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Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Does Anyone Really Win Those BIG Sweepstakes? Read My First Sweeper Interview - Part 1

We've all seen them.


Those tempting adds that make us start dreaming of having a bundle of cash dropped in our laps.  After we come back to real life we wonder, does that really ever happen?  Does anyone ever win prizes like these?  Then our cynical side says there must be a catch.  Well lets find out.

My own experience says YES.... you can win awesome prizes but CASH, really?  I had my doubts, thinking it must be extremely rare to win once, much less more often.  But hold on to your hats because today is the first segment of my interview with Nicole Vosburgh.  
In my opinion she is
ONE MEAN WINNING MACHINE
and when you get through reading this, you'll know why she is the inspiration that fuels my sweeping train.

First, if your are not a sweeper, you're probably asking who is Nicole Vosburgh?  To get an answer to that question and more I went straight to the source, Nikki herself and asked. Lets get started with my interview and see what she has to say.  Yeah I'm channeling my inner Ellen today.

Aren't Ben and Nicole the cutest couple.

TS - Tell us a little about you.

NV -  I am a 27 year old wife and mommy to our 4 year old little boy, Tyler.  I grew up in Bucks County, PA and I'm still living in the area with my family.  My husband and I met at Word of Life in upstate New York in 2007 and were married in May of 2009.  It's been 5 crazy, but fun filled years already!

TS - How did you get started sweeping?

NV - I became a first time mommy 4 years ago and I've always known that I wanted to be a stay at home mom.  With my husband still in school, I wanted and needed to find a way to make money while still being at home full time. I noticed that a friend of mine from college kept posting these small little giveaways for little girls bows, outfits, etc... on her Facebook page and it got my interest.  I don't have a daughter, but I do have a little sister (who was 7 at the time I began entering).  So, I followed my friends lead and began entering for those little girly things.  It worked!

I began winning them and soon my mailbox became full of little girly things!  Well, my husband wasn't impressed.  We had a boy for goodness sake and here I was spending my time winning girly things.  Well, I decided there had to be a way to win bigger and better things, right?  I did my research and came to realize that there was this whole, huge community of sweepers and that they really did win...and boy did they win BIG things!  I became hooked and a dedicated sweeper ever since.

TS - What is a good month of winning? How many prizes do you win?

NV - A good month of winning for me is anywhere from $10, 000 to $20,000 (you read that right - THOUSANDS) in prizes that month.  I would say about 25 - 50 prizes a month.
~~~~~~~~~
Wow I didn't even know that people won that much!  I bet you'd like to see some of those awesome prizes Nikki has won.  Well I've got that covered.  Nikki was nice enough to send photos of just some of her favorite wins.  Let's take a look.



Nikki's done a great job furnishing her home through sweeping.  Setting a table with the dinnerware she won must keep her mind on entering more sweeps, even when she's not.


As if that's not enough to keep her focused on her favorite hobby, the food drives the point home.  Look at the huge amount of steaks she won from Omaha Steaks.  


Of course Nikki can't feed her family on meat alone.  She's doesn't have to thanks to her "Winners Never Give Up" attitude.  This lucky hardworking, positive thinking gal was the Grand Prize Winner of a $250 gift card to a local grocery store.



Lunch is covered with a big peanut butter win from Peanut Butter & Co. You know she has one happy little boy. 


Anyone need some milk to wash it down with?  Ben must love all the money she's saving him through entering sweeps.


Since she doesn't have a magic carpet she has to buy gas for the trip to the store.  No worries, she's won $500 in Shell gift cards to cover that.


When warm weather rolls around, Nikki takes her cooking to the outdoors.  There's no shortage of grills at her house.  This is just one of many, including the much loved Big Green Egg.


If Nikki doesn't win what she wants she can always go buy it for free with the stack of GIFT CARDS that she wins.


Oh' how much I would love to win a $500 Home Depot Card like she did.  


Maybe $500 just isn't quite enough.  If that's the case she can always cash her $10,000 GRAND PRIZE CHECK!!  


And for those really big purchases she can just break out this bad boy for $20,000 *TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!*
Does this girl rock or what?  I wasn't kidding when I said was my inspiration to keep going and never give up.
~~~~~~~~~
Now if you are thinking Nikki's story ends here, well you'd be wrong.  We're just getting started.  Today I concentrated on a few things around the house and $$ MOOLAH $$.  We haven't ever talked about things like electronics, adventures and more.

Plus, I'm sure you're wanting to know more about how Nikki wins all these wonderful prizes, but you'll have to come back tomorrow for another segment of Nikki's Sweeping Story. She has an extra special treat for you.  Okay, I'll give you one hint:

Nikki is VERY GENEROUS


Wouldn't you love to have boxes backing up at your door like this?  I know I would.

I love hearing about other sweepers wins.  It's what keeps us all going when we're having those dry periods.  I'm really grateful to Nikki for agreeing to share her world of sweepstakes with us.  Nikki's not a blogger but you can catch up with her on here on Facebook.  Stop by and say hi, she'd love to hear from you and have you follow her.  Heck you can even stalk her like I do.  She's such a sweetheart. 

**Update - you can read the 2nd segment of Nikki's story here.


See y'all tomorrow...

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
~ 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV

Monday, September 29, 2014

#EatSmart CalPal Digital Bathroom Scale Review

Disclosure:  I received this product for free to facilitate my review.  As always, my opinions are 100% my own.

I have a new fitness tool and I couldn't be more proud to share it with you.  Look how slick and attractive this EatSmart body scale is.  No need to hide this baby!


EatSmart is always at the forefront of innovation and this scale proves that they never stop improving.  My last bathroom scale was made by EatSmart and I didn't think it could get any smarter.  Boy was I wrong.


The new EatSmart Precision CalPal Digital Scale features a daily caloric reference that calculates how many calories are needed to maintain your weight.

I want to highlight the awesome features of the CalPal with you:

  • The CalPal displays 3 readings: current weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), and estimated caloric intake.
  • Automatic User Identification Technology - CalPal immediately identifies the user based on past weights. I love this feature.  Neil & I only enter our basic info once and it knows which one of us steps on the scale from now own.
  • Easy to program
  • EatSmart "Step-On" Technology - Get instant readings!
  • Large 4.3" LCD display with cool blue backlight - making it easy to read from any distance.
  • 4 High Precision Sensors - Consistent and accurate measurement
  • 2 Measurement Modes: Pounds or Kilos
  • Sturdy oversized 12.5" x 12.5" platform that can measure up to 440 lbs / 200 kgs.
  • Auto Calibrated; includes 3 AAA batteries
  • The sleek design combines high density plastic and tempered glass to create a modern look with a slim profile.

You won't believe the amazing low price for all this.

Only $35.00

That's right, you can purchase the EatSmart Precision CalPal through Amazon for the low price of only $35.

I really do love this scale!  It's as easy as setting up your profile once and there's no need to touch it again.  It comes on when you step on the scale and then goes off automatically when your done.  How smart is that!  I also like that the CalPal tells me how many calories I need to eat to maintain my current weight.  This scale really keeps me on track!

Stay Fit Y'all...


Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity.
~ Leviticus 19:35

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Sometimes You Just Have To Walk Away

I'm back after being on a one month hiatus.  One whole month of being unplugged from my blog.  Summer was just so nice, and after blogging for 5 years straight, I thought a break was just what I needed, and well deserved if I say so myself.


I can't say this was my best Friday though.  Heading home from downtown today our car lost complete power in the middle of a torrential downpour.  We were heading to the top of the bridge and only 40 minutes before the start of the 5pm rush hour.  That's not the worst of it. You couldn't see 20 feet in front of you and our flashers weren't even working. Ugghh... Called the emergency road service and waited and waited.  Called back and they dispatched them to the wrong bridge.


All I can say is Thank the Lord, his grace was with us and kept us protected.  Nothing scarier than people flying up on you and barely missing you on a bridge.

So what exactly have I been doing for a month?


For starters I gave up running.  I really, really miss it too.  I got bursitis in my knee.  This picture was before it got really big.  I changed my workout routine getting rid of squats and anything else that would over work the knee and replaced them with others.  I'm happy to say that this week I went back to walking (and just a little lite jogging). 


I made a new ironing board cover and continued to iron clothes every week.  Neil ripped said new ironing board cover, which got him the stink eye from me.


Neil has been playing Mr. Green Jeans (a throwback to our Captain Kangaroo days) and is having fun nurturing his tomato plants.


While he's tending tomatoes I'm filling window boxes.  I spray painted the old black trays aqua and added lime coleus. Much brighter and cheerier now.


My first sunflowers ever.  They were a little sad looking but they still made me smile.  Next year I will shop for better seeds and plant them earlier, in big bunches.  I'm already excited about it.


Loved my pretty fuchsia zinnias.   I'll be planting more of theses too.


The last couple of months it seemed to rain a lot.  Sadly beach days were few and far between.  We're hoping to catch a few more rays before the warm days are gone.

(via)

Sometimes it's just good to walk away.  You get a fresh perspective and you can find the joy in things again.  It's good to be back.  It's time to change my schedule around. That's what's nice about a change of season, it's like you get a chance to make a fresh start.  

What's your favorite part about fall?  Mine is the crisp air & the many colors.  I feel energized by it all.

It's fall y'all...



Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.
~ Deuteronomy 11:14

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

ToiletTree's New Protective Case & Replacement Brush Heads Review

Disclosure: I received the Toilet Tree Professional Skin Care System Case & Replacement Brush Heads to facilitate this review.  As always all opinions are 100% my own.


Women deserve to be pampered, that's all there is to it.  If you can't afford to go out and get pampered, then by all means find ways to pamper yourself at home.


One way I pamper myself is to use my ToiletTree Professional Skin Care System.  You can read the review that I wrote earlier this year here.  This wasn't the first skin care brush I've had, but it absolutely was the best I've ever used.  The ToiletTree system, unlike the others, has several attachments.


There was only one thing that I though it lacked, and that was a carrying or storage case. Imagine how happy I was when the company contacted me and asked if I'd like to review their new Storage and Travel Case!

I love this convenient case with a spot for the Face and Body Brush System along with each attachment.  Now everything is together in one place.  That makes me happy!


But that's not all, you get more than just the storage case, you also get a set of 4 interchangeable replacement heads.
  • Body Brush
  • Face Brush - medium for normal skin types
  • Face Brush - soft for sensitive skin types
  • Pumice Stone
(Face and Body Brush System sold separately)


The ToiletTree Professional Skin Care System would make also make a great gift.  Perfect for someone heading off to college.  This Travel Case keeps everything neat and tidy.  It's easy to order one for yourself or someone special by visiting Amazon.com.  

You can learn more about ToiletTree and their other awesome products by visiting the sites below:
Hugs Y'all...

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it."
~ Psalm 139:13 -14

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser Giveaway #MiaMariu


Disclosure: I received Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser through Tomoson.com to facilitate this review.  As always all opinions are 100% my own.


A good facial cleanser is just a must for any woman.  I haven't used soap on my face since I was 10.  The skin on our face is our biggest asset.  Am I right ladies?  It's the first thing people notice.  And we all know that the skin on our face is more delicate than anywhere else on our bodies.

You can use all the moisturizers you want, but if your skin's not clean, you're just trapping in the dirt. Good skin starts with clean skin.

What I look for in a cleanser

  • Gentle on Skin
  • Tough on Dirt
  • Non-Irritating
  • Oil-Free
  • Nice Smell

Product Description

Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Cleanser - New and Improved anti-inflammatory formula with 8 natural botanicals! Aloe, marigold, sea kelp, sea lettuce, plus nourishing essential oils: orange peel lemon, lime and grapefruit are at the heart of this soft pampering cleanser.  This improved formula has increased levels of Aloe along with the addition of anti-inflammatory Sea lettuce and essential oils making it an extra gentle cleanser.  Suitable for all skin types, non-irritating, paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free.

The Mia Mariu Philosophy 

makes the connection between beauty and health inside and out.  Mia Mariu's high performance products are formulated with the most natural ingredients available helping you achieve vibrant beauty and health inside and out.  Each unique product fuses nature and technology by combining the highest quality botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and peptides.  The result? healthy products that provide a perfect balance that reflects itself through youthful, healthy, beautiful, glowing skin and renewed energy and vitality, at an exceptional value.  Mia offers natural skin care, professional makeup artist quality mineral cosmetics and brushes, fine fragrances and nutritional supplements to Reveal Your Unique Shade of Beauty!

More Than Skin Care



Mia Mariu's skin care line is just the beginning of the fabulous products they offer.  I could use a set of their Perfecting Brushes to help me achieve a flawless complextion.  And I'd love to get a whiff of their parfums and men's colognes.


I'm dreaming of full pouty lips with these luscious colors.


Maybe I'll go for the sultry eye look.

My Final Thoughts

The first thing I do when I drag myself out of bed each morning is meander into the bathroom and wash my face.  It's the only way to wake me up.  Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser has the most refreshing smell!  Hence the name.  This cleanser has the energizing citrus scent of lemon, but it's light and not overpowering at all.  The smell says clean, well if smell could talk that's what it would say.

With only a dime size amount of the gel cleanser, all the impurities are gone, leaving my skin silky clean and refreshed.  The natural cleansing agents are tough on dirt while the Sea Kelp & Aloe made it super gentle on my skin.  Mia Mariu's is suitable for all skin types. It's non-irritating, oil-free which makes it perfect for my combination skin.  It's definitely a cleanser I would use again.

Visit Mia Mariu's to see their full catalog here: http://www.miamariu.com/ 

Win It

You can enter to win a full sized bottle of Mia Mariu's Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser by entering with the giveaway form below.  Entrants must be in the U.S.  Giveaway ends 8/20 at 11:59 P.M. EST.

Be good to yourselves and good luck y'all...


She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
~ Proverbs 3:15

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monday, August 4, 2014

What Is Worry Worth?

I'm a worrier.  There I've said it.  Ahhhh....


Normally at this time of year I'm worrying that we won't get any fall and that these hot days will continue right up until Christmas.  Fall is my favorite time of year.

But this year is different.  This year we've had such a comfortable summer.  The weather has been the most comfortable I can remember in decades!  We've gotten an abundance of rain and everything looks gorgeous outside.  Okay, maybe I could use a few more sunny afternoons for beach time, but I'm not going to complain.


So now I have a new worry this year.  I'm concerned that the end of summer is coming too fast.  Even though we have warm days way past August, my mind tends to say that beach days are over in September.


September just says fall to me.  The magazines are touting cozy sweaters and muted colors.  It's a return-to-nature time of the year. Watch for wine, grays and camels this year.


The days of wearing your Lilly Pulitzer citrus explosions are coming to an end.  Truth is we can get away with wearing them a little longer here in Florida, still I can see the days creeping up when it will be time to take them from their honored place hanging in the closet and lay them to rest under my bed.


I remember having this same anxiety as a kid, as soon as the calendar would flip to August. School held no interest for me. I would feel sick to my stomach for weeks before school started.  Now here I am in my 50's with twinges of those same feelings.


I can't help but think of this bible verse: Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ~ Matthew 6:27

So why not.....



Trust in God & let your worries go...


Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
~ John 14:27