The winner of the VTech V. Smile Baby did not respond in time to claim the prize so I had to choose another winner. I had the rules within 48 hours to be sure that prizes could be delievered before the Christmas rush in case they would be presents for someone else. I am sorry to the first drawn person, I hate doing this but I can’t break the rules once they are posted. And so…

The newly drawn winner of VTech’s V. Smile Baby is:

Jennifer from My Life With Four Kids - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

I have the perfect remedy that will change my boring, drab, and somewhat stained couch into a brand new one, like the one above, without spending a fortune. A slip cover from Sure Fit.

Their slipcovers feature a stain- and wrinkle-resistant fabric and stand up to wear and tear from kids and pets. Thanks to Scotchgard™ fabric protector, spills actually bead up and are wiped away easily, and its dual action combines repellency and stain release.

Our heavyweight 9 oz. twill is wrinkle resistant and stands up to kids and pets. Thanks to Scotchgard™ fabric protector, spills actually bead up and are wiped away easily and its dual action combines repellency and stain release. Available in a variety of colors. Add some coordinating colors of Performance Twill quilted pillows for extra style and color.  Fiber content: 100% cotton with Scotchgard™ protector. Machine wash separately in cold water. Gentle cycle. Tumble dry low.
Available Colors:

• Coffee
• Flax
• Loden
• Merlot
• Sapphire

Available at:

• Surefit.com
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• JC Penney
• Linens & Things
• Macys.com

The transformation of my old couch to this brand new one is amazing! It fits so snugly and looks like that was how the couch was made. And I finally have a couch that matches my other brown one. I have been very pleased with this product. And you will never believe what happened not even 10 minutes after I put it on. My toddler got a hold of a drink that was sitting on a table right next to the couch, and yep it went all over the brand new cover. I scrambled for towels freaking out that I just got this brand new cover and it was already ruined. But when I got back to the couch it was all waiting in a beaded up little pile for me to clean up. I was amazed, shocked and thankful that it wasn’t ruined. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to give their furniture a makeover. These covers also come in loveseats, chairs, recliners, futons. And Sure Fit has many other products too so check them out today!

Please forgive me for my lapse in posting these yesterday. Had sedated dental work done and thought I would be fine afterwards, but I slept the rest of the day! So please accept my apologies and on to the winners!

The Journal Buddies winners are:

#41 Betsy from The Homeschool Way who wanted it for her son

and

#17 Jesica from Jesica who wanted it for her daughter

(sorry I forgot to image capture random.org)

Please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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Mama Mio O-Mega Body Oil winner is:

Misty VanEpps from This Mommy Has An Opinion - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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Voice Lessons To Go winner is:

Kim from What’s That Smell? - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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PossePouch winner is:

Kathy Amos (no blog) - please keep a lookout for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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The Shrunks winners are:

Grand Prize

Andreah from Life’s A Hoot - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or Grand Prize will be forfeited to second place winner.

Runner Up

Ashley from Life In Gatorland - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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Coffee Table Ottoman winner is:

Shannon B. from The Buchmann Update-  please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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The Ficklets winner is:

Nancy J. from Nan’s Place…Never An Empty Nest - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

WHEW, that is all the winners so far, congratulations to those that have won, and keep checking back, I have a ton more going on. Thanks for your support everyone!!!

I love the next entry into the Christmas Giveaway. They are fun and durable they are durtbagz

The concept of how they came up with their product is great. Their motto is: No Sign Left Behind, their mission is to make people point and laugh at you while you are wearing your durtbagz gear. Before I confuse you anymore here is an excerpt from their website:

It all started when I saw the sign. Literally.

On a hike in Tucson, I saw the most ridiculous street sign. It showed a biker that had taken his bike over the edge of a bridge and was just falling onto the rocks below. And it didn’t stop there. The biker was drilling his head on the rocks, while his bike had already hit and had a mangled front tire. Brilliant.

At that moment, Durtbagz was born.

How do we come up with these funny street signs? It’s a top secret equation that we keep locked in the vault, showing new employees only after we run them through a series of rigorous tests involving sleep deprivation and a strict diet of Diet Tab and Good and Plenty’s. I can’t tell you what the formula is for obvious reasons, but I will tell you it sounds like…

“1 part beer + 2 parts time on our hands = Durtbagz”.

Actually, we take a regular street sign or an everyday situation, and “add” some beer to it. In other words, what would happen to this scenario if there were beer involved, and voila, Durtbagz sign.

An honest, fun company what more could you ask for? Well recently they sent me one of their bags and I tell you I am using it everyday. Here is the one they sent me:

Let me just say that I love this bag and I use it as my everyday diaper bag. Not only is it durable but I get a ton of compliments on it everywhere I go. The great thing about them is that they are water-resistant, have five extra pockets, and a big cargo compartment to fit all the gear babies require. And you can carry it like sling shoulder bag or a messenger. I get so much use out of this and can’t thank the folks at durtbagz enough for giving me the opportunity to review one of these great bagz!

And you know they aren’t only known for their great bagz but for their generosity as well, because they are offering one of The Dirty Shirt readers a durtbagz for themselves. Rules are below:

• MAIN RULE - Go to the durtbagz website and tell me in comments which is your favorite bagz. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry - Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Stumble this post and leave your Stumble name (I will be checking) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Favorite The Dirty Shirt in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Twitter (button on the top left sidebar) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment
• 2 Extra Entries - Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and to the durtbagz website.

This Christmas Giveaway will run through midnight on December 14, with winner being announced the morning of the 15th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and submitted to PRIZEYWinners as well as notified via email the first week of December. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

I have been trying to become a greener person over the last few months. I have become more aware of what needs to be turned off and what needs to be recycled. In doing all this I have started looking into greener cleaners. And I was in luck, they found me! After receiving my cleaners I set to work on my house. And let me say that the cleaners really work, they cut through grease leave no streaks.

A little about simplyneutral:

Many conventional cleaning products contain toxic ingredients that aren’t properly regulated or disclosed. These toxic ingredients include chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can be irritating to our eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Many experts believe repeated low-level exposure to these chemicals can cause asthma, allergies, and cancer.

An unhappy planet

Besides being hazardous to our health, these chemicals are also tough on the environment. The manufacture, use, and disposal of these products release dangerous amounts of toxins into the air, land, and water. Because many of these chemicals biodegrade so slowly, they can remain in the soil and water for hundreds of years. The result is a long string of damaging effects on our ecosystem.

How we’re different

We spent months working with different chemists to find an effective alternative to commercial cleaning products. One that’s safe, natural, and non-toxic, yet cuts through stains, grease, and dirt.

The cleaning agents we ultimately chose are derived from corn sugar and palm kernel oil. They biodegrade rapidly, making them safe for the environment. In fact, they’re so gentle, they’re ideal for people with asthma, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).

But, what’s even more amazing is the way they clean. Once you try our product, you’ll agree.

• They were designed for those with asthma, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivities.  They should be used by all due to hidden long term effects!
• Packaged in 100% Post Consumer Recycled Plastic Bottles.  80% less energy is used in the manufacturing process compared to virgin plastic bottles
• simplyneutral does not use fragrances,  we only use pure essential oils.  Fragrance is the fifth most common allergen in the world. One fragrance mixture can have up to 150 different chemicals.  The chemicals would not have to be disclosed due to proprietary reasons.
• Dyes are not used in any of our cleaners because we have nothing to hide.

The above set is simplyneutral all-purpose cleaner in a wonderful tea tree + citrus scent, simplyneutral non-abrasive cleanser in the same tea tree + citrus scent and the Collapsible Chicobag.

• all-purpose cleaner - get rid of the dirt, without replacing it with harsh chemicals. Our non-toxic cleaner is gentle on you and the environment, but tough on soap scum and grime. It contains cleaning agents derived from corn sugar and palm kernel oil. Plus, pure essential oils. And, that’s it. For something so pure and simple, you’ll be amazed at how great it cleans up sinks, counter tops, walls, tubs, toilets, porcelain, tile, floors, and more.

• non-abrasive cleanser - our cleanser may be tough, but it’s not afraid to show its gentle side. It packs the cleaning muscle of a powerful scrub, yet its mild formula is safe enough for cleaning food prep areas. And, it won’t scratch even “delicate” surfaces like glass stove tops, porcelain, or stainless steel appliances.

• Collapsible Chicobag - this bag is perfect for everyday quick stops because it fits so easily into a pocket or a purse. When collapsed and tucked into its integrated pouch, it measures only 3” x 4”. Unfolded, it expands to 18” x 18”. It’s made from durable woven nylon and holds up 20 pounds. It also features a carabineer for your belt loop, back pack, or key chain.

All these cleaning products really do make a difference in one’s environment. For your health and for the health of those around you. The lovely ladies at simplyneutral want to offer that to one of The Dirty Shirt’s readers. So the set above will be going to one lucky reader, and as always rules are below:

• MAIN RULE - Tell me in comments one green thing you are trying to be better at. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry - Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Stumble this post and leave your Stumble name (I will be checking) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Favorite The Dirty Shirt in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Twitter (button on the top left sidebar) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment
• 2 Extra Entries - Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and to the simplyneutral website.

This Christmas Giveaway will run through midnight on December 14, with winner being announced the morning of the 15th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and submitted to PRIZEYWinners as well as notified via email the first week of December. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

The next entry into the Christmas Giveaway helps everyone to have their hands free to deal with children, groceries, briefcases, etc. Here is the CellKeeper.

The CellKeeper Company, based in Chicago, IL, was developed in 2004 by founder Worth Brown. CellKeeper has three collections of cases for carrying and wearing technology and the collection offers a range of eye-popping designs with great functionality. The CellKeeper Company is committed to showcasing unique and wearable items for men and women and will continue designing and making a collection with attention to fashion, fit, timeless style and new devices while “keeping pace with wearable technology.”

Let me start off by saying this is a great product. I use it for those short trips when I don’t have top carry a diaper bag or purse around but still need my hands free. There are so many times when the CellKeeper comes in handy like when I go out without the kids (GASP! is that even possible?) and it is so convenient.

The one I reviewed was the CellKeeper Original Herringbone Camel part of the Original CellKeeper Series. The first time I used it was at an Autism Walk and I received so many compliments on it and a lot of people were asking where I got it from because they wanted one. It is so soft and held my LG enV cell phone perfectly.

The CellKeeper comes in the following 3 Series:

The Original/Classic CellKeeper is perfect for every day use and will safely compensate for 95 percent of your wearable needs including cellular phones, small digital cameras, 2-way communication devices, Side Kicks a®nd iPods®.  Features include an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn across the shoulder or at the waist, an ID card window, key hook, zippered internal coin pocket, lip gloss / pen sleeve, three credit card sleeves, internal cash pocket, and an exterior pocket to hold all your portable electronics. The electronic device pocket features elasticized side panels to allow for a variety of sized cell phones and digital devices. The case measures 2 5/8″W x 3 7/8″H x 7/8″D. The Original comes in five color choices of supple black faux-leather, brown faux-alligator, dimpled brown faux-leather and sturdy herringbone is camel or burnt orange; each include a smooth faux-leather strap secured with silver-plated hardware. For any size cell phone, iPod, Blackberry or smaller digital camera.

This Professional CellKeeper is now available in brown faux-alligator and silver-plated hardware.The Professional collection securely holds Pocket PCs, cellular phones, Palm® Treo™ devices, larger Blackberries®, digital cameras, and iPods®. Features include an extra-wide pocket flap with expandable snap closure, an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn across the shoulder or at the waist, an ID card window, key hook, zippered internal coin pocket, lip gloss / pen sleeve, three credit card sleeves, internal cash pocket, and an exterior pocket to hold all your portable electronics. Elasticized side panels of pocket expand to fit any size mobile device, from cameras to Pocket PCs. The case measures 3″W x 4 1/2″H x 1 1/4″D. The Professional also comes in five color choices of, supple black faux-leather, brown faux-alligator, dimpled brown faux-leather and sturdy herringbone is camel or burnt orange; each include a smooth faux-leather straps secured with silver-plated hardware. Fits any size cell phone, iPod, Blackberry, Treo, pocket PC or digital camera.

The Sport CellKeeper is designed for more active people.  There are two styles for the Sport CellKeeper. Both have a washable grey nylon exterior.  One is finished with a grey interior and darker grey piping with a reflective grey strap with silver-plated hardware.  The second Sport CellKeeper™ style has an orange interior with orange piping with a reflective grey/orange strap with silver-plated hardware. Features include an extra-wide pocket flap with expandable snap closure, an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn across the shoulder or at the waist, an ID card window, key hook, zippered internal coin pocket, lip gloss / pen sleeve, three credit card sleeves, internal cash pocket, and an exterior pocket to hold all your portable electronics. Elasticized side panels of pocket expand to fit any size cell phone, iPod, Blackberry, Treo, pocket PC and digital camera. The case measures  3″W x 4 1/2″H x 1 1/4″D.

For those moments when style comes into play they have the Sara Simmons Collection. Fits almost any size cell phone, iPod (nano or regular size), smaller Blackberrys or thin digital camera.

All of these styles are great and I can’t imagine not using mine when it offers me the freedom to use my hands for carrying my child instead of carrying a purse. I am also a theme park hopper and this is the most convenient product to use! They would make great Christmas gifts for everyone on your list and with all the different styles and colors you are bound to find the perfect one.

The generous people at the CellKeeper have given me an extra on to offer one of my readers. It is the Grey Sport Series as shown above. And rules are below:

• MAIN RULE - Go to the CellKeeper website and tell me in comments which is your favorite style and color (kind) in that style. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry - Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Stumble this post and leave your Stumble name (I will be checking) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Favorite The Dirty Shirt in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment
• 1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Twitter (button on the top left sidebar) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment
• 2 Extra Entries - Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and to the CellKeeper website.

This Christmas Giveaway will run through midnight on December 14, with winner being announced the morning of the 15th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and submitted to PRIZEYWinners as well as notified via email the first week of December. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

I recently watched a few A&E Titles that I absolutely love and I wanted to tell you about them because they would make great Christmas gifts.

You haven’t laughed until you have seen Mr. Bean. I grew up watching the brilliant Rowan Atkinson and his comedy. I was usually doubled up with laughter and wasn’t able to stop. He never fails to leave a trail of merry mayhem—and side-splitting laughter—in his wake. His exploits have earned MR. BEAN a slew of awards and an international cult following, and now every one of his adventures is conveniently packed up in one tidy box — MR. BEAN: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION.

Included in this collector’s set are all 14 episodes of the landmark original series that introduced Mr. Bean to an adoring, if confused,world, as well as his two feature films Bean: The Movie and Mr. Bean’s Holiday. And if that’s not enough, an extra-special helping of Mr Bean: The Animated Series features him in the role he was drawn to play.It all adds up to the ultimate serving of Bean – so pull up a chair and dig in!

The addition of Bean: The Movie and Mr. Bean’s Holiday alone make this collection great, add to that the episodes from the series and you have yourself one masterpiece. I have been watching these with my 9 year old and she loves his comedy. And it’s great that we can share in something that makes us laugh together.

I couldn’t pass this one up because I LOVE Tim Curry! Set in sixteenth century, WILL SHAKESPEARE begins with the lesser known story of Shakespeare’s humble beginnings and youthful obscurity in Avon. As he struggles to survive as a playwright, Shakespeare faces multiple obstacles, including the black plague and various personal tragedies, but defeats all obstacles to achieve unprecedented success in London.

Tim Curry’s acting was superb and I got lost in the moment and felt that I was right there in the middle of everything. I highly recommend seeing this movie. It too would make an awesome Christmas gift especially for the movie buffs and/or the Tim Curry fans on your list.Don’t want to go into too much detail because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but you will like it!

Do you see that sock up there? That is one of the most comfortable socks around. I should know because I received a pair to review and I loved them.

Goodhew socks are the most comfy and best performing lifestyle/everyday socks you’ll ever wear. Made with the finest merino wool, bamboo, and alpaca fibers, Goodhew uses a spandex superstructure combined with a high performance design to create a sock that is incredibly comfortable all day. For the mom on the go it is heaven I tell you. Usually after kicking off my shoes the socks come off and the slippers go on. But not when I am wearing these. They are that comfortable.

And this excerpt taken from their site is a huge plus for a company in my book:

Goodhew is committed to maintaining the smallest carbon footprint possible. We care about the world we live in and look at every aspect of our operations to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment.

Our products are constructed almost exclusively of natural materials. Fibers such as wool, bamboo, cotton, and alpaca are all renewable materials.

Our packaging is printed on recycled paper stock and is fully recyclable. We pack our products in recyclable poly bags which reduces product weight and space in shipping as compared to the traditional chip board boxes used by many companies. Our packing configuration minimized the space requirements for our product on the truck and reduces the fuel requirements to deliver our products.

Our office is committed to being electronic in all aspects of its operation dramatically reducing the amount of paper consumed in our daily operations.

We all need to do everything we can to protect the planet we live on and to insure its health for our children and grandchildren. Join us in caring for this fragile environment in which we live.

Not only are the Goodhew socks great, but so is the company. You have to check out the sock lines for women. They are:

• Crossover Technical
• Lifestyle Classic
• Lifestyle Designs
• Performance Athletic

And they have a great selection for the men in your life as well:

• Crossover Technical
• Lifestyle Classic
• Lifestyle Dress
• Performance Athletic
• Boxer Shorts

I have been very impressed with the socks that I was able to try and I can tell you I will be back to buy more and while I am at it I will be picking up some socks and boxers for my husband. These would make great Christmas gifts for anyone on your list who likes comfort.

This is always the fun part for me. I hope you all have enjoyed my Christmas Giveaways, still more to come, but I have closed out the first 27 that were posted with a deadline of midnight on November 30. Good luck to you all!!

Peek Email winner is:

Michele P. from Creative Writings 101 - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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Creativity Express winners are (2 below):

Shilo Beedy from Samsakara - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

Melanie B. from Ramblings of a Wanna Be Writer - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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BEVERAGE CADDi winner is:

Mandie P. from Just We Moms - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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KidZui winner is:

Amy from Just Plain Momma - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

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Franklin’s Spelling Bee winner is:

Kimberly from All About Kimberly - please keep a look out for my email and get back to me within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen.

Okay, everyone that is a wrap for tonight. I will be away from my computer for the first half of tomorrow but will contact those that contact me when I get back. And of course I will pick up with the remaining giveaway winners.