Waiting for Fall...

Here in Michigan, Fall lasts about 2 weeks. Not even lying. So sometimes, we have to pretend it's Autumn, even when it really isn't quite yet. Like now. It's been in the 70's for the past week or so, which is a definitely step in the cooler direction from the 90's we've been having all summer, but it's still not Fall yet. But I LOVE Fall. I love the smell of the leaves falling and the trees getting ready to fall asleep for winter. I love the pumpkin and apple cider flavored foods and drinks, and the fact that it's ok to put caramel on EVERYTHING in the Fall. I love sweaters without big coats, scarves without gloves, and hats without earmuffs. I think I love it so much because it reminds me of my favorite time of day - dusk. The calm before everything falls asleep, the noise of the crickets, the sudden cool down. Essentially, Autumn is the dusk of the year. And I love it.

This is the first year we will have our own yard to rake up into piles of leaves, whether to burn them into that delicious scent or to jump in them and turn into 7 year olds again. I'll be able to dress A all up in her flannel clothes (of which we have a lot, due to living in the frozen tundra of the north) and let her go run and play with all the crunchy "leebs." She will love it. I also can't wait to take her back to the cider mill for ""do-no's" and fun with pumpkins. We both seem to have an obsession with pumpkins right now, although mine is mainly in the decor and food area, and A just wants to throw them everywhere.

If you haven't figured out by now, I'm one of the most sentimental people on the planet. I want to turn every little thing into a memory, and take approximately 382 pictures of said activity. This desire has only gotten stronger during this pregnancy. I think I'm driving my husband crazy. Because of this desire to make every moment count, I've been spending lots of time after A goes to bed on Pinterest, trying to get all the greatest Fall activities on our calendar before I have baby K. I want to make sure that I spend as much one-on-one time with the A-bug before her little world is turned upside down. I want more mommy-daughter time, even though she'll never remember it.

So....what are some of your favorite Fall activities to do with your kids? Growing up, my favorite tradition was going to the apple orchards of mid-Michigan, but in southeast suburbia, there's not a lot to choose from. I'm still looking for one that has all the fun activities that I enjoyed as a kid. I also used to spend HOURS with my grandpa raking leaves and jumping in the piles when I was a kid, and those memories are so precious to me, especially now that he's passed on. I love sipping caramel apple cider, eating caramel apples and making yummy caramel cookies. (I'm really needing some caramel about now...) I just want A to have these fun memories, too... So what are your favorite memories? Traditions? Are you trying something new with your kids this Autumn? Let me know! There may be an upcoming contest for Fall Family Fun coming soon... * hint hint* ;)

Pictures from last Fall

Bonus Giveaway!

Yes, I know, I know. After all the giveaways this week, a bonus is just - well, Bonus! Some of you have already read the rules for the bonus giveaway, but for those of you who just joined us this week, here's how to enter: For every friend you recommend to my Facebook page or to follow my blog, you get an entry. Everyone who has begun following me on the blog or has liked my Facebook page since last Friday is also entered.

If you were recommended to this blog (or the FB page) by someone other than me, please leave a comment on this blog post or write on the page wall who sent you, so they can get their entry! I've made it super easy to find the Facebook page by putting a "Like" button over in the left hand column << that way. Just click the button, it's that simple :)

The winner of this drawing will also be announced on Tuesday afternoon with the rest of the winners.

 The lovely donation was from my friend Missy over at Missy's Musings. She makes lovely little girl things, and sells some beautiful hats and accessories for both mommy and daughter alike! 

[It'd be really nice of everyone to go over to her Facebook page and share some love ;) ] She has donated this adorable "Mommy and Me" set of leggings that I just adore.

Good luck to all of you who entered giveaways this week! Stay tuned on Tuesday for the winners to be announced, and come back again on Wednesday for the resuming of Aria's Adventures :)

Giveaway Week Day 6: Dove Chocolate

Ok, if you're anything like me, nothing says "mom's day off" or "pampering" like chocolate. And let me tell ya, Dove Chocolate Discoveries makes some pretty mean chocolate. I mean, we've all known that you can pick up a good bag of Dove chocolate at your local grocers, but did you know they have a wonderful direct sales department? I mean, the most gorgeous and yummy chocolates, scrumptious drink mixes and delicious cookie mixes.

Our sweet sponsor today is Jessica Sargent. You can visit her website by clicking here and check out her Facebook page  by clicking here. She uses her business to support the Wounded Warrior Fund; here's the rest of her story: I started selling Dove Chocolate because it is a product I believe in . 

I love chocolate and I love to explore the different things you can do and make with chocolate. In particular, I've become quite fond of candy-making. I also think chocolate makes great gifts and is always fun to share!

Jessica is giving away an amazing giveaway package: a gingerbread cookie mix, and a sampler pack of their drink mixes including chai, peanut butter smoothie and a daiquiri mix!

To be entered to win this awesome set, leave a comment below with your favorite sweet treat - are you a chocoholic like me, or do you prefer fruity flavors? Maybe you can't pass up a good molasses cookie, or you have to have some peanut butter with that banana. Share below and we can all drool together. (I know, I know, how cruel is this as everyone is trying so hard to stick to your New Year's resolutions? Hehehe....)

Giveaway Week Day 5: Simply Said Designs

Simply Said Designs is a relative newcomer to the direct sales world, but definitely not one to be overlooked. Their products are designed to inspire and create beautiful and personal spaces in your home. The vinyl wall designs are unique and will make your home feel more personal to you and your family. There are designs for everything from bedrooms to wedding designs, kitchens to scrapbooks. I especially love the clock designs.

Our sponsor today is Charity Guidinger and you can find her personal site by clicking here. She also has a Facebook page that you can go "like" by clicking here.  She is donating another one of my favorite ideas from Simply Said - a 'My Address' mailbox design (size A.)

The winner of the design will be able to choose from 10 different 'My Address' designs listed on pages 90-91 of the Simply Said catalog. You can customize this design with your name and address. (Click here to see the catalog.)

Here's Charity's story:

I am the type of person that avoids Pampered Chef and Mary Kay type parties like they are the plague. I never like to feel pressured by salesmen. So, whenever I was invited to a Simply Said party I found some excuse not to go. My sister decided to go anyways, and she brought back a Simply Said catalog. I began just casually flipping through the catalog, and I got really caught up in the designs. I asked my sister how the party went, and she said that it was really fun and laid back. She said they played a game and ate banana splits. She also talked about how the Simply Said rep messed up during her presentation, but it was no big deal and everyone loved the products anyways. The wheels in my head began turning. I had been looking for a part-time job that paid decently AND that I could work around my full-time job. So, naturally, the idea of setting my own schedule had a big appeal. I prayed about it and sought the counsel of my parents and boyfriend, and then I jumped in. It has been a joy all the way. It's very easy to get started, and I love getting to schedule my own hours!

For today's giveaway, please leave your favorite quote or saying in the comments below (it's not cheating if you Google one!) :) It can be funny or serious, good advice or something to take with a grain of salt. Whatever saying that has gotten you through rough times or helped make you who you are today. We'd love to hear it!

Reminder: For those who hadn't joined us yet when I posted the rules, you much be either a follower of the blog or "Like" the Facebook page to qualify for a prize. You can "Like" the FB page by clicking the button over on the left << or you can view the page by clicking here.

Giveaway Week Day 4: Avon

Today's sponsor works for one of the oldest and best known direct sales companies in the US (and possibly the world.)  Avon calls themselves "the company that puts mascara on lashes and food on tables; that fights wrinkles with one hand and Breast Cancer with the other." The have been providing jobs and make-up for women of the world for 125 years now. Misty is one of those women. You can check out her website by clicking here, and during this giveaway, if you enter the code FIRSTREP, you can get free shipping on your order!

Here's Misty's story: I started selling Avon because they have been in business for so long, 125 years, and my friends were asking me if I sold.....since I was a direct sales junkie!

Now, Avon is my sole income and allows me to be home with my two precious children. I have a team of over 20 girls and growing.

Last year, Avon bonuses paid for our family vacation that we were able to take for the first time in several years! With their 100% satisfaction guarantee, I love being able to service my customers no matter what their need is!

Misty has generously donated a Footworks set with an inflatable tub that can be stored. Watermelon scented exfoliator, lotion, and cooling spray, and ruby slipper nail wear. You'll feel fully pampered after winning and putting this set to good use!

Since this week is all about giving moms the day off and pampering them, I want you to have to pamper yourself a little bit for today's contest. In the comments below, leave your favorite part about YOU - do you have great eye-lashes or nice skin? Maybe you love your lips or your fabulous hair? 

Tell us in the comments so we can all celebrate our bodies together!

Giveaway Week Day 3: Scentsy

Today's featured sponsor is a dear friend of mine who sells one of my favorite products out there. Scentsy is a great company that sells "wickless candles." Basically, they're warmers that melt scented wax, thus creating a lovely scent in your home. What's so great about the wax is that it melts at about 100 degrees, so it doesn't burn your (or your toddlers!) skin if it accidentally spills. There are so many scents available, there's something for everyone and there are so many beautiful warmers out there, they fit in with any room decor.

Ok, so enough about the product. Our wonderful sponsor today is Missy Douthit.

You can browse more Scentsy products by clicking here or email her for more info at stepgirl@cox.net. Her Facebook page is a great way to keep up with current specials etc. and you can find that by clicking here.

Here's her story:  I started selling Scentsy after I tried it when my daughter was 10months old. I fell in love with the product since it was safe for my toddler, cheap compared to candles, and smelled AMAZING!!! My husband had been unemployed from June 2009 (2 weeks after we found out we were pregnant) to Sept 2010. I started selling Scentsy as a way to help my family financially and help get us out of the debt that unemployment put us in. 

I love working for a company that I believe in and love.

Missy is donating a bit of a sampler pack: a Scent Tin, Scent Circle and a Scent bar in either Sticky Cinnamon Bun or Clean Breeze. You'll also receive a discount on any product you want to order from her. This is an ideal prize for someone who wants to try out Scentsy but doesn't know where to start!

My favorite Scentsy scent: Mediterranean Spa.
This scent is always in my bedroom warmer.

To enter today's contest, simply leave a comment below telling me what your favorite scent is. I love the smell of autumn right when the leaves start to fall, the smell of buttery rolls in the oven and the scent of Aria's hair immediately post-bath - I just love that baby smell!

Giveaway Week Day 2: Mary Kay

Today's giveaway is going to be a truly pampering experience for the lady who wins this! It's sponsored by the lovely Kristen Lila representing Mary Kay. You can check out her site by clicking here and her Facebook page by clicking here! 


Here's her story: 
I chose Mary Kay because I was extremely impressed with the products, and since I had a problem with really bad skin and had tried EVERYTHING (literally) and Mary Kay was the first thing that actually worked I knew I believed in the prodcuts. Besides having amazing prodcuts, the company is an AMAZING opportunity for women to provide choices for their familes. I make good money doing what I love to do, helping women feel great about themselves and at a pricepoint that works for them.
I started just after my husband and I got married, knowing when we had children I didn't want to have them in daycare and someone else raising them. This opportunity will allow me to be home with our baby (due this summer) and still be providing our family an income with amazing flexibility. I am SO grateful for this company and work at home mom opportunity I have been given.

Today's giveaways package will include a 

pedicure set (complete with pumice stone, soothing foot soak, and healing/moisturzing foot cream) as well as a new nail color and filing set to pamper those tootsies when you're done! 

You can choose between these 2
for your free nail color if you
win this package! 

Also, thanks to Kristen this week only, any and all readers can take 30% off their order! You'll need to shop via her site and contact her for details.

Here's what you need to do for today's contest: we all know and love Mary Kay for their gorgeous eye shadows and easy to use "look book." I love the personal service you get and all the options they give you when choosing a face wash, foundation or nail color, but what is your must-have make-up item? Gotta have your black mascara or just a great moisturizer that you just can't live without? Tell us about it!

Giveaway Week Day 1: Pampered Chef

We're going to start this giveaway week off with a bang! Pampered Chef is one of the most popular and loved direct sales companies out there because of the fun and tasty party options and dream-tastic kitchen items. Our wonderful sponsor today is Deanna Sweidel.

Here's her story: "I sold Pampered Chef when my boys were little. It allowed me to stay home with them. But, after a divorce, I stopped. I really had regret from walking away. 7 years later, I am back to it. I loved it THAT much! It allows me to provide income for my family while never missing anything they do. It has taught my kids how to cook and eating healthier."

She's currently hosting an online show that will allow you to earn hostess rewards for just collecting orders from a couple friends. You can find more info by clicking here. Her site is www.pamperedchef.biz/dms and you can email her at dsweidel@gmail.com for more details about Pampered Chef and her products.

Now, for what you've all been waiting for... THE GIVEAWAY!

We're giving away a scrumptious set of chocolate sauces including a Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Carmel and Chocolate Mint. All you have to do to be entered for this fantastic set is leave a comment below with your favorite ice cream topping! PS - Mine is either caramel or a crunchy toffee topping!

This giveaway will close Monday the 16th at midnight and a winner will be chosen and announced on Tuesday the 17th at noon. All entries must be on the blog, and not on the Facebook page.

Giveaway Schedule of Events

Since the Giveaway is starting in just a few days, I thought I  would post a schedule of the giveaways and their sponsors so you can be sure to be around for the contests you want to enter!

Monday - Pampered Chef with Deanna Sweidel
Tuesday - Mary Kay with Kristen Lila

Wednesday - Scentsy with Missy Douthit

Thursday - Avon with Misty Medlin

Friday - Simply Said Designs with Charity Guidinger

Saturday - Dove Chocolate Discoveries

The Bonus Giveaway has now begun - you may earn entries today through Monday the 16th. Again, please be sure that those you recommend let me know that you sent them, otherwise I will have no way to keep track of your entries. The prize for the Bonus Giveaway is actually a "Mommy and Me" prize - 2 adorable sets of legwarmers for both mother and daughter, generously donated by Missy over at Missy's Musings. Be sure to check out her stuff - adorable hats for kids (and grown ups!), beautiful bows and more cute legwarmers! 

Legwarmer set that will be given away for the Bonus Giveaway

Mommy's Day Off Giveaway Week!!

Yep, you read right - a whole week! Starting this coming Monday the 9th, I will be featuring one vendor per day and the company they represent. There will be fun comment contests to get everyone involved and - of course - great prizes! Vendors that have agreed to participate will represent Pampered Chef, Avon, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Dove Chocolate and Simply Said.

The Fine Print:
The giveaways will be new every day Monday - Saturday. All contests will close the following Monday the 16th and winners will be announced for all the giveaways on Tuesday afternoon the 17th. 

There will also be a Bonus giveaway that starts on Monday and will be announced with the rest of the winners on the 17th. Every person who "follows" this blog, "likes" it on FB and recommends friends will receive entries into the bonus giveaway. You will receive one entry per referral, plus one for yourself. This will be at least one easy entry, because you need to either "like" or "follow" me either place to enter the contests. To make this easier for everyone, there's a "Like" button in the left hand column that links to my Facebook page. See? Easy peasy! 

Every day, at the end of each company write up, there will be a simple question to answer in the comment section. To make this easier, I have for this week, deactivated security code requirements and the need for any kind of user name from elsewhere on the internet. That means anyone can enter! See how easy I've made this! ;)

PLEASE....
When you enter each contest, include your name and email address so that I can get in touch with you if you win. Winners who do not reply by Friday the 20th will forfeit their prize and I will choose another winner. 

Each contest will be posted approximately at 1:00pm each day (during Aria's naptime ;) ) and will remain open until the following Monday at midnight. 

Invite all your friends and we'll make it a party :) 

Congratulations, Shannon!

You won the Thirty-One Giveaway!!! If you email me your info, I will ship you your FREE all-in-one Organizer in St. Andrew's Hole-In-One! :)

For everyone else who entered and didn't win, you can still receive 10% off your order until March 14th! Thank you everyone for entering! I hope you will consider Thirty-One the next time you're in the market for some organizational tools or maybe that new purse! :)