tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77872649252130024402024-03-13T22:39:32.503-07:00Sarah SimplifiesSarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-26661098272145608992011-03-24T12:35:00.001-07:002011-03-24T12:36:27.332-07:00Sarah Simplifies is Returning!Please keep your eyes open! Sarah Simplifies is coming back and will be better than ever!Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-10639295427933112542010-08-16T21:15:00.001-07:002010-08-16T21:33:22.311-07:00Christmas in July Giveaway Winners!First I'd like to take a minute to thank all of the incredible sponsors! I hope if you're already going on your holiday shopping or whenever you start that you will stop by the sponsors and hopefully find the perfect gift for someone on your holiday list!<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">Loriette’s Grammy</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36603767/sale-romantic-vintage-german-glass">The Shabby Boutique</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb’s Heartstrokes</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49?ref=top_trail">Meese49</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">The Painted Butterfly Studio </a></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>Mudpuppy Giveaway</strong><br />tina reynolds said...<br />I follow your blog eaglesforjack@gmail.com 6/8<br />JULY 30, 2010 8:05 PM<br />Loriette’s Grammy Giveaway<br />Chrystal said...<br />#6-Follow publicly via Google Friend Connect (Chrystal)<br /><br />chrystaljns @ gmail dot com<br />JULY 30, 2010 4:24 PM<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Shabby Boutique First Giveaway</strong><br />Julie said...<br />posted the Christmas in July button on my blog:<br /><br />http://vballmommy79.blogspot.com/<br /><br />entry 4<br /><br />jmatek@wi.rr.com<br />JULY 14, 2010 2:43 PM<br /><br /><br /><strong>Barb’s Heartstrokes giveaway</strong><br />kyla g said...<br />I'm a GFC follower! #6<br />irshsmil9 @ yahoo.com<br />JULY 29, 2010 11:25 AM<br /><br /><br /><strong>Elephant Tales Giveaway</strong><br /><br />Rachel C said...<br />entered Jess Kay designs 3<br />rach62803@yahoo.com<br />JULY 15, 2010 8:03 PM<br /><br /><br /><strong>Meese49 giveaway</strong><br />Snowflake07 said...<br />RSS feed subscriber #2<br />JULY 15, 2010 6:34 PM<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Shabby Boutique’s 2nd giveaway</strong><br />Jennifer said...<br />Entry#2<br />So Beautiful:)<br />AUGUST 14, 2010 6:04 AM<br /><br /><br />hondaray6 said... <br />follow on twitter- hondaray6 <br />August 15, 2010 8:22 AM<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Painted Butterfly Studio giveaway</strong><br />pam said...<br />I follow via google #1<br /><br />pamfreecycle@gmai.com<br />JULY 25, 2010 4:34 AMSarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-27878211160878352912010-08-05T20:00:00.001-07:002010-08-05T20:01:11.179-07:00JessKay Designs Winner....Congrats to the winner of the JessKay Designs giveaway! <br /><br />Mimi the kitten said... <br />Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter (@ThatKittenMimi) #2. <br /><br /><br />Thanks to all who participated!Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-29661819519540616482010-08-04T20:21:00.000-07:002010-08-04T20:29:45.135-07:00My Apologies!You know what? I love my readers! You guys are awesome! You stick around and read and if I've been away for awhile you come back! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You are beyond awesome!!! I do have to apologize because the Christmas in July event got cut short. Trust me- I'm VERY bummed about this because I had some more GREAT giveaways lined up. I am going to talk to the sponsors and see if they'd like to participate in our Christmas Countdown! I'm also going to extend all of the giveaways by a week and will change that info tomorrow. The only giveaway that is ending is the JessKay Designs giveaway & I will announce that winner tomorrow (why not draw out the suspense a bit more!)<br /><br />Also, just so you guys know I really don't just "blow off" the log I wasn't around because of a family emergency. My sister was pregnant with her second and having a really rough time of it. Her blood pressure sky rocketed but they wanted to wait until 39 weeks because of some issues my oldest nephew had when he was born (and he was a week late so they really wanted as much time as they could buy). I'm now the proud Aunt to Lucas William who is simply gorgeous but the little guy is having some severe jaundice issues. So at first I was taking care of my nephew so my sister could rest and then I was taking care of him because my sister had her C section and then Luke was in the hospital, released and then readmitted after 24 hours. He's home now but his bili numbers are on the rise again. Hopefully this can be controlled without him being admitted again. Anyway, just wanted to explain my absence. <br /><br />Remember- JessKay Designs giveaway posted tomorrow!<br /><br />SarahSarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-49712729921458007662010-07-19T21:16:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:33:22.195-07:00On the 8th Day of Christmas Painted Butterfly Studio giveawayI think you're really going to love tonight's giveaway! Julie from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio</a> is SOOOOOOOOO incredibly talented! If you have a little girl in your life one of the most fun things is dressing her right??? I remember when I was first introduced to the world of custom boutiques- wow! Fun stuff! Nothing like dressing your princess like the princess she is right? Julie is one of those women who makes incredible custom pieces for kids. Here is some of her work from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio</a>:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij22.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij22.jpg" /></a></p><br />Wouldn't this make an awesome Back to School outfit????<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij23.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij23.jpg" /></a></p><br />Gorgeous! Completely Gorgeous!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij24.jpg" /></a></p><br />I LOVE LOVE LOVE ME so I'm completely drooling over this!!!<br /><br />Have you gone over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio </a>to take a look around? If not what are you waiting for?????<br /><br />Julie is giving one Sarah Simplifies winner a personalized Gingerbread t-shirts up to a size 10. The shirt is a $25 value. AWESOME!!!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij21.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij21.jpg" /></a></p><br />Each piece of appliques are individually hand-drawn and cut, heat-bonded, securely satin stitched and inner stitches are covered with fusible bond for an itch-free finish. This particular tee features little buttons and some hand stitching as well! Wait- it gets better! Julie is offering every Sarah Simplifies reader that purchases from her from now until the end of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio </a>giveaway FREE SHIPPING!!! In the Message to Seller box tell her that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader and she will reimburse your shipping fee!<br /><br />Want to buy the shirt right now and not wait for the giveaway to end? Ok-<br />BUY IT <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">HERE</a></strong><br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio </a>and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">HERE</a></strong> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio </a>& telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my Christmas in July button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-seventh-day-of-christmas-more-shabby.html">JessKay Designs giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-first-day-of-christmas-mudpuppy.html">Mudpuppy giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-second-day-of-christmas-loriettes.html">Loriette's Grammy giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-fourth-day-of-christmas-barbs.html">Barb's Heartstrokes giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-fifth-day-of-christmas-elephant.html">Elephant Tales giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-sixth-day-of-christmas-meese49s.html">Meese49 giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio</a> a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedbutterfly?">Painted Butterfly Studio </a>(leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments)<br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway.<br /></em></span>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-7293775722661511772010-07-16T21:19:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:33:04.966-07:00On the Seventh Day of Christmas- more Shabby Boutique!!!I'm so sorry that I didn't get a post up last night. The best laid plans have a tendency of going awry don't they? Tonight there is a giveaway with two winners! Its sponsored by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> again. If you missed the first giveaway from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> please read it <strong><a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-third-day-of-christmas-shabby.html">HERE</a></strong>. Tonight's giveaway from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> are these lovely sand dollar rose ornaments. One has is tied with a blue ribbon and one with a pink ribbon. These are so delicate and dainty aren't they??!!!??<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij19.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij19.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij20.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij20.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij17.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij17.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij18.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij18.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />I've got some really exciting news too! If you sign up for Jewel's Blog <strong><a href="http://shabbyboutique.blogspot.com/">HERE</a></strong> and leave a comment that you're a Sarah Simplifies with your email address you will then get 20% off one Christmas item of your choice from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a>! Leave a message to seller saying that you are a reader from Sarah Simplifies and Jewel will then reimburse you the 20% via Paypal. Pretty cool, huh?<br /><br />So same rules as before but to lay it all out there again, here's the breakdown!<br /><br />Buy It: <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">HERE</a></strong><br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">HERE</a></strong> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> & telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my Christmas in July button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/06/jesskay-designs-giveaway.html">JessKay Designs giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-first-day-of-christmas-mudpuppy.html">Mudpuppy giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-second-day-of-christmas-loriettes.html">Loriette's Grammy giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-fourth-day-of-christmas-barbs.html">Barb's Heartstrokes giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-fifth-day-of-christmas-elephant.html">Elephant Tales giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-sixth-day-of-christmas-meese49s.html">Meese49 giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> (leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments)<br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway. </em></span>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-90501354358169368202010-07-14T20:34:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:32:45.501-07:00On the Sixth Day of Christmas, Meese49's Cigarbox Santa Purse Giveaway!I've always been kind of enthralled with cigar box purses. They just seem so whimsical! I saw this purse and knew that I had to ask for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">Meese49</a> to participate in our Christmas in July event! Check this out!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij16.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij16.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />Isn't that simply darling??!!!?? Michelle of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">Meese49</a> is just one of those truly crafty people. She makes seasonal seasons in pumpkins that are just awesome and tabletop decor. Take a peek:<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij14.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij14.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij15.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij15.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />I think the cleverness of using the funkins as the base of a decoration is unbelievable! I also might have to snatch the autumn tabletop decoration for myself. Fall is my favorite season and I'd love to decorate for it. Is it me or does it seem like there is a serious lack of autumn inspired decor?<br /><br />Michelle was kind enough to answer my holiday/craft questions. I love getting the insight to these really crafty people- don't you? Lets dig into Michelle's mind for a few minutes!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">What is your name? <span style="color:#009900;">Michelle Worley</span><br /><br />How long have you been selling on Etsy? <span style="color:#009900;">little over 2 years</span><br /><br />How did you pick your shops name? <span style="color:#009900;">I have a service dog who I named Moose as a puppy. My friends told me I should use the plural of moose=meese(lol) and that was that. The numbers are special to me.</span><br /><br />What is your favorite item in your shop?<span style="color:#009900;"> My pumpkins</span><br /><br />What is your favorite holiday? <span style="color:#009900;">Halloween</span><br /><br />What is your favorite Christmas memory or tradition? <span style="color:#009900;">Christmas light looking with my mom and dad in my pjs and going to McDonalds with my parents after Christmas Eve mass for dinner.<br /></span><br />What is your favorite Christmas song or carol? <span style="color:#009900;">I have a lot of favorites but the one I like to play on the piano and sing is Silent Night</span><br /><br />How long have you been crafting? <span style="color:#009900;">since I was 3 yrs old. How did you get started? My grandmothers sewed, knit and crochet. My mom is an Oil and Acrylics Painter, art teacher and sewer so I grew up around arts and crafts.<br /></span><br />What inspires or motivates you? <span style="color:#009900;">Nature, my 2 dogs, and music</span><br /><br />What advice would you give someone wanting to sell on Etsy? <span style="color:#009900;">Do what you enjoy and don't worry if anyone else will like it<br /></span><br /><br />What do you do, if anything, to try to live a greener lifestyle? <span style="color:#009900;">I have an Environmental Degree so I have done a lot with the water and animals in my area. I use recycle bags and try to use recycle items in my crafts where I can.<br /></span><br />If you could go on vacation anywhere where would you go? <span style="color:#009900;">Europe (Germany, the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Poland)<br /></span><br />Do you have a season or a favorite that is your favorite to create for? </span><span style="color:#009900;">I love the fall and winter months. In Fl we don't actually get seasons much but creating items for those seasons make it feel like fall and winter.<br /></span><br />So you know you want to bring this cigar box purse home and maybe even another holiday decoration. Here are the details!<br /><br />Buy It: <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49?ref=top_trail">HERE</a></strong><br />Michelle is also being kind enough to offer a 15% discount to Sarah Simplifies readers! When you check out with your item enter "<strong>JulyBlog15</strong>" in the messages to seller box. Then you will receive a 15% discount sent to your paypal account. Pretty cool huh?!!?<br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">Meese49</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">HERE</a> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">Meese49</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">Meese49</a> & telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my Christmas in July button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/06/jesskay-designs-giveaway.html">JessKay Designs giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-first-day-of-christmas-mudpuppy.html">Mudpuppy giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-second-day-of-christmas-loriettes.html">Loriette's Grammy giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-third-day-of-christmas-shabby.html">Shabby Boutique giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-fourth-day-of-christmas-barbs.html">Barb's Heartstrokes giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-fifth-day-of-christmas-elephant.html">Elephant Tales giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">Meese49</a> a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meese49">Meese49</a> (leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments) Don't forget about that discount code! :)<br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway.<br /></em></span>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-77716356189682142582010-07-13T21:58:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:32:12.402-07:00On the Fifth Day of Christmas: Elephant Tales GiveawayAre you guys having an awesome Christmas in July yet??!!!?? Tonight's giveaway is a personalized hanging block from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a>. Susan the owner of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a> is one really, really crafty lady! Her shop offers personalized wooden blocks, personalized wooden yo-yo's, bottle cap jewelry, Tooth Fairy bottles, art clips and much more! Take a look!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij9.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij9.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij10.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij10.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij11.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij11.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij12.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij12.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />Pretty cool stuff, huh??? :) I thought you might like it! This is what <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a> is contributing to the Christmas in July Event:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij8.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij8.jpg" /></a></p><br />The winner will be able to choose any type of personalized wooden block, birth announcement, wedding block, baptism block or Christmas ornament block.<br /><br />Want to know how you can bring home an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a> wooden block?<br />Buy It: <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">HERE</a></strong><br /><br />Want to know how to win?<br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">HERE</a></strong> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a> & telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my Christmas in July button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/06/jesskay-designs-giveaway.html">JessKay Designs giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-first-day-of-christmas-mudpuppy.html">Mudpuppy giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-second-day-of-christmas-loriettes.html">Loriette's Grammy giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-third-day-of-christmas-shabby.html">Shabby Boutique giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-fourth-day-of-christmas-barbs.html">Barb's Heartstrokes giveaway </a>3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a> a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elephanttales">Elephant Tales</a> (leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments)<br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway.</em><br /></span>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-80740540254447602902010-07-12T20:48:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:31:48.881-07:00On the fourth day of Christmas, Barb's Heartstrokes GiveawaySo did y'all have a good weekend? I took my daughter to a children's museum about 45 minutes from here & she had a ball! I must say that it was very nicely put together! The water table & acrylic wall painting were definitely the highlights! Are you ready for a bit more Christmas in July fun? I sure am! After weeding the garden a bit this summer & trading gardening notes with my cousin this weekend in some way too humid weather I must admit that Christmas seems kind of nice in theory (someone remind me of that when we're buried in snow- we had a fuzzy bear caterpillar on the porch last week that was WAY furry!)<br /><br />Anyway, its time for our next Christmas in July giveaway! This giveaway is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a>, another incredible etsy.com shop. I know that I shared my love with the shabby style with you last week. The other style that I absolutely adore is the whole country/primitive look. I love the homey, comfortable feel to it. I love getting issues of <a href="http://www.sampler.com/">Country Sampler magazine</a> and marking items for my wish list! Especially when it comes to Christmas decorating. Barb of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a> has absolutely captured that feel in her work. Her medium is hand painting on fiberglass black screen material and it is absolutely INCREDIBLE! I was showing my daughter some of Barb's pieces the other day and she literally wanted to bring all of them home!<br /><br />Here are some samples of Barb's work<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij5.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij5.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij6.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij6.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij7.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij7.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />Barb was kind enough to share some of her insights and holiday favorites with us!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">1. What is your name? <span style="color:#009900;">Barb Stock</span><br />2. How long have you been selling on Etsy? <span style="color:#009900;">Brand new since April 2010</span><br />3. How did you pick your shops name? ‘<span style="color:#009900;">Heartstrokes ’ came about because I was an Intensive Care Cardiac nurse and was learning to paint. So between my job and learning to paint they were both quite a challenge. But anything that is a challenge usually is worth it. So when I started a business it seemed natural to combine the two.<br /></span>4. What is your favorite item in your shop? </span><span style="color:#009900;">That is a hard question to answer…I end up falling in love with what ever I happen to be painting at the present time. But my latest favorite is<br /></span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij4.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij4.jpg" /></a></p><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">I love this Witch!<br />5. What is your favorite holiday? <span style="color:#009900;">Actually Halloween</span><br />6. What is your favorite Christmas memory or tradition? <span style="color:#009900;">Since marrying my husband every Christmas Eve we light traditional luminaries in our driveway and side walk to guide the Christ child to our house. My children get the biggest thrill out of that.<br /></span>7. What is your favorite Christmas song or carol? <span style="color:#009900;">O Holy Night</span><br />8. How long have you been crafting? <span style="color:#009900;">I have been painting for about 14 years.<br />How did you get started? My husband was in the Air force and was deployed overseas so I took an acrylic painting class at a local craft store and loved it!</span><br />9. What inspires or motivates you? <span style="color:#009900;">Fun whimsical patterns and COLORS!<br /></span>10. What advice would you give someone wanting to sell on Etsy? <span style="color:#009900;">Jump in and get started. I wanted to do it for awhile but was to timid to start. It is quite a leaning curve and everyday there is something new to learn. But all the fun people I have met along the way have been by far the greatest part.<br /></span>11. Do you have a favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)? <span style="color:#009900;">Look at Dimdi’s watercolor art work at <span style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dimdi">http://www.etsy.com/shop/dimdi</a></span> It is incredible to me.</span><br />12. What do you do, if anything, to try to live a greener lifestyle? <span style="color:#009900;">I grew up with parents that insisted we recycle, reuse, and reduce on everything so it has always been apart of my life. We grow, can, and freeze most of our food. We try to walk instead of taking the car and that has help not only cut down on gas money but we have become healthier.<br /></span>13. If you could go on vacation anywhere where would you go? <span style="color:#009900;">Antarctic. My son loves penguins and it is a land that looks very intriguing to me.<br /></span>14. Do you have a season or a favorite that is your favorite to create for? </span><span style="color:#009900;">Each one has a special feeling and it is the colors that attract me. Once I am tired of orange, purples, and black of Halloween I move to the reds and greens of Christmas then on to the blues of winter then there is all the bright colors of Spring!<br /></span><br /><br />Don't you just love the way the colors Barb uses just pop against the black background??? The winner of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a> giveaway is going to receive this darling ornament<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij.jpg" /></a></p>So you want to know how to win it, right? Read on my friend!<br /><br />Buy It:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes </a><strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">HERE</a></strong><br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong>HERE</strong> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a> & telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my Christmas in July button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/06/jesskay-designs-giveaway.html">JessKay Designs</a> giveaway 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-first-day-of-christmas-mudpuppy.html">Mudpuppy giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-second-day-of-christmas-loriettes.html">Loriette's Grammy</a> giveaway 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-third-day-of-christmas-shabby.html">Shabby Boutique giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a> a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes?ref=top_trail">Barb's Heartstrokes</a> (leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments)<br /><br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway.</em></span><br /><br /><a href="http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/kk238/Sarahstationary/Christmas/?action=view&current=Sarah_ss_christmas1.gif" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk238/Sarahstationary/Christmas/Sarah_ss_christmas1.gif" /></a>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-31613811859065561122010-07-09T15:21:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:31:21.486-07:00On the Third Day of Christmas: The Shabby Boutique GiveawayThe owner of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> has so generously decided to giveaway several items in the Sarah Simplifies Christmas in July event. Today I'm sharing the first one with you. I must confess that I'm a huge fan of the whole shabby style! I think its because I was brought up having a "thing" for roses and roses figure so prominently in the Shabby style. My middle name is Rose after my Mom's paternal grandmother and its also my daughters name as well. When I was born my dad had a tea rose corsage made and put on my hospital gown (see what I mean when I say I was brought up having a "thing" for roses???).<br /><br />So lets take a peek at what <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> is giving away today!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij3.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=cij5.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/cij5.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />Don't you just love it??!!!?? It makes me what to have Christmas rolling around the corner instead of dealing with highs in the high 80's! So you want to know how to win this lovely right? Ask and ye shall receive!<br /><br />Buy It:<br />Go <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36603767/sale-romantic-vintage-german-glass">HERE</a></strong><br /><br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">HERE</a></strong> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique </a>& telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my Christmas in July button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/06/jesskay-designs-giveaway.html">JessKay Designs</a> giveaway 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-first-day-of-christmas-mudpuppy.html">Mudpuppy giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-second-day-of-christmas-loriettes.html">Loriette's Grammy Giveaway</a> 3 entries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyBoutique?ref=top_trail">The Shabby Boutique</a> (leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments)<br />and just for fun<br />-Leave a comment telling your favorite memory for 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br /><br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway. </em></span><br /><br /><a href="http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/kk238/Sarahstationary/Christmas/?action=view¤t=SarahSnoGlbTree-vi.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk238/Sarahstationary/Christmas/SarahSnoGlbTree-vi.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-83165063736011867772010-07-09T09:05:00.000-07:002010-07-09T09:12:20.339-07:00Gulf Coast SpillI wanted to share this website with all of you. Please in no way think I am encouraging you to give money to the effort or the organizations listed on this site. If you can- wonderful. If you can't- that's ok too. There are many other things you can do. Salons here are gathering the clippings from customers haircuts and sending them to a company that makes mats of hair that helps absorb the oil. It just seems as time goes by the crisis is getting the attention it was although the need is still very real. I was so proud of my daughter when she saw a brown pelican covered in oil and demanded to know what she could do to help. It was such a wonderful teaching opportunity! The organizations listed here are also by no means the only ones worthy of helping with this crisis- I'm just sharing this as a starting point. Please share this with friends, family, fellow bloggers and tweet about it! Every little bit helps!<br /><br />Network for Good Help animals and wildlife threatened by the oil spill <strong><a href="http://www1.networkforgood.org/gulf-coast-oil-spill?source=AOL&cmpgn=CRS"><span style="font-size:180%;">HERE</span></a></strong>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-22000594453677876432010-07-08T19:58:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:30:56.458-07:00On the second day of Christmas- Loriette's Grammy GiveawayI know y'all know about my love for Etsy and you're going to see LOTS of Etsy shops in the Christmas in July giveaway. Etsy is so awesome in so many ways. It is crafted items that are made with care- isn't that the kind of item you want to buy- and give? Our next Christmas in July Giveaway is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">Loriette's Grammy</a>. Barbara is the owner of Loriette's Grammy and was kind enough to do an interview as part of the giveaway. Grab a cup of tea (iced is ok!) and join us for awhile!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">-What is your name? <span style="color:#009900;">Barbara Redmon, or Barbilu</span><br />-How long have you been selling on Etsy? <span style="color:#009900;">About 2 years</span><br />-How did you pick your shops name? <span style="color:#009900;">This shop is based on my first grand child's middle name, and the name is a tribute to her two great grand mothers. Mariette and Lola, making Loriette. I do wish I had thought this out better, as it would have been Loriette's Designs.<br /></span>-What is your favorite item in your shop? <span style="color:#009900;">This is my favorite thing in my shop and has been for quite some time. I would love to put it on my bed and would if it were not for the husband.<br /></span><span style="color:#3333ff;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32312841/ooak-shabby-chic-in-pink-and-grays-throw">http://www.etsy.com/listing/32312841/ooak-shabby-chic-in-pink-and-grays-throw</a></span><br />-What is your favorite holiday? <span style="color:#009900;">Christmas</span><br />-What is your favorite Christmas memory or tradition?<span style="color:#009900;"> Christmas Morning with the children. The happy faces and joy of anyone receiving a gift that you have picked out especially for them or created especially for them is what makes it all so fun.<br /></span>-What is your favorite Christmas song or carol? <span style="color:#009900;">Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, well there are more too... but you did say a favorite.. I love lots of them.<br /></span>-How long have you been crafting? How did you get started? <span style="color:#009900;">All my life in some way or another. I grew up with a very creative mother. She started sewing at age 3. She was from Belgium and they had a flat in Paris, where she would go with sketch pad in hand to the designer stores and go home and make the outfit. I am not as good as her in the clothing making, but I do like to make my way in the design of household items and my brooches etc.<br /></span>-What inspires or motivates you? <span style="color:#009900;">Everything, I love flowers and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, but odd things inspire me as well... and I strive to recycle/upcycle/repurpos as much as I can. Other things that inspire me, Babies, dancing girls, the color of food, lollipops, blueberries, pigtails, the texture of nature, like rocks, dirt, moss growing on a tree and the list goes on and on.<br /></span>-What advice would you give someone wanting to sell on Etsy? <span style="color:#009900;">List every day if you can at different times in the day and take great pictures.</span><br />-Do you have a favorite Etsy shop (other than yours).. <span style="color:#009900;">way to many of them and they are always changing. A few that I find I keep finding something I like and what do you know it is so and so.<br /></span>-What do you do, if anything, to try to live a greener lifestyle? <span style="color:#009900;">Oh, drive my family nuts...compost all food and paper and some other things... also recycle everything I can... from the container the strawberries come in to cereal boxes (I use to ship things in them) to tiny pieces of fabric. I grow some of my own food and I buy green/organic as much as I can. I just had a guy come and remove the bees from a hornets hive from my home in as humane a way as possible. They freeze them and milk them of their venom and this does not kill them. I found it very interesting. My husband would have loved to kill them, but I would not let him.<br /></span>-If you could go on vacation anywhere where would you go? <span style="color:#009900;">To a cabin on a lake and bring my sewing machine and crafting materials, a book to read and fresh food... and by myself would be good. I love my alone time.</span><br />-Do you have a season or a favorite that is your favorite to create for? </span><span style="color:#009900;">I love to create for eclectic people, and when I find someone who enjoys my things then I am inspired to get even more creative </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">So would you like to see what Barbara is giving away? </span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogcij1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogcij1.jpg" /></a></p>Love it don't you???? :) I knew you would! Barbara makes the most awesome brooches, bracelets and baubles! You SO need to go to her shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">Loriette's Grammy</a> and check things out! I'm just jealous of anyone that can make yo- yo's! I'm relatively crafty but those just don't happen for me! So, in the spirit of giving Barbara is giving away this darling brooch and without further ado I'm going to tell you how to win it!<br /><br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">Loriette's Grammy</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">HERE</a></strong> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">Loriette's Grammy</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to Mudpuppy & telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my Christmas in July button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/06/jesskay-designs-giveaway.html">JessKay Designs giveaway </a>3 enteries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Enter the <a href="http://sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-first-day-of-christmas-mudpuppy.html">Mudpuppy giveaway</a> 3 enteries (leave 3 comments w/ your email)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">Loriette's Grammy</a> a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorietteGrammy?ref=top_trail">Loriette's Grammy </a>(leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments)<br /><br /><br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway.</em></span><em> </em><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-86765452251176394962010-07-07T19:52:00.000-07:002010-08-07T20:29:26.952-07:00On the first Day of Christmas.... Mudpuppy Review & Giveaway!Thanks so much for being patient! I really had this all set up & ready to roll on July 1st. Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans right? My mom gets epidural cortisone shots for her back. Well, the last one went awry and she started suffering from spinal fluid headaches as well as her legs not wanting to work. The Dr. decided against a blood patch instead seeing if it would heal itself. Thankfully for the most part it has. My mom isn't 100% but she's WAY better than she was! Now...on to the good stuff, right????<br /><br />This month we're doing an ENTIRE month of Christmas giveaways! The first up is an oh so cute Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer cube puzzle from <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a>! This thing is so darling! My daughter is quite the puzzle aficionado and its an area that she has absolutely no delays in. Therefore, I LOVE shopping for new puzzles for her. Also, my family is a bit over the top when it comes to Christmas. I knew I had this Christmas in July event coming up and when I saw all of the super cute Christmas items <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a> has to offer I knew I'd found a fit! <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a> has sticker scene sets, advent calendars & puzzles. I love knowing that I can get something for my daughter that actually has a good chance of being liked more than the box it comes in (c'mon- all of you parents know what I mean!). Here are a few pics of <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppys</a> offerings:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogmp2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogmp2.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogmp3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogmp3.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />and this little cutie that <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a> sent me to review! Its also going to come live with a lucky Sarah Simplifies reader!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogmp1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogmp1.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />I've got to say that first of my daughter loved this puzzle. Secondly this isn't your cheapo might last for a few weeks kind of puzzle. This was a great, bright printed graphic on a nice thick base. This puzzle can definitely make it through a few holiday seasons and most likely more than one child! So, you want to know how to get this puzzle? Well, I'm here to serve!<br /><br />Buy It:<br />Go to Mudpuppy <strong><a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">HERE</a></strong><br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong><a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">HERE</a></strong> to go to <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />So just for publicly following Sarah Simplifies and going to <a href="http://mudpuppy.com/">Mudpuppy</a> & telling me what you'd love to bring home you will get 9, count them, 9 entries!<br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Add my button to your blog 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Enter the JessaKay Designs giveaway 3 enteries (leave 3 comments)<br /><br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on August 15th. Any comments left after August 15th 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Please make sure that you have a visible email link or include it in your entry<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on August 16th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br />Open to US and Canadian residents only<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway.</em> </span><br /><a href="http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/kk238/Sarahstationary/Christmas/?action=view&current=SarahNoel-vi.gif" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk238/Sarahstationary/Christmas/SarahNoel-vi.gif" /></a>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-77739247939096887692010-06-23T11:49:00.000-07:002010-07-08T11:59:02.787-07:00JessKay Designs GiveawayI'm so excited about this giveaway! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs</a> has GORGEOUS jewelry! Seriously! I'm not kidding! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these:<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogearrings3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogearrings3.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">and how cute is this:</p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogearrings5.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogearrings5.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />and aren't these to die for?????<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogearrings6.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogearrings6.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />Ok, now take a second to wipe your chin because I know you're drooling over <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs</a> just like I was! Here's the best part! Jessica from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs</a> is giving one Sarah Simplifies reader these beautiful earrings<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogearrings.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogearrings.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/?action=view&current=blogearrings2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad167/SarahSimplifies/blogearrings2.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />So I'm sure you're asking yourself where you can find <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs</a>. Ask and ye shall receive! Just click <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">HERE</a></strong><br /><br />Buy It:<br />JessKay Designs <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">HERE</a></strong><br /><br />Win It:<br />Mandatory: This must be done or all other entries will be deleted.<br />1)Publicly follow Sarah Simplifies (this has to show up on your Dashboard for it to count)leave a comment that you are a Sarah Simplifies follower- counts as 8 entries (leave 8 comments)<br />2) Head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs</a> and take a look around. Come back here and leave a comment of what your favorite item is. Click <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">HERE</a></strong> to go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs</a>- 1 entry (leave 1 comment)<br />If you are not a blogger you can send an email to 8 people and CC me at SarahSimplifies@yahoo.com since you cannot publicly follow and receive your 8 entries that way.<br /><br /><br />Extra Entries:<br />-Blog about this contest and leave a link worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Subscribe to Sarah Simplifies worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Facebook <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Simplifies/100000905675398">HERE</a></strong> worth 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Twitter <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SarahSimplifies">HERE</a></strong> worth 5 entries (leave 5 comments)<br />-Make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs </a>a favorite store if you are an etsy.com buyer worth 2 entry (leave 2 comments)<br />-Buy something from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessKayDesigns">JessKay Designs </a>(leave a message that you're a Sarah Simplifies reader) 10 entries (leave 10 comments)<br />-Follow Sarah Simplifies on Networked Blogs 3 entries (leave 3 comments)<br /><br /><br />Now for the fine print:<br />The giveaway will end on July 23rd. Any comments left after July 23rd 11:59PM CST will not be counted<br />Winner will randomly be chosen from all entries<br />Winner will be notified on July 24th of their lucky win! They will have 72 hours in which to claim their prize. If the prize in not claimed within that time frame another winner is chosen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and/or giveaway.</em><br /></span>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com194tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-40175798420132510582010-06-23T11:42:00.003-07:002010-06-23T11:43:17.665-07:00SmartKnitKIDS® Giveaway Winner is:Rachel C<br /><br />Congrats! I'll email you in a few minutes!!!<br /><br />SarahSarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-87337672118632077422010-06-23T11:42:00.001-07:002010-06-23T11:42:59.421-07:00SmartKnitKIDS® Giveaway Winner is:Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-83073026559970612992010-06-23T11:41:00.000-07:002010-06-23T11:42:14.095-07:00Seize the Night Designs Giveaway WinnerCongrats the winner of the Seize the Night Designs Giveaway Winner is:<br /><br />jeni@pnkgeeni said... <br />I am publicly following your blog - 1<br /><br />June 8, 2010 3:52 PM <br /><br /><br />I'll send you an email in a few minutes!<br /><br />SarahSarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-23771559755179399432010-06-21T10:57:00.000-07:002010-06-21T10:59:04.681-07:00July EventOh, just a bit of a teaser because I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited about the July event coming up and I want y'all to be psyched too! It's going to be SO awesome! If anyone knows how to make a button for a blog could you drop me an email????? Thanks!<br /><br /><br />SarahSarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-89164991062692331482010-06-21T10:53:00.000-07:002010-06-21T10:55:08.025-07:00Boogie Wipes Giveaway WinnerThe winner of the Boogie Wipes Giveaway is.....<br /><br />Boogie Wipes Winner is:<br />USCGWifey said... <br />Sent request for facebook Cara G<br />uscgwifey at gmail dot com<br />MAY 22, 2010 5:14 AM <br /><br /><br />I will send you an email in a second! Congrats!!!Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-18650265665008036202010-06-21T10:34:00.000-07:002010-06-21T10:46:45.396-07:00I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaackkkkk!Thanks for understanding about me needing some time to get my daughter settled into a summer routine! I've come up with a daily schedule that runs in 1/2 hour incriments. Hopefully my dd will stay interested without getting bored. At this point I just want to make sure she doesn't lose too many skills over the summer. The wonderful school district here fired all the therapists at the end of the school year so they could hire in newer, less experienced (and cheaper) therapist.<br /><br />We bought some fairytale eggplants yesterday. If you don't like the bitterness that sometimes accompanies eggplants you have to try these! They are mini eggplants (about 4 1/2 inches) with very few if any seeds and no bitterness! My parents also started a fairy garden for my daughter as part of her birthday gift. So far she has a mini rose bush, some thyme thats a ground cover and a purple flower that I forgot the name of. Next up on our agenda is a trip to Chicago tomorrow to Shriners Hospital. My daughter hasn't seen her plastic surgeon in 2 years and the developmental psychologist in 3 years. I can't say that I'm looking forward to the trip. We usually drive up and back in 1 day. They will also decide when my daughters next surgery is. Fun stuff I tell you! So what all have you been up to? I'm going to announce winners for a few giveaways and then post a giveaway in a bit! Hope you're having a great summer!<br /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/142/186191E271F8488FA7453F22D0578F15.png" />Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-39478947791495027332010-06-17T12:34:00.000-07:002010-06-17T12:36:24.702-07:00I really haven't disappeared!I'm sorry if it seems that way! My daughters birthday was last week & in addition I've spent some time trying to get her set up in a summer schedule. My daughter is one of those kids that needs a strict schedule to adhere to and summer always throws her for a loop! We met with her Occupational Therapist last week and I think I've come up with a good game plan. I will be back full force next week! Stay tuned because you're going to love, I mean really LOVE, the July event coming!!!! Thanks for understanding!<br /><br />SarahSarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-9370465908319066382010-06-09T06:23:00.000-07:002010-06-09T06:24:26.639-07:00Jazzy's Crochet Giveaway Winner is....LIZ said... <br />hi, i am follower<br /><br />email me :)<br />liz_crowny@yahoo.com<br />pintaliztiirene.blogspot.com<br /><br />thankies for helding this giveaway<br /><br />#4<br /><br /><br />I will send you an email right now- CONGRATS!!!!!!!!Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-39514463761824711752010-06-09T06:01:00.001-07:002010-06-09T06:21:04.078-07:00Dapple ReviewI had the pleasure of testing a couple of Dapple products so I could offer this review. I was sent a travel size <a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/dapple-dish-liquid.html">Dapple Dish Liquid</a> and a package of <a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/dapple-toy-cleaner-wipes.html">Dapple Toy Cleaner Wipes </a>in travel size. I've been washing my dishes in "green" dish liquids for quite awhile now. For the most part I just grab whatever is at WalMart or the grocery store- you know what I mean- Seventh Generation and Clorox Green Works. I've always been happy with those products and like that if my daughter wants to help do dishes its safe enough for her to use. I've got to say that now I'm a HUGE <a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/dapple-dish-liquid.html">Dapple Dish Liquid </a>fan. It washes dishes so well and leaves them squeaky clean. Seriously- the squeaked! I think its because <a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/dapple-dish-liquid.html">Dapple Dish Liquid </a>has some baking soda in it. I've read in the past that adding either vinegar or baking soda to your dish pan or liquid would help clean. Well, vinegar separates and if you have any open cuts it hurts. Since I tried Dapple and fell in love with it I used it all up and then went back to a bottle of dish liquid under the sink. I tried adding baking soda to that. Well the baking soda all settled on the bottom and would remix well until I was near the bottom of the bottle and could really shake it up well. This was never the case with the <a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/dapple-dish-liquid.html">Dapple Dish Liquid</a>. That was the definite selling point for Dapple! It was just a lovely clear liquid that did an amazing job. I also like that there are refill packs available for <a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/dapple-dish-liquid.html">Dapple Dish Liquid</a>. The <a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/dapple-toy-cleaner-wipes.html">Dapple toy wipes </a>were just as wonderful. The pack fit in my purse and I was able to whip one out when we were at lunch with my nephew & he dropped a toy he was playing with. I love that it wasn't too wet- because you know that they'd drop the toy right away again. I can see how the toy wipes would be a huge asset to any family traveling or that has young kids that still have a case of the "oops dropsy's".<br /><br />Dapple products are available at buybuybaby.com, bedbathandbeyond.com, ToysRUs.com and Diapers.com, or click <strong><a href="http://www.dapplebaby.com/find-retailer.html">HERE</a></strong> to find a store near you.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Disclaimer- <em>NO monetary payments were received for this post. A complimentary product/service was provided to facilitate this review. However all opinions expressed are my own. Different people may have different experiences with products and/or the company. I was not compensated in any other way for this review.</em></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/142/186191E271F8488FA7453F22D0578F15.png" /></a>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-70641832885158778142010-06-04T12:37:00.000-07:002010-06-04T15:39:27.677-07:00Giveaway Roundup!This weeks Giveaway Roundup is HUGE!!! Have fun- remember you can't win if you don't enter!!!<br /><br /><br />-One Scrappy Mom is giving away a Hoover Floormate <strong><a href="http://onescrappymom.com/2010/05/good-bye-mop-hello-hoover/">HERE</a></strong><br />-Leslie Loves Veggies has an Honest Tea Half & Half giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/2010/05/honest-tea-case-of-half-half-and.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Frugal Mommy of 2 girls has a Glitter Me Tees jewelry giveaway <strong><a href="http://frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/2010/05/glitter-me-tees-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Piece of Me has a Coleman/ Sterns Puddle Jumper giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.makingmyamericandream.com/2010/05/coleman-review-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Love Comma Ashley has a Lily Organics basket giveaway <strong><a href="http://lovecommaashlee.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilys-organic-review-and-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />http://www.lilyorganics.com<br />-Mommie 911 has a Seventh Generation giveaway with some great cleaning tips <strong><a href="http://www.mommie911.com/blog/2010/05/19/get-your-house-to-sparkle-without-the-toxic-chemicals-a-giveaway-and-tips-from-seventh-generation/">HERE</a></strong><br />-This Mom Loves has an anniversary giveaway <strong><a href="http://thismomloves.blogspot.com/2010/05/special-anniversary-and-giveaway-for.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Oh My Giveaways has a Maggie's Soap Nuts giveaway <strong><a href="http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2010/05/maggies-soap-nuts-review-giveaway_23.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Leslie Loves Veggies has a Fortunes to live By necklace giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/2010/05/fortunes-to-live-by-silver-pendant.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Frugal Plus has a Crock Pot Fix It and Forget It giveaway <strong><a href="http://frugalplus.com/fix-it-and-forget-it-cookbook-by-phyllis-pellman-good-giveaway/">HERE</a></strong><br />-Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife has a My Baby Clothes Boutique Giveaway <strong><a href="http://confessions-of-a-psychotic-housewife.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway-my-baby-clothes-gift.html">HERE</a></strong><br />http://www.mybabyclothesboutique.com/<br />-Mom Dot Com has a Nestle (and Freezer) giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.momdot.com/nestle-ice-cream">HERE</a></strong><br />-The Life of a Coast Guard Wife as an All Natural Makeup giveaway <strong><a href="http://thelifeofacoastguardwife.blogspot.com/2010/05/all-natural-face-review-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Getting Kinda Crunchy has a Meridane Design giveaway <strong><a href="http://gettingkindacrunchy.blogspot.com/2010/05/meridane-designs-review-and-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Geting Kinda Crunchy has a Fling Bins giveaway <strong><a href="http://gettingkindacrunchy.blogspot.com/2010/05/flings-bins-review-and-giveaway-us-only.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Getting Kinda Crunchy has a wee little changes reuseable snack bag giveaway <strong><a href="http://gettingkindacrunchy.blogspot.com/2010/05/wee-little-changes-reusable-snack-bag.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mom's Focus on Cyber World has a Tribest Single Serving Blender/Grinder PB-250 giveaway <strong><a href="http://momsfocusonline.com/tribest-single-serving-blendergrinder-pb-250-bpa-free-giveawayarv-75-value.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Leslie Loves Veggies has a Pedia Lax Gummie Fiber giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/2010/05/pedia-lax-fiber-gummies-giveaway-3.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Leslie Loves Veggies has a Viva Vegan Cookbook giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/2010/05/viva-vegan-cook-book-giveaway-2-winners.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Leslie Loves Veggies has a copy of Cooking with Chef Michelle to giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/2010/05/cooking-with-chef-michelle-delicious.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-3 Kids and Us has a Nestle and freezer giveaway <strong><a href="http://3kidsandus.com/2010/stock-up-on-nestle-ice-cream-varieties-at-sams-club-500-freezer-giveaway/">HERE</a></strong><br />-3 Kids and Us has a Cooking with Paula Deen cookware giveaway <strong><a href="http://3kidsandus.com/2010/cooking-with-paula-deen-12pc-cookware-review-giveaway/">HERE</a></strong><br />-Leslie Loves Veggies has a Slant glassware giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/2010/05/slant-set-of-4-martini-or-margarita.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Leslie Loves Veggies has a Gayles Sweet N Sassy BBQ giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/2010/05/gayles-sweet-n-sassy-bbq-sauce-huge.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Shrimp Salad Circus has a Shelly Frances Mineral Makeup Giveaway <strong><a href="http://shrimpsaladcircus.blogspot.com/2010/05/handmade-feature-and-giveaway-shelly.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mom's Focus on Cyber World has a Little Luvee giveaway <strong><a href="http://momsfocusonline.com/little-luvee-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mom's Focus on Cyber World is giving away a copy of Tooth Fairy <strong><a href="http://momsfocusonline.com/tooth-fairy-dvd-giveaway-2-winners.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mom's Focus on Cyber World has a Michael Angelo giveaway <strong><a href="http://momsfocusonline.com/michael-angelo%E2%80%99s-gourmet-foods-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mom's Focus on Cyber World has a My Lip Stuff giveaway <strong><a href="http://momsfocusonline.com/my-lip-stuff-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Kristie's List has a CSN stores giveaway <strong><a href="http://kristieslist.blogspot.com/2010/05/csn-stores-review-and-giveaway-is-here.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-The Life of a Coast Guard Wife has a Overall Beauty giveaway <strong><a href="http://thelifeofacoastguardwife.blogspot.com/2010/05/overall-beauty-review-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mommy Kat & Kids has a Boon meal giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.mommykatandkids.com/2010/05/boon-groovy-plate-and-bowl-set-review.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mommy Kat & Kids has a DIY Sock Monkey giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.mommykatandkids.com/2010/05/sockmonkeynet-kit-review-and-giveaway.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Liz has a Life has a Dripstick giveaway <strong><a href="http://lizhasalife.com/2010/05/25/dripstik-prize-package-giveaway-from-price-products-66/">HERE</a></strong><br />-Wild and Precious has a Birthday Jewelry from Spain giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.wild-and-precious.com/2010/05/birthday-giveaway-jewelry-from-spain.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mommy's Idea has a Kidscraft giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.mommysidea.com/2010/05/win-kids-craft-playhouse.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-My Family Treat has a Lunch Punch giveaway <strong><a href="http://cucinafamiglia.blogspot.com/2010/05/lunch-punch-giveaway-and-review.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-EcoKaren has a Clean & Green Giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.ecokaren.com/2010/06/clean-green-review-and-giveaway/">HERE</a></strong><br />-One Scrappy Mom has a Make Your Eyes Shimmer Giveaway <strong><a href="http://onescrappymom.com/2010/06/make-your-eyes-lips-shimmer/">HERE</a></strong><br />-A Pina Colada has a CSN stores giveaway <strong><a href="http://apinacolada.blogspot.com/2010/06/giveaway-from-csn-stores.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Trapped Between a Scream and a Hug has a Cuddle Ems giveaway <strong><a href="http://screamandhug.blogspot.com/2010/05/monday-giveaway-cuddle-ums.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mommies with Cents have a Nap Nanny Giveaway <strong><a href="http://mommieswithcents.com/2010/05/review-giveaway-nap-nanny.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-Midday Escapes has a Zuvo Water Purifier Giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.middayescapades.com/2010/05/take-two-giveaway-zuvo-water-purator.html">HERE</a></strong><br />-The Freebie Spot is giving away a copy of Three Wishes <strong><a href="http://www.freebiespot.net/?p=6496">HERE</a></strong><br />-The Freebie Spot has Don't Drink ____, Drink WAT-AAH giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.freebiespot.net/?p=6481">HERE</a></strong><br />-Mom of all Trades as a Skoy Cloth giveaway <strong><a href="http://mom-of-all-trades.com/giveaways/current/skoy-cloths-review-giveaway-ends-june-10.htm">HERE</a></strong><br />-BellaBugs is giving away a gift certificate to her store <strong><a href="http://www.bellabug08.blogspot.com/">HERE</a></strong><br />-One2Try has a Zuvo Water Purator giveaway <strong><a href="http://www.one2try.net/2010/05/take-two-giveaway-zuvo-water-purator.html">HERE</a></strong>Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787264925213002440.post-3609609458393245832010-06-03T20:50:00.000-07:002010-06-03T20:51:18.739-07:00Three Lollies Giveaway Winneris.....<br /><br /><br />Emily said... <br />didnt know health care professionals came up with this<br />emmy1981 at aol dot com<br /><br />May 20, 2010 5:33 PM!!!Sarah Simplifieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09857246494159351822noreply@blogger.com0