Feeling Fabulous Friday-Sunday Blog Hop

Hello and thanks for stopping by!

Link up all your accounts

blog, facebook, twitter,

google+, pinterest, stumbleupon!

Then hop around and follow some new blogs.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Enter my giveaways HERE.

Sweep of the Day

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Review - SmileyCookie.com Heart Shaped Cookies

What do you do to celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you buy flowers for someone? Do you bake special treats? Or are you more of a card and lollipop type of person? My daily schedule is so full that I rarely have time to do the baking that I'd really like to do. Lucky for me, SmileyCookie.com bakes and delivers special treats for me!

I received this cute happy face gift box of heart shaped cookies and could hardly wait to try one. My daycare kids were going wild too, begging for a smiley cookie. I promised they'd get one at snack time as long as they behaved at naptime. I never saw them go to sleep so fast before. When they woke up, they each got one cookie to try and there wasn't a single crumb left anywhere.

These Valentine day cookies are so big! I love that they are packaged vertically and fit perfectly in this special plastic container to stay fresh and unbroken during shipping. Not a single cookie was broken. These cookies are delicious, slightly crispy, and have a yummy frosting smiley face. My teenager Ryan loved them too. I think there may only be one or two left now.

SmileyCookie.com has all kinds of wonderful gifts for birthday, graduation, congratulations, and many more. There's even a twelve-inch gourmet cookie! Be sure to check out their Valentines day gift basket for the ultimate sweet gift for your sweetie! And right now, you can use the coupon code "BLOG10" at checkout to get 10% off any of their awesome cookie gifts, except for gift cards. Check 'em out on Facebook!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review - Novica worldwide artisans

Have you discovered Novica yet? It's an amazing website, created in association with National Geographic, that works with thousands of artisans all over the world. Novica displays these artisans' beautiful creations on their website, along with their stories, giving them a place to sell their wares. I think it's a wonderful concept! Their creations include jewelry, home decor, paintings, and so much more!

I chose one of their wrap bracelets, called Butterfly Bloom, made with Garnet and Rose Quartz, by the artisan Busarin who lives in Thailand. It shipped to me from Thailand and arrived in a beautiful gift box, the bracelet hugging a pillow, with a little card telling me a bit about Busarin. What a lovely gift idea!

The attention to detail in this bracelet is amazing. The butterfly is just gorgeous and I love the colors. The beads are hand-threaded on wire threads and wraps around the wrist for a custom fit. It was really hard to decide what to order with my gift code because they have some beautiful silk scarves I really liked too. I'm so happy I chose this one though. It's perfect for upcoming Spring fashions!

Novica also has a new program called Novica Live where you can register as a Sales Consultant and show these creations to your friends at home parties. The Novica Live package includes everything you'd need to get started. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, you can find it on the Novica website. Be sure and tell them you heard about it on Planet Weidknecht!
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

THE GIVEAWAY

You know I love to reward my readers with giveaways, just because I think you're awesome. I've got a Gift Code for $37.50 that I'm going to give to a Planet Weidknecht follower, who is at least 18 years old, and has a US address. To enter just fill out the Rafflecopter form below before midnight EST on February 2, 2012. Only the first entry is mandatory; all other entries are bonus entries to increase your chances to win. Good luck my friends!

My Life in Pictures - Day 28

I am so lucky.

My husband can do anything.

Today he built me a scale base.

What's a scale base?

Tomorrow you can read my tutorial and find out!

Current Giveaways

• Mega Blog Ad Giveaway - Ends Jan 31
• Felt Board Play Set Betty Lukens - Ends Jan 31
• New Sprouts - Play Food from Learning Resources - Ends Jan 31
• Butt Bench - Ends Feb 2
• Have a Heart Hop - Syncrohearts Game - Ends Feb 4
• Cupid's Arrow Giveaway Hop - Ten Week Dating Rescue eCourse - Ends Feb 5

8000 Facebook Fan Fiesta - Down Comforter Winner

Thanks to all of my readers who entered!

Congratulations to: Nicole Carter!

I wonder what the 9000 Fan Giveaway will be???

Nutrisystem Weight Loss Journey - Week 11 - #NSNation

My weight loss journey with Nutrisystem has been so rewarding. Many people in my life have approached me to tell me they are following my progress. My husband said even people from his work have said the same. I've gotten such nice compliments and it really fuels me to stick to the program. I just finished up my 11th week on Nutrisystem and when I got on the scale this morning, I had LOST TWO MORE POUNDS this week, for a total now of 18 POUNDS LOST. I'm also down a size in jeans which absolutely thrills me.

For many years, I've said I didn't need a weight loss program, that I just needed to eat less. I think that since Americans are such a "rich society" in general compared to the rest of the world, we just take for granted that we'll always have plenty of food to eat. (You might remember my brief Quit Eating Like A Pig Diet last year). I know now that I did (and do) need the Nutrisystem program, because I have the benefit of listening to the advice and suggestions of many people whose only goal is to help me achieve the weight loss I desire. I've learned so much about the foods I eat and I've been able to detach myself from the food emotionally, which was something I've always struggled with my entire life. Nutrisystem is more than just the foods I'm eating; it's my own personal cheerleading squad to reach my goals. Here is a typical day for me:

ham and cheese omelet for breakfast
plus a strawberry protein shake

mid-morning snack of yogurt

steak and cheese melt for lunch
plus two veggies and a protein or dairy food

mid-afternoon snack of fruit

chili with beans for dinner
plus two veggies and a slice of whole wheat bread

fudge sundae for dessert

I'm never hungry and the foods are delicious. I can satisfy my sweet tooth by choosing the chocolate covered donut for breakfast, or the Double Chocolate or Chocolate Peanut Butter bar for lunch, and every evening I get a dessert, from cookies to ice creams, or even a bag of snacks. I have yet to find a single food I don't like. Food no longer controls me and I am very secure that I will continue to lose all this extra weight and reach my final goal. I'm getting closer every week! You can see my visual update from last week HERE.
Disclosure: I receive these products at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Want to lose weight and get healthy too? 

 Join Nutrisystem today by calling 1-888-853-4689 

 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

$50 Friday Winner Is...

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Stick around!

There's more great giveaways HERE.

My 2012 in Pictures - Day 27

Thank God It's Friday.

Thank God For Grapes.

Sweep of the Day

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Butt Bench - Review

Some products catch my eye because of their unique names. Butt Bench was one of those. Out of pure curiosity, I had to see what they were. I was so excited to discover that a Butt Bench is the perfect accessory for the bathtub where I can sit to shave my legs. No more hiking my leg up on the side of the tub or trying to balance while standing on one slippery foot! These gorgeous benches add beauty to the bathtub too.

There are several styles - cedar, pine, white, and pink. I chose the cedar 12-inch bench. There is also a 15-inch option. I was so impressed with the careful craftsmanship of the Butt Bench. There are built-in sliding suction cups to secure it to the side of the tub. This sturdy wood bench is sealed with a waterproof finish and everything is sanded smooth and corners are slightly curved too.

I absolutely love the natural beauty it adds to our guest bathroom. It didn't fit the garden tub in the master bathroom, so I'll be taking more baths in the guest bath now! It is designed to fit a standard bathtub without sliding glass doors and makes a safe shower seat for a senior too. There is a fabulous video on their website that shows how easy it is to install, plus a diagram to help you decide if it will fit your tub. It also makes a lovely ledge for storing all those shampoo bottles and scrubby puffs!
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Libre Tea Mug Winner

Thanks to everyone who participated in the

Forget The Resolutions Giveaway Hop!

I was really touched by all the things everyone shared

about the stressors in your lives. Thank you for sharing.

Here is the winner of the Libre Tea Mug.

$50 Friday Giveaway

Woo hoo - enter to win $50 Friday - TWICE - meaning you have a chance to WIN $100!!!! 

Here's the catch - this is ONLY opened from 12:01 am  and will close at 12:01am tomorrow - so THIS is OPENED for ONE DAY ONLY.

Have a Heart Hop - Win Syncrohearts

We love Valentine's Day, so to get in the spirit we would like to bring you the Have a Heart Hop! This hop is hosted by Cindy of Cute-Ecakes, Mariah from Formula Mom, (ME)Lisa from Planet Weidknecht, and Christine from Why We Love Green, and we are sticking to the theme of LOVE!

All of the awesome participating blogs have a prize up for grabs valued at least $25 that you will LOVE!

My 2012 in Pictures - Day 26

My new down comforter created a total visual makeover in my bedroom today.

Sweep of the Day

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Review - New Sprouts Play Food

If you've ever met a toddler, you know very well that life at that age is all about "ME" and "MINE" so Learning Resources created a play food that appeals to this very particular group. Their newest play food set is full of items that are the most-favorite foods of toddlers...a bowl of macaroni and cheese, a cup of strawberry yogurt, and even a grape juice box!

Made of molded plastic and specially designed for toddler safety, even the hot dog stays put in the bun! There are two pieces of bread and two pieces of cheese, so making cheese bread or grilled cheese is a snap for these mini cooks. The chubby little carrot and banana are perfectly sized for little hands.

With foods from every food group, early childhood teachers can use these foods to teach about early nutrition and healthy habits. I gathered up my group of eight toddlers and preschoolers and we talked about how some of the foods fit into two food groups...the bowl of Cheery O's was a grain and the milk in it was a dairy product. That chocolate chip cookie sure looks good enough to eat!

The children have spent hours playing with these realistic, bright play food toys. They've played restaurant with the foods and taken orders from each other, then delivered the foods to the table. They have played mommies and daddies while feeding these foods to the baby dolls. They've even played "find the food" by hiding the play foods around the home center and then telling their friends to go find them.

Since I have a mixed group of toddlers and preschoolers, I like knowing they have play foods that appeal to both ages, but are safe enough for the little ones who sometimes put a toy in their mouth. Learning Resources has very high quality, affordable learning toys that are always as educational as they are fun!
Disclosure: I received these products at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

How about a GIVEAWAY??
Can you think of anyone who would love to play with these awesome play foods? Learning Resources is giving away one New Sprouts Munch It! to a Planet Weidknecht reader. You must be at least 18 years old, live in the US, and follow my blog in at least one way. Only the first entry is mandatory; all other entries are bonus entries to increase your chances to win. Good luck!

MaggiesDirect.com Queen Size Down Comforter - Review and Giveaway

There is an amazing giveaway going on at Planet Weidknecht HERE where you can enter to win this Queen Size Down Comforter from Maggie's Direct. I'm so excited because mine has arrived and if you haven't yet registered to win, you're going to want to go register! I have always wanted a down comforter in my own room. I've been in a few ritzy hotels that use them and it's a heavenly night's sleep.

We have a queen size sleigh bed and this beautiful sateen down comforter totally brightens up the entire room. I love the way the white comforter accents the white bathroom door and white baseboards. My scrapbook corner furniture is also white (behind me as I took this photo) so it ties the whole room together nicely. The quality of this comforter rivals those I used in ritzy hotels, at a much more affordable price!

I tossed a small blanket and bamboo tray at the foot of the bed too. This is the full/queen size comforter and I wanted to take pictures from each side to show you that it is plenty big enough for a queen bed. Since we use a sleigh bed there is no dust ruffle and it is important to me that the bedsheets not hang out the sides. No need to worry with Maggie's Direct comforters! This comforter comes in Twin, Full/Queen, Queen Oversized, King, and King Oversized. How's that for great selection?

You can see it comes down to the wood base on both sides of my bed. This comforter style is the Tranquility Warmer option, but MaggiesDirect.com also offers a Warm and Warmest option, so whether you're in Southern Florida or Northern Minnesota, they have the one you need. I am so happy with this comforter. Talk about a heavenly night's sleep!

Be sure to go register HERE to win one of these fabulous F/Q down comforter, made of the best sateen, and the warmest and airiest white goose down (value $215). Hurry and go now because my giveaway ends at midnight on January 27, 2012.
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Mission Get Fit Giveaway Winner

Felt Play Set - Betty Lukens - Review

One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have of Sunday school is the felt board stories. A felt board can help characters come alive to children. Betty Lukens makes some of the most beautiful felt board sets I've ever seen. From the "Fun in the Sun" beach scene to the "Noah's Ark" set, these sets will fire up your child's imaginative play! I recently received the "Under the Sea" set which includes a 13"x15" colorful play board with more than 20 high quality felt board pieces! It comes in a handy plastic storage packet that snaps shut and even has a handle on top. What an awesome travel toy!

The felt pieces are movable and cling to the felt board with a light friction, so the pieces are easy to move around even for the youngest children. The pictures printed on the felt board are realistic enough that even species of whales can be named! In just a few minutes of playing, the children wanted to know all the names of the sea animals, from the anemone to the killer whale to the eel. We even had a discussion about jellyfish and whether they can climb out of the water onto the beach.

I really love open-ended toys that encourage children to use their imagination. I listened to the children "become" the scuba diver and go meet all the sea animals. I even heard the clown fish tell a joke to the shark. The sea horse told the eel that he was too tired to let anyone ride his back today. The whales even all got together in one corner for a whale family reunion. You can buy felt board sets and more at the Betty Lukens website, plus follow Betty Lukens on Facebook and Twitter to be the first to hear about specials.

Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

LET'S DO A GIVEAWAY

Betty Lukens is going to give away winner's choice of a felt board set to one lucky Planet Weidknecht reader! To enter just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. You must be a Planet Weidknecht follower, at least 18 years old, and have a US address to be eligible to win. This giveaway will end on 1/31/2012 at midnight EST. Only the first entry is mandatory. All other entries are bonus entries to increase your chances to win. Good luck!

Sweep of the Day

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My 2012 in Pictures - Day 25

Easy Preschool Art - Letter D

Cut a letter from construction paper.

Tear colored tissue wrap into pieces.

Open a glue stick.

Wedne$day Wealth Giveaway Linkup

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Cupid's Arrow Giveaway Hop - Win a 10 Week Dating Rescue eCourse!

Welcome to the Cupid's Arrow Giveaway Hop hosted by One Busy Moma and Miki's Hope! 

These 2 great hosts have teamed up with 12 other bloggers to bring you an amazing event full of great prizes!! This giveaway hop will run from 12:01 AM on 01/25/2012 until 11:59 PM on 02/05/2012. The idea is to get you some really great gifts for Valentines Day!!

Don't forget to go enter the Grand Prize Giveaway after entering my giveaway. And be sure to check out the other amazing blogs in the linky at the bottom of the post for even more great giveaways! 

Happy Hopping!!!

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My prize is a Ten Week Dating Rescue Digital eCourse ($297 value)
Plus a Dating Rescue Personal Coaching Session ($125 value)

From the authors: This powerful 10-week eCourse will have you dating smarter, feeling more empowered and having more fun! That's because in each Transformation Module you'll find some of the most important advice and dating strategies available anywhere for women of all ages! You'll get answers, advice and solutions to all your dating frustrations. The 10-module format is easy to access, easy to digest and easy to implement, so you can attract and create the meaningful relationship you are looking for! You learn everything from how to realistically begin a romantic relationship through the strategies for developing a healthy, mutually satisfactory bond with a potential significant other and lots more!

My thoughts: Tired of the whole dating scene? Sick of bad dates? Hate spending Valentine's alone? I have personally read through all the materials available with this course and it's a wonderful program. Even if you are already married, there are so many wonderful ideas in here about healthy relationships! Maybe you have an older teenager who could really benefit from this material, or a sister, or a friend. This is such a great package for a single person of any age!

I love the way the program is written because Rosalind Sedecca and Amy Sherman ask all the right questions so that you can really look inside and see what you want, who you are, and what you expect from a relationship. The advice and insight is solid, straightforward and realistic. They cover a full range of topics, including releasing your old dating baggage, taking care of yourself physically and mentally, where to meet people even if you have a demanding life, how to handle first dates, healthy communication skills, warning signs of abusers, and even intimacy evaluation. I really enjoyed and benefited from the e-course and I know you will too! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below! You must be at least 18 years old. Open to US and Canada.
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.