Monday Mingle Feb 1st 2010 - What movie character would you love to play?

If you'd like to join in the fun, do a short vlog on your blog answering the week's questions (however many you choose), post the above button on your site and link up at Eighty MPH Mom. Visit the other participants, learn about them and have fun! Trust me, if I can do it, then you can.  Plus you can send in your questions to Jennifer for the next mingle via the form on her site. Come on jump in!

This week's questions were submitted by Amy from Mevolving...thanks Amy!

1. If you could be any literary / movie character who would it be and why?

You will know that two of my favorite movie characters are Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett. Well they star in the same movie 'Strange Days' and so I would love to play Ms Bassett right here. 

There are other characters I would love to play, but I'm just narrowing down to the one that fit right in there for now. 

2. What is your biggest phobia?

Germs? 

I really don't like germs and nasty places and it might be a phobia or used to be a phobia. It's all because of the orphanage which was always terribly nasty. 

Another is closed spaces. I like big open spaces. I hate being locked up with padlock and chains in the orphanage like we were in prison. So now I don't like closed doors or small spaces. I think small spaces make me faint (Found that out in school and while travelling in packed buses in my country) 

3. Do you have any pets? What are they and what are their names? 

I don't have any pets. I used to want a dog really bad, but now I'm not sure I want the American way responsibility of petting. 

I am also thinking of a kitten. They seem to care for themselves better. I'm still a dog person though. 

Maybe the kids will choose. 

The husband is pro cat and I'm pro dog so you understand how this decision process is turning out. 

In my country, animals are not pets, so it's a learning process to watch animals being treated better than people. 

Next week's questions (submitted by my daughter!):

1. Would Super Nanny say if she came to your house?

2. On the show Wife Swap/Trading Spouses, they typically pick opposites - what type of spouse would they send to you? (meaning what type of spouse would you really hate having around!)

3. If your spouse (or if someone were to propose to you) what would your ideal proposal be (ie setting, creative)

And a heartfelt thank you to Marie aka  Dolly at  http://thenewxmasdolly.blogspot.com who shared this award with me. You are a sweetheart and so glad to be getting to know you!

 Thank you for visiting with me and have a great week!

Ciao!




About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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God's heart on adoption

 

Adopting God's Heart

Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
Psalm 82:3

In his book Fields of the Fatherless, C. Thomas Davis writes, "If you searched the Bible from front to back, you'd find many issues close to God's heart. But you'd also notice three groups of people coming up again and again. They appear so many times, in fact, you have to conclude that God mentions them purposely to make sure they are at the top of our priority list." 

They are orphans, widows and aliens (or strangers).

God demonstrated His care and provision for these three groups through His instructions to the Israelite farmers in Deuteronomy 24:19: "When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands" (NIV). 

Similarly, if we want our Christianity to be its purest, we too must actively exercise our concern for the left-out and the abandoned: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27-28). 

Caring for the fatherless is not simply a compassionate act. Adoption is not merely an additional means of growing our families to the desired size. Caring for orphans is about obedience and expressing the heart of God.

Perhaps God is calling you to the redemptive task of adoption, as He has Barbara and me. If not, each of us can be part of supporting, praying for and encouraging those who are in the midst of adoption, those who are seeking to acquire God's heart for the fatherless 

Discuss

Discuss how you can express the heart of God in caring for orphans. Also ask yourselves, Is there a reason why adopting a child would not be a possibility?

 Just sharing something I received today. It is how I feel about adopting and I cannot wait for the day that some child become apart of our family. I've wanted this since I was a child without a home myself.



About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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Aloha Friday: To party or not to party?

My Question:

Will you be holding a potty party too? I keep hearing it is the latest rave, giving your child a potty party when they succeed in using the potty fully.

*******************

I'm flush out. No potty party on my end.

Kailani says "In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link on Kailani's blog. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!me







About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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WW: Taxi

 


 For more Wordless Wednesdays check out 5 minutes for moms , Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus and Go Graham Go!  



About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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Monday Mingle and Care.com Valentines Day Giveaway Contest

If you'd like to join in the fun, do a short vlog on your blog answering the week's questions (however many you choose), post the above button on your site and link up at Eighty MPH Mom. Visit the other participants, learn about them and have fun! Trust me, if I can do it, then you can.  Plus you can send in your questions to Jennifer for the next mingle via the form on her site. Come on jump in!

(I'm having trouble uploading my video. Been trying since 1pm so I'll just go ahead and write up my answers again) Oy! Nothing works, motionbox, vimeo, youtube. bah

1. Would you accept an invitation to do a survivor show? What would you hate most about being on the show?

Ans: I definitely would. It's a challenge and something adventurous. Of course I'm all over it! I don't even care if I get booted off in the first round. 

b. I'd hate if I had to eat bugs. They would probably use that against me as I probably wouldn't eat them.

2.  When/how did you learn to ride a bicycle?

Ans: I still don't know how to ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, someone tried to teach me and sent me down a hill and I guess I suppressed that memory because I don't know what happen next but I never went on a bicycle again until I was an adult. I will learn and I will buy myself a bike.

3. What do you want to have accomplished (personally) in your lifetime?

I want to be a children advocate and psychologist. I also want to adopt children into my family and I just hope to work in helping children in whatever area I can. I would even love to open a children home for homeless kids and hire people who would care for these children in providing more than just a bed and food. Children need so much more to be able to live successful lives as adults. They are really our future and we should work to give them the best skills to carry on.

This week's questions (submitted by Colette from Jamerican Spice - thank you!):

1. Would you accept an invitation to do a survivor show? What would you hate most about being on the show?

2. When/how did you learn to ride a bicycle?

3. What do you want to have accomplished (personally) in your lifetime?

Thank you for visiting with me. I am off to scream my head off with the SAINTS playing football. Please take a moment to enter my giveaways on the side bar and also this exciting Valentines giveaway below.

Have a fabulous week!
Ciao!

Next week's questions are submitted by Amy from Mevolving...thanks Amy!

1. If you could be any literary / movie character who would it be and why?

2. What is your biggest phobia?

3. Do you have any pets? What are they and what are their names?

 One lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for two to Los Angeles, including round-trip airfare, a two-night hotel stay at the luxury SLS Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/index.html in Beverly Hills) with dinner for two at SLS’s Bazaar restaurant and a private VIP tour of the Warner Bros. Studio lot, where “Valentine’s Day” was filmed.  Twelve finalists will each receive two tickets to see the film.  In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Care.com will also provide the winners with a free one-month premium membership to find that perfect babysitter.

HOW TO ENTER:
Enter at: www.facebook.com/caredotcom, and tell us your most romantic or funniest Valentine’s Day memory. All entries should be rated PG.  The twelve finalists will be selected during the months of January and February 2010.  One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 finalists in February.  Three Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges on or around each of the following dates: January 23, 2010, January 30, 2010, February 6, 2010, and February 13, 2010. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 Finalists on or around February 13, 2010. “

About Care.com
Founded in 2006, Care.com is the largest and fastest growing service used by families to find high-quality caregivers, providing a trusted place to easily connect, share caregiving experiences, and get advice.  Care.com addresses the unique lifecycle of care needs that each family goes through-child care, special needs care, tutoring and lessons, senior care, pet care, housekeeping, and more.  Care.com helps families find and select the best care possible based on detailed profiles, background checks, and references for hundreds of thousands of mom-reviewed providers who seek to share their services.  Through its Care.com for Recruiters service, Care.com also enables companies to find high-quality caregiving employees.




About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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NFCC 2010 National Be Money-Wise Financial Literacy Poster contest

It’s no secret that smart money choices equal a brighter future!   Did you know that financial experts agree starting early is one of the keys to later financial success?  I’m contacting you today on behalf of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling to alert you and your readers about a fun chance for kids to get a head start towards a smart financial future!

“$mart Money Choices = A Brighter Future” was selected as the theme of the NFCC’s 2010 Poster Contest. In an effort to increase interest in financial literacy to our nation’s youth, the NFCC is once again sponsoring the Be Money Wi$e National Financial Literacy Poster Contest.   The contest is designed to get young students thinking about how to manage money efficiently and offers them a creative outlet to demonstrate their knowledge.  It also provides the opportunity for local and national recognition for student artwork.  All finalists will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and each national grade category winner will receive an award plaque and a $100 savings bond.  In addition, the National Winner will be given an all-expense paid trip to Washington , D.C. , with a parent or guardian and will be given official recognition in April as part of the Financial Literacy Month on Capitol Hill!

Do you have a child or children in mind that you feel has the talent and creativity to win?  All school-aged children in grades 3-12 are eligible to enter with local and national winners to be chosen from each of three grade categories.   Students from public, private and home-schools are welcome. Entries will be judged by expression of the theme (above), artistic style, creativity, and must be submitted through an NFCC Member Agency for judging. *The submission deadline for poster entries is in February 2010, varying by each specific member agency.

Teachers, parents and students are encouraged to visit www.MoneyWisePosterContest.orgto find more detailed information, rules, entry forms, and where to submit. 

Encourage a child to get involved today!

Thank you Julie






About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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Aloha Friday: Outhouse

My Question:

Have you ever used an outhouse/outdoor toilet? ( I'm not talking about the porta potty that they put out in certain public places)

*******************

I grew up using them before we had indoor flush and still most times you better had your bucket of water to flush!

Kailani says "In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link on Kailani's blog. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!


Please take a moment to enter my giveaways. Thank you!

GlassesUSA ( One pair of Prescription Glasses) Giveaway - 01/25

**

Pillsbury Honey Butter Biscuits Prize Pack Review and Giveaway! - 01/26

**

EcoSMART Safe Personal Care Value Bundle Giveaway!

About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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WW: DIE

Authorities in Nicaragua.
DIE = Direccion De Investigacciones Economicas



 For more Wordless Wednesdays check out 5 minutes for moms , Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus and Go Graham Go! 


About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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Make Time for Change and win a brand-new Frigidaire Affinity Washer and Dryer!

Frigidaire is keeping the charitable spirit alive and well through their website. Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner is teaming up to support Save the Children's US programs dedicated to helping children living in poverty in the United States.

Their new spin and win game gives you the opportunity to win gift cards for spending quality time with your kids! Whether it's curling up with some new books, starting a craft project or taking in a family flick.

They are giving away a prize everyday!

Plus you could always win a brand new Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer with time saving features that give you more time for the important things in life.

Best of all, everytime you play, Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children as part of their $250,000 commitment to support Save the Children's CHANGE program dedicated to providing nutritious snacks and promoting healthier lifestyles for our children living in poverty in the United States.

This is your chance to get involved in a great program and also have a chance to win for your family!

Here's the link to play and win! 

www.MakeTimeForChange.com

 

 

About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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Monday Mingle: What room or accessory must your dream house have?

If you'd like to join in the fun, do a short vlog on your blog answering the week's questions (however many you choose), post the above button on your site and link up at Eighty MPH Mom. Visit the other participants, learn about them and have fun! Trust me, if I can do it, then you can.  Plus you can send in your questions to Jennifer for the next mingle via the form on her site. Come on jump in!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS: (Jendi from Simple Vlogging Tips)
1. When going out to breakfast at a restaurant, what do you typically order?
2. What style/type of house is your favorite? What room or accessory must your dream house have?
3. How many houses have you lived in?




I hope you have a great week and please remember to keep the residents of Haiti close to your heart in prayer and in aid.

Next week's questions (submitted by Colette from Jamerican Spice - thank you!):

1. Would you accept an invitation to do a survivor show? What would you hate most about being on the show?

2. When/how did you learn to ride a bicycle?

3. What do you want to have accomplished (personally) in your lifetime?


About the author:
Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.

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The Mom I am Today

Jenine from Badger Momma tagged me for The Mom I am Today meme. To complete this tag, I must share 5 experiences that helped shape me into the mom I am today and tag 5 other moms.

I will try my best to do this.

1. I grew up in an orphanage where all you had was a bed and food most of the times. Nothing was taught on how to share, or love, or forgive, or deal with conflicts etc.
If I sit and reflect on myself I can see where my output whether quiet or loud, can be negative. Therefore I have had to teach myself to do the opposite of what I grew up with.

I was never hugged and so I hug my children as much as it comes to me and this has become easy and wonderful. Same thing goes for kisses and being read to and playing with them and all the wonderful things that a child should get while growing up. I'm not at all perfect at it, but alas with God's help I am learning and getting better.

I have also had to learn how to say 'I love you' to my children enough times. Now my son at age four will , out of the blue, say, 'I love you mom' or ' mom? and I say: yes D . 'I love you mom'. It catches me off guard and it's precious and I notice that many times, I'm tempted to ask, why do you love me. I don't because I know he is being sincere in his childlikeness.

However, I never heard those words from anyone until I met my husband and so they are strange to me but life to my spirit.

2. It's ok to keep my childlikeness. It helps me to be a better mother. If my child did something, I look back and realize that as a child I might have done the very same thing and empathy and grace comes in how I respond to my children in the situation.

3. I never thought I was strong, but being a mother has taught me that because I'm shy, does not mean I'm weak (hence my banner).

4. I was not popular nor unpopular. I was just never easily influenced. I think this will help me to teach my children how to make their own choices and stand strong in their convictions and not easily sway with the crowd. It all passes. Everything has it's time.

5. I have a constant.
When I was with foster parents, I had to go to church for hours. I hated it! I hated sitting in those pews while old people sang and preached forever and a day about fire and brimstone!

But my heart remembered the songs as I grew.

As a teen I resisted going to church as much as I could. I refused to be forced into making a choice for Jesus. I could read and knew that it was a free choice to make and when I was ready! Not when they think I should be ready.

However while at the orphanage, I'd volunteer to go to church on Sundays because it meant that I would ride in a bus out those big heavy gates and see scenery for miles until we get to church.

I was outside those gates. I could dream. I might even run away(of course I didn't. I didn't want to starve on the streets or get myself raped). I got to see other people and smell different things and eat different food. And sit in those pews for hours, but tis but a small price to pay for such a freedom.

I listen to the fire and brimstone and still I refused to be spiritually bullied. I just want my little taste of being outside those walls.

The songs always remain with me.

As I got older, I prayed for each fork in the road I'd have to take in my life. Not down on your knees pray. I'd just tell God like it is.

i.e. While I was in high school (at the orphanage, some children were chosen to attend school), during Summer break, I said to God, well what am I supposed to do now with all these months huh? You better work it out Lord.
Knock my socks off he did! (That would be a longer story to get into)

And so my prayers went (And stick me with a pin, he always come through!) until I finally choose to accept him into my life as Lord and saviour.

So Jesus is my constant and I hope that my children will have this constant.

Now to tagging. Should I use tape? or needle and thread..ok ok ok I'll just get on with it.

Kari @ A Giveaway Addicted Mommy
Alesha @ The Jacobsen Family!
Night Owl Mama
One Chic Mommy 

Jumpin-Beans

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Aloha Friday: Do you use your debit card online?

My Question:

Do you use your debit card online?

*******************

No I don't and I don't think I ever will. Tis not safe.

Kailani says "In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link on Kailani's blog. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!


Please remember to enter my giveaways. Thank you!

Amon Maternity Bodyshaper Review and Giveaway -01/16

**

GlassesUSA ( One pair of Prescription Glasses) Giveaway - 01/25

**

Pillsbury Honey Butter Biscuits Prize Pack Review and Giveaway! - 01/26

**

EcoSMART Safe Personal Care Value Bundle Giveaway!

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In memory of a member of the blog community

Karissa at Prissygreen, who is a fellow blogger will be sadly missed in the blog community and will not be forgotten.

Please say a prayer for her and her family!!

http://www.prissygreen.com/2010/01/the-last-post.html


Thanks Coupon Mommy of 2...now 3, I did not know she had passed. It's shocking.

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WW: What bird is it?

It had rained the night before. We went to look at the progress in harvesting the cane and then we saw him. He pecked at the tree for over an hour! We just watched him. It was our gift. And it was foggy and we couldn't see the canefield anyway.

*Click for larger*

For more Wordless Wednesdays check out 5 minutes for moms , Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus and Go Graham Go! 

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Monday Mingle - Travel - bits

If you'd like to join in the fun, do a short vlog on your blog answering the week's questions (however many you choose), post the above button on your site and link up at Eighty MPH Mom. Visit the other participants, learn about them and have fun! Trust me, if I can do it, then you can.  Plus you can send in your questions to Jennifer for the next mingle via the form on her site. Come on jump in!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS:

1. What is the neatest/coolest car you have ever owned?

2. Have you ever been to San Francisco? New York? Tell us!

3. Along those lines - are you going to BlogHer? Did you go last year? What was it like?




Thanks for visiting. Sorry I was so waddling again. I'll catch up with you soon.

Have a great week!

Next week's questions (Questions 2 and 3 submitted by Jendi from Simple Vlogging Tips - thanks Jendi!):

1. When going out to breakfast at a restaurant, what do you typically order?

2. What style/type of house is your favorite? What room or accessory must your dream house have?

3. How many houses have you lived in?

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Aloha Friday: Smoothies

My Question:

Do you like smoothies? Do you make your own smoothies?

*******************

I do love smoothies and sometimes I do make my own with leftover fruits and yogurt etc.

Start the New Year off the healthy way (and make the most of in-season, immunity-boosting oranges!) with a yummy breakfast shake that's loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed (from 1 large or 2 medium oranges)
1 medium banana, sliced
1 cup organic, lowfat yogurt
1–2 teaspoons agave nectar, to taste
Ice cubes, if desired

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and serve.

Serves 1–2

(Source: Kiwi Magazine)

Kailani says "In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link on Kailani's blog. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

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EcoSMART Safe Personal Care Value Bundle Giveaway! - CLOSED - Winner - DawnS

Thank you all for entering this giveaway. I do appreciate your time and dedication. The winner by random gen is DawnS

Congratulations DawnS - I've sent you an email.

****************************************************************

I have been offered the chance to do a giveaway from EcoSMART to one of you my readers. I jumped at the chance because I love giving away stuff!

I love products that are safe around my family. I try hard not to use products around my house that I know are made with ingredients that can have negative effects in the human body. I'm glad there are companies like EcoSMART who are working hard to make products that are environmentally safe and family friendly.

Here are some information about the company:

EcoSMART was the first company to apply modern science to essential plant oils — creating the first 100% safe pesticides.

EcoSMART is based on solid science

University research has shown that these oils attack octopamine neuro-receptors. Octopamine is a key insect neurotransmitter that regulates insect movement, behavior and metabolism. The blockage of the receptor activity prevents the transmission of the octopamine signals, which delivers quick knock down, kill and repellency against a wide variety of household pests such as cockroaches, ants, dust mites, flies, wasps, spiders, crickets, and fleas. Our blends of natural plant oils are every bit as effective as synthetic chemicals, killing bugs fast without any toxins or harmful residues.

Safe around children, pets, and the environment

Since EcoSMART’s proprietary botanical oil blends attack attributes that are specific only to pests, they have no effect on people, pets or the environment. The primary active ingredients in EcoSMART products are approved as Direct Food Additives or classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. These oils are commonly used to add flavor and aroma to many cosmetic, beverage and food products, including cake, candy, sweetener, gum, soft drinks, and lipstick. Children and pets are safe. No need to clear them out after application or be concerned if they are near our products. Our products have no adverse effect on mammals, birds, and fish and also will not contaminate water sources.

Head over to EcoSMART and be sure to check out their insect repellent and organic pesticides.

EcoSMART is offering one of my readers a Safe Peronsal Care Value Bundle! 

MAIN ENTRY:

Visit EcoSMART and then come back and tell me how you get rid of bugs in your home

Extra Entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway (5 entries)

2. Follow my blog (3 entries)

3. Subscribe by email (2 entries)

4. Subscribe by reader (2 entries)


5.  Follow me on Twitter (2  entries)

6. Tweet this giveaway - (You can tweet once a day for an extra entry) you can copy and paste:
" EcoSMART Safe Personal Care Value Bundle Giveaway! http://bit.ly/7OMM96 @jamericanspice "

7. Grab my button (3 entries)

8. (2 entries)


Giveaway ends Jan 31st, 2010, 11pm Cst


Thank you to EcoSMART for this giveaway opportunity. I did not receive any form of compensation for this blog post nor the product for review. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy below at the bottom of this page.

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