My 4 Year-Old's Birth Announcement & a GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

I'm sort of embarrassed to admit this to you. I didn't "announce" my third child's birth.  

She was born near Thanksgiving, and I came up with the idea to simply "mention" her in our family photo Christmas card. I didn't think my shortcut would be noticed, and maybe it wouldn't have been if I hadn't sent out handmade announcements for both her brother and sister. 

However, it was noticed and discussed. My dear father-in-law often dropped increasingly not-so-subtle reminders that his wall of framed birth announcements for his grandchildren was incomplete. Each time, I'd assure him I'd work on one, but I never could find the time (three kids, remember?). 

Then Lonni, owner of L. Olson Designs, contacted me about reviewing her products. Lonni is a stay-at-home mom who creates invites, announcements, cards, and more for her Etsy shop. She also creates custom graphic design for blogs, Facebook, and other social media and web sites.

Her beautiful line of birth announcements drew my eye. Is too late to send birth announcements when your "baby" is 4 years old? Oh, so what - I didn't want to send them anyway. I simply wanted to have some for memory's sake and one to give Papa for his wall.

I selected the Quatrefoil Cathedral Window design, primarily because (gulp) I've never had formal portraits made of my third child, and a gray scale candid shot works perfectly with this design! I emailed Lonni the photo and the information she needed, and quick as a wink, she created this... 

Is it just me, or is that one gorgeous announcement? In addition to the lovely design, the cards are printed on a heavier material than anything I used when creating my own.I truly don't think I could have made or ordered anything I'd have loved more than this! Printed announcements include envelopes, but you can also purchase them digitally and print them yourself. 

Lonni also provided me with this lovely print of my other daughter's favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11. (Frame is from Hobby Lobby) 

The Bottom Line

I am absolutely thrilled with my experience with L. Olson Designs. I was provided  an extensive selection of designs and exceptionally personalized service. The beautiful products I received were made from high quality materials, and the turnaround time was short. For birth announcements, invitations, and party decor, I can highly recommend L. Olson designs!

You can check out her shop here.

The Giveaway

Lonni has graciously offered to give away a $20 L. Olson Designs Gift Certificate to one of my readers! This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 19, 2013 and is open to US residents only. Read Giveaway Rules before entering, please. 

Entry-Form

I received this item free of charge in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR 255.

GIVEAWAY: Sibu Beauty Facial Cleanser (CLOSED)

The Sponsor

Sibu Beauty specializes in skin care products made from the Himalayan sea buckthorn berry. The bioactive compounds found in the berry restore, revitalize, and protect youthful beauty from both the outside-in and the inside-out. Sibu Beauty states,

The often elusive Omega 7 is found abundantly in the sea buckthorn berry, the key ingredient in all Sibu Beauty products, in addition to the more common Omega's 3, 6, and 9.  All four of these are critical in providing cellular support for healthy skin, hair and nails.

The Product

I was provided the opportunity to try the Sibu Beauty Facial Cleanser. Sibu's description:

Deep yet gentle cleansing is the foundation of effective facial care at every age. This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients. This lightly exfoliating facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced. Your skin will look and feel radiant.

·         Leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and refreshed

·         Removes excess oil and impurities

·         Contains micro-particles for a gentle exfoliation

·         Great for removing make-up

·         Non-foaming gel formula for all skin types

My Experience

As I've grown older, I've noticed that my face has gotten a little finicky. It's definitely drier than it was in my 30's. Sometimes it feels tight and is red and blotchy after I wash it. This was my initial focus as I used the Sibu Beauty Facial Cleanser, and I was pleased to find that it caused neither problem!

The second thing I noticed was how pleasant it was to use. The gel formula was nice and thick and could be lathered up a bit. It contained just enough exfoliation particles to effectively remove make-up and dead skin cells without feeling like sand paper. Also, it had only a hint of citrus fragrance, which I really appreciated, as I have no desire to carry a scent on my face all day long. 

The Bottom Line

At a cost of about $18 (less with a coupon code - I found several by searching on Google), I found this product to be a reasonably priced luxury. It was pleasant to use, and it cleaned my face without leaving it dry, tight and red. 

The Giveaway

Enter below to win a Sibu Beauty Facial Cleanser! This giveaway ends on April 26, 2013 (12:01 a.m. April 27, 2013), and the winner can not have won a previous Sibu giveaway. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends on April 26, 2013 (12:01 a.m. EST April 27, 2013) and is open to US residents. Winner will be notified via email within three days of the end of the giveaway. If he or she does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected under the same conditions.

I received this item free of charge in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR 255.

Weight Loss Update - Their way, Her way, MY way

Well, I've finally begun losing weight again, but I have to confess I'm not doing it Nicole's way. By the way, Nicole is on a different journey now - SHE'S PREGNANT!

Overweight my whole life (the smallest adult size I've ever been was a short-lived size 12), I've tried many weight-loss methods over the past four decades. Many of them have taught me things I'd never have realized without them. Despite their differences, they almost always had two things in common...they were based on some form of the premise "eat less, move more," and they ALL WORKED, as long as you remained on the program. However, at this stage in my life, I'm having a hard time maintaining any particular set of rules. 

For that reason, I've decided to do it my way. What is that exactly? Ummm, well, so far it's just eating less. For example, at mealtimes, I'm trying to eat less than anyone else. To be honest, this isn't always easy, and I am asking the Lord to help me make good choices. I am not convinced that He'd have us all be thin, but I know He doesn't want me to be a glutton!

At this point, I'm just not motivated to drink lots of water or to walk on my treadmill or keep a food diary or anything else that works for others (and has at one time or another worked for me, as well). Nor am I inclined to make myself vulnerable to the guilt that accompanies my inability to follow through. One day at a time, with a little less food than before is enough for now. I'll keep you updated. Have a blessed day!

Children's Sermon: "Magic" Paper Cross

 

From Almost Homeschoolers

This Easter Sunday, I shall use this great object lesson, told while folding and cutting a paper cross!

Title: "Magic" Fold and Cut Cross

Source: Almost Unschoolers           

Scripture Reference: John 14:6 

Supplies Needed: Sheet of paper with verse printed as a column in the center, scissors

Lesson: (see link)

Children's Sermon: Toothpaste and Our Words

Years ago, my friend Andrea had a saying about unkind words: "Words are like toothpaste...Once they come out you can't put them back!" I came across a children's sermon about that very same idea!

Title: The Power of Words

Source: Object Lessons for a Year by David Claassen            

Scripture Reference: Col.3:17 

Supplies Needed: A tube of toothpaste and a paper plate

Lesson: (see link)

Children's Sermon: Stitched by God's Design

When preparing for a children's sermon, I've come to expect that the Holy Spirit will lead me to use an object or topic that's prominent in my life at the time. I've recently begun crocheting (I'm SUCH a beginner!), and I felt led to tie that into my children's sermon this week. 

Title: God Designed You  

Source: This was inspired by posts at Pro Life Unity

Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:13 “You knit me together in my mother’s womb”

Supplies Needed: A piece of unfinished crochet work, with skein and needle.

Lesson: Do you know what this is (demonstrate the crochet work)? This is called crocheting. A while back, I saw a picture of a scarf and wanted to make one just like it. So, I printed out the directions and began to follow them. Every time I work on it, I imagine how the scarf will look when I finish it. I think about about what I'll where it with and the different ways I could tie it. I am very excited to make this scarf!

There's another kind of needlework called knitting, and the Bible tells us something very interesting about that word. It says in Psalm 139:13 that God knit you and me together before we were born. The Bible uses the picture of someone putting working threads together like this to help us imagine how, while we were still in our mommies' tummies, God worked all our different parts together exactly how He wanted then to be: our hair color, our eyes, what we'd be good at, and many other things.

Now what God did with each of us may be kind of like what I did with this scarf, but He did some things I could never do. Remember how I had to see a picture of another scarf and then make one like it? He didn't have to do that. He thought of us before He started putting us together, and then He made each one of us different from anyone else. That makes us very special. Also, remember how I had to follow directions to make my scarf? God didn't need that kind of help. He's so powerful and creative that He creates without directions. 

Let's thank Him: Lord, we are amazed at how you put us together while we were still in our mommies' tummies. Thank you for loving us before you even made us and for taking care of us even now. We pray tat you would keep safe all the babies that you're knitting together now and that we would love them because you made them special.

"Nicole's Method" Update #5

It's been a long time since my last post, but I'm ready to begin again! When I last wrote, I told about  some health problems I was experiencing that made weight loss seem the least of my worries! It was never determined exactly what caused my liver to go crazy and pneumonia to follow, but blood tests eventually showed that the episode was over. Thank you, Lord!

So, here I am, ready to begin again, with a commitment to transparency...

Beginning Weight/Date: 201 lbs on November 26, 2011

Current weight on January 26, 2013: 193.6

Current amount lost: 7.4 pounds

Let's review Nicole's method... 

• PORTION CONTROL: Serve yourself a preschooler’s portion.
• WATER, WATER, and more WATER: Before meal, between bites, and when tempted but not hungry.
• FRUITS & VEGGIES: Unlimited! 
• STOP EATING AT 6 P.M.
• INDULGE ON LIMITED OCCASIONS: Small portions, of course.
• NO EXERCISE: Not the priority at this point.

Last week's year's success?: Oh wow! I haven't even been trying to lose weight, and I only gained .4 pound! NOT exactly. Although I hadn't mentioned it here, I had lost an additional 5 pounds. So I've actually gained 6 pounds or so. 

What I'm learning:

I've let go of almost all of these principles, and to be honest, I'm scared to commit to them. They're sound and obviously effective, but can I commit to them? I've even considered embracing one a week until I get a handle on them. Stay tuned. I'm off to drink my pre-breakfast water :) Stay tuned...