Freebies
Reading Eggs – FREE Two Week Trial
Reading Eggs is offering a Free Two Week Trial Offer. All you have to do is sign up to try out their reading program, no credit card required. Do you have a little one that is just starting to read or one who wants to increase his or her reading skills? Then this may be the perfect time to check out Reading Eggs program.
You want reading to be fun and easy for your child so why not try out Reading Eggs and see if it is a good fit for your family. Reading Eggs strives to make learning to read interesting and engaging for kids whether they are just beginning to read or increasing their reading fluency. Through the use of reading games, activities, songs, and other resources your child will pick up great learning tools that will help them on the road to becoming a proficient reader.
The kids will work through various maps that on their level and will earn golden eggs, ribbons, trophies, and other rewards to encourage them to continue learning more. Reading Eggs is an interactive program that our family has used in the past for our young readers and our kids LOVED it! They got a kick out of working through the maps, accomplishing goals, and earning rewards. The kids can even customize their own “reading egg” avatar to match their personality.
All you have to do is click the “free trial” button once you get to their homepage and get started!More information about Reading Eggs:- Reading Eggs was developed by an experienced team of teachers, educational writers, animators, and web developers. People who have interacted with children and have taught kids to read.
- Reading Eggs focuses mainly on the core reading curriculum skills and strategies that help readers develop more successful reading skills as well as builds their reading confidence level. The program is perfect for ages 3 to 12.
- Each reader can work through the Reading Eggs program at his or her pace so if you have a young reader and more advanced reader in your home both would be able to focus on their specific skills.
- A more advanced reader would move through the first few maps a little more quickly because it may be more of a review for him or her until they reach a point where the information is newer and more challenging for them, whereas, a new reader would work through the first maps more slowly but steadily as they get more excited about the program and earning rewards.
- Reading Eggs launched in the United States and Canada in 2011. Since launching they have had over 500,000 subscribers and have presented more than 15 million lessons.
Our readers will receive a Free Two-Week Trial Offer! Register now for a two-week trial of the Reading Eggs program. No credit card is required. Help your child learn to read, increase their phonics skills, or increase their reading fluency with Reading Eggs free two-week trial!
A special thanks to U.S. Family Guide and Reading Eggs for offering a free two-week trial to my readers. Any specific product information was provided by Reading Eggs and U.S. Family Guide, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own. We received a complimentary subscription for sharing information and our family’s experience regarding Reading Eggs.
Giveaway: $10 Hobby Lobby Gift Card
I am excited to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied! The winner of this giveaway will receive a $10 Hobby Lobby Gift Card! The best part about this card is you can use it for crafts, home decorating, educational items, seasonal items, birthday gifts, and much more. Spring is here and Mother’s Day is coming up soon so maybe you want to get something for your home, Mom, next craft or something just for fun. Here’s how to enter the giveaway:Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. Put a separate comment for each way you follow Blessings Multiplied (Email, Twitter, or Facebook) plus an extra entry for your bonus answer! Each comment counts as an entry into the giveaway.
- Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email
- Follow on Twitter – @BlessMultiplied
- Like us on Facebook – BlessingsMultiplied
- BONUS – you can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing what type of items you enjoy picking up at Hobby Lobby.
All comments must be made by April 30, 2013 at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing. Good Luck!
The actual gift card may or may not be identical to the one pictured above.
Free Audio Book: “Choose Joy” by Kay Warren
For the month of March Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is Choose Joy by Kay Warren.
Ever wonder why some people seem to experience joy in their daily lives–even in the tough times–and others can’t seem to find it no matter how hard they search? Is a joy-filled life really possible? The answer is yes! And it’s possible for every woman, no matter what her circumstances may be. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in December. Make sure to submit your order by March 30, 2013 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
CONGRATULATIONS to Our Panera Bread Gift Card Winner!
The name has been drawn for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to
Elena
for winning a
Panera Bread Gift Card!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!
An email has been sent to you with more information*
Enjoy your next trip to Panera Bread!
Don’t forget to enter our next Giveaway (the next giveaway will be announced later this morning)!
*Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced. Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize. The actual gift card may or may not be identical to the one pictured above.
Review: L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream
I was thrilled to hear that SheSpeaks teamed up with L’Oréal and they were sending me a tube of their L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream to try! It is available in four shades (Deep, Fair, Light, and Medium). I received a tube of the light L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream.
“L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream gives the sheer coverage needed to create a natural bare skin finish, while delivering built-in skincare benefits. With four beautifying actions, this all-in-one innovation primes and smoothes, perfects to hide flaws, hydrates all-day, and corrects and evens skin. The product is infused with skincare ingredients like Panthenol, Vitamin E and Glycerin for 24-hour moisturization.”
- Enhances skin’s 6 dimensions of flawless skin in 1 magic BB (BB stands for Beautifying Beads)
- Encapsulated pigments self-adjust to skin to unify and blend perfectly
- Ultra-light and hydrating for weightless, blends completely in with skin for an invisible coverage
- Micro-infuses your skin with continuous and complete care
To apply, simply dot on and blend with fingertips or a cosmetic sponge. L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream’s self-adjusting beads will instantly transform and blend to your skin tone.
The first time I used L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream I was surprised when it came out white. The little Beautifying Beads (BB) really do transform when you rub them onto your skin to match your skin tone. It does seem to stay on better and moisturizes my skin while not making it oily. The cream is very light weight (almost like your not wearing anything) and it didn’t take very much to do my entire face. I have worn it alone and with a touch of my mineral powder foundation.
I would like to see them add sunscreen to it (if possible). If you are planning on being out in the sun you should probably put on sunscreen first and let it soak in before applying the L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. The other thing that could have been better for me was that the shade I received was slightly darker than the foundation I was wearing previously, but it wasn’t too dark I couldn’t wear it.
You can learn more about L’Oreal Paris Magic BB Cream by joining their Twitter Party this week! You might even win some awesome prizes like L’Oreal Paris Beauty Baskets and a $250 Target Gift Card!
When: Thursday, March 7 at 9PM ET
Where: Twitter – follow hashtag #MagicBBCream
Tweet Grid: http://bit.ly/TwZyJS
Hosts: @LOrealParisUSA and @SheSpeaksUpYou can find L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream at retailers nationwide like Walmart, K Mart, Rite Aid and CVS or online at places like Amazon.
As a member of the SheSpeaks Blogger Society, I was given samples of this product to write an informed review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not paid to write this post. A special thanks to SheSpeaks and L’Oreal for providing the samples to review!
Giveaway & Review: “Significant Work” by Paul Rude (5 WINNERS)
Deep down inside all of us we want to know what we are doing is significant. How do we know if our lives are making an positive impact on others? An eternal impact. As we go from day to day – working, doing laundry, household chores, and a myriad of other daily activities-living our regular everyday lives how do we know even these daily routines are significant in the whole scheme of life?
I am excited to introduce you to Paul Rude’s new book Significant Work! Paul has worked the full spectrum from Fortune 500 companies to mission fields of Alaska and is struck with the conviction that everyday of the Christian life is significant. This led him to to launch Everyday Significance, an organization dedicated to helping people connect Christ-centered faith to everyday life. Paul along with his wife, Misty, and his five kids live in beautiful rural Alaska. When he is not speaking, consulting, or writing, you might find Paul rafting whitewater rivers or climbing mountains.
My husband and I met Paul and Misty many years ago at our church. Paul was the head of our church’s Awana Outreach program in South Carolina. It has been really neat seeing God call his family to Alaska and the amazing journey he has led them on over the past few years. His book was refreshing to read and I know it will be a blessing to many people.
5 lucky readers will win a FREE copy of the Significant Work book by Paul Rude! ENTER NOW for a chance to win a copy of this great book (it only takes a couple seconds to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway, please see all the giveaway details below)!
Why I love this book:
Paul’s book hit home in many areas. As a child of a loving God, wife, Mom, homemaker, blogger and all the many other roles the days can seem a little crazy. Some days it’s all I can do to find the floor when I am standing in front of a pile of dirty laundry and have trail of toys and books scattered throughout the house it is hard not to wonder……is it worth it? How does all the day-to-day picking up, meal planning, cleaning, working, and everything else leave an eternal imprint? Does it really matter?
So often we believe the lie…..the lie that those directly in ministry fields are the ones who have a direct connection with God, that they are the ones making the biggest impact on the lives of others for eternity. As I look around me I see many people that I interact with regularly – my husband, kids, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. While all the little never-ending activities can seem mundane with little significance when my heart is all-in I will slowly see pieces of eternity shaping not only in my heart and life but in the lives of those who I interact with regularly.
Many of us work in the everyday marketplace from truck drivers, waitresses, pilots, accountants, and more. Our work is a gift from God. We want to do work that matters to God, but the everyday demands of life constantly pull us in the opposite direction.* Life is a balancing act. Each of us wants to know that what we do every day counts. We’re busy measuring externals, but all the while, God is looking directly at our hearts.
We burn more time and energy at work than anything else we do in life by far. Our jobs, along with the daily grind of errands and household chores, will consume the majority of the waking hours in our adult lives. The hours consumed are not our second rate hours-our highest energy, peak creativity, and sharpest intellect. Once all the necessary activities are done for the day there isn’t much time or energy left for doing work for eternity. Sure we may have an opportunity to volunteer at church, go on a mission trip, or some other great activity but the majority of our days are filled with work and other obligations. Can the normal everyday tasks be my way of making an impact on eternity?
…..God usually chooses not to tell us the specific game plan for our lives. He doesn’t swoop down in a fiery cloud and explicitly tell us what to do in life’s pivotal decisions. How do we know we are doing God’s will for our lives? Some people seem to know exactly what they are suppose to be doing while others struggle with knowing what they should be doing. God does not play cruel little games, taunting us with his plan while holding it just out of reach….If he wants us to know something we will know it – absolutely and without any doubt.
While many people work outside of the home some people have the opportunity to stay home with their children. Many moms feel guilty, because they don’t have the time or energy to volunteer more hours at church-hours that impact souls and make a lasting difference……How does washing a load of laundry change eternity? …….The truth, however, is stunning. God uses our regular, daily, earthly work to forge the very shape of eternity. I am so thankful that the time and energy we invest in our family really does have an eternal significance. God can work in our hearts whether we are folding clothes at home or overseas on a mission trip. Isn’t it awesome how he can use even the simple stuff to help shape eternity!
No matter how obscure our lives may seem today, we will one day radiate the glory of God before redeemed humankind and all the mighty hosts of heaven. No one will be forgotten, ignored, or belittled as insignificant to God. The work you do today matters!
God is forging his masterpiece with our random-arrow lives. He’s given each of us an unique life to live – a particular place to strike the white-hot ingot of eternity. We each have our very own place in his story. Like master to apprentice, he entrusts the hammer to our hands. He says, “Strike it. Strike it right here. This is your place. This is where I want you to shape eternity. Live the life I gave you to live.” In stammering awe, we take up the hammer. We live our regular, everyday lives. The hammer falls. Sparks fly, and the Master, our Father, is delighted.
*Information that is in bold and italics are quotes from Paul Rude’s book.
After reading Significant Work I think it will help inspire and encourage you as well. I really like how Paul is upfront and honest with his readers. I know many of you will enjoy this book!
Giveaway Details
As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Paul Rude’s book I am hosting a giveaway! 5 WINNERS will receive a free copy of Significant Work book by Paul Rude!
Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. Put a separate comment for each way you follow Blessings Multiplied (Email, Twitter, or Facebook) plus an extra entry for your bonus answer! Each comment counts as an entry into the giveaway.
- Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email
- Follow on Twitter – @BlessMultiplied
- Like us on Facebook – BlessingsMultiplied
- BONUS – you can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing an activity that you do that makes a positive impact on the lives of others.
All comments must be made by January 31, 2013 at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing. Good Luck!
I encourage you to check out more information about Significant Work by Paul Rude if you are interested in reading it. This book book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on the road more eternal significance! What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!
More information about Significant Work by Paul Rude can be found:
- Significant Work by Paul Rude
- Blog – Everyday Significance
- Facebook – Everyday Significance
Love It – You Version (Free Bible App)
A friend of mine shared this free app with me back in September. While in a conversation with a group of friends we started discussing how much time we actually spend reading and/or listening to Scriptures. We decided as a group to encourage each other to read through the Bible completely.
Each of person has chosen various plans, versions, etc…. Since I didn’t start this until the middle of September I decided to do the whole Bible in 90 days so I can listen to the entire Bible before the end of the 2012 calendar year. Here’s the 90 Day Plan I chose.
At the beginning of the New Year I plan to switch to another plan. I have a few that I am excited about doing but haven’t completely decided which one yet. Even though I have grown up in a godly family and church and probably have read all the Bible verses at various times I honestly cannot say that I have not faithfully followed a “read / listen the whole bible plan” until this one (I know it is really sad and embarrassing to admit).
I have been thinking and praying a lot about my life, parenting, etc…. if my heart isn’t right and I am not gaining wisdom from the best source available how am I suppose to raise children who love God? How can I make an eternal positive impact on the lives around me if I am living life in the flesh or doing what “I” think is best?
So after gathering with a few friends (for accountability) who want to do the same thing we started using this awesome free app. I LOVE that I can listen to Bible with this app. Everyone learns a different way. I have found that if I get up earlier and listen to it while I walk on the treadmill I actually retain more. The girls have come down a few times and heard me listening to it as well and have asked to listen to the last half with me while they eat breakfast for school. It warms my heart to see them eager to hear the Bible.
When I miss a day I have it set to remind me which helps me stay on track. I find the weekends harder to keep up with it since our schedule is always different so I listen to more chapters on Mondays to catch up. Doing the 90 day plan has a lot more reading / listening then some of the other plans but it has been wonderful, insightful, and encouraging listening to it.
There are 100’s of plans to chose from (whole bible plans, topical plans, devotional, and more). I chose to do the whole bible because I have never done it before. You can read it, listen to it on your phone, or on your computer. I typically listen to it on my phone (if I do it on the computer I tend to get too distracted) where I can take my phone downstairs where it is quiet and listen without interruptions or distractions.
I am so EXCITED to say that I have actually stuck with this plan! Tomorrow is my last day – Day 90!!!!! YAY!!!! I am already looking forward to narrowing down the next plan that I want to go through.
While I did listen to the Whole Bible in the past 90 days I still have A LOT to learn! There were days that I didn’t listen very well or got distracted. I am so thrilled to finally find an app that works really well for me that I want to share it with you. Since starting I have shared this app with many family and friends too. Jake is working through one as well.
I hope as we quickly approach Christmas Day and the New Year that you would consider challenging yourself to read or listen to the Bible, whether it is with this app or another. We have so much that we can gleam from the Scriptures that can help encourage us throughout our days as well as point us to the One who truly has all the answers!
Download The Bible App Now
Gift Giving: 12 Days of Christmas
It’s that time of year again…..excitement is building and the countdown to the final days of Christmas draws nearer. This year we decided to spread the Holiday Cheer out at our house this year by doing the 12 Days of Christmas again. I did this last year and the year before; both years it was a huge hit!
Christmas morning can be so busy and this allows an opportunity to spread the fun over 12 days instead of packing everything into one day. Starting December 13th the girls will be able to open one a day with the last one being opened on Christmas Eve. The cost in the previous years was less than $20 total, including boxes and wrapping paper, however, we decided to add their “big” gift to this stack. Most of the gifts were bought on clearance over the past year and their big gift really wasn’t that much because we got a great deal on it. We did a joint stack for both of our girls, although you can choose to do a stack for each person.
12 Days of Christmas
- Day 1: Reindeer Christmas Socks (purchase last year after Christmas on clearance with rewards)
- Day 2: White Christmas Teddy Bear Shaped Soap (purchased last year after Christmas on clearance and with rewards)
- Day 3: “B” and “K” Candy Cane Striped Christmas Ornament for each girl (purchased last year after Christmas on clearance with rewards)
- Day 4: Christmas Stocking Sticker Craft (purchased on clearance with rewards)
- Day 5: Two Colgate Kids Christmas Toothpastes (purchased on clearance with rewards)
- Day 6: Two Christmas Games – Pin the Star on the Tree & Christmas Checkers (purchased on clearance with rewards)
- Day 7: Christmas Bear Pez Dispensers and Pez Candy Packs (purchased with rewards on clearance)
- Day 8: Disney Cars Christmas Spiral Notebooks (purchased on clearance with rewards)
- Day 9: Gingerbread House Kit (purchased on clearance)
- Day 10: Princess and Frosty Hot Chocolate Tins Sets (found on clearance at Kmart and used gift card)
- Day 11: New Winter PJ’s for each to wear (picked up on sale)
- Day 12: New Digital Camera’s (purchased when it was on sale with Swagbucks gift cards)
Their cameras are their “big” items for Christmas this year. Jake and I decided to give them to the girls for the last day of their 12 Days of Christmas so they would have the cameras to use on Christmas Day. The girls are taking more and more pictures these days. The inexpensive, non-English digital cameras that we bought for them several years ago have held up remarkably well. Whenever their cameras are not working over the past several months they were asking to borrow mine to use so we decided to do a little research, save up (including earning Swagbucks) and get them a little better quality cameras this year since they both are showing a big interest in photography and creative writing. The cameras made my typical $20 or less 12 Days of Christmas gifts a little higher this year but since it included their big gift for the Holidays I am okay with that because they will be so excited to start using them. This time around we got the same camera, but in different colors to help keep track whose is whose without putting names on each camera.
Other Ideas for 12 Days of Christmas:
- Hair Accessories
- Facial Cleansers or Make Up – if you have a teenager just starting to wear makeup or want to update your collection my Mary Kay contact is doing a 12 Day of Christmas set! If your husband is looking for something awesome to get you he may want to contact Ann too.
- Socks or Tights
- Chapstick
- Socks
- Gloves or Scarf
- Card Game
- Construction Paper
- Markers or Crayons
- Matchbox cars
- Small Toys
- Baby Doll Clothes
- Christmas Underwear
- The ideas are endless!
I wrapped them in the original boxes or found ones around the house to put the items into. The Christmas paper was purchased on clearance and I used a coupon. Many of the items we purchased on clearance throughout the year and / or used CVS – ECBs and Walgreens – Register Rewards, Swagbucks Gift Cards or Coupons. I cannot remember the price for all the items but with the rewards it very reasonable price for 12 gifts and some days had multiple items in them.
We did a joint stack for our girls to save money, however, the items we picked match their individual interests (for example, the pj’s were themed to match each girls tastes). When the girls walked into the room and saw the stack of gifts they were super excited. Love seeing their faces and hearing their comments when they first see the stack.
Torani Pumpkin Pie & Hazelnut Flavored Syrups
Hot Chocolate with Torani Hazelnut Syrup, Cool Whip, and Sprinkles
What is the secret ingredient behind those amazing coffee shop drinks that you and I enjoy so much? It is the delicious syrups they use to flavor them. Torani flavored syrups are made in the USA and are used at restaurants and coffeehouses in more than 40 countries around the world. The best part is you can get these amazing flavored syrups and make your favorite drinks at home!
As the weather gets cooler you may enjoy a hot cup of coffee to help jump start you on a crisp morning even more or a cup of hot chocolate by the fire with the family as you relax together on a cold evening. Of course you may be in an area that is warm and would rather grab a smoothie or an iced coffee.
Torani Pumpkin Pie and Hazelnut Syrups
I was thrilled to hear that SheSpeaks teamed up with Torani and they were sending me some Torani Flavored Syrups to try! I received the Salted Caramel and Peppermint flavored syrups. They are delicious! I have been having fun trying out a variety of fun recipes both Torani’s Recipes and ones that I have come up with myself.
Torani offers over 120 Regular and Sugar Free Flavored Syrups which are the perfect compliment to your favorite Coffee, Espresso, Hot Chocolate, Lattes, Smoothies, Teas, and many other drinks you enjoy. I have even used Torani Flavored Syrups in a few recipes while I was baking and they turned out great! Our favorite baked goods were Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup in our Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins and Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup in our Pumpkin Dip! My favorite way to eat / drink Torani Hazelnut Syrup is with a cup of coffee (hot or iced) and in hot chocolate. Torani Flavored Syrups will add an extra special touch to your next party celebration!
Coffee and cream with a touch of Torani Hazelnut Syrup
Use them in
- Flavored Coffees / Espresso Drinks
- Italian Sodas
- Flavored Tea, both hot and cold
- Flavored Lemonade
- Flavored Sodas (or Pop as we say in the Midwest!)
- Cocktails
- Mocktails
- Flavored Energy Drinks
Our family tried a variety of delicious recipes with our Torani Flavored Syrups! The ones from Torani’s recipes are awesome so if your interested in getting started that’s a great resource.
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins are super easy to make and taste awesome. The last time I made these for a group of friends only 2 came home with us and the girls begged to take them in their school lunches. You will not have to add any water, eggs or oil to this recipe and the muffin will still turn out with a moist.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line 24 muffin tins. Mix together yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin, and Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup until blended (the batter will be thicker than your typically cake mix). Scoop evenly into muffin tins (I use an ice cream scoop) and set aside. In another bowl blend softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Drop a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar over the top of each muffin prior to serving.
Pampers Gifts to Grow – 10 Free Points
You can receive another 10 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!
This code is different from the previous codes I have given.
- Use Code: SPC125WINTR12PA
(Expires 12/9/12 at midnight CST)
You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts! For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!
