More giveaways and reviews to come - school volunteering is sucking me dry at the moment!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Winner!
Congrats to Cheryl F the Lucky Ladybug for winning the $35 gift certificate to DaySpring and InCourage. She has 48 hours to get back to me. Congrats!
More giveaways and reviews to come - school volunteering is sucking me dry at the moment!
More giveaways and reviews to come - school volunteering is sucking me dry at the moment!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Winner!
Congrats to Carole Spring (with no blog!) for winning the Freschetta prize pack! She has 48 hours to get back to me with her contact info before I draw another winner.
And did you know I'm giving away a really nice bra or shapewear of your choice (and size!) from Wacoal? There are *no* entries right now, and who doesn't need a new one? Check it out here!
Plus, more coming soon!
And did you know I'm giving away a really nice bra or shapewear of your choice (and size!) from Wacoal? There are *no* entries right now, and who doesn't need a new one? Check it out here!
Plus, more coming soon!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Giveaway: Wacoal Bra or Shapewear
Last week, I was invited to attend br@ fitting event by Wacoal America. This is perfect timing for me, as I have two galas coming up - for Autism One and my son's school, and I needed a new br@ for them. And now I know my actual size!
Thank goodness. Let's just say that I was in dire need of a good fitting. When the woman measuring us saw the br@ I was wearing, she sighed and said, "Oh. My. That is a tired br@, isn't it?
Well, yeah... it probably is. I hate br@ shopping though. Whenever I choose a new br@, it involves trying on 439 br@s and finding one or two that I'm ok with but none that I really love or that fits correctly. That's why my current one(s) are so tired.
The other reason? Like 8 in 10 women, I was wearing the wrong size. Not just the wrong band size but the wrong cup size, too. Oops. No wonder I've been having to many issues from a lack of umm lifting assistance to straps falling off my shoulders to ahhh side spillage. Ahem.
If I can make one recommendation to you, go get fit! Find a store where an expert can get you into the correct br@ size. I was absolutely amazed by the difference not just in how the new br@ looked but how it felt, too. It was so comfortable - and the straps stayed up!
Granted, much of the reason the straps didn't stay up, too, were that I was choosing the wrong style for me. The expert from Wacoal showed me a few options that she recommended for me specifically - not, by the way, the same ones she was recommending to everyone there. I think we all ended up with different br@ styles that worked best for us. To be honest, I would probably not have chosen any of them myself just from looking at them on the hangar, so I greatly appreciated the expert assistance.
I also learned that to "properly" put on a br@, you don't just put your arms in the straps, hook it up, and then "adjust" yourself. Nope, instead, hook it up, then bend forward and wiggle just a little. That will put you into the natural position where you want to be. I love that tip!
So how do you know if it's fitting right? The center of the br@ should be touching your sternum - not away from your skin (oops). You should have the underwire (for those of us who need underwire!) go all the way up the side of your bre@st, not just most of the way (oops again). You shouldn't have spillage on the side or a "double bubble" (my new favorite term). If you're seeing some of that, either you have the wrong size or the wrong style for you. So yes, it's about time for me to burn mine.
Think it might be time for you to find out if you with that 8 in 10 wearing the wrong size? Here's yet another reason. Wacoal America is teaming up with the Susan G. Koman for the Cure with their Fi(GH)t for the Cure™! Just participate in any Fit for the Cure event to receive a complimentary br@ fitting, in Wacoal or b.tempt’d intimate apparel, from a Wacoal fit specialist and sign up to receive a monthly email reminder to do a self breast exam. For every woman that participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal br@, shapewear piece or b.tempt’d br@ purchased at these events.
Where is there a fitting event happening near you? There are event happening all over the country. Find an event here.
Wacoal also offers shapewear, which I tried on briefly while at the event. It's made differently from other shapewear I've tried (and rejected) in the past. I don't like shapewear for me because it rolls down, no matter what size or style I use. The Wacoal iPant is a little different because it doesn't have a seam at the stop or bottom, which doesn't give the shapewear any real momentum to grab and roll. While this did roll on me a little bit, it didn't do so anywhere near the extent shapewear ordinarily does.
Even more interesting? This shapewear has a job! It actually helps fight cellulite. Yes, you read that right. It contains caffeine, retinol, ceramides, vitamin E, fatty acids, and aloe vera that are released while you wear it. The recommendation is to wear it for 8 hours a day for 28 days to see results, and the ingredients stay in the garment for at least 100 washings. I can't verify its effectiveness, but what a neat concept!
One of you will be lucky enough to win a Wacoal br@ or shapewear piece of your choice. You'll need to tell me what style and size you need - perfect excuse to go get fitted at a Wacoal event, no? And I'm guessing that you're wearing the wrong size right now, aren't you?
So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!
This contest is open until Sunday May 8 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.
Mandatory Entry: What br@ or shapewear piece would you choose if you won?
Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):
1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "8 in 10 women wear the wrong br@ size. Win a new one from @WacoalAmerica and @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/hG8GPp" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.
Good luck!
In the interest of full disclosure, I attended a br@ fitting event where I will receive two br@s. I was not requested to write about my experience. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Thank goodness. Let's just say that I was in dire need of a good fitting. When the woman measuring us saw the br@ I was wearing, she sighed and said, "Oh. My. That is a tired br@, isn't it?
Well, yeah... it probably is. I hate br@ shopping though. Whenever I choose a new br@, it involves trying on 439 br@s and finding one or two that I'm ok with but none that I really love or that fits correctly. That's why my current one(s) are so tired.
The other reason? Like 8 in 10 women, I was wearing the wrong size. Not just the wrong band size but the wrong cup size, too. Oops. No wonder I've been having to many issues from a lack of umm lifting assistance to straps falling off my shoulders to ahhh side spillage. Ahem.
If I can make one recommendation to you, go get fit! Find a store where an expert can get you into the correct br@ size. I was absolutely amazed by the difference not just in how the new br@ looked but how it felt, too. It was so comfortable - and the straps stayed up!
Granted, much of the reason the straps didn't stay up, too, were that I was choosing the wrong style for me. The expert from Wacoal showed me a few options that she recommended for me specifically - not, by the way, the same ones she was recommending to everyone there. I think we all ended up with different br@ styles that worked best for us. To be honest, I would probably not have chosen any of them myself just from looking at them on the hangar, so I greatly appreciated the expert assistance.
I also learned that to "properly" put on a br@, you don't just put your arms in the straps, hook it up, and then "adjust" yourself. Nope, instead, hook it up, then bend forward and wiggle just a little. That will put you into the natural position where you want to be. I love that tip!
So how do you know if it's fitting right? The center of the br@ should be touching your sternum - not away from your skin (oops). You should have the underwire (for those of us who need underwire!) go all the way up the side of your bre@st, not just most of the way (oops again). You shouldn't have spillage on the side or a "double bubble" (my new favorite term). If you're seeing some of that, either you have the wrong size or the wrong style for you. So yes, it's about time for me to burn mine.
Think it might be time for you to find out if you with that 8 in 10 wearing the wrong size? Here's yet another reason. Wacoal America is teaming up with the Susan G. Koman for the Cure with their Fi(GH)t for the Cure™! Just participate in any Fit for the Cure event to receive a complimentary br@ fitting, in Wacoal or b.tempt’d intimate apparel, from a Wacoal fit specialist and sign up to receive a monthly email reminder to do a self breast exam. For every woman that participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal br@, shapewear piece or b.tempt’d br@ purchased at these events.
Where is there a fitting event happening near you? There are event happening all over the country. Find an event here.
Wacoal also offers shapewear, which I tried on briefly while at the event. It's made differently from other shapewear I've tried (and rejected) in the past. I don't like shapewear for me because it rolls down, no matter what size or style I use. The Wacoal iPant is a little different because it doesn't have a seam at the stop or bottom, which doesn't give the shapewear any real momentum to grab and roll. While this did roll on me a little bit, it didn't do so anywhere near the extent shapewear ordinarily does.
Even more interesting? This shapewear has a job! It actually helps fight cellulite. Yes, you read that right. It contains caffeine, retinol, ceramides, vitamin E, fatty acids, and aloe vera that are released while you wear it. The recommendation is to wear it for 8 hours a day for 28 days to see results, and the ingredients stay in the garment for at least 100 washings. I can't verify its effectiveness, but what a neat concept!
One of you will be lucky enough to win a Wacoal br@ or shapewear piece of your choice. You'll need to tell me what style and size you need - perfect excuse to go get fitted at a Wacoal event, no? And I'm guessing that you're wearing the wrong size right now, aren't you?
So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!
This contest is open until Sunday May 8 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.
Mandatory Entry: What br@ or shapewear piece would you choose if you won?
Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):
1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "8 in 10 women wear the wrong br@ size. Win a new one from @WacoalAmerica and @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/hG8GPp" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.
Good luck!
In the interest of full disclosure, I attended a br@ fitting event where I will receive two br@s. I was not requested to write about my experience. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Review: Home-Ec 101 Skills For Everyday Living
I am a perfectionist - or at least I have those tendencies. I don't know everything I need to know to maintain a perfect house, but I have my routines. I'm not always one hundred percent happy with them, but they work for me - most of the time.
That said, I love to learn. And my plumbing and DIY skills? Well, let's just say that the limited things my husband can do are great, but everything else gets a call to a professional. While I successfully sanded and repainted (beautifully, I might add) my mailbox last summer, most things just don't get done by me, which is why I sit in a dusty house at the moment as an electrician is installing overhead lights in the homework room - after almost five years of living here (not that I have grand aspirations to install lighting at any point).
There is a lot I'd like to do, and I'm all about finding ways to save time and money doing so. My aunt gave me a book for Christmas one year shortly after I graduated college entitled Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House. It is a 884 page book of everything I "need" to know. While I'm sure it has lots of useful information, I was offended to receive it (what, Auntie, you think my house is a sty and I need this?), and I merely looked at a few entries. They were dry and full of facts, but I've yet to use it in the decade plus that I've has the book.
That said, when I had an opportunity from One2One Network to review Heather Solos's new book Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living, I jumped at the chance. I've read Heather's blog before (and met her at Blissdom - she's a sweetie!), and I like the way she writes. She's full of info, but she's light-hearted about it and doesn't take herself too seriously.
Her new book is 240 pages (phew - that I can deal with) chock full of information presented in a much more palatable style. She covers cleaning, laundry, DIY, and cooking. All of it is presented without judgement towards your own personal style and in a way that isn't intimidating - which I appreciate, especially on the DIY stuff.
Her appendices are great, with recipes for homemade cleaning solutions (I'm 80% of the way there and working towards getting 100% off any chemicals for cleaning), though most are ones I'm already using (the lemon juice and vinegar applications). I do appreciate that she also gives the warnings about how not to use them - e.g., don't use vinegar and water on marble or mix up your hydrogen peroxide mold remover new each time to ensure effectiveness. I really appreciate the dangerous chemical combinations listing that shows what not to combine (read your cleaning labels!) and - more importantly - why you shouldn't combine them (fortunately, not an issue for me).
Throughout her book, she has cute little pullouts with relevant quotes, reminders, conversion charts, and the like for each section - making it handy and easy to find what you need in a given section, and making the book a pleasant reading experience. This is not a textbook in the least!
Heather also incorporates a lot of sidenotes/footnotes at the bottom where she interjects her point of view or bit of levity into the section. For example, when talking about a "wacky cake" recipe a friend gave her, her foot note comments that "This is not to be confused with your uncle's special brownies." - cute and fun, adding a bit of levity to subjects of baking and cleaning that many people view with dread. The majority are fun and not derogatory, but there was one quote that turned me off. When discussing disinfecting and sanitizing, she throws in that "It’s controversial as “some”*** believe our hyperclean environments may be part of our population’s growing problem with asthma and allergies." Reading that, I raised my eyebrows at the some in quotation marks. The footnote? "Note 'some' also believe in tinfoil hats, magnetic bracelets, and 'The Force.'” Really? And if "some" of those reading your books are part of that group that is following the research showing that our hyperclean environments are actually contributing to our immune systems turning on themselves since they don't have enough to fight? That sentence I found somewhat offensive and unnecessarily belittling.
The remainder of the book is filled with great tips that I plan to use - and the whys and hows behind everything from what's included in different types of cleaners to how to organize weekly (and monthly and seasonal) chores so they aren't so overwhelming to how to remove various stains (you don't want to see the wee ones' clothes at the end of the day!) and more. My favorite tip is to run a pencil along a sticky zipper to lubricate it. We have that issue all the time with the wee ones. Voila!
While I have only a digital copy of the book, I am pretty sure I'm going to buy a hard copy of it, as this is a great reference tool. It's available at Barnes & Noble for $19.99, or as an ebook for $9.99. I'd have a hard time giving this as a book - given my own experience, but for the wee ones, I'll be referencing it for them as they grow, and maybe it will be their high school graduation present - not something for six years after they've graduated college.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a digital copy of this book by the One2One Network for review purposes only. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
That said, I love to learn. And my plumbing and DIY skills? Well, let's just say that the limited things my husband can do are great, but everything else gets a call to a professional. While I successfully sanded and repainted (beautifully, I might add) my mailbox last summer, most things just don't get done by me, which is why I sit in a dusty house at the moment as an electrician is installing overhead lights in the homework room - after almost five years of living here (not that I have grand aspirations to install lighting at any point).
There is a lot I'd like to do, and I'm all about finding ways to save time and money doing so. My aunt gave me a book for Christmas one year shortly after I graduated college entitled Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House. It is a 884 page book of everything I "need" to know. While I'm sure it has lots of useful information, I was offended to receive it (what, Auntie, you think my house is a sty and I need this?), and I merely looked at a few entries. They were dry and full of facts, but I've yet to use it in the decade plus that I've has the book.
That said, when I had an opportunity from One2One Network to review Heather Solos's new book Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living, I jumped at the chance. I've read Heather's blog before (and met her at Blissdom - she's a sweetie!), and I like the way she writes. She's full of info, but she's light-hearted about it and doesn't take herself too seriously.
Her new book is 240 pages (phew - that I can deal with) chock full of information presented in a much more palatable style. She covers cleaning, laundry, DIY, and cooking. All of it is presented without judgement towards your own personal style and in a way that isn't intimidating - which I appreciate, especially on the DIY stuff.
Her appendices are great, with recipes for homemade cleaning solutions (I'm 80% of the way there and working towards getting 100% off any chemicals for cleaning), though most are ones I'm already using (the lemon juice and vinegar applications). I do appreciate that she also gives the warnings about how not to use them - e.g., don't use vinegar and water on marble or mix up your hydrogen peroxide mold remover new each time to ensure effectiveness. I really appreciate the dangerous chemical combinations listing that shows what not to combine (read your cleaning labels!) and - more importantly - why you shouldn't combine them (fortunately, not an issue for me).
Throughout her book, she has cute little pullouts with relevant quotes, reminders, conversion charts, and the like for each section - making it handy and easy to find what you need in a given section, and making the book a pleasant reading experience. This is not a textbook in the least!
Heather also incorporates a lot of sidenotes/footnotes at the bottom where she interjects her point of view or bit of levity into the section. For example, when talking about a "wacky cake" recipe a friend gave her, her foot note comments that "This is not to be confused with your uncle's special brownies." - cute and fun, adding a bit of levity to subjects of baking and cleaning that many people view with dread. The majority are fun and not derogatory, but there was one quote that turned me off. When discussing disinfecting and sanitizing, she throws in that "It’s controversial as “some”*** believe our hyperclean environments may be part of our population’s growing problem with asthma and allergies." Reading that, I raised my eyebrows at the some in quotation marks. The footnote? "Note 'some' also believe in tinfoil hats, magnetic bracelets, and 'The Force.'” Really? And if "some" of those reading your books are part of that group that is following the research showing that our hyperclean environments are actually contributing to our immune systems turning on themselves since they don't have enough to fight? That sentence I found somewhat offensive and unnecessarily belittling.
The remainder of the book is filled with great tips that I plan to use - and the whys and hows behind everything from what's included in different types of cleaners to how to organize weekly (and monthly and seasonal) chores so they aren't so overwhelming to how to remove various stains (you don't want to see the wee ones' clothes at the end of the day!) and more. My favorite tip is to run a pencil along a sticky zipper to lubricate it. We have that issue all the time with the wee ones. Voila!
While I have only a digital copy of the book, I am pretty sure I'm going to buy a hard copy of it, as this is a great reference tool. It's available at Barnes & Noble for $19.99, or as an ebook for $9.99. I'd have a hard time giving this as a book - given my own experience, but for the wee ones, I'll be referencing it for them as they grow, and maybe it will be their high school graduation present - not something for six years after they've graduated college.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a digital copy of this book by the One2One Network for review purposes only. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Winners!
I have had two giveaways end in the past two days, and that means two new happy people!
For the Moe's Southwest Grill $25 gift certificate, the winner was Eve from Love Clothes, Makeup, and Contests.
The Math Blasters 6 month membership goes to MegRyansmom from Look It's Megryansmom.
Both ladies have 48 hours to get back to me before I have to draw another winner. Congrats to both of them - and to the rest of you, keep looking. There's plenty more coming, including a $35 gift card to DaySpring/(in)courage that's up right now!
For the Moe's Southwest Grill $25 gift certificate, the winner was Eve from Love Clothes, Makeup, and Contests.
The Math Blasters 6 month membership goes to MegRyansmom from Look It's Megryansmom.
Both ladies have 48 hours to get back to me before I have to draw another winner. Congrats to both of them - and to the rest of you, keep looking. There's plenty more coming, including a $35 gift card to DaySpring/(in)courage that's up right now!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Giveaway: $35 (in)Courage Gift Certificate
I first heard about (in)courage and DaySpring when I was at Blissdom this winter. They hosted an open house / room party one night, and I was amazed by all the great items they carried - all Christian-themed and gorgeous.
The DaySpring cards were both inspiring - and frequently witty. They covered all the situations you may need from thanks to missing someone to birthdays to First Communion (and boy do I have several of those coming up in the next month!) and beyond.
(in)courage had all sorts of home decor and gifts that we previewed from a truly nifty ceramic kitchen note board - I'm thisclose to buying one for myself - to coffee mugs to absolutely gorgeous tableware and jewelry and more. They have gifts for every occasion, and their styles will fit just about any home.
Let's just say I was drooling by the end of the night. Then I got lucky. When I arrived home last week, I had a package waiting for me from (in)courage. Inside - lovingly wrapped to ensure there was no damage, I was happy to see - I found their Grace tray.
I adore it.
It's a great size, enough to hold more than just a single plate (14" by 14"). I currently have it displayed on my buffet in my dining room, and I've already gotten more than one comment on it. It has a great sheen of old patina to it, and the messages are great - without being too overbearing for my nonobservant friends.
simple joy
unending hope
wonderful grace
authentic peace
unfathomable love
If I could live my life by these ideals - and my family could achieve them - I could ask for nothing more. They are the perfect reminder, and I'm considering making a place for this tray in my kitchen just so that I can view its reminders more often.
I've been using it to carry items back and forth, as well as displaying special items like Mister Man's birthday cupcakes. One night, the wee ones were having a very special Movie Night With Mommy where I even allowed them to eat dinner in the family room instead of the kitchen - a first. The tray for their food made it even more special!
Even better? This tray is currently on special for the month of April - 50% off. You can get it for $24 if you order before the end of the month. You can also get $10 off the Grace Hanging Tile set (love this!) or the Everyday Faith Handmade Cross during the month of April.
This isn't the only style of items that they carry, however. Many of their pieces are far more modern, both stark black and white, as well as full of bold color. And one lucky reader will. I have a $35 gift certificate to DaySpring for someone - just make sure to use it by July 31, 2011, when it expires. Note that shipping charges will apply.
So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!
This contest is open until Tuesday May 3 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.
Mandatory Entry: What item would you choose from the (in)courage or DaySpring site if you won?
Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):
1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Need some inspiration? Find it with a $35GC to @incourage from @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/f9nGcu" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.
Good luck!
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a tray from DaySpring for review purposes only. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
The DaySpring cards were both inspiring - and frequently witty. They covered all the situations you may need from thanks to missing someone to birthdays to First Communion (and boy do I have several of those coming up in the next month!) and beyond.
(in)courage had all sorts of home decor and gifts that we previewed from a truly nifty ceramic kitchen note board - I'm thisclose to buying one for myself - to coffee mugs to absolutely gorgeous tableware and jewelry and more. They have gifts for every occasion, and their styles will fit just about any home.
Let's just say I was drooling by the end of the night. Then I got lucky. When I arrived home last week, I had a package waiting for me from (in)courage. Inside - lovingly wrapped to ensure there was no damage, I was happy to see - I found their Grace tray.
I adore it.
It's a great size, enough to hold more than just a single plate (14" by 14"). I currently have it displayed on my buffet in my dining room, and I've already gotten more than one comment on it. It has a great sheen of old patina to it, and the messages are great - without being too overbearing for my nonobservant friends.
simple joy
unending hope
wonderful grace
authentic peace
unfathomable love
If I could live my life by these ideals - and my family could achieve them - I could ask for nothing more. They are the perfect reminder, and I'm considering making a place for this tray in my kitchen just so that I can view its reminders more often.
I've been using it to carry items back and forth, as well as displaying special items like Mister Man's birthday cupcakes. One night, the wee ones were having a very special Movie Night With Mommy where I even allowed them to eat dinner in the family room instead of the kitchen - a first. The tray for their food made it even more special!
Even better? This tray is currently on special for the month of April - 50% off. You can get it for $24 if you order before the end of the month. You can also get $10 off the Grace Hanging Tile set (love this!) or the Everyday Faith Handmade Cross during the month of April.
This isn't the only style of items that they carry, however. Many of their pieces are far more modern, both stark black and white, as well as full of bold color. And one lucky reader will. I have a $35 gift certificate to DaySpring for someone - just make sure to use it by July 31, 2011, when it expires. Note that shipping charges will apply.
So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!
This contest is open until Tuesday May 3 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.
Mandatory Entry: What item would you choose from the (in)courage or DaySpring site if you won?
Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):
1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Need some inspiration? Find it with a $35GC to @incourage from @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/f9nGcu" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.
Good luck!
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a tray from DaySpring for review purposes only. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Giveaway: Freschetta Pizza
I adore pizza. Big shock for anyone who knows me. And since I love to cook, I frequently make my own. Yep, from scratch - dough and all. Plus, I live in Chicago, land of great pizza (sorry, New York).
There are times when I don't have the time to make the pizza from scratch. Ok, lots of times. And there are times when I can't justify spending the money on restaurant pizza - or don't have the time for that either. Those are the days where I search for something fast and easy - and yet still something I won't feel too guilty eating.
Most frozen pizzas ... just don't cut it for me. They don't taste right or they have a consistency that just doesn't work for the pizza snob in me. Freschetta claims to be a healthier pizza with more natural ingredients, and I had a shot to try their new Freschetta By the Slice.
This is a frozen pizza that is built for one - it's a single slice of pizza to be microwaved and eaten. In just four minutes, I have a meal ready - perfect for those overscheduled days.
I have to admit. I was a bit skeptical. The pizza comes in BBQ Recipe Chicken, Vegetable Medley, Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom and Six Cheese Medley. Being somewhat risk averse, I stayed away from the more traditional flavors, thinking the Barbeque Chicken might have enough flavor to outweigh the expected soggy crust and relative lack of taste. Apparently, I needn't have worried, as the pizza was crispy coming out of the microwave, and the veggies actually ... tasted like veggies. The barbeque sauce had a nice spice to it, and the chicken was actual pieces of chicken.
I actually liked the pizza. I'd buy it again - granted, this isn't a weekly thing or something I'd eat on a regular basis. There were 930mg of sodium, which is far more than I normally eat. Ditto with the 14g of fat, but pizza in general is a once in awhile treat and not something to eat all the time.
And one of you can try the Freschetta By the Slice. I am giving away not just a coupon to try it out but also a three piece Freschetta storage set. Fun, no?
So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!
This contest is open until Monday April 25 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.
Mandatory Entry: Tell me what Freschetta flavor you'd try.
Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):
1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Mmmm pizza. Want to try Freschetta By the Slice? Giveaway from @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/hP82vg" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.
Good luck!
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a coupon to try Freschetta By the Slice for review purposes, as well as a set of containers. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
There are times when I don't have the time to make the pizza from scratch. Ok, lots of times. And there are times when I can't justify spending the money on restaurant pizza - or don't have the time for that either. Those are the days where I search for something fast and easy - and yet still something I won't feel too guilty eating.
Most frozen pizzas ... just don't cut it for me. They don't taste right or they have a consistency that just doesn't work for the pizza snob in me. Freschetta claims to be a healthier pizza with more natural ingredients, and I had a shot to try their new Freschetta By the Slice.
This is a frozen pizza that is built for one - it's a single slice of pizza to be microwaved and eaten. In just four minutes, I have a meal ready - perfect for those overscheduled days.
I have to admit. I was a bit skeptical. The pizza comes in BBQ Recipe Chicken, Vegetable Medley, Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom and Six Cheese Medley. Being somewhat risk averse, I stayed away from the more traditional flavors, thinking the Barbeque Chicken might have enough flavor to outweigh the expected soggy crust and relative lack of taste. Apparently, I needn't have worried, as the pizza was crispy coming out of the microwave, and the veggies actually ... tasted like veggies. The barbeque sauce had a nice spice to it, and the chicken was actual pieces of chicken.
I actually liked the pizza. I'd buy it again - granted, this isn't a weekly thing or something I'd eat on a regular basis. There were 930mg of sodium, which is far more than I normally eat. Ditto with the 14g of fat, but pizza in general is a once in awhile treat and not something to eat all the time.
And one of you can try the Freschetta By the Slice. I am giving away not just a coupon to try it out but also a three piece Freschetta storage set. Fun, no?
So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!
This contest is open until Monday April 25 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.
Mandatory Entry: Tell me what Freschetta flavor you'd try.
Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):
1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Mmmm pizza. Want to try Freschetta By the Slice? Giveaway from @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/hP82vg" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.
Good luck!
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a coupon to try Freschetta By the Slice for review purposes, as well as a set of containers. There was no compensation involved, and all opinions expressed are my own.
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