Fireflies and Jellybeans: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Charlie's Soap Review and Giveaway!

These days most of us would probably say that we would prefer to use cleaning products that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. But let's face it, most of that stuff is quite expensive, and during this tough recession, we've all had to make budget cuts.

That's why I was so excited to have the opportunity to try and review Charlie's Soap. I have been making my own laundry detergent for several years because of the high cost of natural cleaning products. But not only is Charlie's Soap environmentally friendly, but the laundry detergent is actually cheaper per load than the stuff I make (as little as $0.13 per load for the 1000 load bucket)! I did the math over and over again just to make sure. And there's no need for softeners, which means even more savings! Besides the amazing price, my favorite thing about CS laundry detergent is the smell of my clean clothes. They call it unscented, but I call it "a hint of fresh." I don't like strong scents (another reason I prefer to make my own detergent), but I am in LOVE with how my clothes smell after being washed in Charlie's Soap. Also, it's excellent for cloth diapers. I am potty training 2 toddlers, and after a couple washes all the pee-smell was gone from my boys' pants and underwear. Not only did it get my clothes clean and fresh, but the inside of my washing machine was also cleaner. I was bummed when I ran out, I had to go buy more right away. And as a bonus, Charlie's Soap laundry detergent can also be used in the dishwasher! How cool is that? (For best results, Charlie's Soap recommends using their Laundry Booster & Hard Water Treatment if you have hard water).

In addition to the laundry detergent, I also tried Charlie's Soap Kitchen and Bath cleaner. Let me just say: AMAZING. This stuff works so well at cleaning up messes and grime. I have been using it on my counter tops and appliances, and everything is sparkling clean. I also cleaned the bathroom with it, and it works great there too. As with everything they make, the Kitchen/Bath cleaner is environmentally safe, which I love. It is not only for kitchens and bathrooms though. It can be used on virtually anything. I have sprayed it on pans that have crusted-on food, and within 5 minutes the food wipes out as easily as if it had been soaking for hours. It also cleans walls, floors, hands, machine parts (yep!), and much more. When I cleaned my kitchen floor with CS, my rinse bucket was dirtier than it's ever been, which is a good thing because it means Charlie's does a BETTER job of cleaning than what I was previously using. I am one of Charlie's Soap's newest customer's. I love it.

To enter to win FREE samples of Charlies Soap visit Charlie's Soap's website and come back to tell us your favorite product.

Want another entry? Like them on their Facebook page and come back to tell us!

***Giveaway ends on Sunday Feb 5th at Midnight. Winner will be notified by email***
US RESIDENTS ONLY

This post sponsored by :

myDealCompass. No Frills Just Deals!

Come back on Friday for an AWESOME map/compass project contest hosted by myDealCompass!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Felt Flowers and Pinwheel Straws {tutorials!}

Lifestyle Crafts have some fun new dies to show off at CHA this week!

Check out the fun projects I made with them!
(Be sure to check out the discount code at the bottom of the post too!)

I got the Nesting Clovers and the Pinwheel dies.

Here is what you will need:

Nesting Clovers Dies from Lifestyle Crafts

Die Cutter {not pictured}

Felt

Glue Gun

For this project I used the 3 smaller clovers from the nesting clovers (lets say the smallest clover is size 1, and the largest is size 4... I used sizes 1,2 and 3) I cut out one black size 3 and one black size 1, and three white size 2.

Yes the dies will cut through felt. I use my Epic 6 Die cutter. But, these dies work in most die cutting machines. If you are having trouble getting it to cut all the way through... try shimming it with a piece of card stock under the die. My felt cut most of the way and I had to use a scissors to cut some stings off.

Put a dot of hot glue in the middle of the inside of the size 2 clover and fold in half. Then, put a dot of glue on the outside in the middle of the top 2 petals. and fold over the glue. This will create the 3-D petals. Repeat on all 3 of the size 2 clovers.

Glue the three 3-D petals in a circle on your size 3 clover.

Glue the size 1 clover over the top of the corners of the 3-D petals, and you are done!

Use this flower to embellish a bag, or a headband, a t-shirt, etc...

Here is what you will need:

Pinwheel Die cuts from Lifestyle Crafts

Die Cutting machine {not pictured}

Felt

Straw

Brads {not pictured}

Hot glue gun {not pictured}

1. Use your die cutter to cut out your pinwheel. Use a Brad to push through all the holes on the petals and then through the center of the pinwheel. Secure the brad on the back.

You could make on big pinwheel by putting these together, but I liked the little less full ones for this project.

Use hot glue to glue the straw onto the back of the pinwheel. Then use a scrap of felt to cover over the straw for a nice finish.

Enjoy!

I think these would be ADORABLE at a baby shower or a spring/summer party!

Get 20% off your order at Lifestyle Crafts

with code: FIREFLIES

This post sponsored by :

myDealCompass. No Frills Just Deals!

Come back on Friday for an AWESOME map/compass project contest hosted by myDealCompass!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Show Off Your Stuff Party #111

Hello and Welcome to our Show Off Your Stuff Party!

This week I am showing off:

My Tie Belt

My new pattern for sale in my shop:

Double Wine Tote

Use the Code: FIREFLIES to get 20% off!

Is 2012 the year you want make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 3 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Double Wine Tote Pattern Release!

I am so excited to release my next Pattern into my shop: Funky Joy.

The double wine tote is the perfect way to carry your wine safely anywhere you want to go. Whether you are going to a party or an evening with close friends and family, you are sure to look stylish with this chic wine tote!

It would make a great hostess gift or wedding present!

**This pattern also comes with a license to sell what you make!**

It has been tested by several sewing bloggers, and I got some great feed back!

1. Greta (personal blog)
2. Tanya at Sew Many Dreams
3. Caroline at Artfully Caroline
4. Terri at A Creative Princess
5. Susan at Fruitful Words
6. Jenn at A Jennuine Life

Here is what they have to say about it:

I made the wine tote and love it! The directions were awesome and easy to follow. (Terri)

I have never sewed with felt before and I was surprised at how easy it was to use and how smart the final product looks. As far as the pattern goes, I was thrilled with all the photos. They added clarity to the written directions which is something needed for us visual learners. (Susan)

The pattern instructions were clear and simple. I don't drink wine, so that's balsamic vinegar and rice wine vinegar on board! For other non-drinkers, you could also market this as for balsamic-and-olive-oil hostess gifts, etc. (Tanya)

To celebrate I am giving away 1 pattern to a lucky F&J follower! Just leave a comment on this post and you are entered!

**Giveaway ends at midnight tonight and I will email the winner. **

Be sure to check out the Double Wine Tote Pattern in my shop: Funky Joy!

Use the Code: FIREFLIES at checkout and get 20% off !

Monday, January 23, 2012

Tie Belt Tutorial

Today I have a SUPER easy project... It will take less then 15 minutes to make! A cute tie belt.

Here is what you need:

A tie {I grabbed mine from my hubby... yes, I asked first!}

A set of D Rings {found at the fabric store in the notions section}

Sewing machine with tread, scissors, etc...

I measured around my waist and decided to cut a couple inches of the SMALL side of the tie. I didn't want it to hang down to far. This is totally optional.

Fold over the end of the tie 2 times so that you have a finish edge and make a loop for your set of D rings (you should have two of them.)and sew as close to the rings as possible. I sewed a couple of times just to reinforce the seam. {Might i suggest using a coordinating color Thead too! White was already loaded in my machine so that is what I went with!}

DONE!

It is such a fun accessory!

Linking to:

Friday, January 20, 2012

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We get all of our prescriptions from Walgreens. My family has quite a few prescriptions each month since my hubby is Type 1 Diabetic. We choose Walgreens because all of their stores are in the same network. If we are in one Walgreens prescriptions database... we are in all of them. It has come in handy on a couple of times when the one of the pharmacies ran out of a drug that was needed but, they called the next nearest Walgreens and filled our prescription there NO PROBLEM! You cannot do that at other pharmacies!

I also LOVE the drive thru. When I have 2 kids in my car, the last thing I want to do is get them out and bring them into a store to pick up a prescription. But my Walgreens has a drive thru window for prescriptions, so no getting out of my car! My son always asks if we can get a small fry when we are at the Walgreens window... sorry buddy, different drive thru!

All this is to say: I am a Walgreens Customer, and that is not going to change anytime soon. Plus there is a Redbox right outside my Walgreens... I can pick up my {prescription} drugs, candy and a movie all at the same place! : )

There is a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens! For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $5. Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions.

Other benefits include:
-Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
-Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies
-Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services

You can also follow Walgreens on Facebook and Walgreens on Twitter