Sunday, February 28, 2010

Home Organization - How to Clean Up the Bathroom Clutter

Take moment to assess your bathroom. Are your counter tops covered with toothpaste tubes, bottles of hair products, and various containers? Is your linen closet door ajar, because it is stuffed to overflowing with linens and bath towels? No problem! There are inexpensive storage solutions that can effectively tackle the clutter.

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My bathroom, having limited space, used to look like that, but I sorted through those eighteen bottles of shampoo, the hair products, mouth rinses on the counter, the cleaning products crammed in the cabinet, and the towels falling out of the linen closet. I got rid of what I didn’t need and discovered some solutions for organizing the necessities.

Tub Storage Solutions

Shower Curtains with Pockets - Shower curtains with pockets are a great solution for storing my kids’ tub toys. While mesh bags are a storage option, I didn’t really like them, because I was the only one that would put the toys back in them!

I tried a plastic bin. The tub toys were piled in a bin that sat on the bottom of the tub in everyone’s way. While they were contained, I didn’t find this to be an ideal storage solution.

I thought the shower curtain with pockets looked like a great solution. Once I had the shower curtain hung, I took the toys that were keepers and put them in the lower pockets, where my youngest could reach them easily. The routine of putting the toys back in their pockets is a way of getting organized that he is happy to help with!

No more looking at or stepping on tub toy clutter. The toys aren’t visible, because this curtain acts as the liner and it is hidden by a decorative outer curtain. The pockets can be used to store anything like shampoos, razors, and soaps, not just tub toys!

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Shower Caddies - Using the right shower caddy can make a big difference in the appearance of your bathtub. In the past, I tried those cheap caddies with the suction cups, but they never stayed in place. This can be maddening!

Fortunately, the shower caddy engineers came up with a great solution: the shower caddy floor to ceiling unit. The tension rod shower caddy organizes our entire family's bath and shower products neatly in the corner of the tub.

The adjustable tension rod fits floor to ceiling or tub rim to ceiling. The four baskets with convenient drain holes hold a lot of necessities, but not water.

While we certainly don’t need eighteen bottles of shampoo, we do have different needs: tear free shampoo for the kids, the overpriced salon shampoo for Mom, and the dandruff shampoo for Dad (ha). These are all neatly organized in the shower caddy, which in our bath extends from tub rim to ceiling.

The unit is very sturdy, easily staying in place, even when storing those heavy value size shampoos and conditioners. It is now easier to clean the bathtub without all those bottles of shampoo lining the sides!

Extra Linen Storage Solution

Storage Cylinder - When the kids were younger, they needed constant supervision while in the tub, so we put a chair in the bathroom to sit and watch them. Now that the kids are older, they are capable of independent bath-time, and the chair, seldom used, was simply taking up space.

The storage cylinder was the perfect solution for us because we have the room for it, it still doubles as a seat, and it allows for extra storage. We have several of our bath towels neatly stacked inside.

Now, my five-year-old can grab his own towel, and the linen cabinet door now closes the way it should! Now that's home organization in a snap!

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Cabinet and Drawer Storage Solutions

Drawer Dividers - I’ll admit that my vanity makeup drawer was a disheveled jumble of foundations, eye shadows, eyeliners and eyelash curlers. You name it, it was in there… somewhere. This was not ideal. If anyone visiting peeked in there, I would have been mortified!

Thank goodness for drawer dividers. Drawer dividers are an inexpensive way to maintain order within your makeup drawer. You could even use a silverware tray to neaten things up, if it had enough dividers for your needs.

Simply go through your makeup drawer and determine if you will ever use the product again. If you haven’t applied that indigo eye shadow since the 90ies, do the right thing and just let it go! Sort and organize the items that you use on a daily basis neatly in their designated locations. No more searching for your eyeliner. Think of the time you’ll save in the morning!

Spice Racks – Spice racks are not just for spices. The right sized spice rack can be placed in your drawer and be a great storage solution for items like nail polish and makeup as well.

Magnetic strip placed inside of a Drawer –To store my small metal items, I installed a magnetic strip to the inside of my drawer. It is actually a magnetic knife bar. Your small metal items like nail clippers, files, and tweezers will always be there when you look for them. Make sure the kids know that the nail clippers are located here, they may be more inclined to put them away in this “cool storage place” when they are finished using them.

Specialty Pull Out Drawer Units - Before my organizational efforts began, if you asked me what was under my bathroom sink, only four or five items would come to mind. The rest of the stuff was several years old and utterly forgettable. I learned this is a good guideline for what you should pitch: those items that are so old you didn’t even realize that you had them.

After sorting and pitching, I determined I have two categories of items that made sense to store here: cleaning products and hair products.

Pull out drawer units are manufactured in various widths and heights, so finding one to fit your cabinet is easy. I used a two-tier unit on the left and a single pull out for the wastebasket on the right. For the two-tier unit, I stored hair products (that I do actually use) on the top shelf and cleaning products below. This system has worked wonderfully. In the process, I moved many of those hair products that were on the counters into their new spot, eliminating the counter clutter.

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Counter Storage Solution

Acrylic Vanity Organizers – The various sized acrylic organizers are perfect for organizing those items that I use daily, and that I really need to have handy on the counter top. While my stuff is visible, it is organized in its pretty container! No clutter here!

There are many great options available for storing your bathroom necessities, and these are just a few ideas that have really helped me to tackle the bathroom clutter. Now onto the next room!

Amazon carries all of these great storage and organization solutions. Here are some quick links to the items featured in this article:



This post is based on my opinion and my experience using these products. I received no compensation for posting this article, however, I do maintain affiliate status with Amazon.com.


Friday, February 26, 2010

Friday Follow - A Celebration of Followers Week #7

Friday Follow



Just to clarify, the following info. is reprinted from the Friday Follow hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades.

Please join the Friday Follow Fun! Here's how:

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

Welcome to the sixth Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs.
It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:
  • * Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add to one blog linky.
  • * Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
  • * Follow as many blogs as you like
  • * Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
  • * Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each host blog.

As hostesses, we realize the time required to participate in Friday Follow. Due to the overwhelming number of entries each week, we understand everyone may not be able to follow every blog including ourselves. To keep it fun, follow what you can at your own pace. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued participation!



MckLinky Blog Hop




Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - Huge Snow Storm! 1.5 Feet At Least!!

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Only an Ariens Snow blower could handle this mess!


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Check out how deep the snow is! Only in New England!
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Hey, guys I'll be out soon.........(Their still waiting!)
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James is still shoveling!


To participate in Wordless Wednesday or to find other Wordless Wednesday linkys and participants , go to Wordless Wednesday headquarters, MomDot, or Go Graham Go .


Green Spots I-Dog Amp'd Winner(s)!


Congratulations to #81 Denise - the winner of the Green Spots I-Dog Amp'd. As a thank you to my readers, I am giving away four more I-dogs shown in the picture. I picked four more winners based on Random.org. I only wish I could afford to pick more of you! You guys are the best!

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I will be emailing you all shortly. Thanks for reading and subscribing to Moms Own Words!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Sunshine Blog Award


Thank you so much to Jane at Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Blog. She gave me this beautiful Sunshine Award! If it wasn't for Jane's encouragement, I'm not sure if I would even have a blog.

Please check out her blog (and if you haven't already) her book Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms. You can read all about her book on her website and please stop by her blog for some scrumptious recipes. Her amazing photos will tempt your tummy!

The rules for accepting this award are simple, link to the person who gave it to you, and pass it on to 12 other people who bring you sunshine. So here you are! Please visit these wonderful women and their wonderful blogs!

Kim at Stuff Could Always be Worse
Stacie at Simply Stacie
Sandra at My Lipstick Jungle
Sara at On the Search for Hidden Treasure
Ann at Ann Crabs
Justine at A Half Baked Life
Aleksandra at Busy Working Mama
Mandy at Random Thoughts
Deborah at Baba's Farm Life
Kenna at Fibro Fog and More
Janie at Life Not Wasted or Lost
Lisa at Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living



Monday, February 22, 2010

The Adventures of Harvey the Wonder Dog Book Review and Giveaway

The giveaway is now closed. Winner to be announced on 3/9/10. Thank you for entering!

We have shelves and shelves of children's books because we enjoy reading great books to the kids. So, when Lise Dominique asked me if I would like to check out her new book – The Adventures of Harvey the Wonder Dog –Harvey the Hungry Dog, I said absolutely!

About the Book: The Adventures of Harvey the Wonder Dog – Harvey the Hungry Dog. Written by Lise Dominique and Illustrated by Chrissie Vales. Published in 2009 by State Street Publishing. ISBN- 978-09760216-7-4.

The Adventures of Harvey the Wonder Dog begin with Harvey’s first adventure in “Harvey the Hungry Dog”. Harvey is a lovable dog who is always (you guessed it) hungry! Throughout his daily adventures, Harvey indulges in a variety of tasty treats like snow, and icicles, his best friend Karma’s dinner, whatever falls on the ground from picnics, and sausages he snags from an unsuspecting person’s pocket. But when Harvey over-indulges, watch out for the consequences! Finally, find out what Harvey can do (that involves something that he hasn’t eaten yet!) and what Harvey hungers for more than anything else. Follow along as the author, Lise Dominique, narrates her story on the CD that accompanies the book.

About the Author: Lise Dominique was born in Lake Forest, Illinois and currently lives in the town Lake Bluff, Illinois. Lise spent 15 years in broadcast morning radio in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago. During this time, she also did on-camera commercials and voice-overs. Her career path later took a turn and she spent over 12 years in sales for a major pharmaceutical firm and Fortune 100 company. Inspired by her muse, Harvey (her wonder dog!) Lise began the process of authoring this book in 2008.

The Review: This book is age-appropriate for my two boys who are 8 and 5. Even though James (8) reads on his own, he still enjoyed having this book read to him. I think the story is great because you feel like you really get to know Harvey, as his personality comes to life, and you can’t help but love him. (We don’t own a dog due to allergies, but Ryan and I would love to someday.) Also, the author adds some subtle, clever themes about good behavior and hunger at the end of the book. I liked how the pages were different bright, colors and the illustrations were so much fun. But it doesn’t matter what I think, this book is most appropriate for Ryan (5) so I asked him what he thought of the book. Here is the conversation that we had:

Me: Did you like the book?

Ryan: Yes!

Me: What part did you like the best?

Ryan: I like the part where Harvey is dreaming about the food – that was the funny part.

Me: Did you like the pictures in the book?

Ryan: Yes. I like the pictures when Harvey was splashing in the water and dreaming about the food.

Me: Does reading this book make you wish that you had your own dog?

Ryan: Yes. If he was a white dog with black spots, I would name him Spots. If he was a black dog with white spots, I would name him Spotty.

Me: Would you like to read another Harvey the Wonder Dog Adventure?

Ryan: Yes!

Me: What do you think will happen in Harvey’s next adventure?

Ryan: Harvey will go to the beach.

Note: This morning when Ryan woke up, he put the book’s CD on and followed along. I think he would rather hear the author read than Mom. Oh well.

Buy It: The Adventures of Harvey the Wonder Dog - Harvey the Hungry Dog is available on Amazon.com for 19.95.



The giveaway is now closed. Winner to be announced on 3/9/10. Thank you for entering!


Win It: Lise Dominique is generously offering one copy of the Adventures of Harvey the Wonder Dog- Harvey the Hungry Dog to one of my readers. To Enter is easy, just one mandatory entry.

Mandatory Entry:

1. Comment by answering either question - What was the name of your favorite dog? -or- Who (in your family) would most enjoy this book?

--Include your email address (if not public in a profile) so I can contact you if you win.

Additional optional entries: Eligible after completing mandatory entry above: You can do any or all of the following for one entry each. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done.

2. --Follow my blog (see the right side bar to sign up) Already a follower, just leave a comment saying that you are a follower.

3. --Subscribe to my blog (see the right side bar to sign up) Current subscribers are eligible too.

4.--Follow me on Twitter . Current followers are eligible too, just leave a comment saying that you are a twitter follower.

5.--Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link to your tweet (Can tweet once daily).

6.--Post my button on your blog and leave a link to your blog.

--FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Write a blog post about this giveaway, with a link to my blog. Come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

Giveaway ends on March 8th at 11:59 PM EST. Open to US addresses only. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by email. Please respond in 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. To be fair to everyone, comments not meeting requirements will be deleted.

The giveaway is now closed. Winner to be announced on 3/9/10. Thank you for entering!


Many thanks to Lise for providing the review copy and giveaway copy!

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the author, the manufacturer, or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.



Friday, February 19, 2010

Ella's Kitchen Stage 1 Baby Food and Smoothie Fruits Winner


Thank you all for entering the Ella's Kitchen Stage 1 Baby Food and Smoothie Fruits giveaway. The Winner is # 38 Busy Working Mama.

Congratulations BWM! I will be emailing you shortly!
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Thank you for reading and subscribing to Moms Own Words.

Friday Follow : A Celebration of Followers Week #6


Just to clarify, the following info. is reprinted from the Friday Follow hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades.

Please join the Friday Follow Fun! Here's how:

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

Welcome to the sixth Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs.
It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:
  • * Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add to one blog linky.
  • * Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
  • * Follow as many blogs as you like
  • * Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
  • * Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each host blog.

As hostesses, we realize the time required to participate in Friday Follow. Due to the overwhelming number of entries each week, we understand everyone may not be able to follow every blog including ourselves. To keep it fun, follow what you can at your own pace. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued participation!

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


MckLinky Blog Hop


I love meeting new bloggers and reading all of your great comments. Thank you for stopping by and thanks for the follow. I will visit you soon!




Thursday, February 18, 2010

A Winter Activity for Kids- The Children's Museum of New Hampshire

Well, we didn't make it to Disney World this February vacation (we haven't gone as a family yet) but our day trip to the Children's Museum of New Hampshire was a lot of fun. The museum was chock-full of kid games and activities and proved to be a great winter activity for kids. New Hampshire schools actually schedule their February vacation next week, so it wasn't very busy, which made our visit really enjoyable.

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We stopped by the World Cultures Exhibit and had some fun trying on masks from Mexico, Africa and Indonesia. We learned how wooden masks are constructed and had a chance to beat on a variety of African drums.

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The Yellow Submarine is one of the museum's newer exhibits. After James took his shift at the wheel, they both took their nap in the bunk beds. (James is a little too big for his tiny bunk!) In the submarine, the kids could operate the periscope to search the museum above, identify mysterious deep-sea sounds at the listening station, and use sonar to measure the distance from objects.

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We visited the project area, which is a great place for crafts and activities. The kids could make a collage, play with magnet exhibits and make snowflakes using patterns provided by the museum. The table with the Lokon pieces was a big hit. We have never seen these before! They are a lot of fun to build with!

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The kids had a chance to become paleontologists! At this exhibit, you "climb" into a mountainside dig site and help unearth Triceratops fossils. Next you take part in the scientific process as you compare its jaws, claws and vertebrae to those of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Here the kids (and Dad) are making rubbings of ammonite fossils.

This is just a glmpse of our day. There were so many great exhibits that we enjoyed, like the "Build It Fly It", the "Chocecosystem" and the "First Impressions." The museum will host your child's birthday party and offers programs like science classes and overnights for children ranging from preschool through middle school. It certainly is a great place for kids my age. When I asked the kids if they would like to go back to the museum someday, they both replied, "SURE! Sure, Sure, Sure." I guess that's a yes.

What Does the Internet Mean to You?

As a stay and work from home mom, the Internet has made so many things possible for me over the years. I first started using the Internet to sell stuff – collectibles, clothes, books, DVDs, toys – you name it. The Internet has allowed me to print my own shipping labels, make transactions with Internet bank accounts, purchase items, research just about anything and basically earn some grocery money from right here at home.

And now, I am writing for online businesses, publishing my own articles, networking through social media and publishing my blog. It just makes me realize how vital a solid Internet connection is for all that I do on the Internet.

I even remember my days of using dial up. Every page load was painfully slow and often times we would lose our connection. It drove me crazy, but thankfully it’s a thing-of-the-past in this house!

Thanks to satellite high speed internet people in remote areas don’t have to miss out on all that the Internet has to offer. Satellite high speed Internet offers state-of-the-art equipment that delivers reliable high speed Internet via satellite to virtually everywhere in the U.S. If you are still dealing with dial-up because of your remote location, check out satellite Internet today.

The information provided in this article was shared as part of a PayPerPost opportunity. Compensation was received for participation but the views and opinions expressed are solely my own.


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Chococoa Baking Company Mini-Whoopie Pie Review and Giveaway

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This giveaway is now closed! Thanks for stopping by!

A local Massachusetts bakery called the Chococoa Baking Company has come up with a twist on the classic whoopie pie. They call it "the Whoopie." This bite-size treat comes in a variety of flavors. Thank you Julie for sending me five types of mini-whoopie pies for this review.

From Chococoa: I spoke with Julie at the Chococoa Baking company and she described "the Whoopie" with great pride. Each 2" pie is lovingly made with farm-fresh local ingredients and all natural products like free range chicken eggs, organic butters and a combination of three different chocolates (including Dutch-process cocoa, dark chocolate and sweet chocolate). Organic (healthy) essential oils like peppermint, vanilla and ginger are used in place of extracts. The essential oils create a softer flavor.

According to Epicurious food trends, the mini-whoopie pie has been named one of the top ten dessert food trends for 2010! Julie said that "The whoopie" is being ordered for weddings (as an economic alternative to wedding cakes) and for baby showers, made-to-order with pink or blue cream centers. The mini-sized treats have gained popularity with local New England catering companies as well, keeping the Chococoa Baking company very busy.

The Review: I received five types of mini-whoppies, 3 ea. per pacakge:

vanilla cream
peppermint cream
pumpkin ginger cream
rasberry cream
espresso cream

Shipping: The mini-whoopie pies were shipped refrigerated in insulated packaging and arrived semi-frozen. The Whoopie pies taste best at room temperature. Although it was difficult, we waited 15 minutes for them to "warm up" to room temperature.

Size: Each mini-whoopie pie is 2" in diameter and about 1.5 ounces each. (Traditional whoopie pies are at least twice as big with twice the fat and calories!)

Taste: My mom used to bake whoopie pies growing up and I remember their taste fondly. When I took a bite into the vanilla cream mini-whoopie, well, shucks, it reminded me of the whoopie pies I used to stuff my face with as a kid!

But "the Whoopie" is meant to be savored. The cake was rich, moist and had a hint of dark chocolate flavor. The fresh cream filling tasted just like my mom's homemade butter cream frosting. This is what I expected when I read that "the whoopie" was made with farm fresh all natural ingredients.

And the best part? I just ate this satisfying mini-chocolate treat and I didn't blow my diet! It was no surprise that my kids gobbled up the other two vanilla cream frosted whoopies and they said, "Yes!" when I asked them if they liked them.

I also tried the pumpkin ginger cream whoopie pie. The best way to describe the flavor is an appetizing fresh ginger pumpkin combination with a sweet butter cream frosting. We are not fans of peppermint and so we plan to share the peppermint cream whoopie pies with Grant's family.

The espresso cream and rasberry cream whoopie pies were also a hit. As a small supplement to the review, we made this fun video. Check out my husband Grant's reaction when he takes a bite into the espresso cream whoopie pie. (I think I need to clarify that he is imitating Patrick from the cartoon Spongebob.)






Buy It: "The Whoopies" are available for purchase ($4.95 for a pkg. 3) at several New England locations (listed on their website) and orders may be placed by visiting the Chocococa Baking company website.

Win It: The Chococoa Baking Company is offering a gift of five packages of "the whoopie" mini-whoopies for two of my readers. Winners will decide which flavors they would like! Thank you to Alan and Julie for this generous giveaway.

This giveaway is now closed! Thanks for stopping by!

To enter is easy! Just one mandatory entry:

1. Mandatory entry - Comment on which flavor of "the whoopie" that you would like to try. Check under the Review section above for the different flavors.
(1 entry).

Extra entries -

2. Follow my blog. (2 entries)
3. Grab my button and put it on your site and add a link in your comment telling me where it is. (3 entries)
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the Tweet URL in a comment. (2 entries)
5. Subscribe via email. (3 entries)
6. Sign up for Networked Blogs (Facebook - located on the right side) (2 entries)

This Giveaway is open to U.S. only and will end on Friday, 3/5/10 at 12:00 pm EST. Please include your email address in all comments. The winner will be selected using Random.org and I will post the winners names by 5:00 pm EST on Friday 3/5/10. Thank you to all who enter and good luck!

This giveaway is now closed! Thanks for stopping by!



The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day


In honor of this wonderful Valentines Day, in midst of a long New England winter, I had to dig out this photo. This is how my husband, Grant, proposed to me over twelve years ago. These were the good old days when it was all about us! Yep. That was pretty romantic and clever. Guess where he put the ring? It was dangling on a string from the outdoor thermometer of course. I just remember being in shock. I was very, very surprised.

Fast forward twelve years later and the picture is quite different. We all went to mass today and a nice couple spoke about a Catholic retreat for married couples. On the way home, I asked Grant if he would ever go with me to something like that. He smiled and lovingly said, "Do you think you could find someone else to go with you?" And then he laughed the hardest he's laughed in a long time. "Aw, I'm kidding. I'll look into it," he said. Ha! I won't hold my breath, I thought.

Be the first to comment on your experience with a couples' retreat.

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Woman's World Giveaways - Entry is Fast and Easy

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If you love giveaways, and who doesn't?!Don't forget to add Woman's World to your list of contests to to check out and enter. What I love about the Woman's World giveaways is that once you sign up, entering contests is so fast and easy! As of today, Feb. 14, 2010, you can enter all of the following contests (pictured and listed) in about one minute with just one click of your mouse.

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A Home Soda Maker!
Heart Healthy Appliances! (enter once daily)
A “Green” Grocery Prize Pack from Marcal! (enter once daily)
Thomas the Train! (enter once daily)
Tires and Gas! (enter once daily)
A Broadway Getaway! (enter once daily)
A mini digital camcorder!
St. Lucia Vacation! (enter once daily)
Villa Di Borghese Bedding Collections!
Borghese skincare products!

I am sharing this information because I believe my reader’s can benefit from the opportunity. No monetary compensation or product was received for sharing this information.

Thank you for reading and subscribing to Mom's Own Words!

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