Friday's Feature & a giveaway!

My feature today is Kristen from Polkadots N Pacifiers! Kristen makes infant and toddler bracelets, pacifier clips, hair accessories, & Holiday items. She also would like to give one lucky Gift Closet reader their choice of a bracelet or hair bow from her shop!

Here are some samples of her work:

The inspiration behind her etsy site:
"I started Polkadots N Pacifiers shortly after my daughter Skylar was born 3 years ago. While I was pregnant I saw a silver pacifier clip and I looked everywhere to find one for her. I couldn’t seem to find anything that was what I wanted so I decided I was going to make my own. I then decided that I could make my daughter items to match all of her outfits (pacifier clips, bracelets, hair bows, etc) and friends started asking for me to make things for their little girls.

I wanted to be a stay at home mom and creating cute baby items has helped make it so I am able to be a stay at home mom to my now 2 children, and help my husband while he is in school!"

Want It? Click here to shop.

Win It! How to enter to win your choice of a bracelet or hair bow:

1. Click here to visit Polkadots N Pacifiers. Come back here & leave a comment letting me know what your favorite item was.

2. For an EXTRA entry leave a 2nd comment letting me know what you love most about The Gift Closet! :)

3. Contest ends Thursday November 5, 2009 @ midnight & is open to US residents only.

Would you like for me to review your product on The Gift Closet & get exposed to thousands of readers? You can email me at heatherldt@bellsouth.net for more info.

Have a great weekend!!

Thoughts for Thursday

Comfort

By Guest Blogger Emily Farmer

What is your comfort level today? Is it low, high or somewhere in between. Is love a comfort you are accustomed too? Our God is such a God of comfort, even in difficult times. The days are long and emotions run high especially if you have difficult people you have to deal with. To know our God is there for us should make us feel much better. But often it's something we forget.

Take this as a reminder that God is there for you to give you comfort. He loves to make us feel loved. He is the only one who can give you true comfort. Material possessions and people can not give us the comfort God does. So this got me to thinking if he gives us comfort, shouldn't we give comfort to others? As a mother it's very easy to give comfort when my children are sick. But what about the rest of the time, does your family feel comfort from you? What about that hurting friend who just needs to feel comforted? Are we the ones God is sending to give it? There are many verses in the bible that talk of comfort. Like Matt. 6: 21" Where ever you treasure is there your heart will be also." Treasures are a comfort to some. Just like food is a comfort to others. Matt. 4:4 "Man doesn't live on food alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Now that's comfort worth seeking if you ask me. I personally want God's comfort that he has to offer. How about you?

I ran across a verse last night and wanted to share it with each of you who take the time to read my writings. I hope this verse will speak to you as it has to me. It comes from Isaiah 66:13 "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."

Press On Challenge:

Take time this week and allow God to comfort you.

Press On Verses:

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8

"Speak encouraging words to one another. "1 Thessalonians 5:11(The Message)

Have a blessed day my dear blogger reading friends.
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Click below to become a follower of The Gift Closet on Facebook

Win It Wednesday

Welcome to Win It Wednesday!! The winners of last week's giveaway (2 pairs of baby leg warmers) are #36 Egare1 and #41Missesprincess . Congrats!

This week I am giving away a $40 Gift Certificate to Bumbletees! Bumbletees has adorable & fun appliqued clothing for children, babies, & adults.

The inspiration behind Bumbletees:
"Jan Hayes began Bumbletees after finding it nearly impossible to find her toddler a cute Christmas t-shirt. She made him the perfect t-shirt which sparked lots of enthusiasm. Bumbletees was created and the rest is history. Bumbletees designs are still inspired by her two sons and her love for art and fabulous fabrics. She donates part of the proceeds from her "heart" tee to the Mid-South Transplant Foundation. The organization is near and dear to her heart. Jan's husband is a heart transplant recipient for almost two years now and doing great! The Bumbletees team is made up of friends and family who enjoy helping. As Bumbletees continues to grow, Jan continues to create designs that are fresh and must-haves for each new season. "

Love it!

Want It? Click here to shop.

Win It!
How to enter to win:
1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile. Winners will ONLY be contacted via email.
2. Earn 5 EXTRA ENTRIES by placing an order with Bumbletees and leaving an additional comment letting me know you did so.
3. Contest ends Tuesday November 3, 2009 @ midnight & is open to US residents only.

Click below to follow The Gift Closet on Twitter!

Tuesday's Tip

This is my last post of Halloween Decor! Hope you have had as much fun as I checking out everyone's ideas. As always, feel free to send me yours or leave a link to your post in the comments.

I'm really liking these blocks from Kendra @ My Insanity
I love this plate Kristin @ Sweetheart Moments created. I really enjoyed looking at all her other Fall Decor & her pretty house. Check out her post.
From Rachelle @ Fingerprints on The Fridge....what a cute mantle!

Got any Halloween traditions? I usually make my Mom's recipe for Homemade Spaghetti, the grandparents come over, and we take the kids out trick-or-treating. This year with it being on a Saturday, a friend is having a party so we'll be attending that. Here's a pic of my family & I in the back of the hubby's truck headed out for some Trick-or-Treating last year. We were making our "scary faces" and my hubby was acting crazy & attacking my Mom. This pic always makes me smile!

What are your Halloween traditions?

Make It Monday

I have been busy scouring the net for cute Halloween recipes to take to a Halloween party Saturday night. Thought I'd share a few with you for Make It Monday. :)

Hot Spiced Cider from Betty Crocker.com This sounds soothing to my scratchy throat as well!

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 15 min
Makes: 6 servings (1 cup each)

6	cups apple cider
1/2	teaspoon whole cloves
1/4	teaspoon ground nutmeg
3	cinnamon sticks

1.	In 3-quart saucepan, heat ingredients to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
2.	Before serving, strain cider mixture to remove cloves and cinnamon, if desired. Serve hot.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm all about simple, and these look like they would be fairly easy to make:

Witches' Hats from Betty Crocker:

Make this "spook-tacularly" easy cookie for Halloween parties or treats!

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 15 min
Makes: 32 cookies

32	Hershey's® Kisses® milk chocolates, unwrapped
1	package (11 1/2 ounces) fudge-striped shortbread cookies (32)
1	tube (4.25 ounces) orange or red decorating icing

1.	Attach 1 chocolate candy to chocolate bottom of each cookie, using decorating icing.
2.	Pipe decorating icing around base of milk chocolate candy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Candy Corn Cookies

Nibble away on sweet cookies that make you think you're eating candy.

Prep Time: 1 hour 0 min
Total Time: 2 hours 30 min
Makes: About 9 1/2 dozen cookies

1	pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/3	cup butter or margarine, melted
1	egg
	Orange paste food color
2	oz semisweet chocolate, melted, cooled

1.	Line 8x4-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, extending paper over sides of pan. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms.
2.	On work surface, place 3/4 cup dough. Knead desired amount of food color into dough until color is uniform. Press dough evenly in bottom of pan.
3.	Divide remaining dough in half. Gently press one half of remaining dough into pan on top of orange dough. On work surface, knead chocolate into remaining dough until color is uniform. Press over plain dough in pan, pressing gently to edge of pan. Refrigerate 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until firm.
4.	Heat oven to 375°F. Remove dough from pan. Cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice into 5 wedges. On ungreased cookie sheet, place wedges 1 inch apart.
5.	Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set and edges are very light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered container.

Please share any great Halloween recipes you have by leaving a comment with a link to your post, or emailing them to me. Thanks!

Shop with Mom-prenuers this Holiday season by clicking here or on the Christmas button below! :)

Openings

I still have openings for reviews & features between now & Christmas. Giveaway dates are full for 2009, unless you are sending me a product to review, then I can do a giveaway in conjunction w/ the review. Email me today to reserve your date! :) heatherldt@bellsouth dot net

Friday's Feature

Christmas @ The Gift Closet! In case you haven't heard, I have already started my 2nd annual Christmas @ the Gift Closet! This is a page where I will list some great Mom-owned companies to shop with this Holiday season. Looking for a unique gift to give this year? A handmade gift? Then you'll want to take a look! Click below to check them out.






A few of them I have personally shopped with or had the opportunity to try their products. Here are some I recommend:
1. Baby Bug Creations-I have some of her baby leg warmers & they are functional & cute.
2. Inspire Your Walls-Her vinyl designs have never failed me!
3. Wonderful Wonderbar-I loved the way the skin care product made my skin feel! Divine!!
4. Lillybella-I have purchased her products to use for myself as well as give as gifts. Loved all of them, great quality. The checkbook covers are great!
5. Barley & Birch-Love the organic tee I got from them for my son.
6. Nothing Fancy-Have purchased her products as gifts. High quality, monogrammed or appliqued baby & kid's items. Super cute stuff for the Holidays!!
7. Pleated Poppy-Have her ponytail holders. Cute stuff & cute packaging too!
8. The Pretty Peacock-Just ordered a Christmas gift from them. LOVE their jewelry!

So, hop on over & take a look @ Christmas @ The Gift Closet. Christmas Eve is 2 months from tomorrow, so it's time to start making those lists & checking them twice! Have a great weekend & see you Monday. :)

Thoughts for Thursday

Friends

By Guest Blogger Emily Farmer

Are you a good friend? What do you look for in a friend? Friends are those that stick closer than a brother says the writer of Proverbs. " A man of many companies may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." I look for honesty, loyalty, and someone who will be there no matter what it takes. Friends are those who are fun to be around and with.

However we all have those people in our lives that suck the energy out of us as well as all the happiness life has to offer. For these friends I say steer clear from and most importantly pray for them and your relationship with them. If you are struggling with a friend in any area of your life, ask God to lead you to verses that can reassure you of His truths. One of the ways we can deal with difficult friends is to find Bible verses and make them visible by writing or typing these verses out. I love to use index cards for this and place them around the house. Insert your name if that applies, and spend some time sitting at God's feet praying these verses to Him. James 4:8says "Come near to God and he will come near to you."

God made us for relationships and friendships. In Phil. 3:17-21 Paul gives advice for imitating Christ even in Friendships. So take his advice and become the best friend you can be. God wants us to make and keep friends. HE wants us to hold Him in the center of our lives and if we do that all other areas of our lives will fall into place, that includes friendships. "Three are even better, for a triple cord is not easily broken." Ecc. 4:12 (NLT) Three in this verse refers to God, you and a friend. Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is living and active." But we can only experience that if we get in His word.

Press On Challenge:

If you have a friend that you need to mend a relationship with go to that friend and talk but,

before going to that friend ask God to lead you in what to say. Then let the outcome be up to Him.

Press On Verses:

"Two are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." Ecc.4:9 (NLT)

Win It Wednesday

Welcome to the original Win It Wednesday! Hope you are having a good week. :)
The 2 winners of last week's giveaway are......The Medium Bag from Bummis goes to #22 Janette & the Small bag goes to #23 Larry Harms . Congrats!!

This week there will be 2 winners again! I will be giving away 2 pairs of Baby Leg Warmers from SnuggleLuv! Just in time for the cooler weather!

Snuggle Luv is dedicated to offering high quality baby boutique items at lower than boutique prices. This includes baby leg warmers, baby hats, pettiskirts, onesies and hair clips.

Snuggle Luv was created in Provo Utah in 2008 by two "stay at home" moms who are also identical twin sisters.

Sarah Ekins and Lyndi Spencer first had the idea for the Snuggle Luv products while they were looking for cute, yet functional clothing items for their children. They visited many baby boutiques and fell in love with the items, but were shocked at the prices. At that time they made it their mission to create an alternative. Boutique quality items at a sensible price.

Want It? Their Baby Leg Warmers are buy 2 get 1 FREE right now. Click here to stop by & check them out!

Win It! You can enter to be one of the 2 winners of the Baby Leg Warmers by:
1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile. Winners will only be notified via email.
2. Earn an EXTRA entry by becoming a follower of The Gift Closet on Facebook. Click on the link below to do so then come back here & leave an additional comment letting me know you did.3. Contest ends Tuesday October 27, 2009 @ midnight & is open to international & US residents!

Interested in a link exchange? Email me at heatherldt@ bellsouth dot net

P.S. Don't forget to support Mom-prenuers this Holiday season by shopping on my Christmas @ The Gift Closet page! And Wonderful Wonderbar is offering free shipping through October 31. You can find them on my Christmas @ The Gift Closet page as well! :)

Tuesday's Tip

More Fall Ideas! I have finally decorated my home since the post last week & I am def in the mood now! Here are some more great ideas for recipes & decor to check out.

I Scream Sandwitches from Martha Stewart. How cute & yummy are these?!
I LOVE these adorable Strawberry Ghosts from Taste of Home!
Gilded Pumpkins from Country Living. So many things you can do w/ fake pumpkins that will last.Feel free to email me your posts so I can feature you!


Grab this button:
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Make It Monday

It has been down in the 30's the last couple of nights here in GA. Very unusual for October! The weekend was quite a chilly one to say the least! Actually, all of last week was kind of cool & dreary. This kind of weather makes me want to stay in and....cook! Or bake! Does this Fall weather do that to anyone else?

Last week I tried a new recipe from the latest Kraft magazine, Crock Pot Lasagna. It was very good so I decided to share!

Prep Time:

15 min

Total Time:

4-6 hr 15 min

Makes:

8 servings

What You Need!

1 lb. ground beef

1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce

1 cup water

1 container (15 oz.) Ricotta Cheese

1 pkg. (7 oz.) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided

1 egg

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley(I did not add this)

6 lasagna noodles, uncooked

Make It!

BROWN meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and water. Mix ricotta, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan, egg and parsley.

SPOON 1 cup meat sauce into slow cooker; top with layers of half each of the noodles, broken to fit; and cheese mixture. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles, broken to fit; cheese mixture and meat sauce. Cover with lid.

COOK on LOW 4 to 6 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; let stand, covered, 10 min. or until melted.

I cooked mine 4 hours and it was done. I served it w/ salad & Italian bread. I sliced the bread, buttered it, wrapped it in foil, & placed it in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or so. Till it was crusty on top & warm & the butter melted.
If you make it, let me know what you think! :)

Another tasty tip: Did you know you can email this to post to a friend by clicking on the small white envelope below?

Friday's Feature

My daughter loves art. So, when a Kidzsack arrived in the mail for us to review, she was delighted. Kidzsack is an eco friendly creative backsack for kids ages 4 and up. The fabric is made from 100% recycled cotton and plastic bottles. The front is screenprinted with the owner's original artwork, and there are 8 washable markers included in the packaging. Kids color it, mom or dad washes, and kids recolor. It’s a great reusable activity that is perfect for preschool, beach, sports, and vacation. Kidzsack is made in the USA and has just received the 2009 DR. Toy Best Vacation Product Award and 2009 Creative Child Magazine Best Product Award!

Tina is the Mom-prenuer behind this creative product, and here is what inspired her to start Kidzsack:
"My name is Tina Hill and I am the owner of Kidzsack, www.kidzsack.com. I started Kidzsack in October of 2007 and came up with the idea in June 2007. I was walking my kids to the bus stop and noticed a neighbor wearing a Nike sportsack and thought I could translate that idea into something creative for little kids. I have always loved to color and draw and wanted to create something that kids could color on and something that would also be reusable. I was determined to build a legitimate business. The cost of having four kids (ages 13, 11, 9, & 7) was adding up with sports, activities, camps, and the future…college hanging over my head. I found it was time that I make a financial contribution and also get back to my roots of being creative. I had been a fashion designer in my 20’s working in NYC and travelling quite a bit. I am now 44 and have been a stay at home mom for about 11 years. "

What my family liked about the Kidzsack:
1. We got the Castle print & it was really cute. There are 4 different ones to choose from as well as custom designs.
2. My husband helped my daughter color it & they enjoyed having a little "family project".
3. My daughter said it was lots of fun! When I do wash it I plan to let my son color it next time. We like that it is washable, then you can color it again.
4. Eco-friendly.


What we didn't like about the Kidzsack:
1. No negatives about the product itself. Even though the markers are washable, you may need to put a piece of paper under the bag as you color, or in the bag, as the markers went through to the other side.


Want It? Click here to shop.

Click here to support Mom-preneurs this Holiday season!

Thoughts for Thursday

SIT

By guest blogger Emily Farmer

A friend and I were in deep conversation about how to pray and spend quiet time in the word. This brought up the question from my friend to me "What do you do in your quiet time with God? I mean what do you do?" I had several things to share with my friend that day. I hope she is using some of the suggestions we talked about. I thought it was worth sharing again so today I am sharing them with you.

Here is what I have learned over the years of studying God's word. Prayer is different for everyone. Some can have the TV on or background noise. Others have to have peace and quiet. Some need books upon books for studying, others just their Bible and a maybe a pen. I personally can do all the above. I guess it really depends on my mood or spirit for the day. If I'm in a hurry I say a popcorn prayer that might go like this "God help me and my family to show your love today." If I have a length of time to spend in his word I will sometimes gather different translations of the Bible, pen, journal and sit for a while in deep study of a certain verse or passage.

One thing I love to pray is the Psalms. I think there is a Psalms for every feeling, emotion or situation we will face in life. A few of my favorite Psalms are Psalms 25, 103 & 121. I often read these and pray them back to God inserting my name as well as my families names in where I can to pray these prayers for us all. I encourage you to take a look at these and see what you discover. Try praying them back to God and insert your name or your families names.

So here is a short version of my method for having a quiet time and prayer time. S.I.T. Yep you heard me right. Sit at the feet of Jesus read his word and listen for his voice. It's not a audible voice you will hear but, if you belong to HIM as HIS child you will eventually figure out how and when He speaks to you. So, as you sit as in sit down next, you S.I.T. as in Seek, Investigate & Take. Seek by discovering what HIS word is saying to you. Then Investigate by looking at key words, places and people. Also look for repeated words and phrases. These are the things that will tell you what the passage or verse is about and what it means. What is the passage saying to you? Now Take. Take it personal and apply it to your life. Takeaway what you get from it and make a change in your life. Keeping a journal might be a handy way to start. That way you have something to look back at and a place to put notes. It's also a place to record prayers and the answered to the prayers. I personally like to write in my bible by making notes, dates, highlighting with color pencils and underlining. I know some of you are holding your breath at this point to believe I write in my Bible. How could you, you might ask? Well I had a pastor teach me that a long while back and I have done it ever since. It's a nice reminder of what I have learned,prayed for and it often helps me to find verses I am looking for. My Bible looks like a coloring book and to me I believe God loves it because I am in HIS word and learning HIS word and that's what He wants most for us. To know HIS word because when we know HIS word we know HIM on a personal level.

Press On Challenge:

Start a journal and write down what God is teaching you.

Press On Verses:

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Ps. 86:11 (NLT)

How lovely is your dwelling place. O Lord of Heaven's Armies. Ps. 84:1 (NLT)

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Mark 1:35 (NLT)

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Luke 5:16 (NLT)

Win It Wednesday

The winner of the Tee from Barley & Birch is #28 Heather M . Congrats!

This week there will be 2 winners! I am giving away 1 Small & 1 Medium Wet Bag from Bummis!

What is a Wet Bag you ask? It is designed for those who use a cloth diapering system, and if you don't, well...there are many other uses for these cute & functional bags! Double seamed on 3 sides, these bags are designed and constructed to be durable and absolutely leak resistant. Use them for anything – wet diapers, bum wipes, swimsuits, cosmetics, travel bag, etc. The small and medium Fabulous Wet Bags have a snap-able handle for strollers and a zipper for odor control. The small bag is 10"x12" & the Medium Bag is 14"x15". I received a Green one to review and here's the scoop.

What I liked about the Fabulous Wet Bag:
1. It is made of super sturdy material & will not leak!
2. The handy snappable handle to hang it is really cool.
3. Very cute & fun colors!
4. Great to keep in the car if your little one has accidents, or to use for a cloth diapering system, as it was made for.
5. Many other things you can use it for & 2 sizes to choose from.
6. Washable.

What I didn't like about my Fabulous Wet Bag:
1. I always try to include a negative to "keep it real", but honestly there's nothing negative to write about this product. :)



What else does Bummis make? Everything you need for a cloth diapering system. Cloth diapers, diaper covers, accessories, training pants, & swimmis. Bummis began as the proverbial “kitchen table business”, started by 3 mothers who were using cloth diapers on their own babies and were inspired to create the products they themselves needed. That was way back in the 1980’s. It remained a home business until it grew too large to fit into any home! Since then, Bummis has grown and prospered while staying true to the vision that inspired its inception and the values that fuelled its growth.

Want It? Click here to shop.

Win It! 2 Winners - 1 Small Bag & 1 Medium Bag. Here's how to enter to win:
1.Click here to visit Bummis. Come back here & tell me what color bag you will choose if you win. Be sure you include your email address in your comment if it is not on your profile. Winners will only be contacted via email.
2. For an extra entry, become a follower of The Gift Closet on Twitter by clicking below. Be sure to come back and leave a 2nd comment to let me know what name you follow under.

3. Contest ends Tuesday October 20, 2009 @ midnight & is open to US & Canadian residents.

You can advertise your company @ the bottom of my next Win It Wednesday post for only $5! Email me to start your Holiday advertising now. heatherldt @ bellsouth.net

Tuesday's Tip-Fall Decor

I have more Fall Decor to share with you this week! ~Giddy!~Fall is my favorite season. So that is why I am ashamed to say it is October 13, and I have yet to decorate for Fall or Halloween! ARGH! Guess that's the product of a busy, pregnant, mom of 2!

Here is some Fall Decor I shared last year that I plan to do again this year...

Found this in a magazine...

My kids' version:


Not "perfect" but my kids enjoyed this!


Click here for this little "Boo Ghosts" template. I found them on another site's "Make It Monday"...how funny!


Found this over at The Story Of Us blog. Very cute!!

Love this Fall wreath at Inspiring Ideas

Do you have a cute Halloween decoration idea you'd like to share? Please leave a comment here and feel free to link to your blog post about it if you'd like!

Interested in boosting your holiday sales by advertising on my Right sidebar? I have a Holiday Special right now, email me for details! heatherldt@ bellsouth dot net

Christmas @ The Gift Closet

Welcome to my 2nd annual Christmas @ The Gift Closet! Let this be your "go-to" guide for where to shop this Holiday Season. All of the companies listed here are run by hard-working female entrepreneurs. Not that I have anything against the men, but let's hear it for the ladies!!

Benefits of shopping from home and from this list of wonderful ladies:
1. Save gas!
2. Support lots of SAHM,WAHM, & Female Entrepreneurs
3. Give unique, custom handmade gifts!
4. Save time driving all over town shopping.
5. Help promote small businesses!

So....Let's shop!

AND....be sure to come back December 1-12 for my Second Annual "Twelve Days of Christmas"! There will be a giveaway every day December 1-12 from 12 of these great companies listed below!!! ~Giddy! ~









Would you like to see your company listed on this page? Email me today at heatherldt@bellsouth dot net

Please post this button on your blog to help support these women! :)