Winners!

Late as usual but here are the winners of some of the recent giveaways!

The winner of the customizable couture jewelry from Things Remembered is-Naddez

The winner of their choice of kit from Creativity for Kids is- Natalie A.

Lastly the winner of the UGLee pens is-Carol W.

I will be contacting the winners (if you see this before you get my email, feel free to contact me first) .Thank you to the sponsors/companies and to my readers as well. All winners are picked using Random.org

Lily Me-Jewelry that will charm and delight you Review & Giveaway

Captivating and delightful are just a few of the many words I would use to describe the jewelry from LilyMe. Petite charms suspended from colorful satin cords conjure up the chic and simple styles of France with their subtle and feminine appeal just as the founder of LilyMe Gaelle de Bernede intended.

Starting at $30 and going up from there, LilyMe jewelry is completely affordable and customizable. You can choose from a rainbow of colored cords to compliment the elegant and simple charms they offer as well as personalize them with names, dates and meaningful words to create a one of a kind gift.

I was sent their flat clover bracelet in plated gold with an orange silk cord and the word Love engraved on it. I enjoyed the look and feel of the bracelet immensely. The delicate charm was made more appealing by the complimentary color of the cord and was extremely comfortable to wear. I had some difficulties trying to adjust the slip knots by myself but in the end was able to do it with a few quick maneuvers.

Being able to wear the bracelet with various styles made it a more enjoyable item to own as it looked perfect with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to my Sunday best. LilyMe is appropriate for woman of any age, with their effortless and simple designs they become timeless as they are passed from a mother to her daughter.

LilyMe would make the perfect gift for mom and with Christmas so close, why not make a girl feel special with the unique jewelry from their charm collections. Use the code "LilyMeBlog" for a 10% discount on any purchase.

LilyMe has graciously offered one of my readers the chance to win the same bracelet I received in their choice of size and cord color.

To Enter:Browse through LilyMe's collections and comment back with your favorite piece and what you would wear it with. This must be done before any extra entries may be used.

Extra Entries:

• Purchase any item from LilyMe before this giveaway ends-10 entries
• Sign up for the LilyMe newsletter-2 entries
• Leave feedback for a LilyMe product you already own or have purchased on their website-2 entries
• Follow LilyMe on twitter and tweet this giveaway-3x daily
  
• Check out LilyMe on facebook and if you like befriend or fan them
• Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post and LilyMe-5 entries
• Follow me on twitter (AutumH)
  
• Follow Monsters In My House
• Subscribe to Monsters In My House
• Grab the Monsters In My House button and post it somewhere visible on your blog/site
• Enter any other giveaways running on Monsters In My House and receive an entry for each.

Winners will be chosen using random.org and will then be contacted by email. They will have 48 hrs to reply or a new winner will have to be chosen. Please leave a link in your comments for tweets and blog posts so I can confirm that you did follow through.

This Giveaway will end December 27th

(The entirety of this review is based solely on my opinion and my opinion alone, I was provided the " Gold Plated clover bracelet" for free from LilyMe for the purpose of a review .This in no way alters what I write about them as it is based on my experience and honest opinion. Yours may differ. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.)

Madras 641-Memorable fashion Review & Giveaway

Style is something I have and am still developing on a daily basis. You see, I've learned that being a mother does not limit me in my choices of fashion, so finding a unique line that allows a woman to express her individuality yet retain her femininity is a great advantage in my books.

Madras 641 mixes simple and classic shapes with bold colors and intricate details in such a way that one can't help but fall in love. Brought to life in 2007 by co-founders and friends Subu and Ina, M641 is a reflection of their joys,passions,differences and cultures that have been forged into a variety of collections.

I was blessed with the opportunity to adorn myself in one of their lovely yet fun staples of choice. Hand picked by Ina, The Rose Amongst Thorns tunic from their Fall 2008 collection was sent to me for a review. Waiting for it to show up on my doorstep left me giddy in anticipation,as I had browsed their collections over and over, compiling a wish list of items that I would enjoy adding to my wardrobe.

Upon receiving the tunic I was at first taken aback by the collar. A trio of layered lace trimmed in silver created a halo that encompassed the neckline which left me feeling a bit hesitant about how it would look on. The band around which the lace lay was embroidered in a gorgeous pattern of vined flowers that complimented the intense midnight blue of the tunic. It was simple and stunning all at the same time.

please forgive the photo's. It's a little hard to take a flattering picture of oneself.

Putting aside my hesitation I found the piece Ina had chosen for me to be a perfect fit, hugging me in the right places to create a youthful and slim silhouette while allowing me room to breathe. I enjoyed the versatility of the piece and the ability to take it from day into night with a few additions or subtractions of accessories and garments. The Rose Amongst Thorns tunic is definitely an ideal choice for the Holidays and since I loved the fit of this particular tunic so much, the decision to quit eyeing their Impish tunic and purchase it was made.

I'm looking forward to see the direction with which Ina and Subu take M641 in the future. Already they have created a refreshing and enigmatic collection for Spring 2010 and I am coveting their Helena's Choice dress and Save the Day top.

Madras 641 doesn't keep you from the spotlight but subtly thrusts you into it. You can purchase any of their pieces at select retailers online.

Now one very lucky reader will have the chance to win a lovely tunic from M641. The tunic will be chosen by Ina and Subu in the winners choice of size.


To Enter: Take a gander at their Spring collections for 2010 and comment back with what catches your eye and what details and colors inspire your inner fashionista. This must be done before any extra entries may be used.

Extra Entries:

• Purchase any item from M641 before this giveaway is over-10 entries
• Check out M641 on facebook and if you like befriend or fan them
  
• Follow M641 on Twitter and tweet this giveaway-3x daily
  
• Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post -5 entries
• Follow me on twitter (AutumH)
  
• Follow Monsters In My House
• Subscribe to Monsters In My House
• Grab the Monsters In My House button and post it somewhere visible on your blog/site
• Enter any other giveaways running on Monsters In My House and receive an entry for each.

Winners will be chosen using random.org and will then be contacted by email. They will have 48 hrs to reply or a new winner will have to be chosen. Please leave a link in your comments for tweets and blog posts so I can confirm that you did follow through.

This Giveaway will end December 27th

(The entirety of this review is based solely on my opinion and my opinion alone, I was provided the " Rose Amongst Thorns Tunic" for free from Madras 641 for the purpose of a review .This in no way alters what I write about them as it is based on my experience and honest opinion. Yours may differ. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.)

Eat Your Sweets and Keep Your Teeth Too! Giveaway

The Holidays bring cheer and goodwill as well as an abundance of goodies and home baked deliciousness every year. Most of us have the tendency to eat our fill whithout a care in the world which can leave us with cavity filled teeth and a not so bright smile! Listerine and Reach would like to offer one reader an "Eat Your Sweets and Keep Your Teeth Too" $50 package full of goodies to help you keep your smile at it's best!

This gift package includes everything below mentioned below:

	Get in the Christmas Spirit: Williams-Sonoma No-Bake Winter Wonderland Gingerbread House Kit This family-friendly kit includes a building tray for the house foundation, sturdy pre-cut gingerbread walls and roof, and colorful candy decorations. Easily assembled, this is sure to create lasting holiday memories you and your loved ones will cherish.
	Make Holiday Brushing Fun: *NEW* REACH® by Design™ Brush away gingerbread crumbs with the new exclusive brushes from REACH®. Adults and kids alike will love the festive patterns that make brushing your teeth fun! Plus, the brush is designed to clean and remove more plaque in hard to reach places
	For the Holiday Party: LISTERINE® PocketPaks® Family get-together coming up soon? Keep this on-the-go solution for fresh breath with you at every occasion. These slender packs fit easily in your pocket or purse, so you’re always prepared to mix and mingle with friends and family!
	Take Care of That Sweet Tooth: LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE and LISTERINE® Antiseptic This holiday packaged duo is the perfect dop kit necessity. Plus, the individual travel-sized LISTERINE® Antiseptic and LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE have germ killing action. Keep your family’s mouths germ free, while maintaining fresh breath and a healthy smile for those memorable holiday moments.

To win this great package of goodies leave a comment with your favorite holiday treat! This must be done before any extra entries may be used! These products would make great stocking stuffers as well!

Extra Entries:

• Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post -5 entries
• Follow me on twitter (AutumH)-can tweet up to 3x daily
• Follow Monsters In My House
• Subscribe to Monsters In My House
• Grab the Monsters In My House button and post it somewhere visible on your blog/site
• Enter any other giveaways running on Monsters In My House and receive an entry for each.

Winners will be chosen using random.org and will then be contacted by email. They will have 48 hrs to reply or a new winner will have to be chosen. Please leave a link in your comments for tweets and blog posts so I can confirm that you did follow through.

This Giveaway will end December 18th

(I was not provided any kind of product or monetary compensation for this giveaway.I was given the opportunity to share this with my readers and wanted to! I appreciate being able to give someone a chance to win some awesome goodies when I can!)

OOBA-The Power of the Flower Review & Giveaway

Recently I was given the opportunity to try a new, all natural, refreshing drink made from the extract of the lovely hibiscus flower. Rich in antioxidants,flavonoids,polyphenols and anthocyanins (In other words it's healthy for you) the hibiscus flower was commonly used to make herbal teas and drinks throughout Egypt, Asia, South America, Mexico, Africa, The Caribbean and South & Central America. Now this heady,aromatic flower has made it's way into a lightly carbonated beverage known as OOBA!

I was intrigued to not only see if OOBA titillated my taste buds but if it was something I could find myself substituting for the drinks I normally prefer. With all six flavors OOBA offered sitting in my fridge and my craving for some form of carbonation kicking in, it wasn't long before I started sampling them.

I found the Hibiscus & Lime was particularly my favorite; the tangy mixture of the hibiscus and the tartness of the lime was pleasantly delicious. Each flavor had the initial tartness that was either mellowed by the combining flavor or amplified. For someone who can guzzle 2-3 sodas down within an hour or two, OOBA is definitely a preferable option to drink. Made from 100% all natural ingredients with no artificial color,sweetener or flavor this drink is not only healthy but tasty.

You can find OOBA at Earth Fare, King's, Central Markets and many other independent and natural grocers. You can also purchase it on Amazon. I suggest you don't just take my word and try this drink out for yourself. You might be surprised, although one Monsters reader does get a head start in being able to try OOBA as they are offering my readers the chance to win a prize package that includes all six flavors and a t-shirt!


To Enter: Take a look at the OOBA site and comment back with what flavor you would like to try most. This must be done before any extra entries may be used.

Extra Entries:

• Purchase any OOBA products before this giveaway is over-10 entries
• Take a look at OOBA's page on Facebook
• Follow OOBA on twitter and tweet this giveaway-can be done 3x daily
• Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post and OOBA-5 entries
• Follow me on twitter (AutumH)
• Follow Monsters In My House
• Subscribe to Monsters In My House
• Grab the Monsters In My House button and post it somewhere visible on your blog/site
• Enter any other giveaways running on Monsters In My House and receive an entry for each.

Winners will be chosen using random.org and will then be contacted by email. They will have 48 hrs to reply or a new winner will have to be chosen. Please leave a link in your comments for tweets and blog posts so I can confirm that you did follow through.

This Giveaway will end December 18th

(The entirety of this review is based solely on my opinion and my opinion alone, I was provided the "OOBA Beverages" for free for the purpose of a review .This in no way alters what I write about them as it is based on my experience and honest opinion. Yours may differ. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.)

Joy~

Night falls and the single streetlight sputters to life then dims to a quiet glow. I watch individual flakes of snow drift softly down until they reach the ground and intermingle with the thousands upon thousands already there. My house is quiet except for the occasional groan of wood as it settles and the thrum of the furnace coming to life. So rarely do I find time like this to be alone with my thoughts. I covet it, revel in the peace and feel a quiet joy in doing so.

In the corner of the living room, colored lights illuminate and refract off the glass ornaments so carefully yet half haphazardly placed by my children. I remember the afternoon we spent pulling everything out to begin setting up the tree,adorning it with the hybrid mixture of homemade and store bought bulbs and figurines. It brings a smile to my face and a warm joy to my heart.

Those same children who fought over who was going to place what piece where are now sleeping soundly in a tangle of blankets and limbs in bed. Cheeks flushed,fingers curling and uncurling as they dream. Watching them I feel an intense rush of love, a mother's joy.

This feeling I so often take for granted is weaved throughout my days. Sometimes it's a small glow and at other times it seems to consume my entire being.

I find joy in plenty of things, some small, some large; delicious, mouth watering pastries, a warm cup of soothing tea, curling up with a good book, a cold fun-filled day of sledding. I find joy in the ringing laughter of my children,their crooked smiles and the glint in their eyes, the way their brow furrows when they're confused or angry and the ever enthusiastic yet exhausting questions they throw my way.I find joy in the warmth of my husbands embrace,the trials we've overcome and the adventures we dream of taking. I find joy within myself for that is where it all begins.



I wrote this post for a contest on Barking Mad. I enjoyed myself in doing so and appreciate the effort she has asked everyone to make in sharing what brings them joy! To enter this contest bounce on over to her blog and enter yourself!

Baby it's cold out and I don't want to move!

My toes and fingers have taken on a chill that just won't seem to go away. It makes for an excellent excuse to curl up on my couch and snuggle down with the littlest monster for a nap. Unfortunately my mind is whirling in a thousand different directions and all I can seem to do is stare into space processing the thoughts that come and go. It's a lazy day, a dreaming day, a day that should be spent trying to get things done!

With my significant other away on business I'm reveling in this feeling of being able to take life at my own pace. I guess that could explain my inability to actually get things done lately-my speed dial is set on snail! Maybe I could just blame it on the snowfall that has buried my humble abode in a blanket of white and penetrated the inner sanctum of my home with the chill that has settled into my bones.

I suppose it's finally time to purchase some slippers for occasions like this, that or I could probably sit over my heater vent with a blanket cocooning me as I soaked up the delicious hot air that is meant to warm my entire house and not just my toes! Makes me giggle just thinking about it! ;)

Really who want's to move on days like this!