Blogger of the Week: The Bewitchin' Kitchen

Today's featured blogger is Randa from The Bewitchin' Kitchen

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging?

The Bewitchin' Kitchen is my first blog and I started in June 2009

What made you choose the name of your blog?

My blog started out as a recipe blog and I wanted something that was relevant, yet ear appealing.

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging?

I blog to share my reviews and ideas and it gives me something to do! What I love is sharing my opinion (I'm very opinionated) and I love seeings my followers number climb, it really excited me that people are reading what I have to say. 

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?

Right now I am doing a review/giveaway for GO SmiLE and I'm really excited about it.

My weight loss wednesday (bikini pics..ugh lol) from January.

My clothes weight loss wednesday (before/after)..and I have lost a bit more since then

Are you married?

I am not yet married. I have been with my fiance since I was 15 (almost 6 years) and we have been living together since 2006. I will be as of June 26th of this year, which is a great blogging topic for me. I do a Wedding Wednesday every second Wednesday where I share pictures of my planning: dress, favors, etc. 

What is your favorite movie?

Pearl Harbour

Who is your favorite actor?

I really like Will Ferrell when I need a couple cheap laughs. I also think Sandra Oh is brilliant.

What is your favorite band or musician?

Oh this is hard! I love Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks 

What is your favorite food?

Lately I have been favoring Pad Thai.

What is your favorite candy?

Jelly Belly!

What else should readers know about you?

I have recently enrolled into courses into Real Estate! It's a new but exciting experience!

The B Keeps Us Honest will feature a new Blogger of The Week each Saturday. If you would like to be featured please contact me. 

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Birthday Bash: Good To Be You Anklet Review

Summer is right around the corner so shave your legs and break out your shorts, skirts and sandals. It's time to show of you sexy legs. What better way to highlight your legs than with a beautiful Swarovski Crystal Stretch Anklet from Good to Be You.

I chose the Aurora Borealis (opal)/silver and I think it's the perfect accessory for a girls night out or even a fabulous day at the beach.  It adds just the right amount of sparkle and surprise to your outfit. Good To Be You offers a beautiful selection of gifts that would make any woman happy on her 30th birthday. Here are just a few of my favorites...

About Good To Be You

GoodtoBeYou.com is your "getaway" boutique on the web chock-full of fabulous treats for any women. Relax and enjoy their great selection of fun and funky girly-girl spa treats, beauty goodies, problem solvers like our rollable ballet shoes, plus unique jewlery &accessories, like CHANGE ROCKS -interchangeable crystal ring! 

FREE: Use the code "FREEB" at checkout for a free tennis bracelet with every anklet purchase.

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2010 Summer Blog Tour - Giveaway Extra Entry

Welcome to The B Keeps Us Honest and the 2010 Summer Blog Tour. First I want to say thanks to Abbey from Living my MoMent and Holly from The Work at Home Woman for coordinating this great event.  

If you're new my name is Jessica and I live in Raleigh, NC with my handsome Dave Grohl look-a-like husband, Joe and adorably hilarious (almost) 2-year old son, Jude. I started The B Keeps Us Honest in November 2009 after blogging on my personal site for several years. If you want to know the meaning behind the name of my blog, join my Facebook Fan page. 

Here at "The B" there are always tons of great giveaways so you might just want to go ahead and subscribe or follow in GFC. (I mean it gets you extra entries in the giveaways anyway!) Coming up in June I will be hosting the 2nd Birthday Bash, because my son is turning 2 and it is actually the 2nd Birthday Bash I've hosted here on the site. 

I had hoped to do a special giveaway for this event but time got away with me and I've been inundated with all of my regular giveaways I decided to give everyone an extra special entry today only.

EXTRA ENTRY

Today Only! May, 28th till 11:59 pm EST

Mandatory entry must be completed 1st. Can be used on any/all of my current giveaways.

Leave the comment "Summer Rocks!" on any giveaway in which you'd like to gain an extra entry. 

All of my current giveaways are listed at the top of the page.

Thanks for visiting and have a Rockin Summer! Be sure to visit the other Summer Blog Tour participants too.

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One eskimO in Concert - Raleigh, NC

Saturday, Joe and I had the pleasure of attending Band Together, an annual fund raising event for local charities. This year they raised over 350K for Step Up Ministries, an interfaith nonprofit organization that teaches low-income and homeless people to find jobs and learn life skills to lead self-sufficient lives. Five great bands performed at the 2010 Band Together event one of whom was One eskimO. 

We made our way to downtown Raleigh in the pouring rain assuming that the NC weather would eventually cooperate. After waiting in the parking deck with hundreds of other event goers the rain let up just in time for One eskmO's slotted performance time. Slowly people began to migrate out of their hiding places and flocked toward the stage. What looked to be a dim outcome turned out to be a great show. The night was perfect and so was the music.

I thought their set was great. Anyone will agree that these are a wonderfully talented group of guys. Joe is the music buff in our family so here is his take on the evening.

One eskimO played a compelling outdoor live show in between thunderstorms at a Raleigh Charity event. They brought songs from their debut album to life, filling out their live acoustic sound with electronic samples, horns and a wooden box. "Chocolate" and "Givin' Up" were standouts. After the show we met Adam Falkner and Pete Rinaldi from the band, and exchanged fashion tips and shared stories about people who resemble members of the Foo Fighters. 

We left the event shortly after the headlining band took stage, which turned out to be a great plan since once we reached the car the clouds opened up and the rain began to pour once again. I think fate wanted North Carolina to hear One eskimO. (I was bummed that my camera battery died. The images in this post are from the Band Together Facebook Page.)

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Birthday Bash: Sprecher Brewery Review

My husband loves a good root beer. In grad school his roommate was from Wisconsin and introduced him to Sprecher Root Beer and immediately he fell in love, with the root beer that is. However, since we live in NC it's been hard to track down stores that sell Sprecher. A few years ago we made a trip to Wisconsin where I was introduced to Sprecher and I now understand what all the fuss is about. Sprecher is clearly the best root beer on the planet.

We received the 12 Pak Variety Case with 6 Root Beer and 1 Each of their Gourmet soda selections. Obviously the Root Beer was a big hit but we were also introduced to some delicious sodas. Out of all the sodas we tried we really enjoyed the Puma Kola which had a smooth and rich flavor, without the caffeine. The Cherry Cola, Ginger Ale and Orange Dream where my favorites and my husband loved the Creme Soda. All-in-all we are now bigger Sprecher fans than before but with a wider palate to choose. 

About Sprecher

Sprecher Brewing Co. was founded in 1985 by RANDAL SPRECHER, formerly a brewing supervisor at Pabst Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sprecher is Milwaukee's Original Microbrewery. They brew over 20 different beers as well as 8 gourmet sodas, including our world famous Sprecher Root Beer.

About Sprecher Root Beer

This truly old fashioned soda has the rich, creamy flavor that only comes from using pure Wisconsin honey direct from the combs. Our extracts are prepared at the brewery in a hand-made, gas-fired brew kettle, by combining honey, pure vanilla and a host of aromatic botanicals. The dark, honeyed brew will build a delicious, frothy head when properly poured into a frosted mug. 

Buy: Sprecher Root Beer, soda and memorabilia is available in their online store. 

Find a Sprecher Retailer near you.

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Blogger of the Week: Fun On A Dime

Today's Featured Blogger is Michelle from Fun On A Dime

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? 

I have been blogging for over 3 years

What made you choose the name of your blog? 

I came up with the name Fun On a Dime, because that is my goal. I love to have fun and that is probably the main reason why I chose to get a degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership. From my many years of working with children and now as a mom with 2 of my own children I have learned that fun does not have to cost a lot of money, which is great since we are on a tight budget as my husband finishes up his schooling. I am always on the lookout for fun and affordable activities for my family to do. I thought it would be great if I could have one place to gather all my findings and ideas and share them with others.

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging?

I blog to get these ideas out of my head and help organize my thoughts. I love to hear when other moms use an activity that I posted and had a great time. I also love to hear about what twists they did to an activity.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?

Homemade Pizza

Rice Play

Cornstarch Finger Paint

Sock Puppets

Are you married? If so, how long? 

I have been married for 5 ½ years. My husband is my best supporter of all our fun!

Do you have children? If so, how many? 

I have 2 children. My son just turned 4 and my daughter is 2. They are at a fun age for me and are always happy to try anything!

Who is your favorite actor? 

My favorite actor is Brendan Fraser and my favorite actresses are Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts

What is your favorite band or musician? 

I love all sorts. Right now my family is fond of the Wiggles. Me? I love music…all sorts of country especially Rascal Flatts, big fan of Jon Schmidt, and I love oldies!

What is your favorite candy? 

M & M’s, it probably helped that we used to share the same initials.

What else should readers know about you?

Come on over, check out the fun and share your ideas!

The B Keeps Us Honest will feature a new Blogger of The Week each Saturday. If you would like to be featured please contact me. 

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Playtex Bra Makeover Contest

I know for years I wore the wrong size bra. I think every woman needs to be refitted for her bra size every few years. When I have a bra that fits properly I'm in a better mood, even when I'm PMSing.

Moms are busy and don't always have time to update their bras or even check to make sure they are wearing the correct size. That's why I wanted to let you know about this contest from Playtex! Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.

The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode wherein a makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Deyette and walk away with the perfect Playtex products. A new webisode will premier on www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com every two weeks. 

By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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Costume Super Center - 50's Costume Review

Our family loves to wear costumes. Of course everyone dresses up for Halloween but we love to throw costume and theme parties for any occasion we can. Luckily, our a good majority of our friends love costumes too. Some of our friend come up with some of the most creative Halloween Costumes so we are always on the hunt for new ideas.

I received the Womens Bombshell Bettie Costume from Costume Super Center. I love this dress, it's so cute you might want to wear it out on a date! This 50's inspired costume features a red satin dress with black velvet polka dots, a gathered midriff and front and back ties. Also included is a rose hair clip. A lot of times costumes are poor quality and made for one-time use but the Bombshell Bettie Costume is very well made and could be worn multiple times. I really that it comes in a range of sizes because most often a one-size fits-all is ill-fitting on most people.

Costume Super Center has a great selection of 50's inspired costumes. Everything from Elvis costumes to poodle skirts. If you need a 50's themed costume shop at Costume Super Center. I just might have to plan a 50's theme part just to get more use out of my dress.

About Costumer Super Center

CostumeSuperCenter is your one-stop source for costumes and accessories for all holidays, parties and occasions. At CostumeSupercenter.com, costumes are not just for Halloween. Costumes for infants, kids, teens, Adult Halloween Costumes, plus size, couples, pets and mascots. They also carry the largest selection of wigs, hats, masks, accessories and make-up, and holiday decorations and props.

Buy: For all of your costume needs shop online.

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Menu Planning

So I got out of the habit of doing my meal plans and I can totally tell. We've spent more money, struggled to decide what to eat, not used the food we have. So I'm getting back on track starting today!

Monday - CG Cupcakes
Tuesday - Tacos
Wednesday - Out for Joe's B-day
Thursday - London Broil, Rice, Green Beans
Friday - Picnic? Orzo Salad, Sandwiches, Fruit
Saturday - Chicken Curry

Sunday - Grilled Salmon, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Salad
Monday - Mac n cheese
Tuesday - BBQ Chicken sandwiches, fries, veggie
Wednesday - Spaghetti
Thursday - Ropa Veija, Yellow Rice, Peas
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Burritos

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Blogger of the Week: Mommy's Memorandum

 Today's Featured Blogger is Julee from Mommy's Memorandum

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? 

It's birth was May 2008, but I didn't really begin to nurture it until January 2010. I posted here and there but didn't really have my niche.

What made you choose the name of your blog? 

As a busy mom to six, everything in my life is short and condensed--my attention span is shorter than my four year olds so I tend to just get the gist of the message--just like a memorandum. I love aliteration and it represents my life. 

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging? 

I love to write and find that it is a great stress reducer. I'm opinionated and blogging gives me a platform to voice my thoughts. I love the network of bloggers and the regular readers I have. They make it enjoyable!

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?

My birthday post (40 was traumatic) 

The follow up to my birthday post (almost one year later) 

The Story of Pretty Boy Floyd--I love the photos of my grandma1 

My Fibers.com Review  

Are you married? If so, how long? 
I'm married and it's been too long! ;)

Do you have children? If so, how many? 
I have six children. Ages 4-20!

What is your favorite movie? 
I love any movie with Heath Ledger. Knights Tale is quite possibly my favorite. 

Who is your favorite actor? 
I have many, but Heath Ledger is tops! 

What is your favorite band or musician? 
Bon Jovi! Bon Jovi! Bon Jovi!

What is your favorite food? 
I love all food, as my waitline reveals--Mexican probably is my favorite

What is your favorite candy? 
Junior Mints--frozen or not, they are amazing.

What else should readers know about you? 
That I appreciate each and every one of them and continuously strive to find items to review that fit into their lifestyle as easily as they fit into mine.

The B Keeps Us Honest will feature a new Blogger of The Week each Saturday. If you would like to be featured please contact me. 

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2 Adorable Pirates

This morning Oscar came over the hang out with Jude for a bit. I recently won this awesome water table in a blog giveaway which Joe put together last night. So this morning the boys had a blast splashing and laughing.

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A day at the beach

A few weekends ago we took a trip to visit Joe's family in South Carolina. On many occasions we've visited family in Charleston but never visited the beach. So this time we decided to take Jude out for what is technically his 2nd beach trip. He immediately charge the ocean. No fear.

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Winners

Today I have 2 winners to announce.

Amella Caramels
#77 Belinda M
 

Lumnique Candle
#258 chip

Congratulations Winner! The winners have been contacted via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Winners, please check your spam folder and please contact me if you didn't receive my email.

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Welcome to 30

Yesterday was my 30th birthday. And I had some great things planned to do but that all got thrown out the window when Mr. Jude caught a stomach virus. He slept in until 10am which I thought was a wonderful birthday gift until I found him in a crib full of vomit.

I had planned on doing a bit of shopping, maybe lunch out with Joe and then dinner with my parents. But my day turned into a lot of cleaning and eating pizza on the couch by myself for dinner. Ironically, I don't feel bitter or sad about how the day turned out. I did get a lot of great cuddles from a sicky Jude, Joe brought home a delicious lunch and because of multiple naps I had a bit more me time than usual.

I did get to open my presents from Joe and Jude and I absolutely love them. I got two books, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and The Fantastic Mr. Fox. I'm sure Joe used a coupon for each of the books which also makes me very happy. Then I got a beautiful Ring from Thailand and a Wrap-Around Dress from Bali. Both the ring and dress didn't cost anything because I had received a gift certificate to use for a Product Review on The B Keeps Us Honest. I love that I received some nice and thoughtful gifts that didn't cost a lot of money, I think that makes it even better.

Joe and I are supposed to go on a date tonight but Jude is still a little under the weather so we'll see how it goes.

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Giveaways Ending Tonight!

Today is my 30th Birthday. I don't actually feel any different but I guess it's a milestone in life. 

Two of my favorite Birthday Bash giveaways will be ending tonight at 11:59 PM EST.

So enter!

The Amella Caramels giveaway

The Lumnique Candle giveaway

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Winners!

Episencial Bath Set
#191 Jill
 

Make Ahead Meals
#13 Jennifer
 

ecoTOOLS
#73 Tylerpants
AND
#17 Angelia
 

Lucky Accessories
#362 angie lilly
 

YooHoo Plush Toy
#43 dor

Congratulations to the winners! Winners have been contacted via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Winners, please check your spam folder and if you didn't receive my email please contact me.

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Giveaways Ending Today!

I hope all the mamas had a wonderful Mother's Day. I took the day off from blogging and spent all day with my family. It was a beautiful day. Today I'm back in full force with more great giveaways coming up. But first I want to remind you of a few giveaways that end tonight at 11:59 pm. 

Episencial Bath Set
 

Make Ahead Meals

ecoTOOLS

Lucky Accessories 

YooHoo Plush Toy

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Blogger of the Week: Moms Wear Your Tees Blog

Today's featured blogger is Scarlet from Moms Wear Your Tees Blog

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? 

I have been blogging since December 2009 so it is close to 4 months now!

What made you choose the name of your blog?

The concept was that I and my mommy friends could highlight people's businesses and wear their t shirt if they wanted.    This gives my readers exposure to cool new businesses with an opinion they can trust.  I think there are so many great mom entrepreneurs out there that need a venue to showcase their products.  I have been contacting companies that interest me, mostly green, eco-friendly and some fun kids companies and seeing if they want to be featured in my blog! 

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging?  

I love blogging because it is fun to learn about new companies and try new products.  I love contacting my readers and saying, Congratsulations, you won!  It is almost as exciting as winning!  I pushing publish and seeing the results!

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog

Circle of Friends Organic Product Line Giveaway

Essential Oils Can Help You Go Green In Your Home and Medicine Cabinet 

 

Are you married?  If so, how long?

I met my husband in college, fifteen years ago.  We have been married for almost 9 years.

Do you have children?  If so, how many?

I have 2 little sweeties- 2 and 5.

What is your favorite book?

A Razor's Edge and Winterchill

What is your favorite band or musician?

U2 and Bob Dylan

What is your favorite food?

I like all good healthy food.  I love fresh veggies and fruit but I also love delicious cakes!

What is your favorite candy?

A good dark chocolate bar or truffle!

What else should readers know about you?

I also have a Cafe Mom Group, Green Earth Green Home 

The B Keeps Us Honest will feature a new Blogger of The Week each Saturday. If you would like to be featured please contact me. 

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Winners

There are a lot of great winners to announce today.

The 2 winners of the SlobProof Ottomans are...

Anne who entered at Mom-Blog  

skgaff (Stephanie) who entered at One 2 Try

The winner of the SlobProof Book is....
#21 OneCheapLady

The winner of the Tea Collection $100 GC is...
#233 moushka

The winner of the KINeSYS Sunscreen is...
#63 Lori

The winner of the Xtrema 10" Skillet is...
#395 Shelly

The winner of the Boon Bath Toys is...
#44 traci smith

The winner of the Be Present Yoga Tank is...
#346 lilyk

Congratulations to the Winners!

Winners have been contacted via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Winner, if you didn't receive my email please contact me.

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Giveaways Ending Tonight!

There is still time to enter these awesome giveaways which end tonight at 11:59pm. 

Tea Collection $100 GC 

KINeSYS Sunscreen
 

Xtrema 10" Skillet
 

Boon Bath Toys
 

Be Present Yoga Tank

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Upcoming Review for CSN Stores

In a few weeks my little man will be turning 2 years olds. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were shopping for baby cribs and strollers. Now he wants to run and play outside all day long. So for his 2nd birthday we are going to do just that, play outside. And thanks to CSN Stores we'll have lots of fun outside this summer.

Our Outdoor Fun Review Coming Soon....

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Calling All Raleigh Area Moms

Two Quick Things you should check out today.

1. You should enter this giveaway at Lilkidthings to win 10 FREE Classes of Stroller Strides. (North Hills Location.)

2. You need to go to the RDU National Mom's Night Out. It's THIS Thursday! Let me know if you are going so we can meet up.

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Blogger of the Week: In My Free Time

Today's featured blogger is Patricia from In My Free Time

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? 11 months


What made you choose the name of your blog? I chose the name In My Free Time because in my free time I enjoy the little things in life... it is sort of a reminder to me to slow down and cherish it all because it goes by so fast!


Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging? I love blogging because I get to express my true self. I love meeting new people that I never would be blessed to meet unless I blogged


What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?

$116.00 Kitchen Makeover
Christmas Guest Post
Ballard Inspired Planters
Sugared Easter Egg Tutorial


Are you married? If so, how long? Yes I am married, 10 years


Do you have children? If so, how many? 
No children yet but we are in the exciting process of adopting our first child


What is your favorite movie? Some Kind of Wonderful


Who is your favorite actor?  Morgan Freeman


What is your favorite band or musician? I dont't have a favorite, I love all kinds of music from classical to rock and everything in between.


What is your favorite food? Anything my mom makes


What is your favorite candy? Sweedish Fish


What else should readers know about you?
I am a real live woman enjoying life head on ~  through the grace of God.

The B Keeps Us Honest will feature a new Blogger of The Week each Saturday. If you would like to be featured please contact me. 

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