It's (Ugly Sweater) Christmas Time!

It's that time of year once again!  Oh yes... the time has come for the... Ugly Sweater! 

Do you have an ugly sweater? One that just reeks of inappropriate yuletide sentiment?

Yeah.  Me, too.  

But I wanted another -- less inappropriate -- sweater this year.

Enter  UglyChristmasSweater.com.  They are a fabulous company with some hysterically "ugly" sweaters, sweatshirts, pajamas, and more.

From the company: Our ugly Christmas sweaters have been featured on such TV shows as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Like with Kelly and Ryan, and The Ellen Show.

So much fun browsing the website and finding the perfect Ugly Sweater for the office Christmas Party, shopping, the big game, or just a fun day at home!

The wonderful folks at UglyChristmasSweater.com generously allowed me to choose a couple of sweaters for Mike and me.

Doesn't happy husband look sharp in his BALLS sweater?

 You can see why he won't be wearing it to Church! You CAN find it here.

And mine?  It's from my favourite Christmas film: A Christmas Story!  It features the fragile Leg Lamp! How cool is that?  And even better? It lights up with twinkling lights!

(I had to get Mike to hold it up as it was about 80 degrees...)

You can find the Leg Lamp sweater here. 

There are so many great designs to choose from! And it's such fun to browse the selection, you'll be laughing so much!

The amazing folks at UglyChristmasSweater.com have generously offered one of my readers a chance to WIN an ugly sweater for their very own!  Just follow the instructions and choose the sweater you most want to win!

CONTEST RULES: Open to USA, only. 18+. Contest will end at 11:59 p.m. December 1, 2019. Gathering My Roses is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

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DISCLOSURE: I received two items for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of and experience with those items. I received no monetary compensation.

  

TV Store Online: It's a Halloween Spooktacular Giveaway! Ends October 25, 2019

It's almost HALLOWEEN!  The good folks at tvstoreonline have generously offered my readers a chance to WIN a spooktacular giveaway!

Tv Store Online offers an amazing array of costumes for Halloween as well as other events such as role-play, cos-play, Christmas, etc.

My youngest daughter still loves Halloween and will dress in costume as often as possible.  So... I decided her costume for this year:  The TARDIS! Yes, Dr. Who fans... oh yes!

The famous police booth tardis is a hooded, Kigurumi one-piece costume / pajama. One size really does fit all!

Is this not adorable? Functional, too!

There are so many costumes to choose from -- you WILL find one that meets your needs.

From kids to adults, TV Store Online can't be beat.

Now, for the marvelously spooktacular giveaway!

Just fill out the form below for your chance to enter to win! 

RULES: Open to USA, 18+.  Giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday October 25th. Gathering My Roses is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

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DISCLOSURE:  Gathering My Roses received a Halloween Costume for the purpose of review. We received no monetary compensation. All opinions are our own and are based on our own use of and experience with the product. 

MY BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY on NEEDLEWORK BLOG!

Giveaway ends on October 10th at 11:59 p.m.

USA, 18+ only please.

Birthday Giveaway

Three Winners!

Enter on the Needlework blog, please.

Costa Farms Review

CONFESSION: I am a plant killer!

At least, I was a plant killer. Wandering Jew, Aloe, Ivy... KUDZU! You name it -- I made it die. At one point, I think the City of Atlanta was hoping to hire me to touch the Kudzu growing by the freeways -- a sure way to kill it off.  :(

Not anymore, I'm happy to tell you! Nope. You see, I discovered the magical world of Costa Farms of Miami, Florida. The plants supplied by Costa Farms are beautiful, hardy, and come, happily for me, with detailed directions for their care and feeding!

I haven't killed a single plant! GO ME!

A couple of months ago, I received some absolutely lovely plants for review. It was... poignant. You see, my beloved Nan was President of the Tybee Island Garden Club. Sadly, I never attended meetings with her or shared her love of flowers and plants.

I recall, though, one time I planted Impatiens under our old oak tree. She was just so tickled that I'd done that for her. She's gone now and the oak tree toppled...

Well, I love my plants now and I do my best to take care of them properly. They bring me no end of pleasure -- they make me smile. And that's what it's all about. I understand now, Nanie.

I received several plants and gave my Mom a couple for her apartment, my sister fell in love with the fern!

My favourites are the Anthurium and the Zamioculcas. They are both low-maintenance, air-purifiers. That's a HUGE factor for me as Mike continues to smoke those evil cigars occasionally.

Anthurium [Flamingo Flower, Pigtail Plant]

Plant Features:
Anthuriums are subtropical favorites with varieties growing in such diverse areas as South America and the Pacific. They are perfect as cut flowers or as potted plants in varying sizes. They are popular around Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter. To get them to flower continuously, place in a filtered light location and fertlize during the growing season. The plant should be kept clean of all yellow or decaying leaves.

Zamioculcas [ZZ Plant]

Plant Features:
The Zamioculca, also known as the ZZ plant, is one of the strongest plants on the market. Frequently found in low-light locations such as malls, and any areas of the home or office where minimal light shines through, the ZZ is a true survivor.

The dedicated folks at Costa Farms would love to hear from you! Connect with them via their amazingly informative Newsletter and on their Social Media Pages: Facebook, @costafarms on Twitter, and YouTube.




Ideal indoor houseplants are of ‘heavy mettle’ – durable enough to withstand low light and irregular watering. The plants that fit this category seem to handle abuse fairly well, and can adapt to a variety of conditions. One characteristic that seems to be consistent is that these plants are slow or slower growers then other indoor tropicals.

Aglaonemas are durable, versatile tropical foliage plants that are very popular for use indoors and for interiorscape settings. The old standby varieties and newer hybrids come in shades of green with faint silver bands, dark green with cream colored bands or predominately silver with some green banding. Heights may range from one foot to three feet and these easy to maintain plants tolerate low light levels indoors and remain attractive for long periods with minimal care.

The ponytail palm is basically a ‘plant it and forget it’ kind of plant, providing it has enough light to thrive and somewhat steady water throughout the growing season. Because this is an arid plant by nature, periods of dryness are not deadly for an established plant. As with all palms, ponytail palms should never be top-trimmed, and they will respond wonderfully to a consistent feeding program in the growing season. Keep in mind, though, that the ponytail palm is an extremely slow-growing plant, so don't expect your desktop plant to transform into a corner unit in one or two growing seasons.

A tropical plant, sansevierias could be elected easiest of all houseplants. They like warmth and dry air; will accept a little sun or a lot; and are not even fussy about the amount of moisture in the soil. Called many nicknames by gardeners, including snake plant and mother-in-law’s tongue, Sansevierias are favored for its ability to grow in low-light situations. The durable snake plant will tolerate benign neglect in a wide range of temperatures.

The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, otherwise known as the ‘ZZ plant’, is a durable houseplant that requires next to nothing in care, thrives in almost all conditions and isn't bothered by pests and diseases. The ZZ plant, with its shiny foliage and stems, grows up to three feet tall. It needs shade, so it's perfect for dimly lit areas in the house. This easy-going plant doesn't require a special soil mix, and it can go for weeks--perhaps even months — without water, thanks to its big underground tuber where water is stored. It does best with occasional watering — about every other week or so.

DISCLOSURE:
I received an assortment of plants for the purpose of this review. I received no other compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

For More info on these hearty plants:  Epic Gardening

#NOVICA Review and $35 GC Giveaway! Ends 12/16/16

Did you grow up with a subscription to National Geographic? Did you eagerly watch the TV specials? Do you subscribe to NatGeo on Cable?

I did and I do now!

I discovered NOVICA just a few years ago.  Novica is a global market place in associated with National Geographic. It's endeavor is to Empower. Connect. Preserve. 


That they most certainly do! The artisans supported by Novica come from many different regions of the world: The Andes, Bali, Java, India, Mexico, Thailand, West Africa, and Central America.

The items created by these artisans are amazing. From Jewelry to Fashion to Sculpture and more, every piece is crafted with love and skill.

I was blessed to receive this stunningly beautiful Cultured Pearl and Amethyst Necklace with Cross Pendant handmade from India. It retails for $43.19
Five radiant pearls adorn this amethyst cross pendant designed by Neeru Goel.

An artist story card comes with the pendant, so you will know the real person behind the item that you purchased. You may even follow that artist through your Novica account!

Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting jewelry and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood. I have been greatly inspired by my grandmother who used to look into each and every detail, from how jewelry is made to what had been used to make the jewelry. I remember when I was just a child, my grandmother used to watch nomads walking on the roads and admire them for wearing huge and fancy jewelry. 
I recently started designing sculptures in silver with Meenakari art. This was suggested by a friend, who by looking at my designing skills thought I could also make a mark in sculpting. I am overwhelmed at this new experience, and I am looking forward to continuing on this new artistic path. 


Novica offers so many options for buy personal and gift items: unique corporate gifts, Decor Accessories, and more.

I am saving up for a birthstone ring for myself.  Are these Opal Rings not amazing? This one is my favourite:

You already know that I'm addicted to Bangles and Bracelets and there are so many beautiful choices. Like chips, you MUST buy more than one!

Now, my second addiction is Handbags. This leather bag just calls for me to bring it home.  It is hand-tooled Mexican leather!

There is something for everyone at Novica.  You rest assured that the money you spend will help the artisans and craftsmen who design and create these awesome pieces of art.

You may connect with NOVICA on their website and Social Media pages:
Facebook, Pinterest,  Google+,  Instagram, and @NOVICA on Twitter!

The wonderful folks at Novica have generously offered one of my readers the chance to win a $35 Gift Code of their own!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter and win! Remember, the more options that you enter, the better your chances!

Open to USA, 18+.  Gift Code will be delivered by email.

DISCLOSURE: I received a Gift Certificate to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

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Procrastination (COFFEE) Nation! #BBRHB #Giveaway ends June 28, 2016

Ah, Coffee!  How I love you! I will put off thinking... speaking... hearing... moving... etc. until I've tasted your luscious, creamy, deliciousness.

You, too?

March 8-16 is National Procrastination Week -- I put off celebrating until now.  :)  To celebrate in true coffee-fiend style, I'm hosting a giveaway of some very delightful Seasonal Roasts from the always amazing Brooklyn Beans Roastery!

One lucky reader will receive a 24 ct. box of the seasonal roast of their choice:

1. CocoMocha 

2. Big Kahuna

3. Brooklyn Cheesecake

4. Praline Dream

I can tell you that ALL of them are scrumptious!!! 

Now, whatever you do -- do NOT procrastinate!  This giveaway begins today and ends on June 28, 2016.

Just a few short rules:

 ****** Rules: (Please read!) 

You are NOT eligible to win if you are affiliated with Brooklyn Bean Roastery or Two Rivers Coffee. 

If you are a blogger that does reviews for them, if you have done any reviews for them, won any giveaway from them or received a sample of their products in the last 90 days you may not enter this giveaway.****** 

DISCLOSURE:  

I receive compensation if the form of product for my work with Brooklyn Beans. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of the products.

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TELIC Footwear Review and Giveaway, TWO WINNERS, ends 3/6/2015

Many of you know that I was born and raised on a beach -- Tybee Island --and shoes were optional at best. Even in the winter! However, as I got older and encountered HOT pavement and those nasty sand spurs we called "stickers", I began to wear flip-flops.

Nasty business those flip-flops.  The rubber never lasted, they would flattten out, the strap between the toes would cause blisters, and you just couldn't wear them after a couple of weeks.

Times have certainly changed.

The folks at Telic Footwear have made those changes! These flip flops, of many colours and styles, are all about comfort, design, and durability! Telic is a family company and their products are all Made in America!  That is something I really appreciate.

I was blessed to receive a gorgeous pair of  Z-strap shoes in Grape Vine.

Aside from my ugly toes, aren't these so cool? They are very comfortable, too. Your foot settles gently into the shoe. The straps are such that they don't rub blisters on to your toes or foot.  It's like walking on a cloud. Yet, they are very supportive.  I've never felt like I was slipping or sliding when wearing them.

They will be perfect at poolside, too. I like wearing shoes that I know won't leave me flat on backside. I know that you do, too.

Notice, please, the nifty bling on the straps. That is called ICE.  There are several different designs from an owl to a turtle to a flag or a heart!  The ICE comes in a small package complete with a tiny screwdriver to place the ice where YOU want it! (Hang on to it in case you want to move / change the ice later).

I LOVE me some bling! Or, in this case, ICE!

Telic Footwear offers four styles of shoe:

The Flip-Flop:

The Z-strap:

The Slide:

And The Dream:

Lovely, aren't they?  Imagine playing mix-and-match with colours and ice? I know I had a blast choosing my pair!  The shoes come in all sizes and so many colours. You will be pleased with the variety, I'm sure!

Along with the shoes and the ice, I received (and you will, too) a very sweet little band bracelet that says, "FIND YOUR PURPOSE"

It's a great mantra.  I believe that sums up the story of Telic Footwear. They've found their purpose and they are making a difference in people's lives.

You may purchase these great shoes on-line at the Telic Store (ARV: $39.95) or at one of these Locations.

You may connect with Telic Footwear on their website and social media pages:
Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The very generous folks at Telic have offered TWO (2) of my readers the chance to win a pair of shoes and a package of ice in any colour, size, and style! How amazing is that?

Just follow the direction below for your chance to enter to win!

***Open to USA only, 18+, No Po Boxes***

DISCLOSURE: I received a pair of Z-strap shoes and a package of ICE to facilitate this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

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LEGO: #JusticeLeague vs. #BizarroLeague #Giveaway!

Batman has joined the newly formed Justice League in order to keep tabs on Superman, a mistrust that is complicated by Superman’s clumsy – but well-meaning – clone, Bizarro. 
Bizarro’s creation of the Bizarro League has caused confusion amongst the world’s greatest Super Heroes, but an even greater and mysterious threat may force the Justice League and Bizarro League to band together to defeat evil.





Hello, may I introduce myself?  I am... WONDER-ZARRO-WHIP! Well, that's my #BizarroLeague alter ego anyway!
Give it a try using the Name Generator!  See what alter ego name you get! Don't like it? Just click refresh and try again!



Isn't that great fun! Mike is VIBE-ZARRO-SCOPE!

Check out these new #JusticeLeague Trading Cards, too!

.

Would you like to win the new Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack (with Batzarro LEGO mini-figure) of LEGO Justice League vs. Bizarro League?

I knew you'd love it! Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!
Open to USA and CANADA! No PO Boxes, please. 
CONTEST ENDS 2/25/15 AT 11:59 P.M.

Each household is only eligible to win LEGO: DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack) Blu-ray via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

DISCLOSURE:  I have not received compensation for this post. The opinions expressed herein are my own.

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#RealisticResolution with Gorton's and Spark People! Review and Giveaway!

DISCLOSURE: I received a prize package as compensation for this review. However, ALL opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

The New Year always brings about a yearning for change and improvement. It's time to make those resolutions: Lost 100 pounds... give up snacks and sodas... stop drinking / smoking / having fun.

You get the drift.

How long do most resolutions last? Less than 72 hours. Yep... less than three days. Why? Because most of us set ourselves up for failure by setting goals too high to reach. 

Not this year. 2015 is the THE year for the #RealisticResolution!

What are Realistic Resolutions? They are a set of small, attainable goals that can be reached in a timely fashion.

Gorton's Seafood has teamed with Spark People to create a series of tips, suggestions, workouts, and recipes to help you make those resolutions a reality!

Gorton's Seafood  has so many delicious varieties of fish available: Tilapia, Haddock, Alaskan Pollock, Salmon, Flounder, Shrimp, and Clams! And we ALL know that fish is an extremely healthy, diet-friendly, food.  Did you know that Gorton's offers eleven (11) gluten-free items? ALL of their grilled products are GF! None of their products contain MSG!

Tilapia is my favourite and this is a great recipe!


Gorton's has offered my readers a coupon to try one of their amazing fish dishes -- just click here!

You may also enter the Gorton’s Eat Smarter Sweepstakes for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

I encourage you to join me at Spark People (it's FREE to join!) and make your New Year's
Realistic Resolutions!

Together, we can lose weight and improve our health! I've lost 43 pounds and still going strong!

As an incentive, Gorton's and Spark People have offered my readers a chance to win a fabulous prize pack: 2 full-value product coupons, an insulated tote, the SparkPeople Cookbook, the Spark book and the SparkPeople Boot Camp DVD.

This is the same package that I received! How cool is that?  

You may connect with Gorton's on their social media pages:
Gorton's Seafood on Facebook,  @gortonsseafood on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

To enter for a chance to win this prize pack, just fill out the entry form below. The more entries you make, the more chances you have!

 ***Open to USA only, please. No PO Boxes. All entries are verified. Contest ends on Saturday, January 17th, 2015. ***

DISCLOSURE: I received a prize package as compensation for this review. However, ALL opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

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Homemaker's Friend 2014 Day Planner Giveaway ends tonight!

Our giveaway of the Homemaker's Friend 2014 Day Planner ends tonight!

Hurry and don't let this great prize get away!

To enter Click here!

Carrie Elle Meal Planner / Food Journal Two Winners Ends tonight!

Our giveaway of the CarrieElle Food Journal and Meal Planner ends tonight! Don't miss out -- two winners!

To enter, just click HERE!

Homemaker's Friend 2014 Daily Planner Review and Giveaway! Ends 5/27/14

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

As a wife, mom, and blogger, Planners are an integral part of my daily life and routine.  I was recently delighted to receive both a 2014 and 2015 Daily Planner from Homemakers Friend.

I was taken immediately with the fantastic lay-out of the planner.  That is ALWAYS my biggest issue but this planner is arranged perfectly.

Not only will you find plenty of space for recording daily events but also tasks, grocery lists, notes, and projects.

Isn't that terrific? It has everything I want in a planner and, in a stroke of brilliance, Sue Hooley (the designer) has made it the PERFECT size for a handbag or tote! 

***These planners are designed for the unpredictable life of a homemaker. The simple, flexible design helps a homemaker to organize her days and duties.

FEATURES:

Weekly layout with space for menu planning and a to-do list
Two-page Monthly Calendar Year Calendars
Perforated Shopping List
Task List and Project & Events Sections
Information section for short-term information

Spiral bound. 5.75 x 8.75***

Right now, you can order a 2015 Homemakers Friend Daily Planner and get the 2014 Daily Planner absolutely free!! Don't delay -- these planners won't last long!

Sue has very generously offered one of my readers the chance to win a 2014 Daily Planner! How cool is that?

To enter just follow the very easy instructions below! 

***Open to USA only, please. No PO Boxes. All entries are verified.***


Giveaway ends May 27, 2014

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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CarrieElle: Meal Planner and Food Journal Review and Giveaway Ends 5/26/14 TWO WINNERS!

Disclosure:
I received free planners for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

Ya'll know by now that I am back on my weight-loss journey. So far, so good! I'm down 14 pounds.

The secrets to my success? Meal planning and tracking every bite that I eat! Yes, everything. 

I searched for the best planners for my needs and it wasn't easy... some were loaded with un-necessary distractions (and ads!) and some had blank pages.

I found the CarrieElle Etsy Shop and saw exactly what I needed.  

First up is the Weekly Meal Planner.

This planner has everything I want: it has monthly calendars (blank so that you may start at any month), then pages for your weekly menu, and a perforated grocery list.  These pages are only printed on one side, so you don't lose any information.

Along with the Food Journal, the Menu Planner has contributed to my weight loss. When I have meals planned for a week, there is no worry. I don't worry about what to cook, I don't worry about unhealthy meals, I don't worry about anything!

*12 monthly calendar pages (blank) for those who like to meal plan a month at a time 
**60 weekly meal planning pages, with a place to plan out meals for the week and a place to write your grocery list. 
***5 blank pages at the back of the book for notes/recipes/helpful websites 
****Delicious and easy lasagna recipe on the inside back cover

*****************************************************************************

I also received the life-saving (for me) Food Journal to record what food you've eaten, calories, water intake, vitamins, protein, calcium, and mood! Believe me, tracking is a huge benefit to any weight loss program.  Trying to remember how much you've eaten in a day is not easy.  With a food journal at your disposal, it is MUCH easier. 
I track EVERYTHING I eat.

Aren't these fabulous? I feel very blessed to have found them!

You can connect with Carrie at her Etsy Shop and on her Social Media pages:
Facebook, @CarrieElleBlog on Twitter, and Instagram

Carrie has graciously offered two of my winners a chance to win one these planners! Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win.

***Open to USA only, please. No PO Boxes. All entries are verified.***

Giveaway ends May 26, 2014

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