Grafette's Place

Yum Yum Pendant Gift Certificate Giveaway at Audrey's Give Aways

2010-05-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

I still haven't learned how to make the scrabble tile pendants so I'm entering another giveaway to try to win one. Audrey's Give Aways is hosting a giveaway for a $25 dollar gift certificate to Yum Yum Pendants. She's got tons of other great giveaways going on too so you want to make sure to stop by her site!

Where to Enter: http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/05/yumyum.html
Ends: 5/21

Aurorae Yoga Mat Giveaway

2010-05-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Raising My 4 Sons has a great giveaway going on for an Aurorae Yoga Mat. Also included is the Aurorae Slip Free package which includes the Slip Free Rosin Bag and the Aurorae Sport Sweat Towel.
They say that the "Aurorae yoga mat is an extra long yoga mat (72"x24"x1/4") available in great illuminating colors to define your inner self, bringing out the natural aura within you. The 1/4" thick yoga mat provides enough cushion and comfort to protect your knees and joints. Aurorae yoga mats are considered one of the most durable and easy to care for yoga mats wit incredible value."

Where to enter: Raising My 4 Sons
Ends: 5/25

It's a Social Parade

2010-04-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

I love finding great new blogs! Smart and Trendy Moms has a fun way to find great blogs and to increase your followers, fans, etc...

It's a Social Parade - Wednesday Link-up is a weekly link-up hosted by Smart and Trendy Moms . It's for socializing and to get new followers, fans, subscribers, readers without feeling overwhelmed.

Here's the link with the details: http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/2010/04/link-up-and-get-new-blog-readers-its.html

Stop by and join the Parade!

Scrabble Tile Pendant Giveaway

2010-04-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

I've thought about trying to learn to make these scrabble tile pendants. Haven't had the time, so until I do I'm just going to have to try to win one! Whats Up Paper Cup has a giveaway for your Pendant of Choice from Yum Yum Pendants. Here's the details:

Giveaway item: Pendant of Choice

Blog: Whats Up Paper Cup

Ends:
04/30/2010

Where to enter: http://whatsupapercup.blogspot.com/2010/04/yumyumpendantspendant-of-choicegiveaway.html

C25K BACKSLIDE

2010-04-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

Between the warmer weather and starting Power90, I'm just wiped out. Ran 2 miles today -- a ten minute mile and an 11 minute mile, walked for 3 minutes inbetween. I'm not moving on to week 8 this week (I think that was a week 6 workout), but oh well, I'm still moving. I'll get there eventually. Was feeling kinda bad about it, but thats two miles more than I could have run a couple of months ago AND I did get "checked out" by a couple of park maintenance guys as I ran by them so thats a plus. lol

Anyway, feeling a bit discouraged, but oh well. At least my socks were comfortable today. And I'm planning a Power90 workout for this evening.

C25k - Week 7 - Repeating

2010-04-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Last week was supposed to be week 7. I got two runs in. The first one was okay, the second was terrible, and I just scrapped the third all together. So, it's going to be week seven again.

I started doing Power 90 with my husband. I was thinking that since I am in decent running shape now that I wouldn't have a problem with the beginning Power90 workouts so I was thinking I could do those and keep up with my runs as well. WRONG!

The Power 90 workouts were much more difficult for me than I imagined. It's been fun doing the workouts with my husband. My muscles, with the exception of my running muscles, are not in good shape. I had a hard time with the workouts and by the time i got to my second run for the week, my muscles were about done.

DH got us some protein supplement stuff, and I've been doing some reading about being sure to replenish your carbs and protien within an hour after a run. So my plan is to back up a week in my C25K workouts-- repeat week seven (maybe week 6???) and make sure I'm replenishing with a protein suppliment. I don't care for the smell of the one we have now, the taste isn't bad (a little thick tasting), but something about the smell just is gross to me) so I'm looking into a couple of others - Powerbar Recovery Drink, Gatorade Protein Recovery Shake, and I've heard that Slim-Fast Optima Shake has a carbohydrate-protein ratio that can help with workout recovery. I'm researching all three of those, until then I'm holding my nose and drinking the stuff we have now.

It's a Social Parade Link Up

2010-04-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

Smart and Trendy Moms has a neat new Link Up where each week you find great new blogs on the different social networks. This week its Networked Blogs. Hook your blog up with networked blogs and stop by Smart and Trendy Moms to link up.

Makeup Eye Brush Set Giveaway

2010-04-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

Mommy Kat and Kids is giving away two 6-Piece Eye Brush Sets from ecoTOOLS. These look really neat and I'm hoping to win so I can stop applying eyeshadow with the little foam things (can't call it a brush) that come with the eye shadow sets. I've never been very good at applying make up. I'm hoping these brushes and the "how to" videos on the ecoTools website will help.

Where to enter: Mommy Kat and Kids
Ends: 4.30

Week 6 - C25K

2010-04-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Finished week 6 of C25K. My last workout was jogging for 25 minutes straight, which is about 2 1/4 miles. I was nervous about not walking at all during the workout, but it was okay. Whoever put together this program really knows what they are doing! I was tired when I was done, but not completely sore and wiped out the next day. My total workout miles are now 39.5! Yay! My husband is taking me out to dinner to celebrate when I hit 100 miles! That is great motivation!

C25K - Week 5

2010-04-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yay! Just finished week 5 of C25K today. It's 9 weeks long so I'm just over half way.

I'm loving the program so far. It is really well designed. I did the 2 mile run with no walking at all today and it actually wasn't that bad. A few of the minutes in the middle got a little tough, but after pushing through that, the rest wasn't too bad. Looking forward to the next week of workouts!

C25K Week 4 - Workout 2

2010-03-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

It was rainy here today, but I was determined to get in my workout. So I figured I'd head to the rec center and workout on the treadmill instead of jogging outside. Now, I prefer looking at the mountains instead of the wall, and I greatly prefer hearing the gravel crunching beneath my feet to the whirl of the treadmill, but after all of the setbacks, I was determined to get in a workout. However, I couldn't find the key card to get in to the treadmill. So I was going to go out (without ipod for fear of getting it wet) and run in the rain if I had to.

Luckily the rain let up enough to get out and get in a workout (and since it was only a light rain, I took my Ipod). Yay! I was really sore from last night's ice skating, but the workout was a good one.

I put Eye of the Tiger on my playlist. Anyone old enough to remember the first Rocky movie can appreciate this one. When you have that near the end of your workout playlist it bring you a bit of a laugh and a smile to help you push through the last part of a workout. Plus, really, it's just a motivational song! LOL

C25K - Week 4 (again) - Workout 1

2010-03-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

I had ANOTHER cold last week and couldn't do the last two workouts. It's so much harder to get going again after stopping for a week. But I got my running shoes on and got out the door today. I was discouraged at having to repeat the week. I should be almost done now and I'm only on week 4 :-(

The first part of the jog was tough, but once I got going I actually felt pretty good. Turned out to be a decent workout and I managed to go faster than I did last time on week 4 workout 1 (I covered almost a half mile more in the same amount of time.) Yay!

Set Back a Week

2010-03-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

I didn't have time to run on Wednesday with chaperoning a fieldtrip. Then Thursday I felt tired and run down and since the kids have had colds, I figured it would be best not to run on Thrusday. By Friday afternoon, I wasn't feeling well so I only got in one of my three runs this week. Ugh! This sets me back another week. Repeating week 4 next week I'm frustrated!!

Tony Horton Beach Body Workout DVDs

2010-03-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Simple Stacie is giving away the entire volume 1 of the Tony Horton Beach Body workout. This looks like an awesome workout DVD collection and I have heard great things about this and the P90X. I would love to win this one.

Ends: 4/2/2010
Where to enter: http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/beachbody-giveaway.html

Nikon D80 Camera Giveaway on Alexis Miller's Photography Tips Blog

2010-03-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

There is a great giveaway going on on for a Nikon D80 Camera at "Alexis Miller's Photography Tips."

Not only does she have this great giveaway, she also has tons of great photography lessons and tips and lots of amazing photos. Stop by and check out her site.

Giveaway Ends: 3-19-2010
Enter Here: http://phototips.alexismiller.com/2010/03/nikon-d80-camera-giveaway.html

One on One Workout CD Giveaway on Sound Eats

2010-03-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

There is a giveaway on Sound Eats where three winners will each receive one copy of Tony Horton’s One on One Mason’s Choice DVD and one (1) winner will receive one set of the full Volume 1 of One on One with Tony Horton.

I totally want to try this workout, I'm putting in every entry that I can. :-)

This giveaway ends 3.19 and you can enter here: http://www.soundeats.com/2010/03/16/beachbody-giveaway/#comment-10575

C25K Week 4 - Workout 1

2010-03-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Workout got a bit tougher this week. There are two five minute sections and the last minute of those is tough. I feel like I should be progressing faster, but I think that is part of the problem with how I normally do things and then end up not sticking with it. Still loving my ipod, makes it so much easier to keep going.

Complete set of Volume 1 One on One with Tony Horton Workout Discs

2010-03-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

There is a great giveaway going on on MommyPR for a complete set of Volume 1 One on One with Tony Horton! (SRV $239.40)

Where to Enter: Mommy PR

Ends: 3/29/2010

LinkBack:

One on One with Tony Horton (Beachbody) Review & Giveaway

Toy Vacuum Giveaway

2010-03-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

I entered a giveaway for a toy vacuum at Just for Me. . .and You from Baby Genius. According to Just for Me and You, its a children's vacuum that combines many fun things into one. It has four different color lights that flash as your child pushes the vacuum, it makes a real vacuum sound, your child can press the music button and enjoy some Mozart.

I'm hoping to win this one for my friend's son who has a vacuum obsession. :-)

Where to enter: Just for Me. . .and You
Ends: 3/17

Update

2010-03-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Had a cold/flu so stopped jogging. Feeling better now. I'll be repeating Week 2 of C25K to get back into things. Disappointed because things were going so well. Ugg! It always seems to happen that when I am trying to get back in shape I get a cold or flu two or three weeks in just as I am starting to feel good about working out.

C25K - Week 2, Workout 3

2010-02-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

Jogged today because I felt like it! That is a good sign. The first two weeks of the Couch to 5K have been good but tough. I'm out of shape and even though I'm loving the program, motivating to get out the door has been tough - "lace up your shoes and walk out the door, lace up your shoes and walk out the door"

Today wasn't an actual workout day, but I felt like going for a jog. Yay!

C25K - Week 2, Workout 1

2010-02-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

It's the first workout of week two and C25K still going well. I've covered just about 8 miles so far. I'm loving having the plan all layed out with how many minutes that I need to jog and how many to walk.

Week two stretches it out just a bit so you are jogging 1 1/2 minutes and walking 2 minutes. The timing seems just about perfect. Near the last two jogging times, just as I was starting to get my breath back while walking, it was time to jog again.

Still a struggle to get going being out of shape, but I feel like I'm getting a good workout and building my endurance without overdoing it.

New Tuesday Meme at Smart and Trendy Moms

2010-02-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

We are starting a meme over at Smart and Trendy Moms. Jennette and I wanted a way to bring us together as moms, bloggers, wives and people! Sometimes serious and sometimes funny, we all have things that happen where we think "Gosh, I wonder if anyone else can relate to this?"

At Smart and Trendy Moms every tuesday, we'll be posting a new "Can You Relate?" so we can all share our experiences, make some new friends and we can all get some new followers. So on Tuesday stop by Smart and Trendy Moms, write your post and link it up with us for "Can You Relate" Tuesdays!!

C25K - End of Week One

2010-02-06T12:42:00.000-08:00

Finished week one of the Couch 2 5K training program. Feeling pretty good about it. Running out of breath quickly and getting really tired during the last part of the jog. Covered 6 miles this week. Only 7 more weeks to go.

Lunch Box Giveaway

2010-02-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Mommy Goes Green is having a giveaway for a Planet Box Lunch Box.

I have been looking for a way to pack lunch without using all the zip lock bags so this looks like it would be perfect for me.

Where to Enter: Mommy Goes Green
Ends: 2/7

Couch 2 5K - Day 1

2010-02-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

I started the "Couch to 5K" training program from coolrunning.com today. It is supposed to gradually take you from basically being totally out of shape (yep, that's me) to being able to run a 5K in two months. I actually ran a 5K with my daughter about a year ago, but then stopped running - probably trying to do too much too soon.

Today's routine consisted of alternating jogging and walking for 20 minutes, plus warm up and cool down time. I covered about 2 miles in the 30 minutes that I was out. And I feel pretty good other than a sore hip on the side that I was holding the dog leash on. (He's part husky and must think hes a sled dog because he pulls. Anyone have any tips on training a dog to behave on the leash??? )

I felt like I could have probably done a bit more jogging and less walking, but since the C25K program has three warnings about "skipping ahead" and "doing too much too soon" on the intro page, I just stuck with the plan. Trying to start too fast is probably one of the reasons I've been having a hard time sticking with running the last couple of years.

And I found a very cool little widget on dailymile.com that is a mile tracker. See the left side bar.
So my plan is to post my workouts on here so that I will hopefully stick with it.

I am also going to be starting an arm workout as soon as I get my "training plan" from my husband (hint, hint, reminder, if you're reading Sweetie)

American-Girl-Sized Doll Carrier - You Could Win One

2010-01-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

My daughter has one of these doll carriers for her American Girl Doll and we absolutely love it.
The “Carry-Her” is a fabric backpack-style carrier for 16” to 18” dolls (like the American Girls Doll’s size). It’s great because your child wears it with the doll in it like a backpack so it’s easy to carry, but unlike a regular backpack, it still lets you see the doll (ask any doll lover, this is important). I love how lightweight the carrier is, and it is very well constructed and seems to be very durable. It’s also adjustable.
You can get just the backpack or you can get the Carry-Her Combo, which includes the backpack carrier and a doll-sized backpack that is actually a carry pouch for the carrier.

You can win one at Smart and Trendy Moms.

Where to enter: Smart and Trendy Moms
Ends: 1/31

Custom Pen Giveaway

2010-01-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

Maquel from o...so dazzling makes really cool custom pens. SPaRkLe PeNs are available in personalized, holiday, seasonal, sports themes and more! She loves to do custom, so the possibilities are endless. They are available in many ink colors and are extremely affordable.

Enter at: Smart and Trendy Moms
Ends: 1/24

Stop by My Other Blog Too

2010-01-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

Make sure you stop by Smart and Trendy Moms. That is my second blog that I have with my friend Jennette. We've got lots of great content and reviews and giveaways. You can find it at http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/

Also, we have some added some great new FREE blog buttons!

Sorry - No Wordless Wednesday Today - This Giveaway is too Cool.

2010-01-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I'm not wordless this Wednesday. I'm too excited about this giveaway!

Kitchen Stew, which is a great site with tons of great recipes and tips, is giving away a PlanetBox lunch kit. The planet box is a waste free, eco-friendly way to pack a lunch. I have been wanting to try to be greener when it comes to lunch packing and this is the way. I hope to win. But if I don't, I hope you do. :-)

Where to enter: Kitchen Stew
Ends: January 15, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Show Your Soul T-shirt Giveaway

2009-12-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

Precious Peas is holding a giveaway of a Show Your Soul t-shirt. Show Your Soul has a line of t-shirts with inspiring words and phrases.

The Show Your Soul website says, "Whether you're running on the treadmill or running to the store, you will look and feel great in SYS apparel made with high quality fabrics that are both soft and feminine and made to last."

They have some really great phrases. My favorites are "Believe" "Be True" and "Find Balance"

They are giving away a Show Your Soul "Believe" T-shirt. (Your choice of brown long sleeve or pink short sleeve)

Where to enter: Jamies Precious Peas
Ends: December 19

Labyrinth Balance Board Giveaway

2009-12-10T23:12:00.000-08:00

4BabyandMom is giving away a Labyrinth Balance Board from Museum Tour.

Balance boards help to develop a person’s sense of balance and equilibrium and can help with brain development. They are not only great fun for kids, but they are also used for athletic training and physical therapy.

I've seen the benefits of these great toys/tools first hand. My son uses a balance board at school to train his motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination, and his writing has improved a ton! He even does drills where he has to bounce a ball while balancing. (I'm not sure I could pull-off that one!) The Challenge board looks like it would be great because it includes a ball maze game right in the board. I can see the challenge of that encouraging my son to work longer and harder, and have fun while doing it.

I would love to have one of these for my son, and I image I would have to give him a good laugh watching Mom try to "play" too.

Enter at: 4BabyandMom
Contest Ends: Dec 18th

Made in Canarias - Vampire Bracelet Giveaway

2009-11-15T19:59:00.000-08:00

Made in Canarias is giving away a beautiful bracelet from Jalycme's Moonlight Jewelry. It's called the "Vampires Ball Bracelet" and is made with red Czech glass beads, dark silver seed beads and gun metal toggle clasp. What a beautiful bracelet!

Where to enter: Made in Canarias
Contest Ends: 11/28

Green Mama's Pad - WaterWeek Giveaway

2009-11-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

Green Mama's Pad is giving away a Reduce WaterWeek set of reusable water bottles with a fridge tray. Green Mama’s Pad is a great blog that has tips for going green and great green product reviews and giveaways.

I’ve looked at the WaterWeek sets before and have been considering buying a set. The fridge tray looks as if it would fit nicely in the fridge and would be convienent to fill the bottles and have them ready when you need them. I try to reuse the regular plastic water bottles and they don’t hold up. I would love a set of nice looking study reuseable water bottles

Having these water bottles would be a great way to stay healthy by drinking the recommended amount of water each day, while reducing your effect on the environment. And they are just so darn pretty! They have several attractive designs for adults and kids. I love Naturals.

Where to enter: Green Mama’s Pad
Contest Ends: 11/27

Great Website for Booklovers – Shelfari.com

2009-11-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

I came across a great website for book lovers called Shelfari. You can “build” your own virtual bookshelf, on which you can display books you’ve read, books that you want to read, and books that you are currently reading. You can mark your favorites and mark those that you own. It also has a rating and review feature.

There is a great online community where you can add friends, and see what they are reading and what they think of various books and get recommendations. They also have ranking systems to see what books are popular.

I check out a lot of books from the public library and tend to lose track of what I have read. I love being able to have a virtual shelf that will even show the cover art to help track what I have read. It makes it very convenient when I want to remember a title or author.

And they have a widget maker that lets you display your bookshelf on your blog or other site. You even get to pick the type of wood your shelf is made out of. Click here to see my virtual bookshelf widget.

Head to http://www.shelfari.com/ to get a shelf of your own.

YooHoo

2009-11-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

A Giveaway Everyday is giving away Two Five-Inch YooHoo and Friends plus a Clip-on/Keychain.

Ends - Nov 20

Enter at: A Giveaway Everyday

My Bookshelf on Shelfari

2009-11-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Rockstar Charm Bracelet Giveaway

2009-11-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Baby Luxe Daily is giving away an adorable Charm Bracelet perfect for any "rockin'" little girl. I love the little pink guitar. Girls Rock!

Stop by Baby Luxe Daily to enter.

Ends 11/16

Time To Read - Giveaway

2009-11-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

The Post It Place is giving away three Mark-My-Time Reading Timers. Some of my children's friends have these and they look neat.

My kids have a minimum reading time required for school, and the timing bookmarks seem like they would be great for that. I love the idea of the kids being able to time themselves, which I think would keep me from having to answer the constant "Am I done yet?" or "How many minutes have I read?" questions.

And I love the fact that the timer can count down (for my reluctant reader) and can count up (for my reader who loves to read). I am really hoping to win one of these. It would make a great Christmas stocking stuffer.

Click here to head over to the The Post It Place to enter the giveaway. And don't forget to check out her other great giveaways and recipies (Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball anyone?)

Giveaway ends - Nov 20th

Beautiful Pendant Giveaway!

2009-11-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

On the Made In Canarias site, LvoffStudio is giving away Photo Etched Ornamental Sterling Silver Pendant/Charm. She has lots of great giveaways listed, although this necklace is by far my favorite. Go check out her blog: Made In Canarias

Giveaway ends 11/27

Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl Giveaway

2009-11-07T23:22:00.000-08:00

Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl Giveaway

excerpt from "A Giveaway Everyday" --
"It’s Fall! It’s starting to get chilly but we still have days where it gets sunny later. I’ve been looking for something versatile to adjust to changing temperatures that will keep me cozy when it’s cold, but I can remove and easily carry around when it gets warm. Ideally, I could also use it when it gets really cold in the winter, which is just around the corner. And how about spring and summer evenings too? And can it look nice as well? Does such a thing exist?"

It does! It's the Azuri cashmina pashmina shawl from Nimli.com. Go check out A Giveaway Everyday and enter this great giveaway.

TJ Maxx Giveaway at Mommy's Quiet Time

2009-11-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Another cool giveaway. Go check this out.
“TJ Maxx $25 Gift Card Giveaway over on Mommy’s Quiet Time. Check out the great deals and loads of photos! One person will win a $25 TJ Maxx gift card to use however they want. Whether on Fall fashions, holiday decorations, Christmas gifts or just to buy something nice.”

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Another Cool Giveaway!!
Shabby Apple Dare to Design Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Mommy Journey
is giving away this cute Dora the Explorer 9 Bin Toy Organizer! This giveaway is exclusively for readers located in United States and Canada only!

"Grab a Button" Box - How to Put Your Button Code in a "Cut and Paste" Box

2009-08-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

This "how to" assumes you already have your button code.

You put the code for your button in between the text area tags:

<center>
<textarea rows="3" cols="30" style="overflow: auto;">

YOUR BUTTON CODE GOES HERE

</textarea>
</center>

We like to put this "cut and paste" box just below the code for the button so that people can see the button that they are going to get when they cut and paste the code.

The Details

Adjust the rows="3" to control the height
Adjust the cols="30" to control the width
style="overflow: auto;" controls whether you see a scroll bar or not change "auto" to "hidden" to hide the scroll bar

2009-05-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

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This is a test post

This is a test divider

This is a test pos This is a test post This is a test post. This is a test post This is a test postThis is a test post

This is a test post

2009-02-09T09:27:00.000-08:00