My Review and Giveaway Page

Winner of Blog Makeover!

2011-05-20T21:01:00.001-07:00

Here's the lucky lady who is going to be looking extra presh online pretty soon...

palepearl said...

Love the blog makeover, Angie!

Thanks for the opportunity to win a makeover of my own!

Jennifer

MAY 3, 2011 7:32 PM

congrats!!!!!

Small Bird Studio Giveaway

2011-05-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

Enter here to win a FREE blog makeover on blogger worth $55!!! If you would rather have a Wordpress design you can apply the $55 to that instead :)

WooHoo!!!!! Love me some Franchesca...

winner!

2011-04-18T21:54:00.001-07:00

congrats to...

Kincaid said...

I LOVE her stuff! SO pretty! I love the pink starburst diaper bag, and the little girl purses....really all of it is so cute it would be hard to decide!

APRIL 10, 2011 4:29 AM

you will be hearing from gussy shortly! yay!!!!

Gussy!!!!

2011-04-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Alright, friends....go ahead and enter! All you have to do is click over to Gussy's site, find your favorite product, and then come back here and tell me what you picked. You will then be entered to win a $75 credit to her fantastical online store :) You can have up to 3 entries if you go ahead and pass this along on twitter and facebook as well...

Winner will be chosen on Wednesday April 13th.

Enjoy!
Ang

Oops...

2010-12-14T10:53:00.001-08:00

I am so sorry! I had a post up saying that Ria had won the giftcard and I misunderstood the way the winner was chosen...the contest ends on 12/22 and they will choose the winner :( BUT, Ria if you will contact me I will do my best to come up with a backup prize so you don't go empty handed...

Go on and enter if you haven't and I will let you all know when I hear the next step!!!

Thanks,
Angie

Giveaway Time!

2010-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Intel.

We have been having a blast with our new laptop, and are still pinching ourselves over it. I suppose the fancy name for the processor is an Intel®Core™i5 processor with TurboBoost technology (say that three times fast) but around here we just call it “awesome” for short.

I was intimidated by the whole Intel® Wireless Display (akaWiDi) box, assuming that I would give it my best shot and then scream for someone smarter to come help me hook it up. Not even 3 minutes later, it was up and running with absolutely no glitches. It is the COOLEST thing, and I am really surprised at the (lack of) lag time between the computer and the T.V. We decided to let the girls pick a movie from Netflix to watch instantly and they chose Eloise. I told them to get comfortable and go grab some popcorn while it loaded, assuming it would take as long as it had on my computer. Well, they didn’t make it halfway down the stairs and it had started. This may not sound that exciting to you, but Todd and I are documentary aficionados, and we are seriously excited about all the shows we can now watch on our main T.V. from the computer. There aren’t any cords that go from the computer to the T.V…it’s wireless!

And the fact that I hooked up the entire thing in less than 5 minutes and the house did not explode?

Noteworthy.

We have been using the computer (or I guess, really, the processor of the computer) to do so many things, including schoolwork, school videos (no more fighting over the computer screen glare…all three can see it now!!! Yippeeee!!!!), music, and a TON of organizational stuff. We have also watched videos of how to churn butter to go along with our colonial times study (let’s mark that last sentence as one I never planned to say when I was 16 years old) and researched some fun Thanksgiving crafts.

It’s really intuitive and there’s basically no learning curve. I’m having fun with this little “bulletin board” feature that lets me have lists of things that need to be accomplished as well as reminder notes and pictures that I want to stick up there.

Each of the girls has a little “to do” list that they can come and check off, and they think it’s so cool that they get to do it on the fancy computer. The best part is, when we are out of town we can have everything with us in one tiny little package. This Intel® WiDi hooks up easily to other T.V.’s, so we are planning on bringing their school DVD’s to watch on the bus or in a hotel room. They have loved being able to spread out all their stuff and see the math guy look life-sized J

I think the thing I’m the most excited about is the fact that it moves SEAMLESSLY from one task to the next. With our computers there was a definite effect from having a lot of things open, and with this little guy, it’s insanely fast. It is common for me to have several word documents, a few websites, scheduling stuff, photos etc. open at the same time and it doesn’t ever seem to matter for the speed. On my other laptop, the little rainbow ball of death starts spinning and we know it’s not going to turn out well…but I can’t help it! My brain only works when there are 5 or more things going on, and I have officially met my match in Mr. Intel.

You all know I don’t review things very often on my blog, but I am so glad this one worked out. We are trucking along, trying to be efficient and good stewards of our time. I can honestly say that this processor has helped us do just that. Thank you Blogher and Intel!!!

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Follow this link and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt

e) Sweepstakes ends at 5 PM PST on December 22, 2010

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. (links to http://goo.gl/BWcAw)http://goo.gl/4Keyj

I don’t want you to feel left out, so please leave a comment on this post and you will automatically be entered to win a Best Buy gift card worth $250!!!! In addition, you can click here for 19 more chances to win a Mr. Intel of your very own J

Hello Mr. Intel.

2010-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Intel.

Well if you have read my blog for any length of time you will know that multitasking is a vital part of my life. Between homeschooling, writing, traveling, and all the other things we do in addition to parenting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our schedules. I can’t tell you how many times I have stood in front of our little calendar and broken down because I realized I had double-booked us (again!) or that I had missed something important because it was only on one calendar and never made it on to the “main hub” schedule.

I bet many of you can relate.

We all want to do the important things well but we want to keep our heads on straight as we complete the rest, and it is NOT easy. One thing that we have been focusing on in our house is taking personal responsibility for our chores and for doing our part around the house. I told the girls that I was going to randomly bring a basket around the house and pick up toys that weren’t put away. After one week, they would be allowed to purchase 2 toys back for $1.

It is working pretty well, with the exception of the fact that Ellie walked past our master bedroom the other day and suggested I go ahead and put in a $10 bill.

Since I have been home from Relevant, I have also been much more aware of how I am spending my time. It is so easy to get distracted and waste time, and it ends up taking away from the things that are important to us as a family. My girls have picked up this bad habit from me and Todd, and a simple task ends up taking 5 times as long as it should because they are so distracted. We have realized recently how much our schedules are affecting the kids, and how much better they feel when there is a semblance of routine regardless of what we are doing.

One problem with our schedule right now is that many of our “tools” aren’t mobile. We teach so we have a ton of textbooks (kind of a nightmare for one night on the road, airports, hotels, etc), and other items we use every day to keep things running smoothly. We each have older model laptops that have helped, but I recently got an email from Blogher asking me if I would be interested in reviewing the new Intel®Core™i5 processor with Turbo Boost Technology (translation-it goes REALLY fast J).

We don’t have a PC and there are several things I have wanted to get for the girls that are strictly for PC, as well as the software I use for all of my embroidery projects. You might remember that about a year ago I was debating buying a little PC laptop to run my software but I never ended up getting one. When I got this email from Blogher I jumped for joy at the chance to have such an amazing opportunity. So, shortly after that I got several packages from Best Buy (Merry Christmas to us!!!), including an incredible laptop and an Intel® Wireless Display (aka WiDi) adapter that allows us to hook our computer up to the TV.

I never even knew such a thing existed, but I am in LOVE. This little friend has been an amazing thing for our family and you won’t believe all the things we have been able to use it for.

I can’t wait to tell you all more about it, and we are all feeling spoiled beyond belief to have the chance! Go ahead and leave a comment on this post (there will be another one next week as well!) and you might win a giftcard for $250 to Best Buy from (official rules follow post). Also, click here for a chance to win a laptop from BlogHer!

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Follow this link (links to http://goo.gl/xO09F) and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt

e) Sweepstakes ends at 5 PM PST on December 22, 2010

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. (links to http://goo.gl/BWcAw)http://goo.gl/4Keyj

Winners (finally!)

2010-03-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay...so here are the winners of Matthew's book "Hear No Evil." Please contact him directly at matthewpaulturner@gmail.com to claim your book!!!

OneGirl said...

I'd love to read it! I went online and read the first chaper for free...I encourage everyone else to do the same :)

FEBRUARY 26, 2010 8:59 PM

Andrea said...

I'd love to win a copy of his book. He's such a talented writer! And I can't wait to see what other fun you have up your sleeve.

FEBRUARY 26, 2010 10:36 PM

melanie said...

I'd love a copy. :) I just read Churched and I'd be interested in reading more. :)

FEBRUARY 27, 2010 4:53 AM

Betsy & Kurt said.

I have been reading the reviews for this book for a while, I would love to win one! :)

FEBRUARY 26, 2010 9:56 PM

Lisa said...

I read his first book and loved it. Would love to read the second. I actually found your blog through Jessica, who I met at a scrapbooking event a few years ago!!

FEBRUARY 27, 2010 5:20 AM

And also, here are the winners of the Seeds CD's. Please contact Michelle at michelle@seedsfamilyworship and she will send them to you. Additionally, if you didn't win, it isn't too late to go to www.seedsfamilyworship and use the code ASMITH to receive 20% off your CD orders.

Because of the great response we got, Seeds offered to gift me with a bunch of CD's and I thought that instead I would pass several out to some more winners, so you will note that there are 15 winners instead of the 4 i promised :) Enjoy!!!

Our Family of 5 said...

Thanks for this awesome giveaway! maxmj at sbcglobal dot net
~jessy

Kylie and crew. said..

I would love a copy and I'm sure my son would too!

MARCH 6, 2010 8:54 PM

The Dodson Family said...

Sounds Wonderful!

MARCH 7, 2010 6:51 AM

Mommyof3 said...

My kids will so enjoy this:) Pick me!!
Valerie P

bpfeifer32 at hotmail dot com

MARCH 7, 2010 5:38 PM

Chris said...

I have been trying to find music that we can listen to as a family that doesn't drive us parents crazy. Love it!!!

MARCH 8, 2010 11:20 AM

Rachel said...

I would love to win. Love the idea of putting more emphasis on family worship. Going to their website now!

MARCH 8, 2010 12:27 PM

Vonda said...

I would love to win one for my three children.

MARCH 8, 2010 9:30 PM

Kristy said...

Sounds great and I am going to check them out now - my email is kristybeckendorf@yahoo.com

Thanks!

MARCH 9, 2010 9:18 PM

Megan said...

Oooo, I would love a CD for my family!

MARCH 8, 2010 1:52 PM

Brent and Kelli Hooyer said...

I would love one of these CDs. My 3 year old is starting to love music. It's so exciting for me because I love music!

MARCH 7, 2010 11:37 AM

The Queen said...

Thanks for sharing about them, sounds like what I have been looking for!! I would love to win one!!!!

Thanks!

MARCH 7, 2010 8:00 PM

Robyn said...

My girls love, love to sing worship music in the car with Mommy. Mommy likes it too!

MARCH 8, 2010 10:32 AM

Erica said...

Awesome idea, I'd love to win! Music is a great way to bridge the age gap between my four kiddos!

MARCH 8, 2010 11:01 PM

Merilee said...

Thanks for sharing about such a cool ministry! : )

MARCH 9, 2010 12:11 PM

Sal B said...

VERY cool company!!!! My family loves music - you should hear my kids sing!! lol Thanks for this chance!

esbaas@hotmail.com

MARCH 10, 2010 7:27 PM

Seeds Giveaway!

2010-03-06T09:07:00.001-08:00

Regsiter here to win one of four CD's from this cool ministry...

Blessings!
Ang

Hear No Evil

2010-02-26T19:51:00.001-08:00

5 copies of Matthew's new book are up for grabs!!!! Leave a comment here to enter to win one :) This will end on Sunday at noon...

And keep an eye out, there are more fun things coming...

:)

Ang

Lisa Leonard Winners!

2010-02-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

CONGRATS!!!!! please contact Lisa Leonard and she will take your order!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!

heather said...

oh, cute!!! i'd love to win! thanks for doing this awesome giveaway. =)

FEBRUARY 14, 2010 11:41 AM

Blake and Kristen Mauldin said...

It is a beautiful necklace! I do love reading your blog. You are such an inspiring person. I hope you know!!

FEBRUARY 14, 2010 1:59 PM

Oh, I've had my eye one one of her designs for a while. Love the simple sincerity of her pieces...here's to hoping I win!

FEBRUARY 15, 2010 8:49 AM

Just Stay CALM, people.

2010-02-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

If that is at all possible when you are talking about Lisa Leonard Jewelry.

Let's cut to the chase.

I'm giving away THREE of these little beauties and you can enter to win one.

Just leave me a comment before noon on 2/16/10 and you will be registered!!! See? Easy.

AND if you don't win, just use the code "markedbylove" to get 15% off your order until the 26th of February.

Go.

GO!!!!!

and many thanks to the brilliant Lisa Leonard...

Ang

Dayspring Winners!

2009-12-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay, but here are the winners! Each will receive a $50 credit for Dayspring products...if you won, please contact Stephanie at sbryant@dayspring.com and let her know you won on my blog!!!

Congratulations!

Suzanne said...

Love your blog Angie!

December 6, 2009 2:24 PM

Reen said...

I also love the candle holder nativity set along with a few other items that I think would look just right in my home.

Thanks for this great opportunity!

December 6, 2009 3:18 PM

Dish it Up said...

Great giveaway!

December 6, 2009 5:09 PM

Dayspring Giveaway...

2009-12-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

Please leave a comment here if you want to enter to win a $50 gift card to Dayspring! I am giving 3 of them away and will choose a winner Monday night (12/7/09).

Un.be.liev.a.ble

2009-10-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

(This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Samsung Home Appliances)

Well I have to admit that I have been spoiled rotten.

And I'm not ashamed to say so.

The folks over at Samsung were generous enough to ask a few of us bloggers to review some of their products. I hesitated, because really, who would want a FREE washer and dryer?

Oh wait.

I would.

And so would the other eight people living with me.

So this morning as the shiny Lowes truck pulled up, I did a happy dance in my front yard (in my pajamas) and took a few dozen pictures of them unloading it and wheeling it into my house. The delivery men were fairly certain I had lost my mind, but that didn't stop me. I even made sure the floor was spotless before they set them in their places.

Sidebar: What happens under a washer and dryer over several years of use is seriously disgusting. Seriously.

They slid them into place and I realized I was hopping up and down. I may have hugged them. I'm not sure, it's all a platinum-colored blur.

And now I get to tell you all about them (the washer and dryer, not the delivery men, who were also very nice), which I am more than happy to do because in the 12 hours I have known them, they feel like family. I am tempted to eat my meals, change my clothes, apply makeup, and host Christmas parties in my laundry room because they are seriously the prettiest things I own. They even have the little pedestals so you are right at the perfect level to put in your laundry. I would know. I may or may not have washed clean clothes just for the chance to be near them for a few minutes.

I was freaking out over the fact that there were so many buttons when I first got them, but they are as easy as you can imagine. They even have wrinkle guard, steam, stain treating features and on and on. It's all computerized on these little screens and it is totally self-explanatory. They are really well designed.

Have I mentioned I am in love?

They may need names.

I'm thinking I'm going to be the only reviewer who names my appliances, but don't hold it against me. If you met them you would do the same.

So they're pretty. And they're shockingly easy to use. And they can wash and dry about 3 times as much as my last washer and dryer. And all of my clothes came out spot and wrinkle free, and as a bonus (I'm serious), the dryer plays a song when your laundry is done.

It has become a Smith/Hamilton ritual to dance and bob our heads at this point.

And then we run and find anything else we can shove in there just for fun. And for the record, I could easily wash all of my king sized bedding in one load. Candice told me that when she opened the dryer to get her sheets out today, they came out folded in a plastic bag with tags. It isn't as far from the truth as you might think :)

I'm not going to lie to you. I probably wouldn't have bought these myself because I would never have spent this much on appliances, but the truth is that I CANNOT believe how great they are. Things are tough economically right now, and I know that not everyone can run out and spend this kind of money, but if you can (or even if you were looking for some incentive to save up) I would completely recommend these to you. I would have started setting aside money if I had known there could really be this much difference, because it's saving me money on my bills and chopping hours out of my day.

And, they double as a dining room table.

At least, they will when I serve Thanksgiving dinner on them in a few months.

Allow me to make the formal introductions...

This is the washer and this is the dryer.

Did I lie? Are they GORGEOUS or what?!?!?!?!

I'm spoiled rotten, and I am so thankful I cannot even tell you.

Gotta run.

I have some towels I need to wash.

Again.

And I don't want to leave them in there alone for too long. They're new here, you know? And it's dark. I might pump in soothing music for them tonight so they rest well.

Because come morning, they are going to be busy.

But you don't think I would ever leave you all out of the fun, do you?

Of course not.

If you want to enter to win a $200 Best Buy gift card, just leave a comment on this post between today (10/15/09) and 11/15/09 (by 5:00P.M.) telling me which appliance would make your life easier. You are welcome to leave a link to your blog, and make SURE that the email address you leave is correct.

Here are some rules for you:

~no duplicate comments

~you may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments

~giveaway open to US residents age 18 and older only

~winners will be selected via random draw and will be notified by email

~you have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected

~please see the official rules here: Official Rules

And the best part is... You've got 8 chances to win a $200 Best Buy card.

Visit Samsung's site for more information.

Many, many thanks to both BlogHer and Samsung for allowing me this amazing opportunity...I am so incredibly excited and blessed by it!!!

Angie