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Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

HGTV Dream Home Is Mine

Would you want to live here?  You can bet I would.  I've been entering everyday.  If willing it so, makes it so, then this dream house is MINE!!!

I've been wanting to move to the Carolinas for years.  Mostly North Carolina since we have some property in the mountains in Cashiers but I'm slowly starting to think South Carolina might be the place to be year round.  It's close to the water with more moderate temperatures than here in HOT Jacksonville, Florida or the much cooler Cashiers, North Carolina, where it shuts down in the winter.  Plus I've always loved the low country style way of life that South Caroline is so famous for.

Let's look at a few pictures of my house.  And no, in case you were wondering this isn't a sponsor post.  Just a dream post of mine.

Landscape design incorporates native species and lends a sense of permanence to the property.
Living larger than its footprint — thanks to expansive 12-foot ceilings — the great room provides a front-row seat to Kiawah Island's dramatic marsh views. Glass doors offer a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces.
"The downstairs is very subdued, sophisticated and controlled," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "And I wanted the upstairs loft to feel more island-like." The relaxed, whimsical gathering space draws its palette from dramatic sky views; the selection of furnishings invites one to grab a seat, kick up one's heels and enjoy the evening's show.
A grand live oak, saved during the home's construction, provides a shading canopy over the master suite deck.
So what do you think?  Is it a place where you'd like to call home?  I love the calm feeling that Oak trees evoke.  They are slow growing and majestic.  I can just imagine the stories they must have to tell.  

Well in my mind, this house is my next home.  It's away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.  I think this would really slow life down and give me a chance to appreciate my surroundings. What a way to enjoy life.

You could win a luxury Kiawah Island vacation home, an SUV and $500,000!
Enter: HGTV Dream Home 2013 Giveaway

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes & Giveaway



Well I wish I could say that the Jacksonville Jaguars were going to the Super Bowl, but nothing could be further from the truth.  

To say it was a lousy year for our team is an understatement.  Just because our team isn't going doesn't mean we won't be watching the Super Bowl.  I mean it is as close to a sports holiday as you can get.  Whether you invite friends over or not you know food is going to be involved just like every other holiday.


To make it a true party you have to have some rockin' snacks and Del Monte has you covered for the big football game.  You can heat things up with the 2 new varieties of Del Montes Southwestern-Style Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes.


  • Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies

  • The new Del Monte Southwestern-Style Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes are the perfect way to spice up main dishes and snacking recipes
  • Del Monte canned tomatoes, fruits and vegetables contain the same essential nutrients as fresh varieties
  • The majority of Del Monte products are picked at the peak of ripeness and canned on the same day, to ensure nutrients and flavor are locked in

And to help inspire creativity in the kitchen, Del Monte is also launching the “Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes,” on Pinterest which will give you a chance to share entertaining tips and recipes, featuring the new Del Monte Southwestern-Style Petite Cut® Diced Tomato varieties.


Here is how to get started:
  • Follow the Del Monte Brand on Pinterest
  • Create a Pinterest board named “Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off”
  • Pin at least two (2) Del Monte Tomato Recipes from the “Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off” Pinterest board and at least two (2) football entertaining ideas
  • Register your Pinterest board to the Del Monte page from January 21st through February 15th to be entered into the Del Monte® Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes program
  • Get ready for a chance to win one of the many prizes available, including an ultimate entertainment package with a Sony® 55” LED TV, Bose® home theater system and Sony® Blu-ray player (ARV $4,779.00 USD).   
 To find out more you can follow Del Monte with the links below:
Official Sweepstakes Rules*- http://bit.ly/11bK144
 
But you know me, just telling you about an awesome sweepstakes isn't enough.  How about entering a giveaway, right here on Cotton Pickin Cute too!!  I thought you'd like that. Del Monte would like to give one of my lucky readers a gift pack that includes:

  • (1) Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • (1) Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies
  • $25 Visa Gift Card  
You know the drill just enter the easy Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The Del Monte products, information and two gift packs have been provided by Del Monte. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Mamawj's Moment Away: #Win a copy of I’'m Still Sexy So What’s Up with Him? And a pair of movie tickets!!

Are you ready for a Valentines giveaway for you and your honey?  Then I've Julie's got one just for you.  Yep my great gal pal Julie @ Mamawj's Moment Away has a new giveaway. You can win a copy of the book "I'm Still Sexy So What's Up With Him?" and 2 FREE movie tickets. 
If I win I'll treat Neil to a movie!  What about you?  Will you be taking your honey?  Just click the link below to enter!

Mamawj's Moment Away: #Win a copy of I’'m Still Sexy So What’s Up with Him? And a pair of movie tickets!!

Good luck ya'll!!!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Win a Case of Clean Flame CampFire Logs Giveaway

I want to share my friend Julie's giveaway with you.  

You've all heard me talk about Julie before.  She's the writer of Mamawj's Moment Away.  Well she's got a giveaway to keep you warm and cozy.  With Valentines Day coming up it could be pretty romantic too!   One of her readers will win a whole case of Clean Flame CampFire Logs. 

CleanFlame™Firelogs and Fire starters are ultra-clean burning, generating 86% less creosote, 80% less carbon monoxide, and 30% less particulate matter than natural wood. In fact, our products are so clean-burning you can cook over them. You’ll feel good knowing that better air quality is better for the environment. And it’s healthier for your family too—especially for children and for the increasing number of allergy and asthma sufferers.

CleanFlame™products burn more safely in many different configurations. They do not spark, melt or drip. When you want a bigger fire you can safely stack them with other CleanFlame™Firelogs or with natural wood. Our products are safe to burn in wood stoves, too.


You can click here to enter Julie's giveaway @ Mamawj's Moment Away.

Have fun visiting Julie and Good Luck Ya'll!!!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

20 Mule Team Borax Giveaway

Lets talk laundry today.  Since I'm a Purex Insider, I get to the latest products, but the one I'm sharing today has been around much longer than I have.  It's a tried and true detergent booster.  Which product am I talking about?  
20 MULE TEAM BORAX

So what is Borax?

  • 20 Mule Team Borax is 100% natural mineral from the earth.  Once removed from the ground it is washed, dried, and boxed for consumers.
  • Borax is the common name for sodium tetraborate: a naturally occurring substance produced by the perpetual evaporation of seasonal lakes.
  • Absolutely nothing is added.  No phosphates, chlorine, or other additive chemicals.
And why should you use it?

Did you know that over 85% of homes have what most people call "hard water?"   I live in Florida and more than that we're on well water, so I know all about "hard water! "  Hard water is defined as water that contains calcium and magnesium (ions).

When you add detergent to hard water, some of the compounds attach to calcium and magnesium granules that settle on the bottom of your washing machine, eventually retreating down the drain without actually cleaning your clothes.  What a waste of detergent.

20 Mule Team Borax naturally softens hard water, which protects your detergent - so it can maximize cleaning power.

How to use Borax?

It's simple.  
To boost your detergent, simply add a 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax to every load along with your regular detergent.  I use Purex of course!

You'll find that it:
  • Naturally softens hard water and improves your detergents cleaning power.
  • Helps keep stains from being re-deposited back onto clothes.
And 20 Mule Team Borax isn't just a one hit wonder.  Here's just a few of the other things that you can use your 20 Mule Team Borax for:

  • Dilute a 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax in a 12-ounce spray bottle of water to deodorize mattresses. Use a 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax per gallon of water in humidifiers for odor control.
  • 20 Mule Team Borax is the economical way to tackle daunting jobs like brightening grout and tile. With 20 Mule Team Borax, you don’t have to scrub and scrape to remove rings around the tub and other tough bathroom grime.
  • Deodorize your garbage pail by filling it with borax and water. Let it soak then rinse it out. Sprinkle some borax in the bottom once it's clean. This will keep the bugs away and absorb any odor causing moisture.
 You can learn more by visiting the Borax Homepage here: www.20muleteamlaundry.com
 
Now are you ready to boost your cleaning power with 20 Mule Team Borax?  Well you're in the right place because Purex is giving 2 Cotton Pickin Cute readers a FREE coupon!  All you have to do is enter with the easy rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  This product was provided to assist me in my view as a Purex Insider.  All opinions expressed here are my own honest thoughts.

Monday, January 14, 2013

My First Influenster Holiday VoxBox



There's a new Influenster in town (That would be ME). Que the Western theme music. What is a Influenster you ask?  Well the picture above will give you a hint.
noun
An exclusive online community where tastemakers and trendsetters (such as yourself) come to share the latest and greatest news, places, products, and reviews with each other. 2. The hotspot you just bookmarked on your web browser that turns your social influence into sweet rewards.

Basically, Influenster is a place for culture junkies to come together and share their unique opinions of products and experiences. Active members of Influenster get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and swag from brands that thrive off the input (the good, the bad, and the ugly -- they just want to know what's up).

Pretty easy to understand concept and it's even more fun to be a Influenster.

I'm really excited that I was chosen to receive a Holiday VoxBoxYou know how much I love trying new products and sharing my opinions with you.  It was like getting a Christmas present of full size products just for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So lets break it down and see what we've got.  
  • Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal  
My Opinion:  
First I have to say that I'm not a fan of oatmeal.  I think it's just a Southern thing, you know growing up on grits and such.  Combine that with Florida winters and you're more likely to want cold cereal than hot oatmeal.  Really it was 80 here today January 13th!  Also I never liked the mushy texture of oatmeal.  

With that being said I told Neil he could have this one but I did have to have a bite or two.  And guess what...I was pleasing suprised!  It was different than other oatmeals I had tried.  I think the multi-grains and fruits gave it a little more texture. The flavor was naturally sweet and I didn't need to add anything other than the hot water.  Neil really like the burst of fruit flavor and that it has all natural ingredients.  He also thought it was very filling.  We both liked the convenient single-server cup.  It's so easy to prepare just add hot water or microwave.  Priced at $1.79 per cup, it's a little more than I like to spend but I will be watching for coupons to combine with sales and buy a few to keep in the pantry.

  •  NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine
 NYC Liquid Lipshine

My Opinion:
I love make-up and lipstick is my #1 make-up must-have. I happily put this to the test.  The shade I received was "582-Nude York City".  When you open the tube I noticed a soft vanilla scent - yum.  And even though at first glance it looked kind of goldish it wasn't.  It's a very neutral shade but not totally nude because it has this fine micro sparkle.  I like to stay away from overly glittery lip gloss.  
This is nude enough to where to the beach and at the same time look great with a black dress for a night out on the town.  It looks glossy yet doesn't slide off your lips and wears really well for a long time.  I also notice a lite tingle on my lips when I applied it, like a bit of mint, which I liked.  It never creased in my lip lines and wasn't sticky.  


It applicator made it easy to apply and it went on smooth and kept my lips feeling moist and soft.  I was really surprised to see that it retails for $2.49!!  How affordable is that!  There are 9 other shades and at that price you can buy all 10.  NYC Liquid Lipshine gives you way more than you would expect at a $2.49 price point.

  •  Kiss Nail Dress
Kiss Nail Dress  
My Opinion:
Although this wouldn't have been the design I would have chosen I can see the attraction for this product.  They're super easy to apply and it only takes minutes and it's even easier to remove.  Think of all the fun that you could have changing these with your changing moods and outfits.  I have thin nails and I no that polishing them as well as using polish remover causes them to split.  With Kiss Nail Dress you don't even need remover so there's no drying out of your nails!  That's a big plus for me.  They feature 3-dimensional jeweled designs and you can even use them on your toenails.  Sounds like the perfect summer accessory.  Priced at $6.99.  That's a lot cheaper then a manicure and faster too.

  • EBOOST
EBoost Pink Lemonade
My Opinion:
EBOOST claims it will boost your mood, focus and immunity with natural ingredients and no crash.  I received the Natural Pink Lemonade flavor packet wich you add to waterI can't tell you if it gives you a boost or not because I couldn't get past the taste.  To me it leaves a weird after-taste in your mouth.  Since I'm not an energy drink person I can't compare it to others in the same category but the price looks a little to high to use on a daily basis.  It retails for $28 for a box of 20 effervescent powders, $39 for a box of 30 effervescent powders, $39 for a box of 12 shots.    
  • Goody QuickStyle Brush
My Opinion
This is the first hairbrush I've ever seen that looks like it has a towel built in. lol.  I was a little skeptical of Goody's claim that this microfiber bristle brush would make a difference in  the drying time for my hair. But that's just what made it so interesting for me.  For years I've had hairdressers say in a surprised voice "your hair really holds moisture and takes a while to dry"

Well Goody lived up to it's claim of "reduces water by 30% to dry faster".  I'd go even further and say by perhaps 50%.  The brush comes in both a paddle like I received, or half round styler.  It's a light weight plastic which is easy to handle.  The brush is designed for detangling wet hair.  

The package claims that the "antimicrobial microfiber keeps the brush fresh" and "This brush is protected by antimicrobial properties to inhibit the growth of bacteria".  Well we've all used those kitchen sponges that say that too and I know my have not quite held up to those claims.  After using the brush for a couple of weeks it seems fine but time will tell.  The design does have side vents that help the brush dry out.   The brush retails for $11.99.

  • Sole Society 
I also received a code for $25 off my first purchase at Sole Society.  Sole Society is a chic brand of exclusive high-quality, on-trend shoes, starting at only $49.95.  I didn't purchase anything but saw some nice styles.  You can visit them at www.SoleSociety.com
So there you have it.  My honest opinions good and bad.  I know that's what I'd want to hear.
Disclaimer: I was provided with these products for FREE via Influenster. I was NOT compensated for my opinion, which is 100% honest and my own.