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Review and Giveaway from More Than Alive
Last year, I stumbled across a new company called More Than Alive. When I dug around their website, I was thoroughly impressed. Not only did they carry my favorite vitamins, they also had a large selection of other products, helpful articles, and delicious healthful recipes. The owners, Vlad and Joy, contacted me a few months ago about possibly reviewing some of their products and you better believe I said "yes"! I had been eyeing this Berkey water filter for some time so was thrilled to have an opportunity to try it out. After a few months of using this water filtration system, we are sold. Not only does the Berkey do an incredible job of filtering, but it is so easy to take care of and refill. Since we only have a small family right now, the Berkey Light is perfect as it holds 2.75 gallons--we only have to refill it once every other day as opposed to multiple times per day like we had been doing with the Brita pitchers. Best of all, for the price, this is an excellent deal--you no longer have to pay for bottled water and you don't have to worry about replacing filters! Plus, this system is much less expensive than water distillation systems or Reverse Osmosis systems: With respect to cost per gallon of water, calculated upon the cost per gallon for replacement filters and energy costs, Distillation systems and RO systems properly maintained typically cost between 35-65 cents per gallon. A Berkey system typically costs about 1.6 cents per gallon. (Read more here.)
Water is so good for you, but water that contains harmful chemicals is not going to do you any good. Knowing that our water has been filtered through such a high-quality filter has brought great relief to me; I don't have to worry about nasty contaminants in our water anymore! Berkeys come in a variety of sizes, the largest of which holds up to six gallons of water so no matter your family size, there is a Berkey for you!  More Than Alive also sent me a bunch of their organic herbal teas to try out. As a tea aficionado, was I ever excited! And I have loved their teas--especially the Peppermint Leaf. I've never been much for peppermint tea, but there's something about this tea that I've become addicted to; in fact, I normally drink one to two cups of it everyday and have almost polished off the huge bag they sent me! Once again, their tea prices are extremely reasonable--and they always give you a little extra just because they are generous like that. They just added some new flavors and, I must say, I think I'm going to have to buy some of this tea to drink the next time I'm having a "blah" day. Doesn't it just look like the perfect remedy? ---------------
For those who are interested in placing an order, More Than Alive has graciously offered to give a 10% discount on any order placed through Saturday from my blog readers if you use coupon code k2c9w at checkout. I would heartily encourage you to check out their website--they have many, many wonderful products to choose from and their customer service is also excellent. You will not be disappointed in this company.
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And now for the giveaway... Who wants to win some delicious organic tea? Two winners will have the opportunity to choose two pounds of tea from More Than Alive. Here's how to enter to win:
::Visit More Than Alive and choose which two flavors of tea sound most tantalizing to you.
::Come back here and leave a comment with your top two tea picks (please include your name and email address or blog address so I can contact you if you win!).
:: I will randomly choose two winners on Monday and will announce them next Tuesday.
::This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S. Labels: Giveaways, Reviews
Win a dozen roses and a copy of Passionate Housewives!
 What mom wouldn't love this great giveaway? Enter here by May 10, 2008, to receive a dozen roses and a copy of Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: Especially for struggling homemakers
The winner of the giveaway from Light of Faith is: Julia Garner We've been talking a lot about homemaking here recently and what perfect timing that I have two copies of Queen of the Castle to give away--graciously donated by Thomas Nelson publishers. I picked up Queen of the Castle: 52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged, or Just Plain Tired Homemaker when I was needing some encouragement in my homemaking and mothering a year and a half ago. Was I ever inspired and encouraged--it was just what I needed! Lynn's style makes you feel right at home and leaves you very encouraged, not beaten down by extra guilt. As CBD says: Broken into 52 weeks of encouragement, Queen of the Castle talks more about caring than china, fun than function, and participating than perfecting. Walker, who freely admits she is not Homemaker of the Year, is more like a neighbor sharing tips over coffee than a domestic diva. Wisdom combined with fun, Queen of the Castle encourages women and reminds them that hugs matter, prayer helps, and home counts. Home counts, folks... It really does. Even on days when it seems like I'm doing a really sloppy job of this homemaker thing. And if you're anything like me, you need to be often reminded that what you are doing is a noble calling which can bring great honor and glory to God. Queen of the Castle serves as an excellent reminder to not lose heart, to not give up, and to remember to find the humor in the midst of it. To enter to win one of the two copies of this book I have to give away:::Leave a comment with your name and a way to contact you (email or blog link) on this post telling us what your greatest struggle is right now in the area of homemaking. Mine would be keeping up with dishes; what's yours? (I'll be taking note of what you list to consider for future guest posts and series on this blog!)
::Winner will be randomly drawn and posted on Tuesday of next week.
::This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S. Labels: Giveaways
48-Hour Giveaway: Jumping Ship and Do Hard Things
The winner of the Double Ruffle Hair Bow Giveaway (which was supposed to be posted a month ago and I fell off the bandwagon here--it's a good thing it's Anti-Procrastination Week!) is: Mrs. S (Seeschells@) ------------- Thanks to the gracious folks at Light of Faith, we're running a giveaway for the next 48 hours which I am very excited about. These are two hot-off-the-press books I've been looking forward to for months and can't wait to get my hands on. And one random blog commentor will be winning both here this week!From Light of Faith: In addressing the growing problem of Christian young people growing up and rejecting the faith and standards of their parents, these two books top our current list of must-reads.  There is a troubling trend showing up among some of the "homeschool crowd." Children of homeschooling families are discontent and rebellious, jumping ship as soon as they think they can survive without the family—some as young as sixteen years old. Jumping Ship will help parents recognize practical ways they themselves are driving their children to reject the very things they desire them to embrace.
 Do Hard Things is a powerful book for teens (and anyone else for that matter) who are being bombarded with the false mentality of our "never grow up" culture. Young people are finding an emptiness in the "me" culture and are hungering for something of substance, purpose, and meaning. Alex and Brett Harris, authors of The Rebelution blog help fill this void in a BIG way!
Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today. While I normally would skip to the giveaway details here, I have to pause for a moment to plug the company sponsoring this giveaway which also happens to be at the top of my list when it comes to my favorite companies. Light of Faith Resources, run by our friends Jimmy and Megan Morris, is dedicated to bringing you family-strengthening, faith-building, Christ-exalting materials. And let me tell you, they do just that! The quality and caliber of books carried by Light of Faith is almost unprecedented. Best of all, since they are very careful in what books they sell, you can rest assured that if it's in their catalog, it will be wholesome, God-honoring, and worth your time. By the way, if you sign up for their newsletter here (sign-up is on the lower right-hand side) and you'll get a coupon for FREE SHIPPING on your first order!
-----------------------To enter to win both Jumping Ship and Do Hard Things:::Visit Light of Faith Resources and choose a book or two (or ten!) that you'd love to have.
::Come back here and leave a comment below telling us which title(s) you chose. (Please include your name and either your email address or blog link so I can contact you if you are the winner!)
::Winner will be randomly drawn and posted at 9:00 PM, Thursday evening (April 17, 2008).
::This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S.
Labels: Giveaways
Tuesday giveaway: Double Ruffle Hair Accessories
Winner of last week's Honorable Boy Bible Study giveaway: Terri (Tramey@)  Today's giveaway will thrill those of you with little girls in your life! Kristy Howard, of Homemaker's Cottage, has recently started making and selling adorable Double Ruffle headbands and bows and she's giving two of them away here this week. Kristy says: When I first began making bows and headbands for our newborn daughter, Amy, I absolutely fell in love with double ruffle ribbon! The ribbon earns its name from the satiny "ruffled" dual edges--it is "double ruffled" and truly creates a beautiful, girly bow with lots of flounce and personality.
Four years later, I am still "in love" with this ribbon and use it often in creating bows for both our daughters, and often as gifts for new babies.
I am very pleased to offer you the finest in boutique-style headbands and bows... made from high quality double ruffle ribbon! Our Double Ruffle Bows come in a variety of ten beautiful colors, so you're sure to find a match for all those sweet outfits!
 Each bow features 3 loops of double ruffle ribbon and measures approx. 4" across. These bows are available on a 1.5" French barrette (recommended for older girls or girls with thicker hair) or a white crochet headband (recommended for toddlers and babies 6 months and older).
Kristy sent us a cute headband and hair clip for our girls and I about squealed with delight! The crochet headband bow is perfect for Kaitlynn and the French barrette bow is just right for Kathrynne. And the girls look so precious and feminine with them on! To enter to win two hair bows or head bands of your choice:::Visit Homemaker's Cottage and choose which color(s) of bows you'd prefer.
::Come back here and leave a comment below with your name and your color favorite bow(s). Be sure to include your email address or blog address so I can get in contact with you if you win!
::I'll choose one winner next Tuesday.
::This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents. Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: An Honorable Boy Bible Study
Winner of last week's A Virtuous Girl Bible Study giveaway: Julie (ericjuliehaley@)  Again from Michelle Zoppo and Queen Homeschool Supplies comes a brand-new Bible Study for Elementary-Aged Boys, An Honorable Boy: This study, for boys ages 6-12, will take your sons through a study of God’s Word, focusing on the character traits that make an honorable boy. Through the lives of many different men and boys mentioned in the Bible, your son will learn what made these men so pleasing to God, as well as how they can obtain the same character traits possessed by these men by implementing what they learn in their own lives.
To enter to win a free copy of this Bible Study, leave a comment below with your name below and some way for me to contact you if you win (email or blog link). Comments will be opened through next Monday and a winner will be randomly chosen and announced next Tuesday. Open to U.S. residents only.Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: A Virtuous Girl Bible Study
Winners of last week's Biscotti Gift Pack giveaway: Beth and Mommie
 From Michelle Zoppo and Queen Homeschool Supplies comes a brand-new Bible Study for Elementary-Aged Girls, A Virtuous Girl:This study for young girls is based on Proverbs 31, but goes much deeper that than, examining the lives of many different women of virtue found throughout the Bible. Find out what character qualities were in these women that made them worthy of mention in God's Word. This would be excellent for a mom to go through with her daughter. To enter to win a free copy of this Bible Study, leave a comment below with your name below and some way for me to contact you if you win (email or blog link). Comments will be opened through next Monday and a winner will be randomly chosen and announced next Tuesday. Open to U.S. residents only.Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: Biscotti Sampler from Sugarhouse Delights
The winner of the $30 gift certificate to Sher's Wares giveaway from two weeks ago is: Julianne (Sorry for the delay in getting it posted--I skipped out on doing a giveaway last week with all the Valentine's Contest happenings.) If you like sweets, you are in for a treat with this week's giveaway from the mother-and-daughter team who run Sugarhouse Delights. Specializing in homemade, gourmet biscotti, Sugarhouse Delights makes some of the best biscotti I have ever tasted before--and I've tried quite a few varieties. They sent our family a box with some of their goodies and I think I could have sat down and eaten all the biscotti in one setting--it is just that delicious. However, I used some major self-control and shared some with Kathrynne and Jesse who then both wanted to eat all the rest! For those who are unfamiliar with biscotti, it is a cookie that originated in Italy, and means "twice baked." It's great for dunking in your favorite beverage, or just eating plain, as we like to do! Sugarhouse Delights make a slightly softer version of the traditional Italian biscotti and yummy, is it ever good! Our package from Sugarhouse Delights was not only scrumptious but I was very impressed with the attention to detail put into everything. Best of all, they use all-natural ingredients in their products where they can, and never add preservatives to any of their baked goods. Sugarhouse Delights is generously giving away two of their Small Biscotti Gift Sampler which includes six assorted flavors of biscotti (all individually sealed) in a clear top gift box, tied with a gold elastic band. This sampler would make an excellent gift for someone or a special treat for your family!  By the way, Sugarhouse Delights is offering a special to all my readers! Get one biscotti of your choice for only a penny plus shipping and handling! Along with that, you'll receive a coupon for 10% off your next order. To take advantage of this special offer, visit www.sugarhousedelights.com and simply click on the link on their website that says "Try a Biscotti for one penny," choose your flavor and add it to your cart. This offer ends March 31, 2008.
To enter to win the Small Biscotti Gift Sampler:
::Visit Sugarhouse Delights and pick out which one of their yummy biscotti flavors sounds the best to you.
::Come back here and leave a comment with your top biscotti pick. (Be sure and include your name and email address or blog name so I can contact you if you win!)
::This giveaway will be open through next Monday and two winners will be chosen and announced on Tuesday.
::This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S.Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: $30 gift certificate to Sher's Wares
Last week's winner of the Chic Sisters Apron: Ahiltz (ahiltzy@)  This week's giveaway is courtesy of Sher's Wares, a company specializing in unique personalized jewelry for baby girls. If you have a little girl or know a little girl, you will love the large selection of high-quality and beautiful jewelry this company offers. They sent me a darling bracelet for Kaitlynn and I can't tell you how adorable it looks on her! There's something so fun about dressing up little girls, isn't there?  Sher's Wares is offering a $30 gift certificate to one blog reader for this giveaway. To enter to win: ::Visit Sher's Wares and pick out a product or two that is your favorite.
::Come back here and leave a comment telling me which product you like best. (Be sure to leave your name and either your email address or blog address so I can contact you if you win.)
::This giveaway will be open through Monday of next week. After that, I will close comments, randomly choose a winner, and post the winner next Tuesday.
::This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S.
Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: Making your home a haven package
Giveaway: Chic Sisters Apron from Marie-Madeline Studios
Last week's winner of the $100 Vision Forum Passport: Misty (rossmisty@...)  We gave away an apron from Marie-Madeline Studios a few months back and it was so popular that they have graciously offered to give away another apron, this time their brand-new Chic Sisters full-apron! They sent me one of these aprons and let me tell you, I love this apron. It is so versatile, beautiful, and practical. It's perfect for everyday cleaning or for hostessing a ladies' tea. As I wrote before:I can't speak highly enough of this new company started by a mom and her four daughters. Each item is carefully handcrafted by one of the seamstresses in their family. Their products are not only feminine, cute, and unique, but they are incredibly well made. Their dedication to producing high quality goods with the utmost attention to workmanship is every bit true.
Marie-Madeline Studio offers a selection of ready-made handbags and shoulder bags, diaper bags, aprons, skirts, corsages, lavender sachet pincushions, paper goods. Plus, they also offer a variety of made-to-order items. To enter to win the Chic Sisters apron shown above:
::Visit Marie-Madeline Studios and pick out a product that is your favorite. ::Come back here and leave a comment telling me which product you like best. (Be sure to leave your name and either your email address or blog address so I can contact you if you win.) ::This giveaway will be open through Monday of next week. After that, I will close comments, randomly choose a winner, and post the winner next Tuesday. ::This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S. By the way, if you enjoy giveaways, be sure to check out Shannon's HUGE Bloggy Giveaways Carnival this week!Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: $100 Vision Forum Passport
Last week's Extend-a-Bib winner: Mary Ann The generous folks at Vision Forum have once again decided to bless the socks off of one of my blog readers and give away a $100 passport to be used on any of their products.Through January 31, 2008 a number of their products are reduced by 20-40% so this would really give you exceptional bang for your buck! If I had to pick something to recommend to you to spend your $100 on, I'd recommend the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp CD series. I know I've mentioned this a few times the past two weeks, but I'm listening through this right now and soaking it up. It has been incredibly inspiring, thought-provoking, and practical.  You also know that I love their newest book, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. If you've not gotten a copy and you are a wife and mom or hope to be one someday, you need to run there and buy one today. It's highly encouraging plus it's 20% off right now! Read my review here.To enter to win this $100 passport::: Visit Vision Forum's website, browse around, and pick out some of your favorite products.
:: Come back here and leave a comment with your name and tell us what you'll buy if you win the $100 passport. (Please make sure to leave a blog address or email so I can get in touch with you if you win!)
:: Bonus Entry! Post about this contest on your blog with a link to this giveaway post and then leave a separate comment below with the link to your blog post mentioning this contest and you will receive two entries into this giveaway!
:: This contest will be open until next Monday (January 28, 2008) at noon. I'll randomly choose and post a winner later on that day.
:: This giveaway is open to any entrant from around the world. One entry per person, except in case of posting it on your blog which allows you two entries per person. Labels: Giveaways
Tuesday review and giveaway: Extend-a-Bibs
Last week's winner: Miss Ashley from PA
 All of you with little people at your house are going to love this giveaway from Seams of Love. They have graciously offered to give away one of their practical and versatile Extend-a-Bibs.Let me tell you, this is the best bib I've ever come by. Audrey Stucker, the mom who came up with this innovative bib idea, sent me a bib for each of my girls and I am hooked. There is no going back to normal bibs again.  These adorable bibs come in a variety of colors and serve a dual purpose - the front snaps up to form a crumb catcher for snack time, then you can unsnap it for a full length bib that extends to over 17" long - almost like an apron. Made up of two layers of ultra soft, absorbent flannel, you will love these bibs. Try them and I'm guessing you decide you'll never go back to anything else again, too! To enter to win your own Extend-a-Bib:::Visit Seams of Love and pick your favorite bib fabric or item from their website.
::Come back here and leave a comment telling us what product you liked best (be sure to leave your email or blog address so I can contact you if you win!).
::I'll leave comments open until Saturday and will post the winner along with next Tuesday's giveaway.
::This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Labels: Giveaways, Reviews
Giveaway: The King's Blooming Rose magazine subscription
 If you have a daughter or are a young woman, you will especially be interested in this giveaway - a one-year subscription to The King's Blooming Rose, a quarterly magazine for Christian young ladies. Published by homeschooler Sarah Bryant, this well-laid-out magazine's purpose is to "encourage others toward a closer and holy walk with Christ." Sarah's heart is to inspire other young girls to grow in their Christian walk in accordance with Titus 2 and Proverbs 31:10-31. Each issue is centered around a different theme and is packed with recipes, pictures, and poems. It also features a regular question and answer column and articles with insight and encouragement for young ladies who are preparing to be future homemakers. To see a more detailed overview of the contents of the last issue, click here or read some sample articles from past issues here. If you would like to request a sample issue or subscribe, click here for more information. To enter to win a one year subscription:::Leave a comment below with your name and a way for me to contact you if you win (either your blog address or your email address).
::I will leave comments open through Friday evening and will randomly choose and post a winner on Monday.
::This giveaway is only open to residents in the US. Labels: Giveaways
Two giveaways: Baby sling and book
 Giveaway #1: Dr. Sear's Baby Sling
A kind friend of mine who is a reader here would like to give away the above like-new Dr. Sear's Baby Sling to a reader here. I'd like it to go to someone who can really use it and cannot afford a sling otherwise so instead of randomly picking a winner, I'll be hand-picking the recipient from the entries sometime on Friday afternoon and will email the recipient personally. If you are interested, please email me (biblicalwomanhood @ sbcglobal.net - remove spaces) your mailing address and well, convince me as to why you should be the recipient of the sling.  Giveaway #2: Angel Unaware: The Touching Story of Love and LossAnother reader sent me the above book as she thought I'd enjoy it (Thanks, Amanda! Your thank-you note is in the mail!). And she was definitely right. I've read the autobiography of Dale Evans Rogers, so this personal account of her little Downs' Syndrome daughter's short life was especially touching. In an age when people never thought to keep their special needs children in their own home and love them as part of the rest of the family, the Rogers family choose to go against the tide and the better judgment of the medical professionals and have their little daughter Robin be just as much a part of their lives as the rest of their children. In doing so, God used her short life to not only have a huge impact on theirs, but to touch literally millions of lives around the world. If you are the parent of a special needs child, this book will be especially meaningful. And for that reason, I'd like to bless one of you with a copy of this book. So, if you are the mommy of a special needs child and would be interested in a copy of this book, email me your mailing address - biblicalwomanhood @ sbcglobal.net (remove spaces). I'll choose one winner on Friday and will email you personally and ship a book out to you. Labels: Giveaways
Giveaway: Elsie Dinsmore Audio Book 4
 While in San Antonio for the Independent Christian Film Festival, we had the privilege of getting to meet and eat lunch with the Mantuefel family. I especially loved getting to meet Laurie Manteufel - energetic and vivacious mom of seven who so warmly welcomed us into their home at a moment's notice. What an example of a loving wife and mother and hospitable woman she was! In the course of our conversations that afternoon, I heard her mention something about her new recording. My ears perked up. Come to find out, Laurie has just started producing an audio collection of the Elsie Dinsmore book series by Martha Finley. Books 1-3 were produced in audio book format some years ago by another company, but the collection was never finished. And so Laurie has set about to finish the collection, beginning with book 4.I have to confess to having never read any of the Elsie Dinsmore books, but when I started listening to this CD, I was thoroughly engaged. Laurie's reading of this book just enraptures you. I promise you'll have a hard time turning it off! (Listen to a sample clip here.) Vintage Voice Recordings has kindly given us three copies of this CD to give away. Please note that these CDs are MP3 audio tracks so they only can be played on an MP3 compatible CD player.
To enter to win a copy of Elsie's Womanhood Audio book recording::: Leave a comment below with your name. Also, let me know whether you have a Mac or a PC. (This will determine which CD should be sent to you should you win!)
:: I'll leave comments open until Monday of next week and will choose three winners and post them shortly thereafter. Labels: Giveaways
Winner of the apron!
Finally, after lots of set-backs here, we have a winner of the apron.... Single Mom for GodCongratulations! Email me your shipping address and we'll get this sent right out to you.  For those who didn't win, Marie-Madeline Studios just released a pattern for their beautiful aprons. Buy your copy here.
Also, you can order a pre-made apron in their shop here and get free shipping through the end of December. Just mention my blog when you order to receive the shipping discount. And lastly, they are giving away another apron right over here.Labels: Giveaways
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More Than Alive also sent me a bunch of their organic herbal teas to try out. As a tea aficionado, was I ever excited! And I have loved their teas--especially the Peppermint Leaf. I've never been much for peppermint tea, but there's something about this tea that I've become addicted to; in fact, I normally drink one to two cups of it everyday and have almost polished off the huge bag they sent me!
