Updates

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted...you know how you can be sitting somewhere doing something and it feels like 5 minutes have passed but you glance at the clock to realize 2 hours has passed and you have no idea where the time went? That's kind of what happened - but on a larger scale!

Between the kids getting out for the summer and the end of the year activities, as well as work and all the other little things that fill up a day, I'm often left wondering how time has suddenly started speeding away. I remember when I was little and looking forward to something - the weekend, the summer, and then later my 18th and 21st birthdays. Time used to pass soooooo slowly that I couldn't stand it.

Now, it seems to be running away from me faster than I can catch up with it. Just last week, the kids were toddlers. A few days ago they were starting school. I feel like I've blinked and now there are these awesome kids with their own distinct personalities, and I'm not quite sure where they came from. I'm glad to have them, though!

I thank you for being patient with me, and hope you'll join me for the upcoming posts. I have some book reviews coming up, giveaways, and other great miscellaneous stuff. In the meantime, tell me below what you've been doing in the past month!

Review of EcoStore Spray Cleaner and Lemongrass Body Soap

Choosing products that are eco-friendly has become easier for me in the last few years. Not only have I learned a lot more about those products (mainly because of the work Priceless Writers does with eco-friendly companies), but because they have become more available.

When EcoStore sent me their citrus spray cleanser and their lemongrass body soap to try, I was thrilled! With 2 kids and 2 dogs, you can bet that I have more than a few messes on my hands each day - and I absolutely love lemon-scented things...from lotions to soaps to perfumes. So, I invite you to read below and see how these products measured up!

EcoStore Citrus Spray Cleanser:

One of the places I clean most often is the master bathroom - which also happens to be the bathroom my 7 year old son uses. Anyone with a small boy knows that the toilet has to be cleaned VERY regularly! I usually use something like Lysol spray or a cleaner with bleach.

This means the smells are extremely strong...not to mention the harsh chemicals included in those cleaners. One of the first things I noticed about the EcoStore cleaner is that it smells great! It's not an overpowering smell (like bleach) - it's fresh and very clean-smelling.

I used it like I use the other cleaners - I just sprayed it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and wiped it away with a wet cloth. It worked wonderfully. Since it passed the 'toilet test,' I decided to give it a more difficult job. I sprayed down the tub and sink (which often has toothpaste stuck to the bowl - thanks kids) and guess what - it passed those tests with flying colors! I have used this cleaner in the kitchen on the countertops and stove, in the microwave, and to wipe down the dishwasher and refrigerator.

I'm extremely pleased at how it works - and the biggest benefit is that it contains no harsh chemicals. It's been independently proven to kill e.coli, staph, and salmonella, and it's naturally antibacterial. Bonus: the bottle is completely recyclable because it contains no metal parts!

Overall, I was very pleased with this product and would certainly recommend it to anyone - and already have, in fact!

Lemongrass Body Soap:

I've mentioned before my commitment to use eco-friendly and NATURAL soaps, so trying the Lemongrass soap was a treat. It feels rich and smooth when you lather it up, and makes suds galore.

The lemon smell is very subtle, and it washed away leaving the skin smooth and clean. I really love this soap and as it says right on the box, it contains no nasty chemicals - including toxic petro chemicals, no animal fats or tallow (hooray), no synthetic dyes, no sodium lauryl sulphate, and no propylene glycol.

The soap is created with vegetable glycerine and essential oils that are wonderful for your skin. I absolutely loved it, and would recommend that anyone (especially those with sensitive skin) try this soap!
Visit EcoStore today and pick up the citrus spray cleaner and the lemongrass soap - and you won't be disappointed!

Mother's Day Contest Winners

I was so touched by each one of you sharing your stories with me - it was so difficult to choose the surprise winners (hence the amount of time it took!) Before I announce the winners, I wanted to personally respond to each of you.

Bethany - There are no truer words to live by - LOL. I love that your mom doesn't sugar-coat things and a sense of humor is such an important trait.

Carapace - I had a similar tradition with my grandma when I was young and used to spend summers at her house. She didn't spend a lot of money on those excursions, but the memories have stuck with me for years - longer than any memories of 'things' that were purchased for me. An adventure for children is definitely needed once in a while, and bless your mom for realizing that!

Sydney - This was such a touching story for me. I know that you feel really special knowing that your mom was so moved by her love for you that it gave her the strength she needed. There are lots of times when I'm motivated by my kids! :-)

Esmerelda - It was such a sweet and funny memory that you shared! I love how we recall the simple and funny things that have occurred over the years with our families and parents. Those memories are the glue that holds families together!

Diana - Mothers sure have a way of making their children feel important and special. Sometimes it takes a while to realize that while the world doesn't revolve around us, our mothers' worlds certainly did when we were children - and thanks to the moms for that!

J.E. - That's such a great tradition...and one that I share with my kids now. It's 'our' time and we cherish it!

Dor - That sounds really familiar! Moms have it rough - there are so many things to do and not enough hours in the day. I'm glad she brought it to your attention that it was time for you to take a break and have some fun!

Benita - I LOVE this memory! Sometimes I don't think there is anything moms won't do for their kids, and I bet yours looked adorable walking across that stage!

RJ - Thank you for sharing your touching story. I'm sorry you missed out on so many years with your mom, but it's so special that you had the chance to share that time with her that you did.

Lizzie - It's not stupid at all - and in fact, it made me a little teary eyed. Moms are the first ones to sacrifice for their children, and it's a labor of love, so they don't mind. I know it made her happy to be able to get you those 'perfectly cut' jeans!!

Sarah Lynne - I giggled while reading your comment. Bless your heart - I guess those McDonald's hamburgers were a rare treat for the doggies, too! ;-)

Jackie - My mother was present with both of my deliveries, too...and I wouldn't have had it any other way. It just goes to show that even as adults, we sometimes must have the nurturing that only our moms can give.

Nicole - What a beautiful memory, and a touching thing to be able to share with your daughter in a few years. Thank you for sharing with us!

Terrie - That is hilarious! I'm curious to know how your sister got everything all fixed up in time for prom...what a funny thing to look back on and laugh!

Sarah - Wow - a professional makeover is like a dream come true for a 13 year old! What a great memory to have of your mom.

Domestic Diva - Your mom sounds wonderful! Mothers generally are so selfless, and that super concern for their kids and everyone else is what makes them so special.

Joaness - Bless your mom's heart! Being able to share the little things like that in each other's lives is amazing - even if at the time you weren't too happy about it!!

Ann On and On - Again, teary eyed! Thank you for sharing this remarkable story and hooray to you for beating your health condition with the will to live. I bet it was a terrifying time for both you and your mother, and I'm so glad there was a happy ending!

Daph - Your comment was so funny! I think patience is a requirement for mothers before they're able to have children!! It's certainly needed, that's for sure.

Jakies Mom - I love your comment - and it's sweet that your mom tried so hard to make you happy. Those are the things that stick with us.

AmbreRose - It's great to have something you can share with your mom and that you two can enjoy together. Thank you for sharing with us!

SweetSue - I laughed at this comment! My mom does the same kinds of things...let's just say I get my terrible sense of direction from her. She's always saying or doing something that makes me laugh. Thanks for sharing!

Tiffany - Poor mom! This was such a funny and touching comment. It's things like your memory that we're able to look back on and see the love of our moms. It's a pretty special thing!

And Now...The Winners:

The first winner was selected by Random.org and will receive the multi-colored jewel necklace and earring set. Let's have a look:

Winning Comment:

Tiffany said... 23

Kite Day in Elementary school brings back a lot of memories for me. The story of Kite Day has even become somewhat of a family joke that we bring up during gatherings. On Kite Day, the rules were to...

April 20, 2010 3:21 PM

Congratulations Tiffany!!! I've sent you an email and you'll have 48 hours to respond and claim your prize or another winner will be selected.

The other two winners will receive surprise gifts from me, for themselves or their mothers, and those winners are:

Bethany

Ann On and On

Thanks so much for participating ladies, and stay tuned for more great giveaways!!!

Mother's Day Giveaway - Multi-color Chandelier Teardrop Necklace and Earrings Set + SURPRISE GIFT (CLOSED)

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and most people are considering what kind of gift they could get that will show their moms just how special they are. It's the perfect time to think about everything Mom has done for you and how much sweeter your life is with her in it! From the nights she spent sitting up with you when you were sick to the lessons she taught that you'll never forget...Mom's a pretty special lady.

Whether Mother's Day makes you think of your actual mother or someone else who cared for you, loved you, and always had your back (your mother at heart) - Mother's Day is a wonderful way to give a small thanks for everything she has done.

The Contest:

I want to know your sweetest/funniest/most touching story about you and your mother. Maybe it was something she said that has never left you, a funny thing she did, or something the two of you shared that was special. Leave a comment telling me all about it!

The main winner will be chosen with Random.org and will receive the sponsored gift (below), but 2 other winners will be chosen based on their stories and will receive SURPRISE gifts! They'll all get there in time for Mother's Day, incase you want to surprise that special lady with these fabulous items.

The Prizes:

The first prize was generously donated by The Caged Fairy on Etsy. She has remarkable and stunning jewelry that is unique and beautiful. Any mother would be proud to wear this gorgeous jewelry and her eyes will light up when she opens the box! Stop by The Caged Fairy shop and heart it to let her know we're thankful for the chance to win!!

One winner will receive the multi-color chandelier teardrop necklace and earrings set - and will be chosen by Random.org. This beautiful set can literally be worn with anything - from a party gown to a blouse and jeans. Mom's going to love it!

TWO other winners (chosen based on the stories left in the comments) will receive mystery gifts for their moms or themselves! So exciting!!

To get you started, I'll share a sweet memory with you. I remember being at a shopping mall once with my mother - I must have been maybe 4 or 5. I was carrying a balloon on a string. As we got ready to cross the parking lot, I let go of the balloon and it started to float into the air. I got ready to run after it, and my mother grabbed me. "Let it go," she said. "We can get another balloon but we can't get another Samantha." I thought that was very sweet and for some reason, it has stuck with me all this time!

Okay - your turn, and good luck with the contest! It will end April 21 @ 8PM EST.

Striped Bud Vase Winner

So, we have a winner for the striped bud vase. This one's super-funny because it's also the 'comment of the week!' Let's have a look:

The winning comment:

Carapace said... 10

And I follow this blog, so obviously I appreciate the finer things!:D

carapacenator(at)gmail.com

April 6, 2010 8:13 PM

Congratulations, Carapace! The winner has been emailed and will have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize. More great giveaways coming soon!

4 Super Awesome Giveaways from Yona

Check out my partner, Yona Williams' blog for 4 super awesome giveaways:

• A bucket of 150 Yummy Earth organic pops (1 winner gets the whole bucket, 3 other winners will get a sampler pack of yummy sucker treats!!) Ends 4/30
  
• Victoria's Secret Body Mist - 2 Winners - Ends 4/25
• International Foods/Maxwell House Coffees Suisse Mocha Cafe and Orange Spice Latte - Ends 4/25
• Yummy Cocktail-Flavored Jelly Beans for Adults - Ends 4/15

Good luck, guys!

Handmade Leather iPod/iPhone Case Winner

Coming at you with another winner! This one's for the iPod/iPhone leather case. Let's take a look:
The winning comment:

Linda Kish said... 45

IPhone IPod Leather Simple Sleeve with pendant closure limited with the owl on it

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43602717

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

March 31, 2010 10:37 AM

Congrats, Linda! I've sent an email and the winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim her prize. More giveaways coming soon.