Cold - Flu - Allergies?!? = Yuck

This month has been a bit of a blur of tissues, coughing, sneezing, Nyquil, and major sinus issues. The sickness hit us around Thanksgiving and finally is easing its grip on us! No amount of handwashing kept the bug away. I think the little one caught it first, and then it was passed around -- I have a strong hunch that once someone started to feel better, the virus mutated and attacked again because my husband and I had the hardest time trying to shake it! We went through a bottle of apple cider vinegar, and I even tried "Sovereign Colloidal Silver," which according to the man at the health food store, is a natural sort of antibiotic...still trying to find out more about that! Anyways, I sure hope we've done our time for feeling yucky this cold/flu season!

Handmade for the Holidays

I saw that graphic at Sweet Bird Boutique and thought it'd be perfect to highlight a few favorites (and hopefully provide you with more options) for Christmas! I've interacted with a number of Etsy store owners, and most of them have been extremely gracious and kind, often going out of their way to make things right. So if you're still looking for the right gifts (as I am), check them out to find unique presents for your loved ones!

Piccadilly Circus Designs has custom baby, toddler and kids number and initial shirts and whimsical appliqued clothing for any and every occasion. You can also read my review of a toddler's custom shirt here.

The Owl & The Firefly has many whimsical and fun hand-crafted items for almost everyone in the family! You can read my review on her wrist cuff watch here.

Sweeter Than Sweets has beautiful items for little girls and also these hooded towels...which I love! She's also going to give one away when Discovering the Me in Mommy reaches 200 Facebook Fans! =)
Stay tuned for part two! =)

Believe

About a year ago, I started to read and follow more blogs, thinking that creating my own was just too much for me. Friends suggested that I myself blog, but I quickly and simply wrote them off! But in the summer of 2010, I decided to give it a try, and here we are, still striving!

As I look back at this last year's adventures, I'm so thankful for people who've believed in me and in this blog. I'm grateful for those friends who suggested and then supported me in the creation of Discovering the Me in Mommy! And I'm extremely grateful for my first few sponsors who believed in me to trust their products into my hands. My very first giveaway was a gift from a now extremely successful giveaway blogger, who referred me to the company. My second giveaway was one that I just stuck my neck out to ask the owner -- and for that, Martha at N-fini gets my Believe award! And if you need shapewear to look your best at those parties, N-fini has quite the selection -- you'll find effective and comfortable solutions there. They're also offering more of a selection for apparel too, even eco-friendly options.

Wordless Wednesday - Baby it's cold outside

Have you heard what I heard?

Said the cold wind to the simple blogger, "Have you heard what I heard? A bug, Wonderbug, coming to you soon!"
Kolcraft will soon be unveiling Wally Wonderbug and friends in a new activity center, with lights, music, sound, and movement! But there'll even be more of Wally to be found on his own site, and don't worry -- Wally has a twin sister Wanda! Stay tuned...we find more out in January!

Disclaimer: I will be given a chance to win $100 for offering a sneak peak!

Thoughtful Living Tuesday - Guest Post

I "met" Joanna at a Twitter party and asked her to write about how she uses vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to clean her house -- I figured it was fairly simply, but didn't know the exact amounts, since I'm using a product which gives me measurements to put into their containers. But it is so simple I don't need to make those kind of purchases and can save by making my own!

Baking soda so simple

You clean your home diligently and yet more and more evidence is coming to light that the mass of luminous blue, green and yellow household cleaners that huddle underneath the kitchen sink, especially those with triclosan in, may not be a good thing in the environment.

So what are you to do if you wants a dust & grime free home but without the side effects of synthetic chemical based cleaners?

Fortunately, the solution is relatively simple; baking soda, white vinegar and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Bingo! Household cleaner extraordinaire.

The recipe is, depending on the size of your bottle:

A few spoons of baking soda
Cautiously add some vinegar (the combination of baking soda and vinegar can be exciting, thus add slowly!)
Top up with cooled boiled water
Add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil.

Put the lid on and shake well.

Baking soda is really effective at removing grime from ovens, baths, kitchen counter tops and I have been known to put in stinky training shoes, and dust out after a day or two. This spray cleaner can also be used on sinks, toilets and mirrors, just use an eco-cloth to remove any residue.

Vinegar is acidic and naturally good at keeping things clean. The combination of essential oils in this simple eco-friendly cleaner provides natures antibacterial agents, in the form of essential oils, and is more than enough for a normal house.

Triclosan, the common ingredient in many anti-bacterial household cleaners, was developed for hospitals and yet many American homes now have antibacterial soap, deodorants and toothpastes all containing triclosan. There is an illusion that if a little bit is good then more is best but I would disagree and say that when it comes to having a clean house, there is little substitute for soap and scrubbing, with a few essential oils.

My favourite essential oils are: organic lemon, orange and lavender. These three powerful little bottles are great for keeping your house clean but also smelling heavenly without a synthetic chemical in sight.

This winter why not aim to ditch the expensive shop bought cleaners and create your own, it will save you money as well as breathing in toxins. Are you up for the eco-friendly cleaner challenge?

To learn more about simple, effective ways to Detox your Body and our World™ with Joanna visit ActualOrganics.com

©Actual Organics 2010


Mrs Joanna Runciman, BSc(Hons), CMC
ActualOrganics.com
Detox your Body and our World™

Low Entry Lowdown

I've wanted to share some low entry contests I've seen, but didn't want to steal The Ten Talents' thunder of her Low Entry Lowdown. But Stephanie is sharing her Low Entry Lowdown with us! So enter and win (and add more giveaways that we don't know about)! =)

**If you're new, you can learn more about The Low Entry Lowdown.**

Newly Listed Entries
$25 gift card (choice of 3) -- ends 12/4
National Geographic Kids Atlas -- ends 12/6
Spoonful of Comfort -- ends 12/7
Uncommonly Cute Tee -- ends 12/8
$25 Dali Decal gc -- ends 12/9
Coobie Bra -- ends 12/10
$25 EcoMom gc -- ends 12/10
2 $10 Victoria's Secret gift cards -- ends 12/11
Trim Tread Shoes -- ends 12/12



Previously Listed Entries
$25 Anthropologie gc -- ends 12/3
$15 Ilze's Memories gc -- ends 12/3
Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil -- ends 12/5
$35 CSN gc -- ends 12/5
Toddler Board Books -- ends 12/6
Secret Science Team Kit -- ends 12/6
Baltic Amber Teething Necklace -- ends 12/3
$50 Plastic Jungle gc -- ends 12/4
The First Years Jet Stroller -- ends 12/4
$50 REI gc & Breathe Right Nasal Strips -- ends 12/4
$25 AppleCheeks gc -- ends 12/4
KinderGlo Portable Night Light -- ends 12/5
$25 Kiki's Maternity gc -- ends 12/5
$75 Sears gc -- ends 12/6

Please only enter those giveaways that end within 2 weeks and have less than 100 entries! Thanks :)

Please only enter those giveaways that end within 2 weeks and have less than 100 entries! Thanks :)

Shutterfly - 2010 Christmas Cards & Opportunity to Earn $25 GC for bloggers!

I'm a huge fan of Shutterfly (and I think my family is too) because we use their personalized cards so often -- my husband has one for his birthday and Father's Day, and all the grandparents had one for their birthdays! These cards are well-constructed and great for displaying pictures -- I know our cards are still displayed (all over the world) even though the events celebrated are now over! And I do appreciate the variety of designs and themes.

Previously I wrote about Shutterfly's new Christmas card designs and Shutterfly even graciously offered cards for a review and giveaway (sadly that's ended). I still have to design a few more cards, and I'm going to order a few in different themes -- I like variety! Here's a preview:

Lord Has Come Religious Christmas 5x7 folded card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Currently Shutterfly has Christmas cards discounted by 20%-30% as well as discount on some of their popular products. You can see all the specials here.

***Bloggers: you might already be aware of this promotion.

Help us spread the word. Embed project and receive a $25 gift certificate. Here's how:

Embed your project on a blog or Web site you own. Email an active link (no screenshots, please) to the Web page containing your embedded project to: shareproject@shutterfly.com. We will confirm placement and reply to your email with a discount code.

Limit one per customer. See terms & conditions.

Free Photo Calendar -- Today Only!

Too bad we already made our calendars, but here's a free custom calendar from VistaPrint! From the email I got, it should be free, with free shipping! See more here.

1 for $19.98 FREE