Nancy Drew Ghost of Thornton Hall PC Game by @HerInteractive Giveaway Winners!

Check it Out!  The winners of the Nancy Drew Ghost of Thornton Hall PC Game Giveaway have been drawn!

Congratulations to...

Lynda Thomas

&

Jen Haile

The winners have been notified via email and have 48 hours to respond or forfeit prize and another winner will be drawn.

It's Mega Swagbucks Day!



It's Mega Swagbucks Day and that means more chances to win more Swagbucks. Have you Swagged today? If you haven't signed up for Swagbucks, you have got to Check it Out! You can actually earn money via PayPal or Amazon.com Gift Cards for doing things you already do anyway! If you use a search box at least once a day then you can get you some Swagbucks too! And there are SO many ways to get Swagbucks that you will be so amazed at how quickly they add up.

I myself have made over $300 (in Gift Cards and PayPal cash) since I joined! Downloading the Toolbar is one of the first things you should do after joining, I know nobody likes all those toolbars, but this one you NEED, not only does it remind you to do your searches with Swagbucks but you will get exclusive codes from TSG (The Swag Guy), not to mention that you get 1 SB everyday just for having it. You can snag 3 SB's everyday by visiting the Trusted Surveys page as well as participating in the Daily Poll and the NOSO (No Obligation Special Offers). Doing those things everyday will get you 4 Free SB's per day minimum. Taking advantage of Special Offers is one way to make quick SB's too, the new SBTV gives you SB's for watching videos. Be sure and Check out the How it Works Section to all the inside info and all the new ways to earn those Swagbucks including playing games! You can come back here to my blog at anytime and check out the widget at the bottom of the page. When you click on the SC tab it will tell you if there is an active Swagcode out. When you find a Swagcode just enter it into the gimme box on your Swagbucks homepage. Be Rewarded at Swagbucks.com, home of the web’s premier digital dollar: The Swag Buck! Start earning bucks today and you'll soon be cashing out for Free Prizes. No strings. No Bull. Start today! GO HERE to get started and get Swaggin'!



#TBCCrafters Thrilling Thursday Craft - Marbled Pickle Jar Upcycle

Check it Out!  I am all about using what I have, especially when it comes to crafts.  I love making something out of nothing and everytime I walk by it, I get that proud feeling of accomplishment again.  

Last month I posted a TBCCrafters project that left me with some left over marble stones.  You can see that craft, a marbled wooden letter when you GO HERE.  I also have a bunch of jars, so I decided the two together would make a great candle holder.  

  

There are only 3 things needed for this craft:

*Marble stones

*Glass jar or vase

*Silicone (you could also use hot glue)

So to get started I just picked a random spot and applied silicone to the back of my stones and attached them randomly on one side.  Because it does take a little time for the silicone to dry, I recommend propping your jar on its side so that the jar doesn't roll and you can focus on that section.

 

Now you can work your way around the jar.  I made a band using the larger stones around the top, which I really like.  It's kinda a puzzle with no set pattern so you just have to work it all out.  I did used some of my broken pieces from the other craft to fill in the larger holes.

Once your done, pop in a candle and you are ready for some really pretty ambiance.  The colors and the glow is absolutely beautiful in my bathroom along with all the beachy themed stuff.  

I really am having fun working with these marble stones and have some more crafts coming up using them, and using more jars as well, so stay tuned!!

Free shipping code Avon.com Today only!

Check it Out!  If your needing some Avon, today is a great day to order and snag Free shipping on any order!  Just use code:  TODAYSALE at check out to get your savings over at Avon.com.  

Don't forget to check out the Avon Outlet as well where you can find some awesome deals!  Get this awesome Embellished Bow Ring for a sweet $5.99, down from $19.99 and much more!

Bowl your kids over with AMF Summer Unplugged & snag yourself an AMF Summer Pass #BowlAtAMF

*I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in this post are my own.

Check it Out!  It's summer time and that means finding ways to keep the kiddos busy and happy.  Yeah, that can be a challenge, especially when they are a little older, like mine.  And when they are older, seems everything is more expensive too! Well, AMF Bowling Centers is changing that this summer with it's Summer Unplugged program!
With this boredom busting deal you can get 2 free games of bowling every day for kids 15 and under when registered in the program.  You can GO HERE to register.  Shoe rental is not included and you can register up to 6 kids per email address.
New this year to the program is the "Stay and Play" option that allows you to add additional games for only $1.49.

And so that the adults don't feel left out, AMF is offering it's Summer Pass!  For only $34.95 the pass owner and up to 3 guests aged 16 and over, gets 2 free games per day!  Shoe rental is not included.  GO HERE to get registered and/or for more info.

We love bowling in our family.  It's a great, get up and move activity that is also indoors, and when you live in Georgia and it's 90 degrees out, that air conditioning makes a difference! 

This year, they have simplified the process as well and now you don't have coupons or emails to worry about, just present your membership card at your local center and you are ready to bowl!

This offer is valid thru September 2, 2013.  Have Fun!

Make It Monday - Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

Check it Out!  I love mason jars and have been seeing all these neat things made with them.  I didn't have any though until a friend gave me some homemade jelly and I had myself a new mason jar!  Since I have some of the decorative colored mason jars in my kitchen, the ones with no lids, I knew I wanted to make a soap dispenser for my dish soap.  I always buy in bulk and end up with these large bottles, so not only will this be easier to handle and use with a pump dispenser but it will look fab.

For the soap pump, I just used one from an old SoftSoap dispenser.  

I made a hole in the very center of my lid to install the pump.  I used a knife and started with a small hole and twisting the knife, made it just big enough to slide the pump in so it fits securely.  You could glue around the edges if you wanted to.

Now I just unscrew the lid and add my dish soap.  So the next jar I get, I am getting rid of that hand soap bottle too.  

You could paint the lid or add some fabric and embellishments as well to fit your decor.  I have found that since the fire, that I tend to like things plainer now so I just use it as is, but I may add something to it later.  Never know!

Product Review: The First @Target Beauty Box via @TargetStyle

Check it Out!  Last month Target offered their first Beauty Box at an awesome price of only $5, so of course I had to get one!  Although there was a limited supply, I was able to snag one and I really loved that the price was indeed $5 just like advertised, that included shipping!  It took about 3 - 4 weeks but it finally came the other day!  

Here is what came inside:

A $3 off the purchase of $15 or more in Target Beauty products coupon.  
This would have come in handy except it had an expiration date of 6/22/13, which is just the oddest thing!  I just got the box and the coupon is no good.  

Gillette Venus and Olay Razor Pack

Razors are always needed in this house and I personally like Gillette products. This Venus & Olay Razor is awesome too.  I like 5 blades and I like pink and sugarberry!  It retails for around $9 alone at Target.  This by itself makes the box worth my $5! 

Fekkai Glossing Cream 2 0z tube.  

This hair cream adds shine and helps to eliminate frizz.  Haven't tried it yet, but I do love Fekkai products so it should be good stuff. 

La Rouche-Possay Effaclar Duo sample packet. 

Previously only available through dermatologist, this acne treatment is clinically tested to bring high efficacy with high tolerance and is now available at Target.  

I haven't tried this yet.  Not really sure how effective a one use treatment will be, but I will give it a try.

L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream.  

An all in one skin B.B. Cream that hydrates, primes, perfects and corrects.  

I have used this before and really like it, so does my daughter.

Sally Hensen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips.

Easily add pizzazz to your manicure with strips in multiple print and pattern options.

I have used this product before as well and really like the convenience and ease of such a polished look.  I am not however fond of this particular pattern, but I will still use them.

So there it is, the first Target Beauty Box!  I really love the concept and as long as they stay $5, I will keep ordering!  

Did you get a Target Beauty Box?  Was it worth it to you?  I would love to know!

*I received no compensation for this post and purchased the Beauty Box myself.

#sponsored My Emergen-C Mission via @Smiley360

*I received the product in this post compliments of Smiley360 and Emergen-C for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Check it Out!  I have a bad habit of not eating properly so sometimes I feel a little rundown.  I have tried Emergen-C in the past, even had some before the fire, but I haven't replaced it yet, so I was super excited to get in on the Smiley360 Emergen-C Mission recently.  In my mission kit I received 5 packets of Emergen-C,  a $1.00 off coupon on any 30 count or larger Emergen-C as well as my mission sharing guide.  Sorry, no pics, I totally forgot and am down to only 2 packets, but I got a pic of how I fix my Emergen-C above.

I love that with just this one glass of Emergen-C, I get 24 nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that give my immune system a boost and give me more energy without more caffeine.  With all that I have going on, I really need that boost

Available in over 20 varieties, there is bound to be a flavor or two that you will love.  You can GO HERE and get more info on all the different flavors and GO HERE to snag a sweet $2.50 off coupon and HERE to request a free sample!  Be sure and check out Emergen-C on Facebook to get in on all the special offers and news they have going on as well.  I'll be snagging one of those coupons myself so I can restock my supply of Emergen-C! 

My Memories Fab Friday freebie- Fortune Cookies

Check it Out! It's time for another My Memories Fab Friday Freebie where every Friday you can come on back here and check out a new link to an exclusive Free My Memories download.

This weeks Freebie are these easy to make Fortune Cookies.  You can GO HERE and get started.  These would make great party deco's and favors.

All of the Friday Freebies will now be MyMemories Suite Compatible. What does that mean??? It means that you can now load the freebies directly into your MyMemories Suite Software, and then completely customize them with any paper and embellishments that you have.

Don't have the software? You can purchase the My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software and get a great deal on it right here at Check it Out! with Dawn! When you use code: STMMMS78766 you will get $10 off your purchase plus a $10 credit towards purchases in the My Memories store.

You can now access the freebies through the store, instead of as a direct download. This means that if you ever buy a new computer, your computer crashes, or you accidentally delete a file, you will be able to access it in your My Downloads section of your MyMemories Account. This means you will need to have to a MyMemories account to access the downloads but don't worry, accounts are always free.

TIP:

You can right-click on the white guide and lock it in place to keep it from moving while you are working. Make sure this is the top layer of your project before printing.

Instead of adding the paper as a background paper, you can add it as an embellishment so that you can move the paper around. This is especially useful when using papers with stripes or circles, so you can decide which part of the paper you want to use.

Once it is added as an embellishment, you can now select the paper and move it into the position you want it.

Just SAVE and PRINT on cardstock. Fold it up following the lines to create your photobox.

Check out this Video Tutorial that shows you how you can use outside content with your My Memories Suite Software and see how easy and versatile this scrapbooking software is!

*Using outside content in your My Memories Suite software* from Lisa Jurrens on Vimeo.

Don't forget to come back next Friday and snag another new MyMemories Fab Friday Freebie at Check it Out! with Dawn.

Book Review: Pray the Scriptures: A 40 Day Prayer Experience by Kevin Johnson

*I received the book in this post compliments of Bethany House Publishers for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Pray the Scriptures

by:  Kevin Johnson

About the Book:

"You desire a deeper prayer life, to pray God's will and his promises, but perhaps you feel stuck. This 40-day prayer experience will energize your prayer life and draw you closer to God through his very words. If you've ever wondered what God wants to hear from you, Kevin Johnson will guide you in praying back to God the words of Scripture, applying them to your life and circumstances. 

"Prayer starter" phrases jump-start your practice of writing and speaking Scripture prayers. Each day's entry includes an introductory devotional, Scripture text, and concluding questions for reflection, discussion, and further prayer."

My Review:
This is a workbook that is designed to help you to learn how to pray using Scriptures.  It isn't a structured workbook, which means you can do the chapters out of order if you like and it doesn't make a difference.  There are 40 days of devotionals, then you get a Scripture text and some questions to help you reflect and even plan for future prayers.  You can write right in your book as plenty of space is provided which makes it a perfect reference book when your done filling it out.
Not one of my favorites but a great book to get your praying on the right track.

#TBCCrafters - Multi-purpose File Box

Check it Out!  I recently found two crafty items on clearance at my local craft store, a basswood file box (unfinished) and a file folder box card set that I thought would go perfect together.  And since I was working on a craft similar to this one right before the fire, I wanted to finish the idea I had. Nothing from the other craft made it out so when I saw this box marked down, I knew it would be my chance to finish it finally! 

See my idea for this box goes further than a Recipe box, although it's perfect for that!  I think this box would be awesome for addresses, computer passwords, work contacts or even just friend files.  I also LOVE the idea of a Prayer box full of inspirational scriptures.  Since I love to change my mind I immediately knew that I wanted to paint the top of the box with chalkboard paint, that way if I wanted to change it from a recipe box to a prayer box, no problem, just erase and rewrite! 

Here is a quick rundown of the supplies that I used to create my box:

• 1 Basswood File box
• File folders (for the inside)
• Blue & Black acrylic paint
• Chalkboard paint
• Mod Podge
• 2 Buttons
• Floral rub-ons
• 1 sheet of decorative 12 x 12 scrapbook paper
•  Paper flower
• Antique Label pulls
• Chalk

I start with painting my lid with the chalkboard paint. You need to paint on at least 3 coats for a good finish. 

Next I continue painting the entire box.  I chose the lt. blue color because honestly, it was the only color paint I had at the moment and my paper matched!  So I painted the inside of the lid as well as the rim and outside of the box with that color and painted the inside black.  I like to paint the insides of boxes black because it hides scrape marks.  

The next step would be to cut your paper to fit the box.  I was able to get all 4 outside pieces as well as a piece for the bottom inside out of 1 12 x 12 sheet.

Next up I added my floral rub ons to the top corner of the box.  If you look really close you can see that the last petal on that design didn't quite end up right, but that is okay!  With the help of a few little buttons strategically placed, no one (but you and I) will ever know! lol

Next I mod podged my cut paper pieces to the outside.  I love to use mod podge for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it makes it easier to clean later.  I cut my front sheet just a 1/8 of an inch short so that a thin line of blue shows.

Next I added my label pull to the front.  I plan to put our last name in there!  These pulls came with fasteners so I just used my little hand drill and predrilled a hole to get them started and they just went right into that soft wood.

Then I just glued on a cute paper flower, put the files in the box and got my chalk out!  

I think this cute little box will be used a lot.  I don't have many recipes right now, so that is what I am going to use it for...right now! 

Boogie Wipes & Kandoo Products Gift Pack Giveaway Winner!

Check it Out!  The winner of the Boogie Wipes & Kandoo Products Gift Pack Giveaway has been drawn!

Congratulations to...

Ashleigh Gunter

The winner has been notified via email and has 48 hours to respond or forfeit prize and another winner will be drawn.

Need a last minute Father's Day gift? How bout a Stash Bowl for Dad?

Check it Out!  Tomorrow is Father's Day and if your needing a last minute gift, I got a quick and pretty cheap one to share!  My hubby loves candy so when I saw this idea for a "Dad's Stash" candy bowl on Pinterest, I knew it was an easy crafty project that he and the kids would love. 

My Supplies:

Bowl or Jar

Photocopy of a mustache

Black painters pen

My hubby isn't one for lids so I chose a fish bowl that was on sale at Michael's last week for $3.99.  It's easy for him to get into and to refill with his favorite stash of candy.  I couldn't find a mustache rub on big enough so I bought myself some painters pens and used a photocopy of a mustache placed on the inside of the bowl.  I traced it with the painters pen and added the words "Dad's Stash" and gave it time to dry completely.

How easy and cute is that?  Just fill it up with Dad's fave snacks and you have a great last minute gift!

Nancy Drew Ghost of Thornton Hall PC Game Review & Giveaway! 2 winners!

*I received the product in this post compliments of Her Interactive for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Check it Out!  I recently told you all about becoming an Official Nancy Drew AmbassadHer and I am so excited to share with you my review of the newest Nancy Drew PC Game Ghost of Thornton Hall and a sweet little giveaway as well.

First up let me tell you a little about why I am so excited about becoming a Nancy Drew AmbassadHer.   I as a mom of 3 kids with a disabled hubby, and a blog, I do not have a lot of spare time to play games, but when I do play them, my absolute favorite games are Nancy Drew PC games.  I have been playing them for years and years, since they first came out and have played every single one except for the last two.  We in fact owned them all (except those last 2) before the fire and my kids loved to play them as well.  I loved that they loved them as well because I actually consider Nancy Drew games to be educational.  You can travel virtually and learn a little bit about different places.  I have learned some Morse code, hieroglyphics and even learned a little Italian!  There are 28 adventures that you can take. You can GO HERE to the Her Interactive site and get more info on all the games and check out the store and the community as well.  That is one of the things I love about the Her Interactive site, the community that they have, is amazing.  Help and question threads and all the message boards are available at just a click.  Get stuck and need a hint or spoiler, you can find it there.

So let me get back to The Ghost of Thornton Hall and tell you what this game is all about. 

Jessalyn Thornton has disappeared during a pre-wedding sleep-over celebration at the abandoned Thornton family mansion on Blackrock Island.  Nancy is called in to not only find Jessalyn, but to find out if this old mansion is indeed haunted or if something more sinister is happening.

This Nancy Drew game is set at night so it is dark.  I found that I liked my room good and dark, because some of the places are hard to see in bright light, they are so dark.  And I did indeed find myself scared a time or two!  The first time I saw Charlotte I about peed my pants!  Between her popping up, the music as well as other creepy things that seem to happen in each room, I do agree that this is one of the scariest ND games yet!

There are a few features in the game that are new that I really like, like the hints within your task list.  Sure makes some of the tasks a lot easier if you get stuck and now you can fast forward through conversations, which is awesome if you replay the game or are a fast reader and don't want to sit through the conversations that are playing out.  

In Ghost of Thornton Hall you will be solving not one but two mysteries, where is Jessalyn and what really happened to Charlotte all those years ago.  Be prepared to spend time in the cemetery as there is much investigating to be done there.  I was a little disappointed that you only get to explore the mansion area and cemetery, it seems a little limited.  I really enjoy those ND games where you get a car or travel by train or whatever to other locations, but once I got into the crypt and the back room to the tunnels, the choices expand.  I enjoyed the majority of the puzzles, but those stinkin' clocks!  arghh!  But that is one of the things I love about ND games, the variety of puzzles and the feeling of accomplishment when you solve them...with or without hints!  I also really enjoyed the characters but I do wish there would have been more history behind the old plantation.  Usually you get a history lesson or two from a ND game but with The Ghost of Thornton Hall, Nancy has a job to do and that is the focus.

What is super cool is there are a couple of different ending possibilities and your choices of conversation will determine how it ends, which I love, because that allows me to play it again!

I really enjoyed this game overall and would give it a 9 out of 10.  I can't wait for the next Nancy Drew game, which will be out soon!

Be sure and check out the video above to see the official trailer for the game.  You can buy this and all the Nancy Drew games and check out the whole community at www.herinteractive.com.

Wanna chance to win a Free copy?  Thanks to Her Interactive, 2 lucky Check it Out! with Dawn fans will win one copy each!  Just enter via the Rafflecopter form below!  Good Luck!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free 8 x 10 Collage Print via Walgreens thru 6/15/13

Check it Out!  Walgreens is offering up a free 8 x 10 Collage Print, just in time for Fathers Day!  Head on over to Walgreens.com and use code:  DADCOLLAGE at check out to get your freebie!  Pick up a manly frame and you got a great Father's Day gift!  This offer is valid thru 6/15/13. 

Check out my featured craft on The Blogger Connection site #TBCCrafters

Check it Out!  I love to craft and make things that are not only pleasant to look at but functional.  Although my supplies are no where near what I had before the fire, crafting is in my blood and I will just work with what I have until I can get what I want!
Being a member of The Blogger Connection, I get an amazing community of fellow bloggers who all support and help each other.  These really are some amazing people.  I joined in on the TBCCrafters club a few months ago and although I haven't been able to contribute until recently, they have been gracious enough to let me hang out with them and this week, I am so excited that my craft is on the TBC site!  
So, head on over HERE and check out my Thrilling Thursday Craft via #TBCCrafters.  If you have a fireplace 

or any other hole to cover...your gonna wanna check it out!

  

Book Review: Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist

*I received the book in this post compliments of BookSneeze for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Bread & Wine:  A Love letter to Life around the table with recipes
by:  Shauna Niequist

About the Book:

"As a follow up to her two bestselling books, Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines, author and blogger Shauna Niequist returns with the perfect read for those who love food and value the community and connection of family and friends around the table.

Bread and Wine is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. This mix of Anne Lamott and Barefoot Contessa is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread and amp; Wine is a celebration of food shared, reminding readers of the joy found in a life around the table. It’s about the ways God teaches and nourishes people as they nourish the people around them. It’s about hunger, both physical and otherwise, and the connections between the two.

With wonderful recipes included, from Bacon-Wrapped Dates to Mango Chicken Curry to Blueberry Crisp, readers will be able to recreate the comforting and satisfying meals that come to life in Bread and Wine."

My Review:

This book is centered around author Shauna Niequist life and contains stories of her life around the table along with recipes and entertaining ideas, as well as her faith, although I really didn't connect with her on that level.  There are no scriptures or references to the bible.  She does share a very raw and emotional experience but the book is centered around those stories that involve food and her love for food.  I found some really great and easy recipes, like the Simplest Dark Chocolate Mousse.  Yum!  But I really thought there would be more recipes than there were.
There is a four week book club/cooking club discussion guide and menus included as well as some of her best entertaining tips and a weeknight cooking and pantry list.  Overall Bread & Wine is a good read with some recipes that I will be saving.  

Make It Monday - Closet Makeover & Chalkboard Panels

Check it Out!  In the 6 months that we have been living in our new home, we have made quite a few changes.  I am not the type to just live in it.  I have to personalize it!  So with a clean slate to work with, we were able to fix things and fix things up!  This week for my Monday Make It, I wanna share a few of the changes we have made and show how easy it is to "make it" yours!

First I wanted to share how you can make a chalkboard on your closet doors.  My daughter is a doodler and loves to write and draw so we just bought a small bottle of chalkboard paint from Michael's and painted the insides of the raised panels on her closet doors.  

If your hesitant about getting a straight line, just run a line of tape to keep it square.

The other change I wanted to share is our living room coat closet.  Not one of my kids likes to use a hanger so I decided the coat closet would not have a rod.  So first thing we did in that old plain closet was strip it of the shelf and rod and then painted the walls.

We then put up 1 x 6's at head and hip heights and painted them a contrasting color.  I hit a sale to get those ceramic hooks and knobs for buy one get one free via Hobby Lobby and they are so pretty!  

I love the way this turned out and the kids love how easy it is to hang up their stuff now!  I'm thinking of using the same idea in their closets!