Photo Canvas Giveaway from Printcopia!

This post brought you to you by Printcopia. All opinions are my own.//  I have a little love affair with photos on canvas. I love displaying family photos in our home, whether it's a copy of an heirloom portrait that's a hundred years old, a family photo, or something I shared on Instagram last week. Keeping those photos out on display is a form of inspiration for me. What better way to relive and cherish those people and moments than with a snapshot? It's my pleasure to offer a Printcopia Canvas (plus free shipping!) as a Giveaway for one Serenity Now reader. Keep reading to find out how to enter!

Printcopia was kind enough to send me a canvas to review, and I decided to test them. Rather than choosing something shot from my Nikon, I opted for an iPhone photo. I settled on one of my favorite candid iPhone shots...a pic I snapped of Harris' hand resting in my own. I love the simplicity of the photo...it reminds me of the quote "A son will hold your hand only for a little while, but he will hold your heart for a lifetime."

Ordering took me less than five minutes once I knew what I wanted. It was as simple as choosing a canvas size, uploading a photo, choosing a style (mirror image, border color, or image wrap), and choosing options such as color finishing or retouching.

When my canvas was complete, I received an email with tracking information, and the canvas arrived in a well-protected cardboard wrap/box. I was impressed with the quality of the image after transferring from an iPhone to a canvas. Sturdy frame, nice thick canvas.

Now I have a "mommy moment" I can cherish forever.

Guess what? Printcopia is giving away an 8 x 10 x .75 Photo Canvas to one reader, plus free shipping!

You can use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.

Please note the terms in the Giveaway app. I do confirm entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Giveaway will be open until 12 am EST on Monday, August 17th, 2014.

You can connect with Printcopia on Facebook and Twitter.

Good luck!

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.




I received a canvas from Printcopia in exchange for a review, but was not compensated financially for this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. I do not review products or brands that I am not interested in or that I feel will not be a good fit for my readers. 

PetBox Review and Giveaway {a fun delivery for your pet}

This post brought to you by PetBox.// As any pet owner who also has kiddos knows, the pups can often feel neglected when a new baby is welcomed into the family and starts receiving extra attention. I like to surprise our dogs with little treats when I can, so it was a pleasure for me to review a PetBox and offer one as a Giveaway for one lucky Serenity Now reader. Keep reading to find out more about PetBox and to enter to win one for your special furry friend!

PetBox is a monthly subscription delivery service (with free shipping!) that sends your dog or cat a personalized box of fun and healthy goodies. You can "pack" the box yourself online or allow the folks at PetBox to pack your box for you, which is the option I chose.

It's as simple as:

Choose a plan to fit your budget, tell them about your pet, and pack your box (or let them choose).

I like surprises, so I decided to let PetBox send whatever they thought would be a good fit. I wondered how they'd be able to please two very different dogs. Emma is a twelve year old Pomeranian and Ellie is a 1 year old German Shepherd. They don't have a lot in common. Case in point:

The PetBox arrived promptly, and I took a peek to get photos before we let the dogs inspect everything. I was so excited to see some really neat things...stuff both dogs could enjoy!

Several different yummy treats, a tooth brushing set, a rawhide (Ellie's favorite!), and a de-shedding tool.

It was cute to see the dogs get all excited when the box arrived. Ellie seemed to know there was something for her inside. We took a quick little video of her exploring--turn your volume up and please disregard the unvacuumed floor (you'll have to click over to the blog to view the video if you're reading this post in a reader or email):

 Yep, they were pretty excited! Emma wanted a treat and Ellie went straight for the rawhide.

We were really pleased with our PetBox experience. I think it would be fun to browse the products and choose our own, but I also really liked the surprise element of letting them pick things for us. They did not disappoint!

To learn more about PetBox or to sign up you can visit their site, or connect with them via Facebook and Twitter!

One reader is going to win his/her own PetBox this week!

--UPDATE: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED--

Please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter, and be sure to note the terms and conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I received a PetBox in exchange for an honest review. I was not financially compensated for this post, and all opinions expressed are (as always) 100% my own.

Pampers Prize Pack Giveaway and Interview with a Sochi Olympian!

This post brought to you by Pampers.// You know what the Olympics and parenting have in common? Both require hard work, dedication, feats of strength (emotional and physical), and you just might get a little messy along the way. I had the pleasure of sending in some interview questions for Olympic free-skier and dad, David Wise, and I will share the video interview today. Pampers is also sponsoring a special Pampers Prize Pack Giveaway here at Serenity Now! Keep reading to enter...

This marks the first time that free-skiing will be an Olympic event. It's neat to hear how David balances rigorous Olympic training with fatherhood. If you're viewing this in an email or reader, you'll need to click over to the blog to see the video below:

Whether you're an Olympic athlete or a mom like me who lately gets her exercise pushing a shopping cart at Target, we can all appreciate the inspiration of the upcoming Sochi Olympics. With a little perseverance, we just might come out on top!

Pampers is sponsoring a special Giveaway here on the blog! One reader will win a Pampers Prize Pack, filled with diapers and wipes.

If you have kids, are expecting, or know someone who is expecting, this Giveaway can sure come in handy!

*Please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter, and be sure to note the terms of entry.

-UPDATE: Giveaway now closed-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open until 12 am on Monday, February 3rd! Good luck!

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post, but I will receive a Pampers Prize Pack in exchange for this Giveaway. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Nesting Fever: A Swiffer Bissell Steamboost Giveaway!

This post brought to you by Swiffer. In the last weeks of a pregnancy, many moms experience a slightly insane urge to clean, purge, organize, and straighten. I have been no different. Today I'm partnering up with Swiffer and Bissell to give away a new Swiffer Bissell Steamboost. Keep reading enter and to see how this baby can bring some shine to your home, just in time for the holidays.

We live in a 1970s Colonial. I'm not sure how old our vinyl flooring is, but it was here when we moved into the house 10 years ago. It's an off-white and gray combo. Between two adults, two small kids, one tiny fluffball dog, and one large messy dog, it can be a disaster area. German Shepherds are prone to shedding, and if I don't keep up with it, the kitchen sports tumbleweeds of dog hair and paw prints. Blech.

Not the environment I want to bring my new baby home to.

But a new steam mop could help, right?

No pricey cleaning solutions are needed. You just fill the Steamboost tank with water, attach the special steam pad, plug the unit in, and you're ready to do some steam cleaning in about 30 seconds. Dirt doesn't stand a chance! Swiffer tells me that the Steamboost is safe for linoleum, vinyl, ceramic tile, marble, stone, and sealed hardwood floors.

Whether you're welcoming guests into your home this holiday season, bringing home a new addition, or you are just plain tired of wrestling with your old mop and bucket, the Swiffer Bissell Steamboost would be a fantastic purchase. Consider adding it to your wishlist for Santa!

I'm giving away 1 Swiffer Bissell Steamboost to a lucky Serenity Now reader!

Please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (and note that I do verify enteries):
-UPDATE: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Giveaway open until 12 am EST on Saturday, November 16th! Please see the rafflecopter widget above for sweepstakes rules.

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.





Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post, but Swiffer did send me a Steamboost in exchange for this Giveaway. All opinions are 100 percent my own, as always.

Shutterfly Holiday Cards and Photo Gifts (Giveaway!)

This post brought to you by Shutterfly. It's that time of year again. I know I'm not the only one planning ahead for Christmas outfits, cards, and gifts. With a new baby on the way this month, I'm scouting out card and gift choices ahead of time. Fortunately, Shutterfly has a fantastic line up of holiday cards and adorable photo gifts to choose from. As a Shutterfly customer, I couldn't wait to share this year's options with you. And guess what? One lucky reader will win for $50 off his/her order total and free shipping! Keep reading to enter....

There are plenty of designs to choose from this year that are both stylish and affordable!

New card design styles for 2013 include a 5x7 folded tri fold as well as back-of-card designs!

Here are a few of my faves from the card and photo gift lines:

It's a Wonderful Life Flurries:

Captured Moments:

Winter Wonderland Wreath:

Photo Necklace (I own one and get compliments on it all the time!):

Holiday Snowflakes Deco Rectangle Metal Ornament:

This is what you can expect from Shutterfly's holiday card collection:

• Classic: Traditional colors, iconic illustrations, aspirational sentiments, snowflakes, monogram  

• Contemporary: trend forward colors, texture and layering, water color techniques, shine, glitter, Instagram pictures are perfect for this style

• Whimsy: humor and nostalgia meet, fun sentiments 

• Merry and Bright: all about color and having fun

• Religious: metallic type treatments, incorporated story ideas 

• Photo Basics: multiple colors, vertical type, family name highlights

You guys know I don't endorse companies or products that I don't care for. Shutterfly has been my go-to spot for Christmas cards, photo gifts, and a yearly calendar gift for years now. I love their products! Here's what our Christmas card looked like last year (names blocked out):

Now for the fun part! 

-Shutterfly is offering 1 Serenity Now reader $50 off an order, plus free shipping!-

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter and note that I do verify entries:

-UPDATE: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open until 12 am EST on November 11, 2013. See widget for details.

*Don't forget that Shutterfly is hosting a Twitter Party on November 15th at 8 pm ET, #PhotosYouLove. Be sure to RSVP to the @ResourcefulMom sign up page.

Good luck!

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.




Disclaimer: I will be compensated for this post with product, but as always, all opinions are 100 percent my own!

LeapFrog Prize Pack Giveaway!

This post brought to you by LeapFrog. Last year's LeapFrog Prize Pack Giveaway was such a success that I agreed to run another one this year. If you read Tuesday's post, then you know that LeapFrog toys, games, and apps are developed and designed by learning experts...content is key for kids! This year, one lucky Serenity Now reader will win an awesome pack of LeapFrog items. Believe me, it will make for a very happy little boy or girl on Christmas morning! Keep reading to enter to win....

This year, LeapFrog is generously offering the following prize pack:

- 1 LeapPad 2 Power
- 2 Games (to be chosen by LeapFrog)
- 1 $20 app card

Valued at $170.00!

Pretty awesome, huh? This pack takes care of a big chunk of Christmas for someone. Or you could split the games and apps between multiple children if you already own LeapFrog gaming systems. (And you know how fab they are!)

*Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter the Giveaway, and note that I do verify entries!*

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Giveaway is open until 12:00 am on Monday, October 14, 2013. Please see the Rafflecopter widget for complete sweepstakes rules.

*Be sure to stop by tomorrow morning at 8 am EST to share your best post of the week at my weekly link party, Weekend Bloggy Reading. Features go up every Monday morning!

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.



Disclaimer: I will receive a LeapFrog Prize Pack in exchange for this post, but it is not financially compensated. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Get Organized with Simplify 101 (Online Workshop Giveaway)

There's something about the spring season that makes many of us want to declutter, spruce up, and live a simpler life at home. That's where my newest sponsor, Simplify 101, comes in. They're offering a free home reference binder to all my readers today, a workshop discount, and one lucky reader will also win a spot in a new Organizing Workshop in today's Giveaway!

If you’re ready for a fresh start and a fun approach to organizing your home, then don’t miss your chance to win this giveaway! The folks at simplify 101 have a brand new workshop, The FUNdamentals of Getting Organized, and they're going to let one winner join in. This online workshop gives you a complete system for organizing your home using simple yet effective principles. Woven throughout the lessons are 20 organizing FUNdamentals-- simple, sticky phrases designed to make the concepts sink-in and stick with you. Keep reading to enter:

Founded by Aby Garvey in 2004, Simplify 101 is now a team effort that aims to help you get organized and create meaningful changes in your life. How often do we waste time digging through that pile of papers or box of craft supplies searching for things? Imagine a clutter-free home--reducing your stress levels and freeing up time for what really matters. The simple life sounds pretty good, huh?

Sometimes taking those first steps towards getting organized can be scary and confusing. The Simplify 101 team makes it easy for us with:

• Free Organizing Printables (Spring Cleaning Checklists, Birthday Party Checklists, To-Do Lists, Wardrobe Inventory, Meals Printables, Freezer Inventory, and more) 
• A Blog with challenges, daily tips, Giveaways, recipes, etc. 
• The Organizing Tips tab has dozens of great inspirational ideas, laid out (of course!) by categories like Clutter Control, Organized Travel, Holiday Organization, Storage Solutions, and Setting Goals. 
• A Coaching Program specifically geared to fit your needs and budget
• Online Workshops and ebooks--learn and work at your own pace!

With encouragement, practical advice, and easy to follow steps, the team at Simplify 101 proves that organizing can be fast, simple, and fun.

1 Serenity Now reader will win a spot in the new FUNdamentals of Getting Organized online workshop, starting March 21, 2013:

Presented in bite-sized action steps over six lessons, making it simple to put ideas into practice without feeling overwhelmed. By the end of the program, you’ll have finished organizing projects checked off your to-do list. (Yeah, endorphin rush!) Plus, you’ll have everything you need to organize the rest of your home. Each step of the way, professional organizer Aby Garvey will be there to answer your questions, provide motivation and help you work your way around any obstacles that come up as you organize. This comprehensive program shows you how to organize your home so you can…

• Save time because your home is arranged efficiently. You’ll get your day-to-day tasks done more quickly and you’ll no longer have to hunt for things you can’t find.
• Have more time to spend with friends and family, relaxing and enjoying activities you love to do!
• Save money because you’ll no longer misplace items and have to buy duplicates or replacements.
• Eliminate stress and worry.
• Improve your relationships by alleviating the strain clutter can cause.
• Feel comfortable welcoming guests into your home.
• Enjoy your home, family and life even more!

To enter, please use the rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCOUNT ALERT: Simplify 101 is offering Serenity Now readers 15% off all off all expert-guided and self-paced workshops (and ebooks) in their shop. Enter coupon code SERENITY15 at checkout. This offer is good through March 21, 2013, and can't be combined with other offers.

*Don't forget to download your free home reference binder!

*Bring your party hats tomorrow. Bring your best post of the week...the weekly link party is scheduled to go live at 8 am (ET). Home Decor, Crafts, DIY, Recipes, Tips and Tricks, Party Ideas, Organizing...it's all welcome. I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve. Features will be up on Saturday and Sunday, so link up early!

Here's the code for the button in case you'd prefer to use that instead of a text link back:

<a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>

31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality (and a Giveaway)

There's a treat in store for you guys today...I've been excited all week to share this post with you. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of reviewing a new ebook from Edie Wadsworth, who writes the completely inspirational blog, Life in Grace. Titled 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality, this ebook was a pleasure and a blessing to read. I'm so happy to share a review with you today and also to host a Giveaway for 5 readers to each win their own copy! Keep reading to see what I thought of 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality and to enter to win....

You may recognize Edie from her blog or from her recent feature in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. But what you might not know is that Edie's heart is just as beautiful as her home! 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality is an easy-to-read, heartfelt look at the true meaning of hospitality and "what it really means to be open and giving to others."

First of all, I love the logistics of this book. 

No driving across town with the kids whining in the back of the minivan, and then waiting in line at the bookstore while the lady in front of you tries to use an expired coupon from 1993 on a romance novel. Nope. You can click over to Life in Grace, order your own digital copy for just $5 (not much more than a tall Starbucks mocha, and I would know!), and easily download it onto your Kindle, ipad, or iphone. If you don't have an ereader or a smart phone, the you can also easily read the book on your computer or laptop!

What did this book show me about Hospitality?

I use the word "show" rather than "tell" because Edie does such a fantastic job of teaching the reader instead of just telling us line by line, list by list, what we should be doing. She gives us practical ways to apply the ideas she shares. 

I highlighted so many sections of the ebook that my Kindle screen might as well have been gray instead of "paperwhite." That's always a sign of a good read--lots of highlighting marks!

Edie defines what hospitality is and what it is not. It is not having a spacious home with lots of room for overflowing guests. It is not a table set with expensive china or a meal made with the fanciest ingredients. "True hospitality is born in the heart." It's a way of living and "opening our hearts to receive others."

I could go on for pages about how much this ebook touched my heart, y'all. I struggle a lot with our family's place in this wretched economy and not having the type of home or means to entertain that I "need." 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality really challenged me to look deeper at my motivations, the way I spend my time, and the way I view others. 

And, just so you know, Edie goes above and beyond by not only providing us spiritual inspiration, but also plenty of fun and inspiring ideas we can incorporate into our own homes to make them more welcoming.

Thank you, Edie for sharing so openly with your readers. Your words touched my heart, and I know they'll be a blessing to many others!

I'm giving away 5 copies of the ebook this week!

If you'd like to win a copy of 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality, please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter!
**UPDATE: Giveaway now closed. Winners have been notified!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Giveaway open until 12 am on February 11, 2013.

If you are not a winner, I highly recommend purchasing this. It would make a great summer Bible study or Book Club study if you have a good group of women to meet with!

Blessings to you today!

SnapBox Framed Canvas Prints: Giveaway!

This post is sponsored by SnapBox, transforming your photos easily and affordably into framed stretched canvas prints, perfect for gifts or decorating your home. SnapBox prints as easy as one, two, three through the EZWay. Try now by sending your photos to snapbox@snapboxez.com!


I'm excited to share this post with you because not only did we receive three gorgeous photo keepsakes, I get to host a Giveaway for three framed canvas prints! Keep reading to find out about the product and how to enter!

This was my first time using SnapBox, and I am absolutely thrilled with the product. I don't say that lightly. Regular readers know that I don't endorse or review a product here on the blog unless it's something I am really interested in, or if I think my readers will enjoy learning about. I was intrigued by the idea of framing out canvases, so I decided to give SnapBox a go and surprise my husband with some neat new photos of our girls (Natalie and Michaela Byrd) for Christmas.

Ordering
SnapBox takes all the work out of placing an order. No clicking around, trying to figure out what to do.

All you have to do is email them the photo(s) you want on canvas (snapbox@snapboxez.com), and they send you a preview within minutes! Be sure to send separate emails if you have multiple photos (I messed up that part and had to resend, but they were quick to help me out).

Within just a few minutes, I received a preview email and was able to choose the size I wanted and select shipping options:

Pricing
I feel like SnapBox is genuinely competitive with their pricing. You can get a 5 x 7 for less than $10 and a 10 x 13 for less than $25...not bad, especially considering the fantastic quality and the fact that the canvas is framed for you!

Shipping
A pet peeve of mine with online shopping is the delay between placing an order and shipping. Or a delay between the "your order shipped" notice and the actual delivery of your product. I was pleased to receive a shipping notice within just a few days, and even more pleased when the order arrived on my doorstep just two days after shipping. 


The Goods
I am simply thrilled with the quality of the framed canvas prints I ordered! The frames are sturdy, well constructed, and no chipping paint anywhere. The canvases captured the color of the photographs. They will be a joy to display in our home. I couldn't wait for Christmas to show T...even he was impressed. The prints ended up being a fun early Christmas gift for him. He doesn't get excited about much, but he loves his girls and is proud of them.

We didn't have any extra money on hand this year for formal professional photos, so I snapped my own at a local historic estate. Quite honestly, I liked doing things on my schedule and not having to wait for proofs. I'm not a professional by any means, but I'm pleased with the holiday photos I was able to take of my girls. I make a special effort to choose pretty "Christmas Eve" dresses for them each year, and love to have photographic evidence of them actually being sweet to each other!

With his new SnapBox canvases, he has some photographs of our girls to cherish for years to come!

I'm giving away 3 Framed Canvas Prints (in any size!) plus FREE FedEx Ground Shipping (value up to $74.97)

Please use the Rafflecopter Widget below to enter, and note the Terms:
-UPDATE: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED-
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Holiday Movie Night and Classic Christmas DVD set Giveaway!

I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for Christmas movies. I actually look forward to watching them all year long, and I love sharing the fun with my girls. There's something really special about sharing something with your kids that you enjoyed as a child. I had a chance to review The Original Christmas Classics and The VeggieTales Christmas Collection recently. What better way to do a movie review that to host an impromptu Christmas Movie Night? I'm also giving away a copy of the The Original Christmas Classics DVD set...keep reading to enter!

I used to stress over creating "perfect" holiday memories for my kids. We should all be wearing coordinating outfits or pajamas, the goodies should be homemade, and everyone on their best behavior. 

The reality is that December is a very busy month, and I've learned over the past few years that there is no such thing as "perfect," particularly when it comes to the holidays. The important thing is that we spend time together as a family!

The movie night was scheduled in as one of our Advent Calendar activities, so I went out earlier in the day and picked up a few cute store-bought cupcakes. Paired with some hot cocoa, coffee, milk, or even a glass of water, you have a party. I always have a few leftover Christmas plates and napkins...those can make things even more festive.

Rudolph the red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman were always a hit with my siblings and I growing up; and my girls love them too. Because both of the films were included in The Original Christmas Classics set, we chose those for our movie night. Other specials in the set are Santa Claus is Comin' to Town!, The Little Drummer Boy, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, and Frosty Returns. It's so much see a childhood favorite replayed through your children's eyes!

The VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection includes 6 holiday favorites (It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, and a Christmas Singalong Songs DVD) and a 25 song CD. The girls love the VeggieTales movies because they are fun and silly, and I love that the films use that silliness to convey a meaningful message: Christmas isn't just about toys and getting stuff!

With just a little bit of effort, you can host your own Christmas movie night at home...you could even invite some neighborhood kids over for popcorn!

You can purchase The Original Christmas Classics and The VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection DVD sets at any major retailer!

I'm going to help you host your own Christmas Move Night with a Giveaway.

1 Serenity Now reader will win a copy of The Original Christmas Classics DVD set!

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter:
-UPDATE: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Get your party hats on! My Weekend Bloggy Reading link party is scheduled as usual for tomorrow morning (8 am ET), so be sure to swing by with your best post of the week.

Here's the button code for the party if you want to get a head start! Recipes, crafts, home decor, party ideas, tips and tricks, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

<a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>

Disclosure: I received both the Christmas Classics and VeggieTales DVD sets to review.