The Highchair That is Saving Parents Everywhere Big Money: Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 Highchair Giveaway! US 12/29

Graco wants to reward parents for reviews on their site.


Each month, parents that write a review on a Graco product they own are entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 Graco gift card. This sweepstakes will be an ongoing even to help parents give Graco their opinion on all the great products they own.


You can visit Graco Baby for all the information needed and for how to write a review!

In honor of this ongoing sweepstakes Graco wants to give one of you lovely readers a fun prize! Ring in the new year with a gorgeous new highchair that will grow with your little one from their first spoonfuls on! One lucky winner will get the Table2Table™ Premier Fold 7-in-1 Highchair!

Entry-Form

The Table2Table™ Premier Fold 7-in-1 Highchair has the following fantastic features:

• 7 growing stages even include a toddler table and chair
• Foldable Highchair allows for compact storage
• 5 height adjustments provide the best fit for your dining table
• 3-position removable footrest
• Tray attached to legs of Highchair when folded for storage

This beauty is perfect for growing with your little one! So head below for your chance to win this gorgeous highchair. Giveaway is open to US only and ends on 12/29 at 11:59pm EST. Must be18+ to enter. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: All opinions are 100% mine. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Starbucks, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. All opinions and experiences are Conservamom‘s. Open to US , must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Elia At Conservamom

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A recipe straight from the pumpkin spice gods! #pumpkinspice #Fluffdip

A couple of years ago my family and I were attending an intimate Fall party hosted by my SIL. While I'm not much for social gatherings, I looked forward to this party all year around (she hosted it every year) because it allowed me to catch up with my family, see my nieces/nephews and enjoy some yummy snacking. My mom in particular loved scouring the world wide net for new recipes to try, just for this particular family gathering.

This particular year that I'm thinking of she found a recipe that was a major success. The entire family went nuts over it - in fact, I'm not even sure there were any leftovers and if you knew my mom, you'd know she always made enough for 2 families, so no leftovers was amazing.

The recipe she used was called Pumpkin Fluff Dip and while I can't remember where she got it from, the one I've managed to find is almost exact and looks just as delicious. Huge props to All Recipes for sharing, especially once they added the main photo. I'm over here drooling and about to beg my mom to make it for our next gathering, which thanks to it being November ALREADY will be here in just a few short weeks.

Neither she nor I can take credit for this fabulous recipe, however, if you want to learn to make it for yourself as a sweet indulgence or to impress your holiday guests, you can find the recipe above. For a sneak peak, be prepared to be amazed because the ingredients are as simple as:

1. 1 (16 oz) container of frozen whipped cream
2. 1 (5 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding 
3. 1 (15 oz) can of packed solid pumpkin
4. 1 (teaspoon) pumpkin pie spice 
5.  Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)  

I'm sure my mama won't say no to whipping this up for Thanksgiving. After all, who can say no to the allure of vanilla and pumpkin spice with whipped topping, all served up beautifully in a picturesque pumpkin?!

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Wordless Wednesday!

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Guess who's back?!

I'm alive! Well, tentatively speaking anyways. After a not so brief break from the blogging world to work outside of the home, raise my two littles and working with fellow bloggers as a virtual assistant, I've finally decided to jump back into blogging! Thankfully, as a virtual assistant, I've managed to keep my skills fresh, so, with a Kindergartner & 2nd grader as well as with another one on the way (due January 2019) and a boatload of free time on my hands, I'm ready to start from square one.

This means that I'm ready to start bringing my readers fresh amusement, honest reviews about the latest products that I think parents will love AND share the occasional random posts such as yummy recipes, DIY and more! I sure hope my readers, old and new, will stay tuned!

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Wordless Wednesday - The Visitor

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It's National Bird Day (and a fun review and giveaway!) US 1/24

National Bird Day rolls around every January 5th and is a fun day for more than a half million participants who spend the day bird watching, studying birds, adopting birds and reading fun books about birds with children!

This year, we've been blessed with the opportunity to tell you about a great children's book that we've fallen in love with, here in the lost world.

"COCKATOO, TOO (for ages 3-6) by the very talented Bethanie Deeney Murguia is an amazing new picture book! Word play and puns combine with adorable artwork to create a read-aloud gem featuring a plump cockatoo. A second cockatoo arrives prompting the first to ask, "Cockatoo, Too?"  Soon the pages are bursting with cockatoos (and other feathered friends!) wearing tu-tus doing the can-can - a hilarious tongue twister that will make kids and adults alike giggle with it's clever silliness."

Our littles LOVE this book! Both Sophie ,aged 4 and Desi, nearly 3 are enthralled by this new addition to their bookshelf! More often, than not, when asked what they want to read before bed, it's been COCKATOO, TOO since the very first day!

 Want a sneak peak of the cuteness for yourself?  You can watch a short trailer HERE

The simple cute story and whimsical artwork keeps their interest fresh and they both recognize many words contained therein and point to them when prompted. I like that!

As a bird lover (and companion to several of my own) I've truly enjoyed sharing COCKATOO, TOO with my grandchildren and believe it will help foster in them, a love for our winged friends that will last a lifetime. I think it will be perfect for the young animal lover in your house, too!

Bethanie Deeney Murguia would love to introduce your child to COCKATOO, TOO and is oftering one of our readers the chance to win a copy of their very own, along with a super cute themed tote bag and notepad, as well!

Just climb aboard the Rafflecopter to enter!`

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Wordless Wednesday - Sharing Is Caring

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Going Out For New Year's Eve? Please Plan Ahead!

According to the National Safety Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the period between Christmas and New Year’s typically has one of the highest rates of impaired driving fatalities.

Fatalities related to drunk driving are 100 percent preventable and the spike in buzzed driving around the holidays is especially alarming.

Some stats: In 2014, 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. These alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for more 31% of the total motor vehicle traffic facilities in the United States. Alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 37% of traffic fatalities during the Christmas holiday period and 44% of traffic fatalities over New Year’s – making the winter holiday seasons one of the deadliest times to be on the road. Buzzed driving can cost around $10,000 in fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates.

Please ring in the New Year safely and plan ahead and designating a sober driver before going out this year.

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Adorable Board Books for Toddlers from the Little Bamboo on Amazon!

Every since I was a little child I have loved to read. Of course, reading didn't come easy to me in the beginning, I went through many teachers who tried and failed to teach me the basics of reading & comprehension but it just didn't take. When I finally did meet the teacher that would be the one to unlock the secrets of reading in my little brain, it really took and I began to read anything I could get my hands on. Ingredient lists, everything in my school library, even my parents extensive collection of books; there wasn't anything that was off limits to me after I finally got the basics of reading down. To this day my love for reading exceeds my love for anything else, save for my children.

These days, I'm busy trying to reach my own children how to love books but being as how they're only 2 and 4 it's a bit of an uphill battle. A girl can still dream and in the meantime, I can still start building up a collection for them. After all, who says I can't read to them until they learn to do it for themselves?

I was recently asked to work with Monika's Marketplace on Amazon to review a 4 pack of their Toddler Board Books. Given my love for books and the collection I've started putting together for my little ones, I just couldn't say no. The Board Book Set comes with 4 great books to choose from: The Dinosaur Book, The Reptile Book, The Farm Book and the Jungle Book.

Each of these wonderful books will make a great addition to any book lovers collection and are a cinch to read, even if you're reading them aloud or your little ones are just starting out learning for themselves. The Toddler Board books boast beautifully vibrant pictures that will keep your little one captivated throughout their exploration and each one is made of super sturdy, so no matter what age they are the books will hold up to the abuse they'll withstand over the years. Another thing that I love about these books in particular is that the font is big so it makes it easier for little ones to read rather than having to struggle with tiny font.

Easy to clean, easy to read and able to stand up to just about anything, these books are definitely a great gift for the special little ones in your life. My little ones have loved having me read these to them before bedtime these last few months and I know yours will love them too!

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Combine Your Love for Wine and Photography with ChillStik and Get Inspired Goods! US 12/20

There's is no greater joy in life than being able to find out where your true passions lie. Even better, is finding ways to combine them to make the ultimate experience. For me, two of my passions are taking photographs of my family and boosting my knowledge of different types of wine. I'm no professional photographer and I'm definitely no wine connoisseur but I love both of those things and that's what matters most. So few people ever really find their true passions, so, I'm fortunate to have been able to figure out at least a few of mine.

To my delight I was given the opportunity to work with another fabulous etsy shop this holiday season that would give me the opportunity to combine both my love of wine as well as my love for photography. Get Inspired Goods was kind enough to send me one of their fabulous Floral SLR Camera Straps for review and as an added bonus, she even sent me one of her Chill Stiks from ChillStik as well. 

The ChillStik has been an invaluable part of my life ever since it first came out of its package. I'm a slow drinker as I like to savor my wine rather than chug it down, so, my bottle usually tends to get a little warm while it sits with me; I never can seem to remember to put it back in the fridge between glasses! With the help of it's stainless steel rod, your ChillStick will keep your wine the perfect temperature and the easy-pour, no drip spout makes pouring each glass easier than ever, without a single drop wasted.

Prepping your ChillStik for use is as easy as placing it in your freezer for 1-2 hours to get it primed for chilling your favorite bottle. I've used it on more than one occasion while playing with my editing program while browsing through my favorite pictures of my family and it hasn't disappointed me yet!

• Each ChillStik is BPA free.
• A must have gift for your next host or hostess. 
• Quality Stainless Steel Rod. 
• Built-in Automatic Aerator to allow breathing and bringing out the best flavor of your wine. 

The Floral SLR Floral Strap really gives me piece of mind when I'm out and about with my camera. I used to be so worried about accidental drops but now, with the Floral Camera Strap, I can take my camera anywhere without a care in the world (except for maybe rain).  Compared to my black camera, the Floral Strap is the perfect pop of color and it quite the eye catcher. It measures 1.75 inches wide and 31.5 inches long and is universally designed to fit all SLR cameras. 

If you're looking for the perfect gift this holiday season then I would definitely recommend either of these awesome shops or both! Working with Minna, the creative mind behind both ChillStik and Get Inspired Goods, was so much fun and she was so easy to work with. I would recommend buying from her any day! Make sure to visit ChillStik on Facebook to keep yourself up to date with all the latest news!

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Keep Your Hands Warm This Winter with Mittens from Mad About Mittens!

After months of sweltering summer heat and the humid beginning of fall, we're finally starting to get the kind of weather that warrants long sleeves and sweaters. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it never gets cold enough for real jackets, boots or snow but to this Florida girl it still gets cold enough that I feel the need to turn up the heat and avoid going outside at all costs. Last night for example, it was cold enough that I slept with both of my little ones in bed with me and ordered them to bed in their warmest flannel pajamas. It is officially the start of winter here in Florida.

One thing that I always tell myself, when the weather starts to warm up again, is that next year I'm going to take proactive steps to make sure everyone stays warm for next winter. This means hitting the sales in spring when jackets and coats are going on sale and making sure that the kiddos have a fresh new winter wardrobe to help protect them from the cold. The only thing I always seem to miss are warm mittens to keep our hands warm, I forget every winter and regret it on the days we spend running and playing outside when the sun decides to peek through the clouds; we always return inside with our fingers burning with cold.

Thankfully this year I was able to grab a few pairs for my little ones before the cool weather started creeping in. I was also given the wonderful opportunity to work with a fabulous etsy shop called Mad About Mittens, who sent me several pairs of their cozy woolen mittens to review here on my blog and to share my opinions with my readers. My poor cold fingers couldn't have been more grateful for the chance!

Here is what Kathy, the creative mind behind Mad About Mittens, has to say about her shop and the inspiration behind it:

"My Etsy shop opened in 2010 after being inspired not only for my love of mittens, and the feel of warm, soft wool, but also for my love of being eco-friendly.  The wool lends natural fiber warmth and, when paired with blizzard fleece lining, your hands will be toasty and warm even on the coldest, blustery day or night.  I hand craft each and every pair of mittens, which are made from quality rescued sweaters that have seen their better days, and are reborn into fashionable, yet functional, chic mittens!  Styles range from rustic, whimsical, to classic sophistication. 

 

My home-based shop is located in a valley in Southwest Montana, where I am surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains on all sides.  The beauty of nature both surrounds and inspires me in my creations ~ from the vibrant blues of a bluebird hopping along the fence line during my morning walk, to the earth tones captured in the billowing grasses and foothills that surround my home.

 

I am so blessed to have a wonderful, supportive husband, who is also my biggest fan!  Also aiding and abetting in the creative process are my two feline assistants:  Max and Polly.  Unless they are fast asleep in their baskets, they can be more of a hindrance than help and are, at times, banished from the shop; however the sweet kitty smiles and purrs tend to make each day a little brighter, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

 

Mad About Mittens is all about “spreading the warmth” one pair of mittens at a time!  Seeing my mittens sell to all parts of the world puts a big smile on my face and in my heart, and I am so appreciative of my customers, knowing I can bring a little bit of coziness into their lives."

The Mauve and Light Tan Heart Mittens are by far my favorite listing that I've seen at Mad About Mittens. With their adorable heart designs and dots on the underside, they couldn't have been more perfect for me. Sweet but not overly done or too girlified for my tastes. Each pair of mittens from Mad About Mittens is made from upcycled wool sweaters and custom buttons and each is unique so you'll never find another pair like it!

The Orange, Purple and Pink Mittens are another example of how awesome Kathy's work is at Mad About Mittens. I especially like this pair because of how well the colors contrast with one another. Did I mention how soft each pair of mittens are? The outside is soft to the touch but the inside is like sliding your hands into a cocoon of the softest material ever made. I loved tugging these on and enjoying the warmth they lent to my palms and fingers.

Overall, Mad About Mittens has been a joy to work with. Kathy was easy to talk to and shipped out my mittens very quickly so I could have them in time for the winter months. I would definitely recommend working with her to submit your order for her fabulous mittens!

You can connect with Mad About Mittens on Facebook so you never miss the latest designs and news!

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Give the Gift of Cuteness with EarZings This Holiday Season! #giveaway US 12/12

Sometime around the birth of my oldest daughter it was asked of me when I planned to get her ears pierced and where I'd consider taking her to have it done. At first I was very noncommittal and had planned to wait until she was at least 6 months old; I amused myself by searching online for the cutest pairs of diamond studs and little hoops. As time went on though I began to have second thoughts about the idea of piercing her ears simply for my own selfish pleasure. The more I thought about it the more I convinced myself that piercing someones ears without their consent was not a decision I was comfortable with. It wasn't long before I became determined to wait until my oldest reached the age where she could decide for herself whether or not she wanted to pierce her body. My Sophia will be 5 in May and so far I've stuck to my decision but sometimes I do think to myself how darn cute she would look with a pair of earrings in her ears.

Luckily for me I was approached by a company called EarZings who wanted to have me feature them on my blog during the holidays. My ear piercing dilema appeared to have taken care of itself all on its own the day owner Laura Pfaff contacted me about featuring her EarZings on my blog. Not only did I NOT have to pierce my daughters ears but I could enjoy the same effect (without altering her body or subjecting her to a needle gun) with none of the pain that came with clip on earrings or magnetized verions (I remember how painful those were from my own childhood days when I was allergic to piercings).

It was because of EarZings that the face of pierce-free has been changed forever. Thanks to its unique coil construction the EarZings attach gently to the earlobe but with enough gradual tension to ensure that the piece stays in place. The patented design allows for unparalleled pierce-free comfort, as well as allows them to stay secure to the ear, no matter what activity your little one happens to be participating in.

While working with Laura this holiday season I was able to choose two pairs of her wonderful EarZings to test out and to review here on my blog. I received the Scrumptious and Glitzy EarZings for my review!

The Scrumptious EarZings are my favorite pair out of the two but I adore both of them. Even better, my daughter loves them! The adorable cupcake design is a terrific option for any little girl, whether she's 5 or 15, and the rhinestones embedded give them just the right touch.

The Glitzy EarZings are another favorite of mine and like the Scrumptious design, my daughter is in love with them. She loves her "flower" EarZings. The fact that she loves them and that they're the right size for her ears while being comfortable, is a big plus for this pair of EarZings.

If you're on the search for a gift for your little one that doesn't involve taking them to your local piercing shop or that requires you to break the bank, then EarZings are definitely the way to go. There are so many designs to choose from, they aren't painful like their magnetic or clip on counterparts and there's no special care instructions like you need to follow with ordinary piercings. I'll definitely be using EarZings again in the future!

Connect with EarZings on Facebook|Twitter|Pinterest|Instagram and never miss the latest news! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Enjoy the Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil Supplements!

Shortly after the birth of my first daughter I decided it was time to take a more natural approach to the life I was living. I traded harsh chemical cleaners for eco-friendly ones, GMO laden foods for Organic and cleaned up my diet. I put the brakes on some of my beloved brand names when it came to skin care products for myself and my little one, researched natural remedies to replace over the counter medicines and discovered a nifty thing called Coconut Oil. From cooking to diaper rash and beyond, there hasn't been much that I haven't turned to Coconut Oil for over the last few years; especially after the birth of my second daughter and the constant diaper rashes she'd get. Coconut Oil has become my go-to for just about everything and hasn't let me down yet.

For our Holiday Gift Guide this year I was offered the chance to partner with CKL Brands to feature their Virgin Coconut Oil Supplements on my blog and to share my experience here with my readers. While it is still too soon to report any changes due to the supplements themselves I would love to share the information about these capsules with my readers so that they might take a look and buy a bottle to try for themselves. Despite no noticeable changes so far I'm very optimistic considering my past dealings with Coconut Oil products and can't wait to gauge my progress.

100% Certified Organic, these Coconut Oil Supplements are unrefined and cold-pressed so you can rest assured your getting the most benefits out of each 1,000MG capsule. Each bottle comes with 120 capsules and are a natural source of fatty acids like caprylic acid, myristic acid, and lauric acid, so, you get some amazing health benefits from taking the required amount per day. As a loyal fan of coconut oil I can personally tell my readers that the overall benefits of taking coconut oil each day are astounding. I've taken the oil for my skin, for improving my weak nails and even helping tame cold weather dandruff!

I can recommend the stuff enough and highly encourage my readers to head over and purchase a bottle of these great pills for themselves! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Vampire Diaries S6 and The Originals S2 Giveaway! US 9/14

Over the past 6 years I've been an avid fan of the hit TV series The Vampire Diaries. I've lived through each surprise, twist in the plot lines, mourned the loss of favorite characters and found myself able to relate to certain aspects of a characters personality. It's been one heck of a ride and I've loved every minute that I've been a fan of the show. 

Now, I'm able to partner with Tethergroup to host a giveaway that I know my fellow TVD fans will love: A copy of either the 6th Season of The Vampire Diaries or the 2nd Season of The Originals. Fans can officially purchase both seasons in stores now but for those of you who're feeling lucky, get your entries in for this great chance to win one! 

Each household is only eligible to win (1) The Vampire Diaries Season 6 or The Originals Season 2 chosen at random via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

The Vampire Diaries: 

The Vampire Diaries continues its sixth season with more delicious drama to sink your teeth into. In season five, after a passionate summer with Damon, Elena headed to Whitmore College with Caroline, not knowing Bonnie sacrificed her life for Jeremy’s. Meanwhile, Stefan and Caroline’s friendship deepened as they stood up to the Travelers, a nomadic witch tribe driven to strip Mystic Falls of magic and cast out its supernatural residents. In the shocking season finale, Damon, fearing he would lose his loved ones on the crumbling Other Side, made a huge sacrifice to bring them all back — with catastrophic and heartbreaking results. Season six follows the characters’ journey back to each other as they explore the duality of good versus evil inside themselves. Matt Davis reprises his role as Alaric Saltzman, recently returned from The Other Side. Plus, the season will make you misty-eyed as the departure of a major character will turn lives upside down and leave us asking what happened to Mystic Falls.

The Originals: 

As Original vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson returned to the vibrant, supernaturally charged city of New Orleans in season one, he was stunned to learn — along with his siblings Elijah and Rebekah — that Hayley, a werewolf, was pregnant with his child, and his vampire protégé, Marcel, whom the Original siblings had thought long dead, was ruling the French Quarter. Soon, a bloody war escalated between vampires and witches — the stakes raised by powerful teenage witch Davina and by Klaus’s bond with Cami, a student with a painful past — and a ruthless pack of wolves seized the opportunity to stage a violent coup. Now, in season two, a new status quo must be adjusted to, as the newly empowered werewolves control the city. Klaus struggles with weaknesses as Elijah desperately tries to save Hayley — now a hybrid — from a vicious spiral of self-destruction. Meanwhile, with the re-emergence of several Mikaelsons, “family is power” takes on new meaning.

Do you think you have what it takes to be a supernatural being? Take the quiz below and let us know your results! 


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Submit Your Request to Join Our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide!

My co-host, Life in the Lost World and I know that the holidays can be an endless source of frustration and anxiety for a lot of folks, especially the closer we get to said holidays. This year we would like to get a bit of a much needed head-start when it comes to what we like to refer to as the feeding frenzy, otherwise known as Christmas shopping. 

Are you interested in getting your brand, product or shop in front of a thousands of blog readers and social media followers? This years Holiday Gift Guide is the best opportunity you'll see all year to get your name out and promoted by potentially thousands of moms & wives who are passionate about bringing their families the best gifts they can during the holiday season.

The Holiday Gift Guide, which is co-hosted (as I mentioned before) by Life in the Lost world, is a super affordable and creative way to get your products seen by people who are buying the majority of gifts this holiday season-women! Women are the big gift givers, the ones who are scouring every retailer, strip mall and super store chain they can find and they make up the majority of gift buyers who will be out looking for the perfect gifts for their loved ones from the start of the season until the last checkout lane closes on Christmas Eve. 

Let the Milkwasted family take some of the stress out of your holiday marketing efforts by allowing us to increase your products visibility on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+. Partnering with Milkwasted and Life in the Lost World might just be the easier decision you make this gift buying season. 

If you would like to see your products featured in this years Gift Guide, please send your inquiries to caitlyncollins89@gmail.com and include the headline as "Holiday Gift Guide Submission". 

Please note: The Gift Guide will be launched November 1, 2015 and will run through December. The earlier your participation is confirmed and the products for review are received, the more promotion you can expect to receive. Additionally, reviews will be published on a first come first serve basis. All products must be received by December 1, 2015 to finalize placement in our Gift Guide. We will continue to promote our Gift Guide until January 5, 2015. 

Holiday Gift Guide Submissions Timeline

• Oct. 10, 2015 - Social media marketing of Holiday Gift Guide begins in full swing.
• Nov. 1, 2015 - Holiday Gift Gide 2015 goes live. 
• Dec. 1, 2015 - All products must be received for inclusion. All payments for featured/sponsored spots/posts, as well as any add-on payments must be paid in full via paypal. 
• Jan. 5, 2015 - Holiday Gift Guide promotion ends.

If you'd like to have additional exposure directed your way in our Holiday Gift Guide, please take a look at our Holiday Gift Guide Packages for information on sponsored (fee based) inclusion and additional social media promotion.

Is The Holiday Gift Guide Right for Your Company? 

If mamas, wives or women are a category you serve within your business, our Holiday Gift Guide might just be the ideal fit for your holiday marketing needs. Below you will find an example of companies that would benefit from using advertising in our Gift Guide.

• Clothing, Accessories & Jewelry
• Home Decor 
• Baby & Toddler 
• Artisans (jewelry, photography, paintings, illustrations, pottery)
• Writers and Journaling
• Edibles 
• Pets

Holiday Gift Guide 2015 Categories

• For Her 
• For Him 
• For Teens 
• For Children 
• For the Home 
• Gifts for Geeks 
• For Pets
• Sweets and Treats

Each of these categories will be divided into two sub-categories: Stocking Stuffers and Under the Tree. 

If you think we might be a good fit for your marketing needs during the upcoming holiday season then please don't hesitate to reach out. We welcome you and any questions you might have! 

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Tube Tuesday

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Personalized Jewelry That's Designed to Shine #review and #FLASH #giveaway US 5/10

Being as how my daughters are only just turning two and four this year it was with a heavy heart that I marked May 10th off on the calender and made a reminder for myself so I wouldn't forget a card to accompany the gift I had gotten my own Mama. For 4 years I've been longing to be given a Mothers Day gift of my own and each year I've celebrated the day on my own with a slice of Publix Supreme Chocolate Ganache cake to console me.

Now, please don't misunderstand, I love my children and spending the day with them watching movies or going on walks together is the perfect way to spend the day but when I look at the collection of cards and trinkets we kids gave our Mother over the years it just makes me sad knowing that I don't yet have those things for myself.

As a single Mom it might be years before there's anyone around to help my littles pick out gifts or cards and although Mothers Day is once again creeping up on us I don't feel as left out as I have in previous years. You might wonder what caused such a change in me this year compared to previous years and well, the answer is simple.

I was given the amazing opportunity to work with Designed to Shine. A resident of Etsy, one of my favorite marketplaces and one my readers might be familiar with, Designed to Shine is run by the fabulous and easy to talk to proprietress, Hilary. Known as Mama Shine to some and Mama, Wife, Sister and Friend to others, Hilary is Mom to a tiny army of 4.

Her shop, Designed to Shine opened their Etsy doors in November of 2012 and since then has satisfied customers with over 19,611 sales. If you take a look at her gorgeous pieces it's really no surprise why. With categories ranging from Mommy Pieces to Handwriting Pieces and more, Designed to Shine is your place to shop for trinkets that celebrate, renew and encourage the wearer.

For my review I was given the opportunity to work with Hilary and have a special Mothers Day themed piece made just for me. I was able to pick my style, customize the piece and have it made exactly to my own tastes.

I was sent one of Designed to Shine's Mommy Tag Necklace. When I first starting talking to Hilary about this opportunity I knew I was going to love this particular piece when I picked it out but when it arrived on my doorstep, all lovingly wrapped, I had no idea just how much I'd love it.

Take a look at the packaging--I love receiving packages but let me tell you, when a sponsor really takes their time and puts real thought into their wrapping, it makes the experience all the more special in my eyes.

How could that lovely little box not contain something as precious as this piece? 

I asked about this piece in particular because of it's simple design. I've never been one for gaudy jewelry but I felt that not only did this display my love for my two daughters but it also spoke of my love for simplistic jewelry. From the birthstones meant to symbolize the months of their birth, to the shiny stainless steel tags, the Mommy Tag necklace spoke to me from the very first time I set eyes on it. 

Each piece that comes from the Designed to Shine Studio is made to order from start to finish. Talking to Hilary about my specific needs to my piece was quick, painless and fun. She was so easy to work with and very personable, which I love above all else when talking to Etsy shop owners about a purchase. 

No two pieces from Hilary are the same and are each made by hand in the studio. Each individual letter is hand-stamped, one by one. I don't know about you but just thinking of the artistic process gives me a little thrill! 

If you've been searching high and love for the perfect gift for Mom this Mothers Day or any other occasion then Designed to Shine is the place to go for your individual needs. 

In addition to following on Etsy you can become a fan of Designed to Shine on Facebook|Instagram| Doing so will insure that you never miss the latest and greatest news! 

Want the chance to win a $25 Gift Card from Designed to Shine to gift to someone special or splurge on a personalized piece for yourself? 

Hilary has very generously donated the Gift Card to Milkwasted, so, check back tomorrow when the giveaway goes live and get your entries in for your chance to win!! 

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Bring the Fairy Tale to Your Child with Elsa's Coronation Dress by Lady Herndon! #giveaway US 4/28

A little over a year and a half ago I had the immense pleasure of taking my oldest, who was 2 1/2 at the time, to our local theater to see a film that has become a daily must-have in our home and, if social media is any indication, almost every home across the world: Frozen. Every day when I start up my computer and bring up Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, there's always this Frozen themed craft or that one. There's always a Mama who has posted a status about having the urge to secretly stash away their toddlers copy of the movie and my day wouldn't be complete without another Mama, Aunt, Grandmother or Sister posting a covertly filmed video of their little one belting out "Let It Go" while the movie plays in the background.

For all the hype and all the misery it's caused I can honestly say that Frozen is worth it's weight in gold and that the craze has been worth every second of it. I think my daughters, now 2 and 4, and still watching the movie at least twice a week, can agree. At least, if a playroom full of Frozen toys, bedding, dolls, clothing, etc. is anything to go off of. With the Frozen chaos still going strong in my home it was to my absolute delight that I was given the chance to work with a fabulous little Etsy shop called Lady Herndon.

What's so special about Lady Herndon and what treasures does it have in store for you, my faithful readers? Well, Lady Herndon specializes in the creation of every little dreamers dream: being able to dress up and become the characters of their most beloved fairy tales!

Check out what Sarah, the lovely proprietress behind Lady Herndon, has to say about her shop, how she found the beginning of her sewing adventures and her hobbies:

My family of six moved back to the US after teaching in Istanbul, Turkey, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Living far away from the convenience of America has taught me to appreciate the value of handmade and home-cooked treasures.

Using techniques taught to me by my mother and her mother, I sew to find myself again in a world full of four wonderful young kids, a hard-working and loving husband who is my own brave Knight in Shining Armor, and a holy Lord who directs my steps. I also work as a part-time secretary at our home church. If I ever have free time, I love climbing mountains, reading, coffee, running, and being with friends.
I am inspired by my children and the way they recreate popular fairy tales and movies when they play, which is what gave me the idea to make them dress-up costumes that were as comfortable and durable as real clothes.

As I hinted above, Sarah is a talented artisan in her trade and creates costumes that help children bring their fairy tale dreams to life with her creations.

I was sent a My Fairy Tale: Elsa Coronation Dress for my review!

Let me start off by saying how blown away I was and still am with this Elsa replica. As soon as it arrived I was able to tell it was of high quality and made by the hands of an expert--and that was before I had even removed it from the packaging. I knew right away that I had a decision to make: take the dress out of it's pristine packaging and let my daughter play in the exquisite costume or stow it away until Halloween. As you can tell my curiosity and impatience won in the end and I promptly scrubbed every inch of my daughter before allowing her to try the dress on.

Sarah couldn't have done a better job at crafting this costume if Elsa herself had leapt from the television screen and handed it to her herself. From the design of the dress right down to the embroidered crest of Arendel everything was spot on. I would know; I've only seen the movie about a million times since it's release into theaters. 

Such beautiful embroidery and attention to detail. I especially loved the gold trim Sarah added-it really makes everything pop. My oldest, Sophia, who was modeling the dress especially loved it and her squeals of excitement could be heard by our neighbors across the way. Her 4 year old enthusiasm to be wearing "Elsa's special dress" was catching and pretty soon I was fractionally less worried about her getting it dirty and more content to watch her curtsy, bow and twirl in the beautiful replica dress.

Unlike a lot of cheap costumes that come from retail stores such as Wal-mart, Target, etc. that use polyester fabric and attach velcro closures or bulk, uneven buttons to close the backs, Sarah uses high quality cotton and cleverly adds a simple zipper to the back of her costumes so getting it over Sophie's head, settled onto her body and then back over again was a snap. It was just an added bonus that it made getting it over her Elsa-ish styled hair easy and didn't mess up a single strand. When you consider the fact that neither myself nor my Mama are any good at styling hair then that's quite the feat!

I could go on and on about this costume: how flawless the stitching is, how accurate the sizing was, the fit, etc. but my words nor the pictures I managed to snap can do Sarah's work justice. You'll just have to check out her enchanting creations for yourself!

With a wide range of fairy tale character ensembles to choose from Lady Herndon is sure to have your costume needs covered. Whether you have a Frozen, Tinker Bell or Peter Pan fan, you won't find a more perfect match for your child!\

Want to win a $50 Gift Code from Lady Herndon to apply to any order (with a minimum order of $55)? Hop aboard the rafflecopter form below and stay tuned to see if you're picked as our winner!

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Journey to Middle-Earth with the release of The #Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies on Blu-Ray #giveaway! US 4/20

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world.

Special Features on the Blu-Ray combo pack include:

• New Zealand: Home of Middle-earth Part 3
• Recruiting the Five Armies
• Completing Middle-earth: A Six-Part Saga
• Completing Middle-earth: A Seventeen-Year Journey
• The Last Goodbye: Behind the Scenes
• Music Video 

• Trailers

As a true lover of J.R Tolkien and a follower, since birth, of the Hobbit legacy I couldn't be more excited for the arrival of the latest Hobbit installment, The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. I'll admit to slacking and haven't yet watched the film myself but thanks to Partnershub I am able to say that one of you lucky readers will have the chance to win a copy of your very own on Blu-ray!

Are you brave like Bilbo? Want to take a journey through Middle-Earth? Take a look at this great new quiz and interactive map of Middle-Earth! While you're at it you can even take a peek at some special clips that are available for your viewing pleasure.


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Saying goodbye to your on campus book stores and hello to Campus Book Rentals!

With a new semester on the rise for college goers there's a noticeable buzz of activity on and around our local campus. The parking lots are full, students are mulling around getting new schedules, familiarizing themselves with where their classes are going to be located and teachers are going in to start setting up their classrooms for the next round of students. While there are so many exciting parts about getting ready for school to begin there is one part of the process that I personally know can be a real downer: purchasing new textbooks. It's the  most dreaded occurrence of every new semester and I ought to know since I spent a few semesters shelling out moolah for the expensive things myself.

If you'd like to save a few bucks this semester than I can't recommend Campus Book Rentals enough. Created to help college goers save money on their course materials and get them the best deals for their money, Campus Book Rentals will beat your Campus bookstore hands down. While your campus bookstore will charge an arm and a leg for their new books Campus Book Rentals can save you up to 40-90% on materials purchased through their website. They also save you money by providing FREE shipping since we all know that regardless of whether we're students or not, shipping books of any size/weight can get pretty pricey.

One of my favorite things about Campus Book Rentals, other than the fact that their rental periods are flexible based on your needs, is that you can highlight text straight from your books. No more having to take notes by hand--when you find an important passage that you want to remember for later you can just take your trusty highlighter and mark it. No worrying about additional fines or penalties for marking up materials, you can highlight to your hearts content!

All of those perks sound pretty awesome, right--Well, Campus Book Rentals sweetens the deal by donating a portion of each purchase to Operation Smile. Not familiar with Operation Smile? Operation Smile is a wonderful international organization that performs safe, effective cleft lip and cleft palate surgery for patients who otherwise couldn't afford the potentially life saving surgery. If that isn't worth smiling about then I don't know what it!

You can connect with Campus Book Rentals on Facebook|Twitter|Google+|Pinterest to make sure you never miss an update!

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NT Handmade Jewelry Resin Pendant Review and Giveaway! US 12/27

When I was given the opportunity to work with NThandmade Jewelry to review their beautiful Resin Jewelry it was like Christmas had come a full month early. I remember how eager I was to contact Nikola, the creative mind behind NThandmade Jewelry, and how I had done all but drooled all over her selection of gorgeous resin pieces as I looked through each page of her wonderful etsy shop. When she wrote back to say she was interested in being featured in our holiday gift guide and that she'd be sending the very same piece that I had been so infatuated with from the start I was positively over the moon!

Here's a little bit about NT Handmade Jewelry to get you geared up for my review:

"Nature, plants and the enviroment is what inspires us to create and incorporate natures beauty into jewelry. All of our items are made with extreme care, and detail to capture and preserve the breathtaking organic patterns, forms and colors."

I was sent this gorgeous Queen Annie's Lace Resin Pendant in Blue and Jade Leather Wrap Bracelet to review and to feature in the For Teens section of our Holiday Gift Guide. The pendant measures 24mm in diameter, is made with resin, real Queen Annie's Lace and comes in a half sphere design. Each pendant comes with your choice of 18" Silver Plated Chain, Gold Plated Chain or 22" Silver Plated or Gold Plated Chain for a customizable necklace that bests suits the preference of the wearer. I opted with the 18" Silver Plated chain since I'm a simple type of gal and like a shorter chain length. Isn't it a gorgeous piece?

The Jade Leather Wrap Bracelet is a favorite of mine. I love the layered look paired with the Jade Stones and silver accents. Each stone measures approximately 4mm and 6mm in size. The bracelet is also adjustable so just in case my sisters want to borrow it for an evening it's no problem. Isn't it the perfect accessory for a night out on the town?

You can connect with NT Handmade Jewelry on Etsy|Facebook|Twitter and make sure you never miss an update from them!

If you're looking for the perfect way to accessorize while keeping it classy then head on over to NT Handmade Jewelry and find the perfect piece for yourself or a loved one/friend today. Nikola has lots of items in stock including Resin Pendants, Earrings, Bracelets and more and all at a super affordable price that won't break the bank!

Want to win one of NT Handmade's Resin Pendants for yourself? Well, Nikola has very generously given up one of her Spring Flower Resin Pendants for one of you lucky readers to win! So, just climb aboard the Rafflecopter form below and get those entries in! 

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Exaltation Review and OM Earring #HolidayGiftGuide Giveaway! US 12/27

Milkwasted was recently given the opportunity to work with Exaltation to review their products. With almost all girls living under one roof we greatly outnumber the boys/men and when given the chance to review a fabulous jewelry company we never turn it down. So, when I heard back from Exaltation that they wanted to participate in this years Holiday Gift Guide and have some of their pieces featured in the For Teens section I was beside myself with happiness. I couldn't think of a more perfect addition to our For Teens section!

"Exaltation’s mission is to create meaningful gifts and inspirational custom jewelry that is uniquely expressive. Through fully personalized statement pieces including quotes, mantras, affirmations, symbols and names, you can let your jewelry express your personality, or act as a personal affirmation to remind you to stay present and positive.

With an interactive, customized focus that allows customers to design their own jewelry ranging from 12 available colors and including necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings and earrings, Exaltation provides fun and personalized customer experience to each individual. Exaltation strives to create expressive Jewelry that communicates something about you, and instigates a dialogue with others. These conversation starters are a great way to say what you mean, and mean what you wear!

Exaltation strives to be as sustainable and Earth-friendly as possible. The majority of the materials used are sourced within the US from American manufacturers, and the majority of shipping supplies are both recycled and recyclable. Each month 5-10% of profits go to a rotating charity supporting environmental or educational causes."

I was sent the following items for review:

• Children's Name Necklace
• Peace Love Music Necklace
• OM Earrings 

The Children's Name Necklace was perfect for one of my nieces so I requested that Jen, the artist behind Exaltation, send me a Mikayla version in pink on a stainless steel chain. When it arrived I couldn't believe how lovely it was in person and knew instantly that my niece would go nuts for it. Since all items are hand-made and ready-to-order no two pieces from Exaltation are the same; knowing that her necklace is one of a kind will truly make Miss M glow with happiness! These adorable necklaces are available in 10 different colors and come in a variety of different lengths.

The Peace Love Music Necklace is a person favorite of mine. Lets just call it a reflection of my Mother's Peace&Love days back in the late 70's, shall we? The Peace and Love part speaks for itself but with my deep love for music this necklace called to me as soon as I set my eyes on it. It arrived more perfect than the pictures could do it justice and on a sterling silver chain. It also comes in 12 incredible colors to choose from but plain jane that I am I decided that silver would suit me just fine! It was a little hard to photograph while wearing it but the picture on the Exaltation website does it proud!

The OM Earrings are a perfect gift for those in your family/circle of friends who are most mindful, i.e are enriching their mind and bodies through yoga or meditation. Although when I think of OM in it's entirety I think Amit Ray said it best, "OM is not just a sound or vibration. It is not just a symbol..If you think of OM only as a sound, a technique, or a symbol of the divine, you will miss it altogether. OM is the mysterious cosmic energy that is the substratum of all the things and all the beings of the entire universe. It is an eternal song of the divine. It is continuously resounding in silence on the background of everything that exists." The OM earrings come in 11 different color choices, and can come made in your choice of Sterling Silver Plated, Silver Stainless Steel, etc. options.

If you're looking for the perfect statement piece then look no further than Exaltation. They have just what you're looking for and at a fraction of the cost of those sky high priced Jewelry stores while also having twice the quality!

You can connect with Exaltation on Etsy|Facebook|Pinterest|Instagram and make sure you never miss an update!

Want to win a pair of OM Earrings for yourself? Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and stay tuned to see if you're chosen as our lucky winner!

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Jewell Ray Matching Pendant and Ring Review and Braided Opal Ring Giveaway! US 4/1

As much as I've come to adore local artisans and their wares I have to confess that the true holders of my heart belong to the artisans overseas. I've spent long hours coveting the talents of artisans in Ireland, the Ukraine, Germany and France; these countries and more boast some of the most talented artisans I've ever come across. One glance shows how much care goes into just one of their creations, but closer inspection shows just how much talent and time goes into them. This I noticed especially when I came across a lovely little jewelry shop by the name of Jewell Ray.

Located in Galilee, Israel, Jewell Ray is a family owned and operated business that specializes in creating unique Sterling Silver jewelry for women who can truly appreciate original designs and true craftsmanship. At Jewell Ray they believe that jewelry should be beautiful, feminine, comfortable and fashionable; they're aim is to make the wearer of their jewelry feel elegant and special while wearing one of their pieces.

Take a look at what Pina and IIan have to say about their lives, their inspiration and the creative process behind Jewell Ray:

"We live & work in a small place in the Galilee (the north of Israel). Our studio is on a mountain's top, viewing a stunning landscape of the Sea of Galilee, and of the Mediterranean Sea. This surrounding inspires us. This quiet and peaceful Environment enables us to focus inwards when creating and designing. 

We met when Pina was a student in the jewelry school of art, where Ilan was teaching. We have 2 amazing children - our son - Maayn is 6 years old, & our daughter - Neomi is 3 years old. They are happy, fun loving kids that make us happy & proud! They are always in our minds and hearts, in everything we do. We love working together & we hope our love & friendship shines through our work.

We love working with metals, because we are curious about the way the material brings out our spirituality. We are inspired by the world that surrounds us: we love transforming visual characteristics of other materials into metal - the texture of wood, a wrinkle in a fabric, the curves of our son's curls. We also enjoy transforming other crafts' techniques into metalwork, such as Crochet, Origami, Macrame and more. 

We are thrilled that people all around the word appreciate and enjoy our creations."

I was recently given the opportunity to feature Jewell Ray in our Holiday Gift Guide and was sent their gorgeous Purple and Turquoise Pendant Necklace and matching Dual Birthstone Ring  for review.

Let me just say that capturing the true beauty and craftsmanship of this pair was almost impossible; I tried from many angles and in different lighting to o them justice but it just wasn't possible. Even as lovely as the pictures in the shop were I can honestly say even they don't do them justice. Take a look!

The Purple and Turquoise Pendant Necklace is a one of a kind treasure and is made from Sterling Silver and natural Turquoise and Pearls. The size of the Turquoise and Pearls measure approximately 3-7mm each and are the perfect finishing touch for any outfit/occasion. Silver not your thing? Pina and IIan can can craft this lovely treasure in Gold to suit your tastes!

The matching Dual Birthstone Ring finishes the look. It's brilliant colors symbolize Love, Passion and Enthusiasm and Fun. Crafted from Sterling Silver, Turquoise and Purple Amethyst, it's pure perfection. Mine was made to my exact sizing specifications and Pina was very easy to work with. She was very friendly and more than happy to accommodate my needs; she had no problem crafting the ring in a size 11 for me (I inherited my Grandmothers short, stubby fingers) and offers the ring in sizes US 000-16. So whether you've got teeny fingers or stouter fingers like myself you can be assured that your Jewelry needs can be meet by IIan and Pina at Jewell Ray.

From Pendant Necklaces to Rings and Earrings, if you're searching for a truly unique piece to add to your jewelry collection or make a statement at an important upcoming event then I strongly urge you to head over to Jewell Ray and take a look around. You won't be disappointed with what you'll find and you won't find a more genuine and sweet proprietress than Pina herself!

Take a look at Pina and IIan's introductory video and see for yourself!



Want to win a Jewell Ray piece for yourself? Pina and IIan have generously offered one of you lucky readers the chance to win one of their Braided Opal Rings! Isn't it stunning?!

Don't forget to connect with Jewell Ray on Etsy|Facebook|Pinterest and never miss an update!

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