The Knit Wit By Shair: 10/1/11

October 31, 2011

OxiClean Review

I am always looking for new cleaners that make my life easier, and do a great job. So when I was asked to try out the new OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover, I was pretty excited to put it to the test.

The new OxiClean comes in a new tub that is more square shaped. It is now concentrated too with 40% more oxygen power per scoop. The package says over 101 uses!! Don't worry, I am not going to show you 101 things I did with it. I have just started, but I can see it is going to be very very useful around here.

We just moved into our new house 1 month ago, and I noticed some stains on the grout in the kitchen tiles when we moved in. I was a little disappointed as I know what a pain it is to clean, but couldn't blame the previous owners for not scrubbing the grout LOL

Here is one of the spots before I pulled out the new OxiClean:

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Low-Entry Giveaways for October 31, 2011

If you have any low-entry giveaways, please be sure to pass them along to me, and I will post them (email them to me at: theknitwitbyshair@hotmail.com). I will post one each day.

http://www.somedayilllearn.com/2011/10/tin-can-craft-and-a-giveaway/, Zippo Lighter, 11/08, US

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Pumpkin Carving Recipes

So you have carved your pumpkin, and the little darlings are ready for all the fun and excitement, and candy!

I am a ~~cruel~~ smart Mom, I used my leftover pumpkin pieces to make healthy snacks for my kids. Fill them up before they go out, so hopefully they won't be so hungry for junk later. They will eat some, but at least they will have some healthy fuel too.

Pumpkin Muffins

1. Take the eyes, nose, and mouth you cut off your pumpkin and were going to toss (compost or whatever), wash them and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 until soft (about 30 min).

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30 Day Blog Challenge

Ok so I saw this on another blog, and thought I would do this! It's called the 30 Day Blog Challenge.

There are different versions, but here is the one I will be starting as of tomorrow, with the topics I will be doing:

The idea is to write an article about the following topics one for each day. Since I am currently moving and packing, I wanted to have some posts going up (along with my moving event).

Current Relationship
Where would I like to be in 10 years
Top 5 Pet Peeves
Views on Religion

October 30, 2011

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:

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October 29, 2011

Low-Entry Giveaways for October 29, 2011

If you have any low-entry giveaways, please be sure to pass them along to me, and I will post them (email them to me at: theknitwitbyshair@hotmail.com). I will post a new one every day at 9 am (or try)!

http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/giveaway-young-drivers-of-canada-not.html, Young Drivers CogniFit, 2 Winners, CAN, 11/12

http://smookiestyle.com/2011/10/luxe-box-by-loose-button-review-giveaway/, Luxe Box full of goodies, CAN, 11/08

http://www.torontoteachermom.com/2011/10/complete-survey-win-40.html, $40 Amazon Code, WW, 11/12

Previously Posted

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-gods-love.html, kids book, 10/29, US

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/for-moms-by-moms-plum-district-100-plum-dollars-giveaway-ends-112.html, $100 Plum Dollars, US, 11/03

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-inspiration-for-the-young-at-heart.html, Chicken Soup books, 3 winners, US, 11/0 5

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/courageous.html, Courageous Gift Pack, US, 11/05

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/gabby-gods-little-angel-a-book-giveaway.html, Children’s Book, US, 11/12

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/first-alerts-great-escape-sweeps-for-fire-prevention-month-giveaway.html, Fire Alarm, US, 11/12

http://www.momvstheboys.com/2011/10/trick-or-treat-hop-giveaway.html, Trick Or Treat Prize Pack, US/CAN, 11/02

canada only 1 winner 3 FPCS Nov 9 http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/high-liner-giveaway-gl2go-promotion.html

http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/10/review-and-giveaway-rubbermaid-bento.html, Rubbermaid Bento Boxes, CAN/US, 11/9

http://www.educationofastayathomemom.com/bestbuy-paypal-giveaway-250-facebook-fan-celebration/2011/10/, $5 to Best Buy, and $5 Paypal Cash, US/CAN, 11/03

http://bookandyarn.blogspot.com/2011/10/fun-with-felt-giveaway.html, Fun With Felt, CAN/US, 11/03

http://sasonandpobi.com/2011/10/telefloras-pink-hope-and-courage-flower-bouquet-giveaway/, Flowers, US, 11/09

http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-childrens-accudial-2.html, Children’s AccuDial, 2 winners, CAN, 11/03

http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-proactiv-3-step-system.html, Proactiv ClearZone Body Pads, CAN, 11/05

http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-cream-perfume-company.html, CAN/US, 11/05

http://www.didyouknowcanada.ca/2011/10/giveaway-green-beaver.html, Green Beaver Kids

http://www.didyouknowcanada.ca/2011/10/giveaway-little-remedies.html, Little Remedies, CAN/US, 11/06

http://www.didyouknowcanada.ca/2011/10/winnie-pooh.html, Winnie the Pooh, DVD/BluRay Combo Pack, CAN, 10/31

http://thespringmount6pack.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-redweek/ 2 year membership to RedWeek, WW, 11/03

http://www.multitestingmommy.com/2011/10/childrens-accudial-rotating-dosing.html, CAN, 11/09

http://www.multitestingmommy.com/2011/10/today-i-ate-rainbow-healthy-eating.html, CAN/US, 11/10

http://thespringmount6pack.com/2011/10/dali-decals-review-giveaway/, CAN/US, 11/06

http://www.goldilocssweeps.com/2011/10/24/weesqueak/, Wee Squeak Shoes, US, 11/07

http://preciselymine.blogspot.com/2011/10/tub-plug-giveaway.html?spref=tw, tub plug, US, 11/01

http://www.outnumbered3-1.com/2011/10/heelys-wave-review-giveaway.html, Heeley’s, US, 11/7

http://thespringmount6pack.com/2011/10/hey-thingers-shoes-giveaway/ 10 Thingers, 11/02

http://www.mommypr.com/2011/10/happy-toy-machine-review-giveaway/, Happy Toy Machine custom happy doll, US, 11/05

http://whatmommywants.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-memories-suite-r.html My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software Value $40, 10/31, CAN/US

http://anationofmoms.com/2011/10/30-gc-frigidaire-accessories-giveaway-rafflecopter.html, $30 GC to Fridgidaire, US, 11/02

October 28, 2011

Winnie The Pooh is on DVD and Blu-Ray!

Did you know that Return to the Hundred Acre Wood has just been released on DVD and Blue-Ray as of October 25, 2011? I think this would make an awesome gift for you kids for Christmas!

To celebrate you can Take the Pooh Personality Quiz!!

For the record, I took the personality Quiz, and I got: Owl - Genius, Intelligent, Verbose! LOL I feel more like Eeyore, but who is to argue with Pooh when he says you are a genius?

Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers Review

In our house I find when it comes to meals we either end up with oodles of leftovers, or the boys eat everything I made, and ask for more! So I usually end up using tons of plastic containers, and can't see in them, which I then forget what's in them. I end up wasting the food.

I love Rubbermaid as I have always found their products are very durable and extremely well made. So I was thrilled when I was approached to work with Rubbermaid on their Glass Food Storage Containers. Yes! I did say Glass!!

Rubbermaid is introducing the first glass food storage container with easy find lids.

These awesome glass containers have the ability to cook, serve, store and reheat meals all in one container. With their Easy Find Lids, you always know where the lids are, and they don't take up much room in your cupboards. How many times have you looked in your cluttered cupboard, and get frustrated because you couldn't find the right lid? It happens to me all the time!

I love that you can put these in the microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher! This saves you dishes, and worry! They are oven-safe up to 425 degrees, and the leads are flex & Seal leak-proof and they won't tear or break. They are square-shaped to maximize space, and have superior stain and odour resistance.

As you would expect from Rubbermaid products, these are extremely well made, quality, durable products. As soon as you touch them you can tell these are Rubbermaid without even seeing the name brand.

I highly recommend these glass bowls!

Low-Entry Giveaways for October 28, 2011

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-gods-love.html, kids book, 10/29, US

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/for-moms-by-moms-plum-district-100-plum-dollars-giveaway-ends-112.html, $100 Plum Dollars, US, 11/03

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-inspiration-for-the-young-at-heart.html, Chicken Soup books, 3 winners, US, 11/05

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/courageous.html, Courageous Gift Pack, US, 11/05

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/gabby-gods-little-angel-a-book-giveaway.html, Children’s Book, US, 11/12

http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2011/10/first-alerts-great-escape-sweeps-for-fire-prevention-month-giveaway.html, Fire Alarm, US, 11/12

http://www.momvstheboys.com/2011/10/trick-or-treat-hop-giveaway.html, Trick Or Treat Prize Pack, US/CAN, 11/02

Previously Posted

canada only 1 winner 3 FPCS Nov 9 http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/high-liner-giveaway-gl2go-promotion.html

http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/10/review-and-giveaway-rubbermaid-bento.html, Rubbermaid Bento Boxes, CAN/US, 11/9

http://www.educationofastayathomemom.com/bestbuy-paypal-giveaway-250-facebook-fan-celebration/2011/10/, $5 to Best Buy, and $5 Paypal Cash, US/CAN, 11/03

http://bookandyarn.blogspot.com/2011/10/fun-with-felt-giveaway.html, Fun With Felt, CAN/US, 11/03

http://sasonandpobi.com/2011/10/telefloras-pink-hope-and-courage-flower-bouquet-giveaway/, Flowers, US, 11/09

http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-childrens-accudial-2.html, Children’s AccuDial, 2 winners, CAN, 11/03

http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-proactiv-3-step-system.html, Proactiv ClearZone Body Pads, CAN, 11/05

http://www.talesofarantingginger.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-cream-perfume-company.html, CAN/US, 11/05

http://www.didyouknowcanada.ca/2011/10/giveaway-green-beaver.html, Green Beaver Kids

http://www.didyouknowcanada.ca/2011/10/giveaway-little-remedies.html, Little Remedies, CAN/US, 11/06

http://www.didyouknowcanada.ca/2011/10/winnie-pooh.html, Winnie the Pooh, DVD/BluRay Combo Pack, CAN, 10/31

http://thespringmount6pack.com/2011/10/review-giveaway-redweek/ 2 year membership to RedWeek, WW, 11/03

http://www.multitestingmommy.com/2011/10/childrens-accudial-rotating-dosing.html, CAN, 11/09

http://www.multitestingmommy.com/2011/10/today-i-ate-rainbow-healthy-eating.html, CAN/US, 11/10

http://thespringmount6pack.com/2011/10/dali-decals-review-giveaway/, CAN/US, 11/06

Seventh Generation Helps Women's Shelters

Ever since I was little my parents taught us to give back and to help out those that needed it. We didn't have a lot of money, or resources, so a lot of times we were on the receiving end of bags of clothes and such. However, my parents did provide us a lot of our needs, and we didn't need to go to any of the food banks and such.

I remember as a teenager giving a lot of my time helping out at Christmas events through our church to homeless shelters and women's shelters. It has always been something I try to do either with time or any items I can pass along.

That's why I was thrilled to work with Seventh Generation for their Diaper Donation Program. I was sent 4 packs of the Seventh Generation Diapers to pass along to a local Shelter. I always hear that diapers are one of those items that shelters never have enough of and need donated. When I got to go and drop off all those diapers I felt really great about knowing I was helping another Mother in need take care of her little one. I had my 2 younger boys with me, although it was easier to go without them I wanted them to be there. I think it is something that they should know about at a young age - giving back and helping others.

Seventh Generation is aiming to reach their goal of giving away up to 240,000 diapers to 40 shelters in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and BC. This means a donation of up to $160,000 in diaper value to a charitable cause that rarely sees corporate assistance.

It makes me proud to be working with a company that sees where they can help easily and are being an example to us. I think sometimes we see charities asking for money, and we think "I can't afford to give money right now". But many of us have diaper sizes our kids outgrew, or used clothes that we can pass on to shelters. What about your time? I know that's precious but that can be donated here and there too. Look for ways you can give anything you may have. Did you win something on a blog you wouldn't use? You can pass that along too! Another way you can easily give back is to go buy a package of Seventh Generation Diapers. Each pack you buy, Seventh Generation will donate one package to a shelter, that puts nothing out of your pocket, and helps others too!

Be sure to join 7th Gen Nation, and you'll have access to coupons, special offers and great tips for green and healthy living.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Seventh Generation program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

October 27, 2011

Aviva Community Fund Contest

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aviva Community Fund for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just recently moved and I moved to a small town where money is tight, and while they are growing I can see quite a few things that I think we need, or we could use to make this community a little nicer.

For one, there is no hospital, I know there is one in the neighbouring city, but even just a tiny hospital would help those in this area.

I also noted that none of the parks have a splash pad or wading pool for the summer. I think that would be great for the kids!

I bet you can think of some things that would make your community just a touch better too, right? Well, why not enter the Aviva Community Fund Contest? The Aviva Community Fund can help bring it to life!

Aviva Canada Inc., one of the country’s leading providers of home, auto, leisure and business insurance, is pleased to announce the return of the Aviva Community Fund competition. The third year of the competition opened on September 26, offering Canadians $1,000,000 to lead, empower and support community initiatives across the country.

All you need to do to enter is, have a great idea, then visit AvivaCommunityFund.org to submit it! Next be sure to rally support from friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, and get the community behind it, because the most popular ideas will have a chance to share the $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund.

New this year, the competition has increased accessibility via Facebook. All ideas submitted to the Fund will be visible and able to accept votes on Aviva's Facebook Page. Also, for every Like the Aviva Community Fund receives on Facebook, $1 will be donated to Free The Children to support at-risk youth programs in Canada, so go like Aviva Community Fund on Facebook now.

Don't forget to Follow @avivacf on twitter!

Ok so, now you have a great idea!! You have submitted it into the Aviva Community Fund competition, but how do you get your idea noticed:

Reach out to friends, family and co-workers
Get an insurance broker to support your idea
Use social media to promote your idea on Facebook/Twitter/Google+
Keep it fresh with new photos and videos
Take it to the press
Let me know and I can do a shout out for you!

Voting continues until November 30, 2011, and the winners are announced on January 25, 2012. Let your readers know about the Aviva Community Fund today!

My hubby isn't perfect, and Lord knows I am not either, but we are a perfect match. Don't get me wrong, my hubby does make me crazy sometimes, but even then I wouldn't trade him in.

It's days like today that make me know that I have got it so good. So what did he do that is so great? Did he bring me flowers? Buy me yarn? Take me out? Nope. Even better in my books.

I have been fighting migraines for this entire week, and today it got really bad. When he came home, I knew he was going to want to work on his garage as he has to get it ready for winter, and has a lot of things to do for that. I asked him if he could watch the boys while I took a bath, so he took one out with him while the other 2 were napping.

I then asked if he could make dinner, and he looked at me and said I yeah in a little while. I started crying. He said "You want me to make it now?" It was 3:30pm. If I said yes, he so would've just to make me feel better. But I was just happy I didn't have to deal with it.

Then he made dinner for us, wiped up the boys, and took them all downstairs to play while I am resting up!

Now that is a good man.

Head Banding Good Time

I am always looking for a fun head band for myself, and here are some of my favourites that I want to make:

MaryJanes and Galoshes made this one that you can use up old strips of material. I love that it uses up some of my stash, and also keeps rags out of the landfills. Plus it is super cute, and easy to make!

I actually found this tutorial a while ago, and I haven`t had a chance to make it yet.

I love that this one is easy, and quick to make. She has all kinds of other tutorials on her blog as well (even more headbands).

One of my favourite etsy shop owners, KDBuggie, has her own blog, and she posts a bunch of tutorials, and lots of great info. I love this headband made out of an old t-shirt. This one is super cute, easy to make, and you have the material on hand!

Be sure to check out her etsy shop while you are on her site! As she has a gorgeous shop with tons of beautiful baby items and Mommy items too!

I found a really cool head band tutorial on Ruffles and Stuff, and I have to say I love the name Ruffles and Stuff, so cute.

I love that this one is super easy, and totally does not look like something you can make at home. But it totally is, and you probably already have the items on hand too! It is simple and sophisticated looking, and will go with anything!!

On her site, she has Tutorials, basic sewing tutorials, and so much more!!

This next one is completely different from the other ones I've shown you so far. I like showing you different options, and hopefully you will find one you want to try. This one from thelongthread is reversible!

I love the look of it, it looks very boutique-esque. You can tell it is handmade, but in a classicly awesome way. I love the look of handmade, especially when it is clean and professional looking.

The tutorial is short and to the point. Very easy to understand. On her site she has tons of crafting links, and articles!

I've always seen those beautiful headbands with the flowers on them, and thought they have to be so hard to do. Simply Modern Mom makes them look so easy!

She shows clear and simple instructions and pictures, and has many other tutorials to make gorgeous items.

They have tutorials, recipes, and all kinds of other awesome information, you will want to check out.

Ok I love the name You Seriously Made That? because anyone who is crafty has been asked that a bunch of times. Too which I never know whether to be insulted or flattered! LOL! This one is for my crocheting pals (or knitters who want to adapt it) I love that she has this little table for you to know whether you want to try it or not:

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 30 minutes

Cost: Under $10

Fun-ness: Why would I do a boring project?

She has how many chains she uses for what kind of strand, so you can judge if yours would need more or less. I love her picture too, super cute! She has a bunch of tutorials on her blog (as you would guess by the name), and some are headbands too.

The last one for today is from Nini Makes and called "Very Easy Headband". I love the simplicity of this headband. It really does look super easy to make, and really cute.

She says it takes under 10 minutes to make, and she gives various options of how to embellish it and make it look even more beautiful!

She has tons of great tutorials and recipes on her blog as well!

Do you have any tutorials I should check out? Please send the links to me!