Kelly's Reviews

Winner of the American Express Gift Card

2011-06-07T14:21:00.001-05:00

There were over 1100 entries for the best 6 ingredients or less recipe to win the $600 gift card. It was IMPOSSIBLE for me to just pick one so I decided the fair thing would be to let the computer pick a number for me. So the winner is www.syndermonkeys.blogspot.com. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I did think I would highlight just a couple of the amazing recipes - y'all should really check the comments on THIS POST for more great recipes!!!

· To learn more about the Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday cards that offer 6% cash back on groceries visit www.americanexpress.com/bluecashcards .

American Express Six Ingredients Giveaway

2011-05-22T22:29:00.000-05:00

I have an exciting giveaway contest!! Y'all know I'm not big on give aways and rarely do them but the people at American Express talked to me about doing something and I thought it would be fun AND someone will be very happy if they win!!!

With the costs of food, gas and clothing rising rapidly, the new American Express Blue Cash® Cards provide a simple way for shoppers to put cash back in their pockets as they shop for every day necessities. With these new Blue Cash Cards, there are no spend minimums, cash back caps, ongoing enrollments or rotating categories of cash back benefits. The benefits don’t change, as they do with some other cards.

Both Cards immediately offer cash back in categories in which prices are particularly under pressure: gas, supermarket purchases and department stores.

Whether when shopping online or in-store, offers an easy-to-understand rewards structure:

For Blue Cash Preferred, it’s as simple as 6%-3%-1% (6% cash back at supermarkets, up to 3% at department stores and gas stations, and 1% on all other eligible purchases). At 6% cash back, Blue Cash Preferred offers consumers the most cash back at the supermarket available in the market today. (Blue Cash Preferred carries a $75 annual fee)

For Blue Cash Everyday, it’s a simple as 3%-2%-1% (3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at department stores and gas stations, and 1% on all other eligible purchases) with no annual fee.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO in honor of the 6% cash back on groceries..............I am going to be doing a contest looking for the best SIX INGREDIENT (or less) main dish! I'm posting my favorite 6 ingredient meal and then in the comments - I want you to leave your 6 ingredient recipe and I'm going to pick the one that sounds the very best and that person is going to win ...............a $600 American Express gift card!!!! Couldn't you use that to buy groceries? Or anything?????

This is MY favorite 6 ingredient meal:

CHICKEN BREAST SUPREME

Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
4-8 strips of bacon
16 oz sour cream
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of sliced mushrooms
1 jar of dried beef (this is found near tuna or spam)

Wrap the chicken in bacon and put in pan

Mix up all the other ingredients. Tear up the dried beef into small pieces (this is what gives the meal the real flavor)

Pour mixture over chicken and bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours

I always serve with white rice and pour the extra sauce on top. If we had company - we would add vegetables or a salad and rolls - but since it's just us - we just had this. TASTY!

Leave a comment with your favorite 6 ingredient main dish. Make sure you leave your email address as well!

The winner will be picked on Monday, June 6th!

· To learn more about the Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday cards, visit www.americanexpress.com/bluecashcards .

I am not being compensated by American Express or OPR for this in any way - just thought it would be fun for my readers!

Apron Giveaway from RIFFRAFF!!!

2011-04-24T20:15:00.001-05:00

I'm giving away the CUTEST apron from my favorite store - Riffraff. This store is the cutest, eclectic shop in NWA. BUT the great thing is they have a facebook page where they regularly list pictures and you can actually buy that way!! They ship all clothes, accessories and jewelry for $6.

Leave me a comment and let me know you'd like the apron. I will draw a winner on Friday!

AND for an extra chance - visit their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/RiffraffFayetteville and "like" it and let me know!!!!

How cute are y'all going to look cooking in this apron?????

Beth Moore Winners

2011-04-04T20:38:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry - ya'll - there are a lot of reasons I don't do many giveaways anymore..............and one of the reasons is because I can never remember to draw winners and I'm not good at keeping up with winners.

BUT........................

Here are winners of Beth Moore tickets!

Mrs Coombs and Meg O. I have emailed you both!!! Congrats!

Beth Moore Little Rock Tickets

2011-03-14T13:25:00.000-05:00

All of you girls who live in ARKANSAS or any surrounding states - Do you know Beth Moore will be in Little Rock on April 15-16? (And y'all know Beth is an Arkansas girl, right???? Raised in Arkadelphia (home of OBU!!!)) The details are HERE! If you have never been to a Beth Moore event or maybe never even a women's conference...........................I URGE you to go! Invite a few friends and have a girl's weekend! I promise it will be one of the best weekends of your life! It's worth the effort of having your husband take the kids and planning ahead! Beth is an AMAZING speaker and she always seems to have a direct message from God. She has blessed my life so much in the last few years and has helped me grow in my faith. I would be there in a new york minute if I wasn't about to have a baby! But I hope that SO MANY of you will sign up and go! You will thank me!!! ALSO - I am giving away TWO tickets!!! I will draw the winner NEXT Friday (March 25th)!!!

Leave me a comment to enter!!!!!

Winners of pail and cup

2011-03-14T13:06:00.000-05:00

#348 is Kristen at rockyrieman.blogspot.com and she won the pail
#85 is Ellis at passmorefun.blogspot.com and she won the cup!

Thanks for entering!!!

Easter Pail Giveaway

2011-03-09T10:22:00.000-06:00

My friend Stephanie has a cute website where she makes all kinds of personalized things! She has these cute Easter Pails right now that would be perfect for your kids or grand kids or nieces or nephews!

She also has several designs of personalized carnival cups!

I'm giving away one Easter pail and one carnival cup (two separate winners) on Friday afternoon. Just leave me a comment and let me know which one you would like or if you would like to win either!

And you can check Stephanie's cute stuff out at www.ifyousaysewgifts.com

Winner of Silly Sisters

2011-03-09T10:02:00.000-06:00

I just realized I never drew a winner for Silly Sisters - (this is probably the MAIN reason I don't do giveaways - I can't keep up with them). ha!

Congrats Heather - I am emailing you now!

"Those Silly Sisters"

2011-01-31T14:41:00.001-06:00

"Those Silly Sisters" is a book by Erica Stidham who wrote about the adventures of Katie and Claire. She plans to write a series of these books and each one has a memory making activity, along with a craft and a recipe to encourage more quality time.

If you know a set of sisters or have girls yourself - this would be a great book to have! You can find it here: http://bit.ly/gkIBoe

Or leave me a comment and I'm going to give away one copy of the book on Friday!!!

Hillsong Chapel

2011-01-10T12:42:00.000-06:00

Hillsong United is one of my favorite worship groups. They have some amazing songs. This is one of their newest CD and I love it. It's a live CD and you will love it too!

I have FIVE copies to give away!!! So if you are interested - leave me a comment and I'll draw a winner Friday afternoon!

This is a video of one of the songs on the CD! If you don't win - or want a copy for yourselves - you can find it on Amazon, Lifeway, or iTunes.

One more $100 Visa Giveaway from BlogHer and Olay

2010-12-20T20:13:00.000-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

Does your skin change when you are pregnant?

Pretty much everything in my body is affected when I’m pregnant. My hair gets thicker and grows so much faster. My face fills out. My feet even get bigger. And I won’t even start on the internal things like morning sickness and heartburn.

My skin luckily improves during pregnancy and I love the “glow” that I get. It’s something I want to carry past my pregnancy and for the next several years. I think one of the main things I can do to maintain that is drinking water and taking care of my skin.

I’ve noticed with Olay Total Effects that my skin has that added glow even beyond being pregnant. I'm hoping that even after I have my baby - I will continue to carry a glow because I'm using Olay Total Effects. It has made my skin so much smoother and fresh looking.

How does your skin change when you are pregnant? One of your comments will win you a $100 visa gift card from BlogHer.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 27, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Also - visit the BlogHer Round up page where 14 other bloggers are giving away $100 visa gift cards as well for other chances to win!

Olay and BlogHer $100 visa Giveaway and Skin Care Review

2010-12-13T19:26:00.002-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

I’ve never had great skin. In college I went through a horrible time period where I had continuous, awful breakouts. I think it was a combination of stress, hormones, and unhealthy eating. Ever since that time, I’ve been very self conscious of how my skin looks and very aware of good skin on other people. It’s something that I notice right off about a person and probably the thing I’m most likely to envy.
I’m thankful that as I’ve aged, my skin has become much clearer and I’ve learned that wearing a lot of make-up doesn’t exactly always make it look better.
I have embraced aging. I actually love being in my 30’s and I know I will love the 40’s also. I want to look young but I also have learned that looks aren’t the most important thing and I’m less and less concerned with what people think and more comfortable with who I am.
And I'm turning 37 in a week or so - which is hard to believe but I want to look the age I feel - which is about 26.
I do want to do everything I can to take care of myself and probably the biggest thing will be taking care of my skin. I use a lot higher SPF than I ever have. I’m careful of being in the sun too much. And I want to try and use a product that will make my skin look better.
I’m happy with how Olay Total Effects is working just in the few weeks I’ve been using it. I feel like my skin is actually looking smoother and younger. My pores are getting smaller and I just feel like I have more of a glow! I'm very happy with the results I'm getting so far from using this product!

Are you embracing aging? What are your secrets to looking young? One of your comments will win you a $100 visa gift card from BlogHer!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 20, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Also - visit the BlogHer Round up page where 14 other bloggers are giving away $100 visa gift cards as well for other chances to win!

Blender/Can Opener winners

2010-12-12T20:36:00.002-06:00

I finally picked the winners tonight for the blenders/can openers. There are too many to list on here but I'm contacting the winners by email tonight. Thank you for entering!

If you didn't win - remember you can get these great Hamilton Beach products at Wal-Mart (or other retailers)!

WINNERS

2010-12-08T09:48:00.001-06:00

The winner of the first Visa Gift Card was #440 comment Melissa! She will be contacted through email!!

The winners of the Arkansas Baptist Cookbook were #86 Annette and #490 Hope! They have been contacted through email!

All winners were chosen using the random integer generator!

I will be drawing winners of the blenders and can openers tomorrow night. You still have a chance to win as well as another $100 visa gift card!!!

See below!

Olay Total Effects review and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2010-12-06T13:05:00.000-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

Two things have been affecting my skin lately. One is pregnancy. Luckily - I am one of the lucky ones who doesn’t get break outs during pregnancy. My skin actually looks it’s very best when I’m pregnant! If only I could keep that when the nine months were over.

The main thing I am noticing is I am starting to age whether I like it or not. I have a hard time believing and admitting that I’m almost 37 but I am. And years of sun worship are beginning to show. Also years of not taking care of my skin.

I used to have pretty oily skin but I’ve noticed it’s not dry - especially in the winter.

So I have been using the Olay Total Effects for a few weeks and I have noticed my skin is looking healthier. I've really noticed my pores are looking smaller and my face just looks more smooth over all. It's amazing how just after a few days - I honestly see a difference. I guess all this time of not using a moisturizer or any kind of skin care has been a big waste. It's great how one simple product that it isn't expensive - can do the job of a whole skin care line.

I took these two pictures about two weeks apart - from the first day I started using Total Effects. You may not be able to tell a huge difference - but I can see it. I'm not wearing makeup in the second picture and I am in the first and my skin appears a lot smoother. I love it!

What are you skin issues? I’d love to hear and one of you who leaves a comment will win a $100 visa gift card from BlogHer.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 13, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Also - visit the BlogHer Round up page where 14 other bloggers are giving away $100 visa gift cards as well for other chances to win!

BlogHer.com Exclusive Offers page

Hamilton Beach Can Opener and Blender Give Away

2010-12-02T13:53:00.000-06:00

(DON'T FORGET TO SCROLL DOWN - YOU COULD WIN A $100 VISA GIFT CARD AND ALSO AN AMAZING COOKBOOK - ALL THIS WEEK!)

So Hamilton Beach is allowing me to give away two of their hottest Christmas items - an awesome can opener and a blender. I have NINE of EACH to give away!!! So you have a great chance with Eighteen winners in all!!!

The can opener:

Smooth Edge cutting

Cuts the can on the side

No more sharp edges

Extra Tall Design

Easy touch opening lever

Opens regular and pop top cans

The BLENDER:

450 watt motor

8 speeds

48 oz glass jar

Mess free spout for easy pouring

Wave action jar means no more ice chunks

And these both retail for $29.88. If you don't win - you can find them at your local WAL-MART!!!

(Great gifts people - I'm just saying!)

I will draw a winner on next Thursday.

Leave a comment and let me know which one you would like to win and make sure you leave an email address where I can contact you if you win!!!

Cookbook Giveaway

2010-12-01T14:44:00.002-06:00

Arkansas Baptist Children's Home is a wonderful ministry that gives a home to children who come from bad situations. It is one my family believes in strongly and has seen the amazing results of changed lives.

They have put together an AMAZING cookbook as a fundraiser and it is my new favorite cookbook! It has 570 recipes and 75 complete menu plans! It is so easy to use - grouped by parties and menus!

This would make the BEST gift for that special person in your life or for you! Orders must be in by December 15th so ORDER soon to receive by Christmas! !!!! (or order any time after that to just have it)! Go to the link below to read more and get your own very special cookbook (and help a very worthy ministry)!

http://www.abchomes.org/new-abchomes-cookbook.html

AND I'm giving away TWO free copies - so leave me a comment letting me know you would like to win and I'll pick a winner on Monday afternoon!!!

Olay Total Effects

2010-11-29T08:02:00.000-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

I was asked by BlogHer and Olay to review their newest product “Total Effects”. Because I am undergoing skin changes, both with pregnancy and aging (I’m about to hit the 40’s), my skin is in need of some help!
I have never had a skin care regimen. I know I have needed one - especially as I have entered my 30’s but I find it hard and time consuming to put several things on every night. I can’t seem to remember or I’m too tired to do it.
So I was excited to try this new product because it has 7 things in one!
* Line minimization
* Cooling moisturization (and going into winter - I really need that!)
* Energizes apperance (if anyone needs some energizing to their skin - it’s me!)
* Gentle Exfoliation
* Pore refinement (I have HUGE pores so this is a big one to me)
* Free radical defence
*Subtle lifting (and if only this would work on ALL the body. Ha!)

I’ve only used the product for a few days but I already feel like my skin looks better! I’m going to be posting for 4 weeks - so I’ll let you know if I actually see improvement or not!

I’d love to hear about your skin care regimen or if you don’t have one - how does this all in one product sound???

Leave a comment and one of you will win a $100 visa gift card from BlogHer!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 6, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Also - visit the BlogHer Round up page where 14 other bloggers are giving away $100 visa gift cards as well for other chances to win!

BlogHer.com Exclusive Offers page

"A Minute for Mommy" Giveaway

2010-11-16T12:46:00.001-06:00

One of my close friends who I happen to think is one of the Godliest girls I know recently wrote a devotion book for moms! I'm going to give away 3 copies of it here if you will leave me a comment! (PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A WAY FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU!)

If you don't win - there are several ways you can get the book - go to one of the links at the bottom and order or you can get a signed copy by emailing her at berkli_binns@hotmail.com.

She is going to give 10% of each book sold to a charity. Anyone buying books from reading here - the money will go to Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes. This is a place near to my heart that houses children in Arkansas who come from troubled homes and need a place to live. It's a wonderful ministry and one that my family supports.

About the book:

You know you’re a mom when:
•You cannot remember the last time you took a shower.
•Laundry is an everyday activity, but folding it is not.
•You are eating chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, or pizza…again!

But you also know you’re a mom when:
•Your heart melts when that sweet little voice says, “I love you, Mommy.”
•Your fridge is covered with special crafts, photos, and award ribbons.
•Hearing your child sing brings you joy and a smile.

Moments like these make being a mother worthwhile, and A Minute for Mommy is the perfect devotional to help you cherish and remember each one. Join Berkli Binns as she reflects on her motherhood experiences and lessons God has taught her through her children.

With thirty-one inspirational devotionals, you can read through it in a month or just pick it up when you need some encouragement. Take A Minute for Mommy, and you’re sure to be drawn closer to your children and, more importantly, the Lord.

Berkli Binns lives in Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband, Richard. She has two boys—Clay, age five, and Caleb, age three. She is an active member of the First Baptist Church in Bentonville, Arkansas, where she serves on the women’s ministry council. Berkli’s current and most rewarding occupation is homemaker.

Her website is: http://berklibinns.tateauthor.com/
Barnes and Nobel link is: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/A-Minute-for-Mommy/Berkli-Binns/e/9781616639655/?itm=1&USRI=berkli+binns
Tate Publishing link: http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61663-965-5
Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=138215569538300

Win a free Halloween Pail

2010-09-07T12:57:00.003-05:00

How cute are these Halloween pails? My good friend Stephanie makes all kinds of cute personalized things and she has these CUTE, CUTE pails perfect for hauling all that candy your kids are sure to end up with! And the fun thing is they can use it year after year!

I'm giving away one free pail! I'll be drawing a winner on Friday afternoon!

And if you don't win - go here - http://ifyousaysewgifts.com/category_11/Trick-or-Treat-Pails.htm and check out all the designs. They are only $19 each and could last for years!!! She also has all kinds of cute fall personalized shirts you should check out!

Just leave me a comment and let me know which design is your favorite!! (How do you pick?)

Lisa Whelchel's Book "Friendship for Grown Ups"

2010-07-13T14:19:00.002-05:00

I am SO excited to have FIVE copies of Lisa Whelchel's new book "Friendship for Grown-ups" to give away! I will draw winners on Friday night!

Finding and keeping friends as an adult can be a challenge and I think is a great guide book! Lisa is a wonderful Christian author and speaker! You will be blessed by this book I know!

And if you don't win - you can find it in most local bookstores as well as on-line!

Also - I am getting the chance to interview Lisa on Thursday morning so I'd love for you to come to my regular blog and leave me questions you would love to hear answered!

Just leave a comment on this post and let me know you'd like to win!

Winners of the Sheila Walsh Book

2010-07-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

The winners for the Sheila Walsh book are:
45 Lindsey at thirtycanwait.blogspot.com
57 Katy at lifeasmrswright.blogspot.com
123 Catherine - no info - PLEASE contact me
146 - Lina at myheartmeetyours.blogspot.com
175 -Chantal at justmehopingformore.blogspot.com

Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God

2010-07-06T13:50:00.003-05:00

I've heard blogger comments are messed up today so if you can't leave a comment - come back later this week and do it!

Sheila Walsh is an amazing Christian author and speaker and she has recently written this book. This kind of sums it up for me:

Do you ever question God's ability to catch you when you fall?

Do shame, fear, and brokenness keep you from fully trusting God?

Do you secretly believe your dreams are unreachable?

You are not alone.

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God is all about trust. How we fight it. How we learn to do it. How it transforms us.

Life is not safe. That reality slips over us as we grow. Our response to the Father in that reality allows us either to swing higher and higher with the trust of a child . . . or fearfully shrink back from the swing set altogether.

As we weigh that choice, God whispers: Trust me.

In a remarkably transparent account, author and speaker Shelia Walsh opens wide her lifelong battle with trust and the moment-by-moment choices she made to follow where God led.

Shelia has lived a life ruled by "hidden places" of insecurity and brokenness and knows the overwhelming beauty of a life wholly handed over to Christ. As you encounter her struggles and triumphs, you also meet ten of the Bible's transformed-Tabitha, David, Paul, and others-who teach us that in spite of overwhelming circumstances, just one trusting encounter with Christ sets beautiful things in motion.

It can resurrect dreams, instill purpose, and ignite hope.

Discover what beautiful things can happen when you trust God.

I'm giving away FIVE copies of this book and I will draw winners on Friday afternoon. Just leave me a comment and let me know you'd like to win.

For His Glory

2010-06-04T21:45:00.002-05:00

There is an amazing family that lives in Oklahoma and has 13 children. One was 3 years old and died of cancer 3 years ago. They also have these twin sons who have a CD out that is SO great! It's instrumental music and it's all hymns. Which I love a lot of music but I'm a sucker for Hymns. There is nothing like the old hymns in the hymn book. These two guys are SO talented and their CD would make an amazing soundtrack or gift!

Check them out at : http://www.shekinahspringsstudio.com

And I'm giving away TWO copies! Just leave me a comment telling me your favorite hymn or if you don't have one - just let me know you'd like this CD! You will be blessed by it!!! I'll give it away on Wednesday night of next week!

Plan B

2010-05-04T19:11:00.001-05:00

So I said at the beginning of the year that I would not do any more giveaways and I still plan to stick to that except where I have the chance to give something and introduce you to something that I think is inspirational or to help you grow in your walk with Jesus.
I'm excited to tell you about a book that is being released today. It's written by Pete Wilson who is pastor of a church in Nashville (that Angie Smith attends). I first heard about his book through Angie when he did a feature on them after they learned the news of Audrey. The book is Called Plan B. And I think there are SO MANY of you who could relate to this book (including myself). I could have used this book when I was single, when I was struggling with infertility, when Harper's birth didn't go like I thought it would. And I have no doubt there are many days ahead when life won't be picture perfect like I think it should be. Watch this video!

PlanB Promo from Cross Point Church on Vimeo.

In Plan B pastor and author Pete Wilson uses real life stories of disappointments and hurts along with the biblical stories of men and women like David, Joseph, and Ruth to help readers come to grips with the truth that they will face situations that in themselves they are completely unable to handle but that in them God is simply trying to get them to surrender their plans so that they can receive His. He identifies our common responses to difficulties and offers hope, helping us to

Understand what God might be up to
See how surrender helps us to receive God's plan
Embrace the community of believers
Reconcile a God of love with a life of tragedy and suffering

Wilson points readers to the cross as not just the starting line but the centerpiece of our story with God and shares that it is there we turn in our Plan B and find the undeniable relationship between crisis and our hope followed by true spiritual transformation. "God wants to live inside the questions" says Wilson and then reminds us that "the cross is proof that He does not always change the circumstance but that He always has a purpose in every circumstance. He will never let go of us. He will hold us and His cross will be an anchor for you.

It's in bookstores all across the country and on amazon.com. I'm giving away THREE copies HERE. Leave me a comment and I'll draw three winners on Thursday night.

I will Carry You Giveaway!

2010-04-30T20:12:00.001-05:00

If you have read my blog for any length of time - you know that I just adore this girl above. Angie Smith and her husband Todd (he sings with the Christian group Selah) are an amazing couple with three girls, one on the way and one sweet baby who is with Jesus, Audrey.

I stumbled upon Angie's blog right after she started it and couldn't quit reading. I was drawn in by her story and prayed for her and for Audrey. I remember reading this post and bawling my eyes out. Angie has a gift for writing.

And she has written a book telling the story of Audrey. I'm not a reader and I read it in less than two days. I couldn't put it down. If you know anyone who has suffered the loss of a child - this would be an amazing book to give them. And Angie talks at the end about how to help those who lose a child. I was so thankful for that because I think at some point in our lives we will probably all know someone, unfortunately, who will go through this and I'm saving her book as a reference.

"I Will Carry You" comes out tomorrow nation wide and you can find it in Barnes and Noble, Books a Million , and Lifeway. I really encourage you to buy a copy. You will love it!

And I'm also giving away THREE COPIES!! All you need to do is leave me a comment and let me know you'd like to win!

Robbie Seay Band Giveaway

2010-03-23T18:53:00.004-05:00

The Robbie Seay Band are an awesome Christian band and they have GREAT music! They have just come out with a new album - "Miracle".

This is what Robbie said about the album:

“In some ways, this record reflects the past year for us - representing a broader journey and reality,” Robbie says. “From the deepest depths of sorrow and angst to the greatest moments of celebration in scripture, the band strikes up and it’s beautiful to be part of that. Each song seems to echo what God is doing among us, that this is not a me-centered life we’re living... we are not alone.”

“The title track and first single of the project, “Miracle” came in the wake of devastating news. I remember getting a phone call from one of my closest friends. ‘Kristy has cancer. It doesn't look good, but we're believing for a Miracle.’ I wrote the lyrics the next day. I prayed and believed with him. Kristy, wife and mother of three young boys would die two months later. “

“The song is not a miracle sweat cloth,” Robbie continues, “or a televangelist coming to a town near you. It's the crying out when you're in the depths of life. Believing. And as we all know, sometimes it doesn't end like we so fervently believed. The song is not a promise of a miracle. It is, however, the declaration that we all will find ourselves in great need of one at some point in our lives - and in those moments, we choose to believe even when we can't see our hands in front of our face.”

You can listen to the songs below!!! You will love it! You can find it on itunes or any retailer!
Leave me a comment and you can enter to win a copy of the new CD AND a t-shirt!!!!
I will draw a winner this Friday night.

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER

2009-12-24T21:40:00.001-06:00

MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO LISA BATTS!!!!!!

There were 8098 entries (between my two posts - because I thought the first one got full) and Lisa was #4276 which is what the random number generator picked.

Reading through the comments - I wish I could send one to everyone of you!

Lisa - I'm e-mailing you right now and if I don't hear back by December 27th by noon - I'll have to pick another winner!

True Random Number Service

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-12-25 03:26:05 UTC

Aquaphor Giveaway Winner

2009-12-17T19:32:00.002-06:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-12-18 01:30:34 UTC

Congratulations Heather in IN - you have won the Aquaphor prize!!! I will be contacting you through e-mail!

Winners of the B&D wrench

2009-12-15T20:20:00.000-06:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

924 176 211 187

Timestamp: 2009-12-16 02:09:32 UTC

The winners of the wrenches are:

924 Ashley at www.babarnard.com/blog
176 Beth Esposito
211 Mandy Costello
187 the Talbott family

Thanks for trying!!!

Got a Man hard to buy for???

2009-12-14T10:12:00.002-06:00

Black & Decker has a new product out this year called the Ready Wrench. It has 16 sockets sizes. It adjusts to all the popular sizes so you only need ONE wrench and not several in your toolbox.

This would make a great present for those men in your family that you have NO IDEA what to buy for. Or a great stocking stuffer. I'm pretty sure all of those DIY men in your life would be thrilled to have this.

So I'm going to give away FOUR of these wrenchs! You have until tomorrow night at 6 p.m. eastern time to enter. I will post the winners and contact you and send them out on Wednesday so you can get them in time for Christmas! Just leave me a comment here and tell me you would like one!!!

And if you don't win - you can find these at Wal-Mart, wal-mart.com, and amazon.com as well as other retailers.

Still Want to Win A computer????

2009-12-10T10:32:00.001-06:00

Apparently we might have exceeded the number of comments we can do on one post...............so I'm making this additional post - keep commenting!!!!

You have until Christmas Eve!!!!!

HEY - WHO WANTS TO WIN A FREE COMPUTER?

2009-12-09T11:00:00.001-06:00

See newer post above to leave more comments - I think we reached the limit on this one.

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and HP.

That's right - I am totally serious!!

The nice people at HP recently sent me their new TouchSmart 600 PC. I've been using a pretty ancient Dell and so I'm a little blown away first that I have a new computer and second by how fancy this thing is.

It's look and feel to me is somewhat like an I-Mac - the all in one kind of thing. It has a 23 inch screen - which let me tell you is big! And it's so easy and nice to use. And it has this crazy feature called Touch Smart. It's kind of like using an iPhone (sorry I keeping referring to Apple products - but I know a lot of us use them - and this is just as great or better!!). You can touch the screen and do all kinds of neat things. It has great photo editing, slide show and movie applications.

BooMama is giving one away too and we were both SUPER excited about this feature called "Recipe Box". She and I both love to cook and eat food and this just made our lives a lot easier. You can pull recipes from the Internet to put in it and then it can be voice activated to give you commands wherever you are. Basically - it reads off the recipe while you are in the kitchen cooking. I don't know about you - but I do a lot of running back and forth to my computer when I make stuff.

It can be mounted on the wall and you can use the wireless keyboard across the room. It has TV and DVR in it! :-) I know I couldn't be more excited about an extra DVR in our house (not that I would EVER want to watch more than 3 shows at one time). You can also do netflix and it has a blu ray player!

SO HERE IS THE COOL, AMAZING, MIND BLOWING PART:

They are letting me give one of my sweet readers a computer also!!!!

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me why you would love to have an HP TouchSmart!

You actually have 5 chances to win - 4 bloggers besides me are giving one away - so go HERE and check it out!

And this is the official site for more details

Rules:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Please see the official rules HERE

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE ME AN E-MAIL ADDRESS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BLOG!

And one more thing because you know I'm pretty emotional:

When we talked to HP about this new computer - they shared about how these computers were actually helping children with autism. I have a very special place in my heart for autistic kids so I think this is awesome!

I use this new computer to blog here: www.kellyskornerblog.com

What are you waiting for ............enter to WIN!

Win Free Name Plaque from Engraved Euniques

2009-12-07T19:50:00.000-06:00

Kaye is a blog friend who makes these awesome engraved stone plaques. We have a couple that we just LOVE! They can say just about anything and she has all kinds of ideas and suggestions or you could come up with your own.

And just in time for Christmas - you could win a free plaque. It would make a gift for one of your loved ones!! Just go visit her site http://www.engravedeuniques.com/ and tell me what you would like to have and I will pick one winner on Wednesday by noon!

Aquaphor Giveaway

2009-11-15T15:21:00.000-06:00

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Aquaphor

When Harper was suffering with eczema – so many of you recommended I try aquaphor. To be honest – I had never even heard of the product. But since then – aquaphor and I have become dear friends. I have bought many bottles and jars because it works so well on Harper's skin and really helped clear up her rough patches. I have used it everywhere from her little face to her feet. I tried everything out there and this really helped more than anything.

I have an AMAZING giveaway – one lucky reader is going to win $100 visa gift card plus this awesome basket of goodies from aquaphor!!! All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me ways you use aquaphor at your home. I'd love to hear different and unusual ways.

The basket includes:

2 - Aquaphor 14oz Baby Jar

2 - Aquaphor 3 oz tube

2 - Aquaphor 8 oz Gentle Wash and Shampoo

2 - Baby to go Aquaphor .35 oz tubes

2 - Eucerin Hand Crème

1 - Eucerin Original Lotion 8 oz bottle

1 - Eucerin Original Crème 16 oz jar

1 - Eucerin Calming Crème 14oz Tube

1 - Rubber Ducky

To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me what are some of your favorite uses for Aquaphor? - or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin at Monday, November 16th and will end Tuesday, December 15th. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US residents, aged 18 and over
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Please see the official rules here: http://www.blogher.com/aquaphor-sweepstakes-official-rules" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Official rules

There are 8 chances to win! See other places you can sign up here: http://www.blogher.com/review-aquaphor?Reviewer1 Join the conversation and enter to win $1000 from BlogHer.com and Aquaphor!

TO SOOTHE, PROTECT AND HELP HEAL, VISIT www.AquaphorHealing.com

WINNERS

2009-11-06T18:13:00.000-06:00

The following are the winners of the vacs:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

999 41 616 2933

Timestamp: 2009-11-07 00:12:33 UTC

Mary at www.chaseriley.blogspot.com

Aaron at www.aslaten.blogspot.com (yes - a MAN won - who knew any men even read my blog!)

Chari at www.taketimetosmelltherose.blogspot.com

Krisha at www.thedevoursshousedivided.blogspot.com

Thank you for entering! If you didn't win - you can buy one of those vacs at Wal-Mart or wal-mart.com.

Win 1 of 4 Black and Decker Flex Cordless Mini Canister Vacs

2009-11-03T10:56:00.000-06:00

Do you have kids who create a lot of crumbs?
Pets who shed a lot of hair?

And you hate dragging out your vacuum and plugging it in just to try to get that mess up every time?

I know I do!

Black and Decker (a great company I happened to work for for several years) is letting me give away four of their new Flex Cordless mini canister vacs away!!! They are letting me try one out as well!

They are cordless, portable, with a 4 ft flexible hose.

Comes with a pet hair cleaning tool!!!

3 stage filtration system!

You can also find these at retailers such as Wal-Mart if you don't win or wal-mart.com

Just leave me a comment and let me know why you'd like one and I will draw a lucky winner on Friday afternoon. The contest will end at noon on Friday!

You Deliver Me

2009-08-17T17:03:00.001-05:00

FIVE of you can win the new CD from Selah "You Deliver Me" by leaving me a comment! I will draw this Friday afternoon. This CD contains wonderful songs including "Unreedemed" and a song Angie and Todd Smith wrote for the daughter they lost called "I will carry you". It also has a lot of great old songs you will love hearing! Songs include :
Into My Heart/Fairest Lord Jesus, How Deep The Fathers Love, You Deliver Me, Hosanna, Standing On The Promises/Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Beautiful Terrible Cross, The Lords Prayer, Unredeemed, Down At the Cross, I Have Decided To Follow Jesus (Todd's brother Jack and his wife Molly sing with me African style), Depth of Mercy, I Surrender All, God Be With You.
If you don't win - you can always go HERE and order!!!!

Avent Bottles

2009-07-01T13:34:00.000-05:00

This is a compensated post from BlogHer and Avent

Calling all MOMS:

What kind of bottles do you use?

I came home from the NICU with these little bottles they provided while I was pumping all the time and that is what I have used ever since (only I rarely pump because I rarely leave Harper) so we just don't use bottles.
But the time is coming soon when I may want to use bottles and I want a good kind because Harper does not like bottles and I want her to begin to like it.

I recently got an 11 oz Avent PES bottle and I really like it. I like the size, shape and the fact that it helps reduce colic and goes well with breast feeding. My friends who use Avent highly recommend it and I'm thinking we will be trying these bottles very soon as we transition into solids and adding formula. It also helps that it is BPA free.

What do you look for in a bottle and which kind do you like best? Have you tried Avent and what did you think?

You should also check out the BlogHer review page and check out other reviews AND A chance to win a $500 Visa Gift Card (who couldn't use that????)

You can also go HERE for more information.

Shirt Giveaway

2009-06-29T19:41:00.000-05:00

Ya'll know how much I love monogrammed stuff?

Well - isn't this a cute shirt??? And one lucky reader will win one - just leave me a comment telling me who you would get it for and on Friday I'll pick one winner (using a random number picker).

If you don't win - you can always go HERE and get one anyway!!!

The End

2009-06-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

I'm not at the end of my trying to drink more water journey (more like at the beginning of it) but I'm at the end of writing about it.

I think it went pretty well and I still have to work on it. I would be lying if I said I didn't crave coke daily - so I do have at least one a day. But that's a big step from where I was.

Let's hear some final thoughts from you - will you keep it up? Will you drink more water this summer (if you live in the south - or I guess anywhere - and are having 100 degree days like I am - you probably REALLY will!)

Good luck and thanks for coming along with me!!!!

Travelling

2009-06-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

So - I have a question?

How do you handle the whole water/Crystal Light/ avoiding cokes if you are on a road trip?
I spent yesterday on a little day trip and it was hard. I ended up drinking more coke than usual because it was just easy.

Do you just get water wherever you go?

That's something I need to figure out how to work on because I'm going to be travelling more and more over the next few weeks and I want to try and avoid coke.

2009-06-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

Ya'll asked a few questions and I thought I would answer:

So far - I have lost around 2 lbs in 3 weeks. Not stellar - not horrible. Considering it's too hot to exercise and I still eat sweets and I'm not really dieting........I'm pretty proud. I'm also proud to not drink as much coke.

And I've never been a big water drinker. I realize that is horrible but I just don't. I love sweet tea, lemonade, some juice and cokes. But no water. I knew I had to make a change and I thought this was a good place to start and to transition into more water drinking.

Anyway - this is less of a challenge and more of a life change for me. Drinking more water one way or another that is.

Week 4

2009-06-23T19:34:00.000-05:00

Is it hot where you live????

I went for a walk this morning at 8:00 and it was already 90 degrees! Seriously? I nearly passed out. And when I got home - I sure did not want a coke to drink. I had a fresh pitcher of Crystal Light and that hit the spot!!!!

I'm thinking with all these 95-100 degree days up ahead - I'm going to keep the Crystal Light coming.

What do you do on hot days? I really need a pool!

Week 3 Day 3

2009-06-17T20:24:00.000-05:00

Well - I'm almost through 3 whole weeks of drinking Crystal Light and I have to say it's a change I'll probably stick with.

Today I didn't feel so well. I rarely get sick if ever. But I think all my nights of not much sleep have caught up with me. I didn't have any juice at home but I had a pitcher of lemonade ready to go and I'm glad. Somehow I think drinking that made me feel better than if I'd reached immediately for diet coke.

I'm also down 2 pounds so hopefully it's making a difference. Yep - I think this is one habit worth sticking with.

Week 3 Day 2

2009-06-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

Well - here at our house - I am undergoing all kinds of changes.

I amtrying to leave coke behind and drink more water (which I have to admit - I think it's easier being a SAHM than it would have been if I was still working. I can keep a pitcher full of Crystal light and just drink all day where it would have been harder to do at work. Although in that case - I would use the kind you mix up in bottles more instead).

And now I found out my baby Harper has food allergies - fish, eggs and peanuts. So I'm on a 3 week "diet" from those food groups to see how it affects her. I've looked at a lot of food labels in the last day and never realized that on most products at the bottom they will mark in all caps - Allergy alerts and list what the main allergy concerns are ......milk, soy, peanuts, etc. That sure is nice of food companies. ha!

Since that is cutting in on my "sweets" attack every day...........hopefully that is going to help me finish off my weight loss. I haven't weighed in a few days so I'll be interested to see. (I just realized I haven't weighed and I'm wondering why - I'm normally an every day/twice a day weigh in kind of girl).

Anyway .......change is good, right?

Week 3

2009-06-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

How was your weekend?

I did pretty good on my water challenge because we were home most of the weekend. I usually get in one Sonic drink a day but the big change is I'm drinking a lot more water at home instead of tea or cokes. I think it's making a difference.

I really do like Crystal Light. It just makes it so much easier for me to get a good water intake. I HATE that I hate water. I plan to try and get Harper on the water train and avoid cokes as long as I can. I want her to be healthier than I am.

Are there habits you are trying to form in your children that you don't have yourself???

2nd week - 4th day

2009-06-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

No big news today

I think overall - I do feel better by drinking more water.

I do have to confess that I didn't sleep much last night. Harper was up about every 2 hours and I went to bed late so I woke up with a terrible headache and had to have caffiene to start my day. But I've drank mostly Crystal Light the rest of the day. Ate lunch out and had lemonade.

I haven't had time this week to do as much exercising. I also have had a MAJOR sweet tooth the last few days so I'm afraid my weight loss isn't moving too quickly.

But I haven't gained!

2nd Week - 3rd day

2009-06-10T21:37:00.000-05:00

I'm so enjoying find out how you are all doing on the challenge

I'm still drinking the strawberry/orange/banana drink but I think tomorrow will be peach tea day!

I haven't lost anymore weight (yes I weigh twice a day every day and have for probably the last 18 years) but I haven't gained either.

Someone asked me what I was doing to try and lose weight?

I gained 35 pounds in my pregnancy and I lost all of it after about 2 months. I think that was a combination of having a 10 pound baby, being in the NICU for 3 weeks and not eating much due to stress, and breast feeding a baby who eats a LOT. ha! It was so much easier to get off the weight than I ever dreamed.

BUT I was 20 pounds heavier than normal when I got pregnant due to fertility drugs so that's what I'm working on now. I've lost 5 of those pounds and I still have 15 to go. I'm really not doing much besides daily walks (1 or 2 a day for a total of 1-2 hours) and trying to eat healthy but I still eat quite a bit and lots of sweets because I stay pretty hungry. I don't want to diet because I'm providing food for my baby and she needs a lot.

What are your weight loss secrets?

2nd Week - 2nd day

2009-06-09T21:12:00.000-05:00

Okay - so I didn't try the Peach Tea today.

Instead I tried Strawberry Orange Banana - can we say YUM??????? It was really good and I'm still working on a pitcher of it! I would recommend this flavor!

And I also got an hour of walking in today. I was going to do Jillian Michael's Shred tonight but it's after 9 and I still need to do some housework and watch an episode of "Gilmore Girls" - it's all about priorities.

But hopefully I'm still working on at least another pound loss for this week!

Crystal Lite Challenge - One Week

2009-06-08T20:04:00.000-05:00

Well - it's been a week.

And I've lost a pound and a half!!!!

We were home most of the weekend so I was able to drink several pitchers full. I've still only drank lemonade. But the pitcher is empty so I'm about to go whip up a new flavor. I have a few to pick from - but I'm wondering for any of you who are taking the challenge.....

What is your favorite flavor????

Day 4

2009-06-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

So today wasn't a GREAT day.

I mean it was a great day in the fact that Harper and I hit a bunch of my favorite stores (Wal-Mart, Target, and T J Maxx) and Harper was a perfect angel while mom looked around.

Probably an ever better day because although I enjoyed looking - I didn't buy ONE THING!
And it was a great day that we went to my favorite trail and walked for 45 minutes today in ABSOLUTELY PERFECT WEATHER!

And it was a great day in that Harper is finally on a good nap schedule and goes to bed early.

But all that on the go - meant I didn't plan well for drinking enough water. I drank Crystal Light Lemonade for lunch and for dinner and I'm drinking more tonight. But as I was on the go most of the day - I might have made a few Sonic stops.

But hey - I'm trying. And I haven't drank ANY coke at home which is a HUGE change for me.

Do ya'll drink more coke on the go, at work or at home??? I used to drink coke after coke at my desk when I worked so being home has probably been a step in the right direction as far as that goes.

Day 3

2009-06-03T20:53:00.000-05:00

So it's Day 3 of my Water Challenge

I drank an entire pitcher of Crystal Light lemonade today.
It's getting me to drink a lot more water.

I did have ONE Sonic coke. Seriously - the place makes my car automatically pull in. :-)

I love the lemonade but think I'll try a different flavor tomorrow.

I'll let you know what I think.

I'm glad tomorrow will be warm and sunny again because I have gone two days without any exercise (i.e. walks with the stroller). I can tell a difference when I don't get any activity.
And I ate a bunch of oreos today.
Breastfeeding makes me hungry. ha!

Hope ya'll did good and stayed away from those cokes today!

Day 2

2009-06-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

So - how is it going????

I thought I would start by sharing something only my doctor knows. It's all in the name of being real and open and so that when my 3 weeks are up - I can share truly what kind of difference I've seen.

I weigh 144 lbs

Yikes - there it is.

My optimal weight would be 130. I would love to weigh 125. Sure - I'd love to look like Kelly Ripa and weigh 105 but that's probably not realistic for my life.

I made a big pitcher of Crystal Light lemonade this morning and I've just about drank it all. I did break down and had one vanilla coke at Sonic this afternoon. But I read my challenge again - and I'm just supposed to try and replace TWO drinks a day with water/crystal light so I think I'm doing pretty good.

I didn't get out and walk like normal today because the weather has been a little iffy so I may not see much change but I will say that the lemonade was REALLY good. I'm looking forward to trying other kinds and letting you know what I think. This lemonade matched up with Country Time or Minute Maid and even Chick-fil-a (who I happen to think has the BEST lemonade).

So - I feel like day 1 was successful. I'll probably drink another glass or two before bed.

What about you????? How did you do?

Changing My Habits

2009-06-01T17:26:00.000-05:00

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

My name is Kelly
And I am a Sonic vanilla coke addict
I need help

Ya'll - the people at Sonic know be my name and when I pull up to the drive thru - they just tell me to pull up because they know what I am there to get. I'm in a catch 22 because I need to stop drinking cokes for my health and caffeine for breast feeding (although I really do limit myself) but with a 4 month old who doesn't sleep ........I need caffeine. But I also need to be healthy for my baby and to lose the last part of the baby weight.

So I'm taking a challenge. Starting today - I'm going to replace those Sonic cokes with Crystal Light for 2 weeks. I'm going to report in every day to let you know how I'm doing and if I've lost any weight or how I'm feeling. So check back in and I challenge all of you to take this challenge with me!
I also think you should join me on the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge Group at BlogHer and let's see what happens!!! I would love to get your comments if you are trying this and how it is going! You can also like to the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge site or here to get more info. After you register - you can get the same widget I have at the top and put it on your blog to track your water intake. I'm curious to see how you do!

You can keep up with me and Harper and what else we are up to here.

Won't you be my Neighbor?

2009-05-13T16:53:00.001-05:00

I live in a great neighborhood. We have families of all kinds.........families with children, older retired couples, DINKS (double income no kids)........but they are all friendly and nice. The kind of people who will pick up your newspaper and put it on your porch when you are out of town or mow your lawn when you are on vacation or bring you food when you have a baby.
In this day and age - we are all so busy. It's easy to hibernate and come home from work and just stay in your house and be your own little island. But I love the feeling of community. I love the summer when the kids all play out in the street and the parents sit in lawn chairs in the driveways and watch the kids play and visit. I love neighborhood cook outs and Halloween parties.

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood? I'd love to hear about it.

So would Dreyer’s (for those on you on the west coast and in Texas) and Edy’s for those of you East of the Rockies! Share why your neighborhood is so special and nominate your neighborhood for one of 1500 Dreyers/Edy's slow churned neighborhood salutes ice cream parties at www.SlowChurned.com. You must enter by midnight on May 29th.

Each winning neighborhood will scoop up a doorstep delivery of Dreyer's/Edy’s® Slow Churned® Light ice cream (with half the fat than regular ice cream, Slow Churned® gives neighbors even more reason to celebrate!). The package includes all of the fixings (cups, bowls, scoops, etc. and of course, ice cream, to host a summer block party for up to 100 guests.)

Whether you know of neighbors in need, are hoping to “mend some fences,” or are simply looking for an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate strong neighborly bonds, hosting a Dreyer's/Edy’s® Slow Churned® Neighborhood Salute can both spark and strengthen camaraderie on your block.

AND ALSO:

And let me sweeten the deal..........................10 of you who share your favorite neighborhood tales below will get a coupon for a free 1.5 quart of Edy's slow churned ice cream. How good does that sound as the hot weather is here????

Also visit www.blogher.com review round-up page to check for other reviews and chances to win!!!

To enter, leave me a comment below or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin on Tuesday, May 19th and will end Friday, May 29th. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Please see the official rules here: http://www.blogher.com/official-rules-dreyers-edys

===================================================

WINNERS!

2009-04-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

If you did not win at Bright October - you can go in and use the code kellyskorner and get 10% off!!!!!!

Winner of the little shoes -

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-04-25 20:56:59 UTC

Kimberly at http://one-mamas-photoblog.blogspot.com/

Winner of a toy from Bright October:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-04-25 21:03:32 UTC

Hannah at http://schreinerhannah.blogspot.com/

Baby Shoe Giveaway

2009-04-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

How cute are these shoes?????? This blogger, Laurie, makes neat vintage inspired baby items for this website www.thebabygardner.com. These shoes were recently featured in Parents Magazine. Check out some of these links and let me know how you like it and what is your favorite. I will draw at 5 tomorrow for the winner of one pair of shoes!!!

http://www.thebabygardner.com/productpages/onesies/cccowpoke.html

http://www.thebabygardner.com/productpages/onesies/ccelegirl.html

http://www.thebabygardner.com/productpages/onesies/ccwhale.html

http://www.thebabygardner.com/productpages/onesies/birdcoverall.html

http://www.thebabygardner.com/shoes.html

Toy Giveaway

2009-04-22T08:08:00.001-05:00

There is this great site with very unique toys like nothing I have ever seen.

It is called

Bright October

They are letting me giveaway either a super ze hero

or a mini blabla doll

All you have to do is visit the site and look around and come back and tell me your favorite toy they carry! Then on Friday at noon - I will use the random number generator to pick a winner!!!! Happy Shopping!!!!!

Winners

2009-04-10T15:36:00.000-05:00

Winner of the jumper/jon jon from Cotton Candy Tutus:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-04-10 20:36:25 UTC

http://battaglio.blogspot.com/ Lynette!

Winners of the book:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

216 74 32 163 29

Timestamp: 2009-04-10 20:40:11 UTC

http://witheagerhands.blogspot.com/ Brittney

http://grettajohns.blogspot.com/ Gretta

http://justabitofmegs.blogspot.com/ Megan

http://528ourloveisheretostay.blogspot.com/ Leah

loftin_rachel@yahoo.com Allison

All winners - please e-mail me at mrskellystamps@yahoo.com and let me know you won and send me your address and I'll get your prize to you!!! Thanks so much!!!

Jumper/Jon Jon Giveaway

2009-04-07T20:35:00.001-05:00

There is a precious web site called Cotton Candy Tutus

They have some of the CUTEST baby and kid clothes.

And you have the chance to win either a jon jon or a jumper!!!!

Just go to the web site and look it over and come back and leave me a comment and let me know your favorite thing on there!

I will draw a winner on Friday. Comments close at noon.

And if you don't win - well you just might want to do some shopping! :-)

Book Give Away

2009-04-06T12:14:00.000-05:00

You have a chance to win one of five copies of this book!!!!

Starting a family is a soul-shaping, world-altering experience. Unfortunately, in a culture of competing values and protracted timelines, couples are increasingly backing their way into parenting or missing it altogether. By the time the average couple tries to have kids, they are often beyond their late twenties and surprised to learn they’re sliding past the peak of their fertile years. In Start Your Family, Steve and Candice Watters encourage couples to be intentional about their timeline in the early years of marriage and to trust God to help them boldly launch their families. Responding to the most common doubts and hurdles, they offer biblical inspiration for the questions, “Why have kids?”, “When is the best time to start?”, and “How can we fit kids into our lives?”

Candice and Steve work for Focus on the Family. This would be a great book for any couple thinking of having children or to give to anyone you know who wants to start a family or a newly married couple.

Check out the website here.

I will draw on Friday at noon!

Leave me a comment and let me know if you would like to win!

2009-02-23T11:01:00.000-06:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-02-23 17:02:42 UTC

The winner is Sarah!!!! She said she needed chocolate because she's a 3rd grade teacher. ha!

M&M Premiums Giveaway

2009-02-13T14:51:00.000-06:00

Who Loves being a Woman?

This past year I have been through the hormonal ringer. And pretty much every stop had me wanting chocolate.

First - I suffered with infertility for a couple of years. It was a very depressing and sad time and I spent many a day with a kleenex in one hand and chocolate in the other.

THEN I got pregnant!
And who out there has not craved chocolate like crazy when you were pregnant????
It's a miracle I didn't gain 75 pounds because this girl wanted a lot of chocolate.

One month ago - my sweet baby girl was born - and she was critically ill.
So we spent 3 weeks in the NICU. God healed her and she is a healthy beautiful girl now (You can see her and read about her here).
People were so kind to send us snacks and lots and lots of chocolate. It sure helped my stress to snack on some candy while we sat in the waiting room.

And I have something great for you:

M&M's has come out with a new PREMIUM line (as if the regular kind weren't good enough)!
There are five delicious favors which I have sampled and I have to tell you I can not pick a favorite - they are all YUMM-O!
And BlogHer is giving one lucky person who comments here an awesome basket of CHOCOLATE goodness!!!!

The prize pack:

1 carton of M&M'S® Premiums Raspberry Almond
1 carton of M&M'S® Premiums Chocolate Almond
1 carton of M&M'S® Premiums Mocha
1 carton of M&M'S® Premiums Triple Chocolate
4 M&M'S® Brand Martini Glasses
1 pack of M&M'S® Premiums Wine Charms

All you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me the times in your life when you MOST want chocolate - have to have it, crave it, need it.......!!!!!!

To enter, leave me a comment below and share your story - or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin at 12:00 a.m. (PST) on Monday, February 16th, and will end Sunday, February 22nd at 11:59 p.m (PST). Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct. (And your e-mail address will remain private.)

Rules:

* No duplicate comments.
* This giveaway is open to U.S. residents.
* Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
* You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
* See the official rules for details.