From Our Hearts To Yours {Giveaway}

Welcome to From Our Hearts To Yours hosted by Life With Two Boys, With Our Best, and Mama-Nibbles. There are over 100 bloggers participating in this hop, and each blogger has their own prize package of at least $25 worth of Valentine-related items! So after you have entered my giveaway, I encourage you to hop along and see what the other bloggers are giving away too!

 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love." ~1 Corinthians 13:13

This Valentine's Day Prize Pack includes:

 "Tiny Love"

Valentine Dessert Truffles

Customized Poem created for Valentine's Day

Disclaimer: Please note that the From Our Hearts To Yours Giveaway Hop hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.

From Our Hearts to Yours Sponsor Spotlight Post {The Poem Lady}

I'm so excited to share with you my third sponsor for the Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Jill is The Poem Lady.  She is a talented poet who writes personalized poems for any special occasion in your life, including baby showers, bridal showers, bar mitzvah candle light ceremonies, anniversaries, office going away parties, varies special occasions, invitations and thank you cards.  

Jill wrote this {Candy Poem} as a fun alternative to the popular baby shower candy story games.  Hire Jill to write a poem for your next celebration and give the guest of honor a truly memorable treasure.  

Ordering a custom poem is simple.  You provide Jill with information on the person (or event) for which you would like the poem.  In your own words, you provide what you would like to convey in the poem.  Jill will get back to you so you can give input and any changes can be made, if necessary.  Jill has a policy of 100% satisfaction guaranteed.  

Jill is giving away a customized poem created for Valentine's Day!  To purchase your own personalized poem visit Jill at her {Website}.  Connect with The Poem Lady on {Facebook} and {Twitter}, too!

Heart Shaped Smiley Cookies Review

We don't have much sweets in our home lately.  And Baby C hardly ever gets any.  But when it comes to holidays, there is always room to celebrate and enjoy something special.  A special package of Heart Shaped Smiley Cookies was delivered to our doorstep this weekend.  They were super yummy and put a smile on our faces.

The cookies arrived in a cute and decorative smiley box that I will definitely be reusing.  And the cookies melted in our mouths.  They went perfect with a cold glass of milk!

Baby C sure did enjoy the Valentine Day Cookies!

Wouldn't these cookies be so much fun for a classroom party?  Or maybe you are looking for a special gift for your child's teacher.  A Valentines Day gift basket would put a smile on any teacher's face!  Head on over to SmileyCookie.com and use the code {BLOG10} at checkout to get 10% off any of the awesome cookie gifts, except gift cards. 

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.

From Our Hearts To Yours Sponsor Spotlight Post {Dove Chocolate Discoveries}

I'm so pleased to announce my second sponsor for the Valentine's Day Giveaway!

When Vanessa was introduced to the Mars, Inc. Division of Mars Chocolate Discoveries, it was a no brainer.  Who doesn't love chocolate?  She immediately started her own little chocolate business.  In almost 3 years, she has built a business that consists of over 300 chocolatiers in her organization.  Dove Chocolate Discoveries has created a line of exclusive chocolate products to delight every palate.  Everything from their delicious Chocolate Martini Mix to their Saigon Cinnamon Roll Mix.  Even some sugar free products.  And yes, they do free in-home chocolate tasting parties, too!  

If you are interested in hosting your own in-home chocolate tasting party with your friends and family, or are interested in starting your own chocolate business, contact Vanessa on her {Website}.  You can check out her online catalog, place an order, or contact her for more information on Dove's exclusive business opportunity!

Vanessa has donated a Valentine Dessert Truffle Collection to the giveaway!

This is a limited edition - a decadent assortment of beautifully boxed 24 chocolates that are sure to make any chocolate lover swoon.  Six fabulous dessert flavors (Dark Chocolate Mousse, Passion Fruit Sorbet, Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Lemon Meringue Pie and Cinnamon Roll), each wrapped in a luscious layer of milk, dark or white chocolate, are handmade with fresh ingredients.  

From Our Hearts To Yours Sponsor Spotlight Post {Amourx}

I'm so excited to share with you my first sponsor for the Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Colleen has loved jewelry since she was a young girl and had spent most of her money at the local jewelry store, until she realized she could make her own.  Her first piece of handmade jewelry was a simple, silver heart necklace that she still wears today.  After many compliments, Colleen successfully attempted to sell her work to her close friends.  And about 6 months ago, she quit her full time job and opened her beautiful online store.  Her style is sometimes quirky with a touch of modern, but nothing over-the-top.  She is inspired by the world around her and uses her jewelry to complete an outfit.  

Colleen has donated these beautiful, "Tiny Love" Earrings to the giveaway.

Vintage Japanese Glass Limoge Heart Cabochons have been securely adhered onto gold-plated, anti-tarnished ear posts and comes with matching butterfly backings.  Heart Cabochon measures 11.5mm in height (top to bottom).

As with all items in her shop, these ear studs are made with love from her to you!

Connect with Amourx's {Etsy Shop} and on {Facebook}.

Kadydid Designs Tutu Review and Giveaway

Baby C dressed up as Minnie Mouse for Halloween, last year.  Not just any Minnie Mouse, but a precious one in a tutu.  Though we didn't take her trick-or-treating, we had so much fun with the camera, capturing her sweetness.  So I was so excited when I received the Petite Punkrocker Tutu from Kadydid Designs in the mail this week!

Alyssa is one of the two sisters that makes up Kadydid Designs.  She is a wife and a stay-at-home mommy to 2 little boys.  Kadydid Designs was born out of the desire to make a little money while staying at home, doing something that she loved doing.

Not only does Kadydid Designs create tutu's for daily wear, dress-up, dance class, and specialty flower girl dresses, but they create car seat covers, burp cloths, bibs and pacifier grips too!

Baby C was rockin' her tutu during our photo shoot!

Baby C is absolutely loving her tutu.  It was great to capture such beautiful memories of her!

Connect with Kadydid Designs at their {Etsy Shop}, {Blog}, {Facebook}, {Twitter} and {Google+}.  Kadydid Designs is giving away a custom tutu to one of my blessed readers!  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  There are no mandatory entries, but the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.  Good luck!

Simply Amazing

I find it so amazing when all of a sudden Baby C knows how to do something she never did before.  This past week I have seen her do so many new things.  She started following my simple directions, put your paci down, she drops her paci in the crib.  Turn off the light, she reaches up, pulls the chain and turns off the light.

Yesterday, I was reading her a book with different poems in it.  I read it often and always act out what the poem is saying, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch the ground, she bends down and touches the ground.  Oh my goodness, my heart was filled with joy.  It made the repetition of each day worth it all.

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~ Charles (Chuck) Swindoll

What things has your child recently learned that amazes you?

Sharing Shaklee {Week 8} The Medicine Cabinet - Part 2

Last week, I shared with you the beginnings of my Shaklee herbal medicine cabinet.  I love that there are alternatives to prescription drugs and antibiotics.  Don't get me wrong, I know that there are times when prescription drugs and antibiotics are necessary to heal and save lives.  But I've also learned that the natural way can be just as healing without the negative side-effects.

Here are some helpful suggestions:

Sore Throat:
Take garlic at the onset of a sore throat, scratchy throat, or viral pneumonia.
Garlic is known as nature's antibiotic.
Garlic is affective against toxic bacteria, viruses and fungus.
    For children: take one.
    6 months old: half capsule once/day.
    1 year: 1 tablet, increase one tablet per year up to age 6, totaling six.
    Adults: 6 tablets/day
Helps to stop reproduction of the virus and reduces the amount of time it takes for your body to heal.   


NutriFeron
Promotes natural interferon production.
    1 year old: 1 tablet a day.
    Older children and adults: 2 tablets a day.

Earache:
Take NutriFeron, Garlic, Vitamin C, Defend and Resist and Alfalfa 3 times per day (see recommended doses above or in Part One).
Onion Juice: Two drops in each ear.  Peel onion and put in blender.  Strain the mush off and put juice in small bottle.  Onion juice should not be cold when you put in ears.

Headaches:
    Adults: 5 Calcium and 6 Garlic to help stimulate the immune system.  (Alternative to over-the-counter).

Of course, always discuss with your doctor first.  If you would like to learn more about these products or would like to purchase, visit {EncouragingHealthy.MyShaklee.com}.

What are your tips and alternatives to prescription drugs and antibiotics? 

Is She Teething?

God has blessed us with such an easy-going baby (knock on wood).  She rarely cries, often plays independently, and lays down easily for bedtime and naps.  Even her teething process has been a breeze . . . until last week.

Baby C was in rare form last week.  She woke up crying in the morning and IF she took a nap.  She cried if I sat her down.  She cried if I put her down to nap.  The only thing she wanted to do was be held.  And held her I did.  We spent most of our day rocking in Grandma's rocking chair.

I absolutely loved the cuddle time, but I was so sad for the circumstances.  She was definitely in pain.  It seemed as if it was teething pain.  She put everything in her mouth, including her paci, which she usually only uses when she falls asleep.  She was drooling a lot too.  All signs of teething, right?

Baby C is doing much better this week, than last.  But she still can be a little irritable and usually wants her paci.  Have you experienced this before with your child(ren)?  Any tips to keep her comfy if it happens again?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

BrytonPick Review

Isn't it annoying when you are eating out somewhere away from home and you get something stuck in your teeth?  You'll pretty much do anything or use anything to get it out.  Come on, admit it, you've used a pen cap, paper clip or even your finger nail before.

In my search to find eco-friendly products, I received a BrytonPick in the mail to test out.  I love that BrytonPick is made in the USA from completely recyclable materials and is reusable for up to 30 days.  It is very discreet and portable, so you can carry it wherever you go.

I tried out the BrytonPick last night after dinner.  It worked well, but I didn't feel it was as effective as my flossers.  I bet BrytonPick would work great for those who have braces.  If you would like to learn more about BrytonPick or purchase one for yourself, go to the BrytonPick website.  You can also connect with BrytonPick 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.

Sharing Shaklee {Week 7} The Medicine Cabinet - Part 1

As a mom, I know just how it feels when watching your child in pain or uncomfortable.  Whether it's from a cold, tummy ache or headache, we want to ease the pain of our children.  In my Baby Steps to create a healthier home for my family, I'm creating a Shaklee Herbal Medicine Cabinet.  And here's how:

Stuffy Noses and Coughs:

Smash: 5 Alfalfa and 1 Zinc

    For Infants or Young Children: Mix it with lukewarm water and pure maple syrup, put in eye-dropper.

    For Older Children: Add 1 to 2 NutriFeron, mix with applesauce, preferably organic.  Give two to three times a day for a couple of days to break up the mucous.

    For Adults: 5 Alfalfa, 1 Zinc and 2 NutriFeron.

  Coughs:  Liquid Lea and Chewable Vitamin C

Diarrhea and Vomiting:

1. NutriFeron: can be crushed or taken as a pill.
2. Stomach Soothing Complex
3. Garlic 3 times a day (Crush 2 Alfalfa with 3 garlic to help prevent upset stomach).

    For adults: Take 9 - 12 garlic per day to achieve antibiotic affects.
    For nursing moms: If you take the garlic and the alfalfa, it will get to the baby through the milk.  It is also encouraged that you take EZ-Gest, an enzyme that will help break down the garlic for the stomach and the breast milk.
    For non-nursing moms: Crush garlic capsule and pour it in baby's sock and leave in overnight (1 capsule per sock).

Additional Ideas: Mashed potatoes with crushed garlic, hummus with added garlic, onion soup with added garlic.

Chewable C for sore throat (gets into the blood quicker if you chew it).

Viruses:

1. Take Shaklee Defend and Resist: take 7 days on and 3 days off.  Not to be taken long term.  
2. 3 Pain Relief Complex

         For Children: 3-4 Chewable C, Calcium, 3 smashed garlic, 1 Pain Relief Complex

These products can be purchased at {EncouragingHealthy.MyShaklee.com}.  Come back next week to learn more about the Medicine Cabinet. 

What are your tips, tricks or advice when your child is feeling sick?

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today is my husband's birthday.  Baby C Mommy wanted to make something special for him, but it didn't go quite as planned.  I made out these cards the day before, so we could create a video for daddy today.  Unfortunately, Baby C is teething and all she wants is to be held or she's cries.  So, instead, we ended up with some blurry shots.  Such is life!  Happy Birthday, Daddy!

"This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

Baby C's First Birthday

Last month, Baby C celebrated her first birthday surrounded by family and friends.  Unfortunately, her daddy was very sick with a stomach bug and had to miss her party.  Good thing we had a special, family friend capture the moments for us.

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you Psalm 71:6 

Banana Bread for her guests! 

Opening gifts

Just getting started on her monkey cake made by Grandma

All done!

Mommy and Baby C

Happy 1st Birthday my little monkey!

(in)spired By Why Card Writing Matters {Giveaway}

One of the hardest things about moving away is leaving your close family and friends behind.  About 6 months ago, my husband, daughter and I moved across country to a city where we knew no one.  As a stay-at-home-mom, days can get a bit lonely without any adults around to interact with.

Shortly after moving, we joined a church just a block away.  And I quickly found a mommy's group that I could get involved in and meet other moms just like me - faithful, loving, and doing their best to be a mommy.

When I received a {Simply Marvelous Card Pack} in the mail, I was also sent a challenge.  The challenge was to think of someone who needed encouragement or a special thanks and send them one of the cards I was given.  I choose the leader of my mommy group to send the thank you card to.  She has been a blessing to me and my daughter.  She opens her home up every couple of weeks to mommies and their children.  She provides child care on days that we have guest speakers or our women's bible study.  When you enter her home, she provides you with a great big smile and hug, a warm cup of coffee and a yummy snack.  And though I tell her each time we leave, thank you, I think this card will show how much a really mean it.

Hand written cards are something I always appreciate.  Whether someone is telling me thank you for a gift I gave them or sending me encouragement when I need it most, the card shows that someone loves and cares about me.  

There have been so many times when a special card has touch my life and made an impact on me.  Whether I was going through the struggles of losing my job or when I was missing my husband while he was away in Iraq.  Someone would send me a card to let me know that they loved me, cared about me and was praying for me.  And that made all the difference.

{DaySpring sent me a free product to review and all thoughts and opinions are my own}

DaySpring is giving away a $20 coupon code to one Sweet Tiny Blessings' reader!  Please note that there is a minimum purchase of $20 dollars and shipping charges apply.  There are no mandatory entries, but the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.  Good luck!

Shaklee Get Clean Household Mini Kit Giveaway

Dear Sweet Tiny Blessings' Readers ~ Due to Shaklee rules that I was unaware of, I am discontinuing this giveaway.  Apparently, Shaklee does not allow blogs to do giveaways over $2.00.  Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway.  My sincerest apologies!

Welcome to the Green Resolutions Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering, Mama Chocolate and Purposeful Homemaking! In addition to my green giveaway, there are an additional 40 blogs featuring eco-friendly prize packages. After you're done entering my giveaway, please visit the other blogs, which you'll find listed below the Rafflecopter form. Good luck!

Do you think of your home as your safe retreat, a healthy place where you can go to enjoy your family and friends?  Unfortunately, because of harmful pollutants and chemicals, most of our homes aren't as safe and healthy as we think.  And that's why I'm so excited to share with you how you can make your home a healthy and safer place for you and your family!

Facts:

• 81,000 chemicals registered with the EPA in the last 30 years.
• Fewer than 20% tested for toxicity.
• 90% of all poisoning occurs at home.
• 218, 316 reported poison exposures in 2005 from household cleaning products.

Air pollution is 2 to 5 times higher inside your home than it is outside.  The pollutants come from the products we use everyday to make our lives easier.  And to make matters worse, most of us spend 90% of our time indoors.  This contributes to our families' health conditions.  

20 million Americans suffer from asthma,  that includes 1 in 13 school-age children.  The rise in kids under the age of five with asthma increased 160% from 1980 to 1994.  Common household cleaners and appliances give off fumes that can potentially increase the risk of developmental damage in children.  

There are dozens of cleaning products on the market that aren't healthy for our homes or our health.  These products are probably in your home: oven cleaners, drain cleaners, wood, metal cleaners and polishes, toilet cleaners, tub, tile and shower cleaners, and chlorine bleach.  

One of the most important choices you can make is what you decide to bring in your home.  It's time to get rid of those dangerous household cleaning products under your sink.  Shaklee offers an alternative to unsafe and unhealthy cleaning products!  

For over 50 years, generations of families have counted on Shaklee to do what no other company can do quite like Shaklee - make products that are naturally safe AND proven effective.  Every product that goes into every Shaklee bottle is designed to improve health, work without compromise and be gentle on the planet.  

You can't find a single Shaklee product on a store shelf.  You find it through conversation.  In a living room.  On Facebook.  Over a cup of coffee.  In an email from a friend.  Or in a blog giveaway!

I am so excited to be giving away Get Clean Household Mini Kit!  A selection of Shaklee's most popular household products to help you make your home cleaner for your family and the planet.  Get Clean offers nontoxic and natural cleaning choices that are SAFE, POWERFUL, GREEN and SMART.

Your home should be the safest place in the world for you and your family!  

Are you ready to Get Clean and make a better world for you and your family today?  You can PURCHASE the Shaklee GET CLEAN kits at {EncouragingHealthy.MyShaklee.com} or enter to WIN with the Rafflecopter form below.

Lucky Day Sweepstakes Event

Are you feeling lucky?    

Sason and Pobi would like to invite you to A Lucky Day Sweepstakes Event. Sign Up here.

Sharing Shaklee {Week 6} Why Supplement?

The Last Bottle

For the past month, I've been weaning Baby C from her bottles.  She is now down to only a night time bottle and it's been pretty easy for her so far, but I'm already missing my snuggle time with her.  I'm not sure how she is going to do without her night time feeding.  And I'm not sure what routine to put in it's place.

Normally, daddy gets Baby C ready for bed by changing her diaper, putting her in her jammies, and then handing her off to me to feed her and brush her teeth.  Now what?  Do I slowly reduce the amount in her bottle or just quit cold turkey?  Do I still keep that snuggle time and read her a story instead or lay her down right away?

I honestly think this is going to be way harder for me than it will be for her.  My baby girl sure is growing up.  What are your suggestions?  How did you wean the last bottle?

My Stork Craft Interview

I was recently interviewed by a wonderful children's store, StorkCraft.  In this interview I share with you the challenges, rewards, and a little advice at being a new mom.  I would be honored if you visited the blog, read the interview and left a comment.  I would be happy to answer any questions, too!  Click {HERE} to read the post.

Laurie Lou Bib Review and Giveaway

I am pleased to introduce to you my newest sponsor, Lauren, from Laurie Lou's Etsy Shop!

Lauren was blessed with 4 children and was seeking a way to create products for them to wear, but also relieve stress from her hectic life.  So in 2009 she opened her Etsy Shop, Laurie Lou, to fill the need of creating beautiful things.  Laurie Lou is a nickname her husband's family had given her.  

Laurie Lou is a shop created with the love of all things vintage, both retro and classic.  The fabrics from her products are sure to strike up a conversation and bring a smile to everyone's face.  

Quality is very important to Lauren.  It is her desire to make a product that can be passed down from one generation to the next.  Lauren uses her 16 years of parenting to design products that are extremely useful and delightful to all who use and view them.

I received the sweetest bib in the mail from Laurie Lou.  I couldn't wait to try it on Baby C.  

How cute is this bib?  I absolutely love it!  And it's reversible too.  Check out the soft backside.  

This bib is larger than the other bibs I have for Baby C, which is perfect, because she's now a toddler.    I love that the bib easily snaps on and off for mommy, but Baby C is unable to pull it off.  I think Baby C loves her new bib as much as I do.

Connect with Laura Lou on {Facebook} {Twitter} and her {Blog}!

Purchase a bib or other cute products at {Laurie Lou}.

Win It!  Laurie Lou is giving away a bib of winner's choice!  There are no mandatory entries, however, the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning!

Shaklee Cinch Starter Kit Giveaway

Ready to lose weight?  Now there are no excuses!  Shaklee is giving away a Cinch Starter Kit, a value of $228.00.  

To learn more about the Cinch Starter Kit and all the great benefits and clinical study, click on my {Sharing Shaklee Post}.  When entering the giveaway, let them know I referred you by using the ID number {WZ04177}.  Click {HERE} for the Giveaway!  Good luck!