby's weight between your hips and shoulders

• Offers three carry positions: front, back and hip

• 100% cotton shell and lining with reinforced stitching at the fabric intersections for durability

• Shoulder strap is padded with 1" thick, high-density PU foam for comfort

• Adjustable hood helps shield your child from the elements

• Large, zippered storage pocket helps keep essential items handy

• Machine washable

• Waist belt circumference range: 26" - 55"

• Shoulder strap length range: 24" - 44"

• Baby weight range: 7* - 45 lbs. (*Newborn with infant insert, sold separately)

The Ergobaby baby carrier is a staple with respected celeb parents globally, including Gwen Stefani, Orlando Bloom and Natalie Portman, to name a few. For more information on the Ergobaby Original Baby Carrier, check this out.

Enter below for your chance to win an 

Ergobaby Original Baby Carrier!

[a Rafflecopter giveaway ]

Disclosure: The Philosopher's Wife, Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews, Stellar Manic Mommy, Momma Without a Clue, nor any other participating bloggers received compensation for sharing this giveaway.   The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment.  Facebook and other social media is not affiliated with this giveaway.  Void where prohibited.    

Berries Blast Beanie with Red Heart Medley Yarn

This is a sponsored post.  I received this yarn from Red Heart. 

This Medley Yarn in Volcano from Red Heart is just so squishy and soft!  I was very happy that it came in the mail with my other goodies courtesy of Red Heart.

I did have some indecision on what to make with the yarn.  I have that a lot with yarn that I really love, don't you?  I wanted something that would only need one skein, so I did feel somewhat limited since 86 yards of yarn will only go so far.  I finally settled on one of Red Hear's patterns, Berries Blast Beanie.

The pattern is listed as an intermediate skill level, but I found it quite simple.  (I still think of myself as a beginner.)  The hat is worked in two parts, first the cable brim is knitted, and then you pick up stitches along the side and make the crown.  Everything is worked on straight needles and then sewn with a seam in the back.

While this pattern specifically calls for this yarn I can't quite decide if it truly highlights the yarn's vibrant personality.  Honestly, I think the beautiful cable detail gets lost in the color.  I think that the cable might be more prominent with a solid colored yarn.  What do you think?

The hat is my size, but it also fits my daughter's above average head quite nicely.  (Plus, she's a pretty cute model, right?)

I love sharing my projects around the web, you might find me at any of these places!

Rito Originals Opal Earrings Review

This is a sponsored post.  I received a pair of Opal Earrings in exchange for this review.  All opinions are entirely my own.

Photo Source: Rito Originals

I was an October baby.  That makes opal, or pink tourmaline, my birthstone.  Most of the time all that you see is pink tourmaline.  As a kid I liked that, because I was especially fond of pink.  To be honest, I still am quite fond of pink.  As a grown up I have really grown to love opals.  They have such depth and character!  Sadly, most of the opal jewelry that I've come across simply hasn't been my style at all or was outrageously expensive.

When I was browsing through Rito Originals jewelry I was very excited to see these simulated opal studs.  A pair of opal earrings that I loved!  Even better, they were created by Amber, a trusted jewelry designer and maker.  (I already have a pair of her freshwater pearl earrings that I reviewed a couple of years ago.  Also, she has five star rating on Etsy with over 1,300 sales!)  I knew that these earrings would be a wonderful for me!

These dainty studs are so pretty!  Just look at all those subtle colors and sparkle.  The simple bezel setting is the perfect compliment to the opals.  I think that these will be great every day casual earrings, but would also look stunning with a more formal little black dress.  What would you pair with them?

I'm so happy that I've finally found a pair of opal earrings that I like!

Connect with Rito Originals:

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Be sure to enter the $50 shop credit giveaway!  

(Ends 2/22/15.  US only.)

This was a sponsored post, filled with my honest opinions.

$50 Rito Originals Shop Credit Giveaway (Ends 2/22) US

About today's sponsor: Rito Originals creates unique pieces of jewelry that become wearable pieces of art. Every ring, earring, and necklace is a carefully handcrafted original design. Amber is the creative genius behind Rito Originals. In addition to her natural talent, she also has a Bachelor's degree in Art. Her shop name comes from a lifelong nickname, Rito. Needing an outlet for her creativity, Amber opened her Etsy shop after becoming a stay-at-home-mom. But as she says, "it has done so much more than that for me. It’s allowed me to continually stay home and raise my daughter while doing what I love best."

There are so many beautiful items in the shop!  I want to highlight a few of my favorites.

This heart necklace would be a perfect gift.  (Maybe a late St. Valentine's Day present?)

This set of birthstone rings would be perfect for any mother.

As an October baby, I personally was attracted to these Opal Studs (be sure to check out my review):

So, what do you think?  It's all beautiful, isn't it?  I'm so excited that Amber is generously sponsoring a giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a 

$50 Rito Originals Shop Credit.

Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  Rito Originals is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipment.  Social media is not affiliated with this giveaway.  Winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway