Back Online!

 I am here to announce my return to online selling!  I've been away for about a year, and have been through many changes. I'm ready to start again now that things are working out in a way that I can spend some time crocheting and knitting again so I can bring you some amazing new products.  Keep your eyes open for the links to my new stores.  I can't wait to get this going once again.  Thank you all for your support!

Life Changes

Life is funny, just when we seem to get used to something, it changes!  It's an inevitable fact of life that change happens.  Accepting the changes of life can be a problem for anyone.  I've had many changes in my life over the last year, and the last three years.  I have adapted and made the best out of the changes but it is a daily struggle.  I'm now working full time, also in school and am a single mom.  All of this is within the last six months.  It's a hard adjustment but I'm trudging along trying to make it in this life.  Some changes can happen on a daily basis, and other changes are sudden and disrupt our entire life.  Death comes along and steals a loved one, and our lives change forever.  Divorce happens and changes our lives for the better or for much worse.  It depends on the situation.  Moves happen, sometimes often and sometimes only once in many years.  Either way, it's an adjustment.  I am choosing to embrace the changes, good and bad, and go with it because fighting it is a losing battle.  Bring it on!

Get in Shape for Summer with a Challenging New Idea

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spartan Race for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

There's a new and fun way to get your body into the best shape of your life, it's called Spartan Race. You'll push your body in world leading obstacle courses such as the muddy 3+ mile with 10 or greater obstacles, up to 40+ mile events. I am going to be working out for a better body before summer, so this sounds like a fun way to do it. The Spartan Race is for you if you're like me, and tired of working out being a horrible and boring experience.

The 5k sprint trail races are an awesome way for beginners to get a start. You'll be testing yourself on insane obstacle races without doing too many miles to start. 99.9% of those who start the race will finish it, and 100% will fulfill their thirst for trail & mud racing!

I've been wondering what the hype was about Spartan Racing. It's all about the adrenaline rush! Going through the muddy trails completing obstacles one by one, is extremely satisfying. I also like that it's not just for men. Women can compete in the network of Spartan Chicked, and even children have races. There is a support network for everyone involved, Spartan Races will give the participants a daily workout, a newsletter each week, and blogs to inspire participants to get up off the couch and to the finish line in 45 days. I'm going to Sign up, show up and NOT give up. It sounds like so much fun, I can't wait to join the 300,000 plus that will participate this year.
 

For more information and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, check out the site here: http://www.spartanrace.com//spartan-race-obstacle-course-faq.html  




 

 

Spring is Here, Let's Talk Gardening!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to start thinking about my lawn and garden. It sure needs help after a long, hard winter!  I just heard about Scott's Miracle Gro Expand ‘n Gro™ Concentrated Planting Mix and think it would be something wonderful for my lawn and garden!  When used, the garden gets up to 3 times the flowers and vegetables versus native soil. I love to garden and get big, lush, vibrant plants.   My yard and garden need to look amazing, so I want to use this potting soil to help it stay beautiful for as long as I can!  What an easy way to prep my garden this year!

 

 

This mix is made with all natural fibers that hold up to 50% more water than your basic potting soil.  A main component of Expand 'n Gro is Coconut Coir, which expands up to three times when water is added and feeds for up to six months.  Coconut Coir is made from the husk of the coconut, which used to get tossed out, so nothing gets wasted from the coconut.  

 

Miracle Gro Expand 'n Gro also improves the soil for many years to come, so my lawn will look fresh and green a lot longer than with it's own soil.  I'm going to be using this in my garden and in all of my big pots of plants!

You can receive a free sample here 

 

 

I was happy to find out that the Expand 'n GroTM is available at lawn and garden stores in the Northeast, Texas and the Midwest.  Visit expandngro.com for more information.  It's also on Amazon.com.

 

I'm Still Here

I have been absent from my blog for awhile, but wanted to let you all know I'm still around.  I will be posting more things soon.  Sometimes life just runs away with my time and the blog gets set on the back burner.  Spring is here, I hope flowers are blooming and birds are singing where you are!  God bless!

I am a Student!

I am thrilled to announce that I'm a student again!  I signed up for my writing class and am waiting for my materials to come.  I'm already coming up with ideas for things to write and have even started a story.  I cleaned up my craft room to make it a writing/craft room.   I have bookshelves and a desk and even put up some Van Gogh paintings to give it a nice ambiance.  I can go there to get away from the noise and write if I need to.  Having four teenagers in the house means there's always a bustle of activity.

I can't wait to get started, and finish something that was left undone years ago.  When I get my diploma or certificate I will feel like I truly accomplished something good.

Purex UltraPacks

Purex is giving us a new way to do laundry.  They have come up with Purex UltraPacks.  They are a small liquid-filled pack that you just toss into the washer when you do your laundry.  No measuring involved!  I have kids who do their own laundry, so I don't have to worry about them using too much with these wonderful UltraPacks!  I used them in the last few loads of laundry and LOVE the smell on my clothes when they are done.  I am going to be using these a lot now!  Another great thing is they come in different scents including Free & Clear for those with allergies to scents.

Stay tuned for a giveaway of valuable coupons in the near future.

Great deal on iCaughtSanta

Take this deal and get 4 custom images and a video of Santa in your home to show your kids at Christmas! You save 56% with this amazing deal!  Check it out now by clicking the above link.

New Chapter

My life has been filled with chapters, some good and some bad.  I have seen miracles happen in the form of healings in my own body and in the bodies of those I love.  I have also seen tragedies like my son who had seizures and is now a victim of autism, and my beloved mom passing away 2 years ago.  Chapters of our lives shape who we are, both the good and the bad ones.

This new chapter in my life is exciting, and maybe a little bit scary.  I am a student again!  I'm taking a writing class, actually finishing one that I started years ago.  It feels good to finish something I started, because I hate leaving things unfinished.  I don't know if God has it in His plans for me to get published, to make any money, to write for His glory or just finish the class and get my diploma/certificate.  Whatever happens, I will keep this Bible verse in mind as I do my class and see what happens:   Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for man. Colossians 3:23

~Anastasia

New Blog Title

You may have noticed my new blog title, My 7th Heaven.  I have five kids, plus myself and my husband make a family of 7 and it feels like heaven (most of the time!)  Thus, the new name!  I'm not focusing so much on just handmade and crocheted things now that I closed my online shop.  Now my posts will be more about family life, recipes for large families that are easy and inexpensive, deals to save money, and more.  I appreciate you readers sticking with me through the changes!

Bealls Outlet Gift Card Giveaway

Bealls Outlet is giving away $25 gift cards and I just had to share so you can all enter too.  The link to the giveaway is here:  http://bit.ly/vjVadf  Even if you don't have a Bealls Outlet in your state, you can go online and shop!  I love giveaways and enter everything, because if you don't enter, you can't win!  Free stuff is something I can't pass up.  I shop at Bealls Outlet weekly, for clothing, accessories, makeup, housewares and more.  It's my absolute favorite shop.  Enter the giveaway now for a chance to win $25 to spend at Bealls Outlet!  Please leave me a quick comment letting me know that you entered!

New Purex Triple Action Detergent and Coupon Giveaway!

I recently got a bottle of Purex's new Triple Action  laundry detergent and have used it several times.  I love it!  Purex is amazing.  It's affordable AND it works!  The scent of Purex Triple Action lasts for days on my clothes and lifts my spirits every time I put on something clean.  I noticed that I used a lot less detergent with this Triple Action than when I use a regular detergent.  If you like saving money like I do, this is something you should try.

I have five children plus myself and my husband in our family.  I am always doing laundry, and the laundry soap can get expensive when buying for this large of a family.  Using Purex Triple Action laundry detergent will save my family money.  Four of my kids are teenagers, and they can have a distinct odor in their laundry, not to mention the stains they somehow get on their clothes.  This wonderful soap removes all of the odors and stains, and makes them smell great.  I am forever a loyal Purex user.

I am giving away THREE coupons to one lucky reader.  Just leave a comment and tell me why you would love to win coupons for this amazing new Triple Action laundry soap. Let me know what your laundry issues are for an extra chance to win. One week from today I will announce the winner.  Thanks for reading and leave me a comment!

Keep Your Weight Loss Resolution with Slim Fast's Great Tasting New Shakes

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

I have struggled to maintain weight after I lose it in the past, and Slim-Fast made it so much easier.  Even if I’m not dieting, I will buy Slim Fast shakes just to help maintain my current weight.  They taste great and are filling.  Is your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight in 2012?  Slim Fast is a great way to keep your resolution since they have great tasting shakes and other helpful weight loss products. Losing weight should not require sacrificing taste!  There are so many wonderful flavors of Slim Fast shakes such as creamy milk chocolate, rich chocolate royale, French vanilla, strawberries n cream, and for those coffee drinkers the cappuccino delight.  Wow your taste buds with Slim Fast shakes that give you 10 grams of filling protein and 24 vitamins and minerals.   That makes it easy to stick to your goals, feeling full and satisfied from a delicious shake.

The new Slim-Fast[ 3-2-1 Plan is a great way to keep your weight loss resolution.  Just eat 3 nourishing snacks a day, like Slim Fast 100-calorie snack bars or veggies, fruits or nuts.  Then take 2 Slim Fast shakes or Meal bars every day for balanced nutrition and great taste.  Last, eat 1 balanced meal worth about 500 calories.  It’s that easy.  Anyone can do it!  Slim Fast shakes are available everywhere so it’s easy to stay on the plan.  There are no special trips to certain stores, or having to order online.  Just pick them up at the grocery store, drug store or Wal Mart!  Try a snack bar instead of a fattening holiday cookie.  They are delicious and nutritious and you won’t hate yourself in the morning!  Look at the picture below and drool with me over this yummy looking snack!  The  Peanut Butter Crunch Time bars look awesome too.  I can't wait to try one.

Check out Slim Fast on Facebook, like their page http://www.facebook.com/slimfast and get great ideas on how to get and stay SLIM!  You can also get coupons and enter to win sweepstakes sometimes.

 

 

 

 

LG DoublePlay will Save Time and Make Life Easier

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was checking out new phones today and found this LG DoublePlay™, exclusively from T-Mobile, that is really cool.  It’s a slide-out cell phone with a 3.5 inch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard.  I love a cell phone with a good camera, and this one has a great 5-megapixel camera with LED flash plus records HD video.  I’m always taking videos with my cell phone, of my kids and when we go on vacations and holidays.  This is perfect! 

I am an avid texter, I send probably over a couple thousand texts a month.  I found that the LG DoublePlay has some nice messaging options including Cloud Text which allows you to send and receive texts from a PC or tablet and creates group chats.   Anything to make texting easier and faster is good if you ask me!

LG DoublePlay features Android 2.3, and you get access to Android Market.  Android is an excellent operating system, and has many features to make life easier.  I am a serious multitasker, so I like to be able to flip between screens and do more than one thing on my phone at once.  I love to go on Facebook and Twitter, and doing those things on a phone is convenient.  It’s a real time saver for me to be able to text and go online faster! 

If you’re looking for a new phone, or even if you’re not, check out the LG DoublePlay™ from T-Mobile.  How many hours do you spend online every month?  How much texting do you do per month?  This phone is great for both of those.  I think it would change the way you interact with the special people in your life.  Send me some comments about how you think this phone will make your life easier!  I’d love to read them and I will respond to all of them.

COWGIRL BY DESIGN

This week's Featured Artisan is Michele Blair - Cowgirl by Design. Beautiful

Creations that will make Wonderful Gifts! You can find Cowgirl by Design on:

Artfire

Blog

Twitter

You can grab the code for your blog HERE!

GIVEAWAY

I have news that has not been released to the public yet!  Purex is having a giveaway that will be announced next week to their fans.  I'm on their consumer panel and get to let you all know NOW!  20,000 random winners will enjoy an entire year of smart, approachable articles from BHG (Better Homes and Gardens).  The entry form is now live, and will go through December 20 at  www.purex.com/bhg.  


Head on over and enter now!  You may be one of the lucky 20,000!

Hilarious Family Friendly Comedy Videos

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Family Insurance for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

I watched these videos online at AmFam today that were absolutely hysterical.  I sat here laughing the entire time!  These days it can be really hard to find family friendly comedians, and these guys were nice and clean.  They talked about family and things that I could really relate to.  The fact that my kids could sit and watch these comedians with me is a great big bonus.  Parents and children alike would get the jokes and enjoy these shows!

I especially enjoyed the Bill Bellamy videos.  He cracked me up with the stories of his childhood and his Mama.  I laughed so hard watching him, my belly’s aching now!  I watched some of them twice.  When he talks about the "look" his mom would give him when he was a child, I could truly relate to it.  My mom had a "look" too and when she gave it, I knew I was in big trouble!!  I headed to my room to get away before I could get more than just a look.

I think the American Family Insurance company putting on this clean show, Stand Up For Family, for families is really cool.  A company who cares about families is hard to find these days!  HHSo many don’t care at all, and when I find one who does and it actually shows,  I will want to do business with them.

Puppies vs. Babies Showdown

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

There is a contest going on online right now, Puppies vs. Babies.  Sure, puppies are adorable, but babies will always win out for me!  I love babies.  They are cuddly, sweet, and perfect.  It’s awesome when they start cooing and making noises, and even better when they start saying words. Puppies can never do that.  The faces babies make and watching them grow and start to crawl and eventually walk are all so darn cute.  Puppies are cute, of course, but will never compare to babies.  My babies were all beautiful, and puppies couldn’t have won in a contest against them.  Look at the above picture and tell me that this baby isn't much cuter than any puppy you've seen!  That little baby melts my heart!

I will definitely be going to vote, and hope you all will too!  Go here to vote: Puppies vs. Babies online contest The contest is going on until November 23, 2011.  The winning puppy or baby will get $5,000!  I’d love for you to leave me a comment stating which one you will be voting for, too.  I'll be watching my comments section and responding to all comments, so keep them coming!

Gifts of Red

It's all about RED today!  This post will help you find some beautiful Handmade red items.  These are wonderful gifts for Christmas or any occasion.  I have jewelry here, winter wear, hair accessory, and much more.  Enjoy!

BUY HANDMADE THIS CHRISTMAS!  Support Local Independent Artists!

Crystal Twist Necklace

By Twisted Tiger Sisters on ArtFire

Pleated Black and Burgundy Floral Purse Handbag

By Pretty Purse Designs on ArtFire

Black, Feather, Red, Silk Flower, Headband, Hair Accessory

by ChichiChick on ArtFire

Wine Red Dahlia Flower Stainless Steel Post Earrings

By Ingrid's Creations on Etsy

Cross Red Beaded Bookmark SALE Forty Percent Off

by Cherry's Creations on Etsy

Red Bracelet, Gemstone Bracelet, Chain Bracelet, Silver Bracelet

by Eclectic Jewelry Designs on ArtFire

Neck Scarf, Spring Summer, Mother Gift, Black and Red

By Flight 0627 on ArtFire

Knit Hat, Red Hand Knit Hat with Genuine Leather Dark Brown Button

By Up North Knits on ArtFire

Really the Last Day to Enter!

Last Day to Enter!!!!

I thought yesterday was the Last day to enter Amanda Stephan's giveaway, but it's TODAY.  Hurry up!  Today is the very LAST day to enter the giveaway my friend Amanda Stephan is having for a Nook, Kindle and iPod shuffle!  Go here:  Books By Amanda  Her book is amazing, I had the chance to read it before it was published and LOVED it.  I highly recommend "Lonely Hearts" By Amanda Stephan.  You can get it in paperback or e-versions.  Check out Amazon to see how to buy her book.    And enter the giveaway today!!