Episencial Sunny Sunscreen Kit Review + Giveaway

Here in North Carolina there is no doubt that spring is here. We are spending as much time outside as possible before it gets too unbearably hot. Even though the weather isn't too warm we still have to take precautions and protect our skin when we are outside. 

I really like the Episencial Sunny Sunscreen because it's gentle enough for little kids but still strong enough to protect them from the harsh UV rays. It's a water-resistant,  SPF 35 sunscreen that is natural and contains no harmful nanoparticles. The limited-time Sunny Sunscreen Kit includes two extra gifts: the Protective Face Balm SPF 6 and Soothing Cream.

Episencial is the first and only professional-quality, all natural skincare system created specifically for the unique developing skin type of babies and kids. Free from the bad stuff like parabens, phthalates and fragrances, Episencial products are loaded with all-natural goodness and healthy organics. Plus, these gentle, newborn safe formulas feature an exclusive skin immune complex to boost the skin’s immune functions and help the body ward off illnesses. Packaged in recycled and sustainable materials, and manufactured using solar power, Episencial products are good for your babies, kids and the planet!



Buy: Episencial Sunny Sunscreen is currently available for 50% off (only $14.99)

Save: Get 15% off all Episencial products with the purchase of Episencial Sunny Sunscreen ONLY at Dermstore.com.

Promo code: DSSUNNY (valid May 16-23)

GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win an Episencial Sunny Sunscreen Kit

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry 
Visit Episencial and Leave comment telling me another product you would like to try.

Extra Entries:

• Like Episencial on Facebook
• Follow @episencial on Twitter
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win Sunny Sunscreen Kit from @episencial via @bkeepsushonest 5/14 http://tinyurl.com/3tr3cck #giveaway
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• "Like" this Post on Facebook (simply click the LIKE button on the bottom of this post)
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 5.14 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Kim + Scott's Gourmet Pretzels Review + Giveaway

I've always been a fan of soft pretzels but it wasn't until recently that I tried a gourmet soft pretzel. To be honest I didn't even know there was such a thing. Joe, however, was super excited about reviewing Kim and Scott's Gourmet Pretzels. He'd had them before and thinks they are just awesome.

The other night he had a few guy friends over and we broke out a variety of pretzels and all the guys agreed they were delicious. I tried the pizza pretzel and have to admit I would probably eat that as a meal! At first it seemed weird to me the vast variety of pretzel flavors but somehow they all work well.

Kim and Scott's Gourmet Pretzel Flavors:

Traditional Bavarian

Sourdough Parmesan

Apple Cinnamon

Cheddar Jalapeno

Chocolate Crumb

Cinnamon Roll

Cream Cheese

Egg & Cheese

Grilled Cheese

Pizza Pretzel

Spinach Feta

Gluten-Free Classic Soft

Stuffed Bagel Flavors

Cream Cheese

Cinnamon Roll

Egg + Cheese

Save: $1.00 off Kim and Scott's coupon

GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win 4 boxes of Pretzels (winner's choice)
US Residents Only

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry 
Visit Kim and Scotts and Leave comment telling me which pretzel you would like to try.

Extra Entries:

• Like Kim and Scotts on Facebook
• Follow @kimandscotts on Twitter
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win 4 boxes of @kimandscotts gourmet pretzels @bkeepsushonest 5/10 http://tinyurl.com/67yvlau #giveaway
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• "Like" this Post on Facebook (simply click the LIKE button on the bottom of this post)
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 5.10 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information. US Residents Only.

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Capture the Everyday: His Favorite Place to Play

I'd like to say Jude's favorite room in our new house was his awesome new playroom but currently he is really loving our screened in porch. I have to admit I am in love with it too.

We can play outside, get dirty and wet without worry of bugs attacking us or sunburned. 

He currently enjoys playing with our toy car garage attic find and water... lots of water!~

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Great Giveaway Links

Every Thursday The B Keeps Us Honest offers a place to promote your giveaways, Great Giveaway Links. Be sure to link directly to your giveaway and not your homepage. Links that are not directed to the giveaway will be deleted.

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Dora the Explorer Magazine Review

Just this past year Jude discovered Dora the Explorer and like most toddlers he was hooked immediately. While I thought I wouldn't be one of those moms that gave in to the pressure of all things Dora I was very surprised at how quickly he took to the show. He likes Dora but isn't obsessed which I'm totally OK with. 

We recently received a few of the new Dora the Explorer Magazine from Titan Magazines. It's a fun magazine that allows preschoolers the opportunity to build upon the lessons they learn from watching the show. It's filled with crafts, games, stories, stickers and coloring pages. Jude immediately laid claim to the stickers and wanted to color. I really like that it encourages parents to sit down and learn with their children.

You can subscribe to the Dora the Explorer Magazine for $17.99 (4 issues a year.)

I think the Dora the Explorer Magazine would make a unique and fun gift for any preschooler who is a big fan of Dora.

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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You think you have it rough? My life is worse than yours.

"You think you have it rough? My life is worse than yours."

Essentially, that's what comes out of the mouths of some mothers as I vent about the struggles of motherhood.

Jude and his cousin Lily dancing in front of the fan.

 

Jude is the the quintessential "spirited" child. He's always been very active and sometimes hard to keep up with. We say he has two speeds: Full-Speed and Asleep. Year two has been rough for all of us but when I occasionally mention this to other moms I usually get, "you think 2 is bad wait until he turns 3." That's exactly what I want to hear. (*insert sarcasm)

I'm struggling to make it through the day and desperately searching for encouragement or just acknowledgement that yes, sometimes motherhood sucks. But what I end up with is a bowl full of downers. (Ironically, the closer Jude gets to 3 the better things are actually getting for us. I'm hoping to prove them all wrong.)

Shouldn't we, as mothers, be the first to understand and sympathize with other moms who are experiencing challenges and struggles? We all have bad days. There are always challenges that come along with parenting. And even if someone is complaining about what seems to be a trivial problem to you, it's probably a big deal to them.

I'm guilty of playing the "my life is harder than yours" card and it's never as rewarding as you might think. It's always much more rewarding to just listen and acknowledge that yes, it's tough work being a mom. That's really what most of us want, someone to just recognize that the everyday life of mom is tough stuff.

Speaking of moms, Mother's Day is just around the corner, perfect opportunity to thank our own moms for putting up with us when we were toddlers.

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Wordless Wednesday: Easter Shoes

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What's in a Name?

Baby 2 is due in just a few short weeks. It wasn't until about a month ago that Joe and I finally decided on a name for this little guy. (We aren't telling until he's here) If he'd been a girl we were all set but of course that would have been too easy. We already used our favorite boy name with Jude. How were we supposed to top that?

 Jude at 4 days old

Obviously, we want something that sounds cool but most importantly needs to have a good, strong meaning.

Jude Aidan Lieb means Praise - Fire - Love.

I think the meaning of a name is something to consider as much as popularity, nicknames, or tradition. A lot of people would agree since a majority of the most popular baby names (especially boys) have strong, positive meanings.

For baby 2 we had a good list of names but ultimately it came down to the baby name meaning. I was surprised that we picked such popular names. I like to think I'm someone unique with my name choices. Apparently, I'm not as cool as I thought I was. Oh Well.

I can't wait to share Baby 2's name with everyone. However, if you talk to Jude he might tell you the name since he already refers to his Baby Brother by name. (That's what we get for telling a 2 year old.)

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of BabyNameTrain. All opinions are 100% mine.

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2B Mom: Glamourmom Review + Giveaway

The first few weeks of nursing Jude was a lot more work than I ever imagined. I thought nursing my baby would be natural for both me and the baby. Boy was I wrong. We had latching problems, milk supply issues, mastitis and just a lot of general pain. But with the advice of some great, experienced moms we made it through those first few weeks and enjoyed about 18 months of a wonderful bonding experience. 

For baby 2 I hope I am much more prepared for the possible challenges not only with experience and knowledge but resources. One of the things I highly recommend any new mom purchase is an easy to use, comfortable nursing bra. Pretty and fancy nursing bras are nice but for the first few months you won't care much about looking sexy, you'll just want to be comfortable. That is what I love about the new Glamourmom Mbody Starter Nursing Bra. It was designed specifically for the beginning of your nursing journey.

The Mbody Starter Nursing Bra features:

• Essential first step Nursing Bra with cotton heat molded cups
• Built-in inner sling for added support
• Breathable, absorbent, stretchy cotton/elastane blend is cool and comfortable for sleeping
• Adjusts over two sizes for added comfort during the engorgement stage
• Full, smooth, high-cut back with adjustable chest band
• Full breast exposure for latch-on flexibility and more intimate initial connection
• High-cut front provides added discretion
• Hook closures for easy, one-handed access
• Machine washable
• 90% Cotton, 10% Elastane

I particularly love that it allows for full breast exposure which is so helpful for those first few weeks. This is a super comfortable bra that you can wear all day. (Especially important for those quick cat naps you might be able to get throughout the day.) I also appreciate that it is designed to adjust in size a bit as when your milk supply first comes in your breast can get engorged several sizes larger than expected. Overall, I can see myself wearing this bra A LOT after baby 2 makes his arrival.

GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win a Glamourmom Mbody Starter Nursing Bra

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry

Visit Glamourmom and then leave a comment with your favorite product.

Extra Entries:

• Like Glamourmom on Facebook
• Follow @Glamourmomtanks on Twitter 
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a Mbody Starter Nursing Bra @Glamourmomtanks via @bkeepsushonest 5/10 http://tinyurl.com/5sstwxg #giveaway #2bmom"
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• Add my button to your blog.
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
• If you added the 2B Mom button to your blog before 1.1.11 (3 additional entries)
• Add the 2B Mom button to you blog after 1.1.11 (2 entries)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 5.10 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information. 

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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2B Mom SwaddleDesigns Swaddle Duo Review + Giveaway

Shopping for a baby due mid-spring is sometimes a challenge. In North Carolina the weather is very temperamental and can change from extremely hot to freezing all in the same week. I don't know if I should buy warmer clothes or cooler clothes for the baby. But now SwaddleDesigns offers a new set the SwaddleDuo.

The SwaddleDuo includes two premium, yet different, baby soft cotton swaddling blankets in a wonderful gift box:

• The Ultimate Receiving Blanket is a lightweight premium cotton flannel - for moderate to cooler environmental temperatures
• The Marquisette Swaddling Blanket is a very lightweight openweave cotton blanket - for warmer environmental temperatures

I like having options and the SwaddleDuo set lets me choose between the muslin-like Marquisette Swaddling Blanket on warmer days or the flannel-like Ultimate Receiving Blanket for cooler days. Of course the SwaddleDuo sets are available in all the adorable patterns that SwaddleDesigns is known for.

SwaddleDesigns strives to help new parents care for their baby by providing accurate and up-to-date information, so  parents can may make informed choices. SwaddleDesigns Safe Sleep Program includes recommendations from the AAP and the NIH as the company strives to increase awareness of Safe Sleep practices and help parents reduce risk of SIDS.  They also offer a great How-to-Swaddle section which offers information regarding sleeping environments and the benefits of swaddling.
  

The SwaddleDesigns Goldilocks Guide™ ~ baby should not be too hot, or too cold, but just right ~ comfortably warm.

Buy: SwaddleDuo available in 17 styles with MSRP of $38 

GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win a Swaddle Duo Set (Winner chooses either the Pink or Blue SwaddleDuo in the Classic Peace Love Swaddle style)

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry

Visit Swaddle Designs and then leave a comment with your favorite product.

Extra Entries:

• Like Swaddle Designs on Facebook
• Follow @SwaddleDesigns on Twitter 
• Join the Swaddle Designs email club
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a swaddle duo blanket set from @swaddledesigns via @bkeepsushonest 5/6 http://tinyurl.com/6j2hcjv #giveaway #2bmom"
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• Add my button to your blog.
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
• If you added the 2B Mom button to your blog before 1.1.11 (3 additional entries)
• Add the 2B Mom button to you blog after 1.1.11 (2 entries)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 5.6 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information. 

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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2B Mom: Bright Starts Bounce-a-Bout Review

Babies love to bounce. When Jude was little I always wanted to get an infant activity center for him but our previous home had no room for such an item. Now that we have a bigger place I thought I would spoil baby 2 a little with the Bright Starts Bounce-a-Bout.

The Bounce-a-Bout Features: 

• Ladybug mirror plays silly sounds
• Frog spinner top
• Spinning bee rattle ball
• Ratcheting bug with crinkle fabric wings
• Lilly pad toy stalk with fabric edges
• Overhead toy arch includes teether and hanging bumblebee
• Easy to clean toy tray
• Four toy loops for attaching more of baby's favorite toys
• Three adjustable height settings in seat

I was surprised at how simple it was to assemble the Bounce-a-Bout. Jude even helped me attached the toys to the play area surface. What I love about the Bounce-a-Bout is the unique bounce pad that provides a soft surface for babies feet to play. It's like a mini-trampoline for babies. The only disadvantage of the Bounce-a-Bout is that is it a bit bulky so if you are limited on space it might crowd your home. It does however lay flat for storage which is a bonus. Overall, I think any baby would have a fun time playing in the Bounce-a-Bout.

Buy: The Bright Starts Bounce-a-Bout retails for $59.99.

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Capture the Everyday: Wee Recycle

I had planned on taking a picture of this really cool shower timer we have but then I took this picture and couldn't resist. He loves helping daddy load the car with boxes to be taken to the recycling center.

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Great Giveaway Links

Every Thursday The B Keeps Us Honest offers a place to promote your giveaways, Great Giveaway Links. Be sure to link directly to your giveaway and not your homepage. Links that are not directed to the giveaway will be deleted.

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Wordless Wednesday: Attic Find

The previous tenant left this awesome toy car garage in the attic. It was filthy but we cleaned if off and now Jude loves it!

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Pure Pearls Review + Giveaway

Mother's Day is right around the corner and I have the perfect gift for my mom this year, a beautiful strand of freshwater pearls from Pure Pearls. Nothing could be more classic and beautiful than a white pearl necklace. I remember my mom owning a pair of fake pearls when I was young, I always thought they looked so elegant. Now she can have a beautiful freshwater pearl necklace and be reminded of just how much I love her.

The 6.0-7.0mm pearl sizes are extremely versatile, and can go from sophisticated office attire to your favorite little black dress in seconds flat, and the 18-inch Princess length is the modern must-have. All pearl necklaces are individually double-knotted on matching silk thread and finished with a 14K gold filigree clasp in your choice of white or yellow gold.

Pure Pearls offers one of the largest selections of pearls online, and all come with a FREE Appraisal prepared by a GIA Graduate. They have some of the most beautiful pearl jewelry I've seen, everything from pearl earrings, pearl necklaces, pearl bracelets and complete sets.

Save: Use the code "HONESTB05" to save 5% off your order.

GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win a necklace from Pure Pearls. (Winner chooses from a pre-selected assortment of 6.0-7.0mm necklaces)

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry 
Visit Pure Pearls and leave comment with your favorite pearl jewelry item.

Extra Entries:

• Like Pure Pearls on Facebook 
• Follow @purepearls on Twitter
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a freshwater pearl necklace from @purepearls via @bkeepsushonest 5/5 http://tinyurl.com/3zgclby #giveaway
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• "Like" this Post on Facebook (simply click the LIKE button on the bottom of this post)
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 5.5 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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O-Cedar ProMist Review, Giveway and Sweepstakes

With our recent move we've done a lot of cleaning. I was so happy to have multiple microfiber pads for my O-Cedar ProMist mop so I could keep cleaning and just change our the pad when it got dirty. While one pad washes I can still be cleaning with another, very convenient. As if the O-Cedar ProMist mop isn't convenient enough, it almost makes cleaning the floors bearable. 

Be A Cleaning Pro SweepStakes

Beginning February 15 – April 30 O-Cedar is running the  “Be a Cleaning Pro” Sweepstakes for a chance to win a personal house visit by organizational expert Peter Walsh and $1000 cash as a part of the grand prize. There will also be three monthly winners (February, March and April) who will receive an O-Cedar prize package including the ProMist, an autographed copy of Walsh’s Lighten Up and an eight-hour home visit by the ProMist Clean Team. 

GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win a set of microfiber refill pads for the O-Cedar ProMist

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry.

Mandatory Entry 
Leave comment with our least favorite room in your house to clean.

Extra Entries:

• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a set of microfiber refill pads for the O-Cedar ProMist mop @bkeepsushonest 5/3 http://tinyurl.com/3hgb3n9 #giveaway
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• "Like" this Post on Facebook (simply click the LIKE button on the bottom of this post)
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 5.3 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Happiness is a Warm Blanket Charlie Brown DVD REview

Jude love Charlie Brown, also known as Charlie Groun. He's never attached to a blanket but after watching the newest Peanuts DVD, Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown he pretends to be a blanket dependent child like Linus. It's all in good fun and he usually doesn't care about his blanket but it's cute to watch him carry it around and pretend it's his best friend. 

Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown is the first new Peanuts special in five years. In this heartwarming new tale, Linus is pushed to his limits when he learns his grandmother is coming to visit and plans to rid him of his most cherished possession, his beloved security blanket. As grandma’s impending arrival looms closer, the Peanuts gang finds ways to try and help Linus lose his dependence on his fuzzy crutch.


Lucy is particularly eager to cure Linus’ emotional attachment and applies her own psychiatric techniques. Charlie Brown on the other hand does his best to help but he just does not have the heart to see Linus suffer. Snoopy constantly agitates matters because he longs to have the blanket himself. In the end, insightful Linus points out that everyone has their own type of “security blanket” and that in life, a little security is a valuable thing.

DVD Special Features Include:

• Happiness is…Finding the Right Voice
  
• 24 Frames a Second: Drawing and Animating a Peanuts Movie  
• Deconstructing Schulz: From Comic Strip to Screenplay
  Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown – Deleted Scene
  

 PREVIEW CLIP

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Plow & Hearth Amazing Grace Wind Chimes Review + Giveaway

Our new house has this amazing screened in porch. It's perfect for all of the lovely spring afternoons Jude and I like to spend outside. Jude is really into wind chimes so I the first thing I wanted to get for our new porch was a set of wind chimes. Plow & Hearth has an amazing selection of wind chimes that not only sound beautiful but look great too.

I really love the look of the Amazing Grace Wind Chime which are made with aluminum and bamboo. And how can you beat one of America's most beloved hymns as a base for the melody. The way the wind blows determines the sequence, but the combination of notes is unmistakable.

Jude's favorite thing is to have me lift him up so he can gently push the chimes so he can hear their melody. I have found that his love for wind chimes has helped me teach him about the wind. 


GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win an Amazing Grace Wind Chime Set (Medium)

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry 
Visit Plow & Hearth and leave comment with another product you would like to try.

Extra Entries:

• Like Plow & Hearth on Facebook 
• Follow @PlowandHearth on Twitter
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a set of Amazing Grace Wind Chimes from @PlowandHearth via @bkeepsushonest 5/3 http://tinyurl.com/3oxrxm6 #giveaway
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• "Like" this Post on Facebook (simply click the LIKE button on the bottom of this post)
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 5.3 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information

I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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UPDATE: NC Tornadoes - We are OK

As many of you know on Saturday most of North Carolina was slammed by a severe storm front that produced dozens of tornadoes across the state. We live in Raleigh and while our house had no damage just a few miles away homes were completely destroyed. We consider ourselves extremely blessed.

Joe had to work on Saturday and even though there were storm warning Jude and I headed over to my brother's house to celebrate my niece's 8th birthday. We had a great time celebrating with the family but as the day went on the sky started looking ominous. Jude and I slipped out and headed home so we could beat the storms. We arrived home about 10 minutes before the storms hit. Jude had fallen asleep on the way home but woke up as the rain pounded us as I tried to carry him to the front door. He was tired and super grumpy, throwing a fit while I tried to gather essentials into our hall bath. We hid in the bathroom, laptop in hand, watching the storm updates online. Jude ate a few snacks, read a few books and I tried to not freak out. I could hear the wind and hail pound the house and I could only imagine what was going on outside. I figured the worst. About 15 minutes later it sounded calm and after the news reported the storms were past us we left the bathroom to survey the damage. Surprisingly, there were only a few limbs down in our back yard. I was most concerned about trees falling on our house since we live in a densely wooded area. 

I checked twitter, facebook and email to see updates from family and friends. I learned that everyone was relatively safe, some with no power and trees knocked over but that was the extend of their damage. However, so many others across the state were not so lucky.

PICTURES 

Last I heard there were over 20 deaths in NC. Approximately 700 home damaged or destroyed and thousands without power. To drive around our neighborhood you would never know but just a few miles away the destruction is unbelievable. I am truly thankful for our protection and continue to pray for those that are suffering.

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"Truth Be Told" - Family Movie Night Giveaway

Do you have a family movie night? We usually watch a movie together as a family on Friday nights. It's a fun time to snuggle on the couch with popcorn and candy to watch a movie the whole family will enjoy.

Tonight, Saturday, April 16th at 8/7c on FOX a new Family move from Walmart and P&G will debut, "Truth Be Told"."Truth Be Told" plays upon the old adage, that "honesty is the best policy," and according to Colorado's leading marriage counselor, Annie Morgan (Candace Cameron Bure, "Full House" and "Make It Or Break It"), honesty is the key to successful long-term relationships. Ironically, Annie has never been married and doesn't always follow her own advice. 

Through a misunderstanding, Annie receives an invitation for her and her spouse to join media mogul Terrance Bishop (Ronny Cox, "Stargate SG-1"), at his New Mexico ranch to discuss her dream job: hosting a radio advice program. Fearful that being single will ruin her chances of a lifetime, Annie conspires with Mark Crane (David James Elliott, "JAG" and "Scoundrels"), an old college friend, recent widower, and father of two teenagers, to pose as a married couple for the weekend. A series of comical misunderstandings color the trip, leaving Annie emotionally involved with Mark's family and battling with her own conscience. As the humorous and heartwarming story unfolds, Annie begins to realize that the truth may have its consequences, but ultimately it's what opens our hearts and brings out the best in each other.



GIVEAWAY

Win - One lucky reader will win a "Truth Be Told" viewing kit and DVD from P&G and Walmart.

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry 
Leave comment telling me your favorite family movie night snack.

Extra Entries:

• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a Truth Be Told viewing kit from@fmnib via @bkeepsushonest 5/2 http://tinyurl.com/3u2foeq #giveaway
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
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New Vendors at The Handmade Market 2011

This year there are about 12 new artists debuting at The Handmade Market. Here is a brief introduction to each of the NEW artists for spring 2011.

Blue Planet Creations

Beautiful handmade bags, gloves, wallets, hats and more.

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@planetcreations
Blog: www.blueplanetcreations.blogspot.com

 Belle Terre NC

Handcrafted Natural Soaps

Blog

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Ever So Lovely

Art and Design

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@EverSoLovely

Happy Scraps

Metal Art, Flowers, Creatures

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LinenLaid&Felt

Handmade Books

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 m1ne

Apron and Scarfs

Mary Doherty Photography

Photography

 Milksun Designs

Edible Landscapes

Mr. Sogs

Handmade Creatures

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NeedleNoodles

Crocheted Toys, Crafts and Patterns

Solidio

Wood and Metal Craft

Blog

Two Sisters Designs

Note cards, Bookmarks, Calendars, Tees

Come check out the new and returning artists at The Handmade Market on Saturday, April 23 from 11 am until 5 pm at Cobblestone Hall (City Market / Moore Square) in downtown Raleigh.

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