Powermat Giveaway!

My family travels a lot, mostly across the border to MI. While it's only about a 4 hour drive, with two kids, it can seem endless! Let me share with you my top 10 travel trips that help us survive our trip, and make it more enjoyable for all!

1. Make a List! I cannot stress this enough. My mommy brain does not remember things like it used to, so I make a list every time we go somewhere. Write down everything you'd like to bring, and check it off as you pack it into the car. This is the best way to ease that nagging voice in your head that is saying "I know I forgot something..."
2.Pack your meals and snacks! While they advertise convenience, fast food is not that at all, especially with kids. And if you are like me, and like to encourage healthy eating with your family, you will really benefit from packing your meal and snacks. This guarantees you will always have something handy for that voice behind you "Mommy I'm hungry!" even if you just ate :D And no hassles with waiting in line for something that is mediocre. You can pack exactly what you like, and enjoy your meal without the hassle on your pocketbook!
3.Bring a toy box! Well, not an actual toy box, but a small tote or an empty diaper box that would fit perfectly next to a car seat. Fill it with coloring books, crayons, your childs favorite toy, books, etc. I learned this trick late in the game, and I can't tell you how many times I turned around to hand my son a new toy because his fell on the floor. This way your child has easy access and can grab whatever she/he wants to play with at the time. Take this opportunity to scour the $1 bins at your favorite store and put a few new goodies  in your travel box for your kids, what's more fun than a surprise!
4. If you are flying, take all essential items for the children in carry-on luggage: make sure to pack enough food, diapers, medicine, and other items to last through possible flight delays and lost luggage. Maybe put an extra outfit for yourself/husband as well. Not that we want to deal with a delay or lost luggage, but this will certainly make dealing with the situation a little less stressful!
5. Take your time! My husband likes to get to our destination as soon as possible and hates to stop. But having kids, that's no longer an option! Take your time and pace yourself. You have little ones in the car that you need to watch out for now! Especially with potty training toddlers, or babies in diapers-take a break every two hours and go to the bathroom or stretch your legs. You will ALL feel better!
6. Bring a GPS! I do not know how my friend and I would have made it to Washington D.C. without her GPS. While her husband printed very specific directions for us, it was so much easier for us to follow the GPS. It really was a lifesaver for us, esepcially in an unfamilier city-we were able to locate shopping centers, the zoo, everything just by using the GPS. No "quick, look at the map is this our exit? Oh no we missed it!" A GPS will give you step by step directions and will not let you down!
7.Lose the cords, take a Powermat! You can charge your cell phone, iPod, e-books, GPS, and handheld games all in one place! Who wouldn't want less stuff to pack in their bag?!
8. Staying in a hotel halfway through your trip? Pack a separate bag for your hotel. Put in an outfit and toiletries for everyone in one bag-It beats dragging in several suitcases just for one outfit, and put it somewhere where you can easily grab it when you stop so you don't have to rearrange your car to get it.
9. Prepare for an emergency. This is one thing my mom has always stressed to me. I put a small box in my trunk with extra clothes, a blanket, candles/matches, snacks, fix a flat, and other emergency related paraphernalia that if the need arises, we are prepared and not stressed even in case of emergency.
10. Have fun!! Enjoy your time with your family, make memories, and cherish the new experiences together! And don't forget your camera :D

I received a Powermat to review,and let me tell you, it is amazing. It comes with many adapters so you can charge just about anything that requires charging. It comes with a small carrying case, so it fits perfectly in my suitcase. I can't wait to use it when we go to MI next week for Bennetts birthday. My husband and I are always forgetting our charging cords, and we end up buying a new one when we get to our destination. Now we don't have to! This is an innovative device, and a must have for anyone who has gadgets! This is a great item even if you don't travel, it will clean up your outlets by using just one Powermat to charge your technology!

Win it! Powermat is going to give one lucky winner a Powermat of their own, plus a bonus accessory of their choosing! This giveaway is worth well over $100!!
What is a Powermat? Go here to find out how it works! Lose the cords, charge all of your gadgets-your iPhone, Nintendo DS,  Blackberry-use one lightweight, travel friendly device to charge them all!

Mandatory Entry: You MUST follow my blog via google friend connect (click the follow button on the right side of the blog) and share with me how a Powermat would best work for you!

Extra Entries:
To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) for each entry/comment, you must leave your email address!!!


* Share with us one tip that you have for traveling!
*"Like" Powermat on Facebook
* For 2 entries, Leave a message on the Powermat wall saying "I'm a fan of Powermat and have entered to win one of my own at www.lifewiththestevens.com
* Follow Powermat on Twitter
* For 2 entries, post this as your Twitter status "I've entered the @Powermat #giveaway with @hlstevens enter to win at www.lifewiththestevens.com"
* For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
* Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
* Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
* Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA only are eligible. Contest Ends on August 15th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced August 16th, 2010. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Pwermat giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received 1 Powermat and accessory for review purposes only, no other compensation was given. Powermat will be responsible for prize distribution. M80 contacted me on behalf of Powermat for this review.For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

The winner of the Pear Tree Greetings Giveaway is

Sorry for the belated post!
Congrats to
Frugal Science Gal said... 1


The winner has already been notified, Thank you to all who entered!

Undercover Mama review and giveaway!

As a nursing mother, there is a constant struggle whether or not to nurse in public (NIP). While it is not against the law, I can understand why some people feel embarrassed to do so. We deal with comments from others occasionally (although sometimes we get praised!), or we are uncomfortable with the idea of exposing our skin-I know for myself, I've lost the baby weight, but have a lot of extra skin and stretch marks due to being so very large with Bennett when I was pregnant, so that makes me a little wary of NIP.
One company has come to my (and other nursing mothers!) rescue! Undercover Mama have created a tool every breastfeeding mother should have, the Undercover Mama Nursing Shirt! Now before you go on about how you already have undershirts, I bet you don't have one like this!
"Undercover Mama functions as an undershirt, keeping your back, sides, and belly covered as you nurse. It has no straps and attaches directly to the outer flaps of any top-opening nursing bra. Welcome to No Hassle Nursing!"
The idea of the Undercover Mama is really simple-you take this shirt and simply hook it to your nursing bra hooks, so when you open your bra, the shirt comes down with it and all the while your body is completely covered. I was able to review a white shirt, and I chose a size medium. I would say these shirts are true to your regular size. They are long, and we all know the layered shirt look is definitely in fashion, so you can maintain that stylish look when you are out and about! I love that the shirt was fitted, but not too tight. It did not change shape or pill in the wash either, it is strong yet soft. I constantly find myself asking "How has nobody come up with this idea before now?" But I'm so glad that the mamas behind Undercover Mama did, this is really a must have for anyone who is nursing, truly.
If you are at all confused about the Undercover Mama nursing shirt, there is a great video on their homepage you should check out! You also get a simple yet easy to follow instruction card with your purchase that looks like this:

There are 5 sizes to choose from S-XXL and all but the XXL come in 4 colors: Black, White, Brown and Cream. The XXL just comes in black and white for now, but if the demand calls for it they start marketing the other colors in that size.

I cannot rave enough about this product, it's quality meets comfort. It really put my mind at ease, and I no longer feel self conscious nursing in public (which as you read from a recent post, I finally got brave enough to do!). And I plan to wear this as a regular shirt long after I'm done nursing, it really is the perfect layering shirt!



Buy it: Buy your own Undercover Mama Nursing shirt, or get one for a friend, these shirts are a must have for anyone who is breastfeeding or plans to nurse! To make the deal sweeter, all readers can use the following discount code at check  "ANYWHERE"  to save 10% off of their order-combine that with their current free shipping promo when you buy 2 or more shirts to save even more!

Win it!: One lucky mama will win one of her very own Undercover Mama Nursing Shirts! If you're not nursing,  I encourage you to enter to win one to gift to a friend!!

Mandatory Entry: Go the the Undercover Mama website and tell me which color shirt you'd like to have!

Extra Entries:
To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) for each entry/comment, you must leave your email address!!!

*"like" Undercover Mama on Facebook (link fixed ;D)
* Follow Undercover_Mama on Twitter
*For 3 entries (leave 3 comments), write on the UM FB wall, or change your FB status to say: "I entered the @Undercover Mama giveaway at @Life With The Stevens, stop by and enter at http://lifewiththestevens.blogspot.com"
*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For 2 entries, Tweet about this giveaway "Enter the @Undercover_Mama #giveaway at Life With The Stevens @hlstevens "
*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments
*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on August 12th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced August 13th, 2010. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Undercover Mama giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received 1 Undercover Mama shirt for review purposes only, no other compensation was given. Undercover Mama will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

My Shutterfly Experience, what's yours?

I have taken pictures everyday for the past 3.5 years. I cannot stop taking pictures of my kids! One downside of using a digital camera, at least if you are me, is that the pictures you take just pile up on your computer for months. I'm terrible about going to the store to use the kiosks to get my pictures printed-I'm a busy mom of two, and my kids get antsy if I sit still too long, so it's hard keeping them entertained while working on my pictures!
That is where Shutterfly comes into place!The nice thing about Shutterfly is that you can download all the pictures you want, and pick and choose which ones you'd like to have printed! I can get my pictures downloaded while the kids are sleeping, and then Shutterfly delivers them right to my home in just a few short days! It's amazing how fast their service is!
Since starting our family, I'm one of those people that like to send out the Christmas cards with the family pictures on them, and Shutterfly has so many options when it comes to Holiday and Christmas photo cards!
I also LOVE getting baby announcements in the mail, I think it's a great way to introduce someone to your newest addition even if they are unable to come and meet them in person. Shutterfly has the cutest selection of Birth Announcements! And when your beautiful baby turns one (or two or three...) what better way to add to the celebration with Birthday Party Invitations that feature your little one!
Shutterfly often has great deals and discounts going on, so be sure to sign up today to find out how to save and maintain your families memories!


So tell me, what is your Shutterfly experience? Leave me a comment on this post and you'll automatically be entered to win one of 3 discount codes for 10 Free Photo Cards!!

Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced on August 5th 2010 via email and Facebook.
Be sure to follow Life With The Stevens on Facebook

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I will receive discount codes to get free product samples from Shutterfly for this post, some of which I will share with my readers. no other compensation was given. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

CitySlips Review

Call all lovers of all things shoes. Which I hope is all of you out there, because I how could you not love a fabulous pair of shoes??
If you're a working woman, or a stay at home mom who dons the occasional stylish heel, than you know the ache you feel at the end of the day of wearing a high heeled shoe. Beauty is pain, but it shouldn't have to be!
I was introduced to CitySlips by a former co worker and fell in love with their product! What are CitySlips? Well basically, they are "foldable ballet flats for the well heeled gal on the go!"
After a long day of wearing heels, these are your go to shoes when in need. CitySlips are cute ballet flat shoes, that fold up into themselves. They come with a matching pouch, that when unfolded, becomes a cute tote bag that you carry your heels in! The idea is that when you still want to look fabulous in your outfit, but you've worked all day in your heels, slip them into the CitySlips bag, take out the ballet flats, and you've added comfort to your outfit but you still look amazing!

I was sent my own pair of CitySlips to review, and I was impressed right away, before I even opened the box! The come in the cutest box, perfect for gift giving. I was given the gold ballet flats and pouch to review. I am not lying when I say I have worn these shoes every day since receiving them! They are incredibly comfortable, and they add a touch of flair to my outfits. You can wear them anywhere, because while they might look like delicate slippers, "CitySlips have an innovative rubber double-soled structure that ensures cushioning and protection from all surfaces."
I don't often wear heels these days, but I do like wedge sandals. And while comfortable at first, after a few hours, my arches just ache. CitySlips are so compact and light, I just throw the pouch in my purse and when my feet are screaming to be released from their wedge Hades, on go CitySlips! I'd say their sizing is pretty true to your regular shoe size too. I chose the 5-6 small size, and I wear  size 6 so it was a perfect fit. If you wear a 6.5, definitely go up a size!
Want to know more about the amazing woman behind this great idea? Check out their bio and how CitySlips came to life!

Buy it: Get your own pair of  CitySlips today! Comfortable and trendy, and such an amazing idea. Check out their website to get your pair of CitySlips in Gold, Silver, or Black. Or find a store near you that sells them (scroll down)!
Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter , and follow their blog while you are at it! You never know when they'll post about a great deal!



Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received 1 pair of CitySlips for review purposes only, no other compensation was given. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

 

The winner of the Power Capes Giveaway is

Comment # 14 Lori




lori mcc said... 14 I am a fan of life with the Stevens on Facebook.
Jasmina32@yahoo.com

Thanks again to all who entered, this was one of my favorite giveaways!
As always, the winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner is chosen. Keep looking to the future for more great giveaways!

Winner of the Orglamix Mineral Makeup is

Comment #16 Amanda

Amanda said... 16 I am a fan on facebook.



Thanks to all who entered to make this a successful giveaway!! The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner is chosen. Be sure to check back for more great giveaways!

Save 15% on any Opaleen order with Life With The Stevesn!

All you jewelry lovers and fashionistas will want to take advantage of this great deal! Opaleen is an amazing jewelry company, they have something for everyone! Looking for something Trendy? Elegant? Than Opaleen is the place to shop! They are offering all of my readers 15% off your entire order when you use the code: stevens when you check out. Pair that discount with their currant Free Shipping on ANY ORDER deal and the savings will add up! Amazing!
This offer is valid until 8/15/2010 so hurry!

My second Blog Award!

Two blog awards in a matter of weeks, I'm excited that you all are thinking of me! Susan at Susie B. Homemaker bestowed this lovely award to me!

 Susie B. Homemaker is a super cute blog, she does so much on her blog! She is a stay at home mom like myself, and blogs about her every day life as well as doing reviews and giveaways. I think Susan and I seem to have a lot in common, it's fun to meet other mom bloggers! Check out her blog, you will feel at home :D Thanks again, mama!


The rules for this award are as follows-

• Thank and link back to the person that gave you the award
• Share 7 things about yourself
• Pass the award to 7 fellow bloggers that inspire you
• Let them know about the award

Okay, so 7 things about me:
1. I have a small tattoo, with more to come in the future. I used to be obsessed with piercings, but since becoming a mom I've toned that obsession down, and removed most of what I have.
2. I want to travel to Germany some day. And live in Australia.
3. I recently got in touch with my 3 older half sisters, after 25 years of little to no communication!
4. I was going to college to pursue a degree in Political Science, but since becoming a mom, I can't for the life of me remember why I wanted that career path!
5. My closest friend is also named Heather. Our kids are almost the exact same ages as well, our second babies were born 4 days apart, and our first were born 4 months apart. We both married our High School boyfriends, and we both moved away from our home state of MI at the exact same time only she went to KY.
6. I would love to be a Lactation Consultant.
7. I had a book published when I was in 2nd grade.

I'll be back with me 7 blogger nominees :D

Fantasy Jewelry Box Winner is

Congrats to Cara, comment #23


Thanks to all who entered! Remember, the winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner is chosen.
Be sure to enter my other great giveaways, and be on the lookout for more giveaways in the future!

My Pillow Pets Review and Giveaway!

Earlier in the month, I posted this blog post about the limited edition Pillow Pet, the Patriotic Pillow Pup, and how every purchase gives money to charities such as Military Scholar, which sets up scholarships for the children of Military Personnel. I hold charities such as that dear to my heart as I have several family members who have served in the armed forces, both past and present.
I got my very own Patriotic Pup and it came just in time for our trip to MI! Both of my kids played with it in the car, and both Cooper and I took a little nap with it :D The Pillow Pet is so unbelieveably soft and squishy.

Even my 11 month old loved it, he just kept rolling over on it and burying his face into it, it was so sweet!!
Pillow Pets seem to be all the rage right now among my friends, I have had several friends mention that they would love to get one, or that they got one for their child and it was such a hit! I really can see why. It is such a great toy, perfect for young and old (like me!) My 3 yr old named his Red Clues after a certain favorite dog of his!!

"About My Pillow Pets®

 Since 2003, My Pillow Pets® plush folding stuffed animals have been bringing smiles to the faces of all ages. The concept for the snuggly companions was the brainchild of a San Diego-based mother of two, who had grown tired of picking up stuffed animals strewn across her children’s rooms. What began with the simple goal of transforming a simple stuffed animal into a functional item for children has grown into an amazing jungle of popular retail and wholesale products. For more information, please visit www.GetPillowPets.com."

I really think this is the toy to give this year-the Patriotic Pup Pillow Pet is fun, soft, and it doesn't hurt that your're helping others when making your purchase!

Buy it: Purchase your own Patriotic Pup Pillow Pet NOW! This is a special edition Pillow Pet, so it is only available for a limited time! Don't miss out on your chance to have this special Pillow Pet!


Win it!: One lucky reader will win their own Patriotic Pup Pillow Pet!

Mandatory entry: In keeping with the Patriotic theme,tell me why you are thankful to have the independence and freedom that we all share as Americans -OR- give a shout out or a thank you to a special member of any military branch.

 Extra Entries:
To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) for each entry/comment, you must leave your email address!!!

*Visit Pillow Pets and tell me which Pet you'd love to have!
*"like" Pillow Pets on Facebook
*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
*For 2 entries, update your FB status with this: I want to win the @Pillow Pets giveaway going on now at @Life With The Stevens! be sure to come back and let me know you updated your status
*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For 2 entries, Tweet about this giveaway "Enter the Patriotic Pillow Pet #giveaway at Life With The Stevens @hlstevens http://tinyurl.com/39lzuv8 "

*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments
*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on August 5th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced August 6th, 2010. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Pillow Pets Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received 1 Patriotic Pup for review purposes only, no other compensation was given. My Pillow Pets will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

My weekend

We went to MI this past weekend, my sister in law was visiting from Florida so we were more than happy to go up to visit!
While we were there, my mother in law snapped a few pictures of the boys that I thought were super cute and wanted to share with you all!

And Cooper went with his Grandma to pick up his Aunt from the airport, and got to see the President and Air Force One up close!! How exciting!

YoungBlood Mineral Cosmetics review and giveaway!

I love makeup. I mean, really love makeup. It gives me confidence when I go out, makes me feel beautiful. As much as my husband tells me I don't need it, I feel better about myself with a little makeup on! I had (and still have) acne that left scars on my face and wearing makeup gives me that boost I need knowing my physical flaws are blended in. And as a mom, I don't wear makeup as often as I used to, so when I really need a pick me up I put on a little face and head out the door!
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is an wonderful company with amazing products. YBC was started by
Pauline Youngblood Soli who went through her own struggles with her skin as a young adult and went on to help others deal with their  skin issues working in Beverly Hills offices of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons as a licensed Medical Aesthetician. She went on to work with these professionals as well as chemists to develop Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, a "complete line of cosmetic products, in a comprehensive palette of shades, with realistic skin tones and beautiful, natural finishes."
A little more about YBC, directly quoted from their website, "Youngblood is the premier mineral cosmetic line available, because of the luxury formulation, ideal milling process, and chic, upscale image and packaging. From the first moment you brush it on, you'll notice the incredibly silky feel, and a polished, natural finish, unlike any other makeup you've ever tried. Clean and lightweight, it allows your skin to breathe and is non-comedogenic (it won't block pores or cause irritation). Even with our flawless coverage, you'll feel like you're wearing no makeup at all. And unlike other mineral cosmetics, Youngblood never looks "glittery"; instead you'll radiate a natural, healthy glow. It's no wonder Youngblood has emerged as the clear standard, used in upscale skin care clinics and med-spas around the world."

I had the privelege of reviewing a few items from the Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics line.
I chose:
Ultimate Concealer in Medium
Lip Gloss-Coy
Liquid mineral foundation in Fair-Sand
and the company also sent their Mineral Lash Prime and Mineral Lengthening Mascara.

I've mentioned before about my allergies, and how they give me dark circles under my eyes no matter what I do. Well the Ultimate Concealer was amazing, it covered my dark circles like nothing else I've tried! It goes on so silky smooth, and really hid those dark circles. And it lasted all day, even in the humidity we've been having!!
I am usually pretty picky about my foundation, I need something that covers well and blends naturally since I have a few acne scars I like to cover up. Well the Liquid Mineral Foundation from Youngblood Cosmetics did all of that! It feels natural, not oily or cakey like some brands can feel like. The color I chose wasn't an exact match, but it blends in so well it didn't matter!
The lip gloss is my favorite of everything I tried. I usually am just a chapstick girl, I've never found a lipstick or gloss that I like or that looks nice on me-I'm terrible at picking colors! But the Youngblood Lip Gloss is beyond fabulous! It really is!! It is not sticky or gritty. It is so smooth, and the color is so subtle but it's enough that it still pops! It's really the perfect choice for me, it is something I feel I can wear in my everyday casual make up look and also with my going out on the town diva look ;)
I have to say, I have stubborn eyelashes. They are long, but stick straight. I can never get them to stand out, so I usually avoid mascaras. That and my allergies just never tolerated most store brand mascaras. I've never tried anything natural until now, and I really have lucked out! Just look at the picture I posted, my lashes look so long!! I love it! I really think the Lash Prime gives it that extra something. And my eyes have not been red or irritated all day, I've been wearing the Mineral Lash Lengthening Mascara for over 8 hours and no smudges!

All in all, I'm super impressed with the quality of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. I feel confidant that I am putting something natural on my skin that will keep my skin healthy and not clog it with unnatural and foreign particles. Everything goes on smoothly and flawlessly, and I really feel like I glow when I'm out and about wearing my Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics!

Buy it:   You can purchase anything I've mentioned and so much more online at www.ybskin.com or go here to find a store near you that carries this amazing line of makeup!

Win it!: One lucky reader will win their own Mineral Lash Prime and Mineral Lash Lengthening Mascara!

Mandatory entry: Visit Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics website and sign up for their newsletter and be sure to get the latest and greatest info on all things YBC!

 Extra Entries:
To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) for each entry/comment, you must leave your email address!!!

*For 2 entries, "Like" The Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Facebook page
* Follow Youngblood Cosmetics on Twitter please leave your Twitter handle for verification
*For 2 extra entries, Tweet about this giveaway using the @ybcosmetics and @hlstevens in your tweet
*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments
*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on August 3rd at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced August 4th, 2010. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received 5 items of makeup for review purposes only, no other compensation was given. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

Winners of MamaPear Designs, Sanders Candy, and Brugo Mug Giveaways are...

My apologies for the delay, I was away the past 5 days, my sister in law flew up from FL for a visit so we went up north to spend time with the family!!

Here are the winners of the Mama Pear Designs, Sanders Candy, and the Brugo Mug Giveaways!! Winners all chosen by Random.org

1. MPD giveaway is comment #36 Bao

Bao said... 36 Voted for you on PFB.

2. Sanders Candy is comment #23 Emily

Emily Robison said... 23 I follow you on FB


3. Brugo Mug Giveaway is comment #2 Allee

Allee said... 2

Love the Flamingo color!

Thanks for your patience, and a big thank you to all who entered!! We had a lot of entries for each giveaway, thanks for making them such a success!!

Thank you!! My first blog award!

Thank you Jennifer at Life With The Lebedas (hmm I like her blog name ;D) She presented me with the Sunshine Award!

You should check out her blog, I think we have a lot in common just by looking at our blogs. She is a beautiful mama and she does wonderful giveaways!

I am to pass this along to 12 bloggers that I love, so here it goes!
1.Rachel at Yellow Tennessee
2.Alison at Being Alison
3.Kati at Around The Plate
4.Amanda at Life as a Preemie's Mom
5. Sarah at Sarah's Deals
6. Karen at Bright Autumn Sun
7.Mary Lindsey at Hope in my Pocket
8.Dena at Cincinnati Coupons
9. Sweet Deals 4 Mom
10. Karen at Domesticated Mama
11. Laura at Call Me Laura Jane
12. Susan at Susie B.  Homemaker

What's going on in my house these days...

My h usband fell while fishing (i told him not to go :D) and now has a badly sprained ankle. Well my sensitive, tenderhearted 3 year old just could not handle it. He is so upset that daddy is hurt, he is just beside himself.

While daddy is on the couch putting ice on his ankle, my son decided he was hurt too and wanted his own bag of ice.
As you can see, he was very upset in this picture, but insisted he needed the ice. Such a sweetheart <3

Pear Tree Greetings Giveaway-up to 16 Personalized Note Cards!!

As a Pearista, I get to bring you fabulous giveaways each month thanks to Pear Tree Greetings! Last month we had a great turnout, and this  months giveaway is even better!
Have you ever received a hand-written note from someone that you saved, because it meant so much to you? That you pull out every now and again, because it brings a smile to your face. Or, is there someone you feel that could really use a note from you right now? A friend that’s going through a rough time in a relationship, letting her know you’re there for her. Your mom, just an out of the blue card telling her how much she means to you. Your husband, thanking him for supporting you, loving you, and being the husband that he is. A blogger friend that you’ve maybe never met in person but just want to tell them how much their friendship means to you. There is a special power of a hand-written, personalized note card. Not only does it mean so much to the recipient, it’s an amazing feeling when you drop that card in the mail.
I have a box of letters from my husband, from when we were dating, that I've saved in a special box for going on 9 years. It always brings a smile to my face to see that special note he sent me, letting me know he was thinking of me!

In honor of these special moments, Pear Tree Greetings is giving one of you a free set of personalized note cards (up to 16 cards) from their new collection.

Who is Pear Tree Greetings? Pear Tree Greetings is a fun, fresh and affordable personalized stationery company that offers Birth Announcements, Moving Announcements, Photo Cards,
Baby Shower Thank You Cards and more, all on 100 lb matte card stock and truly affordable prices!


Buy it: Head on over to Pear Tree Greetings and check out their amazing section of personalized note cards!!

Win it!: One lucky reader will win up to 16 Personalized Note Cards of their own! (Each design varies)

Mandatory entry: Share with me and my readers about a time when you received a special note, a just because card, a thinking of you message-something that made your day, made you smile :D
You MUST leave your email address in your comment!

 Extra Entries:
To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) for each entry/comment, you must leave your email address

*Become a FB Fan Pear Tree Greetings
*Follow Pear Tree Greetings on Twitter! Please leave your Twitter handle for verification
*Tell me which Thank You card/Personalized note card you'd choose if you won!
*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments
*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on July 27th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced July 28th, 2010. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Pear Tree Greetings Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. Pear Tree Greetings and myself will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.