Thoughts for Thursday

Serving Others
by guest blogger Emily Farmer

This weekend our pastor used a sermon illustration about a couple that got married. Instead of this couple having a reception they totaled the cost of what the reception would have cost and used that money to buy food for those in need. This was a very neat and selfless gift this couple gave, to others what could have been theirs. Would you be so willing to give up something like that?

As a mom you want to be an example for others especially your children to follow. The old saying more is caught than taught. My will be 5 year old celebrates his birthday week. He asked me if we could make cupcakes to take to his friends at school to share with them. This is his last year at home with me so his friends at school are the teachers and staff that talk to him on a regular basis. Wow! I thought. Absolutely, we can do that. Then it got me to thinking he must be taking note and noticing that serving others is very important. I am also reminded of what the Bible teaches us. ....”Jesus came to serve others not to be served.” Matt. 20:28 “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised and receive the glory.” 1 Pet. 4:11 Whoever claims to walk in him must walk as Jesus walked.” 1 John 2:6 How will you serve someone today?

EcoSmart Review & Giveaway-Organic Pesticide Products

I live in a wooded area near water. So unfortunately bugs, spiders, roaches, scorpions, you name it...have been a constant battle since we moved here. I have tried different pest controls over the years, tried doing it on my own, and am currently paying for an organic pest control service. So....I am super excited for the opportunity to try this line of products & share them w/ you today!

I came across this site called EcoSmart. EcoSmart makes Organic Pesticide Products. I love that you can use their products and not have to worry about the chemicals around your small children & pets. This is extremely important to me as I have a 10 month old baby that is always on the floor and into every little crack & crevice in this house! "Safe & non-toxic" is exactly what I am looking for!

I received this Safe Home Value Bundle and I have one to give away as well!!

It contains the following:
- Ant and Roach Killer (14 oz can)
-- Home Pest Control (24 oz spray bottle)
-- Flying Insect Killer (14 oz can)
-- Insect Repellent (6 oz bottle)

This is a $31 value & currently is on sale on their site for only $24! Just how eco-friendly are they? Here is more info about the Home Pest Control Spray:

Product Description

Kills and repels over 100 home invading pests: Ants (including Carpenter, Red Harvester, Pavement and Argentine), Beetles, Centipedes, Cockroaches, Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Millipedes, Pantry Pests, Pillbugs, Silverfish, Spiders, Sowbugs, Ticks and other crawling insect pests.

Unlike other insecticides, it is made from organic plant oils and kills bugs naturally to better protect your family. Plus, there’s no pesticide residue.

It’s safe. It’s effective. It’s smart. Naturally.

SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING. READ ENTIRE LABEL AND USE ACCORDINGLY.

Active Ingredients:
2-Phenethyl Propionate …………………………. 2.0%
Clove Oil …………………………………………………. 1.0%
Rosemary Oil …………………………………………. 1.0%
Peppermint Oil …………………………………………1.0%
Thyme Oil ……………………………………………….. 0.5%
Other Ingredients* ……………………………….. 94.5%
Total …………………………………………………. 100.00%

*Water, Octadecenoic Acid Potassium Salt, Lecithin

What I like about EcoSmart & these products:
1. I LOVE that they are eco-friendly!
2. They actually do not smell bad like a lot of other pest control products. Just looking at the list of ingredients above you can probably gather that.
3. Ships super fast.
4. Can order online & never have to leave your home.
5. Great size bottles & good value.
6. I really like that they have a insect repellent. Don't have to worry about spraying Deet or other harmful "stuff" on me or the kids!! We are mosquito magnets so this is great!
7. They are a socially responsible company and are involved in Social Investing. Click here to read more about this and for a social investing definition.
8. It works! I am sometimes skeptical about organic products, but these work!
9. Nice wide stream so you won't miss your target when you spray.

What I didn't like about these products & EcoSmart:
1. You know I always look for something to put here, but I really could not find anything negative about these products.

Want It? Click here to shop.

Win It!
How to enter to win your very own Safe Home Value Bundle:

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if ti is not on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
~Leave a separate comment for each entry~

1. Leave a comment letting me know how you heard about this giveaway.

2. "Like" The Gift Closet on Facebook by clicking here.

I received product for the purpose of this review only. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received. Click here to view my Full Disclosure.Giveaway ends Tuesday October 5 , 2010 @ midnight. Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US residents, except AK & HI, only.

Interested in hosting a giveaway on The Gift Closet? The Holidays are coming & this is a great way to bring traffic and orders your way! Email me today at heatherldt at bellsouth dot net. My giveaway spots will start going quickly in October so grab your spot now. :)

P.S. The winner of the Hip Chic Designs giveaway is #41 Kathyrn. Congrats!!

Booty Butter Tanning Lotion Review

Don't you hate the first time you have to get in a swimsuit each year? Or for some of us....ever having to put one on? ~wink~ Not only do you have to try to get your body ready for swimsuit season...but get your tan on too. I received the opportunity to sample the Hawaiian Booty ButterTanning Lotion by Bikini Kitchen and wanted to share my thoughts w/ you!
The facts:
Booty Butter is not a self tanner; it is a tanning accelerator. Although it does give you an instant bronze color when you apply, it does require that you spend some time in the sun.Please don't forget to mix it w/ your favorite SPF when hitting the outdoors. This Booty Butter is an all-natural tanning lotion that turns the skin a luxurious bronze faster, while keeping it ultra-moist thanks to a special Hawaiian ingredient – Kukui Nut Oil.

What I like about the Booty Butter Tanning Lotion by Bikini Kitchen:
1. I like that it contains natural ingredients.
2. I am super busy Momma, so I like that it helps me get a "glow" faster. I don't have much time in the sun, so why not maximize it?
3. I LOVED that it gives you an instant bronze color. That is so great, especially since so many times when you get in the sun, especially if it's been a while, you are so pasty. This way you can look like you've got some color, while getting your tan on at the same time!
4. Very moisturizing.
5. Not a bad smell.
6. Good for all skin tones.

What I didn't like about it:
1. It was a little greasy. I was a tad fearful of rubbing up against something and the "bronze" color rubbing off. The plus side of the greasiness is that my skin still felt moisturized even after my shower!

Want It? Click here to visit Bikini Kitchen.com!

I received product for the purpose of this review only. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received. Click here to view my Full Disclosure.


See you tomorrow for Win It Wednesday!

Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart Review &Giveaway

The winner of the $65 CSN Stores giveaway is lucky #39 Kathy Persons . Congrats!

I'm excited today to give away a Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart from GummyLump!! I came across Gummy Lump a few weeks ago and was impressed with the selection of quality Award Winning and Special Needs toys they offer. My kids got in on the excitement when this Shopping Cart arrived for us to review!

Description:

Award Winner!
ASTRA Best Toys For Kids 2009

Toy of The Year Finalist 2010

With Melissa & Doug's Shopping Cart it's always a great time to shop!

To market, to market Take your shopping list and your teddy bear and get ready to shop! Our durable metal shopping cart looks just like those in real stores! Sturdy metal construction includes pivoting front wheels and a folding seat so your child and their favorite companion can navigate the aisles in style!

The Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart is a great addition to any pretend play food collection or grocery store!

*Play Food Accessories shown NOT included.

Educational Value: Endless pretend play possibilities!

Size: 18.5" x 22.5" x 13.5"

For Ages: 3 years and up

What we like about this Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart:
1. My 8 year old enjoys the fact that it is not too short. She doesn't have to "hunch" over to push it.
2. My 4 year old son is enjoying it as well. What child doesn't like to fill up a buggy and push it around?
3. Very sturdy. Not thin pieces of metal....quality made!
4. Has a seat for them to put their baby doll in as well.
5. Super fast shipping from Gummy Lump!!

What we didn't' like about it:
1. The only compliant my kids had was there was no bottom rack like a real grocery cart. If that is even a complaint. ~wink~ They really have enjoyed playing w/ this!

Another great product they will be coming out w/ soon are these Trunki suitcases/ride-ons! How fun are these??

Want It? Click here to visit Gummy Lump.

Win It!
How to enter to win this $39.99 Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart from Gummy Lump:

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

~Leave a separate comment for each entry~

1.Tell me your favorite Fall activity.

2. Tweet daily about this giveaway for an extra entry each day!

3. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page for an extra entry.

I received product for the purpose of this review only. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received. Click here to view my Full Disclosure.Giveaway ends Sunday October 3, 2010 @ midnight. Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US & Canada residents only.

Interested in seeing your product reviewed on The Gift Closet? Email me today for more info! :) heatherldt @ bellsouth dot net

P.S. Thanks a ton to all my followers! The Gift Closet hit 600 followers yesterday! ~Giddy~

Friday's Feature

If you love Shabby Chic then you will def love my feature today! Brissi, Ltd. is the place to shop for all things Shabby Chic for the home!

In 2001, Arianna Brissi opened her first eponymous interiors store in the beautiful Wiltshire town of Marlborough.

Perhaps it was serendipity that brought Arianna and her friend Siobhan McKeating together for lunch in September 2004. While Arianna was enjoying country life, her desire to expand the business was becoming more pressing.
Siobhan had recently left her legal career in Hong Kong and was looking for something new. Their mutual love of interior design and passion for travel was something they both shared and soon Brissi London was born.

Arianna and Siobhan personally sourced (and still do) every piece from specialist suppliers as well as develop exclusive designs with individual craftsmen in the UK and abroad. This resulted in a modern inimitable style where cool contemporary finds sit next to eclectic antique pieces.

Described by some as 'a blend of Parisian elegance and homely English living', the Brissi London collection of simple and elegant homeware and furniture certainly lives up to this compliment. Discover the range of beautiful clean white furniture that will look nothing but stunning in any English home - be it a holiday cottage or a light and contemporary apartment. Have a browse through the collections of silver home accessories, French-inspired furniture, decorative touches, dining and tableware to find the most exquisite pieces for your home.”

Want It? Click here to shop. AND.....
Gift Closet readers will receive a 10% discount!! When placing your order over the telephone or online simply mention the code: " GiftCloset." Enjoy!

P.S. Click here to follow the Gift Closet on Facebook! ~wink~

SwimTown Pools Giveaway

Fall may have officially arrived, but here in Georgia the temperatures are still hitting over 90 degrees every day w/ no relief in sight! And that's why I didn't hesitate to share this exciting giveaway w/ you to SwimTown Pools! SwimTown Pools offers Above Ground Pools
Pool Heaters, Covers, Spas, Supplies, & more!

SwimTownPools.com has launched a family summer photo contest on their Facebook page and I would like to invite you to enter! The Winner of the contest will receive a Kodak digital camera!! You can get the scoop and enter by clicking here.

In addition to this exciting giveaway on their Facebook page, SwimTown Pools would like to offer one lucky Gift Closet reader a $25 Gift Card!!

How to enter to win:
1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
~Leave a separate comment for each entry~

1. FIVE extra entries for making a purchase from SwimTownPools.com

2. Tell me your favorite thing about The Gift Closet.

Giveaway ends Thursday September 30, 2010 @ midnight.
Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US residents only.
P.S. Congrats to #2 Lyudila, the winner of the earrings form DiamondEarrings.org!

Thoughts for Thursday

Get Away

by guest blogger Emily Farmer

This past weekend my man and I had a weekend get away. We got away from everything. Our boys, every day life ,computers, however I will admit I did use my cell phone to check email a time or two but only a time or two. It was a nice time away just the two of us. What a fun way to spend a nice weekend together. Mommy was off duty. Ahhh...... a little R&R time. Something about waking up on a chilly morning watching the sunrise while sipping coffee , rocking in a rocker on a porch is so peaceful to me. As I spent a good time reading my bible on the porch in that rocker here are a few things that jumped out at me.

I was reminded while reading in various places in scripture that God gives us wonderful mercy and rescues us many times. This struck me... hum.... how many times has God given me HIS mercy and rescue? Too many to count. I also read verses that I repeated back as prayers to God like, "Help me be devoted to you, have compassion on me, help me to listen and come to you when you call me or speak to me. "

There were even a few verses I prayed for my boys like, "Help them to share your word with others, be a shining light for others to see you and for them to grow and become strong in spirit." And most of all one of my favorite prayers to pray over them comes from Luke 2:40: "Let them grow up healthy and strong and be filled with wisdom, and God’s favor be on them." I love to pray that over each boy of mine and insert their name in it.

Win It Wednesday

Congrats to the winner of the Trisha B Designs $25 GC - #10 tatertot374!

This week I am giving away a great Swing Skirt and Coordinating Flower Hat from Hip Chic Designs!


The winner will also get to choose your fabrics from this photo, and she will then coordinate the hat to match!

EveryDay Swing Skirt is just that....great for all day, everyday...and a must have for Fall.

This is a great basic elastic waist skirt.Pair with sandles, or leggings and boots for all weather.

Basic Sizing:
2T.......2 1/2 yrs
3T.......3 yrs
4T.......3 1/2 yrs
5........4-5 yrs
6........5-6yrs

Top off any outfit with a great hat for fall!! Perfect finishing touch to a Swing Skirt or any outfit.

The inspiration for Mom-prenuer Cynde from Hip Chic Designs:

"My love and passion for sewing and creating has grown over 14 years into HipChic Designs, which I started out of my home 3 years ago. HipChicDesign on Etsy is my second shop and dedicated to my love of all things Girly and Fashion related for little girls to mom. I want to be at home and available to my family as much as possible and that was the driving force after my love of sewing to start my own business."

Want It? Click here to shop.

Win It!
How to enter to win:
1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email addy if it is not on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
~Leave a separate comment for each entry~

1. If you're a man or woman of fewer words - say 140 characters - follow The Gift Closet on Twitter by clicking here. Tweet ya later! ~wink~

2. Click here to become a fan of The Gift Closet on Facebook.

3. Which fabric would you choose?

Giveaway ends Tuesday September 28, 2010 @ midnight.
Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US residents only.

Tuesdays- Tip - (Almost) Free Business Cards

My tip today is for any business owner, or anyone who just wants a calling card of their own, is to check out Vistaprint & Officemax for (almost) free business cards. Did you know you can get 250 business cards for free @ Vistaprint? There is a very small shipping fee, but you can design your own cards. I've always gotten my business cards there, or at Officemax. You can buy blank business cards, design them yourself at home, & print them at home as needed. I hopped over to the Officemax site & happened to see they are having a 20% off online sale right now so you may want to check that out as well. Do you have a great place to get affordable business cards or supplies? Please share in a comment if so! ;)

P.S. The winner of the Travel First Aid Kit is #3 Forever And Always. Congrats!!

CSN Stores Giveaway

CSN Stores has offered to give one lucky Gift Closet reader a $65 Gift Certificate! If you are a regular here at The gift Closet you will know I love CSN stores. I have had the opportunity to review several items from them including a toaster, blender, and canister set. I have never been disappointed w/ one thing I have received from CSN Stores. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from a platform bed to fantastic fitness equipment to cookware! I also love that you can earn reward points - aka FREE money! - to spend at CSN Stores based on your purchases! I don't know of another site that does that! They also have reviews you can read on each product. That's how I narrowed down the choices on my blender.

Here are just a small sampling of a few things you could put your gift certificate towards!

FREE IN-HOME DELIVERY on this

Paula Deen Home Steel Magnolia Platform Bed in Tobacco!

You could get a new rug for your home.........Or even a new Cookware Set!


Want It? The choices are endless! Click here to visit CSN stores.

WIN IT!
How to enter to win a $65 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores!

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
~Leave a separate comment for each entry~

1. Become a follower of The Gift Closet by clicking on "Follow" on my Left sidebar.

2. Email 3 people about this contest & cc me on it.

3. Visit one of my sponsors on the Left sidebar and tell me your favorite product!

Giveaway ends Sunday September 26, 2010 @ midnight.
Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US residents only.

Friday's Feature

My feature today is Mom-prenuer, Genevieve, with Celebrate2da! I came across her site & loved all her great party ideas! She had a Little Red Riding Hood birthday party for her daughter that was too cute!! Are these little cupcakes not the most original??

Now this is a party table ladies!! ~wink~



The inspiration behind her biz:
"You know that saying... “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”? Well, I love CELEBRATING! More to the point, I love making people feel like rockstars! So I guess I’d have to say that my passion for posh parties, blissful bites and crafty creations led me to launch Celebrate TODAY ...the superchick way! Through my biz, I’m able to honor others, make them smile and all while feeding my addiction for all things party!"

Genevieve also makes & sells Kandy Kones, Crepe Streamers, & Birthday Banners over at her etsy shop so perfectly named, "Posh Party Pretties". Love it!!

Gotta have it? Well....Genevieve would like to offer Gift Closet readers a 20% discount to her new etsy shop, Posh Party Pretties by celebrate TODAY! Enter the code “GiftCloset” in the message box as the check out and your discount will be refunded within 24 hours of payment receipt! Yippee!!

Free Earrings!

I'm a sucker for freebies. Especially when it is jewelry! So when I received an email from DiamondEarrings.org offering me...and one lucky Gift Closet reader a free pair of diamond stud earrings I said, "Heck yeah!"

Basically, any question you have is answered on the website. So, here it is...straight from the horse's mouth....

Are they real diamonds?

No, sorry - as much as we'd like to give away real diamonds for free, I don't think our accountant would go for it.

How can you give away earrings for free? What's the catch?

Instead of spending thousands on advertising promoting ourselves, we're actually compensating YOU to get the word out for us.

What do I have to do to get my free pair of earrings?

Simply mention us anywhere on the web. Whether it's on your twitter, facebook or myspace page, blog, youtube, etc. We're not picky, anywhere will do.

How many pairs of earrings do you have to give away?

This is a limited time offer and may expire at any time.

Is this a scam?

No, just a unique way of getting the word out about our new online jewelry company.

What's the catch?

No catch, just mention us anywhere on the web and pay $3.77 and you'll receive a set of beautiful simulated-diamond earrings, set in sterling silver and delivered in a heart shaped box.

How long will it take to receive my earrings?

Please allow up to 10 business days to receive your free set of earrings.

Can I order more than one set of earrings?

Sorry, we have a limit of one order per household.

Are there any hidden or recurring charges?

No, there is only a one time payment of $3.77 for postage and handling. There are no hidden charges, further payments or "monthly membership" fees. Just a one time payment.

Do you have other diamond earrings to sell?

Right now we're simply doing the giveaway. Eventually we will be selling earrings and diamond earrings on the site, but for now we want to concentrate on giving out these earrings.

What I like about my earrings:

1. They come in a little Red Heart Shaped Box. Perfect for gift-giving!

2. They ship quickly.

3. I love that they are trying out a new way to get their product out there. No boring marketing ideas here!

4. The earrings are a good size. Not too big, not too small.

What I don't like about my earrings:

1. Nothing!

Want It? Click here to visit DiamondEarrings.org.

WIN IT!

How to enter to win:

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email addy if it is not on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

~Leave a separate comment for each entry please.~

1. Mention DiamondEarrings.org on your Twitter page. Leave the link to it in your comment.

2. Mention DiamondEarrings.org on your blog. Leave a link to the post in your comment.

3. Mention DiamondEarrings.org on your Facebook page. Leave the link in your comment.

I received product for the purpose of this review only. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received. Click here to view my Full Disclosure.Giveaway ends Thursday September 23, 2010 @ midnight.
Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US & Canada residents only.

Thoughts for Thursday - Never Give Up

Never Give Up

by guest blogger Emily Farmer!

Have you ever wanted something so bad it consumed your every thought? It was in your mind constantly. I have heard all my life that persistence pays off. But how far do you take it? As hard as it is at times, I try to take it to the cross. God knows the plans for our life. Jer. 29:11-13 tells us that. He knows what will happen even before we do. We are given an instruction book to follow and that book is The Bible. The first step is to open it up. The second step is to start reading and praying for God to lead you to a decision. If you feel something heavy on your heart, it might just be God tapping you on the shoulder to pay attention to his leading. There are some favorite verses I read when I am trying to figure out a situation. You might find them helpful too.

I like to pray through the chapter of Ps. 25. This often helps me when I don’t know what to pray. I pray for God to show me, teach me, and guide me the in the direction I should go.

I pray for my life to be a light to others as Matt.5:16 says.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

I Corinthians 3:6, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." (NIV)

So as you can see, there are many reason to never give up. God really is on our side.

Win It Wednesday

Drumroll please! The winner of the Lisa Leonard $40 Gift certificate is lucky #31! Congrats!

This week I am giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to Trisha B Designs! At Trisha's Etsy shop you will find printable party items, fabric banners, baby, & birthday items.

Trisha opened her etsy shop about two years ago as a way to be able to stay at home with her children and as a creative outlet for myself! Gotta love and support the Mom-prenuers!! ~wink~

Want It? Click here to visit Trisha B Designs.

Win IT!
How to enter to win a $25 GC to Trisha B Designs!

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
~Please leave a seperate comment for each entry~

1. List The Gift Closet on your blog roll and/or sport The Gift Closet button on your site/blog.

Grab this button:

<center><a href="http://www.thegiftcloset.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/giftlady64/giftclosetbutton.gif" /></a></center>

2. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link to the post in your additional entry.

Giveaway ends Monday September 21, 2010 @ midnight.
Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US residents only.

I'm open for link exchanges! Email me today to get your free ad spot! ~wink~ heatherldt@ bellsouth dot net

First Aid Kit Giveaway

I don't know about you, but we should buy stock in bad-aids and anti-itch meds in this house! Both of my kids get eat up w/ mosquito bites every time they go outside. Even it is for only 15 minutes. So, then starts the week long cycle of Mommy getting woke up in the middle night to hear, "I'm itching!". So....a First Aid Kit is right up my alley!

The one I am giving away today is a Travel First Aid Kit, but really could be used anywhere anytime.

Check out all the goodies you will get if you win this First Aid Kit!

The AAA Road Trip 121 Piece First Aid Kit Includes: First aid instructions, scissors, tweezers, 4 vinyl gloves (2 pair), 1 whistle, 10 cotton tip applicators, 3 sting relief pads, 9 antispetic towelettes, 20 alcohol prep pads, 2 triangular bandage, 1 5" x 9" combine dressing, 20 3/8" x 1 1/2" bandages, 20 standard adhesive bandages, 10 butterfly bandages, 1 knuckle bandage, 2 knee/elbow bandage, 1 4" x 4" sterile gauze pad, 3 3" x 3" sterile gauze pads, 6 2" x 2" sterile gauze pads, 1 2" gauze roll, 2 adhesive tape, 1 carabineer, 1 sturdy hard shell carry case 10.5 x 6 x 2.5 inches in size.Unique design. Durable hard shell design. Clear pocket design. Carabineer attached for clipping onto items. Smart usable contents for minor cuts and scrapes. Ideal use for home, travel, and outdoors.

A BIG thank you to Boston Ford for providing this Travel First Aid Kit for me to giveaway!!

Win It!

How to enter to win:

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email if it is not on your profile.If you win and have a blog I ask that you please post my "I Won @ The Gift Closet" button on your site & blog about your winnings.

2. Not a blogger? Email me your entry, tell me which giveaway you are entering, & I'll enter you in!

EXTRA ENTRY:

1. Earn an extra entry by sporting The Gift Closet button on your site.

Grab this button:
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Giveaway ends Monday September 20, 2010 @ midnight.
Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize.

Click here to become a fan of The Gift Closet on Facebook. :)

Tuesday's Tip - Cleaning Your Front End Washer

A few years ago the hubby & I purchased a front end loader & new dryer. We were sold on the all the energy efficient hype about them. While I have thoroughly enjoyed them, one thing I have heard many others complain about is the mildew/mold in the washer. Ugh! So frustrating considering our whole family suffers from allergies & my husband from asthma. I have scoured the Internet many times looking for ways to get rid of the smell. Since there are so many people out there w/ this same problem, I thought I'd share what I have found that has worked.

1. I try to run a cycle w/ only bleach every so often. This helps get rid of the smell quite a bit.
2. ALWAYS leave the door open when not in use.
3. Fill the basin with warm water and add 2 cups of white vinegar. Let stand for 1 hour. Run the cycle as usual.

Hope these have helped and if you have a tip please share! :)

P.S. If you're a man or woman of fewer words - say 140 characters - follow The Gift Closet on Twitter by clicking here. Tweet ya later! ~wink~

Cafe Press Review - Personalized Gifts

Looking for a fun gift? Do want a good laugh today? I cracked up at so many of the funny shirts over @ Cafe Press and even sent several links to some friends.You can find millions of personalized water bottles, cool aprons and posters at CafePress – for any topic, interest or brand!

Here are some of the cute ones I came across....

If they had a Mom to the third I would have gotten it!

Love this maternity one!
And I was lucky enough to receive this one for my 9 month old....Too cute! This one actually stood out for me cuz this is something my brother-in-law has said before (being goofy of course). And of course, I think my baby boy is a big deal...so this was perfect! ~wink~

What I like about Cafe Press:
1. They have a large selection of affordable gift items.
2. Unique!
3. Quick shipping.
4. Orders come w/ a cute little envelope. If it is a gift, they would be able to personalize your message in the envelope.
5. They can personalize anything!

What I didn't like:
1. Notta! No complaints here about Cafe Press. :)

Want It? Click here to shop.

What's your favorite funny t-shirt @ Cafe Press?

I received product for the purpose of this review only. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received. Click here to view my Full Disclosure.

A Saturday Swap-Guest Blogger!

I as so excited to be guest posting on The Gift Closet today! Let me introduce myself a little. My name is Trisha and I am the author of 3 Four and Under! I have a 4 year old daughter and 18 month old identical twin sons. On my blog I share crafts, sewing, recipes, and more!

Today I'm going to share with you a quick and easy tutorial on how to hand dye a onesie or t-shirt

Step 1: In a large bowl or bucket, fill with hot water (enough to cover the object you are dyeing)

Add as much dye as you would like, depending on how light or dark you want the color to be

Stir the dye, making sure it is all desolved

Step 2: Get the onesie or t-shirt soaking wet with hot water

Step 3: Place the onesie in the bowl of dye

Move it around a little while it is in the dye to get even color

The longer you leave it in, the darker the color will be.

Step 4: Rinse the onesie until the water comes clear

Step 5: Lay the onesie flat to dry

And voila! You have a colorful onesie! No more boring white onesies!

Heather, Thanks so much for having me come visit today! It was a lot of fun!

Please be sure to come and visit 3 Four and Under!

I'm always looking for guest bloggers and fun giveaways!

Thoughts for Thursday by Emily Farmer

Smack in the face

Here lately I have been hit smack in the face with quotes,verses, saying etc. As I have shared before I have a son whom I have trouble getting along with. My husband tells me all the time you can’t get along cause you two are so much alike. In his mind I’m sure he is just being a child. In my mind this precious little, big brown eyed little boy is an unthankful, little brat, who's jumping all over my last nerve.

I’ve said before and I’ll continue to say that God has ways to deal with you through your children. For me this is so true I am taught this lesson each and every day. Another way to look at it is that its Gods way of keeping us on our knees. With that being said here’s what God has been teaching me through some verses.


“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Col. 4:2

“..the Lord disciplines those he loves” Heb. 12:6

“Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18


"This is what the LORD Almighty says: Judge fairly and honestly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Sec. 7:9


Wow! Did those verses touch you like they did me. Its always a good reminder to me that when I read verses like these I need to be HIS word more. Meditate on these verses and spend some time our our Lord and Jesus.

Win It Wednesday - Lisa Leonard Designs Jewelry Giveaway

Welcome to Win It Wednesday! First, I'd like to congratulate #8 the winner of the Cross Eyed Sisters giveaway!

I'm super excited to announce that this week's giveaway is a $40 Gift Certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs! ~giddy~ And what exactly does Lisa Leonard design? Well, take a look for yourself.....

Custom Necklaces galore such as this Laundry Line Necklace....love it!!


I love her Numbered Necklace from the "Inspired Necklaces" collection. Use numbers to represent birth order, birthdates, or your favorite athlete's jersey. Your custom numbers and names are hand-stamped onto sterling tags and strung from sterling chain.


Bracelets....


And don't forget dear old Dad.....

Lisa's inspiration:
"I have been making jewelry since high school but I decided to get serious after my first son, David, was born. I wanted to start a small business that would enable me to quit my job and stay home with my boys. At the time, I had never taken any formal classes or received special training in jewelry making. I just went for it! I am kind of the 'jump in and learn as you go' type. Creating jewelry not only allowed me to work from home, but has connected me with so many amazing women along the way.

My desire is to create simple, lovely pieces that can be worn with jeans or your little black dress. I want each piece to meaningful. Our custom jewelry is hand-stamped with your kids’ names or a special phrase or verse. I love to touch my necklace throughout the day and reflect on my husband and my sweet boys.

Each piece we create is a work of art—hand cut, hammered, polished, drilled and assembled with care. I am inspired by other artists--painters, scrapbookers, clothing designers and poets. I also love to soak up nature-the sky, the sea, the green hills. I let all these ideas and images swirl around in my mind and then I create. When an idea hits me I sketch it out and play until the perfect design comes together."

Want it? Click here to shop.

Win It!
How to enter to win the $40 GC to Lisa Leonard Design:

1. Leave a comment & be sure your email address is included if it is not visible on your profile.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
~Leave a separate comment for each entry.~

1. Tweet this giveaway. You can do it daily, just leave another comment each time you do. :)

2. Blog about this giveaway & leave a link to your post in the comment.

3. Facebook this giveaway & leave a link to your FB page in the comment.

4. Click here to visit Lisa Leonard Design & tell me your favorite piece!

Giveaway ends Tuesday September 14, 2010 @ midnight.
Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. This blog bares no responsibility for the delivery of this prize. Giveaway open to US & Canada residents only.