Vermont Soap Organics Review and a Giveaway!

I love organic natural cleaners for my family and home.  Both my children and I have allergies to something in standard cleaners that cause our skin to break out in hives or rashes.  So I am always on the lookout for products that do a good job keeping us clean and are high quality and natural.  More and more we are discovering how standard cleaners have cancer causing agents in them!  Think of how we saturate our bodies in them every day!

So when Vermont Soap Company offered to  send me products for review I was thrilled.  Vermont Soap Company is a company that makes 100% natural and non-toxic alternatives to the chemical based personal care products now in general use. Including;  handmade bar soaps for sensitive skin, anti-aging products,  100% natural shower gels, castile liquid soaps and non-toxic cleaners. Their products are so natural, they’re certified to USDA organic food standards by Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF). And even better they are Made In The USA!




 I received the Lemongrass Zen Foaming Hand Soap,  Sage Lime Natural Deodorant, and several of their Handmade Organic Bar Soaps for review.  I have used their foaming hand soap before and love it.  It seems to do better at getting dirt off my hands and I love the lemon scent because it is so uplifting.  Also it is rich and not too drying.


The next items I tried was the Sage Lime Natural Deodorant.  Now I have tried allot of natural deoderants over the years and have been disappointed in most of them.  They either make me itch or don't work.  But I have to say I LOVED the sage lime deodorant.  Not only does it work great, but its not to chalky, and it doesn't make me itch!  The price is super affordable too and right now they are running a sale buy on get on 50% off!

I got to try several of their handmade bar soaps and they are great.  Very nourishing with lovely sents and they get you clean without leaving a reisdue.


I recommend Vermont Soap Company to anyone looking for effective, natural, affordable home and body cleaners that are made right here in the USA.

Connect with Vermont Soap Company

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The Giveaway!

 Vermont Soap Company has been super generous by giving away a the Organic Anti-Aging Kit to pamper you during the holiday season!  That's a $50.00 Value!  These Organic products are formulated to combat the effects of damage caused by sun and time. Includes: Two 3oz Shea Butter Bar Soap, one 1.25oz Honey Love Mask, one 1.25oz Green Gold, one 2oz tin Organic Shea Butter, one Loofa Scrubby Pad and Hardwood Maple Soapdish. Use the rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional,  winning entry will be verified.

 

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb947/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only.  All Entries are verified.

 

LPC Survival Big Berky Water Filter Giveaway!!!

Is having clean water even during natural disasters and power outages important to you?  It is really important to me!  Which is why I am super jealous that my lucky readers will be getting the opportunity to win a Big Berkey Water Filter! The Berkey Water Filters are the best on the planet!   The versatile Big Berkey® system is the ideal water filtration system for use at home with small or medium sized families, travel, outdoor activities or during unexpected emergencies.  Includes one set of Black Berkey Elements.  This is a $258.00 value!

My Sponsor LPC Survival is an Authorized Dealer of the Berkey Water Filtration Systems and other preparedness products like food storage, grain mills, heirloom seeds, survival products, and much more!  Use the rafflecopter to enter.

I would love to have a Berky water filters!  Read below about how amazing these filters are!

Big Berkey Water Filters system purifies both treated water and untreated raw water from such sources as remote lakes, streams, stagnant ponds and water supplies in foreign countries, where regulations may be substandard at best. Perfect for everyday use, outdoor activities and a must in hostile environments where electricity, water pressure or treated water may not be available.

The Big Berkey® Water Filters system removes pathogenic bacteria, cysts and parasites entirely and extracts harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents, radon 222 and trihalomethanes. It also reduces nitrates, nitrites and unhealthy minerals such as lead and mercury.

This system is so powerful it can remove red food coloring from water without removing the beneficial minerals your body needs. Virtually no other system can duplicate this performance.

Constructed of highly polished 304 stainless steel, the system comes complete with two purification elements and utilizes the latest technological advances. This system has a storage capacity of about 2.25 gallons (8.5 liters) and when in use it stands 19.25″ in height with a diameter of 8.5″. The upper chamber nests within the lower chamber for transport and stands only 13″ in height.

Configured with two Black Berkey® purification elements the system will purify up to 3 1/2 Gallons (13.3 liters) per hour*. This system can be expanded to use four purification elements and is capable of purifying up to 7 Gallons (26.5 liters) per hour*.

*Flow rate calculated with upper chamber full to top. Flow rate decreases as water level declines.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb948/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Why I LOVE it When Telephone Scammers Call Me

Most people hate it when telephone scammers call.  The guy with the thick middle eastern accent who says his name is Jim (sure!), trying to get you to give them your personal information.  I used to get highly annoyed as well and would try to get off the phone with a quick "Sorry, not interested bye!" and hang up.  But after awhile I reconsidered my abrupt end to the conversation.  After all these guys are working really hard to steal my money, I might as well make their day interesting for them.  And if they are going to try and steal my money don't I deserve some fun too!

My eldest daughter who is 16 loves to listen to these conversations.  She is usually hovering in the backround trying to keep her hysterical laughter quiet so she can hear my next comment. 

Here is my latest conversation with a scammer:

Me: Hello?

Jim (thick middle eastern accent):  Yes hello ma'am my name is Jim and I work at "....".  We are a company that works for Microsoft and see that your computer is sending out error messages.  This is a problem so I am calling to help you"  Note:  This is a common scam to get your computer info so they can hack you

Me:  I'm sorry We're Amish, we don't believe in computers

Pause while Jim looks through his script for an answer to that one

Jim: (confused voice) I have never gotten that answer before.  Ma'm I am calling because your computer is sending us an error message.

Me:  Sorry Jim but we don't have a computer because we're Amish.  We think technology is of the devil. Do you know who the devil is Jim?

In background Eldest Daughter has to shove napkin in her mouth to muffle the shrieks of laughter.

Silence from Jim, thinking of appropriate response

Jim: Yes ma'am I know who the devil is

Me:  Well you see Jim we think technology serves the devil.  The apocalypse is coming.  Save yourself Jim, save yourself! And have a nice day!

I hang up

Note:  I know amish people don't think that technology serves the devil, but Jim doesn't!

Conversation from earlier this month:

Me: Hello

Alex really thick middle eastern accent:  Hello Ma'am my name is Alex and I am calling from "....." on behalf of Microsoft because we see that your computer is sending out an error message. (we must be on some sort of list)

Me:  An error message oh no!

Alex:  Yes Ma'am, it is very serious but I am here to help walk you through getting your computer to stop sending the error message out.

Me:  Oh thank you Alex!  By the way where are you from?

Alex:  We are based out of Denver Ma'am.

Me:  No I mean where are you at physically right now?

Alex:  I am in middle Asia ma'am.

Me enthusiastic voice:  Middle Asia! How cool... is that like.. in Australia?

Alex: Pause.... No ma'am not by Australia.

Me:  Oh then is it by like.... England?

Alex:  Pause...Yes Ma'am we are close to England. 

Me:  Wow Alex that is so cool, you must have tons of pandas there.  Well what info do you need, my social security number, bank account, that kind of stuff?

Alex:  (obviously we are going off script to much at this point)  Ma'am I am calling about your computer sending out an error message so I will need info from your computer.

Me:  Oh Alex I'm so sorry but I just realized I don't have a computer, but have a great day! Hang up

These conversations do me worlds of good by breaking me out of my  routine and brightening my day.  My only sadness is that I don't get more scam calls because they are so much fun!

So I encourage you to not get angry when a scammer calls.  Have fun, be wacky!  They probably get board stealing money from little old ladies all day and could use some diversion.  I cant wait for my next call!

Educational Insights Shelby's Snack Shack Game Review and Giveaway!

 

 

 

Having 4 children and having worked in Daycare for 15 years I have seen pretty much every game known to kidom.  Some are good and engaging, but sadly many board games are just not fun for kids and end up collecting dust on a shelf.  Also I don't like kids board games that require me as a parent to guide the children through every step of the way.  I want something they can play themselves after a introductory game or two with mom.  Educational Insights is a company that provides high quality affordable educational toys and products for children. That's why I was very curious when Educational Insights sent me Shelby's Snack Shack Game $21.99 for my children to try out.

 

Here is a little blurb from the company:

Based in Southern California, Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Our products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.

 

Shelby's Snack Shack Game first off is very cute and engaging just in the box.  My five year old son was so excited to try it just from looking at the pictures on the box.  Here is a description of the game:

This preschool counting bone-anza is a summer day trip to a dog beach! Shelby buried bones in the sand and needs your help collecting them. Help her dig up the most bones and you win! Kids take turns using the adorable Shelby Squeezers to fill their dog bowl with bones while they practice early counting and number skills. Sounds simple, but be careful—spin a sneaky seagull, and you’ll lose some bones or get sidetracked chewing a flip flop and miss your turn! 2–4 players. Grades Pre-K+ -

 

Now this game says pre K but I have to tell you my 8 and 10 year old enjoyed it too.  It is really fun with the bones you pick up with the little Shelby dog.  My five year old son was able to understand this game right off and it was great to see him loving counting while we played.  Shelby's Snack Shack Game required only a bit of supervision on my part as the rules are simple.  The premise of  the game is the person with the most bones wins.  I like that the games don't go on and on, which would be a problem with pre-K kids because they would loose interest.  Each game lasts just long enough to keep young children interested and having fun.  I am so glad we got this game and can see many a rainy day or cold winter night spent playing it.

 

This is a perfect game for the preschool child in your life, although even my older children enjoyed it!  It would make a great gift or if your looking for something (like I am) and sneaks in counting learning in a fun way.  It's very affordable and is obviously well made with bright colors and neat game pieces.
 

Connect with Educational Insights

 

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The Giveaway!

 

Educational Insights has been super generous in giving one of The Thrifty Housewife's readers a  Shelby's Snack Shack Game of their very own!  Use the rafflecopter below to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries are verified.  Good Luck!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb946/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org. All entries are optional.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only. 

Emerson Creek Pottery Review and a Giveaway!

 

I love stone ware pottery.  I like the simplicity of the form and the colors usually used.  So when Emerson Creek Pottery offered to let me review one of their items I was thrilled!

 

 

 

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Emerson Creek Pottery artisans are continuing the American tradition of handmade pottery in a contemporary way. The property on which Emerson Creek Pottery sits was originally a 500-acre land grant from the King of England. In 1825, Silas Wade aquired the land and built his two room, and two story log cabin, now the home of Emerson Creek Pottery.

 

Our handcrafted ceramics are formed of clay made onsite. Each piece is hand made, hand painted and fired in a gas kiln. Each pattern is a series of carefully planned strokes. No templates or stencils are used. The patterns are practiced and committed to memory. The artists paint the pattern again and again. Each piece is alike and yet different, like flowers in a field. We are currently featuring 13 different lines of ceramic pottery, including our beloved signature line - Field of Iris, a classic since 1977. All of our work is microwave and dishwasher safe, lead free and ovenproof.

 

 

 

Emerson Creek Pottery history and high standards are a major selling point for me.  Especially that they are Made in the USA!  I hate buying things made in China because the standards there are so lax when it comes to toxic chemicals.  I always worry that things I buy from China for cooking are high in lead, but with Emerson Creek I can feel completely assured of the safety of their pottery.

 

It took me quite awhile to choose the item I wanted to review because frankly I love so much of their pottery!  I finally picked the Honey Pot in American Blue.  I personally love this blue color and would happily decorate my house in it.  There are tons of different patterns and colors you can choose from.  You could get entire sets to match.  The minute I took it out of the box I could see how well made it was. 

 

There are several items now on my wish list from Emerson Creek Pottery.  There is just so many different baking dishes, plates, or tea sets that are beautiful and functional.  I would recommend Emerson Creek Pottery to anyone wanting high quality, affordable, USA made stone ware.  They would also make amazing gifts(hint hint to any family members reading this)!

 

 

Connect with Emerson Creek Pottery

 

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Facebook

 

The Giveaway!

 

Emerson Creek Pottery has generously offered to give one lucky Thrifty Housewife reader a Honey Pot of their very own in winners choice of pattern!  Use the rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries will be verified.  Good Luck!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb945/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org. All entries are optional.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only. 

A breakdown of homemade laundry detergent costs

Here is a neat post over at  Food Storage Moms all about home-made laundry detergent.  They even have videos and they break down the cost of making a five gallon bucket full!  It is amazingly cheap so head on over there and be surprised   I am still using my soap recipe and it is working great. Our clothes are clean and smell very nice after about 5 months of doing it.

You only need three ingredients.  Borax, washing soda, and Fels Naptha soap.  You can make it in one or more batches.  I do 5 at a time because we wash allot of laundry.  This really is thrifty, and when you look at organic laundry detergent it is even better cost wise.  This laundry detergent doesn't make my son, who is very sensitive and has eczema, break out.

Nordic Naturals Review and A Giveaway!

 

I am a big believer in the importance of Omega essential fatty acids in our diets.  My whole family takes omega supplements every day at bedtime.  There are a whole slew of health benefits and they are essential to the proper functioning of our bodies.  Here is just a tiny bit of the information about omegas in our diet.

 

Essential Fatty Acids are nutritional cornerstones of human health. Two major families of fats are comprised under this designation, omegas 3 and 6. They are deemed 'essential' because we need them for proper health—much like certain vitamins and minerals—but cannot produce them on our own. We must therefore consume these fats through diet or supplementation.

Most people associate omega-3s with cardiovascular health, but their benefits go far beyond the heart. The two main omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) promote a healthy immune response that is behind the relief of many chronic conditions but that are too often inhibited by poor nutrition.* Extensive research has documented the health benefits of EPA and DHA which include not only a healthy heart, but brain and cognitive function, joint mobility, eye health, pregnancy and lactation, healthy skin and hair, and a normally functioning immune response.*

Despite the great health benefits of omegas, individuals around the world suffer from omega–3 deficiency, a little–known problem to most people, but one that is counted as the 8th leading cause of preventable death in the US, among dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors.1 Omega–3 deficiency stems in large part from the growing unavailability of foods rich these nutrients—principally fish—and because of the increasing popularity of the Western diet worldwide. While most diets prior to the 20th century contained a relative balance of omega–3 and omega–6 rich foods, the typical Western diet today contains far more of the omega–6s. In fact, Americans have the lowest intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids of any developed country—the typical American diet contains 14–25 times more omega–6s than omega–3s! Through science and education, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering both increased awareness and quality omega nutrition in order to address this global health concern.

 

The problem is finding a high quality producer that also ensure that heavy metals and contaminants are not present. As I researched more into safe and high quality fish oil supplement I found Nordic Naturals. 

 

Some of the things that impressed me about their supplements are:

 

• Exceptional Freshness (fish oil can go rancid if too old)
• No Heavy Metals or contaminants detected through third party laboratories
• Award Winning Purity Levels
• Great Taste
• Multi patented Manufacturing Process to preserve quality and freshness 
• True Triglyceride form for better absorption
  
  

After contacting them  Nordic Naturals offered to send me a bottle of their Complete Omega to review.  The  Complete Omega comes in a bottle of 60 for $18.95.  That is pretty much what you pay for the higher quality fish oils in the store but I will say that they don't have the guarantees that Nordic Naturals provides.  The Complete Omega provides the below

 

The perfect balanced combination—a healthy balance
of omegas 3, 6, and 9

Supports heart and brain health, and healthy skin*

 Original research on Complete Omega™ has
shown that it supports normal function of the brain in
young children*

Formerly Complete Omega-3.6.9™, Complete Omega™ is a non-concentrated formula that blends EPA and DHA from coldwater fish with GLA from borage oil and omega-9. This omega-rich blend supports cardiovascular health, brain function, and positive mood, as well as healthy joints, hair, skin, and nails.*

We have been taking it for two weeks now and I can say that the taste is worlds above my other high quality fish oil supplement.  I feel much better knowing that these supplements are pure and uncontaminated by heavy metals.  Also as it provides a high dose of the omega's I know I'm not just pouring money into something that really isn't absorb able or low in the actual nutrients I'm paying for.  I will be buying Nordic Naturals in the future!  I would recommend these to anyone looking for the highest quality Omega supplements.

Connect With Nordic Naturals

 

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Facebook

Twitter

 

The Giveaway!

 

Nordic Naturals has generously offered to give one lucky Thrifty Housewife a bottle of their Complete Omega!  Use the rafflecopter to enter! 

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb944/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org. All entries are optional.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only. 

 

 

 

 

Acure Organics Review and Giveaway!

 

As I have gotten older I have developed allergies to many skin care products and soaps.  This is really annoying because it causes me to break out in itchy eczema all over my hands which are exposed the most, and also finding makeup and facial cleanser is really difficult.  I say I "developed" allergies but an even more likely cause is the companies changing their ingredients.  Many producers are changing to cheaper products because of the economy.  Rather than raise prices they prefer to keep them the same but sacrifice quality.

 

When Acure Organics offered to let me try their products I was a little nervous as I always am when trying anything new skincare wise.  "Am I going to make me have a reaction?" is always a thought in my mind.

 

Here is a blurb on Acure Organics:

We're on a mission...

We like to believe that we create the purest, natural and organic plant-based skincare products. Simplicity is the key to our formulas. In keeping each ingredient as close to its natural state as possible, we feel that our products deliver visible, more potent results. Each decision we make is based upon our three guiding principles: 


ACURE FOR YOUR SKIN

High quality skin care made from the purest, fair trade, natural and certified organic ingredients.  

ACURE FOR THE PLANET

We have a sustainable company culture that impacts every decision we make.

• Green packaging

• Green products

• Social Consciousness

• Triple Bottom Line

ACURE FOR A CURE

Each day, we are bombarded by harmful chemicals in cosmetic products. ACURE wants to help eliminate people’s exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetics and help educate them on the benefits of food-grade, organic ingredients. 

 

That sounds pretty amazing huh?  They sent me several products to try but the first I sampled was the lemongrass + moroccan argan oil firming body lotion $9.99.  I have a terrible time finding lotions because so many of them cause me to break out in hives.  I was thrilled to find that Acure's body lotion not only didn't cause any break outs but is a lovely lotion as well.  I really liked the lemon scent which is very uplifting.  It absorbs right in and left my hands especially feeling smooth and soothed.  Acure Organics is Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, and contains no Synthetic Fragrance!  This is probably why I had no reactions! It is by far the best body lotion I have tried ever.

They also sent me their coconut pumpkin body wash ,  lemongrass + argan stem cell conditioner   and the lemongrass + argan stem cell shampoo.  I tried all three and was impressed with each.  Just a note on the Coconut Pumpkin Body Wash, it doesn't smell like either pumpkin or coconut.  It is however super rich and moisturizing on my skin!  I loved it!  The Lemongrass and Argan Shampoo and Conditioner were great too.  The lemon smell is so invigorating and clean.  It doesn't leave a residue and our hair was shiny and smooth after drying.






I saved the best for last!  Argan oil has been in the news everywhere of late and many companies are jumping on the Argan Oil Band Wagon.  Of course they only put a tiny bit into their products and label it as argan oil!  Acure sells a pure argan oil that is used for improving the skin. 

A true skin SUPER FOOD! Incredibly rich in Vitamin E, Essential Fatty Acids, and Proteins, Argan Oil helps fight lines, repair imperfections, minimize scars + stretch marks; all while restoring texture, elasticity and tone. Lightweight and easily absorbed! This oil is often referred to as "liquid gold" so get yourself some beauty bling!  

I liked the Argan Oil allot.  It absorbs quickly so you don't feel greasy and it helped my skin so much!  No breakout either!

In Conclusion:

I would recommend Acure Organics to anyone looking for reasonably priced, high quality organic beauty products.   These would make a lovely Christmas gift for someone special in your life!

Connect with Acure Organics

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

 

The Giveaway!

 

Acure Organics is giving on lucky Thrifty Housewife reader a Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Body Firming Lotion!  Enter via the Rafflecopter below, all winning entries are verified.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb943/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only. 

Common Sense Prepping: The First Aid Kit For Home Use

 

There is nothing worse than having someone get injured or sick and having to run around trying to find this or that or the other thing in normal circumstances.  But consider what it would be like if you had someone need medication or first aid supplies in the middle of a disaster!  Most of the time it is either difficult or downright impossible to reach the store or doctors office so your on your own.

  That's why having a  fully stocked first aid cupboard with all types of bandages and other first aid supplies is a good idea.  Having everything in one special place is a lifesaver because when someone is sick or injured you don't want to have to search around to find something.


My personal home kit is organized with compartments to separate things into.   All I have to say to the kids is "Go to the first aid kit" and off the they run to the cabinet.  Even when my kids were as young as 4 they knew where it was and how to get it. 

I have my kit separated into several sections.  The biggest one is for bandages, first aid tape, gauze pads, wrapping tape, and ace bandages for sprains.  The three small ones are separated into eye first aid (flushing drops, antibiotic drops, allergy drops), ointments (triple antibiotic, hydrocortisone, fungal, burn crème), and medical implements (thermometers, tweezers, nail clippers, bulb syringe, lice comb).  Next to the kit are bottles of rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and witch hazel.  I also have a big bag of Cotton balls for cleansing wounds.  Above the kit (out of small children's reach) are medications.  I always keep i.b. profen, Tylenol, Benadryl, cough meds, vapor rubs, allergy meds, cough drops, antidiarrheal, antacids, and essential oils on hand and in infants, children's and adult strength.  I also keep a few 6 packs of Gatorade on hand at all times in case of illness. I buy my meds on sale and more than one at a time because generally speaking when one child gets sick they all get sick and then I get sick.  So we go through allot of meds at once. There is nothing worse than taking your sick child to the store to pick up a needed medication.  This saves me from participating in that kind of insanity. Every six months I go through and check expiration dates.

Also a consideration is if you couldn't get to the store due to bad weather or natural disaster.  The last thing I want is to have someone get sick and have no way to help them. 

Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal Review and Giveaway!

I am now an official homeschooling mom of my 8 year old daughter and my 10 year old son.  One of the biggest challenges for me is finding toys that are not just a flash in the pan when it comes to playing with and also provide some learning.  Since we are on such a tight budget buying a gift that my child only uses a few times and then forgets about is just not an option!

Educational Insights is a company that provides high quality affordable educational toys and products for children.  Here is a little blurb from the company.

Based in Southern California, Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Our products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.

Educational Insights sent me Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal to review with my two children.  I was really excited because a microscope cannot only fit into a home school science, but also most kids find them fascinating.  The minute I took the microscope out of the shipping box the kids begged me to open it so they could try it!

When we first opened it everything was nicely packaged and we took all the pieces out  and read the instructions which are short and easy.  We looked at the sample slides which are provided and have things like feather, plant, and bugs.  The kids were fascinated and we used the journal that walks you through how using higher magnification lets you see more and more details of the samples.

Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal also comes with blank slides and collection tools so you an collect and examine all sorts of things.  The journal also has little easy projects that help you with ideas for science experiments.  

My kids loved this educational toy!  We had so much fun and they didn't want to stop and put it away.  They cant wait to go out and collect new samples to examine.  I like that this is a good quality kids microscope that is affordable at $39.99.  It would make a great Christmas present, or just a good resource for schooling your kids and helping them explore the world.  My kids still are begging to use it every day.

I would recommend the Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal to anyone looking for a great gift idea for their kids that is educational as well as fun.

 

Connect with Educational Insights

 

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Pinterest

 

 

The Giveaway!

 

Educational Insights has been super generous in giving one of The Thrifty Housewife's readers a  Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal of their very own!  That's a $39.99 value!  Use the rafflecopter below to enter, all winning entries are verified.  Good Luck!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb942/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only.

 

More than Alive Raw Nuts Review And A Giveaway!

 

As Food Provider in Chief of our household I take good nutrition seriously.  I have slowly but surely been changing over to more nutritious foods and eliminating highly processed empty foods that are the normal American SAD (standard American diet) diet.  The more nutrient rich and organic I can make my cooking the better.  So when More Than Alive offered to send me some items for review I was thrilled. 

 

 

More Than Alive is a company that carries food storage, high quality water filters, bulk foods, bulk herbs,  supplements, books, and clothing accessories.  They focus on natural health and promoting health through high quality products.

 

They have an extensive Bulk Foods sections where they carry things like nut and seed, nut flours, black teas, spices, and cacao powder to name a few.

 

 

 They sent me their Nut Package for review.  I use nuts allot in my cooking and snack foods.  Nuts are extreamly healthy.  They contain tons of minerals and healthy fats.  The minerals are especially important to the healthy function of our bodies.  I received one pound each of Raw Almonds, Raw Cashews, Raw Walnuts, and Raw Pecans.

I used some of the almonds and pecans in my Homemade Healthy Granola.  The almonds were big and plump and had a great sweet taste.  The pecans were huge and full halves.  The quality is obviously very high.  The cashews we have just been eating out of hand as a snack and with yogurt.  They are really yummy.  I havenet used the walnuts because I am saving them for holiday pies, but I did sample a few and they are very good.  Sometimes walnuts can be bitter but these are not.

 

I would recommend these nuts to anyone, they are at a good price and would make great additions to the diet or use in holiday baking.

 

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The Giveaway!

More Than Alive has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a Nut Package full of the same items I received. That's one pound each of Raw Almonds, Raw Cashews, Raw Walnuts, and Raw Pecans.  Use the rafflecopter to enter.  All entries will be verified.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb939/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only.

  

Making Modest Nightgowns for Girls from Thrift Store Finds

Almost all little girls love old fashioned frilly nightgowns, and I am always on the lookout for them at thrift stores and yard sales.  But I will tell you finding actual 100% cotton flannel night gowns for winter, or lighter cotton gowns for summer is almost impossible in the girls section.  Even brand new at stores it is hard to find modest but pretty nightgowns.  They mostly run to Hanna Montana or Bratz tank tops and short in 100% acrylic (see plastic) fabrics.  You can order them online, but that is way out of my price range!

Also a great thing about using flannel nightgowns for girls in winter is that they breath and wick away sweat, but at the same time are soft and warm.  The polyester fabrics for most pj's are essentially plastic bags for your body since they are made out of plastic.  I notice too that the few we have gotten fall apart very easy and after several washings and drying's they start to get a tacky feel to the fabric which I hate.  Flannel, however, just gets softer and softer.  Some of my daughters nightgowns were passed down from her big sister, and those were bought at thrift stores.  Yet they are still holding together with no holes or ripped seams.

So while at the thrift shops, which by the way is the best place to look for a good selection, I go to the women's nightgown sections and look through the small and extra small sizes.  I have found dozens of cute flannel nightgowns from name brand, highly priced, companies in brand new condition because women now days don't really want to wear old fashioned flannel nightgowns.  But my little girl loves them!  And with just a few adjustments they fit her perfect coming down to her ankles and wrist.  All I do is usually take in the shoulders a little and sometimes take in the bottom hem to make them fit.

I also do this with light cotton summery gowns.  Princess in Waiting loves to wear them and just look at some of the lovely finds I have made!  This white lacy gown is 100% cotton and very soft.  It comes all the way down to my daughter ankles and is not see through because it has a double layer.  I just took in the shoulders and the arm holes and now it fits her perfect!

the bottom ruffle detail

This was a small woman's flannel gown and I didn't have to do anything to it

Here is the fabric print of small flowers

here is a classic plaid with lace at the wrists and neck, but very soft lace.  I had to take up the shoulders to fit her so the neck wouldn't gape.  I have probably 7 flannel nightgowns for her, way more than I need but as they will last several years it's ok.

Ok I just found a womans one, which I love because I wear flannel nightgowns too, and that is a great price!