Libre Giveaway Winner!

Hi All!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

We had a busy one, yet a relaxing one, too! What a great combination! Did you all do anything fun? Anything relaxing?

Oh, and before I get to the winner...

{sorry to those who already read about this part on my other blog, catching wildflowers}
I recently decided to finally go ahead and start a project 365, where I take a picture a day for a year. So, I started it on June 2, 2011 and if all goes well will be finishing it on June 2, 2012.
I am so excited to be able to look back and see an entire year through photos. This isn't really new to me as I take photos everyday anyway, but making sure it happens and edited and then posted is another thing, ;-)

Some photos will be taken via cell phone (as sometimes all you got is this little device, yes?) but, my favorites and best quality photos will come, i'm sure, from my dslr. I am somewhat obsessively attached to my nikon (someday though, I will save up enough pennies for my canon eos 5d mark II, though) . ;-) Being so close to my camera means it is literally hanging from my neck most days, and I'm okay with this attachment. ;-)

Anyone else doing a 365 photo project?

Anywhoo...check out this slideshow and if you are on flickr let me know...would love to see your photos, too! ;-)

Photography is my most favorite outlet for creativity. I am wanting to grow and learn as much as I can about the art.



Now for the important stuff...the winner!!!

The winner of the Libre Glass Tea giveaway is Julie Lynn #11. Julie has been contacted via email.

Congrats, Julie!

Have a fantastic day, everyone.

Be safe, be healthy, be happy!

~kelly~

a hello & a giveaway!

*i made a correction...this giveaway is open to U.S and Canada. {my apologies}


Hello!

I'm alive and well! I pray that you all are doing well, too!

I could get into the reasons why I have not  posted in many moons, but do you all really want to hear excuses? Nah, I didn't think so.

But, I'm sure you all like a great giveaway, yes?

So, onto the good stuff....

Firstly, let me introduce you to a product I had the privilege of trying out:

the pretty design on the top of the lid

Libre Loose Leaf Tea Glass is pretty darn amazing!! I love tea and I am usually on the go, so this is an ingenious invention, in my humble opinion! What's not to like about portable tea?

The one I chose to try out is the glass 'n poly model, but they have others to choose from on their website.

So, some tidbits of info on the Libre....

-the stainless steel tea filter is pretty fine, making it perfect for herbals and roiboos.

-the twist on lid is BPA free

-the thermal, leak resistant container has a glass interior and poly carbinate exterior (aka: super durable)

-keeps tea warm, but the container stays cool to your touch (aka: no burnt hands)

I have been very happy with the Libre.. so simple to use:

All I have to do is put my tea of choice in filter, add hot water, twist on lid, and turn upside down. Not sure about you, but this mama like things nice and easy...

Check out this video on how to use the Libre:

So...for your chance to win a Libre: 

-be a follower of this little blog (if you are not, please click on the follow button) ;-)

-tell me what tea you would make in the Libre if you win it.

-go to their website and tell something new you learned.

-tweet the giveaway (be sure to include @photohealthnut in the tweet), linking back to this post.

For each one you complete, leave a comment on this post telling me you did.

Contest ends Sunday ( June 5, 2011) at 12:00 a.m CST.

*Also note..only open to U.S. and Canada addresses please. 

Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email (so, PLEASE leave your email address somewhere in your responses so I can contact you if you win). 

That's it! Now, go enter! ;-)

Oh, and just so you know...the kind folks did send me a product to review, but I was under zero obligation to write a favorable review. The thoughts posted here are simply my own. It's a great product, and I wouldn't state it if it wasn't true. Lying is bad!!

Hello Spring!

Happy Springtime all!!

I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful weather! Spring just draws us outside..we love it! We just want to get outside and soak up the sun and the Springtime!! I love Springtime!! The kids do not like to sit around the house for too long...I don't blame them, neither do I.

Being outside of the house means...I have also fallen a bit behind on this blog and will be playing catch up little by little...lots of fun things to come, be assured! ;-)

Now...those who read my little blog know that I never claim to blog everyday...Even the thought or feeling like I "had" to everyday would honestly drive me crazy. I mean, I love blogging..but I could never be a professional blogger. ;-) Love the blog, but can't let it tie me down. I guess you could say I have issues with commitment. (Don't worry, sweet hubby...that's only with the blog). ;-)

I also blog over at my little itty bitty family blog, and for obvious reasons that takes top priority!

Oh, and you all probably would like to know who won the glass straw giveaway from Strawesome..my apologies for not getting that up sooner. 

The random number generator has randomly chose a winner.

And the winner is...

Comment #2 from Domestic Diva!! She has been notified via email and will will be receiving her new glass straw soon!

Congrats to her!!

More giveaways to come shortly!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

-Kelly

Strawesome Glass Straw {Review & Giveaway}

CONTEST CLOSED! ;-)

Hello all!

I'm going to let you know a little secret about me...ready? 

I love straws. I do. Love them. Okay, secret is out. And no.. I never said it would be a juicy secret. ;-)

I love how fancier a beverage becomes when sipped through a straw. Ice tea in a handled mason jar becomes so much more classy when coupled with the right straw, come on...wouldn't you agree? ;-) 

Up until recently I have used only plastic straws. Yes, I said it...plastic. 

I was given the privilege of test "driving" okay...let's say test "sipping" on glass awesomeness from Strawesome! Yep, I have been wanting to wrap my lips around a glass straw for quite some time now, and finally I got to try one and I must say...it is awesome!!!

 Here are a few (well, okay..maybe a few more than a few) things that I discovered:

• they are so pretty (see for yourself) take a look-see.
• handmade in the U.S. by stay-at-home mom (pretty rad in my opinion)
• lifetime guarantee against breakage. If you break it, they will replace it. (Being a mama, this makes me happy. I mean, life happens, things break.)
• available in an vast assortment of colors, lengths, and widths. (who doesn't like choices?)
• the decorative version is ingenious! The decorative pieces on the straw not only help distinguish your straws from others, but it also keeps the glass straw from rolling around on flat surfaces. (pretty, yet functional is where it is at).
• made of borosilicate glass tubing (the strongest commercially available glass) 
• they do custom gift ideas (think:they can match colors to match a wedding party or maybe a baby shower, also...they can do personalized laser engraving with possible logos, names or designs/texts.) (the possibilities are pretty much endless).
• 100 % satisfaction guaranteed.

sorry for the poor picture. lighting wasn't great. ;-(
but, you get the drift...the straw is super cute. ;-)

{The Review}

I really do love this straw...it is pretty with the unique dots and swirls (come on, that's a huge plus). I've never sipped through a pretty straw before. (It's the simple things, you know).

Not only is it pretty to the eyes. but it is so much healthier than using plastic straws...who wants to expose themselves and their family to even more plastic toxins? Not me. I, for one, am trying to greatly reduce the amount of plastic I use...and, this straw helps me to make one more leap towards going plastic free. I say "yay" to that!

I chose to try the bent straw...and I like it since I seem to gravitate towards bent straws for some odd reason. But, I do believe that my next straw won't be bent...my excuse to get another glass straw ;-).

I also love that I can take, even a small part, in helping the environment. I mean, seriously, there is too much waste as it is in the world...I love to be taking a step towards less waste and trash. Sounds like a plan, to me.

I love how there is zero plastic taste (well, being that it is glass, this is a given) but this makes me happy. I like how there is no taste other than what I am sipping through the straws. The taste of iced yerba mate teas, sweetened with some liquid stevia, or a delicious green smoothies are all I taste through the straw (just to name a couple drinks I have put the glass goodness straw to use on...plain and simple. I like that.

It washes clean. They even make little straw cleaners, that I think would be good to have around (they are quite inexpensive to boot).

 I have yet to put it in the dishwasher, but will be trying that soon. I, generally, just hand wash dishes since we only brought a limited amount with us to Gulf Shores. But, I would feel like it would be completely strong enough to withstand the dishwasher as the glass is annealed (slowly cooled to make them stronger and less brittle). I love how it is a practical, for everyday life kind of straw.

So, to sum things up..I really like this straw. No, I take it back..I LOVE this straw! I want more, honestly. I want to order at least three more. One for the Hubster, and one each for the offspring. My kids, especially, have been gawking over my straw. The Hubster is digging it, too...it's just he's so much more reserved about expressing his desires to make certain items his own. (I do believe that he wants this straw, though as I can see it in his eyes) ;-) So, there you have it.. I can't keep this kind of goody to just myself for long..I will have to buy them their own special glass straw soon.

Oh, and I also believe having an extra one kept in my purse would be rad, too..they make little cases for easy carry. I like to drink through straws on the go, too..and now that I have converted over to glass straws... this would be perfect!

{The Giveaway}


Strawesome is being so awesome in offering to send one lucky winner a *surprise* decorative "artist's choice" glass drinking straw. So...here is your chance to win one.

Mandatory entry:
Visit Strawesome and let me know (by leaving me a comment) which style straw you like best and what drink you would put the straw in.

Extra entries:  *please leave a separate comment for each one completed, please make sure I have your email address to contact you if you won)*
-Publicly follow 'Kisses from a Coconut' blog (just click the 'follow' button next to this post)
-Follow me on Twitter.
-Tweet this giveaway. Please include @coconutkelly in your tweet with a link back to this post.
-Blog about this giveaway, if you have a blog. (please include a link back to this post).

*Open to US and Canada residents only please*
*Contest ends Friday, March 18th at 11:59 p.m..(CST)*
*Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email*


So here's to healthy awesome sipping...

Have a wonderful weekend!

~kelly~

Please note that Strawesome did supply me with the glass drinking straw to review, but I was under no obligation to post a favorable review for them. The thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

CSN Stores Giveaway Winner!

Hi All!

 This is going to be an itty bitty post...I simply wanted to make sure you all knew the lucky winner to the CSN Stores giveaway....

Sorry for the quite unattractive picture of the number generator results..I will eventually learn how to put the results page into the post and not just snap a picture of it on my camera..until then that time...this will have to do.

So, the winner is...comment number 23. Who is number 23? The fabulous raw chef, Amber Shea, that's who! She has a great blog, which I love...http://almostveganblog.com/.

Congrats, Amber Shea!

So, like I said..this was an itty bitty post. Ever have one of those days when your head is pounding? It's one of those rare days for me..my sinuses aren't treating me so kindly. ;-(

Must close my eyes..looking at a computer screen isn't something I want to do. I think a nap (before the kids finish up their quiet time) will be in order. ;-)

Have a wonderful day!

Be back soon.

Love,

Kelly

Follow-Up on Homemade Dishwashing Detergent

Hello there! I hope you all are having a lovely weekend filled with fun and love!

Today, I wanted to post a follow-up review on the homemade dish washing detergent recipe I posted a while back. You can see that post HERE.  I got the idea to do so after reading Kera's blog post this morning on this very topic. She, too, is experimenting with the same recipe, as well as homemade laundry detergent (which, I, too am LOVING the results from the homemade laundry detergent).. I will be keeping an eye on her results to see what she ends up thinking of it. (I mean, it could just be me..maybe the dishwasher, itself).

In the beginning this recipe was fabulous! The dishes came out very clean. L.O.V.E. Unfortunately, lately the dishes have been coming out of the dishwasher a bit on the blah side. Not too clean. So, this makes me sad. Dishes should be clean. ;-) So, for the time being I am taking a break from it for a while while I revise and review this recipe.

So, maybe it's build-up. Not sure. I am always very careful to put the vinegar in the rinse aid (very important step). So, I assumed this would take care of build-up. Oh, here's the recipe so, you can see the simplicity of the ingredients (I like it simple).

Homemade Dish washing Detergent

1 Tbsp Borax

1 Tbsp Washing soda (not to be confused with baking soda) (Washing soda can be found in the laundry isle   of most grocery stores)

Vinegar (To be used as the rinse aid)

I mix up lots and put in a mason jars (gotta love mason jars). Shake it up, little darling and then put two Tbsp in the dishwasher for every load.

I use plain white vinegar, but only had apple cider vinegar at time of picture taking. ;-)

So, this is a to-be-continued post...

Kera, please keep us posted on your results and thoughts. ;-) We'd appreciate that.

Anyone ever try this recipe for homemade dish washing detergent? I'd love to hear about your experiences as well as any tips with homemade dish washing detergents.

Meanwhile..be sure to enter my current giveaway for a $35 gift certificate to CSN Stores. Click here to enter.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

~Kelly~

CSN Stores Giveaway!!

Hello all! I hope you all are doing wonderfully! I am right back on track today playing catch up on the good ole' blog..and as I promised you all many moons ago....A most fantabulous giveaway....

Now, I am sure many of you aware of the awesomeness of  CSN Stores. For those who are not..CSN is comprised of over 200 online stores, selling everything from:  

 children's backpacks

to cookware, 

And so much more!!

CSN Stores and I have partnered up to offer one lucky winner a $35 gift certificate for any of the over 200 online stores at CSN Stores.

Not too long ago I, myself, won a gift card giveaway from Lauren's blog, Ginger is the New Pink. Thanks Lauren and CSN Stores!

This is what I got and I LOVE them!

First off I got the Paderno World Cuisine Spiral Vegetable Slicer:

Perfect for raw pasta!

Raw pasta in the making...

All that's left of the yellow squash! 

I also got the Aroma 5 Quart  Heavy Duty Electric Wok:

Perfect for stir-fry!

I have been loving these kitchen goodies! They are fabulous!

One thing I love about CSN Stores items is that the prices are very user-friendly. Plus, the shipping was super fast!

I will order from them again!

So, on to the details of the $35 gift certificate giveaway!

To enter:

1. Become a follower of this blog. If you already are a follower then just say so in a comment.

2. Go to the CSN Stores site and tell me what you would choose if you won the giveaway!

3. Follow me on Twitter. @coconutkelly

4. Follow CSN Stores on Twitter. @csnstores

5. Tweet about this giveaway. Please be sure to include @coconutkelly and @csnstores in the Tweet so, I can track it. Thanks!

6. If you have a blog, you can blog about this giveaway. Please include a link to this giveaway in the blog post.

*Please leave a separate comment for each item completed.*

*There may be international shipping charges in the case of Canadian addresses (CSN only ships to the US and Canada.)

Winner will be randomly selected on January 31, 2011.

I will contact winner via email and winner will have 48 hours to respond, or sadly another winner will be randomly selected. :-(

This giveaway was made possible by CSN Stores.

Go for it!

Peace & Love, 

Kelly

TofuXpress Giveaway Winner!

Hello all! Pardon my absence...much is going on right now that blogging has been pushed to the back burner for a bit, but I will return and with yet another awesome giveaway! So, stayed tuned!

So...for the moment you all have been waiting for...the winner to the TofuXpress giveaway is the author of ....http://veganwheekers.blogspot.com/

Congrats to the winner! Please get your mailing address to me within the next 48 hours so I can pass that on to the kind folks at TofuXpress!

And like I said earlier in this itty bitty post...I have an awesome giveaway lined up. For now..I am getting some big projects taken care of and will be back shortly.

Lots have happened that I want to fill you in on like recap to my first half marathon, as well as Thanksgiving food makings, and our soon departure to the beach for a work project that will take 4 to 6 months. Oh yes, busy but blessed times!

God Bless!

Feeling Kind of Nutty...A Nuttzo Review

Hello all!!
If I wasn't already nutty enough, folks...Nuttzo kindly sent me a jar of some amazing nut butter to try (their Peanut Free Omega 3 Multi-Nut Butter to be exact) and review on the blog. So, I am officially nuttier than before trying this. Can you handle it? ;-) It's that good!!

Love. In. A. Jar.

I have used this goodness on toast, straight from the jar on a spoon (one of my personal favorite ways to devour it), and also in oatmeal, and overnight oats. Scrumptious! I love how it has chia seeds in it (I adore chia seeds, just be sure to brush and do the chia-seed-teeth-check after eating ;-) All you avid chia eaters will probably know what I'm talking about. Haha!

Also, I like how it doesn't have peanuts in it. I, personally, do not have a problem with peanuts (some know me as the peanut butter queen, in fact). But, I like that there is a peanut free option available for those who need it and want it.

I can't wait to try the original Nuttzo (which does have peanuts in it). I am sure that one won't disappoint either!

Here is some info you might find interesting!!!

Now through the end of the year (12/31/2010) with a minimum of a $28 order you will receive FREE SHIPPING and Handling.  Coupon code: happyholidays2010

For nuttzo.com orders only, not opensky.

Why You'll Love NuttZo PF (PEANUT FREE)

Remember NuttZo is natural so the oils do separate.  Therefore, when you first open NuttZo, all the healthy oils will be at the bottom of the jar.  Just like with all natural nut butters, after the oils separate the nut butter can be quite hard at the top.  Keep pushing a butter knife down through the nut butter paste into the oils.  The nut butter paste will start to combine back into the oils. Once you’ve knocked all the paste into the oils stir into a creamy butter.  You must stir the oils before you refrigerate. Refrigerate lid side up once it's opened. No need to stir again. Enjoy!

16oz GLASS JAR

Nutrition Facts
Serv. Size: 2 Tbsp (32g)
Serv. per container: 14 
Calories 180
Fat Cal. 140

Total Fat 15g (24% DV), Sat. Fat 2.5g (13% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 65mg (3% DV),Total Carb, 8g (3% DV), Dietary Fiber 3g (13% DV), Sugar 1g, Protein 6g.  Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 

Ingredients:  Organic Cashews, Organic Almonds, Organic Brazilian Nuts, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Flax Seeds, Organic Hazelnuts, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Sea Salt.

Here are some helpful facts about our power-packed multi-nut butter:

• You’ll taste the earthy, elegant hazelnut pieces and nutty, flavorful, crunchy flax seeds in every bite. Whole brown flax seeds add fiber as well as nutritious Omega 3s as long as the skins have been broken through chewing. The Aztec Superfood-Chia seeds are added for easy absorption of Omega 3s as well as  hydration qualities to assist athletic workouts and races. 
• NuttZo PF is RAW except for the flaxseeds and Hazelnuts which are medium roasted.  Also the NuttZo is ground below 118 degrees.
• No added sugar in NuttZo PF. 
• Provides 75% of your DV of ALA Omega-3's per serving (975 mg). 
• Organic ingredients; kosher certified.
• Stored upside down for easier stirring. After opening, stir it, and then refrigerate and store it “lid-up”; the oils will separate naturally, but who wants a mess!
• NuttZo PF is AKA (Ashley Koff R.D. approved)
• The TASTE is AMAZING; it will keep you coming back for more!
• A 16-ounce jar of NuttZo retails for $19.95 and each jar provides 14 servings. This equates to less than $1.45 per serving of organic nut-nutrition. 

Also, NuttZo is a proud supporter of ProjectLeftBehind.org. 

1% of NuttZo's sales goes to the Project Left Behind Foundation.

So, let me know what you think about this goodness aka "love in a jar". Have you tried it yet? What are your thoughts?

Tip of the Day- Go enter my giveaway (if you haven't already done so) for a chance to win a TofuXpress. Click here to enter! Contest ends Nov. 24th!

Have a wonderful weekend!! Oh, and wish me luck...I am running my first ever 1/2 marathon on Sunday!! I'm so nervous...especially since I haven't started training for it (well, not really). Okay, that's a long story and will have to wait till next post. ;-)

TofuXpress Giveaway!!

Hello Blogosphere!  Well, I have teamed up with the great people over at TofuXpress and have some exciting news! One lucky reader will win a fabulous TofuXpress food press! 

You may have remembered my recent review of this wonderful, time saving kitchen gadget. You can read that review here.

I have been very happy with my TofuXpress and am thrilled that I can offer you all the chance to have one of these in your kitchen, as well!

To enter please do this FIRST: (leave one comment total telling me which ones you did.)
- follow @tofuxpress on Twitter
- or like TofuXpress on Facebook
- subscribe to their newsletter at www.TofuXpress.com

Additional Entries:.
- follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

- follow @coconutkelly on Twitter (1 entry)

- mention this giveaway, with the link, in a blog post, and leave a link to the post (2 entries)
- Tweet this giveaway with a link to this post. Include @coconutkelly and @tofuxpress in the Tweet. (1 entry daily)

Winner must live in the USA.

Last day to enter is Wednesday, November 24th at midnight EST.
The lucky winner will be randomly selected via random.org and will be announced shortly thereafter!

Here are some pictures of the TofuXpress in action!! I love this little gadget! 

Go for it! Good luck! Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Soy Candles Giveaway Winner...

Hi everyone! I hope you all are having a great start to your week. I've had a good, but busy morning so far. Looking over to my left I see a mound of laundry that needs folding and put away the size of a mountain. Eek..But, other than that I have great news...

I have a winner to my first ever giveaway!! Oh, the suspense!!

The suspense is just too much to handle!

And the winner is..... Heidi from HiHIRosies's Place blog!. Congrats to Heidi! She has been notified and will soon be enjoying some rockin', delicious smelling soy candles!

Heidi... I hope you are this happy,too!

No worries to all that didn't win because I have another fabulous giveaway lined up for you all, and should hopefully get that up and posted tomorrow!! You won't want to miss out on that giveaway!!

Well, I better get a move on as that mound of a laundry mountain is beginning to groan, I do believe...or maybe that's my belly. I better get lunch fixed, too!

Have wonderful day!!

Highlights from the Week..Wordless-ish Wednesday

Hello! I hope everyone had a lovely Wednesday! We had a great one, but super busy! This evening we took the kids swimming at the gym and they loved it!! It's been awhile since we've done that so...it was about time for some well-overdue pool fun! The kids are becoming quite the skilled little swimmers, and they have so much fun together in the pool! It's adorable. I, unfortunately do not have pool pics as the hubby and I are splashing around with them.

Oh, yes...this is supposed to be Wordless Wednesday so...shutting up now. ;-)

Picture time...

Too bad the kids weren't feeling it. 

Those aren't peppers,btw!

My birthday rose from my Love

Poms so pretty...and tasty!

"Can I have a Larabar, mommy?"

Just thought I'd share some of the week's highlights...have a great Thursday!

P.S. My first giveaway is underway and ends on November 14th (Sunday)...if you haven't entered to win TWO delicious smelling soy candles from Soy Candles by Phebes click here.

P.P.S. Also check out Anne P.'s (from fANNEtasticfood blog) Giveaway...enter to win Quaker's Amazing Morning Kit. Click here to enter.

109 Years Old On Mainly Raw Foods

I saw this posted on The Raw Food Health with Angi Blog this morning and thought this was worth sharing! Very impressive and inspiring! He has been eating raw food for about 104 years. He looks great and says he feels great, too. Love this!



I believe many people could benefit from watching this!

Oh, and have you entered my FIRST giveaway yet? Win TWO delicious soy candles! Click here!

Have a beautiful day!

Monday Music...plus Costume Fun!

Hello! I hope everyone is having a wonderful first day of November! I can't believe it is already November! This year is flying by so quickly! Well, I missed my morning boot camp class today. Oh, I hate to miss a workout but, sleep was so needed and I couldn't stand the thought of leaving the warmth of my hubby (he is my own personal heater) in our bed. Baby, it's cold outside that early in the morning!! But, I'll hit up the gym bright and early tomorrow morning and work doubly hard. ;-)

Oh, don't forget to enter my FIRST GIVEAWAY!! One lucky reader will win TWO soy candles from Candles by Phebes! These candles rock!

Oh, I hope all had fun dressing up last night (if you did). We didn't dress up this year, next year we will. Here are a couple pictures from last year's party...didn't end up with any good pictures of my daughter who went as a princess! She moved too quickly for a good shot. She was a princess on the move...and quickly! ;-)

Trying for the Captain Morgan pose! ;-)

He was so little...oh my! Arrr!

So, I've been thinking that I really need to start baking up some unique things and share them with you all. I am not too gifted in creating my own recipes, I'm sad to say. But, I could still share pictures of some of my kitchen creations, right? Right! I will work on that one...yes, as well as posting information on my exercise activity. I love exercise so much and yet, speak so little of my routines and such. Work on that...will do!

So, on to some random Monday Music...I got this song stuck in my head this morning. It's from that television show Cheers, which I used to watch as a kid. Why my parents allowed me to watch a show about life in a bar I do not know, but I remember always liking the song. I'm sure the fact that my name is 'Kelly' played a part in that...I could never get over the fact that Kelly was ultra snobby and so ungrateful...Who wouldn't LOVE having a song written and then sung for them? That would be gift enough for me, folks!! Anyone agree with me on this?

This just makes me laugh!

Must go live life now...Happy November all!!

Candle Duo Giveaway + Review ~Soy Candles by Phebes

Hello all! Well, yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day...beautiful weather, beautiful company. Yep, like I said...beautiful day. 

The Hubster left on a motorcycle trip with a friend of ours so, it was just "Little Sprouts" and me..fun times were had hiking up and down our long driveway (it's tucked back in the woods and is winding and steep so it's fun and great exercise). Also, a trip to the park was enjoyed by all. My sister and her adorable kids met us at the park. My sister's kids, who, are currently taking gymnastics at the elementary school, taught me how to do a back bend. Yes, I never took gymnastics in school...and honestly, I feel I missed out!  Watch out gymnastics world...here I come. Ha!  Sadly no pictures are currently available on my grand back bend. But, I rocked it!! ;-) 

I recently received some soy candles to review from the fabulous company, Soy Candles by Phebes. Oh wow! What an experience! Let me first say that I absolutely adore candles. In fact, Fall seems to scream for candles to be lit and enjoyed. Anyone else agree with me on this? 

So, I was thrilled when Soy Candles by Phebes offered to send me two of their candles and two tarts to sample. Let me first state that these are soy candles and soy is truly the best candle in my opinion! Soy candles simply burn cleaner, are longer lasting, and are soot free. Score!!

Some good-to-know facts about Soy Candles by Phebes...in case you were curious. 

• The candles are made in Atlanta, GA.
• Each candle is hand poured at the time of order.
• Only essential oils and premium plant derived fragrance oils are used.
• Over 90 scents available (some with just down right awesome names, too!) (I'm a sucker for names)
• Packaging is eco-friendly.
• Soy wax is 100 % US grown.
• Candle jars are glass and can be re-used after candle is gone.
• Candles come in one size (8.5 oz) and one color (natural).
• Each candle is only $12.99, which is very reasonable...trust me I've done the research. ;-)
• Handcrafted.
• Made to Order.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Never tested on animals.
• Free from man made chemicals.
• Braided cotton lead free wicks.
• Phthalate Free
• Strong smelling (in a good way).
• Earth Friendly.
• Free Shipping on orders over $25.

So, the two candles I was graciously sent to try were Ginger Bergamot and Red Current. Both of these scents are outstanding! I have tried my fair share of soy candles over the course of my life and can say that I love these best. The smell from the candle fills up a room perfectly. I didn't have to stick my head right above the candle and risk burning the tip of my nose to get a good whiff. The Ginger Bergamot was lovely..perfect ginger aromas filled my kitchen. My nose was happy (and not just because it avoided being burned). ;-)

The Red Current scent rocked! This scent seemed to be even stronger than the Ginger, which I like my candles strong so I was very happy with this scent. 

The two tarts scents I received was Vanilla Pear and Butt Naked. Yes, those are some naked bums pictured on the Butt Naked tart packaging. Creative, heh?  

Vanilla Pear smelled so good I almost wanted to eat it at times. It was lovely!!  The Butt Naked was out-of-this-world fresh and clean smelling. As if I just emerged from the shower. I'd definitely want to have Butt Naked burning after getting home from mountain biking in mud (I love mud fun). Just the smell would make me think clean, fresh thoughts. ;-)

A few scents that I am wanting to try just because they sound so unique:

• Eat it Raw (for the raw vegan me)
• Coco-Loco (for my crazy love of coconuts)
• Hippie Christmas (this one just sounds super interesting!)

***Buy 3 Candles Get 1 free for Kisses from a Coconut Readers!!***

Simply say you found Soy Candles by Soy Candles by Phebes on Kisses from a Coconut blog, as well as what scent you would like in the free text area of your order. 

Now onto my FIRST giveaway! In honor of my birthday being in November and to the generosity of the kind folks over at Soy Candles by Phebes ..I am hosting my first ever giveaway! I'm super excited! One lucky reader of Kisses from a Coconut is going to win 2 soy candles (a $26.00 value). 

Mandatory Entry:

To enter you must first follow my blog and then visit Soy Candles by Phebes website, browse around, then tell me in a comment what scents you would like to win most. (1 entry)

Extra Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter (@coconutkelly). (1 entry)

2. Tweet about the giveaway. Leave a direct link to the tweet in a comment. (Please make sure to include @coconutkelly in tweet) You can do this daily. (1 entry)

3. Publicly follow 'Kisses from a Coconut' with Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to Kisses from a Coconut in a reader. (1 entry)

5. Blog about this giveaway on your blog with a link back to my site. (5 entries)

6. Subscribe via email to Kisses from a Coconut & then confirm that subscription (don't worry..I rarely blog everyday). (2 entries)

7. Add Kisses from a Coconut to your blogroll with a link back to me. (1 entry)

Giveaway ends on Sunday, November 14th.

*Winner will be randomly chosen using a random.org number generator. Must be 18+ years old to enter. Giveaway only open to U.S. entries only. Winners will be contacted via email and posted in this post when confirmed. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm before a new winner is randomly chosen. Please leave your email address in your comment if your Blogger profile is not public (so I can reach you if you win).

Many thanks to Soy Candles by Phebes for sending me some samples to try out and also for offering two candles for a giveaway! I'm sure my readers will be so thankful!

So, seriously...you don't want to miss out on these candles! They rock! I love them and want to buy some ASAP! Fall and candles just go happily together. Kind of like peanut butter and apples...don't you think?

Have fun trick-or-treating, dressing up, satisfying that sweet tooth, spending time with cutely dressed kids, and all that other jazz tonight! ;-) Be safe!!