Blue Sky Collection Sponsor Review

Blue Sky offers a unique collection of personalized gifts for the whole family. Passionate about eco friendly and fair trade, Blue Sky has a large collection of earth friendly, handmade items. Choose eco-friendly gifts, recycled gifts, or Earth friendly gifts for your next giving opportunity.

Home & Garden
Kids
Pets
Handbags
Home Decor

Unique and quality gifts for all occassions.

I was thrilled to review the beautiful recycled wine bottle cheese tray from Blue Sky.

This is taking recycling a step further! The Recycled Wine Bottle Beaded Cheese Tray is made from a recycled clear wine bottle that's been flattened. It's functional art made from recycled goods. The wine bottle is beaded with aqua glass gems and wire wrapped. Has a small amount of sand inside to give it a beachy feel. Comes with a beaded spreader. Made in the USA.

Place your soft cheese on this unique recycled glassware, and use the beaded spreader to put it on your crackers or pita bread. A conversation piece for your next get together. Rest nicely on the counter, perfect size for your cheese spread. Utilize it for decor in your kitchen when you are not using it! I just love to decorate with upcycled, or recycled kitchenware in my home. 

This is just one of a huge selection of gifts from Blue Sky Collection Online at   http://www.blueskycollection.com/index.shtml

@bluesky_hw
Bluesky Collection on Facebook

Recycled and Made in the USA! Blue Sky collection is offering one of my readers a Recycled Wine Bottle Cheese tray in the Made in the USA giveaway hop!! Starts July 4th. Enter to win Here
http://melanieski.blogspot.com/2012/07/made-in-usa-giveaway-hop-usamade.html
 

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions. I received the above to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Greener Kitchen Sponsor Review

Cook and Eat Tools for the Down to Earth Conscious

"Founded by Lacey Lybecker in 2009, A Greener Kitchen offers you sustainable style solutions for kitchen and dining with eco-friendly kitchen products and accessories, including organic cotton aprons and reusable produce bags. We are proud to be a Green America Approved Business and members of One Percent for the Planet. Our organic cotton products are cut and sewn in the USA by family-owned Tailoredwear, Inc. using fabric from Harmony Art, one of the USA’s few eco-friendly textile artisans"

Beautifully crafted organic aprons and linens

Women's Aprons full and half sized crafted from organic fabric, soft and delicate to the touch. Front pockets for holding your utensils, a secured to withstand the weight. Working in the kitchen has a new femininity added with these excellent aprons. You protect your clothing while you cook and add a classy touch while you are doing it.

 Greener kitchen also carry's aprons for Men, excellent for your BBQ grilling parties.

And darling aprons for your little boy and girl helpers in the kitchen!

 Well made, durable, soft and Made in the USA! They also sell reusable bags and table linens.

A Greener Kitchen is giving one of A Year of Jubilee Reviews readers a half apron just like the one I have received for review! Be sure to stop by for the Made in the USA giveaway hop to enter to win! Enter to win Here 
http://melanieski.blogspot.com/2012/07/made-in-usa-giveaway-hop-usamade.html

Visit A Greener Kitchen Online
A Greener Kitchen Facebook
@agreenerkitchen

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions. I received the above to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising.

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop Magic Warble

We are truly blessed in our nation to have the freedom to read! With self publishing and a variety of networks you can basically read what ever you want to . I know that in some countries my brothers and sisters in Christ are not allowed to read the Bible. If they are found with it they will be punished. In America we don't have to tear out pages of God's Word and hide it in our pockets, just to get a snippet of it in privacy.
Our freedom to read is real!

I am typically a strong book only in hand kind of reader! My 16 year old reviewed Magic Warble for me and enjoyed it. Victoria Simcox has generously given 3 copies of her book in E-format for this giveaway. This allows me to include every country in the Freedom to Read!! This is a fun Juvenile Fiction book full of magical characters!

 Check out his review here http://melanieski.blogspot.com/2012/06/magic-warble-by-victoria-simcox.html



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Cleopatra's Choice Skin Care

Cleopatra's Choice

Unique Skin Care secrets from Around the World

"At Cleopatra's Choice our mission is to scour the planet to find the most rare and unique, highest quality and most effective skin care and beauty products and deliver them quickly to your door."

How nice that Cleopatra's Choice will travel the world looking for great products to bring to us here in America! I can dream about visiting the Dead Sea and finding great skin care products, but in the mean time I can count on Cleopatra's Choice to locate them for me.

The first product I tried was indeed made with mud from the Dead Sea, Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap

• Great for Eczema, Psoriasis or Acne!
• Adovia Mud Soap removes dirt and cleanses your skin, while simultaneously infusing it with minerals essential to keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized.
• Enriched with century old Dead Sea mud, leaving your skin cleansed and nourished
• The mud soap gently cleanses away oil, bacteria and dirt particles, leaving skin purified, detoxified and fully cleansed.
• Note: This soap has been found effective at relieving acne.

Shea butter 100% organic from Africa

I love shea butter. I have used it in my soap and lotion bar making for it's wonderful moisturizing properties. This is a product that is deeply moisturizing and lasts for along time. I used it on my face in the evening when it was feeling very dry.

 At first it is greasy so I recommend it being a nighttime moisturizer. My skin felt so refreshed and hydrated by morning, with no greasy feeling left. Works wonderful on dry heals, elbows, and knees as well.

I attempted a picture of one foot with shea butter on and one without to show the difference in moisture, it is so difficult to get pictures to show what I want at times. The one on the left has shea butter on it.

• Grade A
• Fair Trade, Sustainable Farming Made
• Raw, Unprocessed Shea Butter
• 100% Pure, Natural & Organic
• Highest Quality Shea Butter Guaranteed
• Imported from Ghana, Africa
  
  Pure, unrefined Shea Butter has been prized for thousands of years for its hydrating and healing properties. Originating from the tropics of Africa, it is an excellent source of Vitamins A, E and F. Naturally highly concentrated, Shea Butter is the natural and economic choice to replenish your dry, damaged skin and make it feel softer and healthier than it has in years.
  
  Easily absorbed; Pure Shea Butter is great for people of all skin types including those with skin sensitivities. Even mild enough for the delicate skin of a baby, its restorative properties promote skin elasticity which makes it the perfect solution for minimizing scars and stretch marks.
  

  These 2 products barely skim the surface of what Cleopatra's Choice offers in skin care. You can choose by country, price, or category for all of your needs.

Visit Cleopatra's Choice on Facebook 
While you are there enter to win on their Facebook Giveaway!

I am very thrilled to have found this company and excited to try their products from around the world!!

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions. I received the above to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising.

Protecting your Personal Information

I was late in jumping on the super highway band wagon. I hesitated because at the time the lack of safety and blocking features online. I felt it was a super highway to destruction and chose to only see the negative in it. Obviously my views have changed over the last 10 years and I have embraced the positive that comes via the super highway and having answers to my questions at the tip of my fingers. Life has gotten a lot easier because of the internet.

There is still a need for safety and protection though. Hackers, identity theft, and other perpetrators know much more about how to gain access to my information than I know how to protect it.
Identity theft is one of the country's top growing crimes. Removing personal information from the internet is becoming more of a necessity for us as we utilize the web more each day.

Reputation.com is a company that can help you keep your family safe by removing data from sites that sell your information, prevent unwanted email offers, block telemarketers from calling and prevent companies from tracking your online web browsing.

The freedom in our country should allow us access to the internet without everyone following us and tracking us down for the sole purpose of stealing from us!

Disclosure: This is a compensated post. All opinions are my own.

nuNAAT Chocolate Special review & giveaway

nuNAAT

"Chocolat Special is formulated with natural ingredients such as Cocoa Butter & Brazil Nut, this special line provides intensive treatment and moisturizing to damaged and dry hair, leaving hair shiny & healthy. Delicious chocolate scent! The complete line features a total of 4 items:

Shampoo (8.4 oz) - Retail Price: $5.49 each
Conditioner (8.6 oz) - Retail Price: $5.49 each
AntiFrizz (5.2 oz) - Retail Price: $6.99 each
Hair Mask (17.6 oz) - Retail Price: $6.49 each

For a girl who LOVES chocolate, you can't beat NuNAAT's Chocolat Special hair care products. Really light scented, which I just loved. I have no interest in smelling like an over perfumed diva. I much prefer the natural scents in my products.

This collection is geared for normal hair but with the cocoa butter rich nutrients it will be very moisturizing to dry hair as well. Superb moisturizing in the Chocolate Special conditioner, and even a deeper moisture in the Chocolate Cream hair Mask. Twice this past month I have used the mask to treat my hair, though my hair isn't overly dry. It has given it a thicker feel and a nice clean shine and shimmer. Left on for 20 minutes at a time, it replaces the daily conditioner during that washing, and gives it a nice deep moisturizing and replenishing. I noted a definite difference in softness in my hair after using the mask.

The daily use of the Chocolat shampoo and conditioner has given my hair a new thickness and lushness that I was lacking in previous hair care products. I can actually feel the revitalized hair and its shine is just wonderful! My hair is fairly thick and long but often times would have more of a stringy feel to it. The products from NuNAAT gave my hair a thickness and cohesiveness rather than the stringy feel. 

The Thermo Active Antifrizz I was unable to try out due to not having a blowdryer. My hair is so long that I typically let it air dry. I did try to put just a small amount on my wet hair and comb through, but wasn't able to notice a profound difference. I will definitely be trying this product in my hair once I secure the right equipment. Antifrizz is a product I need with my long straight hair. 


NuNAAT on Facebook
@nunaat


Want to try this Chocolat Special set from nuNAAT? 
Use the Rafflecopter below for entries. USA only. Ends July 13th








This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook or Twitter. Product(s) from nuNAAT were received FREE of charge in order to facilitate an honest review from blogger. No other compensation was received. All opinions are that of the blogger.


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Be Kind Kid Shop review & giveaway

Be Kind Kids Shop offers an alternative to plastic service ware for kids. No more BPA, phthlates, PVC, lead or biologically toxic chemicals!! A healthy alternative for your child and the earth.


The tempered glass makes it 2.5 times stronger than ordinary glass. Microwave and dishwasher safe for ease of heating and clean up. The tempered glass tumbler comes with a silicone silisipper top for those in training. Perfect size for toddler hands to hold. 

What does your cup cupboard look like with all of those mismatched sippy cups? A chaotic mess if it is anything like mine. The tumblers, bowls and plates are all stackable, giving you not only a great product for the kids, but ease of caring for them in the interim.  

The best way to teach young ones to be careful with plates and cups is let them try. Give them a chance to learn it. Be Kind products allow you the flexibility to allow a young toddler to handle a glass plate, that is extra durable, yet small enough for them to handle to get that practice they need. 

Visit Be Kind online and get your beautiful service ware for your toddler! http://www.bekindkidshop.com/

A Year of Jubilee is big into Giving Back, and I love to showcase companies that incorporate that into their mission. Be Kind gives a percent of its proceeds to Charity Water a non profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to developing nations.  Now that is something to get excited about!

Be Kind Facebook 


@bekindkidshop


Be Kind Kid Shop is offering one of my readers a Silisipper of your choice! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. USA only. 


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Lunastix Juggling Sticks Sponsor Review

Lunastix Juggling Sticks

In my search for Made in America products I happened upon Lunastix Juggling Sticks and was so thrilled that I was able to do a review for them. The concept of Lunastix came about as a fun challenge to engage your mind and relax you. Taking a break from screen time, and getting into the game at hand. 

They help give you Fun, Focus and Balance.

Made in Utah, this 3 piece set can give hours of fun and laughter as you try to learn Tic Toc, the Helicopter, the Spin and the Toss.
After you have those down to a science there are many advanced tricks you can try and each comes with a short video to show you how to do them. It does require a learning curve!

Entertaining for the person watching the child learn how to use this new devise :) 

Visit Lunastix online www.lunastix.com

Watch for the Made in America Blog Hop beginning July 4th for your chance to win a Kid set of Lunastix of your own!! http://melanieski.blogspot.com/2012/07/made-in-america-blog-hop.html

 

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions. I received the above to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising.

Freeky Friendz Sponsor Review

Freeky Friendz

the Perfectly Imperfect Toy!

Soft, fleecy, and made in the USA, Freeky Friendz® provides you with a handmade, unique toy! You can't say that about many of the toy stores today.

Freeky Friendz was inspired by the creative mind of a young man Dan, who wanted to give his friend a unique gift. He designed the first Freeky Friendz and more kids around him wanted to have him design for them, or they even wanted to design their own. The idea took off and Dan has not incorporated his family into the business and each toy is handmade here in America!

You can choose to Do it Yourself, sending in a sketch and they will create a fleece stuffed toy from your design. There are galleries online that you can see products already made to give you an idea. They also have premade ones for those who aren't quite as adventurous or need a toy sooner for a gift.

The craftmanship in the toy is very well done. Nice tight seams especially around the arms and legs. I love the embroidery on the eyes and faces of the creatures, utilizing a variety of bright fleece colors for more Freekyness.

 My 4 year old had been telling us he wanted a blue puppy for his birthday last year. Not so easy to find a blue puppy and I hadn't know about Freeky Friendz at that time. Well when they sent me a toy for review, guess what it was?? A blue puppy friendz and he was thrilled!!

 So soft to snuggle with and a great bedtime friend! He even had to make a funny face with his friend!

I love the detailed stitches that give it the homemade feel and reminds you that it is a super special friend.

Freeky Friendz has donated a new friend for one of my readers, and he is just darling!!

Stop back July 3rd for the Unique Gifts Blog Hop to enter to win this dual faced friend. You can get started on your entries by leaving a comment below and be sure to count it in the rafflecopter during the event!

I appreciate so much the mission of this company to provide handmade toys, to utilize the imagination of children, and continue to bring artistry to the toy world!

Visit them ONLINE at  http://www.freekyfriendz.com/index.html
and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Freeky-friendz-the-Perfectly-Imperfect-toy/227736259628

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions. I received the above to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising.

Lightning Tree by Sarah Dunster

Lightning Tree

Sarah Dunster

It is the early 1800's in Provo Utah and Maggie and sister Giovanna have been fostered by the Aldens for over 4 years, since their parents were killed. Maggie never quite feels like she belongs with the Aldens and that she is treated as a 2nd class person because of her French/Italian background. Dressing in worn clothes she feels she is a charity case to those around her. 

Maggie starts having dreams of guns and indians. She dreams of wars and the death of her parents. She dreams of a baby and it's death. Believing there must be truth to these dreams from her past, she begins to search for answers. Untrusting to those around her, she becomes cold toward her foster parents and takes her sister on the run. 

What I loved about this story is the focus on the dreams. They were so real to Maggie, so detailed and set in how she believes the truth happened. Though parts of her dreams were true, there were others that were not. I liked this because so many people put too much into dreams at times, taking them as facts and like Maggie did, reacting to people based on these dreams. The thoughts she had toward people were displaced and caused her more heartache because she held them within. 

This is a LDS novel, and I am not of the LDS denomination. It did have some Brighham Young references, and some of the elder men had several wifes. Weird, but that is the history of that religion. It wasn't overly preachy or anything that someone not in LDS would be put off. 

It was a great story about a family being created out of hardship and the love that they did in fact share for each other. 

 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.