Crayola Experience - Easton, PA - {A Review}

*I don't usually post reviews on my blog other than books, recipes, and the occasional product, but we recently took a trip to the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA. Our experience was not at all what I expected, and I thought it was worth mentioning to my readers who may someday be thinking about visiting this colorful place!*

Let me preface my review by saying we went to the Crayola Experience on Good Friday (April 18, 2014). Although we'd never been, I was fully aware that a holiday day would likely make a place like this busier than normal.

Whoa. It was beyond busy. It was absolute chaos.

Upon arriving, we realized we would have to park in the adjacent (not free) parking garage... Around and around we drove, noticing how full the garage was at 10:15 am (only a few minutes after their 10:00 am holiday opening hours)! We parked at the very top, hoping for a picture of the building – as the art and architecture is very cool - a big box of crayons spilling out over the edge and cartoon crayons 'painting' the building.

As we made our way to the entrance, we saw Clifford and Bob the Builder 'greeting' visitors. I say 'greeting,' because neither seemed even a smidge enthusiastic. It wasn't hot, so as to excuse them of being overheated in their costumes. In fact, it was a mite breezy and cool (so they should have been comfortably warm inside their apparel). Anyway, my children (ages 6 and 7) wanted their picture taken with these 2 characters that they are very familiar with. I know these 'actors' can't speak, but c'mon! Nod at the kids or something! Point at the Crayola building and clap...! Anything to pantomime excitement to the visitors! And, don't they see a mom with her camera? I never got a posed-type picture with the kids and Bob. I ended up with a picture of Bob just standing there swaying, while I also captured the back of my kids' heads, as they weren't sure what to do.

Ok, onward!

Into the building we went...and were blasted by the other extreme: utter chaos! We weren't sure where to go. All we saw were people...and more people. There were no workers to greet us or give us directions. I finally found a blue-shirted Crayola person, and made my way to him. I indicated that we had tickets (I had purchased online and printed prior to our visit), and he motioned me 'that'away.' Ok... wasn't really sure where 'that' was, but I grabbed our daughter's hand and my husband took our son's (for if we didn't, we'd lose them!), and we tried to get past the full queues at the ticket counter to where we thought we were supposed to go.

Three overwhelmed-looking Crayola ladies were scanning tickets and handing out clear bags. I knew from reading previous reviews that each visitor receives a bag to put all of his Crayola creations in as he works his way through the stations. The girl began scanning my 4 tickets and handed me two bags. She slipped tokens in the bags and mumbled something about what they were for (however the noise level was so great, that I just nodded...even though I didn't quite catch it all; I assumed we'd figure it out as we went along). The girl's actions and attitudes weren't unfriendly, but she was definitely in a hurry, and I could tell we were dismissed to 'experience' the place on our own.

As soon as I passed the ticket area, I turned to my husband and said, 'Where are our bags?! I thought parents got them, too? I want to create, too!!' Ok, I'll admit I felt a little whiny about it, as I'd been looking forward to making some of the fun creations along with my children (and, I paid for an admission ticket, too!)...but, I began to assume that maybe the workers saw how busy it was and were just handing bags to the kids that day. I'm sure if I'd gone back and asked for one, I would have gotten one...but, if you'd seen the crowd and heard the noise, I'm sure you would have just shrugged your shoulders, too.

Again, there were no workers around to give us directions or recommendations. We just started making our way up the stairs, wondering what we were supposed to do – feeling very overwhelmed by the loud humming noise of too much humanity in one small space.

I just want to say: both my husband and I are first-born children. We are independent, preferring to do and figure out things by ourselves. We don't need 'direction;' we had the Crayola map; we knew 'what' to do. But the prevailing aura of disorganization and chaos in the building had us wishing for a little direction...or something.

We got to the 2^nd floor and as my husband would say, there wasn't room to swing a dead cat. All of the crayon wrapping stations had lines out to 'here' (me stretching both arms out all the way) on both sides...and the noise from the adjacent room was overwhelming (there is some kind of game – looked a little like 'plinko,' and the clunking noise combined with the 'normal' crowd noise of that many adults trying to wrangle their brood and excited kids was about to drive anyone insane).

Husband saw a flat screen monitor above a door that indicated the crayon factory demonstration started every half hour. Ahh, we only had about 10 minutes to wait for the next one! We decided that might be our best option so we could perhaps get our bearings and form a plan for the rest of the day. So, we got in line.

People began lining up behind us. About 5 minutes later, a crayonologist appeared and told us, 'I'm sorry! The screen is wrong for the first showings. The next one doesn't actually start until --.' Which was another 40 minutes away.

Really?

Ugh.

So much for getting our bearings and forming a plan. We huddled near a wall in the hallway, while people, people, and more people streamed past, looking at our map, trying to figure out what to start with. We thought we had a bright idea! Let's go up to the 4^th floor and work our way down! Maybe other people are starting their way up, and it will be less crowded if we go backwards!

Oy. We were wrong. The mass of humanity was just as thick on the 4^th floor as it was on the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd floors.

Really, we had no choice but to pick a line and do SOMETHING. Our poor kids! So, we got in line to do the Drip Art. The children choose 2 crayons, place them in a machine that melts and 'drips' them onto spinning paper. The visitor's design will vary, as he controls the spinning speed of the paper with a little lever. It was a neat project, but again, it is very hard to feel 'creative' when you are feeling rushed to finish and move on, because the line just grows longer and longer behind you.

By the time we waited and finished dripping, it was just about time for the Crayon Factory demonstration to start. So, we headed back down to the 2^nd floor...and got in line.

 

I would have to say that this is the best part of the Crayola Experience. My kids were already somewhat familiar with the crayon making process (we've got Mr. Roger's classic 'crayon factory' episode on DVD), but it was still pretty neat to see the machines in action in person. The multimedia presentation with animated crayons 'Turk' and 'Scarlet' and live Crayola Crayonologist was entertaining, and believing that you're getting a red crayon that you just saw being made was pretty thrilling for the kids (the Crayonologist hands you a !free! crayon on your way out of the show)!

As we left the demonstration room, we decided to get in line at the Wrap it Up! crayon wrapping kiosks. This is when I realized what the tokens were for. Visitors only get so many tokens...and will have to use them wisely. You can't just 'load up' your bag with souvenirs...unless you've got a token to get it! To wrap a crayon, you must first insert a token. Then, on a touch screen, you get to design your own label, with an image and then you can choose your own crayon name! Once finished, the sticker label prints and a crayon drops down, like a vending machine. You remove both...and wrap the label around your crayon!

Neat-o!

Until the machine doesn't work!

Unbelievable, eh?

Truth!

The father and child, two in front of my son and I never got his crayon. He just walked off, shoulders slumped. The lady in front of me looked at me with confusion... and said, 'the people on the other side didn't get one either?!' Then, she and her son began making their label...and got no crayon. So, she left her child at the kiosk and tried to find a Crayola employee. One finally came, unlocked the machine, and handed the child a crayon.

Now it was our turn, and I didn't expect much. Hallelujah! My son got his label AND (electric lime) crayon which he named 'froggy green.' :-)

Son and I were happy and walked to a bench to find confused daddy and disappointed daughter – her machine didn't give her the purple crayon. Grr. I volunteered to track down a Crayola person. When I found one, she was trying to unlock another color's kiosk...and finally led me to locked cabinets apart from the kiosks to retrieve a purple crayon (apparently many people were not receiving their crayons that day...)

Really, husband and I were ready to head to the hotel by now, but we so wanted our kids to have more memories than 1 red crayon, 1 wrapped crayon, and 1 drip art paper! The thing they really wanted to do was play on the Color Playground. We decided to visit the 3^rd floor and check it out.

Oh! The humanity!!

Husband took one look...and said, 'No way!' There was no way we could allow our kids into the jungle. I just can't even describe the mass of children and adults in that one small area. It actually became more of a safety issue than anything else.

Disappointment...and even a little disgust was really beginning to set in! We couldn't do anything! The tables where you could glue, cut, create, color were so full...there was no place to sit even if you wanted to make something.

We finally made our way to the Marker Maker (tokens required). Again, the potential for an amazing time is here...! It was very fun to see a marker being made! But, the lines were so long that it squelches creativity! You know if you want a marker (or any thing at any station), you've got to choose a line...or never get it. It is no fun feeling rushed to choose a color, or just choose a color that you don't want because the line is shortest...wait in line...and then when it's your turn, get it over quickly, because a line of people are waiting behind you. It's hard to enjoy the process of the marker making or any of the projects in that kind of situation.

I knew my daughter would LOVE the Crayon Clinic (tokens needed) – where you melt crayons into new things – shaped crayons, rings, etc. Again, when we ventured to the 4^th floor to attempt it, the line was so long, we couldn't even find the end! It just wasn't worth waiting for. Same thing with the Water Works. Both kids really wanted to do that...couldn't see the end of the line.

The only other station we were able to complete was the Be a Star activity. With the aid of a green screen, your face gets superimposed onto a coloring sheet with a background of your choosing (cartoon crayons in different scenes). Our kids each created one – I was sure because of the printer being used, that we would have to give up a token – but the Be a Star feature was tokenless! Again, though, we felt rushed and tried to hurry through because the line behind us was...um, dare I say: loooong?!

Husband finally herded us to the gift shop and told me they could each pick out anything, and we'd get it! Normally, we avoid gift shops – as the prices are so much, and we've already spent an arm and a leg for the activity or park itself. But, since this 'experience' was so awful, husband wanted the kids to have something fun from the trip! They each picked out a plush stuffed crayon at $26.99 a pop. Ouch. Mama was cringing...tickets, parking...oy! OH! I forgot to mention the $3 the vending machine ate when son wanted a drink!! And, do you think we could find anyone nearby to let them know that we lost $3...and were still thirsty?!

To say that the Crayola Experience was a disappointment would be an understatement. We planned our entire weekend away around a trip to the 'factory.' I'm not sure, but there needs to be some kind of organization – perhaps only so many people allowed on a floor or at an activity at once. Husband said that even the lines wouldn't bother him too much if it felt like we were making progress and moving from one area to the next. 

Like a restaurant!

Some people sit for hours, savoring their dinner. But during the same long time they spend at their meal, 2 more tables empty. Sure, there's a line and a wait at the door, but you don't mind, knowing some table will finish their food eventually. Rotated in and out. For every 'x' amount of people/family out, 'x' amount of people go in. I think something like that should be considered...

One child may spend an hour at a station, while another will not be interested and want to move on...opening space for the next in line.

After reading other reviews, it seems that mismanagement of progress through the activities is a common theme. I don't know how you could pick a 'non busy' day. If you lived in the area, you might be able to call ahead. But, for us, it's a 2-1/2 hour drive. It has to be a planned thing. We'd have no idea until we got there!

Despite the amazing potential for fun, I'm not willing to plunk down money for a 'maybe today'll be slow' day!

As we left the building, they were holding back more people from entering. And the line wrapped around the building! I wanted to tell them all: 'Forget it!!' But, perhaps someone among them enjoys chaos and had a wonderful time.

Unfortunately, we did not...and I'm sorry to say that I would caution any of my friends considering a trip to Easton in hopes of having some Crayola fun. You are likely to leave with a lot of disappointment, a headache caused by over stimulation...and an empty wallet.

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on TripAdvisor.



**DISCLOSURE: No compensation was given for this post. I just thought the information would be helpful to my readers. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

I Pinned, I Made: Vinegar and Dawn Tub Scrubber!

I've pinned and tried many things since joining Pinterest, but I think this is my favorite by far!

A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and dishsoap = clean tub.

EASY clean tub!

Some of the 'Dawn' recipes floating around specify the original blue kind. This recipe didn't, so I used a flavor I like the smell of better, Thai Dragon Fruit (Hawaiian Pineapple is my next fav):

So, I think you can use your own favorite dishsoap. Just mix equal parts of white vinegar and dishsoap (I used a cup to make it easier to pour), then pour into the handle of a dishwand sponge thingy - like these.

Then, while you're in the shower, take those few minutes before cleaning yourself to clean the tub! Just rub the wand all over the walls, floor, edges, etc. No need to rinse, the water and steam from your shower will do it for you. It's quick and easy to do every day, but if you miss a day or two, it seems to be ok.

If you've started with a clean tub, you will notice that this solution maintains your clean walls and shiny chrome! No water spots! No hard water buildup.

And, no, your tub doesn't smell like vinegar. It doesn't actually smell much like the dishsoap, either. It's just clean.

It's so awesome and EASY, I just had to share it!

Now, if only I can find something to make laundry effortless... ;-)



**DISCLOSURE: Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Tea Collection Review and Giveaway!

It's hard to believe, but summer is coming to a close and all of the back-to-school stuff is filling the store shelves! Although I loved my new notebooks and pencils each year (still do!!), the majority of our shopping when I was school-aged was for back-to-school outfits!

I was recently introduced to Tea. A company dedicated to unique, travel-inspired children's clothing.

"Everything [Tea]—our products, images, words and ideas—is inspired by going there and being here. And by our passion for exploring different cultures. We are awed by the unique beauty and diversity of people around the world."

Each season, you will find a new Tea collection based on the designers' travels. This fall's collection was inspired by which global destination? Mexico!

Michelle from Tea graciously allowed me to choose some of their beautiful girl's clothes for my daughter. I went straight to the new Fall 2011 collection and immediately, the

Top Ten Reasons I Want to Visit Virginia Beach!

I don’t know about you, but with the economy the way it is, a family vacation has been put on the back burner this year.

But, I can dream, can’t I??

Photo Credit: herrberg

Today, I’m working with Social Moms to give you my top ten reasons I’d want to visit Virginia Beach!

I adore my children, but every mom needs a little break sometimes. I want to visit one of the many spas that Virginia Beach offers! A relaxing massage or soothing pedicure would certainly start my vacation out on the right foot (pun intended)! ;-)

My husband and I love our American history. Virginia Beach offers several museums worth visiting, from lighthouses to military monuments! And, Colonial Williamsburg is also right ‘next door!’ This would make a great ‘summer fieldtrip’ learning experience for the kids, too!

One of the most important things on any vacation for our family is

Changes!

I've wanted to work up some changes on The Creative Side of Me for awhile now, but I've got to be in the mood!

After all, change can be both exciting and nervewracking!

(And a blog change is a lot of work!)

The blog-changing mood struck last weekend.

I've slowly been working behind the scenes and am hoping to go live sometime in the next few days. Bear with me as some things may not look right for a bit.

Also, stay tuned for a name change, too! thecreativesideofsteph.blogspot will remain as the address for a short time, but will soon be changing to my own domain name (yay!) as soon as the dust settles...or even sooner.

Hopefully you won't notice much change - feeds and emails should still go through, but some of you may need to update your bookmarks (especially so you don't miss new posts and giveaways)!

Thanks for staying with me during the upheaval!


___________________________________

I WON!! Fairytale Cookie Dozen

So... I love to enter giveaways. I have rarely won anything, but I like to enter just the same! 

Background: Last year, I had the opportunity to review and host a giveaway of Fairytale's delicious brownies. I've been a fan ever since! When my mom broke her ankle in a car accident, I didn't send flowers...I sent her a Fairytale Dozen to aid in her recuperation. (For chocolate makes everything feel better!) ;-)

Imagine my excitement when, as a Fairytale Brownies Facebook fan, I recently WON a dozen of their newest endeavor: gourmet cookies!

The classic Cookie Dozen is packaged just like its brownie brothers and sisters, in a lovely dark chocolate brown box with rich purple Fairytale band (mine included a sweet 'congratulations' card):

When you lift the lid, you can see the care that Fairytale puts into each package. Neatly covered in tissue paper and sealed with a magical sticker:

Mmmm, and then the individually wrapped cookies (3 each of Caramel Pecan, Double Chocolate, Coconut Walnut, and Toffee Chocolate Chip) are revealed:

It was very difficult to decide which cookie to start with. I am not the biggest fan of nuts, so I reached first for the Toffee Chocolate Chip (I even warmed it in the microwave for a few seconds...YUM!):

Let me tell you, the toffee MAKES this cookie!! If Fairytale began bagging and selling their toffee bits - no, CHUNKS - I'd be the first in line to buy a case! ;-) (Doesn't surprise me since I loved Fairytale's Toffee Crunch Brownie).

And, of course, I had to try the Double Chocolate next. There's not much to say about that one - you can't go wrong with double chocolate anything with me!

I'm afraid I didn't get pictures of the Caramel Pecan (regular cookie base chock full of salty pecans and sweet caramel) or Coconut Walnut (chocolate cookie base dotted with flecks of coconut and chunks of walnuts) cookies... I can only say that my husband really loved them. They disappeared before I knew it with him!

Fairytale's cookies are yummy. They are sweet and rich, and perfect with a glass of cold milk - or hot cup of joe (if that's your thing). Each cookie is hand shaped (I know, for I watched Fairytale featured on Food Network's Unwrapped)!

Fairytale's staff and service is pretty amazing, too. Real people behind those sweet brownies and cookies! The next time you need a get well card or thinking of you bouquet, think instead of a gift that will really impress! I know you'll get an extra hug and kiss if you send a sweet package from Fairytale! ;-)

Recommend: YES

I just wanted to thank Fairytale (and Hilary) for sending me the Cookie Dozen. I was so excited to WIN something so sweet, and the cookies were fabulous!



**Disclaimer: I won a Fairytale Cookie Dozen by entering a contest on Fairytale's Facebook Fan page. I was under no obligation to review the product. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
___________________________________

Are you the Walmart gift card WINNER?!

Christmas shopping has already begun in my house. Truthfully, it began this summer when I found a train table for my son at a garage sale for only $10! He's all into Thomas, so Christmas morning is going to be pretty exciting around here!

I'm sure many of you have begun your shopping, too! Someone is going to be happy to have a little extra moola to spend on someone on their list!

Commenter #16, MARCI, has won the $15 Walmart gift card from Febreze and MyBlogSpark.

CONGRATULATIONS! And Happy Shopping!

Marci, I've emailed you with instructions to claim your prize! Check your inbox!


**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
___________________________________

It's that time again!!

Just take a walk through your local grocery store, and you'll see that all of the holiday baking supplies are prominently displayed.

Well, time to make some hot cocoa, pull up your stools, and start jotting down some gotta-make-this-year recipes!

Start with this one! It REALLY is the yummiest, creamiest hot chocolate! The mix fills a large gallon sized bag (approximately 50 servings) and, although we seemed to drink it all the time, it lasted my husband and me months!

GOURMET HOT COCOA MIX

Tammy Maltby from The Christmas Kitchen

4 cups instant nonfat dry milk powder

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

2 cups French vanilla powdered nondairy coffee creamer

2 cups powdered chocolate milk mix (store brand works just fine)

1 5-oz (6 serving) package cook-and-serve (not instant) chocolate pudding mix

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I ended up using 1/2 cup. Gave it just the right chocolate level I was looking for)

2 cups miniature marshmallows and/or miniature chocolate chips (optional, but yummy)

Boiling water or milk, for serving

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. For a better blend, mix the dry ingredients in a blender or food processor before adding the marshmallows. Store the mix in an air-tight container. Makes about 12 1/2 cups mix, for 50 servings.

To serve, place 1/4 cup mix (or more) in mug or cup. Add 3/4 cup boiling water or hot milk and stir well.

Once you've done that, check out my other holiday recipes!

Recommend: YES


**Disclaimer: Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
___________________________________

Let's Shutterfly!

I can't believe it's that time already, but I’ve already begun planning for our family’s Christmas card.

Along with a short note of our yearly happenings, I love to include a recent photo of my kids. I mean, aren't Christmas cards the perfect time to show off your adorable munchkins?

Shutterfly has a beautiful assortment of photo Christmas cards to choose from! You’ll have a hard time deciding!

I already found a favorite, though! Lovely Leaves:

Not only do I love the simplicity of Fresh Lemonade's design, but my favorite part? The inside of this card has space to include extra photos and a short note about each member of the family! Just what I love to include in my cards!

Perfect!

Not only does Shutterfly have beautiful, high-quality Christmas cards, but you can also mark a few people off of your shopping list with personalized wall calendars or photo books! Grandmas especially love them! ;-)

I really can't say enough about Shutterfly. I love the pictures and photo books I've ordered from them in the past! I know you would be pleased with your Christmas cards, too! Be sure to check them out...!

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given 50 free photo cards for writing this post. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
___________________________________

Chocolate.com and The Chocolate Gecko Review

My mailbox is often filled with exciting packages. The most exciting one I've received in the last few weeks was a chocolatey package of goodness from Chocolate.com!

I mean, really? Which is more exciting? A bill, a new book, or chocolate?!

Yep, I thought so!

Chocolate ALL. THE. WAY! ;-)

Chocolate.com is exactly what you think it is! A site dedicated entirely to CHOCOLATE, offering delicious treats from countless high-quality vendors.

Chocolate.com sent me The Chocolate Gecko's dark chocolate-dipped homemade marshmallows.

Yummy.

I've never had homemade marshmallows before and these were a lovely surprise. The Chocolate Gecko's marshmallows weren't overly sweet, which made them perfect to be paired with the rich all-natural, Belgian dark chocolate they use.

They were also HUGE! Look! The size of my hand!

I was very pleased with the quality and service of Chocolate.com and The Chocolate Gecko. I would not hesitate to order chocolate goodies for myself or friends for any occasion, from birthday truffles to stocking stuffer cashew bark to I love and appreciate you peanut butter meltaways!

If I had to choose between flowers or chocolate, it'd definitely be chocolate! Chocolate.com makes it easy to treat your special someone (hint, hint!) by joining their Chocolate of the Month Club! Mmmm!

Why not get some of your Christmas shopping done?? Register HERE for Chocolate.com's newsletter AND a $5.00 gift certificate towards a yummy treat to give (or keep)! YUM!

Recommend: 2 THUMBS UP YES



**Disclaimer: Many thanks to The Chocolate Gecko and Chocolate.com for providing me with a free product for review purposes only. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links. .**
___________________________________

HELP! What kind of pottery is this? ...and a GIVEAWAY!

I just repainted my dining area, and I love it! I'm always eyeing dining sets, and maybe someday I'll have one like this! Isn't it pretty??

But, until I can replace my seen-better-days-before-two-toddlers-with-spaghetti-o's garage sale table and mismatched chairs, I'll just be happy with my paint job facelift!

Now, here's where I need your help! Please!

I really like the border in my dining area, which was put up by the previous owners (I like them, too). ;-)

We have plans to redo/finish my kitchen next year and I'd like to pull out the blue from the pottery. I'd also like to start collecting some of this pottery/stoneware to decorate my kitchen with.


Soo, what is it? It's hard to google something when you're not exactly sure what it's called. So far I've gotten salt-glazed pottery and New England stoneware. But, not all of it has the blue on it (which I like).

And, where can I find it? Although that might be solved once I know what it's called!

For reading this far...and helping me out, I'm so excited to announce another fantastic giveaway from CSN Stores!!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? One winner will receive a $70 gift certificate, valid at 200+ CSN Stores! To enter, give me a clue about my pottery OR visit CSN Stores and tell me how you'd spend your gift certificate! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)
• Follow The Creative Side of Me on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry, daily):

Enter to WIN a $70 gift certificate to CSN Stores! @creativeSOme Details: http://bit.ly/dyDj20 Ends 10/15 #giveaway #contest RT
Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!
Entries accepted until Friday, October 15, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.

Thanks so much for your help!


**Disclaimer: I wasn't given any compensation for this post, monetary or otherwise. All opinions expressed in said post are mine and/or my family's.**
___________________________________

My Favorite Things - AVON Foot Works - GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the first installment of My Favorite Things!

There are so many things besides books and cooking that I love, that I decided to begin a feature so that I can share them with you! ANY and EVERYthing from kitchen gadgets to makeup to websites.

I discovered this favorite product just this summer - AVON's Foot Works!

And not just any of AVON's Foot Works line, but their Tropical Coconut Sea Salt Scrub and Lotion.

Ohhh, what a yummy, yummy smell!

I have a 'thing.' I can't stand dirty feet. Not anyone's dirty feet. MY dirty feet.

In summer flip-flop weather, I can just TELL by the end of the day that my feet are dirty. Even if it was a stay-at-home-all-day kind of day, my feet are often hot and tired!

But AVON's delicious Tropical Coconut Foot Works line makes my tootsies so very, very happy!

Exfoliating, cleansing, soothing goodness.

Ahhhh.

Now that I've discovered how happy I can make my feet, I won't stop pampering them just because cooler weather is arriving. On a cold gray day, I need only to scrub and moisturize my feet with my stash of Foot Works and be transported right to the warm, breezy waterfront!

Because I wish I could share my find with you, I'm going to kick off My Favorite Things with a giveaway!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? TWO winners will receive a set of AVON's Foot Works Tropical Coconut Sea Salt Scrub and Lotion. To enter, visit AVON and tell me a product you'd like to try! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)
• Follow The Creative Side of Me on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry, daily):

Enter to WIN AVON's Foot Works @creativeSOme TWO winners! Details: http://bit.ly/9LtB9E Ends 9/20 #giveaway @AvonPRNewsflash #contest
Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!
Entries accepted until Monday, September 20, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.

Recommend: YES




**Disclaimer: I was not given any products for this review. I am not an AVON representative nor am I affiliated with AVON in any way. This item is just one of my favorite things! Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
___________________________________

Shutterfly GIVEAWAY! 4 Winners!

If you haven't yet used Shutterfly, here's a great opportunity to experience their fabulous photo service!

Are you expecting a sweet bundle of joy? Ah, beautiful birth announcements!

Hosting a pumpkin-themed fall party? Invite your guests in style!

Documenting your child's school year? Make a gorgeous photo book!

Oh, the possibilities are endless!

Here's your chance to WIN 10 FREE stationery cards!

And, I will be choosing FOUR winners!!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? Each winner will receive an email code good for (10) FREE Stationery Cards from Shutterfly. To enter, visit Shutterfly and tell me your favorite card/stationery design! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Become a fan of Shutterfly on facebook and leave me a link with your facebook user name (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)
• Follow The Creative Side of Me on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry, daily):

Enter to WIN 10 FREE Shutterfly cards @creativeSOme FOUR winners! Details: http://bit.ly/cjruqU Ends 9/13 #giveaway @shutterfly #contest

Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!

Entries accepted until Monday, September 13, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given (4) FREE Shutterfly photo codes for writing about my Shutterfly experience for sheblogs.org. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-).**
___________________________________

WINNER! CSN Stores Gift Certificate

We have a WINNER!!

Congratulations to 'The Fam' on winning an $80 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores. What fun you'll have shopping for the timbuk2 bag you wanted!

I'll be emailing you for your info! Keep an eye on your inbox! Congratulations, again!



**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-).** ___________________________________

Swagbucks BONUS CODE for new registrations!!

If you're not already searching and winning on Swagbucks.com, now is the perfect time to do so!

Swagbucks is fighting the Back-To-School blues all this week with lots of fun promotions. For starters, new SB registrations should head over now and enter the code BackToSchool for 40 bonus bucks during registration! (Be sure to enter the code exactly as is! Only valid until August 15, so HURRY!!)

Then, you'll have the chance to win five different limited edition back-to-school themed Swag Bucks - if you snag them all, you'll earn a 50 Swag Buck bonus!

So, what are you waiting for?? Click below to get started!



Not sure what I'm talking about? Here's my post about Swagbucks!

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-).**
___________________________________

Hint, Hint, Hint!!!

Oooh! I'm so excited for Thursday!!!

Such a great GIVEAWAY for you, my loyal readers!!!

Want a HINT?!!

___________________________________

My Shutterfly Experience!

Have you ever wanted to make a photo book?

Have you thought you don't have time or aren't creative enough??

Well, Shutterfly's got your back!



If you've got some favorite pictures, Shutterfly makes photo projects easy! Everything from beautiful photo books, stationery, or other gift items!

Shutterfly has pre-made templates, some designed by some of the top digi-scrappers, to make your book (or Christmas cards or photo gifts) look professional and beautiful. You don't need to know anything about color or design - Shutterfly has made it simple for anyone to do!

After our daughter was born, I put together a special book about her birth. I could have used a template, but I designed the pages myself (with the help of many online tutorials and loads of digital scrapbooking freebies).

Title and last pages:


{im}patiently waiting:


birth day:


our new family:


meeting you:


finally home:


When I finally received my 20-page Shutterfly photo book, it exceeded my expectations. The quality of the book is superb and my daughter will have a treasured keepsake uniquely hers!

As for my son...well, I'm working on his book. I hope I get it done before he's 18. ;-) So far, I love the pages that are done, and I know that my next Shutterfly experience will make me just as happy!

Thank you, Shutterfly!


Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was entered into a Shutterfly giveaway, through sheblogs.org for writing this post. My reviews have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
___________________________________