SCENTSY!!!

This contest has ended.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm in love.

Oh, with my husband and children, of course! But there is a new love in my life- by the name of Scentsy.


Now, I am a candle kind of girl. I have them in every corner of my house, and I have many of them on display! I love all shapes, colors and scents of candles! But there are some things about Scentsy that are very, very different!

First, you don't need to light anything to burn this candle! You are simply burning scented wax over a light bulb! Therefore, there is no smoke, no harmful chemicals, no worries over fires from spills... they are simply low maintenance! They are leadless, wickless, flameless and smokeless!

Another thing I really love about Scentsy is the fact that their products quickly fill my entire home with fragrance, yet they are not at all overpowering! They emit a subtle, yet definite scent. The bulb that is included in their warmers can be replaced at an everyday hardware store!

Take a look at Kara Egan's (Scentsy Founder and Superstar Director) website! You will fall in love with their burners! The scents are absolutely heavenly. I wish you could smell them through the website!

Trust me, readers. You really want to win this giveaway!
Kara is offering to one lucky winner an August warmer of the month, entitled "Surfs Up," along with a 3 pack of bars including the new scent of the month, "Tangerine Tango" and two others!

To enter this giveaway...
To enter, please do any or all of the following (please leave separate comments for each, so you can enter multiple times!):

1. Comment below, with your email address, and tell me if you've tried Scentsy before!
2. Visit Kara Egan's Scentsy site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me which burner is your fave!
3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.
4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.
5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.
6. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net
7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/2765898678. Comment below that you did.
8. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE

The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Saturday, August 1st at 6pm. Good luck!

Family Time Fun Game Giveaway!!! ENDED

This contest has ended.

Family Time Fun is one of my new favorite companies!

Anyone who knows me well knows that my family is always at the top of my priority list. Our schedules are insane between me and all my ventures, my amazingly hard-working husband, and my 4 kiddos and their activities! But I have always made it a point to make dinners a family affair. We may eat at 10:00pm, but we ALWAYS eat together! :)

All too often however, while we are all gathered around the table the TV is on, or everyone is talking at the same time! So although we are physically "spending time together," it is not actually quality time!

Family Time Fun has created some incredible solutions to this problem!

They are the creators of The Restaurant Game...

And The Dinner Game!

I wish I could say I have a favorite, but I just love them both! We played The Dinner Game the moment it arrived (because my kids couldn't WAIT until dinner!), and we loved it. We played it again that night at dinner, and now it is a staple on my table- it has a home just beside the napkins!
And although we haven't been out to eat since The Restaurant Game arrived, you can rest assured it is already in my car awaiting a trip out with the family!
Both games have questions such as, "Everyone at the table should guess your favorite song" and "Hum the tune to a song while everyone else tries to guess it." The Restaurant Game also has cards that say, "Guess how many sugar packets are in the caddy at the table" and "Guess your server's favorite color." The Restaurant Game makes no noise, so it will not disrupt any surrounding tables.
These games are sure to bring new life to your family dinners, no matter what the ages of your kids are. My 2 year old got a kick out of hitting the "start" button on The Dinner Game.

Family Time Fun is offering The Restaurant Game to YOUR family, as well!
To enter to win this competition...

To enter, please do any or all of the following:

1. Comment below, with your email address, telling me how this game could change your "family time" at dinner.
2. Visit the "Family Time Fun Games" site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what you think you will love about their games!
3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.
4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.
5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.
6. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net
7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/status/2765236593. Comment below that you did.
8. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE
The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Friday, July 31th at 6pm. Good luck!

Prince Lionheart Stroller Accessory Kit GIVEAWAY! - ENDED!

I absolutely LOVE this product from Prince Lionheart. Well, I love any product that allows me to maintain some sense of organization in my life, and let me tell you- this one does it!

Prince Lionheart has created a Stroller Accessory system that allows you to transform your current stroller into an organized dream!

When this product arrived in the mail (along with another AMAZING product from Prince Lionheart, which will premier on this blog August 1- STAY TUNED!!), I immediately ran out to attach all of the items to my stroller. I was extra curious, because I have a double jogging stroller with padding around all of the bars, and I was afraid the accessories wouldn't fit on the bars properly. But, they did! And these products help to make life and travelling SO much easier!

For example, my 4 kiddos and I went to a car dealership yesterday, and we were forced to walk extremely far distances, with our car seats in tow. When I got my stroller out of the back of my van, the 24 year old employee at the car lot said, "WOW! That is one tricked-out stroller!!! I should have kids just so I can push one of those around!" I had a coffee holder attached to either side (and they are sturdy ones, too! I had to curb-hop more than once, and I didn't spill a drop!), S-hooks holding a grocery bag full of kid snacks and coloring books, another S-hook holding my purse (which is ridiculously heavy), the snack cups in the front, holding yogurt covered raisins, and a water bottle holder on the side, holding my son's Evian. We were ready to go ANYWHERE. Check out this picture of my "tricked-out stoller," as our car salesman called it:

This is from the Prince Lionheart website: "The Click 'n Go Stroller Accessory System™ is perfect for families on-the-go! This amazing stroller system includes 2 Adjustable Clips, 1 Swivel Cup Holder, 1 Snack Cup, 3 Bottle Holders, 1 BONUS mesh Carrying Bag and 4 BONUS "S" Hooks! Simply mount clip to stroller and "Click" any Click 'N Go accessory in or out as needed. All accessories are interchangeable! Made in USA."

The snack cups are wonderful for so many reasons. You can, of course clip them wherever you would like, which insures that your little one will always be able to reach them. I really love the swivel-top lips, which will keep the snacks in place when the road gets bumpy! But also, the swivel lids are the perfect solution for allowing little fingers to access their snacks easily, without losing the lids!

The bottle clip is amazing. It easily snaps around the neck of almost any bottle, and holds it perfectly still!
All of you who know me well, know that the coffee holder is an answer to prayer for me. ;) I take my coffee everywhere, and the little cloth "cup holder" that came with my jogging stroller was flimsy and unpredictable. This cup holder held my coffee throughout our entire trip yesterday, without spilling a drop... even when we had to hop a curb or two! This coffee drinker was THRILLED. It even holds my costom coffee cozy (see previous post here) perfectly! Prince Lionheart also makes an insulated drink holder, which will keep your drinks either hot or cold for much longer!!The snap and go interchangable system is the heart of this product. It allows you to pop in any accessory on any location on the stroller. For instance, if I have 2 snap-and-go mounters, I can switch my coffee holder and the bottle holder back and forth at will. This is perfect for long trips, when you never know what you will be trying to balance on your stroller! I have every single accessory Prince Lionheart sent me packed into the back of my van. My friends, I am prepared. :)

The Prince Lionheart Company is generously offering TWO Stroller Accessory Kits for giveaway! Two different winners will each win one Stroller Accessory Kit!

To enter, please do any or all of the following:

1. Visit the Prince Lionheart site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what product you love the most!
2. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.
3. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.
4. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.
5. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net
6. Follow me on Twitter HERE and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/2706157872. Comment below that you did.
7. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE

Two lucky winners will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Friday, July 31st at 6pm. Good luck!

Around: The Homeschooling Lifestyle Zine -ended- CONGRATULATIONS MARY!!

Around: The Homeschooling Lifestyle Zine Issue GIVEAWAY!!

When Laura from "Around: The Homeschooling Lifestyle Zine" offered to send me an issue to review, I was thrilled! I have picked up many copies of many different homeschool magazines in the past, and I always learn something new.

I certainly learned new things from "Around" as well, but it was different. It felt more "homey." More like a collection of all the fun stuff, from all of your best friends.

This excerpt is from the "Around" site:

"There are many practical and scholarly homeschooling resources...
Around Zine is not one of them.

Around is an insightful and thought-provoking zine, but also fun and a bit zany....it will inspire, amuse, and delight you! While Around definitely includes some homeschooling topics, it focuses more on the eclectic issues and ideas that make up the daily lives of homeschooling families.

Around Zine is published four times a year, the first issue appearing February 1, 2009 with a cover price of $4. Issue 2 arrived April 1 and Issue 3 hatches on July 1."

Please enter below to win your own copy of this fun homeschool zine!

To enter, please do any or all of the following:

1. Comment below, with your email address

2. Visit the "Around" site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what you think you will love about their zine!

3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.

4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.

5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.

6. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net

7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/2695779362. Comment below that you did.

8. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE

The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.integers.net/ on Friday, July 24th at 6pm. Good luck!

RUDBECKIA Custom Knit Hats!!! - ended- CONGRATS MOM OF 3 MUNCHKINS!

RUDBECKIA Custom Knit Hats!

I am now in love with Rudbeckia's Custom Knit Hats.
Rudbeckia knits the most beautiful custom hats, scarves, scarfettes, and more!
You really must check her out on Etsy!
We received a custom hat for each of my 4 children, simply based on their ages, and they could not have been more perfect!

This is a "snowboarder style" hat she made, just for my 11 year old son. Isn't it the coolest???

This is the gorgeous hat/scarf combo she created for my 8 year old! BEAUTIFUL!!! You can practically feel how soft it is through this picture!

And my two littlest munchkins each got ADORABLE custom hats, that fit them perfectly. Can you believe the detail Rudbeckia incorporates into her creations? They really are amazing. And they are SO super soft, my kids didn't want to take them off... in almost 100 degree summer weather!!!

This lady has an amazing gift, and she is willing to share it with YOU!!! Don't miss this chance to enter to win your very own CUSTOM knit hat or scarf from Rudbeckia!

How to enter:

Visit Rudbeckia's Etsy Store and comment below about what you love the most from their website!

EXTRA CREDIT (and extra entry for each of the following!)

• Blog about the giveaway with a link to my blog (http://vaagenfamily.blogspot.com/) and comment below that you did
• Follow me on this blog and comment that did
• Subscribe to my blog via email and comment that you did
• Retweet this contest and comment that you did: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/2640272255
• Become a fan of http://vaagenfamily.blogspot.com/ on Facebook (leave Facebook name below please)
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Leave the link to your tweet in your comment. You can do this once a day! Just come back and leave the link each time you do.
• If you don't have a blog to publish this giveaway on, simply email this contest to 5 friends, and copy me on the email at vaagen@bellsouth.net

Good luck! This contest ends on Monday, July 20th at 6pm EST. Good luck and THANK YOU Rudbeckia for sharing your AMAZING talent!!!!

Piggy Paint Giveaway! -ended- CONGRATS MAMA BEAR MILLS!!

My princesses love nothing more than to have their "piggers" painted. They have this amazing ability which allows them to detect my nail polish bottles being opened from a very far distance, and they come running yelling, "MOM! Paint my piggers!!" It never fails.

So when Piggy Paint was kind enough to send me a product sample, my girls went bonkers. We were leaving for an errand when the package arrived, and the girls were certain it was going to be impossible to wait until we got home to paint their piggers.

Happily, they did make it, and when we got home, we had a Piggy Paint party. They felt like the princesses they are, and my son (who cannot stand the smell of nail polish) was thrilled that this product has NO SMELL! Even the nail polish remover is scent-free! Their products are 100% all-natural, as stated on their website:

"Why is Piggy Paint™ Nail Polish the safe nail polish choice for children?

• Non-toxic
• Odorless
• Water-based formula
• Hypoallergenic
• Fun, vibrant colors
• Dries to a hard, durable finish

Piggy Paint™ is specially formulated from God’s natural ingredients and dries to a hard, durable finish. There are no toxic chemicals; it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone. Click here to see how our polish compares!"

And the proof that it stays on? There are no human beings out there that can wear down nail polish more than my little girls. Here are their piggers after wearing Piggy Paint for a whole day! Still on!!! WOW!

AND, for all of my readers, you can use this code:HOME15L which has an expiration date of August 31, 2009 & is ready for immediate use for 15% off exclusively for my blog readers on anything on the Piggy Paint website including sale items. Spend over $25 and domestic shipping is FREE! Piggy Paint ships worldwide! http://www.piggypaint.com/

Would you like to win a $20 shopping spree to Piggy Paint??? Enter here!

How to enter:

• Visit http://www.piggypaint.com/ and comment below about what you love the most from their website!

EXTRA CREDIT (and extra entry for each of the following!)

• Blog about the giveaway with a link to my blog (http://vaagenfamily.blogspot.com/) and comment below that you did
• Follow me on this blog and comment that did
• Subscribe to my blog via email and comment that you did
• Retweet this contest and comment that you did: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/2623106302
• Become a fan of http://vaagenfamily.blogspot.com/ on Facebook (leave Facebook name below please)
• Follow me AND Piggy Paint on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Leave the link to your tweet in your comment. You can do this once a day! Just come back and leave the link each time you do.
• If you don't have a blog to publish this giveaway on, simply email this contest to 5 friends, and copy me on the email at vaagen@bellsouth.net

Good luck! This contest ends on Monday, July 20th at 6pm EST. Good luck and THANK YOU Piggy Paint for a WONDERFUL product!!!!

Baby Doll Giveaway!!!- CONGRATS DaerOn!

INCREDIBLY Life-Like Doll from JC TOYS! - ended- CONGRATULATIONS to DaerOn, and thank you to ALL who entered!!!

When my daughters opened the package that came from JC TOYS, they all went nuts. Actually, so did I. It honestly looked like they had stuck a realy baby in a box and shipped it to me! When we unwrapped the doll, I noticed how similiar holding her was to holding a real baby! She has a wonderful freshly-bathed-baby smell, as well. What could possibly smell sweeter??



My 8 year old is a complete tomboy. But she LOVES real babies. And because this doll is so life-like, she is suddenly toting it around everywhere! We went to Target yesterday, and she brought it along in a baby carseat! I made her leave the doll in the car, and becasue it looks so life-like, I half-expected someone to be waiting by the car to arrest me for leaving it in there!

You have simply GOT to enter this giveaway, and see for yourself. Check out the pictures on their website (one of them is of my daughter holding the baby- but I'll post it below). You will be amazed at how real they look, even in pictures!



JC Toys is being generous enough to offer one very lucky winner a "Lots to Cuddle Doll." You can even choose the ethnicity and outfit color of your doll!

To enter this giveaway, please do the following:

• Register for JC Toys newsletter! Comment below that you did so.
• Comment below about your favorite product on the JC Toys website!
• Follow this blog, and comment below that you do
• Favorite this blog on Technorati (click the little green button above) and comment that you did
• Retweet this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/vaagen/status/2572931454 and comment that you did
• Register for another giveaway on this blog and comment that you did
• Follow JC Toys on twitter at http://twitter.com/JcToys and comment that you do
• Email this giveaway out to your friends, copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net and comment that you did

This giveaway will end Saturday, July 18th at 7pm! GOOD LUCK! :)