TA-DA! Infusion Design Review

Many of my faithful, loving readers have commented on my new blog design, already.  But it needed some tweaking, and then I needed to finish some reorganizing.

So now I am ready to say: TA-DA!!! How do you like me now??? LOL

I recently won a blog design from Infusion Designs, and although I really liked my other one, it wasn't as adaptable as I would've liked.  I tend to change my mind about things on a weekly basis, so I found that I was removing a lot of the design elements as the labels didn't fit anymore.

Jes is really busy so there is a bit of a wait list.  I didn't mind at all, in my mind, if she is really busy that means she is really good at what she does.  Also I had been asking about a logo designer for a friend recently, and was recommended Jes from a blogging friend Bree (of Blogmania fame).  So that to me is a plus for her, right there.

In working with Jes, you must understand she is very busy and so am I, so I appreciated that she was very patient when it took me a while to get back to her.  She also got back to me very quickly, even if it was just a quick: "I am working on that for you, and will get back to you asap".

When I worked my previous designer, I didn't really know what I wanted, so I think I was pretty easy to deal with.  This time, however, I am much more sure of what I want, and what doesn't work for me.  I feel like I was a lot more difficult to deal with, but she always treated me like it was perfectly acceptible.

Jes came to me with a bunch of great ideas, but I didn't choose most of them for various reasons.  Instead of saying what do you want then, she went back and thought of some other great ideas that I loved.  Remember her time and effort was not being compensated, so her being sweet, just means she is very professional and a real sweet heart.

I love her work, and thoroughly enjoyed working with her.  I would highly recommend her as a blog designer!

Free Sample

I wanted to share this offer I found with you:

Purex Complete with Zout Free Sample Offer

Just fill out the information on the site, and they'll send you a free sample of Purex® Complete with Zout® detergent. It’s that simple!

This offer is open to legal Canadian residents of the age of majority. Samples will only be sent to a legitimate Canadian household address. Limit of one request per household address. No group, club, organization, company or employee of Henkel Consumer Goods Canada, Inc. may participate in this offer. All submissions received are subject to a manual review. If for any reason it is deter- mined that a person has submitted more than one request, all requests received from the individual will be null and void. Henkel Consumer Goods Canada, Inc. is not responsible for lost, misdirected, illegible or delayed requests. Allow 6 weeks to receive your sample. Offer available while supplies last.

Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Holiday Tales

Back in Feburary I won the book:  Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic: 101 Holiday Tales of Inspiration, Love, and Wonder by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

Yes, I got it after Christmas, so I figured I would read it while I was waiting for more books to come in.

The book description as found on amazon.com:


Christmas is a magical time of year -- a time of family, friends, and traditions. Readers will revel in the 101 holiday stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic that spread the special joy, wonder, and blessings of the season with its tales of finding the perfect Christmas tree, being with family, seeing the awe in a child’s eyes, and enjoying the magic of the season.

My thoughts, and description:

This is a great book filled with lots of stories about how different people have dealt with the holidays.  The stories are all uplifting, and some will make you laugh, cry, and just realize the magic of the season.

One of the stories that was my favourite, and at first I didn't know how it made it into the book, was: about a brother who is very bitter and think his parents treat his brother better.  He has a wry sense of humour and a great story-telling ability.

I really enjoyed this book and always enjoy books that have quick chapters so I can read in small bursts as I don't tend to get an extended period to read.

If you like the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, I really think you will enjoy this one.

Wholly Guacamole Giveaway!

When you think Victoria Day weekend, what do you think?  Bbqs and snacking are my top 2 things!

Have you heard about Wholly Guacamole?

They are a sponsor of one of my favourite shows: The Biggest Loser
Wholly Guacamole offers a variety of yummy products sold to make snacking fun and delicious! Wholly Guacamole is an all natural, preservative free product. Their products are available both in the US and CANADA.

In Canada, Wholly Guacamole is sold at Freshmart, Loblaws, Safeway, Real Canadian Superstores, Fortinos, ValuMart, Zehrs, IGA (BC), Overwaitea and Sobey's (Atlantic).

They have many different yummy, and healthy options (and even have recipe ideas on their site under each product!): Guacamole, Salsa and  Queso, with different flavours of each.

Ok now that I have made you all hungry for these yummy yummy products.  I will tell you about the awesome Giveaway.

1 Winner is going to win 10 (ten) FPC coupons!  That is 10 of their yummy products for you or for you to share with some lucky friends and family.  Awesome, right? 

 MANDATORY ENTRY: Please remember to leave your email address, and one comment per item you have done.

Visit Wholly Guacamole's website and tell me what product you would be most interested in sampling.

AND

Follow Wholly Guacamole on Facebook

BONUS ENTRIES:
1 Entry - Like Wholly Guacamole on Twitter
1 Entry - Like The Knit Wit on Facebook
1 Entry Per Method: Tweet, Share, Stumble, Blog etc, get the word out about this awesome giveaway!

RULES: You may enter on as many different blogs as you wish for this particular giveaway, but you may only win once! This giveaway closes on Saturday May 14th, 2011 at 11:59, 2011, and is Open to Canada, and USA.


Want to increase your chances of winning?  Check out these awesome blogs who also have a Wholly Guacaomle Giveaway.
Mom vs The Boys
Tales of a Ranting Ginger
Multi-testing Mommy

Need a Boost?

I am a member of MomBoost, and have found it to be a very valuable resource.  I have gotten an awesome contact from this group, and a few sponsored posts that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

I found out about them from Simply Stacie, who is a co-founder of the group, and a blogger I look up to and has provided me a lot of useful information, through her blog or even email.

So when I heard about the upcoming "Boost your Buzz Summer Campaign" I was intrigued.  They have many packages available, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to fork out money as I try to not spend money on my blog if possible.

I want my blog to be a fun outlet, and also generate some added income if possible, so spending a lot of money when I am not making it is a hard decision.  I trust Simply Stacie so I was seriously considering it. 

I was talking to one of my friend bloggers, who writes for: Kidsumers and she said she signed up for one of their packages and is really pleased with the results! 

So I have signed up, and will let you know how it goes.  It isn't until August, but I wanted to sign up now so I didn't miss out.  Let me know if you are signing up and which package you go for.  I chose:

#6 Buzz Boost – Cost $20
•3 Social Media accounts included in the giveaway

I chose Facebook, Twitter, and GFC.

A Moment For Mommy Blog Event!!!!

It's here!!!! It's here!!!! The much bally-hooed A Moment for Mommy Blog Event is here!!  I am so excited! 

Here is the hop code, and then below, be sure to enter my awesome giveaway!



I hope you have been reading along, and checking out all my featured sponsored posts!  Now for the fun!! Here is what you will win! The package is worth over $380!! I told you it was going to be awesome!

Ok so here is what you can win:

A wristlet (not necessarily the one pictured) from Allybu's





Your choice of either a notebook cover, or calendar holder from SassRocket



Momma Cards from Mabel's Labels



$50 Gift Card to EdenFantasys.com



A pair of earrings of your choice from JennTRC

$20 Gift Certificate to Silly Mama Quilts

Your Choice of Nursing Pads from BabyAppleseed

1 DIY Digital Card by Sylver Concepts

PantyO Undies from PantyO.com

This beautiful necklace from KraftyMax



$25 Gift Certificate to Spa Sisters



Custom made wreath in your colours from Robot In Bloom

1 Coffee Cozy from The Knit Wit by Shair



Your Choice Between App or ebook



WIN this awesome package: None of these are mandatory entries, do as many or as few as you would like.



1 Entry: Heart Allybu's on Etsy

1 Entry:  Fan SassRocket on Facebook.

1 Entry: Like Mabels on Facebook

1 Entry: Follow Edenfantasys on Twitter

1 Entry: Heart JennTRC on Etsy

1 Entry: Heart SillyMamaQuilts on Etsy

1 Entry: Like BabyAppleseed on FB.
1 Entry: Like SylverConcepts on FB.
1 Entry: Follow PantyO on Twitter

1 Entry: Like KraftyMax on FB.
1 Entry: Like SpaSisters on FB
1 Entry: Like Robot In Bloom on FB
1 Entry: GFC follower of this Blog
1 Entry: Tell me which you would choose the Motivated Moms ebook or app from itunes

Please note that entries are not open until April 29th at 12:00 am, any before that time do not count.  Giveaway open to CAN/US and ends May 1st at 11:59 pm.

SEARS STARS ON ICE PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG Giveaway

Only Stars Shine This Bright!

When: Thur, April 21 - Fri, May 13

Where: NS, ON, MB, SK, AB, BC (view full schedule here - http://www.starsonice.ca/stars-on-ice-tickets-schedule.php)

Sears Stars on Ice presented by Samsung brings figure skating superstars to an arena near you – for one night only! Four-Time World Champion Kurt Browning will be joined by a phenomenal cast, including 2010 Olympic medalists Joannie Rochette and Evan Lysacek, who will bring his flare and passion for the ice to the Canadian tour for the first time, along with Stars on Ice fan favourites Jamie Salé & David Pelletier, Sasha Cohen, Jeffrey Buttle, Shawn Sawyer, and Kyoko Ina.

Olympic Silver Medalists, Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto, will appear in the first half of the Tour and 2010 Olympic Gold Medalists Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir will join the Tour starting in Winnipeg, MB for the second half, following the World Figure Skating Championships. This cast promises to deliver fans of all ages the ultimate live figure skating experience with a gathering of legends past, present, and future. Don’t miss your chance to see these stars shine!

For more Tour information, visit http://www.starsonice.ca/.

“Canada has always been revered for its superior winter sports athletes. This year I am honored to have some of the world’s greatest figure skaters join us as we come together to deliver one of the most spectacular shows that this country has ever seen,” said Kurt Browning.

If you can't make it to Hamilton here's a giveaway for Toronto: http://multi-testingmommy.blogspot.com/2011/04/giveaway-stars-on-ice-4-tickets-for.html

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS - If you can make it to the Hamilton show on Saturday April 30th.  Leave a comment for each item you have done.
1 Entry - Tell me if you have ever been to stars on ice before
1 Entry - Be a Facebook Fan of Mine
1 Entry per method - Spread the word about this giveaway

This giveaway is Open to Canadian Residents who can get to Hamilton on Saturday April 30th.  Contest Closes April 29th at Noon EST.

What's that the cat has?

So I am totally feeling like something the cat drug in!  I have a cold, and then I caught a tummy bug my hubby had, so needless to say I am in rough shape LOL

I have had a goal to blog every day for the entire year, and well....I missed April 27th, so when I was complaining on twitter, I asked if it counted if I back dated it LOL, and the wonderful @marirene74 said it totally counted!  Since she said what I wanted to hear is the final authority on blog dating, I did just that :)

edenfantasys.com Featured Item

A bed of roses

Candle by Lover's Choice Inc

Did you know that Edenfantasys.com has many different products?  I usually higlight the lingerie, but today I am going to highlight a more sensual item, something to set the mood.

I know my readers are mostly mom's and we don't get a lot of time for setting moods, but this would be good for date night, or an anniversary.

Here's the info:

The ultimate item for creating a romantic atmosphere, your lover will adore for sure. A bed of roses by Lover's Choice is an exciting set that will turn your bedroom into a shrine of love and romance. 100 silk pleasantly flavored rose petals for making your bed an irresistible place; 4 tea lights for creating an intimate lightning in the room; and a special invitation card that will definitely set your lover's mood to the right emotion.

Personally I think this would be a great way to have a romantic type night.  After all, we have all seen romantic movies and they seem to have fresh rose petals just laying around waiting for just such an occassion!  Now you can too :)

Low-Entry Giveaways April 25

1. Candy Gram: http://40plussinglebbw.blogspot.com/2011/04/senda-happy-gram-review-and-giveaway.html, Ends April 26, CAN/US


2. $50 Rona Giftcard: http://awonderfulwife.blogspot.com/2011/04/bmo-eco-smart-blog-tour-and-giveaway.html , CAN Ends May 15



Previously Posted

1. MD Natural lotion - http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-skin-md-natural.html, CAN/US, May 7

2. CD - http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-joanie-leeds.html, CAN/US May 7

3. Jump Start Membership - http://numbercrunchingmomma.blogspot.com/2011/04/jumpstart-review-and-giveaway.html , CAN/US, April 24

4. CakeVase - http://twochildrenandamigraine.blogspot.com/2011/04/cakevase-review-and-giveaway.html CAN/US, May 13

5. $10 Summer Fresh Coupon - http://twochildrenandamigraine.blogspot.com/2011/04/summer-fresh-review-and-giveaway.html#comment-form CAN, May 11

1. Seat Covers - http://www.foodwhine.com/2011/04/smartseat-chair-cover-review-and.html , Ends Apr 23, CAN/US

2. Cattle Boys Starter Kit - http://40plussinglebbw.blogspot.com/2011/04/cattle-boyz-bbq-sauce-sweet-chili-sauce.html, Can/US, Ends May 3

1. 3 Avon organizers, Autism pen, support bracelet, and magnetic ribbon http://cnaf.net/blog/?p=392, CAN only, Ends May 5

2. Stride Panties - http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-stride-everyday.html, Can /US, Ends April 30

3. Go North Scents Prize Pack, http://preciselymine.blogspot.com/2011/04/gonorth-scents-review-and-giveaway.html, CAN/US Ends April 25

4. Tote: http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-otterbottle-tote.html, CAN/US Ends May 2nd

5. Crabby Cook Book - http://multi-testingmommy.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-crabby-cook-cookbook.html, CAN/US, Ends April 27

6. Zimbali Boutiques $50 gift card, plus custom made tutu and handknit hat, Ends April 22, Under 30 entires. - http://www.mapleleafmommy.com/2011/03/review-giveaway-zimbali-boutique.html

Awesome Giveaways

So you all know about my awesome blogging friend Ginger Mommy from Tales of a Ranting Ginger, she is my co-host for the weekly blog hop, and she has some great giveaways going on right now! 

Check these out:


http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-kiboomu-childrens.html
http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/mothers-day-giveaway-baskits-spa.html
http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/giveaway-balmshell-mothers-day-prize.html

Blogger Spotlight: My Little Review Corner

Have you ever checked out my blogging friend: My Little Review Corner?

She is a review and giveaway blogger, as well.  She has done blogging for her workplace for 3 years before starting her own blog, and developed blogs for her clients and reviewed specialized products related to her job.

She is a wife, and a mother to 3 girls, and is in her late 30s. 

She always has a ton of reviews and giveaways going on, with a lot of entries for you to win.  Here are some that she asked me to highlight for you!  Note these are not necessarily low-entry giveaways.
Canada only (excluding Quebec) giveaways
April 26 - Scentsy Buddy (Mollie the Monkey)
April 26 - Peace Love & Juicy Couture fragrance (50 ml bottle - $76 value)
April 29 - Green&Black's Organic Chocolate (Easter chocolate prize pack)
May 3 - Build-A-Bear prize pack (Furry Friend and 2 Small Frys - $50 value)
May 3 - Cadbury (3 prizes - 2 $50 Cadbury Easter prize packs & 2 foot plush bunny)
May 3 - MGA Entertainment (2 Bratz Rock dolls & Little Tikes DiscoverSounds Clock)
May 6 - Life is Good ($200 prize pack including clothing, pajamas and accessories)
May 6 - Eko Bear Eco-Friendly Toys (choice of any toy valued up to $30)

Canada and US (excluding Quebec) giveaways
April 26 - Pure Pearls (pearl earrings in your choice of colour)
April 26 - 'Twas the Night Before Easter (dvds - 3 winners!)
April 29 - My Little Pony (Twilight Sparkle’s Twinkling Balloon Playset)
April 29 - StickMan Jewelry (choice of horse, puppy, bunny or dragon necklace)
April 29 - CafePress (choice of any item on their site worth up to $40)
May 3 - Of the Earth Jewelry (Robin's Egg Nest Ring in choice of colours)
May 6 - Creation Elin (Personalized Monogrammed Picture Frame)
May 6 - Outset Media (Create Your Own Puzzle prize pack - $30 value)
May 6 - My Wonderful Walls (your choice of any item valued up to $100)
May 6 - Ann Clark (On the Farm Cookie Cutter set)
May 13 - Chicken Soup for the Soul: New Moms (3 winners will each receive a copy of the book)

Featured Blogger: The Circus House

I was watching the show Dragon's Den recently, which I do every Wednesday when it is on, and I saw this Mom on their who's name is Corla.  She had this awesome invention for socks that snap together!  If you only have 1 kid, maybe it's not a big problem for you, but with 3 boys, somehow my pile of socks that don't match is growing all the time...anyways I digress.  I put her on my list of companies to contact.  Then I went on to tomoson.com and there she was again!  So I applied.  That's when I found out she is a blogger!  She is a really sweet lady, and I had to interview her!  So I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have been.

My name is Corla Rokochy. I am a mother to five wonderful, busy children ages 2-14. Some of them think I know everything and some think I don't know anything at all! I have been a professional photographer for 15 years. I became a teacher at University but once I started having children decided to make a living in a way that had more flexible hours and photography fit perfectly being the opposite of my husband's schedule.

I started blogging when I was pregnant with my fifth child and life was buzzing by and despite being a professional photographer I had very few memories of my own children in their day to day lives. So it has been 3 years and nearly 300 posts. I also blogged for 6 months for the Canadian magazine Today's Parent which was a great opportunity to connect with parents across Cananda.

I love looking back on the stories and pictures of my children that I have already forgotten. I also love connecting with other parents and making them feel less alone in the sometimes overwhelming world of parenthood.

I make a living with my photography, also I have a dance wear store and baby boutique. My latest adventure was appearing on the TV show Dragons' Den where I pitched my business idea of Snappy Socks. I received a deal from Brett Wilson and will be in stores across Canada in May.

Pet Peeves??? For my own blog I am trying to find a way to make the posts hidden until you click to expand them so people don't have to scroll through pages of pictures to get to the next post. I found a code for it but haven't made the time to try and change that.

I don't do many giveaways on my blog but have just done my first giveaway on Tomoson of my Snappy Socks.

My blog ishttp://www.thecircushouse.com/ I chose that because with 5 kids, 3 business, a husband who works out of town and one fluffy little dog my life sometimes feels like a circus and I embrace the chaos.

My blog http://www.thecircushouse.com/
my facebook pages
Personal http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=509643601
Snappy Socks http://www.facebook.com/pages/Snappy-Socks-by-Corla/107804545955158?ref=ts
Website http://www.snappysocks.ca/ http://www.photographybycorla.com/
Twitter @corlarokochy
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePentamom?feature=mhum
(wow I didn't realize there were so many ways I am out there!!)

If you would like to be featured, either as a blogger, or a business, please email me: theknitwitbyshair at hotmail dot com

Week 6: We Are Canadian Blog Hop

Welcome to the weekly "We are Canadian Blog Hop!!" Your co-hosts for this fun weekly Monday Hop are:



Each week we pull on blog from the previous week's hop, to be the Featured Blogger of the Week.  We use random.org, and will email the winner that they won as soon as we can.

This Week's Featured Blogger is #23 from last week:

Please feel free to grab the button, and spread the word to all your fellow Canadians!

<a border="0" href="http://theknitwitbyshair.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y22/Shairbearg/flag20canadian.gif" /> </a>

Rules:

1. Canadians Only! (Sorry Americans, we wanted to give the Canadians some love for this one.)

2. Follow the Co-hosts, and leave a comment so we will follow you back!
3. Follow the Featured Blogger, and leave a comment so they can follow you back! If you would like to add the code to your site, get it here: get the InLinkz code

Low-Entry Giveaways April 23rd

1. MD Natural lotion - http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-skin-md-natural.html, CAN/US, May 7


2. CD - http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-joanie-leeds.html, CAN/US May 7

3. Jump Start Membership - http://numbercrunchingmomma.blogspot.com/2011/04/jumpstart-review-and-giveaway.html , CAN/US, April 24

4. CakeVase - http://twochildrenandamigraine.blogspot.com/2011/04/cakevase-review-and-giveaway.html CAN/US, May 13

5. $10 Summer Fresh Coupon - http://twochildrenandamigraine.blogspot.com/2011/04/summer-fresh-review-and-giveaway.html#comment-form CAN, May 11

Previously Posted

1. Seat Covers - http://www.foodwhine.com/2011/04/smartseat-chair-cover-review-and.html , Ends Apr 23, CAN/US

2. Cattle Boys Starter Kit - http://40plussinglebbw.blogspot.com/2011/04/cattle-boyz-bbq-sauce-sweet-chili-sauce.html, Can/US, Ends May 3

1. 3 Avon organizers, Autism pen, support bracelet, and magnetic ribbon http://cnaf.net/blog/?p=392, CAN only, Ends May 5

2. Stride Panties - http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-stride-everyday.html, Can /US, Ends April 30

3. Go North Scents Prize Pack, http://preciselymine.blogspot.com/2011/04/gonorth-scents-review-and-giveaway.html, CAN/US Ends April 25

4. Tote: http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/04/review-and-giveaway-otterbottle-tote.html, CAN/US Ends May 2nd

5. Crabby Cook Book - http://multi-testingmommy.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-crabby-cook-cookbook.html, CAN/US, Ends April 27

Contacting Companies

I have a blog I check out all the time called "One Income Dollar".  She has all kinds of great tips, and giveaways. 

One thing that I have seen her post about a lot of times, is contacting companies that you love and use all the time.  Let them know that you love their products, and why.  They will, sometimes, send you items.  So I recently started doing this, and I only have contacted 3 companies so far.  I only have done them sporatically too, but I got this in the mail the other day:

It's basically recipe cards, and information on some of their other products.

Do you contact companies? If so, what companies, and what did you get?

The Birthday Highlights

So I officially have a 3 year old now, so we went to Chuck E Cheese to party it up on Tuesday!  Here are some highlights:

Baby eating Pizza - Yummmmmm

Birthday boy playing a game

Winning some tickets on another game

Having a crazy good time on a "roller coaster" ride.

Dancing with Chuck E

Playing the Ball Drop Game!  This one is a huge hit in our family.

Playing Deal or No Deal with Mommy...and some random girl.

Look what I found!!

The cake B1 picked for B2s birthday - hubby thinks it looked a little morbid for a birthday cake LOL it's very black, and gray.

Checking out his new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and matching garage gifts from his parents and his Grandparents.  Singing "Happy Birthday" to himself with a huge smile on his face!!

Singing Happy Birthday and clapping for himself

Quite proud of himself for blowing out all the candles!

Very Good cake!