Giveaway time!

Yesterday I posted a product review about some sweet items over at DaySpring.  Today, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to give this little Christmas package away to one of you!   You can enter by leaving a comment at the end of this post, "like" CandidCollections on Facebook, or following CandidCollections by email.  Each way you enter qualifies you for one chance, giving you up to three separate entries.  One random winner will be announced next Wednesday, November 21. Good luck :)

Here are the goodies up for grabs {jewelry tree not included}.

Disclosure: Affiliate links used
Please note: Giveaway is only valid for US residents.

DaySpring - {in}spired deals review

I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share another product review hosted by DaySpring and {in}courage. I was so excited to come home and find a box stuffed full of Christmas goodies from DaySpring.  Their Love Came Down collection is probably my favorite.  I already had one of these table runners and always debated whether to put it on the dining room table or on the coffee table in the living room.  Now I have one for each spot.

I also have the felt advent calendar mentioned in this post.  I cannot wait to get it out and share the true story of Christmas with my family again this year.  This frosted Purest Love trio tea light set is beautiful and would add a glimmer of simplicity to any corner of your home.  I love the message it sends and can't wait to give it as a gift for Christmas.  This Wonders of His Love ornament will add a sweet touch to any Christmas tree.  I have two of these and plan to gift one.  I'm thinking mine will remain on display somewhere in our home long after the greens are packed up for another year.  The jewelry tree is not part of the product review, but I thought it displayed the ornament well.  I am also really excited to read a page from the Advent Tabletop Devotional each day in December.  DaySpring offers these items for such reasonable prices.  I {in}courage you to hop on over and do some Christmas shopping and maybe pick a few things up for yourself.  That's where I'm headed right about...now.  Happy Shopping...and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Disclosure: Affiliate links used.  Items that are a part of the product review were given to me by DaySpring.  All thoughts & opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY from DaySpring...back to school style

I'm excited to have another opportunity to review some products and host a giveaway from DaySpring and {in}courage!  I received the I <3 Jesus and I'm Just Saying sets, on sale now for $19.99 for all eight pieces {reg. 23.99} to review. We've been shopping at big box stores for school supplies lately, and I would be hard pressed to find similar items of the same quality for under $20.  And...right now DaySpring is offering a buy 2, get 1 free deal on all back to school items!  With a variety of designs, one is sure to please the special kiddo{s} in your life!

When I signed up to host this giveaway, I chose these particular designs because I thought Daniel would like them best - I also really like this one, but I don't think it was available to choose.  The one set is girly and the other seems a bit deep for a fifth grader {however, if you are buying for girls or older kids, I'd totally recommend them}!  I knew he'd probably like them, but I wasn't sure what he would think...Would he just use them at home or put them in his backpack, along with all his other new supplies in preparation for starting a new school year?  I remember 5th grade, and at that time, I'm not so sure i would have felt comfortable sporting these notebooks at school.  Kids can be so cruel, and I was always the type to try and fit in.  But...when I showed them to him, he said, "Oh cool...I'll be able to use these for school!"  When I asked him what he liked best about the, he said, "They're about Jesus, Mom."  I guess we've done something right in molding him to be his own person and not care what others think.  He's the type of kid who will tell someone about God without batting an eye.  He sets positive examples, is a role model for his classmates, and for that I am proud.  He teaches me lessons about life all the time; it is so important to instill those values early, and what better way to share your beliefs than to carry these notebooks!  I personally like them because they make a statement without actually having to say anything.  Kids who carry these products to school can lead by example.

For your chance to win a complete set of I <3 Jesus and I'm just saying supplies {PLUS an Allie Bird plush & note card set} for your favorite student{s}, please comment at the end of this post.  For additional chances to win, share on Facebook or Twitter and let me know you did!!  Good luck :)

 Allie Bird Plush & these cute note cards read: Toothfully...I think you're awethome.  :)

Disclosure: Products were provided by DaySpring; all thoughts & opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.  Deadline to enter: August 31.  Giveaway is limited to US residents. 

winner of the wallet :)

and the winner of the Redeemed Truly Treasured Wallet from DaySpring is...

drum roll, please...

commenter #1 ~ Maggie

Hit me up, sister :) 

April Redeemed Deals at DaySpring & a giveaway

I am so excited to have the opportunity to review more DaySpring products over at {in}courage.  I'm even more excited to be hosting a giveaway on behalf of DaySpring!  That means there's something for one of you!

 

This beautiful vintage vase {$13.59, reg. $16.99} captures a style reminiscent of days gone by while it displays two beautiful messages of encouragement. I love the old style of this vase; its threading at the opening reminds me of Mason jars and canning vegetables with my grandma when I was a little girl.  She absolutely loved pink roses, and I can't wait to put some in my vase.

  

I have been searching for coasters for our living room forever, but I can never seem to find ones that I like that fit in with our decor.  These are perfect, and I love that they come in a set of six!

These ceramic coasters {$15.99, reg. $19.99} with their quaint, timeworn appeal, infuse your home with messages of hope. They come packaged flat in a nice box, great for gift-giving.  

Think Mother's Day :)

Here's the fun part...leave a comment & you will be entered to win a Redeemed ~ Truly Treasured wallet!  I absolutely love this and think it would compliment so many different handbags!  I think I have to hop over and get one for myself.  "Like" CandidCollections on Facebook & leave a comment over there for an extra chance to win.   :)

I recently purchased the Truly Blessed lunch bag, Grace keychain, and Grace cuff with a gift card. Check out all the April Redeemed specials here.  There is something for everyone!   Happy Shopping!  :)

Disclosure: Affiliate links used; opinions are my own.  DaySpring gave me the vase & coasters to review. The winning code will be valid on this item only and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotion codes. Shipping costs will apply. The code expires July 31, 2012.

babyganics at VitaCost

I haven't posted in a while.  We had a whirlwind weekend away for a family wedding & then I got sick right before we drove home Sunday.  It has been CRAZY around here, and I thought it would only be appropriate to write about VitaCost & all the products I've been using to freshen and disinfect our house these past two weeks as the flu has swept through our family, not once, but twice!...

You might remember my post about ordering a few Babyganics products from VitaCost.  I had never used their stuff, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  But...I had a $10 credit and figured I'd try them out.  I love everything I purchased!


In a perfect world, I would have a bathroom big enough for a changing table within reach of soap and hot running water.  Well, this isn't a perfect world, and Joel's room is across the hall from the bathroom.  There are times when I need to sanitize my hands before I touch one more thing. That's why I got this...

Have you ever walked into your baby's room to breathe in the aroma of freshly soiled diaper?  I don't care who you are or what kind of trash can, genie or champ you have, nothing completely conceals that dirty diaper smell.  That's where this comes in {I love its fresh lavender scent & non-aerosol pump}...

I have a love-hate relationship with cleaning.  I love a clean bathroom.  I hate spending a Saturday morning {that would otherwise be free} scrubbing my heart out and breathing in chemicals to achieve a bathtub that sparkles.  I'm also not a fan of putting my baby in a tub that I just cleaned with said chemicals.  I know, I know...I could go green & use vinegar {I actually have}, but I don't like that odor either.  That's why I'm using this {it also has that fresh, clean scent of lavender that makes cleaning enjoyable  tolerable, and it gets results}...

I don't let my baby eat from a Clorox bucket, so why would I let him eat Cheerios from a tray that I  wiped down with antibacterial spray or chew on a toy that has just been soaked in bleach?  I'm much more at ease when I use this...

Have you used your FREE $10 VitaCost credit yet?  If you haven't, hop over here and check them out.  They have MUCH more than babyganics...bath & beauty needs, baby care, vitamins, daily deals, etc...all at discounted prices!  Sign up for your FREE $10 credit now :)

Disclosure: All thoughts are my own; affiliate referral link used.

DaySpring Clearance

I've talked about how much I love DaySpring products before.  Many of them decorate our home, and I have given countless gifts from this wonderful company.  Right now, they are having an amazing clearance sale.  Christmas items are up to 75% off and there are many other great finds that are sooooooo reasonably priced.
For instance, I really really really want this set of dishes from the Life Collection.  They are on sale for $20.  Yes, twenty dollars.  Cheap.  I have the pitcher, table runner, and tea towels.  I have given the runner, tea towels, adult half apron and child's apron as gifts.  They are sure to please!

 We also gave this Everything Beautiful teapot and teacup & saucer to my mother-in-law for Christmas...she loves them :)

 

The entire Love Came Down collection is on clearance.  I have several of those items and love them all! One more thing...this I Will Bless You accordion card organizer is a great way to be prepared to send cards for all occasions throughout the year...the best part, it's on clearance for $4.99.

 There are loads of other great deals I'm going to check out. As always, DaySpring offers FREE shipping on all orders over $50.   And...right now, get $10 off $60 with coupon code 10off60 at checkout!  Ready...set...shop! Happy almost Friday :)

Disclosure: Affiliate links used.

{in}courage someone with a card.

It doesn't take much to make me happy, but nothing quite compares to finding a handwritten note with my name on it.

thanks for the awesome gift - you rock. 

thinking of you.
hey mom, sweet breakfast.
good luck...you've got this!
sister, I care.
let me know if you need anything.
I'm sorry
thanks for all you do. my son loves learning.
dad, thanks for teaching me how to forgive.

I love you.
i can't wait to grow old with you.

congratulations on your new bundle...enjoy every moment.

mom, thanks for teaching me how to give.

 just because. 

Whatever the occasion, know the recipient of your card is touched by the simple fact that you cared enough to think of them, choose the perfect card, take the time to write a meaningful note, and seal it with love.

I recently sent this DaySpring card to a coworker who is fighting a tough battle, undergoing chemotherapy treatments...while trying to keep up with her full-time job and care for her little girl.  I simply wrote Dear friend, you are in my daily thoughts and prayers.  I hope it made her smile and brightened her day, if only for a moment.

 I recently received the I Will Bless You card organizer, along with two card packs to review.  

Let me tell you, 20 recipients are sure to be blessed by these {in}couraging and {in}spiring notes :)

 Who can you {in}courage with a card today?
Share with us over at {in}courage & pick up a set of cards to send to the ones you love.

  Disclosure: Referral affiliate link used. DaySpring/{in}courage gave me the card pack & organizer.  All thoughts are my own.

Shutterfly Invitations & a giveaway

I ordered Daniel's invitations at Shutterfly & I think they turned out really cute!  I love to personalize invitations :)  

For safety reasons, I waited until after his party to share.

 

I'm constantly receiving coupon codes for percentages and dollar amounts off at Shutterfly.  I recently opened my inbox to find a $20 credit...score!  Right now, Shutterfly is offering 20% off all photo books & personalized cards.  I'm in the process of designing two photo books {Christmas & Daniel's birthday}.  It is so time-consuming, but I found that I'm usually happy with books Shutterfly automatically creates when I'm short on time.  Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $30 until 1/18/12 with code: ship30 at checkout.  And...the first four readers to leave a comment at the end of this post will receive a 10% off coupon code for Shutterfly.  What are your favorite Shutterfly products?  Ready...go!
Disclosure: I have been compensated for sharing the invitation with you, but there are no referral links in this post.

love came down.

 
{Giveaway now closed}
I am so excited to have the opportunity to review another product for {in}courage, especially since this one comes with a giveaway!  First, I have to say that I love, love, love Dayspring's Love Came Down collection.  In fact, before I received the advent calendar {pictured below} to review, I had already purchased the Love Came Down table runner and  tea towels.  They are simple and elegant.  I actually bought one of each for myself and plan to gift the others.  Everything in the entire collection is just beautiful.

I absolutely love this felt advent calendar & the attached heart that moves each day!  It is great for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with your kids & a fun way for them to count down to the big day.   My nine-year-old son was just as excited about this as I was!  We hung ours on the coat closet door in the hallway - a central location that all of us pass by several times a day.  I look forward to keeping this tradition alive with both of our boys for many years to come.

 

I have the latte mug and the Love Came Down Christmas mug, too.  Both are great for a favorite hot drink.  Also shown is the Love Came Down table runner...lovely  :) 

What I like most about Dayspring products are the simple messages they send. I mean, Love Came Down perfectly represents the holiday we are about to celebrate.  Love Came Down at Christmas in the form of a baby boy who would become our savior.  We call him Jesus.  It just doesn't get any simpler than that.  Even though this is a Christmas collection, each of the pieces are versatile, and can be used to decorate your home throughout the year :)

Right now, {in}courage is partnering with Dayspring to offer FREE shipping when you spend $25.  Use code: ship25 ~ Better yet, hop on over to {in}courage, check out the collection, leave a comment sharing which Love Came Down piece you would like to have, and you'll be entered to win a $20 coupon code!  "Like" CandidCollections & leave a comment on Facebook for an extra chance to win.  Ready....GO!


Disclosure: Dayspring gave me this product to review, but all thoughts & opinions are my own.  Affiliate referral links used.  Shipping charges will apply to the winner's order. For the coupon code to work properly, there must be a $20 minimum purchase. The coupon code will expire December 31, 2012.

(in)spired: In God's Heart, I am...

A few weeks ago I stumbled onto a Facebook page entitled "In God's Heart I am..."  I had been having one of those days and "liked" the page.  I read some posts on their wall and then wrote my own: In God's heart, I am special even when I'm not feeling like I am.  The very next day I noticed that in(courage) was offering a free product in return for hosting a blog review.  The theme, you ask? God's heart for you.  Coincidence?  I think not.  

I signed up and didn't think about it again until I pulled in the driveway after another one of those days to find a package on the front porch with Blessings Unlimited in a whimsical font flowing across the box.  I had no idea what it was, but my only thought was, Lord, after today, I need all the blessings I can get...and I need them NOW!  Coincidence?  I think not.  

I came in the house with the kids, fed Joel, helped Daniel with his homework, and thanked God when I saw the steak thawed on the kitchen counter ready for Dan to grill when he got home.  The little things, I tell you.  Then I went out to get the box.  I opened it to find a "God's Heart" card pack tied up in a cute pouch...

simple.

modern.

classy.

I read them all, and every single one of them spoke to me in some way.   One of my favorites read: You're going to make it through, just when you least expect it (Romans 8:28).  Yes!  In God's heart, I am...going to make it through the day!  They are the most (in)spiring cards I've read in awhile.  I sent one to my sister who just went back to work after almost four months of maternity leave (and I know how hard that is).  It took me awhile to choose which one to send, because any of them would have been perfect. 

 

Each one is definitely (in)couraging, and I (in)courage you to stop on over to (in)spired deals and check them out.  Blessings Unlimited is Dayspring's home party business, so you can go here to find a consultant near you if you wish to purchase these cards {or any of their other items}.  In times where our main line of communication is through a keyboard & computer monitor, who doesn't love to get handwritten note in the mail?  I know I sure do!  These would be great to have on hand for the special women in your life.  Let them know that...In God's heart, they are special!  This pouch of "pick-me-ups" would also make an awesome birthday present or stocking stuffer...Christmas is less than four months away!  :) 

Disclosure: Dayspring gave me this product to review, but all thoughts & opinions are my own.