Retractable Clothesline & Project Laundry List

{ MY WISH LIST }

My post yesterday featuring absolutely adorable clothespins, gave me the inspiration to go after and find an amazing retractable clothesline.

I was absolutely shocked when months ago I attempted to get a Clothesline on my way home from work. Target didn't have one and Bed Bath and Beyond had nothing of the sort. Luckily we are privy to the world wide web.

That brings us to these two beauties: The Lehigh RC20 and Moen RR5506HD

While these two functional beauties may not be as glamorous, cute or chic as my typical post products, they are safe saving, money saving and help support a lifestyle that lifts up our planet. Also, it gives you a chance to be a bit of a rebel!

A rebel? That's right, during my search for quality products (Don't worry the Lehigh and Mohen will go through our typical pro and con list below), I found a really neat movement called Project Laundry List.

Here is a trailer from their film, "Drying for Freedom"


{ THUMBS DOWN }
- Lehigh RC20 : Made out of plastic, so may not last as long. Requires a trick to make sure there is no slack on the line (make sure to read Amazon reviews to find it). Should be easy to find.

- Moen RR5506HD : Not a lot of reviews (only three). That always makes me nervous. Only 8 feet long, so not as appropriate for outdoor drying.

{ THUMBS UP }
- Lehigh RC20 : A massive 20 feet long, though can be used for shorter distances. 80 reviews on Amazon talking about its greatness!! Only $9.00 on Amazon and qualifies for super saver shipping!! (can't guarantee it is always $9.00 that is a sale price.)

- Moen RR5506HD : Made from chrome, will probably last longer. Looks more professional.

**All in all, I'm leaning towards the Lehigh RC20. It looks great for versatility sake (indoor and outdoor) and is a bit cheaper! And although it doesn't have that beautiful chrome finish, it is definitely not an eyesore.



{ BUY IT }

Buy the Lehigh RC20 HERE, for $9.00

Buy the Moen RR5506HD, HERE for $16.38

**Check out 10 reasons to line dry, at Project Laundry List

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A Ladybug Landed on Me Today

Does that mean I will have good luck?

What's your favorite thing about Spring?

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BabyCake & Lollipop

{ MY WISH LIST }

Ooooh Babycake & Lollipop Etsy store makes me drool. Ok, it doesn't actually make me drool... but, it does make me excited about absolutely adorable gifts for Baby Showers.

Maria builds upon the classic diaper cakes and makes a variety of sweet looking delicacies out of personally handmade baby onesies, bibs and washcloths. She packages them perfectly and ships them out ready to be gifted. I am in awe of her Etsy store and am excited to share her products with you!

Her standard washcloth cupcakes are made with two handmade washcloths and topped with a crocheted cherry. The buyer can choose from designs that are male, female or unisex. Each comes wrapped in tulle and tied with a ribbon and hang tag (as pictured below!!) These washcloth cupcakes cost only $6 including shipping and make an ADORABLE and long remembered gift or addition to a gift basket!!

The washcloth lollipops also contain two washcloths and are wrapped for delivery. $6 (including shipping) for the cutest gift around, I think I will take it.

**Check out the Babycake and Lollipop Etsy shop for more variations using onesies, bibs and more!

{ THUMBS DOWN }
- Can't think of one.

{ THUMBS UP }
- Packaged for instant gift giving!! (Much better than I could package it)
- Perfect assembly.
- Cute and functional.
- Option to personalize.
- Maria offers ongoing specials!! ie. Spend $10 get a free washcloth lollipop!! oooh, lala, that's an incentive!

{ BUY IT }
Purchase Babycake and Lollipops products, here.

*Make sure to read the top for current specials!

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Little Ones Apron Giveaway

{ GIVEAWAY }
As a child, aprons made me think of Cinderella, Spring Cleaning, and my fantastical adventures pretending to be a poor worker girl for a mean boss. (For whatever reason this was one of our favorite pretend games growing up.)

Aprons were a valuable tool in playing "House," cooking exciting new dishes with Mommy, gardening and making amazingly fun crafts.

When there was a mess to be found or an exploration to be had, Aprons were part of it. That is why I am so excited to be hosting a giveaway for Lots of Ladybugs Little Ones aprons.

LotsofLadyBugs Little Ones aprons inspire imagination in their colors, beautiful design and handcrafted beginnings. According to the Lots of Lady Bugs homepage, they are for kids who like to "play hard and look stylish."

These hand stitched beauties are made from 150 year old French weavers, Les Toiles du Soleil. They are 100% cotton, machine washable and made with a canvas material which is perfect for wear and tear.

This family owned enterprise is named after a line from the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun."

Katherine is tired of seeing Frances look so sad, so one day she tells her a story…
“When I was a little girl, I used to spend hours looking for ladybugs. Finally, I’d just give up and fall asleep in the grass. When I woke up, they were crawling all over me.”
When Frances returns from Rome where she has met Marcello, she seeks out Katherine to tell her:
“Ladybugs, Katherine. Lots and lots of ladybugs.”

Lots of Lady Bugs is a family owned business that is motivated by a mother's love for her children. Heidi Wellington says it this way, "At the depth of my determination is my long-held desire to be an example to my daughters Chloe and Annabel. I want to show them that they can achieve anything their heart desires and not to fight life’s challenges but to accept life with all its surprises. "

{ REVIEW }
Heidi and Nathan Wellington sent me one of their Little Ones Aprons to review and I have to say, I can recommend it with full confidence. Here were my observations.

{ THUMBS DOWN }
- I actually could not find a thumbs down for this rich and unique garment. My mother said its only downfall is that it might be too nice for a child. She wanted one for herself.

{ THUMBS UP }
- Deep pockets to hold stones, flowers or craft supplies.
- Adjustable neck to fit a variety of sizes and ages, it is supposed to fit ages 3-9.
- Machine Washable - woo hoo!
- Excellent craftmanship in the adorable polka dot lining.
- Fun muted, but beautiful colors. Serious style for your messy little one. He/She will love the diversity of colors and polka dots.
- 15 different color patterns to choose from.
- Luxe is a great word for these aprons. Your child will stand out in a positive way. These just feel very special and somehow hand tailored to your child.

{ BUY IT }
- Purchase from Lots of Lady Bugs, here.

**At $34.00 per apron, these make the perfect gift for the child of a loved one. Both functional and fashionable, makes their kiddo look like a million bucks. It is also a perfect purchase for the million dollar kiddo in YOUR life!! What a fun accessory to explore with!

{ WIN IT }
One lucky reader will win one Little Ones Apron of their choice!!!

~ GIVEAWAY RULES ~
Contest is open Internationally! All entries must be received by 11:59pm pacific time on April 19, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on April 20, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours). I will also announce the winner on this blog. If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will pick another winner. I have received a sample item for this review. This review reflects my unbiased opinion.

**Good luck everyone!

~ HOW TO ENTER ~
Visit Lots of Ladybugs and peruse the adorable aprons. Write me a comment stating what design you would choose and what your favorite apron wearing activity is.

~ EXTRA ENTRIES ~
You must do the "how to enter" entry first. Leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Remember to write your email address as well, so I can contact you if you win.
1. Follow JOT Giveaways through Google Friends Connect (current followers qualify)
2. Follow LotsofLadybugs Blog and leave a comment on one of her posts letting her know you were sent over by JOT Giveaways!
3. Follow JOT Giveaways on Twitter (leave Twitter ID)
4. Tweet about this giveaway (post URL of tweet) (one entry per day)

"Play hard and look stylish - Win a Little Ones Apron worth $34 NOW!!! http://bit.ly/cxb0yT High Quality, functional fun! Ends 4/19"

5. Put my button on your blog (tell me where to find it!)
6. Blog about this giveaway on a personal blog for THREE extra entries. Include links to both JOT Giveaways and LotsofLadyBugs. Write a comment for each entry.
7. Purchase an apron from LotsofLadyBugs for FIVE extra entries. Write a comment for each entry. (leave Etsy ID)

~ WINNERS ~
Congratulations to Lace!!


" I like the Candy 1 apron. We love to bake when we were aprons."

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The Hat Peddler Giveaway - Ending April 14, 2010

{ GIVEAWAY }
I am a true romantic. And part of what embodies the ultimate romance fantasy for me is flowing dresses, a sea scented breeze and a beautiful hat to hide a demure or a fierce gaze.

The wonderful thing about hats though, is that they exist quite nicely outside of my fantasy. In fact, they bring a bit of that fantasy into my real life. If I could, I would wear a hat outside for every Summer and Spring day of the year. A beautifully made hat can bring whimsy, high fashion or a look of completion to any outfit. This beckons in Martha Jo, our wonderful Hat Peddler.

After 32 years of teaching, Martha Jo decided to spend her time attempting to "rekindle spirits and inspire more ladies to purchase hats."

Her classy, comfortable and stylish designs are sure to do just that. Martha Jo understands women. "A hat signifies confidence and mystery, both qualities to which women aspire."

Let's take a look at some beautifully made pieces from her collection and then I will take you through my experiences with my handmade hat from The Hat Peddler.

These three products from the Hat Peddler's Etsy shop are really telling of the diversity of products found there. From the chic Great Sunhat (left) to mother daughter hats (center) to the fashion forward Bridgett Fedora style (featured on the right), these handcrafted headpieces appeal to all types of women. One of the things that I love about the Hat Peddler is that I could shop for my 93 year old grandmother, 27 year old sister and 16 year old cousin at the same place. AND I would end up with a hat screaming of high quality and bringing looks of admiration from those around.


{ REVIEW }
When Martha Jo asked me to review a hat for the giveaway, it was hard for me to know which one to choose. My husband and I sat down and scrolled through the high quality beauties until we came across the Lynda Hat in Cream/Irish. While, I knew I wanted to review a sunhat for the upcoming sunny season, I also wanted to get a hat that was versatile. The Lynda Hat, also coined as "The Hat for Everyone" seemed to fit this perfectly.

The Lynda hat arrived in a flurry of pink tissue paper. Included with it were two sturdy and professionally made business cards. (While, I would never judge the quality of the business solely by its business cards, TheHatPeddler's cards were impressive and added to the this shop's image of top notch quality)

Once I got the hat, I didn't want to take it off. In fact, I am wearing it while writing the review right now. It is absolutely stunning and extremely comfortable. Every stitch adds to its perfection. While I had guessed at Martha Jo's precision by her product images on FLICKR and quality of customer service, I really had to see the product to believe it. And I am impressed.

The first thing I received when I walked out the door wearing the hat was a compliment my neighbor. "Cute Hat." This product is highly recommended.

{ THUMBS DOWN }
- Price. With prices ranging from 40-65 dollars, buying a hat at the Hat Peddler Etsy shop is not an inexpensive experience. I can, however, tell you the product will be comfortable, high quality and backed up by excellent customer service. Its durable stitching and classy style will insure that this investment in yourself will last for many years.

{ THUMBS UP }
- Beautiful classic design.
- High quality textured fabric - absolutely stunning.
- Impressive craftsmanship and high attention to detail. (even the flower is perfectly stitched)
- Comfortable, easy to clean and care for.
- Functional as well as fun!
- Warm and personable customer service. (out of all the vendors I have worked with, Martha Jo has made me feel like I actually know her. In fact, I could see myself having her over for lunch and giving her a hug like an old family friend. That's a talent to portray such warmth and care over the internet.)
- Can be custom made to fit any personality or style.

{ BUY IT }
- Purchase from the Hat Peddler, here.

**This would make an excellent Mother's Day present! Consider the Mother Daughter hats (pictured above) for adorable photos and a fun Summer of hat wearing. It would also make a stunning gift to yourself.

**See more of Martha Jo's hats at her Blog, and Flickr page

{ WIN IT }
One lucky reader will win a $50 Gift Certificate to The Hat Peddler Etsy shop.

~ GIVEAWAY RULES ~
Contest is open to US only. All entries must be received by 11:59pm pacific time on April 14, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on April 15, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours). I will also announce the winner on this blog. If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will pick another winner. I have received a non-refundable sample item for this review. This review reflects my unbiased opinion.

**Good luck everyone!

~ HOW TO ENTER ~
Visit TheHatPeddler's Etsy Shop and peruse her fashionable collection of hats. Write me a comment stating which hat you would choose and why.

~ EXTRA ENTRIES ~
You must do the "how to enter" entry first. Leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Remember to write your email address as well.
1. Follow JOT Giveaways through Google Friends Connect (Top of right hand column, current followers qualify)
2. Follow JOT Giveaways on Twitter (leave Twitter ID)
3. Tweet about this giveaway (post URL of tweet)

"WIN a $50 Gift Certificate to The Hat Peddler!!!! http://bit.ly/9tICIW High Quality, comfortable and fashionable! Ends 4/14"

4. Put my button on your blog (tell me where to find it!)
5. Blog about this giveaway on a personal blog for THREE extra entries. Include links to both JOT Giveaways and TheHatPeddler. Write a comment for each entry.
6. Purchase a hat from TheHatPeddler for FIVE extra entries. Write a comment for each entry. (leave Etsy ID)


~ WINNERS ~
Congratulations to Mim!!


"follow this blog!"

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Money Savvy Pig

{ GIVEAWAY }
My heart starts to beat quickly and tears come to my eyes. The thought that I could give my children a better life through the teaching of money management is actually emoting a physical reaction from me.

This is an area which I have failed in. During college, I always had an emergency fund of a couple thousand dollars and I had inherited a good credit score from my parents (we shared a credit card while I was in high school). I completely failed them. While planning for my wedding and not working, I naively spent too much money. My husband had debt, now I have debt and it is a huge stormy cloud putting pressure on us.

Woooo! Moving on to the product which brings hope and inspiration to me. Because my current knowledge of finances is at a baby level, I know I will need help teaching my children excellent money management skills. The Money Savvy Generation is offering to help me, and those I represent to achieve this.

{ REVIEW }
Now, let's move on to the product I am supposed to be reviewing and then I will talk more about further resources.

The elegantly simple, perfect for children (and adults at children level), Money Savvy Pig.

This adorable plastic piggy bank comes in six different colors and three different varietals. Keep your money in a 4-chamber "Money Savvy Cow," "Money Savvy Pig" or "Money Savvy Football." The Money Savvy Piggy bank collection is designed for children ages 4-11 and helps to teach money management skills.

It's four compartments comprise of

SAVE - for things you want to save up for in the short term

SPEND - the money you are planning to spend soon. Helps put the child in charge of his/her own spending and avoid the idea that "money grows on trees."

DONATE - promotes community involvement, allows child to choose favorite charity.

INVEST - for long term savings. While a 4 year old may not understand this one as they child gets older he/ she definitely will.

It is 8.5 inches long, 6 inches diameter and holds up to $300 worth of coins. The money from each compartment exits separately from a designated foot. The Money Savvy Pig comes with a sheet of stickers for goal setting and a pamphlet with tips on how to use each compartment and a few fun facts on piggy banks in general.

My Money Savvy Pig Plan:

I intend to keep the Money Savvy Pig in a special Money Saving spot! I will keep consistency in the beginning. Every time I give them their allowance or they receive money as a gift, make sure to cash it or coin it and spend the time going through how and why we divide the money. Slowly, I will let them do more and more of it themselves and have them tell me why and how. Eventually they will be doing it all by themselves, only telling me if they want to change a goal.

**As they get older, I intend to use more Money Savvy Generation material, including the Money Savvy Kids Home program (which I am really excited about).

{ THUMBS DOWN }

- While the release gates at the foot of the pig are perfectly sized for a child's hands, it was hard for my adult sized fingers to get it open. My husband would have to use some other object to open them, it is too small.

**I did like how secure the gates were and would love for a tool to help adult fingers or an easier design for us big people (we will probably be helping our 4 year old's anyways).

{ THUMBS UP }
- Excellent concept!!
- Stickers included to choose the Money Savvy Pig's eye color.
- Inexpensive price. At $16.99 to $19.99 these piggy banks are affordable for many families.
- The Money Savvy Generation provides a lot of support to parents. The goal setting stickers, pamphlet guide and additional resources to buy such as the coloring book make this perfect for parents and children. On the website, they recommend books for parents to improve their money management knowledge as well. There is support provided throughout the child's life. - Family owned company with excellent customer service!!

{ BUY IT }
- Purchase a Money Savvy Pig, here for $16.99.

- Purchase the Money Savvy Pig HOME set HERE for $39.99. This includes a Money Savvy Pig, 44 page parent handbook, 8 chapter CD rom with over 100 colored images, 4 sing-along kids songs about money, 21 page soft-cover student workbook, 22 page coloring and activity book and 17"x22" When Your Smart with Money poem poster.

**These make excellent and thoughtful gifts for children. Not only will the parents be thankful, but the children will be really excited about their new cool piggy bank (which they can decorate with stickers).

{ WIN IT }

One lucky reader will win a blue Money Saavy Pig! (the best selling color!!)

~ GIVEAWAY RULES ~
Open to US only. All entries must be received by 11:59pm pacific time on April 13, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on April 14, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and the Money Savvy Pig will be shipped directly from the sponsor. I will also announce the winner on this blog. If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will pick another winner.

**Good luck everyone, I think you will find this product absolutely AMAZING!

~ HOW TO ENTER ~
Go to the Money Savvy Generation website and peruse the products they offer. Come back here and write a comment telling me which product you are interested in, in addition to the Money Savvy Pig.

~ EXTRA ENTRIES ~
You must do the "how to enter" entry first. Leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Remember to write your email address as well.

1. Follow JOT Giveaways through Google Friends Connect (Top of right hand column, current followers qualify)
2. Follow JOT Giveaways on Twitter (Leave Twitter ID)
3. Tweet about this giveaway (post URL of tweet)

"Enter to WIN Money Savvy Pig NOW!!!! http://bit.ly/cToDBp Award winning, 4 chambers, colorful stickers, educational tool. Ends 4/13"

4. Visit Susan Beacham's Money Savvy Blog and leave a comment. (Leave the url of the post you commented on.)
5. Put my button on your blog (tell me where to find it!)
6. Mention this giveaway on a personal blog for THREE extra entries. Include links to both JOT Giveaways and Money Savvy Generation Write a comment for each entry.

~ WINNERS ~

Congratulations to Nicole!!

"I follow on Twitter @pittsy82"

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Skoy Cloth Promotion

{ GIVEAWAY }
Skoy, Skoy, Skoy!!! If you can't tell, I am shouting "SKOY" from the virtual rooftops.

Why is that, you may ask? Well, it is only the most eco-friendly practical money saving product that has scooted into my life lately. Oooh, let me tell you, Skoy Cloths are as good as they sound.

How good do they sound? Let's give you some "wow" facts:
- On average, ONE Skoy Cloth is equal to FIFTEEN rolls of Paper Towels!
- Skoy Cloths are 100% biodegradable and compostable!
- Skoy Cloths can be cleaned in the microwave, washer/dryer and dishwasher. wooo!

Now, that I've got you interested, let's talk about an inspiring story. Skoy Cloths was created by two stay-at-home moms, Michelle and Karen! They saw the need for a better US product, put their heads together and WALAH - started making a positive difference for the world.

Skoy is named for the German word "Skoj" (pronounced Skoy) which means "Just for Fun."
Skoy is an amazingly eco-friendly product which brings some extra fun to your kitchen and life.

{ REVIEW }
I was given the wonderful opportunity to try out a 4 pack of Skoy Cloths for myself and put it to the test.

Here are some pictures from my experience:


{ THUMBS DOWN }
- Both the flower design and inspirational quote design are perfect for a family household or a woman's kitchen, however it may not fit as well in the men's kitchen. Perhaps, in the future Skoy Cloths could offer a design that could comfortably be used by older single Males, like my Dad or younger college men.

{ THUMBS UP }
- Excellent presentation! The pack came with a professional looking care guide and tied with eco-friendly tie.
- Design and bright colors are perfect for a family kitchen and make it much more cheery and even fun to wipe up messes.
- Saves Money!!! 4 Skoy Cloths cost $5.99, 15 paper towel rolls cost almost $31.25, plus wastes a lot of paper.
- 100% natural and recyclable (made from natural cotton and wood-pulp cellulose).
- Feels almost like I imagine seal skin would, nicer to hold than a regular paper towel.
- Washable in microwave, washer/dryer or dishwasher.
- Feels good knowing you are doing your part for the environment with a fun and effective product!

**Even my husband loved this product. We've had it a week and it is a staple in our kitchen. With reuseable napkins and "just for fun" Skoy cloths we now have a pretty eco-friendly and beautiful kitchen.

{ BUY IT }
- Purchase Skoy Cloths NOW! Only $5.99 for a 4 Pack on Amazon, buy HERE.

**This also makes the perfect gift for an eco-friendly friend who likes to try the newest products. It is thoughtful and fun!

{ WIN IT }
Two lucky readers will win a 4-pack of Skoy Cloths!!

~ GIVEAWAY RULES ~
Open to US only. All entries must be received by 11:59pm pacific time on April 9, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on April 10, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and the Skoy Cloths will be shipped directly from the sponsor. I will also announce the winner on this blog. If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will pick another winner.

**Good luck everyone, I think you will be AMAZED with this product!

~ HOW TO ENTER ~
Look at the feedback on the Skoy feedback/testimonial page. Come back here and write a comment telling me which testimonial impacted you most.

~ EXTRA ENTRIES ~
You must do the "how to enter" entry first. Leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Remember to write your email address as well.
1. Follow JOT Giveaways through Google Friends Connect (Top of right hand column, current followers qualify)
2. Follow JOT Giveaways on Twitter (Leave Twitter ID)
3. Follow Skoy on Twitter. (Leave Twitter ID)
4. Tweet about this giveaway (post URL of tweet)

"WIN Skoy Cloth Now!!!! http://bit.ly/9i6gQG 100% biodegradable, Reusable, compostable, cool looking, earth saving cloth. Ends 4/9"

5. Put my button on your blog (tell me where to find it!)
6. Mention this giveaway on a personal blog for THREE extra entries. Include links to both JOT Giveaways and Skoy Cloths Write a comment for each entry.
7. Purchase Skoy Cloths from this link for FIVE extra entries. Write a comment for each entry.

~ WINNERS ~
Congratulations to ky2Here!!


"Here's my tweet:

http://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/11797314062"





Congratulations to Busy Working Mama!!


"I like Crystal's review (from GA) about how the cloth retained color even after bleaching."

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