23.11.10

Ideas for Making Beautiful Holiday Pictures

I am admittedly a photography junkie. I love taking pictures of anything and everything! I'm surprised my kids don't permanently see spots, as I've taken pictures of them since the moment they were born. :) As the holidays are nearing, I've been considering some great ideas to make beautiful pictures without having to get professional photos taken. I'm trying to save some money this year and this is a great way to save! Here are 5 suggestions for making beautiful and unforgettable photos!

1. Photo the Unexpected-- I've found that the some of the best shots I've gotten of my boys are action shots. I bring my camera with me everywhere because you never know what's going to happen! There may be a perfect photo opportunity so, stuff that camera in your diaper bag or purse!

2. Go Natural -- Go to a park, garden, or natural preserve. Pictures outdoors always come out more beautiful. The light gives you much more to work with, especially when editing pictures later.

3. A Good Editing Program Goes a Long Way - When my computer was in the shop, I only had my husband's old computer to save pictures. He had no editing program at all! It was awful. A good editing program can transform even the worst pictures, blurry pictures, dimly lit pictures into focus and beautiful. I recommend PhotoShop. It's a great program and the possibilities are endless. Read more about Adobe Photoshop Element 9 here.

4. Transform Blur into Beauty - When I find a picture that would have been absolutely perfect if not blurry, I always turn it into a black & white photo. Something about the black & white gives the photo extra depth and makes the photo less blurry. You can also work with the lighting to make the picture appear less blurry.

5. Never Force a Photo - If your children aren't in the mood to sit still for a photo and are not cooperative, don't force it. Planned photos like this rarely turn out good. Even on a good day, they are not representative of true personalities. The best thing to do for a photo shoot is to distract children with a toy, faces, noises or anything else that brings the focus to something happier.

Do you enjoy taking photos? What are your never-fail photo tactics? I hope I get some good ones again this year of the boys during the holidays! Honestly, my current camera is not a very good quality one, but, with a nice photo editing program you can make those pictures look like they came from a professional camera and photographer! I asked for a new digital camera this Christmas so, I sure hope I get one. Here's to the many photos that will be taken in the year 2011!!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Adobe blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

JoeShopping.com Review & 50 Amazon.com Gift Card Giveaway

JoeShopping is a new website that combines two of my favorite things- comparison shopping for great deals and social networking! If you are a blogger, love to write, and/or love to shop, this is definitely a website for you. Sign up and let the fun begin. You can post pictures in your newest wardrobe or from your latest shopping spree, add videos, write up product reviews, write a blog post, and much more.

As if that isn't fun enough, you also collect points each time you complete one of the tasks (blogging, reviewing, etc.)! At the end of the month, the points gathered will turn into entries for the $5,000 Sweepstakes. The grand prize is $3,500! So, the more you review and network, the more points you get and the bigger chance you have at winning the grand prize! There is also a Refer-A-Friend Contest going on until December 31st so, refer friends for a chance to win another $5000 worth of prizes!

My Thoughts

The whole idea behind JoeShopping makes me wonder why I didn't think of it myself. Yo can find great deals AND network? It's simple, yet brilliant! I love giving my input about products I've purchased and JoeShopping provides a place where I can actually benefit from giving my opinions. Plus, you can meet new friends, browse the forums for interesting topics, and much more. The website is constantly growing and adding new features, too, so, be prepared for bigger and better things in the future.

I signed up for my account last night and got started with JoeShopping. I found out immediately how quickly points add up! Just for creating my account I earned points and, 30 minutes later I already had 50 points! It was exciting and fun to actually get points to do something I enjoy. I was, however, worried about JoeShopping becoming an addition and something that sucks up a great deal of time each day, but there are limits set, thank goodness. You can only write a certain amount of product review per day for points, write one blog post, add 5 friends, etc. After about 30 minutes, I'd completed almost all of the daily point options.

The service is relatively new right now, which means many review options and, my favorite part, a better chance of winning prizes at the end of the month! I know many of you are sitting at work trying to find a way to entertain yourselves until the clock strikes 5 so, fill it with something worthwhile! Register for your JoeShopping account today and earn some points! I was impressed with how easy it was to register and navigate the website. I also found some great gift ideas while looking around!

Win It

JoeShopping is generously providing a $50 Amazon.com gift card to one lucky winner!


How to Enter

  • Go to JoeShopping and register for your free account today! It's only takes a few seconds to be on your way to earning points! (If you are already registered, just tell me what you like the most about the website!)
**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory! Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.

Additional Entries

• "Like" JoeShopping on Facebook and leave a message that Children Teaching Mama sent you (I will be checking!)!
• Follow JoeShopping on Twitter!
•Earn Your 1st Points On JoeShopping by Adding a picture, writing a review or blog entry, writing a status update, etc. - (2 entries)
•Follow Children Teaching Mama via Google Friend Connect
•Register for the Children Teaching Mama Newsletter (on left sidebar)
•'Like' Children Teaching Mama on Facebook
•Follow Children Teaching Mama on Twitter
•Grab the New & Improved Children Teaching Mama Button & Place on Your Blog (3 entries)- leave url
• Grab the Gift Giving Guide Event Button & Place On Your Blog (5 entries if before Dec. 3rd and 2 entries if after the 3rd!) - leave url
•Enter My Other Giveaways (1 Entry Per Giveaway Entered)
• Comment On Any Non-Giveaway Post (1 entry each comment) - tell me where to find it
• Blog About this Review & Giveaway, Including Links to Children Teaching Mama & JoeShopping
•Tweet (up to 2x a day 1 hr apart) By clicking the "Tweet" Button At the Top Of this Post OR Use this Tweet:
#Win a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card @ChildrenTeach @JoeShopping  http://tinyurl.com/32kc3cf
 #giveaways Ends 12/14
• Go register for the Joe Shopping $100 Amazon.com Giveaway over at Baby Dickey's Giveaways! (2 Entries)

Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends December 14th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the blog and the winner will also be contacted by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.

This review was written for JoeShopping.com. No compensation was received for the writing of this review. All opinions shared are completely and 100% mine and only mine!

22.11.10

Uncommonly Cute Children's T-Shirt Review & Giveaway

You know your little ones are hip and stylish, but does everyone else? Uncommonly Cute offers a variety of unique t-shirts to match your baby or child's personality! Uncommonly Cute has a selection of onesies and t-shirts, long-sleeved and short. In addition, the shirts are made of 100% cotton and are super soft. All onsies and shirts are machine washable, safe, and, most importantly, durable!

Uncommonly Cute is also dedicated to helping charities, including Room to Grow and R Baby Foundation.

My Thoughts

I first read a review for Uncommonly Cute on The Freebie Junkie and was hooked. I just had to review their onesies and shirts. The hardest part was deciding which shirt I wanted to review. There are so many cute choices for boys and girls. Here are some of my favorites:









I tried about 20 unsuccessful times to take a picture of Josiah's adorable shirt. After several minutes of chasing him around, him hiding under the counter, and twisting in every direction to avoid me getting a shot of the shirt, I gave up. Here's the gag reel of pictures captured during this hilarious photo shoot:

I thought this shirt fit his personality perfectly. I also liked the other similar one that says "Elmo is My Homeboy". Since it's finally getting cold here, I chose a long-sleeved shirt for Josiah in a size 4. They definitely run small, as he usually wears a size 3 so, always size up.

Uncommonly Cute onesies and shirts are not only adorable, but definitely great quality. The shirts are very soft and warm. If the shirt were anything but soft and comfortable, Josiah wouldn't wear it. He's gotten into the habit of taking his shirt off every time he is uncomfortable. He's still wearing his Big Bird shirt from earlier so, that's a sure sign that he likes it!

Buy It
Ready to buy your little one an Uncommonly Cute Onesie or Shirt? Purchase one (or two) today for prices starting at only $19.00! What a deal! Many stores carry Uncommonly Cute Shirts, too.

Win It
Uncommonly Cute is Offering One Lucky Winner A Onesie or Shirt Of Their Choice!

How To Enter
  • Visit Uncommonly Cute And Comment Below On Which Shirt You Would Like to Have!

**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory! Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.

Additional Entries

• "Like" Uncommonly Cute on Facebook and leave a message that Children Teaching Mama sent you (I will be checking!)!
• Follow Uncommonly Cute on Twitter!
•Make a Purchase from Uncommonly Cute during this giveaway (5 entries!)
•Follow Children Teaching Mama via Google Friend Connect
•Register for the Children Teaching Mama Newsletter (on left sidebar)
•'Like' Children Teaching Mama on Facebook
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•Grab the New & Improved Children Teaching Mama Button & Place on Your Blog (3 entries)- leave url
• Grab the Gift Giving Guide Event Button & Place On Your Blog (5 entries if before Dec. 3rd and 2 entries if after the 3rd!) - leave url
•Enter My Other Giveaways (1 Entry Per Giveaway Entered)
• Comment On Any Non-Giveaway Post (1 entry each comment) - tell me where to find it
•Tweet (up to 2x a day 1 hr apart) By clicking the "Tweet" Button At the Top Of this Post OR Use this Tweet:
#Win an Adorable Uncommonly Cute Kid's T-Shirt or Onesie @ChildrenTeach @uncommonlycute http://tinyurl.com/29u58lo #giveaways Ends 12/13
Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends December 13th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the blog and the winner will also be contacted by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.

Duncan Hines Decadent Cakes & Glazes Review


About Duncan Hines Decadent Cakes & GlazesDuncan Hines®, the well recognized brand that has been helping families create delicious memories for 60 years, introduces the latest breakthrough in deliciousness at the baking aisle – Decadent Cakes and Glazes. Duncan Hines new Decadent Cake Line with two new incredibly indulgent offerings – Duncan Hines Decadent Triple Chocolate Cake with real chocolate chunks and rich fudge and Duncan Hines Decadent Apple Caramel Cake with real apples and rich caramel. With more people entertaining at home and looking for better quality desserts, these decadent cakes are perfect. Both cakes contain zero grams of trans fat and NO hydrogenated oils. They are available in cake baking section of supermarkets nationwide in 20 oz size boxes at a SRP of $2.99.

Simultaneously, Duncan Hines launches Decadent Glazes, a one of a kind glaze designed to elevate the baking experience with a whole new way to top your desserts. Available in Chocolate and Vanilla, Decadent Glazes help home chefs create spectacular desserts with professional results. Only Duncan Hines offers this versatile topping to complement your baked goods or any dessert with a touch of sweetness and flavor. What separates Decadent Glazes from frosting is they are not as heavy or sweet as frosting and are convenient to use. These glazes are available in a 10 ounce squeeze bottle at an SRP of $2.49.

My Thoughts
I love baking and especially love Duncan Hines cake mixes. They are, in my opinion, the thing to a homemade cake! I honestly can't tell the difference, but their cake mixes are definitely much easier to prepare and cook! I couldn't wait to make the Decadent Triple Chocolate Cake. Even the picture on the box made my mouth water. Josiah, my partner in crime, and my niece, Rylee, were more than willing to help me prepare the batter... and sneak a few licks of the extra chocolate when I wasn't looking.

What makes the cake extra chocolaty is the added chocolate sauce with chunks of chocolate, which you swirl into the cake batter after it's in the pan. Once it's baked, the chocolate sauce makes the inside of the cake so yummy, with pieces that are chocolate gooey deliciousness.

the batter and chocolate sauce

Want even more chocolaty goodness? Next, add the Chocolate Decadent Glaze. The Decadent glazes are a great idea and taste amazing. You just pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, until it turns into a smooth hot fudge glaze. Josiah helped me drizzle it all over the cake. As if that weren't enough, we also used some of the Vanilla Decadent Glaze!
Notice the sneaky little finger on the left!
I thought the two kiddos were going to explode before they could get the cake in their mouths! I made the cake for a dinner party we threw for my in laws and, in a matter of minutes, most of the cake was devoured. Not that I can blame them; it was absolutely delicious. I was reminded of a hot fudge cake. The only thing missing was some ice cream.

enjoying their work!

I highly recommend the Duncan Hines Decadent Cake Mixes and Glazes, especially for your upcoming holiday parties. It was easy to make, looks beautiful, and tastes delicious. What more could you ask for? Believe me, your guests will be talking about your delicious cake for months to come! Josiah is already asking me when we can make another.

So, are you ready to buy a Duncan Hines Decadent Cake and some Glaze? At only $2.99 for the cake and $2.49 for the glaze, they are more than affordable! Plus, click HERE for a $1 coupon! What a great deal!

This review was written for Duncan Hines in conjunction with The Family Review Network. I was not, in any way, other than the product received to review. All opinions written are completely and 100% mine and only mine.

Gift Giving Guide: Weebles Musical Treehouse Playset Review

I used to love my weebles back in the 80s. In fact, I still have a few of them! I was so excited to see that Playskool has released a new line of Weebles toys this fall. They are so cute and kids absolutely love them. If you haven't seen them before, they are shaped like a huge egg, and, like the theme song says, "Weebles wobble, wobble, but they don't fall down"!

Along with several 2-packs of themed Weebles, Playskool has designed some very cute toys and accessories, including the Weebles Treehouse, Weebles Wobble-Go-Round, and the Wobblin' Go-Car. These toys are the perfect gift for little ones age 12 months and older this Christmas.

My Thoughts

I loved my original Weebles from back in the day so, I couldn't wait to review the new Weebles Musical Treehouse Playset! We had already purchased the Weebles Wobble-Go-Round and Liam loved it. The Weebles Treehouse is for children ages 18 months and older so, I thought Liam would get a kick out of it.

The day we received the treehouse, my older son, Josiah (3 years) and niece, Rylee (4 years), were playing in the living room with Liam. All three of them LOVED the toy and played with it for over an hour. Even the adults were playing with it. Yes, all of us, including the hubs.

There is a climbing staircase for the Weebles and, once they get to the top, they go down the slide and hit a button that makes music play. One of the songs played is the Weebles theme song, like in the commercial. It has been stuck in all of our heads for well over a month now. Even Liam clicks the button just to get to that song so he can dance. It's so funny!

The Weebles Musical Treehouse Playset is a wonderful present for children. Believe me, they will love it! My kids still play with it every single day.

Buy It
Purchase the Weebles Musical Treehouse Playset on Amazon.com today for only $24.97

This review was written for Playskool. No compensation was received for the writing of this review. All opinions are completely and 100% mine.

Deal Of The Day! Get a Free Amazon.com Gift Card

Hi, everyone, and Happy Monday! I just found out about a great way to earn some Christmas money through The Freebie Junkie.

Itsthoughtful.com, a website all about getting you the best bargain for great gift ideas, has a new promotion going on. Itsthoughtful.com is offering a FREE $25 Gift Card to Amazon.com!!

Receive a FREE $25 Amazon gift card if 15 friends sign-up from your invites. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2010. Then, gift cards will be emailed to the winners on December 18, 2010 so you have some extra cash just in time for last minute Christmas shopping!

While you are there sign up for the $500 Christmas Gift Contest on itsThoughtful.com. Share your favorite gift ideas and then start spreading the word about your thoughtful gift idea. The gift idea with the most votes will receive a $500 Amazon gift card.  If someone you invited wins the contest you will receive a $200 gift card.  Everyone's a winner!

21.11.10

New & Improved Children Teaching Mama Blog Button + 3 Entries

Hi, everyone! The website has completely been redesigned by The Shabby Vanity and along with the new look comes a brand new blog button! If you have the girl on the fence, please delete that one and replace it with my little birdies! Here's the button html code below!
Oh, and don't forget, you get 3 extra entries into all giveaways if you have the button on your blog! Once you've added the button, please leave your url below!





And don't forget to add my Gift Giving Guide event button to your blog for 5 additional entries into all giveaways for the rest of the year!!!  Click the link above to go to that post and add the Gift Giving Guide Button to You blog, too!

I hope you like the new blog look! Let me know what you think. Have a wonderful week!

Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar Review & Gift Package Giveaway w/ Digital Picture Frame

I've always been told by my Grandma that vinegar works well as a cleaner. You can clean pretty much anything, from hair to windows! It's a somewhat forgotten home remedy in the modern world. SC Johnson gets back to the basics with their newest formula, Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar!

The Windex® Multi-Surface Vinegar allows you to clean virtually any surface in your home with one easy product, saving time while leaving your home with a bright shine! Not only will it remove those dirty hand prints, it will leave a refreshing scent behind to lift your spirits.

My Thoughts

In our home we only use non-toxic, natural cleaning products. With two children and pets, I don't want to take a chance with any toxic chemicals. Plus, it's better for the environment. I've always wanted to try vinegar as a cleaner and couldn't wait to try out my Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar.

Josiah had colored all over our windows with window crayons a week prior and, after sitting in the sun, the crayon had dried and caked on terribly. I figured this would be the perfect test so, I sprayed on the Windex and let it sit briefly before wiping it off with a towel. As soon as I sprayed, the crayon immediately started coming off. I've tried other cleaners, like Watkins, in the past to get the window crayons off and always, always have to spray at least 3 times before there aren't any streaks, but this time I sprayed on the Windex, wiped it off, and the windows were sparkling clean.

Not only did Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar clean well, it cleaned fast and that's always nice as an on-the-go parent! Also, there wasn't an overpowering smell. Liam is very sensitive to scents and I have to watch what we use. The formula was virtually odorless. It just made everything look and smell clean.

Overall, Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar worked very well and I was more than pleased. We'll be using this in the future, especially because it is not as expensive as some of the other natural cleaners and works just as well, in my opinion. Give it a try this holiday season and prepare your home for all those guests! They'll be asking how your got those surfaces so bright and shiny!

Win It!

SC Johnson has generously donated a Windex prize pack for one lucky winner. It includes:
  •  One bottle of Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar
  • A digital picture frame
  • A reusable shopping bag
How To Enter:

Why Would You Like To Try Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar Or What Would You Like To Clean With It?

**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory! Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.

Additional Entries


This post was written for SC Johnson in conjunction with The Family Review Network. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% mine and only mine.
•Follow Children Teaching Mama via Google Friend Connect
•Register for the Children Teaching Mama Newsletter (on left sidebar)
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•Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back to Children Teaching Mama & Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar.
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Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends November 30th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the blog and the winner will also be contacted by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.

20.11.10

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Anti-Aging Products Review Giveaway


About Arbonne Products (from their website)

At Arbonne, beauty begins with premium botanical ingredients, innovative scientific discovery, and an unwavering commitment to pure, safe and beneficial products. Arbonne creates personal care and wellness products that preserve and enhance the skin, body and mind for an integrative approach to beauty. Working closely with scientists around the world and our Arbonne Institute of Research and Development (AIRD®) facility in Switzerland, we continually explore and develop scientifically advanced, botanically based proprietary formulas that meet our exacting standards for quality, safety and sustainability.
My Thoughts

Arbonne's facial products are known not only for making skin look beautiful on the outside, but for healing it on the inside as well. With the best natural ingredients available, Arbonne creates products that guarantee healthier, brighter skin in only a matter of days. I put Arbonne's 6-step RE9 Advanced Anti-Aging Face Products to the test for a week. The RE9 Face products I tested included: Smoothing Facial Cleanser, Regenerating Toner, Intensive Renewal Serum, Corrective Eye Creme, Restorative Day Creme SPF20, and Night Repair Creme.
The RE9 Advanced Set
RE9 Advanced uses 9 key botanical ingredients to target aging with results beginning within 24 hours! I have never tried anything that promises such results so quickly so, I was excited to give Arbonne a try. Fiona, my Independent Arbonne Consultant, loves these products and has nothing but wonderful things to say so, I figured it was worth a shot. At 30 years old, I am just beginning to see signs of aging. Back in the 80s and 90s we never used sunscreen and slathered our skin with baby oil for maximum sun when at the beach. It sounds so stupid now, especially because it has considerably aged my skin. So, the test began...

I usually don't use many facial products at all, besides an occasional moisturizer, but within a day, I loved my Arbonne RE9 Advanced products. It took a little while to apply everything, which I'm not a big fan of, but once they were on, I couldn't even feel them. I ran to the mirror the following morning looking for any signs that it was working and could immediately tell that my skin was not as dry, a definite problem in the winter for many women.  Within 2 days, I noticed the dark circles under my eyes were not quite as dark.

By the end of the week my skin, more than anything, just looked very healthy and felt smooth. My forehead has a few lines, but even those seemed minimized. I was very impressed with my Arbonne results and couldn't wait to tell Fiona. She wasn't surprised, as Arbonne buyers are quite loyal and love their products! Now I know why. I'm not going to lie, they are a bit expensive, but, unlike other anti-aging products I've tried, this one definitely works and the results are visible in only 24 hours. Plus, you only need a little pea-sized amount of each product when using it so, they last an incredibly long time!

Buy It
So, are you ready to give Arbonne a try? You can purchase from Fiona today by clicking here, signing up, and perusing the many Arbonne products!

Win It
Thanks to Fiona, One Very Lucky Reader Will Win An Arbonne RE9 Advanced 12-Piece Anti-Aging Travel Kit Worth $110!

How To Enter
  • Visit Fiona's Arbonne Webpage And Register To Be A Client (completely free and no strings attached! It just makes you eligible to make purchases if you wish to do so!)
**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory! Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.

Additional Entries

• "Like" Fiona's Arbonne page on Facebook and leave a message that Children Teaching Mama sent you (I will be checking!)!
•Make a Purchase from Fiona's Arbonne page (after signing in) during this giveaway (10 entries!)
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•Grab the NEW & Improved Children Teaching Mama Button & Place on Your Blog (3 entries)- leave url
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•Enter My Other Giveaways (1 Entry Per Giveaway Entered)
•Tweet (up to 2x a day 1 hr apart) By clicking the "Tweet" Button At the Top Of this Post OR Use this Tweet:
#Win a Arbonne RE9 Anti-Aging Travel Set Worth $110 @ChildrenTeach
 http://tinyurl.com/2927234 #giveaways Ends 12/11
•Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogger by clicking the picture below! (1 entry per day!)
The Top 100 Mommy Blogs
Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends December 11th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the blog and the winner will also be contacted by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.
Shinso Skin Care harnesses deep sea waters to bring you beautiful, all-natural skin.
This review was written for Arbonne. No compensation was received for the writing of this review. All opinions are completely and 100% mine.

Holiday Gift Giving Guide: Quilted Classics Photo Blanket Review & Giveaway



Here in the South, quilted handbags are quite the rage. All women have at least one and, if you are a real, fanatic, you have several sets! I noticed the other day that my current quilted handbag was looking a little dingy. It was definitely time for a new one so, I went looking online. As soon as I googled, I found Quilted Classics and was immediately in love with the store!

Quilted Classics is your online resource for a wide variety of high quality Victorian Heart Quilts, Bella Taylor Quilted Handbags and Natural Jute Braided Rugs. Not only will you find a huge selection of quilted products, but at affordable prices. You can also find Kids Bedding, Inspirational items, and much more on the website. There is even a clearance section for deeply discounted items!

My Thoughts

Looking around the Quilted Classics website, I was already impressed with how easily it was to navigate around the pages and pages of quilts, handbags, rugs, and other items. Their system is even set up to view handbags by your favorite pattern or your favorite style! I love that feature!

see all that room!!

There were so many wonderful patterns and handbag styles on the Quilted Classics website that I was so excited to open my package! I received a Renaissance Stride handbag by Bella Taylor. Renaissance is the pattern, with a beautiful dark red background and many detailed flowers, and Stride is the style of handbag. The Stride handbag is actually one of the Quilted Classics most popular handbags and I can tell why. It has an amazing amount of room, several pockets, and comes in a variety of different prints.

I was especially pleased with the quality of the Bella Taylor handbag. I have several Vera Bradley products and I can honestly say that the Bella Taylor is equal, if not superior, to that of Vera Bradley. The biggest difference? The price! Bella Taylor handbags are much more affordable. A Vera Bradley bag the size of the Stride handbag would easily cost over $85, but the Bella Taylor Stride handbag is only $31.95! I did a double take when I first saw the price. You could buy 3 Bella Taylor bags for the price of one Vera Bradley!

Not only am I a Belle Taylor handbag convert, I am a huge Quilted Classics fan. Every time I've spoken to Kelly, one the co-owners, she has been so sweet and helpful. Unlike most online stores, Quilted Classics is more interested in providing impeccable customer service instead of being completely focused on making sales. The owners have worked in customer service for many years and love helping customers so, you can email them for a quick response to your questions or even give them a call!

Buy It
So, are you ready to make your first purchase at Quilted Classics? Purchase a Renaissance Stride handbag by Bella Taylor for only $31.95. Enter code NOV10 for 15% off your purchase until 11/28!

Win It
One Very Lucky Reader Will Win A $50 Gift Certificate to Quilted Classics!

How To Enter
  • Visit Quilted Classics & Sign Up For Their Newsletter (on the left side, near the bottom)! Just comment below letting me know you signed up!
**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory! Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.

Additional Entries

• "Like" Quilted Classics on Facebook and leave a message that Children Teaching Mama sent you (I will be checking!)!
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•Make a Purchase from Quilted Classics during this giveaway (5 entries!)
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#Win a $50 Credit to Quilted Classics Quilts, Handbags, and more @ChildrenTeach @quiltedclassics http://tinyurl.com/photoblankie #giveaways Ends 12/10
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Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends December 10th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the blog and the winner will also be contacted by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.

This review was written for Photoweavers.com. No compensation was received for the writing of this review. All opinions are completely and 100% mine.