Bloggers Wanted - Red, White & Blue Giveaway Hop Event (June 27-July 7)

Welcome once again to another

LeahSay's Views and Planet Weidknecht 

Giveaway Hop Event!

The event will run June 27 - July 7, 2015.

Before you sign up please be advised the rules for Planet Weidknecht and LeahSay's Views Hop Events have changed. You must abide by each and every rule for each and every event (you may not pick and choose), or your link will be subject to removal without notice.

*You must include the event button within your post.

*You must include nofollow links to the hosts. Please double check the spelling. LeahSay's Views http://leahsaysviews.com & Planet Weidknecht www.weidknecht.com

*You must include a picture of the actual item you are giving away unless (and this is the only exception) you are giving away a gift card (in which case you can find a stock image for said gift card), Amazon gift card or PayPal.

*You must include a NEW from your sponsor item for giveaway or a gift card or PayPal (no exceptions).

*Your NEW giveaway item must be valued at $25.00 or more.

We will not have a theme for every event AND if we do, we will let you know. Also all items must be family friendly (if in doubt ask). The Red, White & Blue event does not have a theme.

*You must embed the provided linky code which included links for the other participating bloggers. If you have trouble with the link please notify the blogger whose name is listed first on the event button. Example for this event you would need to contact LeahSay's Views with any questions you may have.

You must have a post live at 12:01 AM on June 27th. All links without a live post will be removed at 1:30 AM on June 27th. Sign-ups will close on June 25, 2015.

Although it is not required, we would appreciate it if you would post the event button in your sidebar with a link back to this page. Thank you!

Post your dedicated NEW giveaway for this event beginning June 27th at 12.01 am, running through July 7th at 11:59 pm. Please set your giveaway forms accordingly. If you need assistance please ask.

You must include your giveaway form in your post.

HTML will be provided at least one day before the hop begins, by email so be sure you sign up with the email you check most often. For those of you joining us for the first time, please place the name of your BLOG where is asks for NAME in the form. Place a link to your blogs home page (I will edit any link not linked to your home page), and double check for errors in your email address. YOU will be responsible for mailing me your direct link to your post before the event begins.

We encourage you to join Weidknecht Events Facebook Group.

Bloggers Wanted - Father's Day Giveaway Hop (June 1-15)

Join us for the Father's Day Giveaway Hop

hosted by Planet Weidknecht

and LeahSay's Views

from June 1-15, 2015

By adding your blog link below, you agree to:
Post your own dedicated giveaway for this event, from June 1, 2015 at 12:01a.m. until June 15, 2015 at 11:59p.m. Giveaway may be company-sponsored or self-sponsored. This is a "gifts for men" giveaway hop, so prizes must match the theme. Gift cards are acceptable. Giveaway prize must be family-friendly and worth at least $25.00. Blogs without giveaways posted by 9:00a.m. on June 1 with all required elements will be removed from the linky list. Signups close on May 27, 2015.

You aren't required to post in advance of the giveaway hop, but if you'd like to add the button to your sidebar, please link it to this post so that others may join in too.

Please also join the Weidknecht Events Facebook Group at:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/WeidknechtEvents/

Your giveaway post (on June 1) must include:
Father's Day Giveaway Hop button
Links (nofollow is fine) to the hosts:
   Planet Weidknecht (http://www.weidknecht.com)
   and LeahSay's Views (http://leahsaysviews.com/)
Provided linky list of all participating bloggers
Your giveaway description, photo of prize, and contest form

Giveaway Hop reminder and linky code will be provided at least one day before the hop begins, both by email and post in the Weidknecht Events Facebook Group.
Questions can be directed to [email protected]
Sign up below if you'd like to participate!

Giveaway! Wendell August - American Heirloom-Quality Handmade Metal Gifts

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

Wendell August creates the most beautiful heirloom-quality gifts I have ever seen. They are an American company, located in Grove City, Pennsylvania and have been handcrafting each piece since 1923, as America’s oldest forge. Their line includes giftware, jewelry, and entertaining and home accessories. This stunning Dogwood Wall Cross is just one of their many beautiful Christian gifts.

Since each piece is handmade, no two items are ever the same. Just look at the detail and artistry in this cross, and how it reflects the light! This old forge fine pewter measures 8 inches by 5/5 inches. The legend holds that the Dogwood tree was once very large and its strong and sturdy wood was used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Because of its role in the crucifixion, it is said that God both cursed and blessed the tree. It was cursed to forever be small, so that it would never grow large enough again for its wood to be used as a cross for a crucifixion. At the same time, however, the tree was blessed so that it would produce beautiful flowers each spring, just in time for Easter.

The most unique part of the legend is that the petals of the dogwood actually form the shape of a cross. Upon close examination, it can be seen that the blooms of the tree always have four petals. And the tips of each of the petals are indented, as if they bear a nail print. There are even colors in the petals that bring to mind the drops of blood that spilled during the crucifixion.

The back of the Dogwood Wall Cross features a hook for easy hanging. I chose a wall between my kitchen and family room to hang this gorgeous piece of art, so it's one of the first things seen when walking into my house. Wendell August offers hundreds of unique and meaningful items for the home, including dishes, servers, trays, platters, trivets, hundreds of lovely jewelry items, plus gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, baby, wedding, retirement, anniversary, holidays, and much more.

Visit www.wendellaugust.com to see all these artisan-made items for yourself! Save 15% on your regular-priced order with this special discount code - PLANETW. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Be sure to enter below to win any item from Wendell August, up to $50 in value!

Wendell August Giveaway!
One winner will be randomly selected to choose any one item from the Wendell August website, up to a $50 value. Giveaway ends at midnight on 5/30/2015. Giveaway is open to US residents, ages 18 and older. Good luck!

Enter my other giveaways HERE.
Follow me on Facebook HERE.

Whiter Teeth for Spring - Colgate Optic White #Giveaway

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

You can whiten your teeth in as few as two days using these Colgate Optic White products! The Optic White Toothbrush even features a built-in whitening pen. This whitening system is easy, just like your regular morning brushing routine. Brush your teeth using the Optic White Toothpaste and Toothbrush, whiten with the built-in Optic White Whitening Pen, and rinse with the Optic White mouthwash for a minty fresh, beautiful smile.

The new Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste promises a whiter, brighter smile in just one day when used with the complete Optic White regimen (toothbrush+whitening pen and mouthwash). This formula contains 2x more Hydrogen Peroxide. In addition to being safe for daily use, this product protects your enamel and contains anti-cavity fluoride protection.

I've been using the Colgate Optic White routine for a week now and my teeth are definitely whiter. Try it today and see how easy it is to have a fabulous smile! You can find Optic White products at your local retail stores and grocery shops.

GIVEAWAY!
Want to win a set of all three Optic White products? To enter, just fill in the giveaway form below. Open to US residents, ages 18 and older. Giveaway ends on May 18, 2015. Good luck!

Enter my other giveaways HERE.
Follow me on Facebook HERE.

Flat Out of Heels Loren Ridinger Shoes - Review #fashion

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

No one is really sure who invented the first pair of high heels, but Queen Elizabeth I is the first person documented to have worn them in 1595. Since then, women around the world have filled their closets with shoes that aren't really that comfortable, but look fabulous. Wouldn't you love to slip into something more comfortable that look fabulous too? Check out Flat Out of Heels, a Loren Ridinger Collection!

Created to be a fashionable solution to pain from wearing heels, Flat Out of Heels are rollable and can fit in any purse for added convenience. These darling flats allow women to wear heels for work or play while keeping a comfortable, stylish alternative on-hand in case foot pain creeps in.

This style is the J-Glow, inspired by Loren Ridinger's best friend Jennifer Lopez. They are made of beautiful brushed nickel vegan leather with silver studs. They have hard red soles that are durable enough for daily wear and feature elastic to fit perfectly around feet.

Each pair even comes with a convenient carrying bag, where you can store your heels when you slip into these comfortable flats. What a relief to get out of those painful high heeled shoes and into a pair of Loren Ridinger Flat Outs!

Visit www.flatoutofheels.com to see their entire collection and use the discount code FLATOUT4 to save yourself $4.00 on your new shoes!

www.flatoutofheels.com

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Book Review: Relentless Savage by Dave Edlund

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

The book Relentless Savage by Dave Edlund could easily be turned into a blockbuster movie. The story is very intriguing as it combines the past with modern day in a way I've never even considered. What would happen if a mad Chinese scientist combined the DNA of a preserved Neanderthal with modern man in a secret research facility? It begins with a young American college guy named Ethan Savage who goes off to Sudan on a service trip to help refugees and is kidnapped by Janjaweed rebel forces. His father Peter will stop at nothing to get him back home. He recruits several friends to help him and when they arrive to rescue his son and the other students taken hostage, they are confronted with genetically-engineered super soldiers called Homothals. Even with the help of top-level government, it looks like they are outnumbered and sure to perish. This gripping, suspenseful story of scientific fact and fiction will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wondering if something like this could truly happen. The book is masterfully written and I can't wait to read more from Dave Edlund.

EXCERPT (pp 142):
As the Janjaweed approached to within about a hundred yards, Gary raised the Colt Python and cocked the hammer.
Looking toward Peter with a grim smile he said, “Is this where Butch and Sundance make their last stand?”
Peter chuckled, but he wasn’t sure why. They were facing death. “I promised I wouldn’t utter any more morbid allusions, remember?”
“You’re off the hook. That deal was only if we live through this. Right now, that doesn’t look likely.”
They were both silent as they watched the enemy advance. Peter had no hope of hitting anything smaller than an elephant at 100 yards with his pistol, so he just watched and waited.
“You know, Gary, you’ve been like a brother to me.”
“I know. And you’re the brother I never had.”
Todd cut in. “Okay Butch and Sundance. Don’t go all sentimental on me. It ain’t over yet. The fat lady may be warming up, but she still ain’t singin’.”
Peter turned to Ethan, his face a mixture of regret and the love of a father for his son, a love without limits or qualifications. Never in his worst dreams had Peter imagined it would all end this way… in the dry desert of North Africa, thousands of miles from home and family.
He wondered if his daughter, Joanna, would ever come to know what happened here… to understand why her father and brother never came home.
Battle sounds pulled Peter’s focus back to the advancing enemy.
A barrage began to pepper the line of approaching Janjaweed warriors.
The sound of explosions was quickly followed by a high-pitched buzz, the distinctive sound made by a minigun.
Like toy soldiers being swept over by a child’s hand, the Janjaweed fell to the onslaught.
It happened quickly, and within a minute, they were all dead.

This book is an action-packed thriller! Grab your copy HERE!

Backyard Gardening #DIY #fruit #vegetable #garden

After a weekend of building ten raised garden beds, another week of filling the ten garden beds with soil one shovel-full at a time, and several days of laying three pallets of sod all around them, I'm overjoyed to announce that our backyard is my own little paradise now!

My seeds and plant starts are thriving in the grower's mix we bought from Lone Star. It's a mix of dirt, turkey compost, and mulch. Within a few days of planting, several of my seeds have already germinated and sprouted leaves.

Our fruit and vegetable seeds and plants came from several sources, mostly Bloomer's Garden Center (a local small business) and Gurneys. So far, I'm very impressed with everything we've planted. We picked up three pallets of St. Augustine sod at Jerry Farmer Lawn Grass (a local small business) which is already growing very well.

I've taken photos of everything that is already growing, but there are also several that I'm anxiously awaiting their first growth. The peppers and the tomatoes were purchased as plant starts since it's already what I consider late spring in Texas.

I've been treating for ants and other bugs with food grade diatomaceous earth, which is organic and doesn't affect the plants. It's like a powder and the bugs get it in their exoskeletons and hate it. So far, it's working beautifully.

I have learned a lot while planting my first garden. First, garden boots are a necessity. I've been seen in my Chooka Boots quite often lately! A lightweight hose, like my Pocket Hose, is important since I'm dragging it between my rows of raised garden beds.

I did extensive research before deciding which plants to put where, because there are some plants that just don't grow well together (watch for a post on that soon). When I planted the mixed peppers together, I learned that the hot peppers and sweet peppers may cross-taste, which is fine with me.

Wearing gloves while gardening is super important! Since I've been handling compost, I certainly want to keep my hands clean. In addition, many new spiders moved into my backyard with the sod, but they are excellent garden guests because they help eat pests (but I don't want to touch spiders).

I will also be adding worms to my raised garden beds. Worms help keep the soil loosened up as they move through the dirt. I've noticed a number of ladybugs have also moved into the backyard; they are pretty and love to munch on aphids, so they are also welcome.

Please feel free to ask questions or share any gardening tips that you have learned! Some of my neighbors have already visited my garden and said I've inspired them to start a garden. Hopefully I will have a huge harvest and can trade with my neighbors for things I'm not growing.

So far, we figure we've spent around $1000 getting our first garden installed, including wood, soil, plants, trees, sod, and other supplies. We have been buying organic foods at the grocery store, which has raised our food budget about $20 a week, or $1040 per year. If we can eliminate the need to buy all the fruits and vegetables I'm growing, we'll come out ahead in the first year. Next year, I should only need to spend a little to get whatever seeds I cannot save from this year's harvest. Stay tuned for more photos and gardening tips! 

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Why Is My Toddler Biting?

Your toddler has always been so sweet, full of smiles and giggles. Suddenly, without warning, she or he has begun biting like a bear. Whether your toddler is biting you, your other children, or friends at play group, it’s a very serious problem. Biting can be very dangerous, both to the child being bitten, but also to the biter. What causes biting in young children and how can you stop your child from biting?

There are several reasons that cause toddlers to begin biting. Often biting begins out of frustration. A toddler is just beginning to realize they have an influence on the world around them. This newfound influence feels like a great power to them. When they cry, a parent runs over to help. When they smile and say hi, even strangers are charmed into chatting with them. Toddlers soon realize that their power is thwarted by others and that frustrates them greatly.

Biting has a two-fold effect for toddlers - it allows them to express their frustration and gets them instant attention. Since toddlers are frequently redirected when they attempt to climb a table or take away another child’s toy, they have a need to express themselves. Their language skills are very limited at this young age, so biting becomes their expression of frustration and anger.

A toddler who bites also learns that it will often work in their favor. Biting a friend who won’t let go of a toy makes them let go. Biting a parent who is ignoring them makes the parent take notice. Toddlers often learn the behavior from other toddlers, then repeat the behavior themselves. Childcare centers and home daycares often experience rounds of biting in this way. It’s frustrating to parents and teachers.

To help your toddler stop biting takes great patience. As a childcare provider for 25 years, I found several techniques that helped put an end to this painful stage. My first trick is shadowing, which is keeping the toddler at arm’s length all the time. It often takes a parent or teaching swooping in and picking up the child before they can bite.

 The second technique is direction, which involves a bit more time investment. You must ensure the child knows what “that hurts” means - do this by pointing it out whenever they get hurt from a fall or a bump. By demonstrating how “that hurts” relates to their own bodies, they can better learn to apply it. Then, when they bite or are about to bite, you can say words they know - “that hurts” and follow up with “we don’t do that.” This also begins to plant the seeds of empathy and socially acceptable behaviors.

Another technique is rehearsed words, which means the parent gives the child words to use instead of biting. Children don’t come with a preset script, so we as adults need to teach them the words that will help them get what they want. Choose easy, brief words that a child can easily remember. Some suggestions include - “please don’t do that” and “please give it to me.”

The best way to help a toddler move past the biting stage is to combine all three of these techniques. For example a child takes away the toddler’s toy. Scoop up the child at the first sight of biting, say to them “That hurts. We don’t do that.” Then say to the child, “Tell your friend - please give it back.” By repeating the same techniques over and over, the child will begin to imitate the behavior. It helps the child learn that solving conflicts is best done with words, not teeth. Remember to be patient with the toddler because the process of learning can take time.


This article can also be seen at http://www.themomandco.xyz/why-is-my-toddler-biting/

Giveaway! Alma Porcelain Lace Container - Laurier Blanc

Disclosure: I received product at no charge in exchange for my post.

This Mother's Day, introduce your Mom to Laurier Blanc, an online destination for eclectic home decor, found objects, and accessories. Suzanne Coppola, the visionary behind Laurier Blanc, brought together her love of travel with her passion for decor and design. Suzanne travels the world, sourcing home decor items from local markets and vintage shops. Passionate about giving back, Laurier Blanc partners with a new charity each quarter, donating a portion of each sale's proceeds. They have partnered with Heroes for Children for this Mother's Day. This beautiful Alma Porcelain Lace Container will delight any special lady. Lace is all the rage in woman's fashion, from shoes to coats, so a gold lace porcelain cachepot makes perfect sense. This stunning Lace Container measures 8" tall, 10" wide, and 7" deep. Visit www.laurierblanc.com for lovely gifts for Mother's Day or any special occasion!

www.laurierblanc.com
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Enter to win the Alma Porcelain Lace Container!
To enter, just fill in the giveaway form below. Open to US residents, ages 18 and older. One winner. Giveaway ends at midnight on 5/10/2015. Good luck!

Enter my other giveaways HERE.
Follow me on Facebook HERE.

Weekly Giveaway Linky - Wednesday Wealth (May 6-12)

Giveaway! LA SIESTA Family Hammock

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

I have always dreamed of owning a hammock. It's a place to relax, to read, to float in the air while the breeze gently rocks it to and fro. It's a far cry from hard wooden benches and plastic chairs, which is what most people (myself included) end up putting in their yards. LA SIESTA Hammocks recently gifted me with one of the most heavenly review items I've ever experienced! I was absolutely thrilled to received the Carolina Double Hammock and Neptuno Double Hammock Stand.

The LA SIESTA products I received are superior quality. The Neptuno Double Hammock Stand is made of powder coated steel, which is extremely strong, durable, and easy to clean. I was amazed at how simple it was to assemble the stand. The five pieces lock securely together in just minutes. LA SIESTA offers a selection of both metal and wood stands for all their hammocks.

If you have large trees in your yard, a hammock stand isn't necessary because LA SIESTA Hammocks can easily be attached to two trees with rope. Their hammocks can also be attached to a stud or beam in the ceiling of a home (for indoor use) or on a patio (for outdoor use). They offer many different suspension solutions so you can customize it for your own needs.

The Carolina Double Hammock is breathtakingly beautiful. Handmade in South America, it is the highest quality hammock I have ever seen. It has an open-loop suspension and hand-plaited warp threads between the end of the fabric and the suspension. It's made of pure, high-quality cotton and features tearproof selvage created by doubling the weft threads. The fabric is densely woven, ensuring it will last for many years.

I looped the hammock onto the two hammock stand claws and envisioned myself flipping over onto the ground, but as I sat down onto the hammock I realized how this ingenious hammock design evenly distributes weight. There is no instability at all while getting into the hammock, nor while getting out of the hammock.

The Carolina Hammock is a double hammock, which means its width is designed to easily hold two people. I love the way it comfortably cradles me and I could very easily slip into a long nap while relaxing on it. The Carolina is just one of many LA SIESTA Hammock designs. They offer hammocks and hammock chairs for adults, kids, and babies.

LA SIESTA hammocks are made from are made from cotton, organic cotton, or Hamactex, a specially formulated material that is outdoor resistant and provides colorfastness. They offer tons of color choices, and a variety of hammock sizes, including single, double, and family. My new hammock is the most perfect place in my yard!

As my husband and I snuggled up to relax together in our new LA SIESTA Hammock, I remarked to him that everyone should have one of these because there is just nothing more wonderful than being close to someone you love. We swayed in the light breeze, watched the clouds float by, and simply melted into a heavenly moment in time. LA SIESTA tops the list of my favorite review items and I highly recommend their quality and beauty.

Visit http://store.lasiesta.com/ today and order one for yourself and for your kids. It will be one of the best purchases you ever make. Be sure to enter below to WIN the LA SIESTA Domingo Family Hammock!

LA SIESTA Hammocks

on Facebook ~~ on Twitter ~~ on Pinterest

Win the LA SIESTA Domingo Family Hammock!
To enter, just fill in the contest form below. Open to US residents ages 18 and older. One winner. Giveaway ends on 5/30/2015. Good luck!

Enter my other giveaways HERE.
Follow me on Facebook HERE.

Escape to Springtime in Paris - Limited Edition Softsoap Body Wash

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

If you are dreaming of a spring vacation in Paris, there is a new Softsoap body wash collection that can help your imagination get there. There are three limited edition scents in this new collection - French Macaron, Parisian Escape, and Riviera Renewal.

Wrap yourself in the sweet scent of French vanilla and coconut with French Macaron. This moisture-rich formula leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Softsoap body washes always lather up luxuriously for me and even my bathroom smells delightful for hours.

Moisturize your skin while you retreat to the French countryside with Parisian Escape. The fresh blend of citrus and pear blossom scents is simply heavenly! This Softsoap body wash leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. It's also my favorite scent of the three.

Let your senses dance in the French Riviera with the fresh scent of delicate jasmine and blossom. The moisturizing formula hydrates skin, leaving it silky smooth. I've enjoyed the benefits Softsoap Body Washes for years and these new scents are wonderful! Pick up the new French collection at your local retailer before it's gone!

Visit Softsoap

Giveaway! Pocket Hose and Mighty Blaster Nozzle

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

After spending two weeks building our raised garden boxes and another week filling them with soil one shovel-full at a time, plus planting all the seeds and plant starts, there is literally dirt everywhere. The Pocket Hose Top Brass and Mighty Blaster Fireman's Nozzle arrived just in time for a massive cleanup!

The Pocket Hose Top Brass is the best hose I've ever used. It starts out extremely lightweight and compact. When it's hooked up to the faucet and fills with water, it expands to provide excellent water pressure. It is still lightweight even when filled with water, making it much easier to pull around the yard to use the water exactly where I need it.

It has a heavy duty brass tip and durable hose that can withstand aggressive use, wear and tear. The previous hose that I was using (see photo below) was incredibly heavy and extremely hard to handle. When I would remove it from the hose hanger, I'd have to unwind the entire thing to make it lay flat so I could drag it. Rewinding it was an even bigger nightmare.

The Pocket Hose is easy to unwind and easy to rewind onto my hose hanger. Since the 50-ft hose retracts when the water pressure is released, it also hangs on my wall with a much lower profile. It is much more flexible and much easier to pull around my garden boxes. It has made watering my seeds and plant starts more enjoyable and less frustrating.

The Mighty Blaster Fireman's Nozzle fits onto any garden hose. It's made of rugged aircraft aluminum and sprays from a fine mist to a very powerful stream. It also uses use to 40% less water. It has a comfortable grip and design to help reduce arm fatigue.

It's come in handy for misting my delicate herbs, showering my seed beds, and blasting away all the dirt that has accumulated on my driveway over the past weeks. Just a twist of the spray-head changes the flow of water to customize to whatever job I need it to perform. These products are awesome!

Grab your Pocket Hose Top Brass and Mighty Blaster Fireman's Nozzle to help you in your outdoor chores this summer! Be sure to enter below to win both these fabulous products too!

www.telebrands.com

Win the Pocket Hose Top Brass 
and Mighty Blaster Fireman's Nozzle!
To enter just fill in the form below. Open to US residents, ages 18 and older. Giveaway ends at midnight on 5/23/2015. One winner will receive both products. Good luck!

Enter my other giveaways HERE.
Follow me on Facebook HERE.