Whimsy Couture Giveaway

A couple of weeks ago I introduced you to a place called Whimsy Couture, an etsy shop where you can find some adorable patterns for all kinds of children’s clothing and other items!  And this week I’m excited to bring you giveaway and reader discount from Whimsy Couture!
The patterns at Whimsy Couture are easy to use with hand written instructions and color photos, and they are made especially for moms with little time for sewing!  The patterns are whimsical and vintage inspired. And there’s a whole range of projects available! 
A few weeks ago I fell in love with the clothing patterns at Whimsy Couture, from the adorable dresses and jumpers to the peasant tops and pants!  And then this week I found this adorable Mommy & Me set!  Wouldn’t you love to make this for you and your little girl? Too cute!  And I was thinking it would be adorable to make one of these for your child’s doll as well.

Or perhaps you’d rather make a dress for your little girl. Whimsy Couture has dress patterns in a variety of styles.

Or maybe you’re like me, and you would just love to make this cute little bed for your cat babies!

Whatever project you have in mind, you are sure to find an adorable pattern for it at Whimsy Couture!

Reader Discount!  Buy 2 Patterns, Get 2 Free! Simply Sweet Home readers need to mention b2g2 when you check out and mention the free patterns! Free patterns must be of equal or lesser value than the two purchased ones.

Win it!  One Simply Sweet Home reader will win 3 sewing patterns of their choice from the Whimsy Couture shop. (Patterns will be delivered via email.) 

Giveaway is closed. Congrats to Dani at My Little Apricot.

-Jerri

Walmart Box Tops for Education Giveaway

Looking for a way to donate to your child’s school?  The Box Tops for Education program is an easy solution and this year Walmart is making it even easier! From Aug. 3 – Aug. 31, head over to your local Walmart to find 4 Box Tops on participating General Mills products and earn more cash for the participating school of your choice. As your one-stop destination for all your needs this back-to-school season, Walmart is helping you save more and earn more with the Box Tops for Education brands you love.
With over 20 great brands and more than 40 products participating, here are just a few favorites that include 4 Box Tops that you can find at Walmart this August: Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, Pillsbury Toaster Strudel pastries, Trix Yogurt, Hamburger Helper skillet meals, Totino’s Pizza Rolls snacks, Nature Valley Granola Bars and Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-Ups snacks. Be sure to keep an eye out for Box Tops on great products from Kleenex, Ziploc, and Hefty too!

Win It! To help you to purchase General Mills products and earn cash for your schools, Wal-Mart, General Mills, and MyBlogSpark are offering one of you a $25 Wal-Mart giftcard.

Giveaway Closed. Congrats to Adriane (LAMusing).

-Jerri

Disclosure: Information and giftcards are provided by General Mills and Wal-Mart through MyBlogSpark. For hosting this giveaway, I received a $25 Wal-Mart giftcard.

Kinley Lane Designs Giveaway

I was very excited when Tricia at Kinley Lane Designs contacted me about hosting a giveaway for her shop.
Kinley Lane Designs offers adorable headbands, fashion tops, rings, and more!  Tricia’s style is a classic vintage look with fabric flowers.
The main attraction in her shop is her headbands.  Headbands made in this style are so popular right now.  The headbands are made of high quality, attractive material and come in a variety of colors to match any outfit.  And if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, Tricia will make a custom design just for you!
And this August, Kinley Lane Designs has a fun promotion, where you can get 10% percent off your next order when you take a photo of yourself in a Kinley Lane Design and add it to their Facebook Fan page!
How to Connect!  
Like Kinley Lane Designs on Facebook.
Read Tricia’s Blog – Kinley Lane Designs.
And Follow Tricia on Twitter @KinleyLane.

Win it! Kinley Lane Designs is offering one Simply Sweet Home reader a  Cotton Candy Love Headband.
This adorable handmade headband is a sweet, classic with a sprinkle of vintage feel. It will be the perfect add on to any hair do and to any outfit. The headband is made to fit an adult and the fabric flowers are attached to an elastic band. And it usually sales for $15.99
Mandatory Entry: To enter, please visit Kinley Lane Designs, and then come back here and tell us an item that you like. Enter by Sept 2.

Extra Entries:
1 for liking Kinley Lane Designs on Facebook.
1 for following Tricia’s blog.
1 for following Tricia on twitter.
2 for subscribing to my email newsletter.

2 for following Simply Sweet Home on Twitter.
1 for becoming a fan of Simply Sweet Home on facebook.
2 for subscribing to my RSS feeds through Feedburner.
1 for following me through blogger’s Google Friend Find.
1 if you have my button on your blog.
1 for writing about this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook.  (Sample Tweet: I want to win a headband from Kinley Lane Designs! http://bit.ly/cPEsg1  @SimplySweetHome @KinleyLane  #giveaway) (Limit one entry per day.)

-Jerri

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.  Giveaway prize is provided by Kinley Lane Designs.

Milly the Pinkest Kitten Review & Giveaway

I can’t think of anything cuter than kittens, except maybe a PINK kitten!  And what could be cuter than a pink kitten? Milly the Pinkest Kitten!  Milly comes from  Aurora World Inc, the company behind the best selling international toy brand YooHoo & Friends. (You may recall the YooHoo & Friends Giveaway I had earlier this year.)
Ten perfectly pink variations feature Milly as freestanding plush, in dress up or even portable via scented toy pet carriers!

Milly Birthday Girl  is available in two styles, holding either a colorful cupcake or birthday balloon. Milly WannaBes are dressed as a princess, ballerina or fairy.  And Aurora has introduced a line of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry scented carriers. Milly Cupcake Carriers include a removable eight-inch Milly plush animal.

For this review, I received Milly Birthday Girl and a Milly Cupcake Carrier.  Here’s a picture of them:

Aren’t these just adorable?! Each plush kitty cat is very soft and furry, and they’re even a little bit sparkly. They have the cutest little faces, and just like theYooHoo & Friends line, they have the cutest little tails.
Birthday Milly wears an adroable pink dress and wears a shiny Birthday Girl Crown.  My particular Milly carries a birthday cupcake.  And she’s eight inches tall.  I think Milly is just about the cutest stuffed animal I’ve ever seen!  I know I would have been thrilled to have received one of these as a kid for my birthday, and I imagine any girly-girl would love her.  I certainly would give these as a birthday gift myself and would recommend her to any of you who are shopping for birthday gifts as well.
And Milly Cupcake Carrier is just as equally adorable.  This Milly kitten is a little bit smaller than Birthday Girl Milly.  And she comes in her own scented cupcake pet holder.  These come in 3 different scents.  They are chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, and the scent is said to last about 6 months.
The scent of my cupcake carrier is strawberry, and it smells just lovely!  The cupcake carrier is pink, magenta, and white in color.  It’s very soft, shimmery, and features shiny carrying handles.  And the carrier is even topped off with a little red strawberry.  Milly fits in nice and snug and is cute as a button in her cupcake carrier!

Buy it!  You can purchase Milly The Pinkest Kitten online at Aurora World Inc.

Connect! Aurora World on Facebook.

Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win one plush Milly the Pinkest Kitten toy.

Giveaway closed. Congrats to Rachel of The Dalai Mama!

-Jerri
Disclosure: I was not paid to write this review.  For hosting this giveaway, I received two Milly the Pinkest Kitten plush toys from Aurora World.  They will also be providing the winner’s prize.  The opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Grilled Chicken Florentine (and a Giveaway!)

Did you know that  Macaroni Grill  had a new line of Frozen entrees?  They are designed to give you a delicious Italian food experience within the comfort of your own home.
Available in the freezer section of your local grocery store this summer, Macaroni Grill frozen entrées contain delicious authentic Italian flavors inspired by the Macaroni Grill Restaurant you know and love. The four new Macaroni Grill frozen entrées are perfect for quickly and conveniently recreating premium quality meals right in your own kitchen.
The new Macaroni Grill frozen entrées are made with high quality meats, colorful vegetables, distinct pasta and flavorful sauces and come in 4 delicious varieties:
-Grilled Chicken Florentine
-Spicy Italian Sausage Pomodoro
-Roasted Garlic Shrimp Scampi
-Basil Parmesan Chicken

I recently had the opportunity to try the Macaroni Grill Frozen Entree in Grilled Chicken Florentine.  I was very excited to try this because Chicken Florentine is one of my favorite pasta dishes (second only to alfredo).  Before I even opened the package, I was immediately impressed by this product because I found this was something I could make in less than 20 minutes on the stove top.  Furthermore, the only additional ingredient I would need was a little milk.

For anyone who’s ever been pressed for time or found themselves having to make dinner at the last minute (and I daresay, that’s probably all of us), you know how convenient it is to have something like this on hand!

The entree features Grilled White Meat Chicken, Spinach with Farfalle Pasta, and a Creamy Parmesan Cheese and Garlic Sauce.  Upon cooking this meal, I was very impressed by the quality of the ingredients, including the chunks of spinach (as opposed to tiny specks).  And I was very impressed by the overall flavor of this dish, especially the taste of the cream sauce.  Furthermore, my husband, who seems to be the authority on taste in our house, was very impressed by the meal, and he concluded that he’d definitely like to eat it again in the future.
Finally, the size of the entree was just perfect for the two of us. Obviously, most of my readers have children and would need food for more than two people, but I figure you can always buy more than one package if you need it. Right?  And then again, I think if you served everyone a salad and bread to go with this, you could possibly stretch it out to feed 3 or 4.
Overall I’d recommend this product to anyone who loves Italian food and is looking for a new quick and convenient meal to make at home.

Buy it! If you’d like to try Macaroni Grill’s new frozen entrees, they are now available in the freezer section of your local grocery store.  Go to Macaroni Grill at Home to print out a coupon for $1.50 off.
Connect! Follow Macaroni Grill on Twitter. Or check them out on Macaroni Grill on Facebook.
Win it!  One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a prize pack which includes one of the new Macaroni Grill Frozen Entrees, a pasta dish, and tongs. 
Giveaway Closed. Congrats to Jenn at Just Getting Started!

-Jerri

Disclosure: Information, frozen sample, prize pack and giveaway have all been provided by Macaroni Grill through  MyBlogSpark. The opinions in this post are mine.

CoverGirl Smoky Eye Look Review & Giveaway

I guess you could say that I’ve always been a “CoverGirl.” Since I was old enough to wear makeup I’ve always used CoverGirl products.  Over the years I’ve tried out their various liquid foundations, pressed powders, and eye makeups.  And I’m always excited to see the new products they roll out.

Recently I was given the opportunity to try out CoverGirl’s new Smoky Eye Look kits.  These kits are designed to help you create the that smoky eye look you see on all the models and actresses out there. (You know that look that appears so glamorous on hot superstars, but if you tried it, you’d look like you just lost a fist fight? Yes, that look!)

The kits come in three varieties:  Natural Look, Glamorous Look, and Bold Look.

And each kit makes it easy to create the smoky eye look with 3 products: SmokyShadowBlast, LineExact Liquid Liner Pen, and LashBlast Volume Mascara.

For the purposes of this review I received all three Smoky Eye Look Kits, along with a makeup artist chair, bag, mirror, and tips from makeup artist Molly Stern. Of the three kits, my favorite is the Natural Look.  This kit comes with the SmokyShadow Blast in Bronze Fire, LashBlast Mascara in Brown, and LineExact Liquid Liner in Brown.

When I try new makeup, I judge it based on 4 different aspects The first is how the makeup looks on me.  I was very pleased in this area.  The makeup looked very nice, with bold yet very clean, natural lines.  It looked very glamorous without being overdone, and I felt very confident wearing it.

The second I look at is how easy the makeup is to apply.  In the past I’ve had issues with eye liner not going on as easy as I would like, so I was very happy at how easy the LineExact Liquid Liner was to apply and how quickly it dried after application. Also, this was my first time to use an eye shadow that wasn’t in pressed or loose powder form, and I found myself very surprised at how easy it was to apply as well.  As for the LashBlast Volume Mascara, I was actually using this type of mascara prior to receiving these kits for review, and I’ve always been happy with its easy application.
The third thing I look at is the one I always seem to have the most trouble with. My third area is how well the makeup holds up; that is, whether it’s going to smear or rub off, and how good it’s going to look after several hours of wear. I was (and still am) very excited about how well this makeup holds up.  With most eye shadows, the look seems to rub off or fade after a while, but several hours after application I can still see the SmokyShadowBlast eye shadow very well.  And of all the things I like about the products I received, my favorite thing is how well the LineExact Liquid Liner holds up.  I’ve had so much trouble with other liners smearing and makeup having to be fixed or reapplied.  But I have not had the problem with this eye liner. In fact, I wore it to a picnic the other day in very humid, 100 degree weather, and the makeup held up perfectly! I was so happy to look in the mirror when I got home and not find racoon eyes!
Finally, being on a budget I always have to consider the price of products. And I’m happy to report that these kits sell for just $16.50 in Wal-Mart stores and at Walmart.com.  For three great products, that price is unbeatable!

I’m so happy I had this opportunity to find this fabulous looking makeup that I can be confident wearing throughout the day! If you’re out doing some back to school shopping with the kids you should pick up your own CoverGirl Smoky Eye kit!

To help you try this makeup for yourself, MyBlogSpark has given me one $20 Walmart giftcard to give away to one Simply Sweet Home reader.
Giveaway Closed. Congrats to Doreen of Treasured Reviews!

-Jerri

Disclosure: To host this giveaway, I was given all three CoverGirl Smoky Eye Kits, along with a makeup artist chair, mirror, makeup bag, and tips from Molly Stern.  All products and the Walmart giftcard being given away as a prize were provided by MyBlogSpark. All the opinions expressed here are mine.

Bubble Chocolate Review & Giveaway

As the readers of this blog know, I love sweets, especially chocolate! So I was thrilled when I got the chance to sample some Bubble Chocolate .  Before I tell you how I liked this chocolate, I thought you’d be interested in how this product and company came in to being.
Bubble Chocolate’s Story:  “If you (like we) have had the good fortune of traveling outside the US from time to time, either on business or for pleasure, most likely you would have discovered one of our European neighbors’ most treasured taste experiences….bubbles-with-chocolate (technically known as aerated chocolate). Many years ago we developed a deep adoration for this chocolate’s unforgettable sensation. We kept waiting for it to arrive to the US shores. It never came. So we finally decided to take matters into our own hands to make it readily available to all discerning cocoa lovers in the US. From our families to yours enjoy the virtues of Bubble Chocolate® each and every day!”
Personally I’ve never been to Europe, but I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with people who have, who incidentally brought back some European chocolate. So I have tried it before, and it was beyond delicious. Learning that Bubble Chocolate was modeled after gourmet chocolates from Europe, made me even more excited to try it.  And let me tell you, Bubble Chocolate did not disappoint!
Bubble Chocolate is meant to be savored, so as instructed by their FAQ page, I broke off a small piece of chocolate at a time. You then pop it in your mouth and let it melt for a few seconds. As you begin to feel the bubbles soften, you begin to chew gently, and the chocolate grows moist and creamy.
The chocolate has a unique, smooth texture and a rich, creamy taste. I’ve been breaking off just one or two pieces at a time to eat, and it is a very satisfying snack and taste sensation!  Being a fan of milk chocolate, I especially loved this bar.  (No surprises there!) However, I was surprised by the pleasant taste of the dark chocolate bar.  Generally I’m not a big fan dark chocolate, but I actually enjoyed dark bar from Bubble Chocolate.
So obviously I love the concept behind this product, and even more so than that, I loved the taste! I would definitely recommend this chocolate to all my chocolate-loving friends.  You can purchase a case of Bubble Chocolate online via the Bubble Chocolate website or at any of these retailers near you.
Win it! Today I’m very excited to give some of you the chance to try Bubble Chocolate! 5 Simply Sweet Home readers will win a Dark Chocolate Bar and a Milk Chocolate Bar to sample.
Giveaway Closed.  Congrats to our winners from the following sites:  Beauty with Mary, Rockin Deals 4 You, Gothic Mist, More or Les(ley), and My Own Take on Things.

-Jerri

Disclosure: For hosting this giveaway, I was given 2 bars of Bubble Chocolate for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are mine.  Giveaway prizes are being provided by Bubble Chocolate

CSN Store Giveaway!

I’m sure many of you are familiar with CSN Stores.  They are a collection stores where you can buy just about anything you’re looking for.  Whether you need a new bathroom vanity, decor for a new baby nursery, a new set of pots and pans, or a pair of shoes, you can find it at CSN Stores.
Today I’m excited to announce a new reader giveaway of a $40 store credit from CSN Stores!  How would you guys use this if you won? I know many of you do a lot of cooking and would probably get something for the kitchen, right?  So today I thought it would be fun to highlight some kitchen items, specifically some items for cookie baking and decorating!

 
To win a $40 store credit from CSN Stores, simply visit their website. Then come back here and tell me something you’d like to have.

Giveaway Closed.  Congrats to our winner, Tara of Pure Felicity!

-Jerri

Disclosure: I was not paid to write this post. Giveaway prize is being provided by CSNStores.

Brochure Giveaway

Brochures Printing Onlines is the place to go for your brochure printing needs.  They offer cheap brochure printing, and they make printing your brochures very simple with design templates, easy file uploads, live chat, and collaboration with a designer in real time.

Previously we have given away some two-fold brochures, and this month I’m happy to offer one of my readers 100 tri-fold brochures. You can use these to promote your business, your blog, your church or other organization, or use these to distribute important information.

Prize Specifications: 
100 8.5×11 Trifold Brochures
100lb Paper Gloss
Trifold/Letterfold, Z-fold
4 Color Both Sides Printing
Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above

Giveaway Closed. Congrats to Stephanie of DC Me’s Giveaway Blog

~Jerri

Full Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated for this post.  For hosting this giveaway, I will receive 100 printed brochures.

Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ Chicken (& Lawry’s Giveaway)

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love summer grilling season!  Where I live, every weekend there’s some grilling going on in our neighborhood.  I know because we can smell it from our front porch!  Now Lawry’s is making the summer grilling season even more exciting with their new marinades.  Flavors include:
-Applewood & Plum – Juicy plums accent smoky applewood and add flair to all-American barbecue.
-Cilantro & Lime – Cutting across the diverse cuisines, this bright and zingy pair is a refreshing taste of summertime.
-Rosemary & Fig – Figs are an unexpected and regionally inspired match for aromatic rosemary.
-Chipotle & Maple – This culinary comingling deliver a fresh take on smoky, spicy and sweet.
-Brown Sugar & Bourbon – This duo brings a delicious dose of Southern charm to the patio.
-Cinnamon & Coffee – Bold and confident – with just the right edge of bitterness.
-Red Chili Sauce & Mango – The flavor of mango takes hot or sweet red chili sauce far beyond mere “condiment status.”
-Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato – Featuring extra virgin olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, sweet red bell peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices.
-Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ – features Chinese five spice blend with a touch of Szechuan heat.
Recently I got to try two of Lawry’s newest flavors: Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ and Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato. Not only are these marinades delicious, but they have a very unique taste.
I was very excited to serve the Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ Chicken to my husband last week. I’ve never made any chicken quite like this, and it was very well received. The marinade features a Chinese five spice blend, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper. Just imagine the best sweet and sour chicken from your favorite local Chinese joint and then add a spicy kick and your back yard grill! The result is yummy!
As you can see from the photos, I served our chicken over a bed of Asian style rice and vegetables. This was perfect for a quick and inexpensive gourmet meal.  And I love that these are 30 minute marinades, so I don’t have to worry about doing the marinading the day before.  (Perfect if you sometimes have to throw something together at the last minute!)
I’m very excited to be trying the Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato next and will be posting the food as soon I’ve made it. For this purpses of this post, I’ve gotten a taste of the marinade already. It’s an oil and vinegar based marinade, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, sweet red peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices, including rosemary and oregano. Yum! I’ll let you know how it turns out on food, but I can already tell you, if the taste of the marinade alone is any indication of how it will be on cooked meat, we are in for another super-delicious meal!

Win it!  One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a Lawry´s Get Grilling Kit. The kit includes: 
  •  Both of the new Lawry´s marinades: Tuscan  Sun-Dried Tomato and Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ
  • Lawry’s Seasoning Salt
  • A set of skewers.
  • Pyrex marinating dish.
Giveaway closed. Congrats to Rene at Three Boys and an Old Lady!

I’m happy to link up each week to some fabulous blog parties.
-Jerri
Disclosure:  The opinions in this post are my own.  For hosting this give away I received a Lawry’s prize pack like the one being given away.  I was not paid to post.  Lawry´s products, information and additional prize pack to give away are provided by Lawry´s through MyBlogSpark.