DIY: Bringing Your Kitchen Table Back to Life



Before

Our table is old. The stain on the top was faded, water rings disbursed throughout, and colorful markers (thanks to the kids), all made this 12 year old table look like it was ready to be tossed. Not wanting to spend a few hundred dollars on a new one, that would eventually get just as destroyed, my husband and I began to think of other options. After much sitting and staring at the table, we decided to give it a face lift. We knew it would take a few sore muscles, hard work, and a couple days out of the weekend. Since I am all about saving money, it was the only way I was going to get a brand new table, for under $50!



After



Here are the materials we used to refinish the table:

6 cans of Rust-Oleum Semi-Gloss Black Spray Paint (for 4 chairs, 2 coats each, plus touch-ups)

Polyshade Stain & Polyurethane

Sanding paper

A sander

Fine steel wool

Oil/Stain paint brushes

Blue painters tape

Painters tarp

Plastic gloves

STEPS:

• Check the weather forecast for the next two days, if doing project outside!
• Clean all the chairs and table, to remove food, dirt, and God knows what else.
• Take the chairs outside and spray with a light coat of paint. Let dry completely.
• Apply a second thorough coat to chairs. Dry completely again.
• May have to apply third coat, depending on chair.
• *We did not strip the original chairs down. We sprayed over the existing.
• Take table outside, and sand down top (or use paint stripper), until all existing coat is gone.
• *Please note: If you leave any existing varnish or stain, and try to stain over it, it will not evenly coat, cause uneven coloring.
• After completely sanded and smooth, wipe down with damp cloth. Let dry.
• If only staining a certain part of the table, then apply blue painters tape the the other areas. (For example: I painted the rim under my table top, a black, to match the chairs.)
• Apply one even coat of stain, following directions on can. Do even strokes, and don't try to "touch up" areas, as you stain. It will dry darker than the rest!  Let dry completely.
• Gently rub fine steel wool over the stain. This removes the fine bumps and gives an even smooth feels. Wipe down with damp cloth. Let dry.
• Apply additional coats, until desired color is reached. Repeat above steps.
• End by rubbing steel wool over the stain and a final wipe down with a damp cloth.

Finally! A Healthy Hot Chocolate!

I am so happy right now! I was finally able to find a healthier instant hot chocolate mix, that does not contain partially hydrogenated oils, refined sugars, and other agents harmful for your body! This mix is by a company called Wilderness Family Naturals. It is made with raw cacao (the seed that makes chocolate), coconut sugar, and coconut milk. If you don't like the flavor of coconut, I don't suggest you buy it. You simply place two heaping tablespoons of the dry mix, into a mug, and add 8 oz. of hot water. Stir until dissolved, and ENJOY!  A 1Lb. bag of this Hot Chocolate will cost $15, plus shipping. Should last all winter though!

*ENDED* Giveaway (Feb. 27- March 2): Custom-Made Mary Jane Slippers by Carmen's Creations

Just in time for this cold, winter weather...I am excited to giveaway a new pair of custom-made Mary Jane Slippers, by Carmen's Creations! Winner will get to choose their own two colors and size! Carmen Bizak, the owner of Carmen's Creations, is extremely talented! Her artistic side shines through, in her ability to create one of a kind items, for kids and adults alike. Her attention to detail is the key to setting these fun and unique creations above all others! Although she can do just about anything and everything, here are some of my favorites--

Scroll down, to enter to win!

Whimsical Hats

Gorgeous Blankets

Unique Slippers

Trendy Bags & Purses

Adorable Newborn Gift Sets

 ...and so much more!

If you can dream it up, Carmen can make it! I mean, c'mon, we all know that the best gift anyone can give, is something custom-made. For pricing, or to place an order, email Carmen's Creations. You can also check out more photos over on the official Carmen's Creations Facebook Page.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN! There are three ways to enter the Giveaway below, the first entry is mandatory, and the other two are optional bonus entries. The more ways you enter, the better your chance of winning! One winner will receive a pair of custom-made Mary Jane style slippers (as pictured above), in their choice of two colors and size (a $25 value). Drawing will be held March 3, 2012, via Random.org. Winner will be emailed, announced on Facebook, and added to the Winners Wall.

Thank you to Carmen Bizak, owner of Carmen's Creations, for providing me with one free pair of slippers to review, as well as sponsoring a pair for one giveaway winner. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy and Giveaway Rules here.

Having technical difficulties with this Giveaway? Email jennifer@jennifervandahm.com.

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Becoming a Better You: Organizing Your Tasks

Have you ever felt inadequate at what you do? Especially when it comes to house cleaning, cooking, and keeping the family running smoothly? The list of expectations upon one person can be overwhelming, and can leave you feeling inadequate, when not achieved. I have a confession...I have felt very inadequate lately. I can only to seem to juggle a few things at once, if I want to see completed results. The minute I add too much though, everything comes crashing down. I strive to come up with a balance in my life, where I can succeed in all areas important to me. For example, I feel I have mastered the daily tasks of  homeschooling the kids, laundry, meals, dishes, and blogging. But, it bothers me that house cleaning and other tedious work have been placed on the back burner, and don't get done as regular as I would like. That right there, leaves me feeling inadequate. I know there are people out there who can knock out their housework in one day. Consider yourself lucky! I probably could too, if I weren't homeschooling the kids. But let's face it, I just don't have that many free hours at one given time-- it takes me 4-6 hours to clean the whole house from top to bottom, depending on interruptions!

Being a stay-at-home mom, I feel there are certain "chores" that fall on my shoulders. I figure my husband works full time, and doesn't need to come home to more work. Call me old-fashion. I recently tried a new approach, in an effort to accomplish the important chores.

• I made a list of everything I would like to get done on a weekly basis. 
• I then looked at my calendar, and decided which days were more free than others.  
• I than began to construct a "work week" for myself, being careful to assign certain chores and tasks together, on certain days of the week.
• Each day I look over my to-do list, and get to work. I try to complete all chores, prior to any other activities for the day.
• I have had to tweak the list and schedule over the course of a couple of weeks, making it work that much better.

What a difference it has made! It's not that I didn't have the time to complete all tasks before; it's that I didn't have the motivation. Something about having it officially in the schedule, written down on my weekly list, has "forced" me to get my butt in gear. It has allowed be to place important tasks in a manageable time frame. I have also learned to limit how much we do outside of the home, as too many busy days running around can tend to leave tasks undone. That creates extra work the following day, and can quickly become a snowball effect. Blah! As an additional effort, I have up'd my bedtime as well. I am a night owl by nature, but unfortunately that means I like to sleep in too! Sleeping in causes a big delay in getting my day started. By heading to bed earlier, I wake up earlier, thus getting a good head start on my chores. Let's face it, I don't want to still be doing housework, when I should be sitting down for the night.

I have also assigned my kids daily chore lists. This has helped remove the little tedious tasks off of my list-- empty trash cans, clear shoes from entry way, put own laundry away, feed dog, pick up toys. It allows me to focus on the bigger tasks of house cleaning-- dusting, bathrooms, vacuum, mopping. I do let the kids help out with those tasks occasionally too. Since they are still learning how to do the bigger tasks correctly,  I limit their weekly help in those areas. Half a can of furniture polish for one table, told me they weren't ready yet :)

Overall, I have felt complete, like I am living up to each day. It's a good feeling to sit down at night, knowing I don't have uncompleted chores looming over me. I can go to bed knowing that tomorrow is a new day, and that I don't have to play catch-up. In our house, a happy stress-free mom, makes for a happy stress-free home!

Here is list of weekly chores, to help you get started. I grouped them, to show which tasks I do on the same day. This helps eliminate having to do a task twice during the week (ex. vacuuming the floor prior to mopping). I only schedule one or two groups of weekly tasks per day. I don't schedule any chores on the weekend, as that is my family time (besides doing dishes)!

Weekly

Dust all furniture

Clean glass doors/windows

Wipe down ceiling fans

Vacuum-- floors, under couch cushions, base boards

Mop--all floors

Bathrooms cleaned--toilets, sinks, shower/tub

Clip coupons

Menu planning for week

Grocery list made

Grocery shop

Pay bills

Errands

Scheduled events/activities (outside of home)

A few times during the week

De-clutter counter tops

Trash emptied

Laundry 

Bed sheets changed *Once a week, on a day you do laundry

Toys/shoes/piles picked up off floor

Daily

Dishes

"She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'" Proverbs 31:27-29

*ENDED* FREE Pancakes at IHOP (Feb. 28)

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 is National Pancake Day (who knew?)! IHOP is celebrating with a FREE Short Stack Signature Buttermilk Pancakes, from 7 AM to 10 PM. In return, guests are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to the Children's Miracle Network. No coupon required.

5 FREE Personalized Veggie Tales Song Downloads

Just Me Music is running a promo right now for kids! Get 5 FREE personalized Veggie Tales Song Downloads, with your child's name! Enter code Veggie, to get them free. It will give you the option to buy all of the tracks, just click the button that says "No thanks, just want my free tracks". It will then direct you to download your free songs!

Homeschool/Teachers: FREE Scholastic Magazine Sample Issue

If you are a teacher, then you can request a FREE sample issue for Scholastic Magazine. You can choose from any grade, PreK through 12th, plus foreign language.

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Pasta

16 oz. pkg whole wheat Chiocciole pasta (shaped like bite-size shells)
1 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
3 whole cloves fresh garlic, minced
1-1/2 cup sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice, seeds removed
10 oz. pkg. frozen cut spinach, thawed completely and squeezed dry
14 oz. can whole artichoke hearts (5-7 per can), rinsed, drained, and chopped
1-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 tsp. sea salt
Several dashes fresh ground black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. Red pepper flakes (optional) *If you like a spicier dish

Cook pasta in salted water, according to directions on pasta package. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, before you drain pasta.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Heat oil in a small pan. Saute onion until slightly tender (5-8 minutes), then add garlic for last minute.

In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, lemon juice, and onion/garlic mixture. Once combined, stir in cooked pasta and mix well.

Stir in spinach, artichokes, the reserved pasta liquid, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup mozzarella.

Place mixture in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and turning golden on top.

Crock Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

The toasted garlic bread takes on the role of croutons, 

giving a new twist to typical Caesar Salad!

2 Lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup water
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of Caesar Dressing
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
1-1/2 tsp. dried parsley
Several dashes fresh ground black pepper
6 Hamburger buns (use whole wheat for healthier)
3 Tbs. butter, softened at room temperature
1 large whole fresh garlic clove, finely minced
Chopped Romaine lettuce, for topping

Place chicken thighs in crock pot. Pour water over top. Cook, covered,  on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

Once chicken is cooked, transfer chicken to a plate. Discard water from crock pot. Turn crock pot up to high. Using two forks, shred chicken, removing any fat.

Return shredded chicken to crock pot. Stir in dressing, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper. *Start by only adding 1/2 cup of the dressing, and then feel free to add more, if not creamy enough. Cook, covered, on HIGH for 15 additional minutes, or until chicken mixture is hot.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix butter and garlic together. Place hamburger buns on baking sheet. Spread butter mixture onto one side of each bun half. Toast under oven broiler for 1-3 minutes, until golden. Watch closely, as it can burn quickly!

Spoon warmed chicken mixture onto toasted buns. Top with extra shredded Parmesan cheese, and romaine lettuce. Drizzle extra dressing on top, if you desire.

FREE Kotex Natural Balance Liners (Costco Members Only)

Another one for the ladies...If you are a current Costco member, then you are eligible to request a FREE Kotex Natural Balance Liners sample pack. You will need to input your Costco membership number to request this. Just fill out the form here.

*Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Must be 18 years or older. One request per household. US residents only. While supplies last.

Giveaway Sponsors: Spring Dates Are Now Open!

Do you own your own business or are you an Independent Consultant for a company, and want to get word out there about your product(s)? I am now accepting sponsors for the April-June Giveaways, on jennifervandahm.com! First come, first serve! Visit the Advertiser Information page, for complete details. Questions? Feel free to email me!

"I have to tell you what a wonderful experience I have had with my giveaway. I got a call yesterday from someone who had entered the giveaway to win my product, and wanted to buy additional items! Also, upon contacting the winner of the giveaway, she also booked a show! I am more than thrilled with the outcome of this giveaway, and how this has really helped my business. As I mentioned earlier, I would love to be a part of another giveaway . Thanks again for the opportunity!"

 -Michelle Kiser, Thirty-One, Independent Consultant

FREE Gallon Milk Coupon (Facebook Offer)

The Breakfast Project just launched a new campaign called the Milk Mustache! Head over to their Facebook Page and complete the form, to print off a coupon for one FREE milk (when you buy three breakfast items within the same purchase)! Don't do through mobile device, as you will need a printer and Java to print coupon! Make sure you are not using Firefox or Google Chrome on a MAC computer. If you are, use another browser. Coupon will open in a new window, for you to print.

*Campaign starts 2/23 and ends 3/3/12. Offer open to US residents. Must be 18 or older. 10,000 coupons will be given away each day, for 10 days, during the offer period. Coupon expires 4/3/12. Limit one coupon per person. Please note that not all retailers will accept online printed coupons for Free items.

FREE Gud Lotion Sample by Burt's Bees (Facebook Offer)

Burt's Bees is giving away a sample of their Gud Body Lotion, over on their Facebook Page! You get to choose from one of three different scents!

*Must be at least 13 years old. One sample per household. US residents only. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

FREE U By Kotex Sample Pack

Ladies, this one is for you....Sam's Club is offering samples of the "U By Kotex". You do not need a membership number to receive this. Just click on the U By Kotex tab, then click the Get a Sample tab.

*Limit one sample per household. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Available to US residents only.

*ENDED* FREE Organic Marley Coffee Sample

Marley Coffee is giving away FREE samples of their One Love Organic Coffee! Stop over on their website, and tell them where to send your sample!

*Limit one sample per household. Must be 18 years old or older. US residents only. New customers only.

*ENDED* FREE Ocean Spray Craisins Sample (Facebook Offer)

Ocean Spray is giving away 29,000 samples of their Craisins (Dried Cranberries), over on their Facebook Page! Limit of one sample per household, while supplies last. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Simplifying Life: Oganization Printables & Ideas--Errands, Menus, Cleaning, Chores!

I am always trying to find ways to keep structure and organization in our home. Let's just say, I've never been one to "just wing it". I found two websites through Pinterest, Design Finch and Desiring Virtue. They offer free Organization Printables, covering everything from weekly planners, menu planners, chores, and cleaning schedule lists. With Spring coming soon, what a great time to get things in order around the house! You can even use these to give you ideas on how to create your own weekly list. For example, I made a weekly list that only had a Menu Schedule, Appointments, and Chores. I broke it down by days of the week, and spread my chores out evenly throughout the week. I even did one for the kids, to ensure that their work is getting done, and give them some responsibility in the home. Here are some things I was sure to include on my lists:

House-Cleaning Chores:

Laundry
Dust

Clean Bathrooms

Vacuum

Mop Floors

Sheets Changed

Dishes
 Quick Pick-up of Piles

Other Chores:

Pay Bills

Grocery Shop

Get Gas for Car

Clip Coupons

Go to Bank

Menu Planning

Kids Chores:

Make Bed

Clothes off Floor

Brush Teeth

Feed Dog

Put Their Own Laundry Away (on the days I wash laundry)

Clean Up Shoes in Entryway

Empty Trash Cans

Playroom Picked Up

Sheets off Bed (for me to wash)

Trash/Recycle to Curb

I had this system already going, but on several different lists, which made it confusing to track. This basically consolidates it all into one! I must say, I am a firm believer that when you have a task written down, it tends to get done a little quicker. There is satisfaction in being able to cross things off, as the day goes on! The key is to plan your weekly chores out in a way that doesn't overwhelm you. For instance, I mop my floors on the same day I vacuum, as I need to get the dog hair up first any ways. I also determined what days I would do specific chores, based on other set events happening during the week. For instances, if you have less events happening on Mondays and Tuesdays, then schedule your larger chores on those days, verses cramming it into an already full day. Also, organize your children's chores around yours. For example, I have them cleaning their playroom the day before I am scheduled to vacuum, or emptying trash cans the day it needs to go to the curb. It is helpful if you work out your schedule and set the chore dates, verses changing it every week. It really does make life easier, as well as release the stress of wondering "when you'll get it done"!

All Target Stores: Dr. Suess Storytime Event- The Lorax (2/25)

NEA's Read Across America is hosting a special Storytime at all Target locations! They will be reading The Lorax, on Saturday February 25, 2012, from 9-11 AM. Kids will also receive a free goody bag and do activities! Then be sure to check out the movie, opening in theaters on March 2!

2 FREE Yogi Tea Samples

Yogi Tea is offering a promo where you can send a friend a personalized well-wishes e-card, along with two complimentary Yogi Tea samples! Just complete this form, and they will email a personalized e-card message to your friend, along with a link for your friend to tell them where to send the complimentary tea, that you selected for them. Want to try it yourself? Just send the e-card to someone in your home. Be patient, as the form is taking awhile to load, due to high request volume.

*Offer valid in US only. Limit one per household. Allow 2-3 weeks for the samples to arrive.

Healthier Popcorn

A guilt-free way to enjoy this movie-time favorite!

1/4 cup popcorn kernels
Olive oil, to drizzle
Sea salt, to taste
Brown paper lunch bag

Place the kernels into a brown paper lunch bag, and fold top over. Place in microwave and cook 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes. *You will hear the popping noise slow down in between pops, letting you know it is just about ready. Listen closely, as it can burn very quickly!

Carefully remove the bag and pour popcorn into a large bowl. Repeat process until you have desired amount of popcorn. *I don't pop more than 1/4 cup at a time, due to space in brown paper bag. The more you place in the bag, the less kernels that actually pop.

Drizzle popcorn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to evenly coat.

Tip: If you have a popcorn air-popper, feel free to use that instead!

Homeschool/Teachers: FREE Career Lesson Kits (K-8 Grade)

Lenovo is offering FREE Career Lesson Kits, designed for children K through 8th grade. K-3rd grade get masks and 4th - 8th grade get presentation boards. It will only let you order a minimum of 15 kits. So, if you do homeschool, share these with other homeschooling families. This lesson plan will spark the question, "What will YOU do win you grow up?" I have a feeling my son's job as a Lego Builder will somehow not be on here!

Homeschool/Teachers: FREE Chemistry Kits (4 - 8 Grade)

Teachers can request FREE Chemistry Kits through ACS. These hands-on chemistry kit and shipping, are both free. These kits are designed to teach 4th through 8th graders about the clues of chemical change. The kits come in sets of 12-32 (working in groups of 4), so if you are a homeschooling parent I recommend you go in with others on this. It says kits can only be mailed to schools, and as far as I am concerned homeschooling is a school!

*US only.

Update: FREE Bottle of Langers Juice (Facebook Offer)

Update: Langers reached 70,000 "Likes". Their Facebook page now says to watch for the sweepstakes to be launched on March 1, for a chance to win 1 of 1,000 vouchers, for the free bottle of juice. Many are left feeling confused, as everyone was under the impression we would receive a free bottle, just by "Liking" them on Facebook. *Dislike*

Click the "Like" button on the Langers Juice Facebook Page. If they reach 70,000 "likes" by March 1st, then everyone will receive a voucher, for a FREE bottle of Langers Juice! They are at 67,000...won't be long now!

*ENDED* FREE CloSYS Mouthwash Sample

Apparently there is a bad-breath epidemic happening, as I am seeing a lot of free samples for mouthwash lately! CloSYS is giving away FREE samples of their 3.4 oz. Oral Health Alcohol-free Rinse! Just fill out the form, letting them know where to send your sample!

*Offer good in the US  only (excludes HI and AK). Limit one sample per household or address. Allow 6-8 weeks. While supplies last only.

Bubbly Pink Punch

I never knew a drink could be FUN!

2 cups (16 oz.) pink or regular lemonade
2 cups (16 oz.) raspberry sherbet
2 (12 oz. each) canned Sprite (can substitute for any lemon-lime flavored soda)

For individual servings: In a blender, combine the sherbet with lemonade; mix until combined. Pour into individual wine glasses, only halfway. Add soda, the remainder of the way. Stir gently. Serve immediately and enjoy!

To serve in a punch bowl: Double the recipe, and pour the blended sherbet/lemonade mixture into the bowl. Pour in the Sprite and gently stir. *May have to blend the sherbet and lemonade in batches, depending on the size of your blender.

Tip: I used regular lemonade in this photo. It will be a brighter pink if you use the pink lemonade instead.

It's Back! FREE Personalized Greeting Card from Cardstore.com (Expires 2/20)

Head over to Cardstore.com  and choose any personalized greeting card for FREE! Just create an account, add the card to your cart, go to checkout, and use promo code CCC2020, to get it for free (no shipping fee either!) They are only giving away 10,000 free cards, so hurry! You can have it sent to you or a recipient. At this rate, I won't have to buy any cards this year!

*Only one per household.

Free NOW Energy Bar Sample (Facebook Offer)

NOW Energy is giving away FREE samples of their Energy Bar! Just "Like" their Facebook Page, and fill out the request. Plus, when you send your request, you will also be entered to win an autographed Phil Keoghan's "The Ride" on DVD. Runs Feb.17 through March 31, 2012. Whiles samples last.

Ultimate Double Cookie N' Brownie Bars

Rich. Chocolaty. Almost Sinful.

1 cup (2 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temp.
1 cup granulated sugar or dry honey granules
1 cup  Sucanat sugar or light brown sugar
2 whole large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 cups (12 oz.) semi-sweet milk chocolate chips or 1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 pkg. Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (like Oreo, but I use healthier brands like Newmans or Back to Nature)
1 box of any Brownie Mix- family size for an 9 x 13 pan serving (I use 2 boxes of  No Pudge Brownie Mix)
Additional ingredients, as called for on Brownie box
1/4 cup hot fudge chocolate sauce
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars with an electric mixer, on medium speed, until blended creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix well to combine.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix into the butter/sugar mixture, until the flour is just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spread the cookie dough in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with one layer of chocolate sandwich cookies.

In a large bowl, mix the brownie mix, according to box directions. Stir in hot fudge topping. Pour the brownie batter over the cookies and smooth to cover all of the cookies.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes. (Mixture may not looked as set as the outer edges, but will set up more once cooled. It should look baked on the top, and no longer shiny though.) Let cool completely before cutting. This dessert is very rich, so smaller portions may be better :) You can also serve vanilla ice cream over this!

Tip: I prefer using the above mentioned brands, as they are made with natural ingredients, thus eliminating high fructose corn syrups, preservatives, and other un-necessary ingredients! The No Pudge Brownie mix is also fat-free and cholesterol-free! Find a store near you that sells them here.

FREE Tide Pod Sample (Facebook Offer)

Tide Laundry Detergent is giving away FREE Tide Pod Samples on Facebook. It is a laundry detergent that contains-- detergent, stain remover, and a brightener, all in one!

*They are only giving out 500,000 samples, limit one per household. Open to US residents, 18 years old and older. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

*ENDED* Giveaway: (Feb. 13-17) Organo Gold Gourmet Variety Hot Beverage Set

What a perfect time of the year to enjoy a hot cup of coffee, tea, mocha, latte, or cocoa! That's why I am excited to run this particular Organo Gold Giveaway! There is a little bit of something for everyone! One winner will receive two packets each of Organo Gold's Gourmet Black Coffee, Cafe' Latte, Cafe' Mocha, Green Tea, AND Hot Chocolate (a $28 value)! There is something about relaxing on the couch, with a good book, and a mug of yumminess, that melts all stresses away for me! Plus, these are so easy, you just add hot water to the mix!

What is so different about Organo Gold Beverages? They are made with 100% Organic Ganoderma Extract! This is a mushroom-based extract (doesn't take like mushroom though!) that has the ability to improve your bodies natural healing capacity and longevity. It is rich in antioxidants and vital nutrients, without loosing that great coffee, tea, or cocoa taste! Ganoderma has over 4,000 years of history, originally reserved for royalty! It contains many active elements, known to support health such as-- oxygenate the body, provide more energy, natural body detoxification, and support the quality of sleep, circulation, and immune system.

To view a full catalog, place an order, or book a party, visit Organo Gold~ Denise Watkins online. Have questions or want more information? Email Denise Watkins, Independent Consultant for Organo Gold, or call her at 804-370-6400.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN! There are four ways to enter the Giveaway below, the first entry is mandatory, and the other three are optional bonus entries. The more ways you enter, the better your chance of winning! One winner will receive a variety gift pack including (2) hot chocolates, (2) cafe' lattes, (2) green tea, (2) cafe' mochas, and (2) black coffee packets. Drawing will be held Feb. 18, 2012, via Random.org. Winner will be emailed, announced on Facebook, and added to the Winners Wall.

Thank you to Denise Watkins, Independent Consultant for Organo Gold, for providing me with a free sample set to review, as well as sponsoring a set for one giveaway winner. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy and Giveaway Rules here.

Having technical difficulties with this Giveaway? Email jennifer@jennifervandahm.com.

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FREE Personalized Greeting Card from SendOutCards.com

SendOutCards.com is an online greeting card service that makes remembering an event that much easier! With just the click of a button, you can choose a custom card for any occasion, add a personal photo, write your message and click send. They will print, stuff, stamp and mail the physical card for you, on the date you request them to. These cards have the quality of a premium store-bought card! I have all of my birthday cards ready to go, for the next six months! No excuses to ever forget a special event again :) Try it, by sending one FREE card today! Just click on the "Send a Free Card" link, once you visit the site.

*Limit one per household please. While supplies last.

*ENDED* FREE Crabtree and Evelyn Lotion or Shower Gel (Facebook Offer)

Visit the Crabtree & Evelyn Facebook page, to reserve your free 50 ml Avocado Olive & Basil Body Lotion OR Bath & Shower Gel!  Just "Like" their Facebook page, fill out the form, and once they reach 50,000 likes, they will email you a voucher, for the above stated product (a $6 value). Voucher can only be redeemed at a participating US Crabtree & Evelyn store. Find your nearest store here.

*Entries close Feb. 29, 2012. Limit one voucher per household. Voucher will be sent via email on or about March 1. Voucher must be surrendered in store by between March 1-18, 2012.

Costco Members Only: FREE Crest Mouthwash Sample

If you are a Costco member, you can request a free sample of Crest Pro Health Multi-Protection Mouth Rinse. Just copy and paste the URL below, into your browser, then complete the form. They do require you to fill in your Costco member ID number.
Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/costco?item=102230

*Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. One sample per household, US residents only. Must be 18 or older. While supplies last.