WINNER!

The winner of the Rica Jewels emerald necklace pendant giveaway is comment #9 by jhitomi! Just a reminder to you all to please leave your email address with one of your comments. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

Featured Seller: RJ from Jewelry by RJ

This week's featured seller is RJ from Jewelry by RJ.

I'm a third-year medical student, and I have recently started making jewelry. It all started last summer while I was tirelessly studying for my board exams. It turned out to be a wonderful creative outlet that I could do while listening to lectures via podcast. At that time, I was just making a few wrap bracelets for myself.

After my boards (which I passed, by the way), I had a ton of leftover jewelry materials, so I made a few pieces for my mom and sister. One thing led to another, and my shop opened on September 27, 2013. Since then, I have become very passionate about making jewelry, learning new techniques, and of course,running  my Etsy shop.

My inspiration comes from many sources. Two of my biggest influences are everyday items and current trends. Something as simple as a rope or a plant can spark an idea for an awesome new piece. I also use current trends in a general sense, but I like to put a quirky twist on each piece that I create. I believe it makes my pieces personal and unique.

I place a lot of emphasis on durability, comfort and wear-ability. Being in the medical field, I am a very detail oriented person, and the quality of my jewelry reflects that. I make sure that each piece fits and flatters when worn. A super cute piece is meaningless if it doesn't look good on you.

Check out Jewelry by RJ for more fun colors and designs. If you like something, use the code WINTER10 for 10% off today and tomorrow! You can also follow RJ on Pinterest.

Halfway There

I cannot believe Gabe is 6 months old. That went by way too quickly! I swear, each year goes by faster than the last. At his appointment Monday, Gabe measured 26 in. and 17 lbs. He is perfectly on track developmentally. At about 5 months he started grabbing toys. He can sit up by himself for several minutes.

Sitting up for a few seconds

Sucking on his big toe.

Just before falling over.

He can move around in a circle on his tummy, and I think he will start crawling soon. He has tried a bite of banana, which he didn't like, and of strawberry, which he did like. He is sleeping better at night, not wanting to nurse back to sleep as often. I think we are transitioning from 3 naps to 2.

He loves to say "dadadada" and imitate you if you make a fish face or stick out your tongue and blow raspberries. He can sign milk and potty perfectly now, but doesn't always do it. Just as Caden did at 6 months, Gabe has suddenly developed mommy separation anxiety, sometimes even when I just leave the room!

Caden still loves Gabe, but gets frustrated now that Gabe gets into Caden's toys. Caden likes taking a bath with Gabe (kind of: Gabe bathes in the baby tub and Caden stands in the big tub for me to wash him. As soon as Gabe doesn't fall over anymore, they will take baths together in the big tub).

Kicking their legs

I can't believe Caden is 3 1/2 either. It was like yesterday when he turned 3. He is just as silly, creative, and smart as ever. Right now he loves Veggie Tales silly songs, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and taking Elmo with him everywhere he goes. However, he has unfortunately inherited from me the quality of getting frustrated easily, and I'm trying to teach him how to deal with it instead of resorting to whining and throwing tantrums. It is no easy task.

I love my boys! It never ceases to strike me how quickly we all are growing up.

WINNER!

The winner of the Bing Art 8x10 pink and purple nightscape print giveaway is comment #11 by jdine. I hope you enjoy your prize!

Gift of the Month Club Giveaway & Fundraiser [CLOSED]

Last year I spent a lot on gifts for family and friends. How convenient it would be to always have something cute and unique on hand, and at a reasonable price. Markets of Sunshine's Gift of the Month Club does just that, sending you a collection of handmade, eco-friendly items or direct sales products with a retail value of up to $60, so you have many gift options when you need them.

You can also buy DIY scrapbook or card-making kits. There is a BOGO sale too. Not interested but still want to support small businesses? The buyer's club allows you to make a donation in exchange for a free gift and other perks. If you are a seller, you can join the promo club to build your customer base and promote your business.

The founder, Marsha, sent me a collection to review:

• Dog-print cloth bowl cover (for microwaves or picnics)
• Organic cloth towelettes in 2 sizes
• Bracelet with a cat charm
• Cat-themed table runner
• Mini appliqued tote bag in pink

Smiles
*All handmade items.
*Individually wrapped.
*Variety of items, including decorative and practical.
*Unique gift ideas. I immediately thought of 2 people I could have given some of the gifts to.
*Club is family owned and operated.
*Direct phone line for customer service issues.

Frowns
*The only frown is something out of Marsha's control:

On December 30, 2005, Marsha was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which has progressed into other illnesses. When you try to kill it, it tries to stop you by shutting down vital organs. At present Marsha's kidneys, liver, and other vital organs are under attack, and she now has Type 2 diabetes. Her weight has dropped from 138 lbs. to 105 lbs. She has to wear a mask outdoors due to multi-chemical and environmental allergies. She uses a wheelchair because her muscles are weak and she has arthritis in her joints. Also, Marsha can no longer use prescription medicines due to the auto-immune nature of Lyme disease.

The medical cost is very expensive and is not covered by insurance. Her family has refinanced their house several times and now have nowhere else to turn for help for her ongoing medical costs and care. Please help her return to a life of normal activity by donating to her medical fund and new doctor that is helping her regain her health.

Her goal is to reach $12,000. You can donate here.

One of you lucky readers will win the collection I received (above), a $40 value! Want to shop from the club's artists? Check out this treasury for all the shops and a 50% off coupon code!

10 entries: Make a donation to Marsha's medical fund. Leave your username.

1 entry: Post Marsha's donation page on Facebook (click "Share on Facebook" under the photo). Leave the link.

1 entry: Visit the Gift of the Month Club subscription page and tell me which collection interests you most.

1 entry: Follow the Markets of Sunshine blog via Google Friend Connect (located at the bottom).

1 entry: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, March 8. 
• This giveaway is open to the U.S. only.

WINNER!

The winner of The Howling Boutique blue heart necklace giveaway is comment #99 by Natalie Yeoman. Congratulations! Thanks to all who entered. There are still 2 other giveaways you can try to win!

10 Ways to Cut Out Sugar

photo by humusak2

A blogger friend posted an article on Facebook of 25 reasons why you should stop eating sugar. Most of it was nothing new. What would be more helpful are ways to cut out sugar from our diet! Here are ten specific things you can do to start cutting back on sugar.

1. Buy all-natural peanut butter. There are only two ingredients: peanuts and salt (though you can get it salt free).

2. Eat plain yogurt, oatmeal, and cereal topped with fresh or dried fruit.

3. Buy unsweetened applesauce, fruit juices, and coconut flakes; fruit canned in fruit juice instead of syrup; and canned beans and vegetables with no added sugars.

4. Instead of adding sugar to vegetables, especially naturally sweet ones like sweet potatoes, use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh or dried herbs to season them.

5. Make your own spaghetti sauce, salsa, and salad dressings so you control the amount of added sugar.

6. Exclude sugar in your pancake and waffle batters. There's enough in the syrup! Go even further by using unsweetened applesauce as a topping instead of syrup.

7. Use less sugar in your baking. I usually cut back 10 percent the first time I make a recipe and then determine if it could work with even less.

8. Purchase original-style condiments and snacks instead of flavored or seasoned variations, such as plain cream cheese instead of strawberry. Also avoid fat-free and reduced fat versions, which have more sugar to make up for lost flavor.

9. Instead of eating candy, bring homemade trail mix on road trips or to the movies.

10. Drink more water instead of sugary drinks or drinks that require added sugars, like coffee. Even with no-sugar-added juices and fruit-only smoothies, you end up drinking more fruit than you would eat had they been whole, increasing the total intake of natural sugar. However, they are still better choices when you crave a sweet beverage.

I hope these tips help you cut out sugar from your diet! Feel free to add more tips you know.

WINNERS!

The two winners of the Words Turned into Art customized word art giveaway are comment #222 by Brynn Dexter and comment #128 by Stephanie McFarland. Have fun personalizing your prizes!

Cheesy Valentine's Day Jokes

illustration by Robert Proksa

Q: What do farmers give their wives on Valentine's Day? 

A: Hogs and kisses!

Q: Did you hear about the romance in the tropical fish tank?

A: It was a case of guppy love.

Q: What do you call two birds in love?

A: Tweethearts!

Q: What did the paper clip say to the magnet? 

A: "I find you very attractive."

Q: What did the French chef give his wife for Valentine's Day? 

A: A hug and a quiche!

Q: What did one oar say to the other? 

A: "Can I interest you in a little row-mance?"

Q: What do you call a very small valentine? 

A: A valentiny!

(source: http://www.jokes4us.com/holidayjokes/valentinesdayjokes/valentinesdayjokes.html)

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I told you they were cheesy. I hope you have a Valentine's Day full of love and laughter!

Rica Jewels Emerald Necklace Pendant Giveaway [CLOSED]

The story behind Rica Jewels is of a Brazilian girl, Daniela, who was born and raised on her father's fashion factory and saw her father as a hero. Daniela was always creating and playing with arts at an early age. She obtained her bachelor’s in Fashion Design. After a painful divorce, she went to New York City to do her masters in business, work, and travel the world. She was inspired by world culture and the beauty of jewelry and gemstones.

Later, she moved to San Diego and decided to follow her passion for jewelry by sharing her designs with everyone. Since then, Rica Jewels has been a success. Daniela says, "Everything flows to the right direction, and I could not love more what I do. I design with a lot of passion, and hopefully, people can wear and feel my pieces and understand how life is truly a blessing. I believe every piece has a positive message in it.”

A portion of her sales supports her Child Fund sponsored child, Luz. Luz lives with her parents, who are peasants and whose salaries are so low they do not cover the basic needs of their family. Through Child Fund, Luz receives medical, dental, and early childhood care.

Daniela sent me two necklace pendants, one to review and one to give away. I loved the ammonite seashell fossil!

Smiles
*The pendant is not only beautiful, but also unique!
*It's great to wear to the beach or every day.
*There are many other lovely items in her shop.
*Daniela supports a child through charity.

Frowns
*I wish the pendant came with a chain. I don't have enough chains as it is!

One of you will win this gorgeous emerald necklace pendant! Perfect for that May birthday or Mother's Day.

1 entry: Visit Rica Jewels on Etsy, or here on its own domain, and tell me what else you like.

1 entry: Heart Rica Jewels on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Pin any item to Pinterest.

1 entry: Like Rica Jewels on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, February 26. 
• This giveaway is open to the U.S. only.

Mexican Meatless Stuffed Peppers

I came across this recipe for vegetarian quinoa Mexican stuffed peppers through a link-up on another blog. I made it Friday night, with some alterations, and the boys loved it! It is a great meatless dish because it is still high in protein and very filling.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 can black beans, drained
• 1/2 can corn, drained
• 1/2 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (1/2 cup uncooked)
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 2 tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped
• Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream

Directions

1. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Pour enough water into a baking dish to cover the bottom, and stand the peppers in the dish.
2. Saute the onion and garlic in oil for a few minutes. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, quinoa, chili powder, and cumin, and cook until heated through.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
4. Spoon the mixture into the peppers. Cook for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F. Let them stand for 10 minutes before serving.
5. Top with desired garnish.

Bing Art 8x10 Pink & Purple Nightscape Print Giveaway [CLOSED]

I am very picky when it comes to art. I prefer photography and typography, and when it comes to painting, I sometimes enjoy watercolors. However, it is impossible not to like the beautiful oil paintings of Rachel Bingaman of Bing Art.

I'm a full-time professional artist living in the D.C. area with my husband and two beautiful children. My original oil paintings are internationally collected and can be found in private collections all over the world! 

My focus is primarily on contemporary and abstract landscapes. I pull colors from past memories and present experience and mix them into something I think is fit for canvas. Even the most mundane of moments can find itself transferred onto canvas.

Rachel  has an extensive award list, too, and her work has been featured in an art book and on the NBC series Save Me. I love the bright, bold colors in contrast with the whimsical, soft shapes. Some of her more abstract pieces remind me of sophisticated versions of illustrations from Dr. Seuss books. The one below reminds me of the opening title of the show Once Upon a Time.

One of you will win this stunning 8x10 giclee print of a pink and purple nightscape!

1 entry: Visit Bing Art and tell me what else you like.

1 entry: Heart Bing Art on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like Bing Art on Facebook. Leave your username. 

1 entry: Subscribe to the email list for Rachel's blog.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, February 22. 
• This giveaway is open to the U.S. & Canada.

The Power of Complaining

photo by Thad Zajdowicz

Have you ever wanted to complain to a business but didn't because you didn't want to be mean or didn't think your problem would be resolved? Recently I have had many opportunities to complain about poor business or products, and in doing so, have learned some helpful lessons about the power of complaining.

Example 1
A meal I didn't like. A broken zipper on a brand new item I couldn't return or exchange. Poor quality cloth diapers. A late package. All these instances of disappointment I could have shrugged off, but I chose not to. By simply letting the businesses know something was wrong, I immediately received replacements, refunds, and extra products or store credit.

Lesson 1: Be honest. Let businesses know when you are disappointed. They will do anything not to lose a customer.
You may be worried about sounding rude or being difficult, but businesses want to know when they do something wrong so they can learn from their mistakes.  Most of the time, companies are very pleasant, generous, and willing to go the extra mile to make you happy.


Example 2
Over Thanksgiving, Justin played at an out-of-state golf course that charged him twice. I didn't realize until weeks later when I was reviewing our credit card statement. It took two months of repeated phone calls and emails before they finally refunded the money.

Lesson 2: Be persistent. Eventually a business will give in so you will leave them alone!
Sometimes businesses have poor customer service, deny any mistakes, or knock down your requests. Don't give up. Continue to ask for what you want until you get it. When they realize you are not going to quit easily, they will most likely give in.


Example 3
I recently learned how to search for my own blog images to see if others have used them. I unexpectedly found an embarrassing photo of some friends used in two articles making fun of baby shower games. While the article didn't upset me (I came to agree that the game was a bad idea), I didn't approve of them using my photo as an example. I contacted the blog authors praising their blogs and politely asking them to remove the photo to save my friends embarrassment. Both did so immediately. And I did too!

Lesson 3: Be polite. People are more likely to acquiesce to your requests when you are kind to them.
None of my situations would have resulted in positive outcomes had I been rude. You can be honest and assertive while still being pleasant to work with.

I hope these lessons are helpful to you next time you have a need to complain. Good luck!

The Howling Boutique Heart Necklace Giveaway [CLOSED]

When Mardi from The Howling Boutique asked me to do a review and giveaway, of course I said yes. Who is going to say no to free jewelry, especially when it's beautiful? Mardi makes glass-pendant jewelry with glittery nail polish. Very creative! I looked at her whole shop and told her which ones I liked so she could choose which one to send me. Instead, she made two for me based on my favorites. How thoughtful is that? The first is a yellow one in a round setting on a 24-inch antique silver chain. It reminds me of the sun.

The second is turquoise and black in a square setting on an 18-inch antique silver chain.

Smiles
*Vast array of color and shape combinations!
*Custom-made pendants available if you don't find the exact combo you want.
*Heavy duty chains. (My pet peeve is jewelry sellers who give you cheap ball chains.)
*Sent in a cute organza bag.
*Great service.

Frowns
*None.

One of you will win this beautiful blue heart necklace! You can choose to put the pendant on a 24" antique silver chain, an 18" antique silver chain, or an 18" black organza ribbon.

See something you already like? Use the code ROCKSTHECRADLE for 15% off until March 5!

1 entry: Visit The Howling Boutique and tell me what else you like.

1 entry: Heart The Howling Boutique on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow The Howling Boutique on Pinterest.

1 entry: Pin any item to Pinterest.

1 entry: Like The Howling Boutique on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, February 19. 
• This giveaway is open to the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK.

The Train Park

Yesterday we had the rare opportunity to go out as a family, so we took Caden to the train park. It was a lot cheaper than I expected. Caden and Justin rode the carousel, and we all took the train ride. We looked at the model trains (Caden was happy to see Thomas!) and visited the general store (disappointing), and Caden and Justin played on the playground. Gabe slept through most of it. It was a lot of fun and so wonderful to see the pure joy on Caden's face doing and seeing his favorite things.

Thomas whizzing by

The creator of The Family Circus comic strip with his characters

Words Turned into Art Customized Word Art Giveaway [CLOSED]

As a linguist and word nerd, I love word art. So I was very happy when Bano from Words Turned into Art approached me.

I'm a stay-at-home mom of a girl (7) and twin boys (4). I've always wanted to run my own business, and now that my kids are in school for part of the day, I think it's a good time for me to start. I've always been somewhat creative and designed original artwork for my children's rooms. Many of my friends have commented on them, saying that I should start a business selling them, so here we are! 

She personalized this Love print for me. I chose the colors, size, and all the words.

Isn't it beautiful? Much better than printing off generic Valentine's Day subway art! I decorated it with heart stickers and put it in a white frame on my mantle. (No photo because the lighting in my apartment stinks!)

Smiles
*Detailed customization (not many sellers offer so much personalization on word/subway art).
*Wonderful customer service and communication.
*Cute, original designs.
*Digital files mean no shipping costs!

Frowns
*More designs, please!

TWO WINNERS will get to choose their own personalized digital prints! Don't see a design you like? That's okay; she is willing to work with you in creating something new!

1 entry: Visit Words Turned into Art and tell me what design you would get and how you would personalize it.

1 entry: Heart Words Turned into Art on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow Words Turned into Art on Twitter.

1 entry: Pin any print to Pinterest.

1 entry: Like Words Turned into Art on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, February 17. 
• This giveaway is open worldwide.