Lilla Rose Flexi Clip Review/Giveaway With Kelly Thomason Consultant

I have always had either long or medium hair but after having several children I got into the habit of wearing it pulled up and out of my way.  15 years later having my hair down now bugs the heck out of me so I am always looking for new accessories to keep it up and looking nice.  Hair clips can be a challenge when your looking for comfort, stay-in-ability, and attractiveness.  Usually you can't get all three in one package.  However that is not true when it comes to Lilla Rose Flexi Clips.  So when Kelly Thomason Independent Lilla Rose Consultant offered to let me review a flexi clip I was so excited!

Have you never heard of Lilla Rose? It is a company that was started up to provide the most comfortable, yet stylish, hair accessories on the market. There Flexi Clip, which is their most versatile product is what I reviewed.  It took me quite a while choosing which flexi clip I wanted.  They come in so many different styles and sizes and frankly I wanted several.  I finally choose the Tree of Life Flexi Clip in medium.  I wanted something that would go with several of my outfits and I love the pearl accents.

After using it for two weeks almost every day I can say I love the flexi clips.  Not only is it super comfortable, but they don't tangle and pull out any hair.  This is the first time I have had a hair clip not do that!  I just can't get enough of the different styles.  And my youngest daughter who has long hair wants them too!  These make such great gifts being practical and beautiful.  All I can say is I want more!  If you want to buy a Lilla Rose product from Kelly go HERE.

Connect With Kelly Rapp Thomason Lilla Rose Consultant

 

Kelly's Lilla Rose Website

Facebook

 

Giveaway!

 

Kelly has been super generous in giving one lucky Thrifty Housewife reader their choice of Lilla Rose product of $20.00 value or below!  Use the rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries will be verified for completion.  Good Luck!

 

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb9122/" 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.

Review/Giveaway - Canvas On Demand Mother's Day Gift Guide

Are you looking for a meaningful gift for that special mom in your life?  Or maybe a way to display your family photos or artwork? I know I am! Especially with mothers day coming up I wanted pictures of my children displayed on our wall in a lovely way.  So when Canvas On Demand offered to let me review their products I was thrilled!  I love the look of the canvas for not just family photos but classic artwork.  It makes them look so classic and they tend to "pop" more.

Canvas On Demand is a company that makes turning your photos into canvas art easy!  They have dozens of options on how to display your photos/artwork on an easy to use website.  I really enjoyed looking through their new Photo Gifts and Wall Displays. Their prices are very good and I was blown away by a few things.



First off I was given the choice on what to review.  I wanted to do a wall with my children's portraits that my very talented photographer mother took. I chose the sizes and uploaded the photos to the Canvas On Demand site which was very easy.  It walks you through.  That is important because some online photo printing sites can be so difficult to use!

 Here is their pictures on our "family tree" wall.   After I had placed my order I got my pictures extremely fast and they came in a very secure packing box that ensured the canvas wasn't damaged in transit. I am so happy with my pictures.  As a mom those memories of my children when they are small are priceless.

Canvas On Demand receives a 10 out of possible 10 for The Thrifty Housewife

• Affordable
• High Quality
• Lots of Options
• Easy to Navigate Site
• Easy to Use and get your photos uploaded
• Excellent above and beyond customer service 
• Fast and Secure Shipping

Connect With Canvas On Demand

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

 

Bonus!

 

Canvas on demand is offering my readers a 30% discount code for purchases at check out just in time to get that special mom in your life a memorable gift. Use the code SarahIsaac.

 

The Giveaway

 

Canvas On Demand has been super generous and offered to give one lucky Thrifty Housewife reader their own 3 three 8x10 canvases with free shipping to the US or Canada! That's a $180.00 value! Use the rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries are verified. If a winning entry is not completed I pick a new winner. Good Luck!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb9121/" 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.

Review/Giveaway Wearever Socks

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP81e80c1ef8fba65a04d8aec82d687354" rel="nofollow">http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png
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I like to wear cotton clothes.  They keep me cool and comfortable and that is very important since I am a hot blooded person!  So when Wearever offered to let me review their Buster Brown 100% Cotton Diabetic Socks I was very curious as to how they would feel.


Wearever is a company that sells diabetic socks, incontinence underwear, and other incontinence products.  Browsing around the ladies panties I was impressed at how pretty they were!  The diabetic socks come in several styles and colors.  After trying them out I can say I would rather wear them than standard socks.  That's because they contain no elastic.  Elastic is just plastic and holds heat and moisture in.  These socks being 100% cotton breath and wick sweat away from the body.  To diabetics this is super important, but these socks are great for those who like me are always hot and also for those that have sensory issues.


I loved these socks, they are comfortable, stay in place even without elastic, and look nice.  They are also very affordable.

Connect with Wearever

Website

Facebook

Pinterest

 

Bonus!

 

Wearever is offering my readers a coupon code good for 10% off any order at WeareverUS.com. Use the code 10OFF at check out.

 

The Giveaway!

Wearever has been super generous by offering to give one lucky Thrifty Housewife reader a three pack of the buster brown socks in their choice of color and size.  Use the Rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries will be verified.  Good Luck!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb9119/" 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. 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM81e80c1ef8fba65a04d8aec82d687354" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com

. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 

Review/Giveaway - Brylane Home Invigorator Memory Foam Mattress Topper

 

I do most of my shopping online.  We live in a small town hours away from any large city so doing so makes allot of sense budget wise.  That's why I appreciate companies like Brylane Home.  They carry a huge selection of home products for every area of your home.

I love their housewares section, they have so many cute things for entertaining and outdoor dinning.

So when they offered to let me review one of their products I was thrilled!  I chose to review the 4" Invigorator Memory Foam Topper because one of our beds for the boys is a futon and I thought they could use the extra padding.

It came in the mail well packaged.  Installing it on the bed was pretty easy and it has made a huge difference for the comfort of my son.  I laid down on it too and it is super comfy now! 

Here is a little info on it:

Our dense 4” Invigorator Memory Foam Topper feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud of pillows. By providing even better support than traditional memory foam it’ll rejuvenate your bedding at an affordable price.


• double layer design

• 1½" memory foam top and 2½" high-density foam base

• spot clean

• made in USA

• available in: Twin, Full, Queen, and King

• and when paired with our quilts, comforters, and duvets you’ll be sleeping on cloud nine thousand.

I would highly recommend Brylane Home if you are looking for pretty much anything for your home.  They have good prices and excellent customer service.

Connect With Brylane Home

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Pinterest

 

The Giveaway!

 

Brylane home is being super generous by giving one lucky Thrifty Housewife reader their own 4” Invigorator Memory Foam Topper in winners choice of size.  That's a $300.00 value!  Use the Rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries are verified for completion.  Good Luck!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb9117/" 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. 

Review/Giveaway Kauffman's Farm Raw Honey and Maple Syrup

 

I have been trying to eliminate all un-natural sugars from my diet of late.  This meant switching to honey and maple syrup for my sweeteners in my morning coffee. Did you know that maple syrup doesn't effect your blood sugar? I didn't until very recently, but since switching to maple syrup for my coffee sweetener I have noticed a change in my blood sugar spikes and feel much better.  Also pure maple syrup is good for you!  It has antioxidants and vital minerals that our bodies need!  Read more HERE about the benefits of eating pure maple syrup.

 

Raw honey has long been known to be a healthy alternative to table sugar and certainly is much better than corn syrup.  It also has reputed health benefits but the problem is you need to make sure it is produced locally or at least in America because honey's from other countries are often doctored with corn syrup and contaminated with pesticides.  In a study of honey on the shelf of grocery stores it was found that almost 100% of all the honeys were contaminated!

 

Choosing USA produced honey and even better small local producers is your only protection.

 

So when Kauffman's Fruit Farm and Market offered to let me review their USA produced Pure Maple Syrup and Raw Honey I was thrilled!

 

 Kauffman's "Bird-In-Hand Brand" Orchard Products have been recognized and enjoyed since the early 1900's. Founder Amos L. Kauffman planted the first fruit trees in 1911, and today the 3rd, 4th, & 5th generations operate the business. Their warehouse and country market are located in the heart of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, along Rt. 340 between the villages of Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse.  They have a great website offering all sorts of delicious and natural foods for your family! 

 

Both the honey and the maple syrup they sent me was delicious and high quality.  I certainly recommend it!  I use honey in much of my bread making and maple syrup can be used in all sorts of things.  They have so many other products I would love to try!  Especially the cider!

 

Connect with Kauffman's Fruit

 

Website

Facebook

 

Giveaway!

 

Kauffman's has been super generous by offering to give one lucky Thrifty Housewife reader a two pack of their 17 oz Raw Wildflower Honey! Use the Rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries are verified for completion.

 

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb9115/" 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.

Puppy Love - Our newest family member

My husband recently called me telling me to come down and look at some yellow lab puppies. Knowing that frankly I would go and see any baby animals (I'm an animal lover) I came right down with the kids and saw a litter of 8 adorable puppies with their mom who was a sweetheart.  My husbands goal was to convince me that we should take one.  He has been wanting a hunting dog since we got married.

The long and short of it is that we now have a new family member named Nika who is a sweet little female lab puppy.  The personality difference between a lab and a boarder collie puppy is amazingly different.  Our boarder collie mix is almost a year old now so his puppyhood is still fresh in my memory. Typical to a lab Nika is already eager to please and obedient.  I have noticed her nose is much more sensitive and she is much more of a "people" dog. She of course also has the lab tendency towards mouthing everything!  I know she's going to be a great family dog, and hopefully a good hunter.  She has already adjusted to our family and absolutely loves our kids. I have always thought that labs make great all around family/alert/deterrent dogs with the added bonus of being able to hunt.  With our active family who likes to go camping and fishing allot she will be a good fit.

We Finally have Raw Cows Milk Again!

I have always loved raw, unpasteurized cows milk.  There is ample evidence that the process of homogenization (which keeps the cream from rising from the top) and also pasteurization is bad for your health.  Insofar as your getting your raw milk from a cow that has tested negative for the diseases all cows have to be tested for and is being milked in a sanitary way the milk is perfectly safe and delicious! (trust me when I say this because I'm a germ freak and cant eat food I don't trust)  At one time I had a beautiful jersey milk cow named Buttercup that you see in these pictures that gave us gallons of milk.  I loved having all that milk to play with for things like cheeses, yogurts, and other healthy foods.

But that was long ago in another life.  The more I read about store bought milk the less I want to give it to my family.  But where to find a reliable source of good milk?  Well I found one and am so jazzed I'm fairly dancing.  I get it from a lovely lady that charges me only $3.00 per gallon!

The milk I get is from a jersey cow (which gives less milk but more cream) and is no more than a day old, and so delicious my kids even love it.  I first served it to them with a little chocolate mixed in, but after that first glass they were fine with it straight.

How does it compare to the store bought?  First off it is less, how can I say this, slimy in texture.  Due to homogenization store bought milk has a very different texture than milk straight from a cow.  Also it is more thirst quenching.  And last but not least it is FULL of cream that rises to the top after being in the fridge for a night.  I skim the cream into a sterilized quart jar for use in coffee and for whipping.

 

Look close at this gallon jar and you will see the cream line.  I measured a full 4 inch cream layer on one jar! 

 

 

My quart full of cream.  Oh how I love fresh cows milk!  Someday I will have my dream of a small 10 acre hobby farm with another milk cow, but for right now this is great.

Review/Flash Giveaway Scott's Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner & Preservative

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPa82dc3e3b5ad392ab4cf4ae298b11ba0" rel="nofollow">http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png
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I have lots of wood furniture.  Much of it is older and even some antiques that have little scratches and dings from constant use and four children running around.  I clean my wood furniture every week and have tried many products to help cover the dings and renew the wood but have had less than satisfactory results.  So when Scott's Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner and Preservative offered to let me review their products I was curious to see how it worked.

When I received it I was surprised by how big the bottle was.  It sprayed on nice and has a great almond scent which I love.  And the results were amazing!  I just got a new (to me) table.  As a side note I always buy my furniture used.  Not only does this match my budget, but also it saves my sanity.  I can't imagine spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a piece of furniture and then having someone scratch it or ding it! 


The table I bought has scratches and light wear on the top, but you cant beat the price of $50.00 for the set.  I cleaned it really well first and then after it had dried sprayed on the Scott's Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner.  Look at the after!  The table looks amazing and even after frequent washings it still has a gloss and the wear is covered.  I tried it on all my other wood furniture and have had the same results.  Also it seems to help keep dust from accumulating so bad which is nice.  This is a true frugal product because it restores furniture you might otherwise want to replace.

All in all I love this product.  It is keeping my furniture looking great, smells good, and is affordable. Scott's has many other products to keep your woodwork looking great.

Connect With Scott's Liquid Gold

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

 

The Giveaway!

 

Scott's Liquid Gold has been super generous in giving one lucky Thrifty Housewife a bottle of the same product I reviewed which is their Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner and Preservative!  Use the Rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries will be verified.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb9106/" 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.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMa82dc3e3b5ad392ab4cf4ae298b11ba0" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com
. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review/Giveaway Toockies Organic Handmade Housewares

 

 

I love hand made items for my home.  They are usually much better made than store bought with the added bonus of supporting a family business.  So when Toockies offered to let me review their handmade organic household products I was so excited! 

 

Toockies is a company that works with  women and their families in Nababpur, India to produce these lovely hand crotcheted dishcloths, potholders, hot pads, and washcloths.  This helps these women who struggle with desperate poverty earn money for themselves and their children. You can see the artisans HERE.

 

I have to say I love the idea of this company!  The women who founded it have such a heart to help  women in third world countries earn a living.  Not only that, but the products they produce are beautiful and extremely well made.  The pot holders and washcloths I received are made from 100%  organic cotton with no chemicals or dyes.  They are all hand crocheted by women in India.  I think its pretty cool that I am getting something made by a woman in India anyways!

 

I really liked all of them but my favorites are the pot holders because they are extra thick and I love the shape of the Loving Heart Pot Holder.  These are certainly thick enough to pick up anything hot and work great at hot pads too.  I use allot of cast iron for my cooking and the handles get super hot so an extra thick pot holder is essential.

They are affordable and I have washed them several times already and they are still in perfect  condition.  These would make a lovely mothers day gift.  Think of it, not only are you giving something useful, beautiful, and unique to your own mother, but you are helping another mother support her family!  You can purchase their products HERE.

 

Connect with Toockies

Website

Facebook

 

Giveaway!

 

Toockies has been super generous in offering to give one luck Thrifty Housewife reader two Toockies products of their choosing!  This is just in time for Mothers Day!  Use the rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries will be verified for completion.  Good Luck!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb9102/" 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.





What Veggies and Fruits to Grow in an Average Sized Yard

 

With seed ordering season starting up I came across this interesting section in a gardening book I own with a list of crops to raise that give you more bang for your buck.  I added a few that I have found useful as well.  The fruit section is all from my own recommendations

Beans - you can plant up to 3 harvests in one season in many parts of the country

Beets - easy to grow

Carrots -  good all around veggie

Corn - although they recommend this it is a space hog and you really need to plant more than a few to get good pollination

cucumbers - can be trained up a trellis or fence to save lots of space

eggplant - compact and usually produces lots of fruits

greens - easy to grow and can be scattered about the garden, can be grown deep into winter

Peas- can be planted fall and spring and grown up a trellis

Peppers- compact and generally prolific

Potatoes- can be grown in tires, as the plants come above the soil you just cover again with soil and another tire stacking taller and taller.  the vines just produce more and more tubers

Pumpkins/winter squash - plants are large but can be trained up a trellis for the smaller fruiting varieties.  Amish Pie would be ideal because they are for pie making and small enough not to break the vines as they mature

Radish - quick to mature and can be planted between larger veggies

Summer Squash -  large plants but with such prolific harvests they pay off

Tomatoes - prolific harvests

My recommendations

Okra- small plant that produces tons of food and pretty flowers too

Mellon's - can be trained up trellises

Bramble Berries - these can be put on sunny fences or walls that would otherwise have no food producing capacity and will discourage unwanted criminals

Strawberries- can be put in places that would be too small for other garden veggies and as a bedding in flower gardens

Gooseberries and Currents - I cant recommend enough that people should plant these in their shady dead spots.  These are the few fruits that prefer partial shade and you can put these in shady areas that would otherwise go to waste.  They make great jellies pies and syrups

Fruit trees - can be trained (called espaliering) flat to sunny walls and fences

Herbs- most herbs are ridiculously easy to grow and can be scattered throughout your plantings of other veggies.  Some herbs are perennials however so should be put in a permanent bed.  Right now I have Tarragon, Sage, Rosemary, Horseradish, Lavender, and Chives in my culinary garden.  I also plan to grow such things as Basil's, parsley, cilantro, fever few, savory, etc this spring.



Easy Ideas To Make Easter About Jesus and More Meaningfull crafts and recipie ideas

I don't know about you but I get sick of all the materialism associated with Easter.  As a born again Christian these days are not just meaningful to me but sacred.  When we have gone to the store the Easter baskets have focused on everything except what the celebration is actually about.  I have seen soccer baskets, little kitty baskets, ect.  But I wanted something not only fun for my children, but would help to explain and enrich our experience of the Easter season.  Here I have collected some ideas from some great blogs that I'm going to use for my family and wanted to share them with you!  There are some important dates in the Easter week.  Each can be celebrated with simple crafts, bible readings, and foods to bring the meaning into focus not just for my children.  But for me too!  I have listed the important days with links to their explanation and significance and then links to different crafts and ideas for celebrating them.

The Happy Home Fairy has a great all around tutorial on Christ centered Easter Activities.  It started on April 1st but you can easily cater it to the Holy Week.  She has the free printables which are adorable, instructions, and a downloadable supplies list.  I love them!

Palm Sunday - April 13

Find out about Palm Sunday by clicking HERE.  The biblical account of Palm Sunday can be found in Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; and John 12:12-19.

 

This lady at A Holy Experience has a beautiful and simple Grace Garden tutorial with lovely pictures that you and your children can follow to make on Palm Sunday which is this Sunday!  It is so pretty and you make a cave where Jesus was entombed.  You can plant wheat grass in it so the kids can see it grow.  On Good Friday the children put a stone in front of the hole of the tomb and on Easter Sunday they roll it away.  Christ Is Risen!  I love this idea!

 

 

Over at FreeKidsCrafts.com there is a very pretty Palm Leaf Sun Catcher tutorial.

 

Traditional foods for Palm Sunday can include figs, hearts of palm, and Pax Cakes

 

The Holy Monday and Tuesday

 

Lots of information on the week of Easter can be found at The Holiday Spot.  Holy Monday is when Jesus overturned the tables of the sellers in the Temple. Tuesday is when the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus into saying blasphemous anti-God statements.

 

These are more somber days and can be simply commemorated by reading the passages that describe them. Matthew: 21:13   

 

Spy Wednesday

 

The day that Judas accepted the silver to betray Jesus.  This is a somber day HERE is a printable coloring page.  And HERE are more Christian Easter Coloring Pages at Raising Our Kids.  Readings Luke 22:3-6, Matthew 26:6-15

 

Maundy Thursday

 

This is the day said to be when the Last Supper occurred.  There are tons of ways to celebrate the last supper where Jesus washed the feet of the disciples.  One way is for the whole family to wash each others feet after reading the passage.  Also sharing grape juice and breaking bread.  Baking a loaf of bread would be fun and we are going to make Hallah.  Here is a good link to information on foods of the Last Supper. http://www.rainbowcastle.org/maundyth.html

 

Good Friday

 

The day Christ was crucified.  Over at Whole New Mom a collection of Healthy Easter Desserts.  Also at Catholic Inspired she has several Craft Ideas for Good Friday.

 

Easter Sunday

There are so many traditions for Easter Sunday and the day is usually so full for everyone with church and Easter egg hunts that I want to keep anything else really simple and quick.  One is to have cupcakes, cake, or pie with trick candles for each person.  As the children try to blow out the candle and it relights you can explain how Jesus is the light of the world and everyone thought his light had gone out but it hadn't!  Greet everyone you meet with He Is Risen!

 

The Friday of the week is the Good Friday. This is the day on which Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, at the top of the Calvary hill. And the Christian belief says that Jesus sacrificed himself for the men's sins, to be died crucified.

This day is marked by solemn observations in memory of Jesus' crucifixion.For, Christians believe that by dying Jesus accomplished a reconciliation between God and man. And accordingly the crucified image of Jesus or, the Cross itself, came to be regarded as the main symbol of faith for the Christians.
Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/holy_week.htm#d26rILDt2eY7cHkQ.99

The Friday of the week is the Good Friday. This is the day on which Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, at the top of the Calvary hill. And the Christian belief says that Jesus sacrificed himself for the men's sins, to be died crucified.

This day is marked by solemn observations in memory of Jesus' crucifixion.For, Christians believe that by dying Jesus accomplished a reconciliation between God and man. And accordingly the crucified image of Jesus or, the Cross itself, came to be regarded as the main symbol of faith for the Christians.
Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/holy_week.htm#d26rILDt2eY7cHkQ.99

The Friday of the week is the Good Friday. This is the day on which Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, at the top of the Calvary hill. And the Christian belief says that Jesus sacrificed himself for the men's sins, to be died crucified.

This day is marked by solemn observations in memory of Jesus' crucifixion.For, Christians believe that by dying Jesus accomplished a reconciliation between God and man. And accordingly the crucified image of Jesus or, the Cross itself, came to be regarded as the main symbol of faith for the Christians.
Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/holy_week.htm#d26rILDt2eY7cHkQ.99

The Friday of the week is the Good Friday. This is the day on which Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, at the top of the Calvary hill. And the Christian belief says that Jesus sacrificed himself for the men's sins, to be died crucified.

This day is marked by solemn observations in memory of Jesus' crucifixion.For, Christians believe that by dying Jesus accomplished a reconciliation between God and man. And accordingly the crucified image of Jesus or, the Cross itself, came to be regarded as the main symbol of faith for the Christians.
Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/holy_week.htm#d26rILDt2eY7cHkQ.99

The Friday of the week is the Good Friday. This is the day on which Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, at the top of the Calvary hill. And the Christian belief says that Jesus sacrificed himself for the men's sins, to be died crucified.

This day is marked by solemn observations in memory of Jesus' crucifixion.For, Christians believe that by dying Jesus accomplished a reconciliation between God and man. And accordingly the crucified image of Jesus or, the Cross itself, came to be regarded as the main symbol of faith for the Christians.
Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/holy_week.htm#d26rILDt2eY7cHkQ.99

Review and Giveaway - Honey Candles 100% Beeswax Candles

Do you love to burn candles around the house?  I do!  I delight in the warmth and comforting ambiance candles give a room.  But I prefer beeswax candles over any other type!  The reasons being they let off a light sweet fragrance that's not too overpowering and they also are all natural.  Unfortunately most candles you buy in the store contain all sort of interesting chemicals that I don't want my family exposed to.

While on my search for beeswax candles I found the company Honey Candles.  After talking back and forth they offered to let me review a set of their new line of Essential Tins which are their 100% beeswax candles mixed with pure essential oils to scent your home naturally!  They have several different scents and they all sounded so great I had a hard time choosing.  I finally narrowed it down to their Lavender, Mulled Spice, and the Kootenay Forest scents.

Honey Candles is a small business owned by Roy and Leah Honkanen who live in Canada. For over 15 years they have focused on creating bee-friendly, green, healthy and natural beeswax candles and incense.

They have a wonderful site that is not only beautiful but also set up very nice so that it is easy to navigate.  They have tons of information on beeswax candles and how to care for them that you can find HERE.  They carry dozens of types of candles in not only the natural beeswax color but also many other colors as well.

Some of the reasons I prefer Honey Candles 100% beeswax candles over other candle types is

Non-hazardous  

Non-carcinogenic

Dyes are not tested on animals

Solvent free

Does not contain hazardous additives such as naphtha or naphthalene

We use a minute amount of dye in our candles, less than 0.0125%

None of the components in the dye is required to be listed in the California Proposition 65 list of cancer causing agents

Can be shipped in all weather conditions because of its high melt point

The candles from Honey Candles are bee friendly, eco friendly, and renewable. Something else I learned is that beeswax candles can actually help clean your air! Beeswax candles have long been known for their air purifying effects. Unlike soy and paraffin candles, 100% pure beeswax beeswax create negative ions when burning, creating a similar effect as houseplants. Negative ions neutralize bad positive ions such as allergens, dust and air borne toxins thus improving air quality.

When I received  my candles I was excited to try them.  I lit them on different nights and the light sweet honey scent along with their different perfumes filled the air.  I loved all four scents equally.  They are fresh and clean without being cloying or overpowering.  I especially liked the Kootenay Forest.  I did notice that when I burn my candles after dinner it helps to clear any food smells which I like.  Also the glow they let off is lovely.  They are very bright I noticed, compared to standard tins and I feel so good knowing that they are not letting off toxic chemicals into my home.


The only drawback is that beeswax candles are more expensive than what you would buy in places like Wal-Mart.  However I have looked through candle catalogues and they run about the same as Honey Candles but still contain all the chemicals I try to avoid. 

Honey Candles would make a great gift for Mothers Day, birthdays, housewarmings, or hostess gifts.  They are the highest quality candles I have ever used and are eco responsible at the same time.  I would recommend them to anyone.  You can see the care and commitment Roy and Leah Honkanen have put into their products.

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The Giveaway!

 

Just in time for Mothers Day Honey Candles has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers the three Essential Tins that I reviewed which is a  $47.00 value!  Use the rafflecopter below to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries are verified for completion.  Good Luck!

 

Cant Wait?

Honey Candles is running a great free shipping offer for all orders over $125.00.  Go HERE to buy your own!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb998/" 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.

Review/Giveaway - Norms Farms Elderberry Products

Spring is here and with it the spring cold season.  We seem to have some pretty nasty bugs going around our town as well! One way I help my family is by using elderberry syrup or other products.   Never heard of elderberries?  Well they are a berry found throughout most of America and have been used for thousands of years to boost the immune system and kill germs, as well as make delicious pies, jams and jellies. I often have harvested elderberries in the mountains around our home in the late summer. If you would like to know more about how elderberry can help you fight the cold and flu go HERE and HERE for just some of the information out there.  As always I recommend you do your own research!

Norms Farms produce a large selection of elderberry products. From jams and jellies and most important to my mind their Elderberry Extract and Wellness Syrup.  Norms Farms provides elderberry products that taste great!  Not only that but they also sell elderberry bushes so you can grow your own.  How is that for a cold and flu remedy, something that actually tastes good and you can eat every day for prevention?

Norms Farms sent me a sampler pack of their products for review.  I tried  all of it and must say I am impressed with the flavor and quality.  I love the extract for making healthy Italian sodas and the jam and jelly were amazing on toast and English muffins. As to it helping with illness I do have an experience to share.  My five year old son suddenly developed a huge lump on the side of his neck in a place I don't normally associate with a lymph node.  Concerned I took him to the doctor and she told me that there are lymph nodes there but it could also be a tumor!  I was to watch it over the next weeks and if it got bigger to bring him right in.   Most likely it is a lymph node though and she said it could take months to go away.

Well that day I started giving my son the elderberry wellness syrup as directed and after a week the lump was gone!  I believe the elderberry's helped to boost his immune system to flush the lymph node out~

Price wise the syrup and juice are less than what you pay for other elderberry products in the health food store only you know these are being produced in the USA.  The jam and jelly is priced as other gourmet preserves at less than $6.00 per jar.

I would recommend Norms Farms product to anyone looking for USA Produced elderberry products.  They are delicious, nutritious, and have health benefits!

Connect with Norms Farms

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The Giveaway!

Norms Farms has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a Sample Pack of their products .  This includes Elderberry Jam, Elderberry Jelly, Elderberry Ginger Pecan Jam, Wellness Syrup, and Elderberry Extract!  A $50.00 value!  Use the Rafflecopter below to enter, all entries are verified.  Good Luck!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb997/" 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.