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Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute

Friday, March 30, 2012

UTIs Have Bad Timing…Cystex Cranberry and Cytex Plus Giveaway

UTIs Have Bad Timing…Get Dual-Action Relief Until You Can See the Doc! 

Be sure to enter my giveaway at the bottom! 

UPDATE - GIVEAWAY DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30TH.
Because of my surgery I haven't been able to promote my last 2 giveaways like I would like so I am extending the giveaway deadline to Monday, April 30th.

There never is a “good” time to be hit with a urinary tract infection (UTI), but they seem to have terrible timing…usually showing up at a busy time or before an important event. It’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms occur, but a Cystex® survey revealed that 20% of women with UTI symptoms typically wait three days or more to obtain medical attention. Those days that can be extremely uncomfortable, and risky, because the infection can become worse during that time! Cystex® PLUS Urinary Pain Relief Tablets are a great over-the-counter remedy to keep handy, so that you can be prepared for the next inopportune time painful UTI symptoms occur.



Unlike other non-prescription UTI products, with Cystex® PLUS Urinary Pain Relief Tablets, you can manage UTI symptoms from two angles! The dual-action formula has an analgesic to relieve the pain/burning, as well as an antibacterial agent (methenamine) to inhibit the progression of the infection...so that you can keep up with your “double action” life -- until you are able to get an appointment to see a doctor. (If you’ve ever experienced a UTI, you might remember how quickly the early symptoms progressed into a full-blown infection with the pain, burning and frequency associated with UTIs!) And another plus – Cystex Plus Urinary Pain Relief Tablets won’t discolor your urine and stain your underwear.


Cystex® PLUS Urinary Pain Relief Tablets are available at drug stores nationwide at the suggested retail price of $9.25 for a package of 40 tablets and $15.95 for a 100-count package.

Continue reading how you can win a giveaway on Facebook or right here on COTTON PICKIN CUTE!

Now, if you’re one of the unfortunate millions of women who are prone to recurrent UTIs (three or more in a 12-month period), boosting the health of the urinary tract to help end the cycle of infection is your ultimate goal. Cystex® Cranberry Urinary Health Complex is a great-tasting, drug-free, daily supplement that is clinically proven to promote urinary health. Cystex® Cranberry Complex combines the health benefit of eight glasses of cranberry juice in its unique, convenient Proantinox® cranberry formula – and is sugar free! More than just cranberry concentrate, its proprietary blend also contains D-Mannose, inulin, bromelain, and vitamin C, a formulation designed to boost bladder health.


Cystex® Cranberry Urinary Health Complex is available nationwide at drug chains and mass market retailers, including Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Duane Reade, for a suggested retail price of $9.95 (7.6 fl oz).

Both products are also available online at www.cystex.com, www.drugstore.com and other online retailers.

Do you have a story to tell about how Cystex® PLUS Urinary Pain Relief Tablets or Cystex® Cranberry Urinary Health Complex have been a PLUS in your life or do you have thoughts about how they could be a potential PLUS in your life? Cystex is interested and your stories about how the tablets and/or the liquid have helped in the past or could be helpful in the future. By entering the Cystex PLUS You Sweeps and telling your story about how a particular Cystex product has been or could be helpful to you, you have the chance to win yourself a Cranberry red Coach Wristlet and the chance to be featured on the Cystex Facebook page as our “story of the month,”! Check out the Cystex PLUS You Sweeps today, and enter for your chance to win: www.facebook.com/cystex


Wait!  That's not your only chance to win.  The great people at Cystex® are giving one of you, my Cotton Pickin Cute readers a chance to win one package of Cystex Plus tablets and one bottle of Cystex Cranberry. 

To enter:
  • Just leave a comment below telling me have you experience a UTI infection and have you ever used Cystex.
  • ***You must do this for an entry.  Don't forget to leave your email address in case you win.

For extra entries:
*you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry If you follow tell me how - gfc, linky or email.


  • Become a Cotton Pickin Cute GFC,Linky follower or subscribe by email (on right sidebar).
  • Share on Facebook - you can use the botton at the bottom of this post.
  • Share on Twitter - you can use the botton at the bottom of this post.
  • Like Cystex on Facebook.


This giveaway ends April 30st.  Good luck Ya'll....Tracy ♥

I'm linking up to the following parties.  Stop by and visit them for more giveaways.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Winner, Winner - Time For Dinner

It's time to announce the Hamburger Helper Prize Package Giveaway.
Without further adu....
Come on down Jamie @  Cinderella10383!  You're the lucky winner the Hamburger Help prize pack shown below. 
I've emailed you Jamie and you have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be drawn.

Thanks to everyone for entering and continuing to make my giveaways a success.  We have more in the works coming up very soon!

Disclosure: The Hamburger Helper New Varieties information, product, and prize pack have been provided free of charge by Betty Crocker® and General Mills®, through MyBlogSpark.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Win a cool Roackboard Radiate Skateboard @ Our Ordinary Life

Kristin @ Our Ordinary Life is having a giveaway.
Wow, I wish they had this when I was a kid.  I had a skate board in the hum-ha...60's, but it was nowhere this cool.  It's called Rockboard Radiate Skateboard.

I'm hoping to win it for my grandson and since I'm sharing the secret giveaway location with you, there's a chance you can win it too. Ha-ha.  Just click here to visit Kristin's giveway at Our Ordinary Life.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Jesus' face appears in Florida

A woman right here in Florida says she looked up and saw Jesus' face in the power box.
Accorging to MSN, a Florida woman says Jesus has returned -- to a power box across from her mobile home. "I came out on the patio and I was praying and I just looked over back towards the woods and I seen this here," the woman told WKMG. "And it was a comfort to me." The Jesus-shaped likeness attracted her neighbors, who crowded around the nonworking meter to take pictures of the image with their cell phones.
What do think? It's a shame the picture's not bigger or clearer so we could get a better idea. Wouldn't it be wonderful to think that Jesus sends image reminders out to give us all faith and hope in such difficult times. What a great way to get the message across....

JESUS IS ALL POWERFUL.
 
I don't know if this is a true miracle. There have been so many sightings over the years by over zealous people trying to make the unbeliever change their mind. Maybe they did it with good intentions (not that I think it's right- quite the contrary).


If it is dis-proven as a hoax that's terrible. If it's never proven to be a miracle, does it really matter? The point is, it got us talking, thinking and more than likely just a little bit hopeful that YES, Jesus does want us to know that he's right here with us, listening during these hard times. I know that the woman in Florida is probably sleeping very good tonight.

Sorry that I've been missing in action lately. I'm obsessed with spring cleaning, renovations, DIY projects and even yard work. By the way, when you clean does it seem to get worse before it gets better? I have to drag everything out at once which leads to another thing and so on and so on. I've got at least every room in my house totally messed up. Neils doing sheet rock repairs so everything comes out of that room. In the mean time I tackle another room. No kidding we have mudding going on in 3 rooms right now. Everything is in the dining room and living room. Not a clean room in the house, I tell you.

When I'm not doing one of the above I'm usually rubbing my arthritis aching foot or nursing a sinus headache. Darn spring pollen, it's killin' me. Anyway, I'm having a hard time even going to the computer. I'll try to get my time organized this weekend and be back on track next week.

Hugs ya'll......Tracy ♥

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

I'm Ready For A Midnight Swim

Doesn't this look like another world?
I want to go here or any other beach with these.  The photo of the eerie glowing waves was taken in Maldives.  You can find that this takes place in other places too.  I read that others have seen them in California and even Hilton Head, South Carolina.  Who knew? 

Scientists say it's a completely natural biological phenomenon. The shoreline surf is dotted with tiny pinpricks of light.  This "bioluminescence" is simply blue light from phytoplankton, microscopic sea creatures that secrete illuminating chemicals as a survival mechanism.

I had to look up Maldives.  No idea where that was.  Come on, admit it, you didn't know either.  This is what I found out.

The Republic of Maldives is a small nation that lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean and is made up of over 1,900 beautiful coral reef islands of varying sizes. These islands are located south of India’s Lakshadweep Islands and about 435 miles southwest of the country of Sri Lanka. Of these islands, only about 200 are inhabited. The nation of Maldives is known for its gorgeous, crystal blue seas, reefs teeming with fish, beautiful white sand beaches that are fringed with palm trees, and its friendly local people.

So what about it?  Does anyone else wanna go for a midnight swim with me?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Decorating with Novica Review

Novica.  This was a new name to me.  When first approached by a representative to do a review I paused but only for a moment. Once I saw that they were associated with National Geographic I was ready to learn more.  I only want to review products that are relative to me or you, my readers.  I really like the unique home decor pieces they have like the Banana Rolled Leaf Vases I chose below.
Novica with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. We have thousands of top fair trade corporate gifts, accessories, jewelry and home decor items on our website.


Novica is a wonderful place to shop when looking to purchase a gift for someone or yourself.  When I give a gift, I like to feel pretty assured that I'll be giving them something unique and different.  No chance that they'll get two when you shop with Novica.
I adored these Banana Roll Ceramic Vases.  I love the color and the lined detail.  Better yet they come in a pair.  You can see in the top photo that I've used them for there intended purpose - Vases.  But there are so many things you could use these for.  Like holding silverware and napkins.
Novica has a large selection of items to chose from.  Not only do they have items for the home, you can also find women accessories from clothing to jewelry.  I love this Silk blend beaded clutch handbag called 'Holiday'.

I've been wanting to start a collection of walking sticks to display in an urn in my foyer.  I love this elephant one.
They even have a new home party division, NOVICA LIVE. If you're looking for a part time career with your own hours, this might be the consultant job for you.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Hamburger Helper Prize Package Giveaway

When I hear that daily question of “What’s for dinner?,” I don't get worried even when I'm super busy! Honestly, Neil askes me to make Hamburger Helper all the time.  He really loves it.  What I love is how quick and easy it is for me to make when I'm busy.  What's even better is that Neil has helped me out when I'm really behind and made it himself!  No kidding.  Thanks Neil and thanks Hamburger Helper!

For 40 years, Hamburger Helper® has helped to make family dinner time easy, and now with two new delicious varieties, Ultimate Beef Stroganoff and Cheesy Italian Beef, Hamburger Helper offers even more options for easy family style cuisine. With naturally- flavored mixes and rich, tasty sauces, Hamburger Helper makes a meal your family will be happy to gather around. Be among the first to try these two new, quick and easy dinner options with the ones you love. Because after all, who couldn’t use a little help in the kitchen?
NEW Hamburger Helper Ultimate Beef Stroganoff provides rich roast beef flavor and pasta with a decadent sour cream flavored sauce mix.  This is my favorite by the way.

NEW Hamburger Helper Cheesy Italian Beef features real Italian herbs and pasta enhanced with naturally flavored Italian-style sauce mix.


Just add milk, water and ground beef


In addition, visit http://bit.ly/HamburgerHelperCoup to download a printable coupon for $0.70 off the purchase of one box of Hamburger Helper and be sure to share this coupon with your family, friends and readers so they too can take advantage of the savings and try these new varieties today!

Visit the Hamburger Helper website here to find ways to spice up your meals with recipes, videos and more.


Your Hamburger Helper prize pack will contain:


  • Box of Hamburger Helper Ultimate Beef Stroganoff
  • Box of Hamburger Helper Cheesy Italian Beef
  • Serving dish
  • Slotted serving spoon
  • Trivet
Now here's a chance for one Cotton Pickin Cute reader (that's you) to win this awesome prize pack.  Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter form.  Please wait for the Rafflecopter form to load.


Mandatory Entry Has to be completed or your entry does not count.


After doing so, other extra entry's will unlock for you to choose to do any or all.

All entry's are verified when the winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good Luck Ya'll!!


Disclosure: The Hamburger Helper New Varieties information, product, and prize pack have been provided free of charge by Betty Crocker® and General Mills®, through MyBlogSpark.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Makeover A Pallet Into A Family Sign

With all the pallet inspiration floating around blogland I knew it was just a matter of time before I made something from them too.
Say hello to my family beach sign.  At least that's what it reminds me of.  Trying to pull nails out of old pallets is about as hard as it gets.  My solution, drag Neil into my project and get him use the circular saw and cut them apart. 
I wanted to make each one a different color and of course I didn't want to spend any money, so I just used what I could dig up around here.  Sorry but I didn't take a picture of the next couple of steps. I took the electric sander and roughed the paint up a bit.  Then I hand painted the names of the family with some acrylic craft paint.
I used the drill to make holes for the twine.  I marked the spots on both the top and bottom and drilled half way from each side to meet in the middle.

It worked.
I used one length of string for the whole sign and tied knots evenly (sorta) between each name to keep them spaced.
I've started with Neil and me, then my son and his wife and our grandchildren by oldest to youngest.
This thing's heavy, so we were sure to find a stud to nail the hanger into.  I used a small wooden thread spool with the nail going though it to make a beefier hanger.
To add the shells to the bottom, I brought out the hot glue gun.  I twisted some wire and made a puddle of glue on the back of each shell embedding the wire.  Then I could just thread the shells on the twine for a nice finishing touch.
I hope you like it.  I smile and think of my loved ones every time I see it!  All that happiness on a ZERO budget.  Money out of pocket = $0.00.  Everything I used was leftovers from other projects.

Thanks for taking the time out to visit me.  I hope you'll leave a comment so I'll know where to visit you too.  Plus, it just makes me feel so doggone GOOD when you do!
Hugs...Tracy ♥
I'm linking my new family sign up to the following parties. There are so many creative bloggers.  Just click on the party below and magically go there and check them out for yourself.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

I've Been As Lucky As A Leprechaun Lately

I've won not 1 but 3 giveaways over the last few months.  Can I take a minute to brag and show you my treasures?  I thought so, thanks!

#1 - I was the winner of Candy's birthday giveaway.  Lucky me won the 3 Birds on Parade cricut cartridge from Candy @  Candy's Craft Corner.  Who else but wonderful bloggers give someone else presents for their birthday.
Just look at this cute card Candy made yesterday. 
I love it!  She's so talented.  Her blog is full of creativity and she always has lots of giveaways to share.  I hope you'll stop by to visit her and tell her I said hi.  You want be disappointed.I

#2 - I won the devotional book Mornings with Jesus 2012 from Julie @ More Of HimI love devotionals and this is from Guideposts.  I now keep Mornings with Jesus next to my bed.  It's the first thing I read in the mornings.  I read and Neil listens and we pray right there in bed before we get started on whatever lies ahead for the day.
I keep another devotional on the kitchen counter that we read over lunch.  It's a great way to stay focused and jump start our conversation in a positive direction.

We have on more devotional that my cousin Bobbie gave us the day Neils mother died.  That was such a sweet gift and each day I'm reminded of her and the importance of family when we read it.  This one stays on the living room coffee table and we take a moment out in the evening to read it.  It's also from guidepost.

Julie @ More Of Him is a mother with a love for the Lord.  She enjoys reading, writing, and crafting of all kinds.  She has a kind heart and loves to make new friends so hop over to see her.  I'm sure you'll make her day and you'll be better for it too.

#3 - I won these adorable Felted Circus Lamb Ornaments from Ashley @ The Veater Family Adventures. These cute ornaments were created by Bossys Feltworks.  You can see their adorable items in there Etsy shop by clicking here.
Ashley's a self described pathological picture taker.  And she really does take beautiful photos.  I think this one of her daughter is so fun and cute.  Remember how fun and uninhibited it was to be a kid.  She captured that.  What a great picture to look back on.
Stop by Ashley's to find some fun inspiration.

Thanks to all these wonderful bloggers for hosting these giveaways and to their sponsors for realizing the power of the blog.  It's so fun to win and I feel lucky and blessed to have won each one.

Hugs Ya'll......Tracy ♥


The End of the Road

We hear the same thing every time someone comes to our house for the first time, 'I never knew this was down here'.  You don't even feel like you're in the city once you head down this road.
And they're right, you don't.  When I worked, I loved turning down the road to go home and getting out of that backed up traffic.  The road is less than a  half-a-mile long but you don't even hear the traffic because we're at the end of it with.  This is my neighbors beautiful view on the point just past my house.  Except for the occassion sea doo's, boaters and row teams, it's as quiet as can be.

There are only 2 houses passed ours.  Their driveways veer off at the end of our drive.  And even then one house (you can see it here) has been sitting vacant while the neighbor was in an assisted living facility.  I just heard yesterday she will be coming back home and have hospic care for her after she recovers from a broken hip.

These two neighbors have been here as long as we have.  And that brings me to my other neighbor, the one who's owns the beautiful view above.  The one that sits right next door.  We've been good friends for such a long time now. 

She has a couple of daughters about my age and she's always mothered me a bit but she's so fun you'd think she's my age.  Like just the other night, I called her up and asked if the gate was locked yet and told her I'd made cupcakes.  He response, so did I.  She was just getting ready to pick up the phone and call me.  So what did we do?  We met at the gate as dusk turned to dark and passed cupcakes through.  What a peaceful feeling to stand in the quiet of the evening and chat with a friend that's bound to this land as much as we are.  It's comforting to know that she's there for me, just thinking about us, just like we're thinking about them.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers and The Lorax GIVEAWAY!!!

Welcome the newest arrival of products from Seventh Generation that are gentle on baby, safe for the planet, and convenient for you, not to mention “Lorax approved!”

In partnership with Universal Studios’ motion picture debut of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax* also known as the “Speaker for the Trees” who brings environmental truth and ecological hope to all, Seventh Generation will feature limited edition Lorax prints on all our diapers and training pants. These prints are intended to remind parents and caregivers of the lessons of The Lorax, and encourage family reading and environmental awareness while creating a few smiles. Discover (or rediscover) Dr. Suess’ The Lorax as you read about his legacy and messages of sustainability with your child, and inspire a new generation of environmentalists starting with your family!

The Seventh Generation family of Free & Clear baby products continues to deliver on your needs as it expands in March, with the addition of NEW Overnight Diapers. Moreover, Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with new, improved tabs for better fit while Free and Clear training pants now have an absorbent core that is made with more renewable materials.


Be among the first to try these new products before they hit store shelves and rest assured that with every Seventh Generation purchase you’re helping to protect the planet for future generations!
  • NEW Overnight Diapers are absorbent enough to keep your baby and bedding dry through the night or during prolonged travel 
  • Free & Clear diapers have improved more flexible tabs that provide even better fit

  •  Free & Clear training pants have an absorbent core made with more renewable, plant-based materials. They also feature stretchy, tear away side panels for a better fit and added convenience, as well as inner leak barriers for superior leakage protection

  • Seventh Generation Free & Clear baby care products do not contain chlorine, fragrance, petroleum-based lotions or latex, and all Free & Clear products are also hypo-allergenic

  • Starting March 2, you can register for a free The Lorax scrapbook with the purchase of any three Free & Clear diaper products, until supplies last

One lucky Cotton Pickin Cute visitor will win a Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack containing:

  •  One package of new Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper product
  •  A copy of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax storybook
This giveaway will end on 3/16 at 12 AM.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*The movie Dr. Seuss' The Lorax © 2012 Universal Studios debuts in theaters.

I'm linking up to the following parties.  Stop by and visit them for more giveaways.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Creativity Starts At Home - Join Lisa Loeb and Crayola “Inside the Crayon Box” LIVE

Creativity matters and I don't think anyone knows that better than bloggers.  I mean really, that's what we're all about, right.  When better to stir the soul of creativity then during childhood.  Children are so open and uninhibited.  I really think spending time encouraging creativity in our children will guide them into a world of bigger and brighter possibilities.
That's why I'm excited to share some news with you about an upcoming event that is going to focus on inspiring your little ones to become creatively alive with the help of Crayola.
Creativity matters. It´s a skill that all children can learn and when it´s practiced every day, kids become the critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders in the classroom, and they´re better prepared for professions of the 21st century.


Crayola wants every child to be creatively alive, so they´re inviting parents "Inside the Crayon Box," for a special live chat with celebrities and trusted parenting experts that will inspire and spark ideas to expand your child´s creative thinking. If you find yourself looking for new ways to inspire your children to express their ideas and build their creativity, you´ll want to join us to learn and share!




The first "Inside the Crayon Box" live chat is Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. EST. Join Crayola and musician, children´s author and mom, Lisa Loeb for a 45-minute live streaming video chat on the Crayola Facebook Page. Lisa, best-known for her number one hit "Stay (I Missed You)," will share as personal stories, practical advice and ways she brings a little creative play into every day for her daughter.   The people at Crayola want to hear from you - participants will be able to ask Lisa questions during the live event!


Interested in the topics to be covered during the chat?




  • Why Does Creativity Matter? Creativity is not about who´s the best artists or becoming an architect. It´s a way of thinking that encourages kids´ original ideas and develops their confidence.


  • Growing Up Creative. Lisa will share stories about growing up in a home where creativity was encouraged.


  • Simple Tips. Easy Ideas. Like most moms, Lisa juggles a lot. She´ll share simple, easy ways she sparks her daughter´s creativity as part of their daily routine.
Just in case you miss the Crayola "Inside the Crayon Box" event, check out the Crayola YouTube Channel where the session will be posted.  Crayola has a great you tube page with lots of videos that you'll want to check out.


To learn more about the tools from Crayola that make it easy for parents to help children develop their creativity www.Crayola.com and like Crayola on Facebook!
Also, be sure to check out Lisa´s book Lisa Loeb´s Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs (Sterling Children´s Books, 2011) available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Sing, laugh, and play with pop Lisa in this fabulous collection of ten of the silliest songs ever. Fun activities, games, and recipes accompany whimsical songs. Take Lisa's Silly Sing-Along with you wherever you go and get the high-spirited good times started. Includes a 10-song CD recorded by Lisa!


I really hope you encourage your children to appreciate the arts.  It all starts at home.

Disclaimer: This info was provided to me by Crayola through MyBlogSpark

Two New Winners

Good Morning Ya'll.  I have 2 new winners to announce.

Congratulations to Ashley H.!  You were chosen by Rafflecopter as the winner of the $25 Publix Gift Card Giveaway - Italian Days at Publix.
Congratulations to Wendy R.!  You were chosen by Rafflecopter as the winner of the $25 Publix Gift Card Giveaway - Running Out? Run In Event. 

I've sent you both emails.  Remember - please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Congratulations Girls.  I'll have a new giveaway starting VERY SOON!

Have a blessed day....Tracy ♥