New Life On A Homestead » Reviews & Giveaways http://newlifeonahomestead.com Our Family's Journey To Self Sufficiency Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:05:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Giveaway: Free-Range Chicken Gardens Start Up Kit! http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2012/01/giveaway-free-range-chicken-gardens-start-up-kit/ http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2012/01/giveaway-free-range-chicken-gardens-start-up-kit/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:06:21 +0000 Kendra at New Life On A Homestead http://newlifeonahomestead.com/?p=13176

It isn’t often that I link to another giveaway… but this one is too awesome not to share with you guys.

Timber Press is celebrating their recently released book Free-Range Chicken Gardens by hosting a giveaway where one lucky person will win a complete chicken garden start-up kit! This includes:

In this essential handbook, award-winning garden designer Jessi Bloom covers everything a gardener needs to know, including chicken-keeping basics, simple garden plans to get you started, tips on attractive fencing options, the best plants and plants to avoid, and step-by-step instructions for getting your chicken garden up and running.

This promo ends Feb. 17th, so head on over to Timber Press and enter for your chance to win!

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]]> http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2012/01/giveaway-free-range-chicken-gardens-start-up-kit/feed/ 6 Healthy Treasures Cookbook Review *PLUS: Exclusive Coupon* http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2012/01/healthy-treasures-cookbook-review/ http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2012/01/healthy-treasures-cookbook-review/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:10:51 +0000 Kendra at New Life On A Homestead http://newlifeonahomestead.com/?p=13105

As my family has made the switch from eating tons of processed, pre-packaged foods, to eating fresh produce we have either grown in our garden or have picked locally, I have found it somewhat challenging to find tasty recipes to help me turn these whole foods into a hearty meal.

And now that we’re eating Kosher, it’s important to us that we find recipes which use turkey or beef  instead of pork. That’s why I was so excited to have an opportunity to review Annette Reeder’s Healthy Treasures Cookbook! This cookbook isn’t your everyday collection of recipes… the entire focus of Annette’s Designed Healthy Living program, which includes workbooks, study units for church groups, and DVDs as well, is to teach us how to eat the way the Lord intended us to eat! And although she doesn’t specifically call her cookbook “Kosher”, with the exception of a few recipes calling for gelatin (which can be bought Kosher), everything else is right on target as far as that goes.

The first thing I noticed when I opened her cookbook was a quote which struck me as incredibly ominous,

“Unless we put medical freedom in the constitution, the time will come when medicine will organize into an undercover dictatorship… The constitution of the Republic should make special provision for medical freedom as well as religious freedom.”

Benjamin Rush M.D, signer of the Declaration of Independence 1745-1813

I just love that she included this in her book. Is that not frightfully true today? Okay, don’t even get me started on politics. Moving along…

Within the book, you will find a treasure trove of healthy cooking and eating information. There is an entire section on how to set your kitchen up with the safest, most efficient cookware and utensils. (Although, she didn’t mention my favorite cookware- cast iron!) Annette also goes over an entire list of common cooking ingredients, and their healthier substitutes.

The only thing I noticed that may be a hangup for some people is the necessity to have a wheat grinder to make a good portion of the recipes. Although, if you aren’t grinding your own wheat yet, I would definitely encourage you to do so!! And if you are, then you’ll love that Annette gives specifics in her recipes as to which kinds of grains you should grind for that particular meal (hard red wheat, hard white wheat, pastry wheat, etc).

She also recommended using a Nutrimill, which I have (and adore!). And she recommends a Zojuirishi bread machine (which I just happened to receive as a gift over the holidays from my wonderful mother in law!!). So, I can totally back up her product recommendations.

I love that at the bottom of many of her recipes, she included interesting facts about one or two of the ingredients called for. And I also appreciate that many of her recipes have the option of using venison in place of beef or turkey. Now I’ll have more ways to prepare the venison our hunter friends are always hooking us up with!

If you are looking for a cookbook full of recipes that are built upon a Biblical foundation, I can whole-heartedly recommend Healthy Treasures Cookbook! You can check out all of Annette Reeder’s products online at Designed Healthy Living. Here’s to healthy, whole food cooking!

**Annette is generously offering a 10% off coupon for my readers to use on any of her products, good through Jan. 31, 2012. Just enter “Homestead” in the coupon box during checkout.**

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]]> http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2012/01/healthy-treasures-cookbook-review/feed/ 7 Crayola Innovative Holiday Giveaway! http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/crayola-innovative-holiday-giveaway/ http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/crayola-innovative-holiday-giveaway/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:37:49 +0000 Kendra at New Life On A Homestead http://newlifeonahomestead.com/?p=12970

**This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Marcie O.!!**

So… the very generous people with Crayola would like to bless one of my faithful readers with four awesome Crayola products. And I’m blessed to be the middle-man!

They also sent me these four items to review. And although the kids haven’t had a chance to try them out yet (they’re wrapped and ready for Hanukkah), I can say that they all look really cool.

I’m sure whoever wins them will be thrilled!

This prize pack includes:

  • Crayola Jewelry Boutique
  • Crayola Glow Book
  • Telescoping Crayon Tower
  • Ultimate Art Supply Kit

Is that great, or what?! Since the holidays are fast approaching, I’m gonna do a lightening giveaway so we can get these out to the lucky winner ASAP! So I’m making it easy…

To enter for your chance to win, simply leave a comment here letting me know what you would do with these toys if you were to win them. I’ll choose one random winner on Tuesday, Dec. 20th at 9pm EST.

I’m guessing the odds will be pretty good. Good luck!

Disclosure: The Crayola Innovative Holiday prize pack, product information and prize pack for giveaway have been provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark.

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]]> http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/crayola-innovative-holiday-giveaway/feed/ 72 Product Review: Kosher Hanukkah Gift Baskets http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/product-review-kosher-hanukkah-gift-baskets/ http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/product-review-kosher-hanukkah-gift-baskets/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:16:24 +0000 Kendra at New Life On A Homestead http://newlifeonahomestead.com/?p=12913

Looking for the perfect Hanukkah Gift Basket to send to a friend or loved one this year?

I recently had the opportunity to sample the delicious goodies filled in one of Gourmet Gift Basket’s Kosher Hanukkah Gift Baskets, and what a treat it was!

My poor husband. He totally missed out. The kids and I dove into those cookies, chocolates, pretzels and snack mixes, and left nothing but crumbs by the time he got home from work.

Sorry hubs.

We couldn’t help ourselves. Everything was so good!! We jumped from one goodie to another, eager to sample a new and delicious taste. I don’t even like malt balls, but the mint chip flavored ones that came in the basket were absolutely addictive.

And the basket itself was just beautiful. Often mail order gift baskets are very obviously cheaply made. But this one was truly gorgeous. I can’t wait to re-use it for our Hanukkah party, and fill it with home baked cookies!

Gourmet Gift Baskets has a whole line of Kosher Hanukkah Gift Baskets, as well as a wide variety of others suitable for every occasion.  If you’re looking for the perfect gift to send for the holidays this year, these baskets filled with gourmet munchies are sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Disclaimer: Gourmet Gift Baskets sent me the above pictured gift basket free of charge for my review. Although I was compensated for sharing my thoughts, I always give an honest opinion of anything I am offered to review.

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]]> http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/product-review-kosher-hanukkah-gift-baskets/feed/ 1 Lindy Sue’s GIVEAWAY! http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/lindy-sues-giveaway/ http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/lindy-sues-giveaway/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:06:37 +0000 Kendra at New Life On A Homestead http://newlifeonahomestead.com/?p=12893

**This Giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Tracy (mamabear…)! And a big thanks to all who entered!

Don’t you just adore these clothespin bags? I have one in a Paisley print; I just love having something cute to hang on the clothesline while I work!

And I dunno about you, but I would love to have these wash & wear bags the next time I travel! Isn’t this such a great idea?! Much cuter than a garbage bag for soiled clothing!

I love this one too… it’s perfect for college kids, and anyone else who frequents a laundry mat!! It’s printed with tons of stain fighting tips, can be carried like a backpack, and has a zipper pocket for change. Very cool!

Just why exactly am I teasing you with these cute laundry accessories, you ask??

‘Cause Ms. Lindy Sue herself would like to offer one of you the chance to choose any product from her online boutique up to a $40 value!

Is that stinkin’ awesome, or what?!

I thought you’d like that.

Here’s how to enter for your chance to win, make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry method you choose…

1. “Like” Lindy Sue’s on Facebook, then let her know I sent ya!

2. Go to Lindy Sue’s and check out her products, then come back here and let me know which one you would choose if you won! OR, if you have any ideas for products you’d like to see Lindy Sue’s carry, you can share that with us as well.

I’ll announce the winner on Saturday, Dec. 10th at 10pm EST. Contest open to US/Canada residents only.

Good luck!! And a big thanks to Lindy Sue’s for sponsoring this giveaway!

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]]> http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/12/lindy-sues-giveaway/feed/ 34 Book Review & Giveaway: Shiny Objects http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/11/book-review-shiny-objects/ http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/11/book-review-shiny-objects/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:26:09 +0000 Kendra at New Life On A Homestead http://newlifeonahomestead.com/?p=12739

**This Giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Bonnie!! And a big thanks to everyone who entered.

When the people at TLC Book Tours contacted me with an offer to review a copy of Shiny Objects: Why We Spend Money We Don’t Have in Search of Happiness We Can’t Buy, I thought it sounded like something right up my alley. After all, I am always trying to convince people to live on less!

If you are one of those kinds of people who has trouble saying “no” to the latest and greatest of everything… you’d better grab a copy of this book and have a seat.

Author James A. Roberts has written an incredibly thorough account of just why we have become a nation of unbridled consumerism. His book touches on topics such as materialism and “keeping up with the Joneses”, out of control credit card spending, compulsive shopping, how our spending affects our relationships, how money relates to our happiness, and self control.

If the study of why we are the way we are as consumers today interests you, I dare say you will not find a more well researched, thought provoking book as this. Each chapter is jam packed with staggering statistics, and appalling examples of the outrageous purchases that Americans are making every year. I found myself gaping, and laughing out loud in disbelief on several occasions.

I have to be honest, though, and say that I found myself hop-scotching through the chapters and skimming over a lot of the dates and statistics. There’s definitely a lot of information to take in. However, the overall message of the book is very interesting.

All throughout the book, Roberts has sprinkled self-assessment quizzes to help his readers figure out exactly where they are on the materialism and self control scales. After taking the tests myself, I wasn’t too surprised to find that I scored in the bottom 25% for being materialistic (meaning that I am definitely in the minority of those polled, being the least materialistic of the group). And I scored a top 50% for self control- meaning I’m pretty darn good at keeping myself in check! Good to know.

And I was glad that Roberts gave some rays of hope toward the end of the book with the last chapter dedicated to giving some great tips on how to break bad spending habits.

If you have an out of control spending problem… if you feel like more stuff will make you happier… if you judge success by material things, Shiny Objects just might help you understand why you think the way you do, and how you can change it for the better.

So, wanna win a copy of your own?! Simply leave a comment below telling me why you think you’d be interested in Shiny Objects.

I’ll choose one random winner on Sunday, Nov. 20th at 9pm EST. Must be a US or Canada address.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours, for sponsoring this review and giveaway!

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