Woolzies Dryer Ball Giveaway Winner...

Thanks for all the entries and comments! 

Now the moment we've all been waiting for!

The winner is..... Kate C.!

Please check your email! 

You have 24 hrs to respond from the time I emailed you! If you haven't responded in that time, I'll choose another winner!

Again, thanks for all the support and stay tuned for some more awesome giveaways!


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Woolzies Dryer Balls Review and Giveaway!

*I was allowed to test the product for free, in return for giving an honest product review. Here it is. Enjoy!

*Update: Giveaway is over, but stay tuned for more!*

Woolzie's Dryer Balls

I was so excited to test out this product for several reasons!

The first one is obvious, it's natural. No chemicals, just wool balls that will soften your clothes naturally.

Second, was that it says it will cut your dryer time down, saving time, money and energy!

With those two reasons alone, I was thrilled!

My husband is a power lineman. He works on the power lines and extremely high voltage. His work clothes are FR (Fire Resistant). If you are familiar with FR clothing, you know that any chemical fabric softener isn't supposed to be used on the clothing, because it can counter act the FR and even fuel a fire . (I got that off of the website, it's serious business.)

They arrived very quickly and were just as promised. All natural, wool balls!

They are about the size of a baseball. The kids thought they were fun toys. I had to keep tracking them down all over the house to put them back into the dryer.

After about two weeks of testing them out I have discovered that I REALLY LOVE THEM!

They really do make your clothes soft. I thought because of the size of them, that it would sound like a canon going off in my dryer, but honestly, there isn't that big of a noise difference. If you have ever put a tennis ball in your dryer, you'll know it's very loud. I was expecting the same noise with these balls, but never heard it. They are, for the most part, quiet. The noise level definitely varies by the load size, but nothing ever made it sound like there were tennis balls bouncing around in there. 

I noticed the definite decrease in dry time when it came to my blankets, and larger loads. With having a front loader washer and dryer, sometimes my sheets and duvet covers get really twisted and take about two hours to dry. I usually end up having to pull them out, pull them apart and keep trying to dry the sheets. With the Woolzies, I did have to separate them once, but over 90% of all the sheets and covers were already dry. (That NEVER happens!) The only spot that was still wet, was where a few pillow cases had crawled inside of my duvet cover and had gotten twisted up. Obviously, not a flaw of the balls.

My husband's work shirts came out so nice! They were soft and free of wrinkles and chemicals! Definitely, DEFINITELY better than air drying them.

I will say that the only down side of the dryer balls, is that they are not a static eliminator. The box says it is a static reducer. They are pretty honest about that. I'm not sure what a normal size static load is, but when I pulled out the blankets, there was definitely a noticable amount of static. 

This is not a deal breaker for me, though. They are wonderful to use, and are safe.

The kids like to help with laundry and kind of play with the balls as they fall out of the clothes we fold.

They have easy maintenance and will last you for 1,000 loads of laundry.

If you're thinking of making the switch, don't think too long! It's a great investment.

PLUS--If you able to wash your down/alternative down comforters at home, these are WONDERFUL!! Once you wash the comforter, it is recommended/suggested that you have tennis balls (or in this case Woolzies) to help fluff your feathers/comforter back up to normal. Two birds, one ball! (Ok, it's six balls, but you get the idea!)

They cost about $35, and they ship worldwide! If it seems like a bit of a pricy investment, look at your dryer sheets box, or your fabric softener. I believe you get around 120 Loads for about $10 a bottle/box of fabric softener sheets. That's adds up to a LOT MORE than $35 for 1,000 loads.

For one lucky reader--I get to share a box with you! (Well, not share-you get to enjoy your own box thanks to Woolzies!)

What a great way to kick off the Memorial Weekend!

Share, comment, like, you know the regular giveaway stuff! God Bless to all!


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My Love Language...

I'm alive. I've been busy. Isn't that our life story? Sometimes, I can't even remember what we've done that keeps us so busy. Oh well.

I do have one thing that I can share with you that has kept me busy. I have been reading lately. (I really do enjoy it!)

I've heard this book title whispered around a little bit, and then I heard it used directly around Valentine's Day. 

The book is called The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. 

Have you heard of it? You might have.

Now, before you go thinking this is just a book for someone in a relationship like marriage, you're wrong. This book, has several different spin offs, but will basically apply to EVERY relationship you have. Friendships, co-workers, moms/dads, siblings, and children. Basically, if you have a relationship with ANYONE, you can use this!

What really sparked me into reading the book, was a men's discussion panel for Valentine's Day. Several women/mom's asked a panel of men what they would really value or treasure as a gift. While, each one had their own answer, one man's in particular was very interesting to me. He said, "You need to know your husband's love language. Mine for instance is spending quality time, which means sitting on the couch watching TV, not saying anything."

This, sounds like my husband. Then I got to thinking, is it really that EASY? Maybe this would be the one step that could really help take our relationship, and all my relationships, to the next level.

Let me just tell you, it's a small book. But, it packs quite the punch. There are Five Love Languages. 

Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

Essentially, we all fall into one of these categories. 

I've always seen these pictures or posts or comments about how sexy women find men that vacuum the house and do laundry or wash dishes are. I never understood that. The reason I don't get that, is because that isn't my love language. That would be considered Acts of Service. While I think that stuff is great, I also think it's part of just being a couple.

After taking the quiz, I found out that I scored really high in Words of Affirmation and Gifts. Which, is really, two of the things I probably request and ask more than anything.

It made me also realize that the Gifts one is huge to me. I spend a lot of time thinking about giving people gifts, looking for gifts, finding surprise gifts, and what would make a just for fun gift, for anyone. Could I say the word gift anymore?

But, I also realize I scrutinize gifts that I/my children, get just as much! For me, gifts speak a lot of love. When I open a gift, I realize at that moment, how much that person really thought about me. How much that person really showed they loved me. Now, that's NOT to be confused with being expensive or having to have a lot of money spent on me. 

Just knowing that someone took the time to get to know me, my personality, my likes, life, and then created/found a gift that fits me, is just incredible! 

This fills my love tank.

My husband, was a little bit of a surprise. The book talks about how the things one often complains or nags about, tend to show you what their love language is. Even how someone tends to just act towards you. We tend to mirror the love language we are expecting.

I thought about my husband a lot, and before he took the quiz I had pretty much figured out what his love language was. Or thought I had them both figured out. I was almost 100% correct.

His major love language is Acts of Service. Having dinner ready for him, washing his clothes, running errands, washing his truck, cleaning the house-these all showed him love. Made him feel secure. He always does this stuff for me, so I could tell this was going to be one of his big ones.

He will make me breakfast, he will clean my car, he will change the oil and rotate the tires, and he will even clean the house.

His second one, was actually a surprise. He likes gifts and quality time. The quality time one, wasn't the surprise. He tends to be the kind of man that just wants me to hang out in the garage with him while he works on his dirt bike, or shows me his new welds. He always likes to show me stuff he's doing and complains that I'm online too much when we are watching TV together. Yep, quality time is one that didn't come as a surprise to me.

Gifts and my husband. Two things I NEVER thought would go together. He's never really one for giving me gifts, but also, when I give him gifts (even the ones he will specifically ASK me to get for him) he just never seems to be to excited about it. I guess that just goes to show you, there are always new things to learn about the loved ones in our life!

We've been applying these things to our life on a daily basis now. I have to say, it takes a lot of the guessing out of what will work and what doesn't. It's actually been quite a relief! I now know, what I can do to show him, I love him. He's been doing mine as well. It's been so amazing!

We finally speak, the SAME LANGUAGE!!!!

After we took our quizzes, I actually have asked several friends and family members to do the same. 

My mom, turns out, is an Acts of Service person. My sister is just like me. There is no better way to show people you love them by speaking their language.


If you don't want to buy the book, and I do encourage it, then go to this link and take your profile quiz! Find out what your language is! You might be surprised.

The 5 Love Languages Profile Quiz


*Contains affiliate links in post.


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"You obeyed the truth and your souls were made pure. Now you sincerely love each other. But you must keep on loving with all your heart."
1 Peter 1:22 (CEV)

Check out some of my other posts!

Getting out of the routine to build a healthier marriage!

Kids Domestic Play Passports! Get Real Stamps!

Surprise others with your kindness! Watch it spread!

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Keeping your Mouth in Check with your Heart

We've all done it. 

Had that moment, when we've said something we wished we hadn't. Boy, those words linger a long time don't they? Bet you can remember your face flushing red, or the look on the other person's face, or the sound in their or your own voice.

We've all experienced it.

A friend, loved one, co-worker let loose a statement or comment that knocked you back and maybe knocked you straight down to the ground. You remember that moment well. It's been with you for awhile. Maybe you've had several from the same people. Regardless of the circumstances, you've experienced the hurt, devastation and frustration from someones thoughtless words.

I've been spending a lot of time trying to listen to what I've been saying. I have been in a constant reminder over the past month or so about my words and what they really mean.

That probably sounded a little vague. Let me explain. I'm sure you've probably encountered a few of these sayings some where in your life.

Kind words are like honey-they cheer you up and make you feel strong.
                                                          -Proverbs 16:24 (CEV)

Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
                                                          -Proverbs 21:23 (CEV)

A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
                                                           -Jewish Proverb

The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.
                                                        -Benjamin Franklin

Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart.
                                                         -Zig Ziglar

Don't let your mouth write a check your tail can't cash.
                                                          -Bo Diddley

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
                                                          -Matthew 12:37

Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart.
                                                          -Luke 6:45 (CEV)

Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.
                                                               -Proverbs 17:28

I think that's enough to get the point over. The big one that I keep getting is the message from Luke 6:45. Your words show what is in your heart.

Do you ever hear people constantly being negative? Constantly coming up with drama? If you listen to them, and what they're really saying, you'll learn to read between the lines. They're unhappy. They have some thing in their heart that is just sad, and that is why they say all the things they do.

Have you ever been around someone who is just joyful? Who just speaks great things and helps to build you up? You would know if you had. I'm talking about a person who was sincere and genuine. Not someone just throwing compliments randomly out there, but someone who has a great heart. Someone who can help you see the positive, when something negative tries to hit you. (Sometimes, it can almost be annoying! But, never the less, you still are so thankful for those people who can help show you the wonderfulness that life has.)

I've been more quiet lately. (Go ahead and laugh a little right now, because if you know me, it's almost funny to imagine me being quiet.) But, I've been struggling lately. I know that I've encountered a lot of negative words recently. It made me wonder if I had been doing the same thing to other people. I needed time to look inside myself and see what I was battling and dealing with. I needed to listen to what my heart was telling other people and myself. 

If the power of our words brings life and death, happiness and sorrow, healing or hurt-why is it, we don't treat them all like the treasures they really are?

There was a time that all people had were words. There were no cell phones, computers, books and documents. If someone gave you their word, it was a done deal. Goods traded and sold, all at the power of a word.

There are still a few things that only require a few words, in order to change a life. Words like, "Will you marry me?" "I do!" "We're pregnant!" "We'd like to offer you the job!" "Congratulations!" "I'm proud of you." "I love you."

These small words, are so powerful. They are also not offered, often. 

I bet some of your most memorable days, included some of the most kind hearted words you'd ever heard. Mine do. The day I got engaged, was so special and amazing. Some of the most difficult days I've made it through, were all because someone gave me some kind words and positive encouragement.

Maybe if we all started using more positive words, we could see a difference and change in people. Have you told your kids you're proud of them lately? Have you reminded your mom and dad that you're thankful, for all they've done and sacrificed for you? Have you ever told your friend that their support was what changed their whole week around, or maybe life? Have you told your spouse how wonderful they are and why?

I've never heard anyone, EVER, complain about being told something positive.

Well, ok, that's not entirely true. I was once given a work evaluation and told, as a negative point, that I was too "cheerful and bubbly." (Pause for an awkward moment.....) Yea, I thought it was weird too. There's always someone who wants to rain on a positive parade, but again, you can see those people have some deep hurt/fears/hate in their hearts.

As I move on from my newly learned lesson, I hope that I've shared something with you, for your life. Listen to what you've been saying. Even if it means you're a little quieter and don't have a lot to say right now. Evaluate what it is you mean.

Maybe, if you're reading this, you're seeing that it's meant for someone in your life. Maybe they need more positive words. Maybe someone in your life needs to be built up, because they're struggling inside. Maybe they just need to be reminded how truly wonderful they are. 

So I dare you-go build someone up! Go use your Super Power Words for GOOD! Go and share the love! You'll NEVER regret saying something positive and meaningful, to someone.


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Friendship: The New Dating Game

30 Acts of Kindness

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My 30th Birthday

This day has finally arrived. I'm 30. It's an age that when I was about 13, I thought was old. Like, REALLY old. An age that seemed so far away, but was the start of the downhill of life.

I'm so glad I'm not 13 anymore. This birthday, means nothing even remotely close to what I thought it did back then.

This birthday, is the celebration of life. It's the acknowledgment that throughout some of the stupidest things I've ever done in my youthful life, I've managed to live to tell the tales to another generation. That I've grown in all areas and ways of life. That I've taken paths that have never been traveled, and that I've shared my means with others.

This birthday was the realization that I have SO FAR to go yet. That at this point in my life, I could never be done doing, what needs to be done. 

I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I've been given. I've been incredibly blessed with all the people I've met in my life. Those who have been around to help give me guidance and perspective. To share their errors and triumphs with me, in hopes that I'll be able to have an even better life. 

I'm even grateful for those challenging and difficult people I know/have in my life. It's because of these people and their daily challenges for me, that I get to experience what it truly means to love. These people also show me that out of each difficult situation, there is a lesson to be learned and shared. If we didn't learn from them, life would be pretty uneventful and probably hopeless.

But nonetheless, I'm 30! What a fabulous thing! 

As I've been mentioning and doing in some of my posts, I wanted to be a giver and a sharer of this moment. (Not just this moment, I've realized but in EVERY moment!)

I kicked off my 30th with doing 30 Random Acts of Kindness.

http:www.spirituallythinking.blogspot.com
Taken from Here! Love this!

I just want to encourage each and every one of you, to try this at some point in your life. You don't necessarily need to do thirty things, or even ten different things. But this journey was amazing!

I took about a month and half to sit down and plan this. I needed to save a little money and some of these things required a lot of time.

I made a list of things I wanted/thought I could do. I had planned to do them all in one day, but after I started acquiring all this 'stuff' I realized, my car was too SMALL to hold everything in one shot. Plus, my husband pointed out that taking my two little kids with me every where I went to do this, would make this a miraculous feat to get it all done in one full day.

My Collection of Items!

I broke it up into a few things each day. My kids could take doing this stuff for about an hour or two max. He was right. Yes, I said it. My husband, was RIGHT! 

Here is what I did, and how it went! Enjoy!

 Act #1. Donated Valentine's to the homeless shelter for the kids to make and take to school.

 Act #2. Took puzzles and coloring books and crayons and dropped them off at the hospital for the kids.

 Act #3. Donated coffee to the homeless shelter.

 Act #4. Sent a Yiftee to a lucky Reader!

 Act #5. Picked up garbage around the neighborhood.

Act #6. Donated expired coupons to the Red Cross for the troops.

 Act #7. Sent cards to friends and family with lots of love

 Act #8. Put coupons out at the store for people to use.

 Act #9. Left diapers at the diaper stations.

 Act #10. Handed out Blessing Bags to the people in need.

 Act #11. Handed out waters to people we saw, like the mail lady, homeless, the kids holding signs and billboards by the street.

Act #12. Retrieved rogue shopping carts throughout the store parking lots, and placed them in the carousels.

 Act #13. Helped a gentleman with his groceries and put his cart away. (He was really surprised I offered to help, and even more so when he found out I didn't work for the store.)

Act #14. Smile all day at people. (This seems easy, but try it! Actually focus on walking through the store with a smile on your face. You have to make an effort to keep doing it....all day long...all the time! But, it works. Everyone can't help but smile back.)

Act #15. Bought flowers and cards and gave them to a gas station attendant. (There were two of them.) As I drove away, I saw them smile.

 Act #16. Woke up Monday morning to snow! Got out REALLY early and shoveled my neighbors side walks and tried to brush the snow off their windshields.

Act #17. Used my cute Treat Holders (how to make post HERE) and gave the librarians some milk and donuts! They thought the treat holder was cute and the thought was very nice!

Act #18. Gave a homeless, smiling, helpful man, who was outside the post office, a coupon for chicken nuggets at Burger King with the money to cover it, plus tax and I threw some extra money. Also gave him a blessing bag with dry socks, and a water. He was so happy.

Act #19. Made Red Velvet Cupcakes for the nurses at our local hospital. (Heads up on this one--you may need to call ahead and find out if they will take them! I actually have a few neighbors who are nurses, who brought them, because our hospital will only take pre-packaged food to hand out from a stranger. Makes sense when you think about it.) Included a thank you note for them always being awesome!

 Act #20. Gave the crossing guard at the local school some milk and donuts in my cute Treat Carrier!

 Act #21. Bought the person's coffee behind me in line at Starbucks.

Act #22. Brought back old vases to a local mom and pop floral shop! They were really grateful!

Act #23. Put up notes with the change for a soda, on the soda machines. (Pop machines, if you're from the Midwest!)

Act #24 & #25. Gave donuts and thank you cards to both the local fire station and sheriff's office!

Act #26. Made 89 homemade Valentine's for the local assisted living/nursing home. (Are you always finding fun projects to make with your kids and not sure what to do with them all, bring them there! They really appreciate it!)

Act #27. Wrote out positive, encouraging and loving notes and left them on cars.

Act #28. Donated a bag of dog food to the local animal shelter.

Act #29. Donated some medical supplies to the local free clinic. (Nothing major, just small things.) They are always grateful and they take care of so many in our local areas!  

Act #30. Recycle plastic garbage bags. 

Act #31. Tell my family and friends how much I love them! 

Act #32. Leave a big tip! Even if they don't deserve it. You never know what's going on in their life, and perhaps your note and tip will be the reason their night turns around and others will get great service that night too! 

 Act #33. Mail treats to an unsuspecting friend! Surprise!

Act #34. Gave away a diamond candle on the blog to a lucky reader! (See, I give good stuff here!) 

Act #35. Bought Milk & Cookies for all the kids at Story Hour. Mom's totally appreciate this!

Act #36. Place stamps on envelopes at the card store.
Act #37. Donate blood.
Act #38. Leave $1 bills at the Dollar Store for people to find.
Act #39. Buy a grocery store gift card and give it to someone in the store to use.
Act #40. Hand out balloons to people.
Act #41. Pay for someone's hair cut (Done by friends!)
Act #42. Pay for someone's gas. (Done by friends!)

Ok, so I did more than 30, but once you get started you realize how awesome and incredibly fun it is, to be the blessing in someone's life.

The flowers, and the grocery carts, the coffee and cookies were some of my favorites, because I actually got to see some of the reactions.

You know how you always HEAR about people doing good things, and you think, "I can do that?" Go do it! Be a DOER! 

I have to tell you, when I first started this, I had serious doubts. I thought people would think I'm crazy and that it feels weird. But you have to fight PAST that! Because, wouldn't you want any of these nice things to happen to you?!?! I know I would. So what are you waiting for? 

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE!

All these are just small seeds. People that mock small seeds, fail to realize that all great things come from something small. The biggest trees started from a tiny seed. Even we, as people, started from something even smaller than a seed! Look how we've grown! Go and be amazing! Go and DO!

After realizing how easy it is to do these things, I plan to keep going. There is no reason that I should just do these once in my life or once a year. I can't wait to keep doing all these things.

I'd love to hear what you've done-or ideas you have! Tell me how it felt to do some random acts of kindness! Or how it felt when one happened to you!

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without

 realizing it.

Hebrews 13:2

Want more ideas on how to spread some fun love and cheer? Check out these posts!

Giving Gifts To Those Who Don't Care For You

Giving in Secret

Recalls story of getting gifts, and giving back

Coffee Dates

Donate Breast Milk

Library Fines

Flying With Thanks!

Sending Cheer!

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