March Towards Organization: Review - Mabel's Labels

Life is easier when you are organized.
Organization is easier when you have labels.
I now have labels.

Not just any labels.
Just about the coolest labels around.
I now have Mabel's Labels!

Woo hoo! They have made my life so much easier I cannot believe it!
If you will recall I waxed very poetic about how much I adore my Tupperware.
I have a multitude of Tupperware Spice Containers. I really like them because I can buy my spices in bulk. That way they are fresher and cheaper and I am not always throwing out all those little plastic or glass containers.
Aren't they just the cutest? (This is only some of them to make taking photos easier.)

But here is my problem with them.
I have (no lie) 34 of them.
And there is no way to tell what is inside of them so I did this

Not the most efficient way of finding the spice or herb I am looking for. Very time consuming to tell the truth.

But now thanks to the fantabulous Mabel's Labels Custom Canister and Spice Labels my Tupperware now looks like this...

HOW.COOL.IS.THAT?

Now I can just go in my my cabinet and find what I am looking for in a flash. (I tried more times than I can count to get a photo of all of my spice containers but this cabinet is in a dark place and no matter what I did the photo was horrible.. I am sorry)
OK. I tried again. The photo is lousy but you get the idea...

I was also able to label my canisters so I no longer have to keep answering my hubby all the time when he asks, "where are the raisins, where is the cocoa?" "Is this the white rice or the sushi rice?"

Life is so much easier now.
And ORGANIZED.

I will tell you that ordering the labels was super easy!
You just go to the Mabel's Labels site and you can pick your color and your font from the choices given and then you can customize your labels!

THAT'S RIGHT!

I was able to pick exactly which labels I wanted to suit my pantry.
They arrived very quickly in the cutest little box ever!


I am thrilled with my new labels!
If you need labels of any kind I suggest you go to Mabel's and check things out.
They are very affordable, very friendly to work with and very fast!

You can get labels for your children's clothing, for your children going off to camp or school, and to help sort out all of your cords. There are many other labels available so go on over and check them out.

You won't be disappointed!

Disclosure:  I received a gratis custom order of Canister and Spice Labels from Mabel's Labels for review. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by receipt of the free labels. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

How Does OUR Garden Grow?

The hubby has started planning the garden!
Yay!
He planted his seeds and the seedlings are starting to sprout.

They look so fragile but I know they will grow strong and by the end of summer we will have lots of juicy tomatoes, eggplants, broccoli, cauliflower and peppers.

Last year was a banner year for the garden.

I hope this year brings a similar bounty.
Keep your fingers crossed!

Earn Your Masters of Teaching Online!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you a teacher?
If you are would you like to advance your career? Of course you would!
But trying to find the time to pursue your Masters of Teaching degree could be challenging.
Did you ever consider online education?
Well, why not?!

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There are so many benefits:  an accelerated program that allows you to complete the degree in as little as 12 months, a groundbreaking tuition reimbursement program, scholarships are available! Not to mention innovative combination of highly interactive online learning with field-based experiences in your local area.
-A groundbreaking tuition reimbursement program designed exclusively for MAT@USC graduates.
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With all of that available to you what do you have to lose? Why not check out the program information now?

Photographic Challenges

I love to take photos of the goats.
They are very entertaining for one thing.
And Pricilla's blog requires lots of them.
But I have a problem.
The goats see me and they think FOOD!
FOOD,FOOD,FOOD,FOOD,FOOD,FOOD,FOOD!!!!

And this is what happens....

Do you think Matthew is ready for his closeup?

It's a good thing he's a cutie pie!

Crazy goat!

Check Out WellnessDaily.com for Great Advice

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of wellnessdaily.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring is springing.
In most parts of the country anyway.
Here I woke up to snow.
What a way to welcome April, huh?
But that doesn't mean that the sun and warmth won't be showing up sometime.
And with that comes the desire to get out and really start getting serious about being healthy; exercise seems so much easier when you can go outside on a beautiful day and take a nice brisk walk.

Eating well is easier when the garden comes in and you have fresh picked lettuce and tomatoes for a delicious salad to add to your meal. All the dreariness of winter seems to melt away with presence of that healing sun.

Well, Jennie-O wants to help you along the way!
They have set up a website called www.wellnessdaily.com that is just full of great tips for eating well, stress relief and exercising to create that feeling of wellness in your life.

You can go to the site and take the pledge to live a healthier lifestyle. Isn't that a great way to head into Spring?

I know I am looking forward to those first lettuce leaves. I just have to make sure I keep the goats away from them. They like them as much as I do. heh heh
Soon after the other plants will start to bring forth their bounty and I will be eating yummy green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, eggplant and whatever else the hubby decides to plant.

I love the garden!

I also love the walks I can take as the weather gets better. There is nothing like a walk in the cool evening air. It stretches the leg muscles and gets the heart beating. Walking is the BEST exercise there is! Oooh, I can't wait!!!

Uhm, March - What's Up?

So, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
Isn't that what they say?
So why did I wake up to this today?

Huh, huh, huh?
Seriously!
It's been snowing intermittently all day.
And this is on the horizon....

*sigh*

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Love in Mid Air by Kim Wright

From the Publisher's Website:

A chance encounter with a stranger on an airplane sends Elyse Bearden into an emotional tailspin. Suddenly Elyse is willing to risk everything: her safe but stale marriage, her seemingly perfect life in an affluent Southern suburb, and her position in the community. She finds herself cutting through all the instincts that say "no" and instead lets "yes" happen. As Elyse embarks on a risky affair, her longtime friend Kelly and the other women in their book club begin to question their own decisions about love, sex, marriage, and freedom.

About the Author:

Kim Wright has been writing about travel, food, and wine for more than twenty years for many magazines including Wine Spectator, Self, Travel & Leisure, and Vogue, and has twice won the Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing. Her travel guide, Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's), has been a best-seller for more than two decades. This is her first novel. Kim lives in Charlotte, NC.






My Opinion:

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't a fast read because the topics weren't easy. Divorce, adultery,
It was well written and the characters were well fleshed out. Some were exaggerated but there has to be some of that in a novel doesn't there?

Elyse is flying home from a pottery show and serendipity lands her next to a stranger on a plane.  They connect on a level Elyse hasn't felt with her husband in a while. She is marking time in her marriage. Her husband doesn't understand her and they communicate with post it notes. Surely there should be more to a relationship.

Elyse sets forth to find out testing the bonds of her friendships, her relationships within her community and her understanding or herself. The book is honest and written with a woman's point of view. It's not a book to be read quickly or thoughtlessly.
Love in Mid Air   is available at Amazon.com














Reading Group Guide
Join the other blogs for the rest of the tour:

March 31
http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com
http://www.mgpblog.com
http://www.my-book-views.blogspot.com
http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/
http://www.bellasnovella.com
http://www.maryinhb.blogspot.com
www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com
http://www.bridget3420.blogspot.com

April 1
www.madhattermom.com
http://www.stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com
http://ilratb.blogspot.com
http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com
http://www.sharon54220.wordpress.com
http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com
http://www.acircleofbooks.blogspot.coom
http://memybookandthecouch.blogspot.com/

April 2
http://www.madeleineatbooksandphotos.com/
http://dixie-afewofmyfavoritethings.blogspot.com/
http://www.booknaround.blogspot.com
http://www.psychoticstate.blogspot.com
http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com
http://www.inbedwithbooks.blogspot.com
http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com
http://www.dreyslibrary.blogspot.com


Now for the good news! I have one copy of Love in Mid Air to give away! But first some rules:
US and Canada only
No PO Boxes

How do you win? It's easy!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Leave me a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog publicly. If you already follow, just say so. And thank you.
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway(one per day) - @BrokenTeepee and Hachette Books are giving away Love in Mid Air @http://tinyurl.com/yzqwydc #giveaway

3. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Broken Teepee (this is good for 6 entries so leave 6 comments)
4. Follow my goat Pricilla's Blog publicly. If you already do, just say so. And thank you. 
5. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Good for one entry per...

6. Put me on your blogroll and leave a link where I can find it. ( Good for 5 entries so leave 5 comments)

7. Add my button to your blog and leave me a link where I can find it.
8. Join my networked blogs - the widget is off to the right.
9. Become my friend on facebook


All entries need to be in by 9PM MDT on April 15th when I will go to Random.org to choose the winner. He/she will have 48hrs to respond or I will choose a new winner.


Good luck everyone!


Disclosure:  I received a gratis review copy of Love in Mid Air from The Hachette Book Group. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.




9780446540445

bout Author

Kim Wright has been writing about travel, food, and wine for more than twenty years for many magazines including Wine Spectator, Self, Travel & Leisure, and Vogue, and has twice won the Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing. She is the food and wine editor for Charlotte Taste. She has written the annual Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids for 18 years and also writes erotica. This is her first novel. Kim lives in Charlotte, NC.

Audio and Video

Book Review: Tempt Me if You Can by Janet Chapman

First: I must apologize for the delay in getting this posted. This blog tour was today and my computer was down for most of the day.

From the Publisher's Website:

When an anonymous letter stuns shipping magnate and confirmed bachelor Ben Sinclair with the news that he has a teenage son, he's determined to make good on the past. But Emma Sands doesn't trust him. The beautiful, fiery blonde has raised her nephew in the peaceful woods of Maine since he was five, and just because fifteen-year-old Michael is the spitting image of his tall, handsome father doesn't give Ben the right to march in and change their lives forever. Or so she thinks, until his return mysteriously unearths a dangerous small-town secret. With Michael's help, Ben will do whatever it takes to prove to fiercely independent Emma that he can be the fearless protector she never knew she wanted...and the passionate lover she always thought she could resist.

About the Author:

A native of rural central Maine, Janet Chapman lives there in a cozy log cabin on a lake with her husband. Three cats and a stray young bull moose keep them company. The author of the hugely popular Highlander time-travel series, she also writes contemporary romances.










My Opinion:

This was a fun read. Not complicated but a great romance novel. It's full of great characters, suspense, bad guys and a good bit of mystery. Not to mention float planes, a one antlered moose and a gorgeous locale.

Our hero Ben Sinclair finds out 15 years after the fact that he is a father. He left a small town in Maine without his love and without knowing about the suspicions about him after an explosion that killed a man. He receives a mysterious note telling him about his son. He learns that the boy is in the care of his Aunt Emma.

You know what is going to happen now, don't you. Of course there are all manner of spats and fireworks. And there are the dual mysteries of who caused that explosion and who sent Ben the note.

It was a nice day of reading with a strong heroine, a fun plot and I just can't forget that moose.

Tempt Me if You Can is available at Amazon.com














Disclosure:  I received a gratis copy of Tempt Me if You Can from Pocket Books. Any opnions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

March Towards Organization - The Garden: Hometown Seeds

The hubby and I are very fortunate. We have a huge garden. It's 80 ft x 100 ft and we are able to grow just about all the vegetables we need for the year. Last year we even had such a great growing year we even were able to sell some at our local Farmer's Market.

Obviously one of the most important components to a garden are seeds. The hubby buys from a variety of sources but I just found a new place with a really cool idea. The site is Hometown Seeds and they sell a pack called survival seeds.  Here's the explanation straight from the site:

• New Packaging! Resealable Triple-Layered Mylar: The gold standard in seed packaging!
• Know that your family will have food during a crisis.
• Includes an in-depth instruction booklet.
• Enough seeds to plant 3/4 of an acre!
• Non-Hybrid Survival Seeds produce true to variety seeds to replant for future harvests.
• Optimum water content to increase storage life.
• Double water tight packaging.
• 5yr. minimum shelf life, up to 10 yrs. if frozen.
• Hometown seeds is 100% GMO free!
• Makes a great addition to your long term food storage.
• Nearly 1 1/2 lbs. of premium seed.

Cool, huh?

I received my pack of survival seeds and popped them right in my freezer. They hardly take up any space at all. The hubby says the pack even includes the very same seeds he already plants!


Hometown Seeds also sells a wide variety of other seeds including flower seeds, vegetable seeds, and herb seeds.


The Survival Seeds will last in the freezer for 5 years. They are very well packed and compact.

Guess what?! The great folks at Hometown Seeds have said I can giveaway a pack of Survival Seeds to one of my readers! How cool is that?   But first is a rule:

US only

How do you win? It's easy!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Go to Hometown Seeds and tell me what else you might buy. Be sure to leave your email so I can contact you if you win.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog publicly. If you already follow, just say so. And thank you.
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway(one per day) - @BrokenTeepee and Hometown Seeds are helping you plant your garden @http://tinyurl.com/yhhkfyx#giveaway

3. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Broken Teepee and Hometown Seeds (this is good for 6 entries so leave 6 comments)

4. Put me on your blogroll and leave a link where I can find it. ( Good for 5 entries so leave 5 comments)

5. Add my button to your blog and leave me a link where I can find it.
6. Join my networked blogs - the widget is off to the right.
7. Become my friend on facebook

8. Follow my goat Pricilla's Blog publicly. If you already do, just say so. And thank you.

9. Enter any of my CURRENT giveaways. Good for one entry per.

10. Do you have a garden? 

All entries need to be in by 9PM MDT on April 13th when I will go to Random.org to pick the winner. He/she will have 48 hours to get back to me or I will choose a new winner.

Good luck.

Disclosure:  I received a pack of Survival Seeds gratis from Hometown Seeds. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free seeds. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

March Towards Organization: Get Professional - Patty Kreamer Can Help You!

As March Towards Organization Month winds down I want to introduce you to a wonderful woman. A woman full of great, yet simple ideas for getting rid of your clutter and living a rich and fulfilling life.

Meet Patty Kreamer!
Here is her bio from her website:

Patty Kreamer, CPO^®  is the President of Kreamer Connect, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based company that works with  corporate and individual clients to become more productive and perform better while at the same time simplifying their work and lives.

Author. . .Patty's first book "But I Might Need It Someday" helps individuals understand the habits that keep them from organizing their work and lives.  Her second book "The Power of Simplicity" will compel you to think before you make choices. "The Clutter Rescue Course™" is the world's simplest, easiest and most thorough organizing

e-course that will destroy clutter.

National Speaker. . .Patty creates custom programs for regional and national corporate and association audiences on topics ranging from organizing workspaces to enhancing productivity to creating simplicity in chaotic lives.

Consultant. . .Patty, a Certified Professional Organizer^®, works with corporate managers to help them identify gaps in productivity, streamline paper and processes, and help groups of people work better together.

Organizer. . .Patty helps people say good bye to clutter in their homes and offices.

Patty is seen regularly in the media as she shares her fun and energetic style with the audiences of publications like The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Pittsburgh Business Times, and through television shows like LifeQuest, KDKA's Morning Show, and One on One with Lee Adams.

Patty is the Founding Past President of the National Association of Professional Organizers - Pittsburgh chapter and Past President of and The National Speakers Association - Pittsburgh chapter.  Patty was named Women's Business Network's 2007 Woman of the Year as well as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business and one of Pittsburgh’s FasTrackers in 2005.  Patty leads the way in spreading the word about how we can be more productive, perform better and simplify our lives.

 

How wonderful!
Even better? I have some of Patty's fantastic books to share with you!
First Prize:

Second Prize:

Third Prize:

 How cool is that?
How do you win? It's easy! But first, a rule!

US and Canada only

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Go to Patty's blog and tell me something your learned.  Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog publicly. If you already follow, just say so. And thank you.
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway(one per day) - @BrokenTeepee and Patty Kreamer are going to help organize your life@http://tinyurl.com/yf8toyp
#giveaway

3. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Broken Teepee and ByeByeClutter.com (this is good for 6 entries so leave 6 comments)

4. Put me on your blogroll and leave a link where I can find it. ( Good for 5 entries so leave 5 comments)

5. Add my button to your blog and leave me a link where I can find it.
6. Join my networked blogs - the widget is off to the right.
7. Become my friend on facebook

8. Follow my goat Pricilla's Blog publicly. If you already do, just say so. And thank you.

9. Enter any of my CURRENT giveaways. Good for one entry per.

10. Follow Patty Kreamer on Twitter 

11.  Friend Patty Kreamer on Facebook

All entries need to be in by 9PM MDT on April 12th when I will go to Random.org to choose the winners. They will have 48hrs to respond or I will choose new winners.

Good luck everyone.

Disclosure:  I received Patty Kreamer's books for review and giveaway. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free books.  I received no monetary compensation for this post.

More Great Things To Win Around The Blogosphere

My budget is tight.
I am not used to this.
*sigh*
So I am entering blog contests.
It's fun and when I don't feel well, which is often, it's a good way to distract myself from my headache.

Here are are some of the fun giveaways I'm entering:

At Networking Witches there is a very pretty candlestick holder that will add some whimsy to the dining room table I haven't bought yet. heh heh
It's from Lenox and you can enter HERE

Over at A Nut in a Nutshell blueviolet is getting all healthy and giving away a crate of fruit from The Fruit Guys.
Mmmmm, some fresh fruit would taste yummy right now.
I love my applesauce but there is nothing like a piece of fresh fruit.
For that one you can enter HERE

Book Review: The Man from Saigon by Marti Leimbach

From the Publisher's Website:

An enthralling and beautiful new novel about love and allegiance during the Vietnam War, from the author of Daniel Isn't Talking and Dying Young. 

 It's 1967, and Susan Gifford is one of the first female correspondents on assignment in Saigon, dedicated to her job and passionately in love with an American TV reporter. Son is a Vietnamese photographer anxious to get his work into the American press. Together they cover every aspect of the war from combat missions to the workings of field hospitals. Then one November morning, narrowly escaping death during an ambush, Susan and Son find themselves the prisoners of three Vietcong soldiers who have been separated from their unit.

Now, under constant threat from American air strikes, helpless in the hands of the enemy, they face the daily hardships of the jungle together. As time passes, the bond between Susan and Son deepens, and it becomes increasingly difficult for Son to harbor the secret that could have profound consequences for them both.

About the Author:

Marti Leimbach is the author of several novels, including the international bestseller Dying Young, which was made into a major motion picture starring Julia Roberts. Born in Washington, D.C., Leimbach attended the Creative Writing program at University of California, Irvine, and Harvard University. She currently lives in England and teaches at Oxford University’s Creative Writing program.



My Opinion:
If I was going to be honest with myself I know that I never would have picked this book up in a bookstore.
And that would have been such a loss.
While I was certainly old enough to realize that there was a war going on during the Vietnam era, I was an adolescent and I really didn't watch the news much at that age. Even when my mother's brother died in Viet Nam in 1970 it didn't impact me much as I had never met him. I was 11 going on 12 and I just wanted to go to the beach.

My first impression from this book is soft. I know, weird, right? But it is written so beautifully, the words so well chosen that even in the descriptions of the horrors of war you feel cushioned. Nothing is spared yet you are viewing it through the eyes of at first reluctant, then committed war correspondent Susan Gifford. She is sent to Viet Nam by her "woman's magazine" to find human interest stories to send back - stories about hospitals, orphans and such. She finds, though that she cannot do her job within the confines and relative safety of Saigon.

She is befriended by a Vietnamese photographer, Son who helps her find her way through the challenges of navigating a war zone. He is her translator, her facilitator, her friend. While on a seemingly simple story the convoy both Susan and Son are in is attacked and they get separated. They are found by three lost Viet Cong soldiers.

Why are they not killed instantly? Son my not be what he appears to be. They are marched through miles and miles of endless jungle. The descriptions of both the jungle environment and the ever changing relationships between the soldiers and the reporters is fascinating. Son saves Susan in more ways than one.

Meanwhile back in Saigon, Marc Davis a married reporter with whom Susan has fallen in love is frantically doing everything he can to find her. He even goes so far as to strain his relationship with his long time camera man to follow what is most likely a bad lead to her whereabouts.

I don't want to spoil the book....

This is a remarkable book about Viet Nam, relationships, trust and the strength of one woman. It is one I will read again and know that in subsequent readings I will find little gems I missed. I am very glad I was given the opportunity to review it and am thrilled that it will now be a part of my library.


The Man From Saigon is available from Amazon.com














Disclosure:  I received a gratis copy of The Man from Saigon from Doubleday Books for review. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Children's Book Review: The Birds and The Frogs by Brian D. McClure

From the Publisher's Website:

This book begins:

“I’m smarter than you, because you’re just a frog, why in the hierarchy of animals, you’re really a clog!”

“I’m sorry,” the frogs said in reply, “I’m sure I’d be smarter if I could only fly.”

This conversation was the same in each new day and after a time, all the frogs believed that they didn’t belong. It was not until a young group of tadpoles teach the birds and frogs a higher truth, that they are able to change their false beliefs, and learn to honor and respect one another.  Though uplifting rhymes and profound messages of acceptance, respect and understanding, author Brian D. McClure educates and entertains children, parents and grandparents by providing and suggesting ways to denounce “bullying”.

My Opinion:

I buy a lot of books for my nieces and nephews. I have been buying children's books for more years than I care to count. When I am shopping for the smaller crowd there is nothing I love more than a beautifully illustrated book that delivers a message.

This book fills that bill but it delivers the message in such a heavy handed way I don't think I would feel comfortable gifting it. There is no subtlety used at all  - I felt like instead of teaching a lesson the book was hitting me with a sledgehammer. I personally felt the message of acceptance and not bullying could have been delivered more smoothly. It is a message that is very important for today's children.

The illustrations are lovely; they are cute and colorful. Everything one would look for in a children's book.

The Birds and the Frogs is available at Amazon.com














Disclosure:  I received a gratis copy of The Birds and the Frogs from The Cadence Group for review. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Giveaway Winners: To Sin with a Scoundrel

Five winners to announce today!
Thanks to Hachette Books five lucky readers will have a delightful romance book coming their way.

And those lucky readers are:

couponmon
CherylS22
mandala
DonnaC
Marianna

Yay!!!!

I will be sending emails and the winners will have 48 hours to respond or I will choose new winners.
Thanks to everyone who entered.
Remember, if you didn't win To Sin with a Scoundrel is available on Amazon.com

I REALLY Would Like To Win Bertie

Another way to win beautiful Bertie is to tell a tale of your favorite birthday.
Hmmm, the hubby tends to forget my birthday so I have to go waaaaaaaay back in time.
A time he remembered.
And he remembered BIG.
It was the year I turned 40.

He conspired with my girlfriends and he through me a surprise party.
It was wonderful. My friends and my family were all there.
I WAS truly surprised. That was the best part.
My nieces and nephews were (the ones that were here anyway) oh so little and helped me open my presents.
We had a yummy meal and a delicious cake.
It was about the best birthday ever.

Except for my 39th when he surprised me with a trip to Italy.
But I guess that's a post for another entry.
heh heh

You see, I would really,  REALLY like to win Bertie. She would look so pretty in my new kitchen.

Don't you think?

Disclosure:  This is an entry into the Hello Cupcake giveaway at Mayhem and Moxie.  If you would like to win Bertie (she's mine, mine, all mine!) and lots of other great prizes go HERE.

"You Gotta See This" Video Contest

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

 I just learned of an iLASIK Video Contest where people could enter by making videos that showed the impact of lasik surgery on their vision. It was sponsored by Abbot Medical Optics, Inc. I can well imagine the joy of waking up and actually seeing clearly. It has been one of my greatest dreams for a long, long time.

Unfortunately I am not a canditate for lasik surgery so would never be able to enter an iLASIK Video Contest
My eyes are just too bad; add in the double vision and I would need eye transplant surgery. I don't think they have invented that yet. Oh well. For now I will stick with my many pairs of glasses.

But if you want to see the winners and the other entries you can go to www.GottaSeeThisNow.com while there you can also sign up to win some eye care prizes for yourself.

These are the very lucky winners in the respective categories:

The Prizes
$5,000 Grand Prize
“You Gotta See This Music Video” by Alex [link to http://www.gottaseethisnow.com/contests/showentry/86875]

Category 1: My Contacts Are Getting In The Way Of My Good Time
First Prize: “You Gotta Be Kidding Me! A True Story” by Robbo (HDTV package — a $2,500 value) [link to http://www.gottaseethisnow.com/contests/showentry/124414]

Second Prize: “Contacts Stink” by windysail (Flip UltraHD™ camcorder — a $199.99 value) [link to http://www.gottaseethisnow.com/contests/showentry/94403]

Category 2: My Favorite Sport Or Activity Would Be So Much Cooler With Better Vision
First Prize: “iLASIK Would Make Surfing More Enjoyable” by jhbmw007 (HDTV package) [link to http://www.gottaseethisnow.com/contests/showentry/124399]

Second Prize: “Foggy Riding” by Snowman (Flip UltraHD camcorder) [link to http://www.gottaseethisnow.com/contests/showentry/87936]

Category 3: You Should See Life After The iLASIK® Procedure
First Prize: “Orbs Of Perfection” by Danny V (HDTV package) [link to http://www.gottaseethisnow.com/contests/showentry/86870]

Second Prize: “Army LASIK” by ahowalton (Flip UltraHD camcorder) [link to http://www.gottaseethisnow.com/contests/showentry/123970]

Wow! Very cool, huh? Great prizes too - especially that grand prize!
So why not go and check out all of the hard work done by the winners and try and win some great eye care products? What do you have to lose?

The Red CAT Society

There's a new blog in town.
That's right.
I know, I know.
Just what the blogosphere needs.
ANOTHER new blog.
But this one is special.
It's just for red cats.
Or orange cats as I like to call them.

It's called The Red Cat Society and Sherpa is starring there today.
Sherpa as a baby.
What is cuter than a little orange kitty?
So why not head over and take a little peak.
Sherpa would appreciate it.
He will be making appearances now and then.
When I can get him to sit still.
That can is a flash of orange that's for sure!

Two Winners

I get to announce two winners tonight!
Woo hoo!

First up - the Wonder Hanger!

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 67

and the winner is:  Mandala!!!!!

yay!


The second prize is The Nourish Your Inner Goddess Prize Pack

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 13

and the winner is:   Jenny!!!!!


I'll be sending emails and the winners will have 48 hours to respond or I will choose new winners.


Thanks to everyone who entered!!!!

Bertie Needs a Home and Boy Do I Have One For Her!

Isn't she beautiful?
She's the next generation of my beloved KitchenAid.
The one that I have hauled back and forth across the country. More times than I care to count.
My KitchenAid was the only appliance I kept from my old life. In a house. I left everything else behind. But not my baby. I LOVE that mixer. I use it constantly. It is a workhorse.

It is almost 30 years old.

That doesn't mean it isn't still going strong - oh no! My baby performs like she is brand new. That's why I love her so much.

But she's not so shiny any more.
And I am about to move into my pretty new house with my spiffy new dream kitchen.
Wouldn't Bertie look gorgeous on my countertop?
Her stainless coloring would be picked up by the sparkling flecks in the quartz.
She would shine.

Oh, I would keep my my old workhorse. She is a fantastic mixer.
I bake all of our bread.
I make most of our pasta.
I make all of our ice cream.
I bake for the firemen.

JUST THINK OF WHAT I COULD TWO WITH TWO MIXERS IN A REAL KITCHEN.

WATCH OUT WORLD.

Oh, Bertie - come to me sweetie. I'll give you a wonderful home.
You want to sit on these counters, don't you?

Be honest. You will look STUNNING against my red walls.
No one else will offer you red walls and that view.
Come home to me Bertie...come home to me.

Disclosure:  this post is for entry into the Hello Cupcake giveaway at Mayhem and Moxie. If you want to try and give Bertie a good home you can enter too!  There are lots of other great prizes too but I was blinded by Bertie.

Two More Chances for Those Great Wall Graphics

Both Outnumbered 3 to 1 and  Networking Witches are giving away the uber fantastic Wall Slicks Wall Graphics!
Yee Haw and woo hoo!

The fun I could have with a $200 gift certificate.
I am dreaming about the gorgeous bird and branch graphic for my bathroom wall.
It would make my bathroom so pretty.
So I hope I will.

But you guys can enter too. Just go HERE for Outnumbered 3 to 1
and HERE for Networking Witches

March Towards Organization: Organizing Your Pets' Toys with Hangadoo!

Many people have pets. I have three cats.
Most of us like to spoil our pets.
erm, no comment.
I will not talk about the cat toys that are everywhere. Or about the little toy mousies I step on in the middle of the night when I get up to go to the bathroom. Or the little birdies I sit on when I go to relax and read a book.
I won't mention the feathered balls I find in the oddest of places.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a product to help you organize you pets' toys?
WELL THERE IS!
And it is called the Hangadoo!
How did the Hangadoo come about?
Well I'm going to tell you - or the website is:

Organization became a way of life for Donna Hulina with her growing family in Orange County, California. Donna had an organizer for her jewelry, for each of her kids’ rooms and even one for her stationary. But one organizer was missing… One for her yellow lab, Molly. Molly had lots of toys, collars and other stuff a dog needs to be healthy and happy. So, in 2008, Donna began working on a hanging organizer she called Hangadoo Pets. Hangadoo Pets is fun yet functional bringing a sense of order for all pet lovers who have better things to do with their time then trying to find their pet stuff.

How cool is that?
Now there is an easy and convenient place for you to store all of your pets' toys so they are right there when it is playtime.


Even better - the great people at Hangadoo are giving one of these truly cool organizers to one of my readers.
Woo hoo!
Everyone with pets needs a pet toy organizer!


How do you win? It's easy! But first a rule:


US only


MANDATORY ENTRY:


Go to Hangadoo and tell me which one you like. This may or may not be the one you receive. The choice is up to Hangadoo. Be sure to leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win.


EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog publicly. If you already follow, just say so. And thank you.
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway(one per day) - @BrokenTeepee and Hangadoo are helping to organize your pets' toys @http://tinyurl.com/ygvv4rd
#giveaway

3. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Broken Teepee and Hangadoo (this is good for 6 entries so leave 6 comments)

4. Put me on your blogroll and leave a link where I can find it. ( Good for 5 entries so leave 5 comments)

5. Add my button to your blog and leave me a link where I can find it.
6. Join my networked blogs - the widget is off to the right.
7. Become my friend on facebook

8. Follow my goat Pricilla's Blog publicly. If you already do, just say so. And thank you.

9. Enter any of my CURRENT giveaways. Good for one entry per.

10. Do you have a dog, cat, what? 

All entries need to be in by 9PM MDT on April 9th when I will go to Random.org to choose the winner. He/she will have 48hrs to respond or I will choose a new winner.

Good luck and a great big thank you to Hangadoo for sponsoring this giveaway!

Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this post. Hangadoo is providing the giveaway prize directly to the winner.

http://www.expotv.com/raf/kaiminani

 I just joined a new survey and review site. You earn points for reviews that you can exchange for gift cards and such. Woo hoo for gift cards.  If you would like to try it out as well I would appreciate your using this link - I get some referral points..

It's called EXPO TV. I found it on another blog and she said it works really great.



http://www.expotv.com/raf/kaiminani

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March Towards Organization: Rubbermaid Can Organize Your Life

You know by now that I have been dedicating many of my posts this month towards getting organized. I know it's something that we all can use some help with - I REALLY know I need some help!

I want to make sure that when I move into my new house that I am starting out as organized as I can possibly be and that I have the tools in place to keep me that way. I would like to share with you one of the places I have found those tools - Rubbermaid!
I had no idea of the scope of the great organizational products available from Rubbermaid; there is something for every room in the house. Not to mention the fact that Rubbermaid.com is chock full of fantastic tips and tricks to make your life easier.

Let's start with the kitchen - my favorite room of the house! You all know I just had my new cabinets and countertop installed. I love my cabinets but they are now just a bunch of empty boxes. They need some organizational help! I was browsing through the Rubbermaid Kitchen Section ( a place I could spend hours)   and I found these totally cool Slide 'n Stack Sliding Baskets.




They would be so cool under my sink to hold things like sponges and my dishwashing soap. They are even stackable. Well, duh - Slide and STACK. They would also be great in one of the smaller cabinets for smaller boxes and jars. It would make it soooo much easier to get to things in the back of the cabinet. This old body doesn't bend and twist like it used to. heh heh






                                    I love the Wrap and Bag Caddy too!  How handy would this be to have all of your foils, wax papers, parchments and zip bags all in one easy place. The bottom piece tilts out for ease of use. I am all about ease of use.














Then there is the Expanding Helper Shelf. This takes care of all that dead space you have when your items are small but your shelf isn't.

I used these handy little shelves in the kitchen of my old house and I even have a set in the trailer! That's how I know I will be using them in my kitchen as well. We all need a little help, right?

There are many more great organizing products for the kitchen - and the other rooms of your house - along with truly useful ideas and tips right at Rubbermaid.com so why not head over there and take advantage of  the expertise offered! I will be doing more posts about some other products I love in the coming weeks.

What I will do now is give you a sneak peak of a FANTASTIC Rubbermaid product that the hubby will soon be installing for me in the yurt. It's something I have always wanted and now I have - a closet system! The uber talented designers at Rubbermaid created a system that took my crazy yurt into effect and sent me a Home Free/Configurations Closet perfect for MY storage needs.

It even has super spacious baskets.
I love baskets!

The hubby just has to do a couple of things to the bedroom and then I will be showing you how easy it is to install - well the hubby will be installing it. I am no good with such things. That is why I have the man around. There are other reasons too, but I am not going into them. heh
So stay tuned for all the fun that is a great new closet system and for other great posts on great Rubbermaid Organizational products.

Disclosure:  I received a Home Free/Configurations Closet System gratis from Rubbermaid. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free system. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

March Towards Organization: Giveaway and Review - Great Products to Help Organize Your Office

One of the spaces that needs the most organization is the home office. It's full of wires and drawers and lots of little things that you need but aren't always WHERE you need them. So what to do, what to do?

Well, I'm going to help - with 10 great organizational products!
The best part - they are all under $10!!!!!

Woo hoo!

I was sent one for review and I have one for giveaway so this is a fun post for all of us. First, the review:
I was sent The Core Cord Organizer. I chose this because I had given the hubby an MP3 player for Christmas (yes, believe or not this household entered the 90ies this year - Go Broken Teepee!). I thought it would be a good thing for him to have with his new little toy. And you know what? He loves his Cord Organizer. He says it makes it easier for him to keep his ear bud wires untangled and at the length he wants them to be. So he is very happy with it! It was easy to use and fits in nicely with his MP3 player so this was a good pick!

Now for the other items:

Yin & Yang Cable Winder ($2.49)Most of us have an inner bohemian, and it’s time to let that hippie come out and play. Strike the perfect balance between organization and quirky fun with the Yin & Yang Cable Winder. One of our favorite devices for taming extra-long mouse cords, this creatively designed cable winder couldn’t be easier to use: just insert the offending cord into the slot, then twist the top to spool up excess length. Reversing the process to let out some slack is just as simple: grab the cord on both sides and lightly tug to unwind however much you need.  More info & to buy:
http://cableorganizer.com/cable-winder/

Cable Turtle (Mini and Small Sizes: $4.99 - $5.99)
Cord Control, meet high style. This sleek little Dutch import features a convenient “flip open, snap shut” design that lets you wind excess cable length around its hidden core to prevent tangled cords and unwanted clutter. It’s simple to use, highly functional, and is so aesthetically pleasing that it’s actually joined the ranks of the Museum of Modern Art’s Design collection. The Cable Turtle is also available in a rainbow of colors, so you’ll never need to sacrifice self-expression for cable management.  More info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/cable-turtle/index-tabs.html

 EZ Wind Cable Organizer ($5.99)We’ve all got them: the tangled extension cords that gather dust on the garage shelf or the closet floor. Why make yourself untangle the knots and shake the cobwebs out of poorly stored cables when you could just wind them around the EZWIND™ Cord Organizer to begin with? Featuring a design that’s perfectly geared toward organizing multiple cables, the EZWIND™ has 4 well-placed slots to hold the ends of coiled cords in place. This brilliantly simple spool can accommodate up to 150 feet of 16-gauge wire, and is also a smart solution for stowing out-of-season Christmas lights.  More info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/cord-winder/

Metal Desk Grommets ($6.95)
When it comes to protecting cables against abrasion as they pass through desktops and conference tables, black plastic grommets are the old standby. But if you find them to be a tad lackluster in the looks department, CableOrganizer.com carries a line of affordable and attractive metal desk grommets that are enough to put the twinkle back into any decorator’s eye. Available in 7 different finishes, these hard-working little beauties keep cables in top shape while lending an upscale appearance to your office furniture. More info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/metal-desk-grommets/

CordBone Cable Organizer ($6.99)Give your cords a bone!  Simple, easy to use design allows you to wrap up excess cables.  Keeps cords and cables off of hte floor and prevents tripping hazards.  Cables can be easily wound or unwound from either end.  Makes cables easily identifiable and untangled·Ideal for use on computer cords, power tool cables, and cables from household appliances.
More info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/cordbone/ 

Loctite Power Grab on a Roll ($6.99)Simply put, this just about the strongest tape you’ll ever come across. The almost magical double-sided adhesive known as Loctite’s Power Grab on a RollMore info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/loctite/ is capable of incredible feats of strength – each 5-foot roll packs over 100 pounds of holding power. That comes out to 20 lbs/ft, or slightly more than 1-1/2 lbs per inch. Safe for both indoor and outdoor projects, we’ve seen it used for mounting everything from house numbers to coat hooks, but why stop there?

Cable Manager ($8.49)
Wanted: cable management products that cope well with change. If you like your cables neatly bundled but often find yourself needing to switch them out, the flexible, infinitely reusable Cable Manager is the ideal candidate for the position. Sold in pairs, these colorful little spirals coil effortlessly around cord bundles, but can be easily undone and re-installed as frequently as you need to update your cables.  More info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/cable-manager/

Keep-a-Cable Cord Anchor  ($2.49 and up)Keep-a-cable is a great low tech solution for a high tech problem. This unique cable anchor allows you to keep your cables near you and neatly organized. Made of a high density polyethylene body for durability, this nifty item adheres to any surface for custom placement. Write-on feature allows for easy cable identification. Available in 3 different size packages to suit most needs. More info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/keep-a-cable/











For those of you setting up a new home office or just trying to organize the one you have CableOrganizer.com offers around-the-clock, single-point access to the most complete selection of products that serve to manage cable, wire, hardware and other home or remote office equipment. They can be reached directly through their Web site at CableOrganizer.com or via toll-free telephone at 1-866-222-0030.




I know I see lots of great ideas there for whenever our craft room/computer room gets finished in the yurt. *sigh* 
It's not even taped and mudded. It's one of those - I'll get to it when I can projects. *sigh again* Whatever!


But I am sure you can't wait to hear about the giveaway, right?!

I am sure you are all familiar with 3M and their FANTASTIC Command Hooks - you know the ones that you can put up just about anywhere and then take down again. Well, I have a 3M Command METAL Hook for one lucky reader.  Here's all the info on this great product:

3M Command Metal Hooks ($5.25 - $9.75)We’re completely hung up on the sleek and timeless styling of these non-damaging Command metal hooks by 3M. It’s finally possible to enjoy the look of traditional wall-mounted hooks with none of drywall or paint damage. 3M’s revolutionary silicone adhesive has enough gripping power to hold anywhere from 1 to 5 pounds without the need for screws, nails or anchors, but the benefits don’t end there. When it’s time for the hooks to be removed, the adhesive releases without peeling your paint or leaving sticky residue behind. More info & to buy:  http://cableorganizer.com/3M-metal-hooks/





Now how to you win? It's easy! But first a rule:


US and Canada only.

MANDATORY ENTRY:


Go to CableOrganizer.com and tell me what other product you might use to help organize your office.
Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog publicly. If you already follow, just say so. And thank you.
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway(one per day) - @BrokenTeepee and CableOrganizer.com are helping to organize your office @http://tinyurl.com/yf2b9h4 #giveaway

3. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Broken Teepee and CableOrganizer.com (this is good for 6 entries so leave 6 comments)

4. Put me on your blogroll and leave a link where I can find it. ( Good for 5 entries so leave 5 comments)

5. Add my button to your blog and leave me a link where I can find it.
6. Join my networked blogs - the widget is off to the right.
7. Become my friend on facebook

8. Follow my goat Pricilla's Blog publicly. If you already do, just say so. And thank you.

9. Enter any of my CURRENT giveaways. Good for one entry per.

All entries need to be in by 9PM MDT on April 8th when I will go to Random.org to choose the winner. He/she will have 48hrs to respond or I will choose a new winner.

Good luck!

Disclosure:  I received a Core Cord Organizer for review and a 3M Command Metal Hook for giveaway gratis from CableOrganizer.com. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by the receipt of the free products. I received no monetary compensation for this post.