Shutterfly Giveaway Winners

Just stopping in on this beautiful November Saturday to say congratulations to:

• Kerry Wilcox
• Nicole Dufendach, &
• Paper Blessings

You three are the winners of 25 Shutterfly cards!  If you haven’t already, please email me by Monday morning (9am CST) to claim your prize.  New winners will be chosen Monday afternoon if I do not hear from you. 

Congratulations & Happy Saturday!  Now, back to baking! 

Shutterfly Photo Books – For Free!

Every year since Frog Prince and I have gotten married, we’ve made “year-in-review” photo books to highlight and capture our year together.  Over the past week I’ve been putting the finishing touches on our 4th year together book!!  I am so excited to share it with Frog Prince next Thursday for our anniversary. 

Making this book, I had a chance to try out Shutterfly’s new custom path books!  I’ve made many photo books with Shutterfly before, and while I’ve always loved how our books turn out, some of the layout pages were challenging to work with because I wanted to tweak this or that.

With the new custom path books, I could do all the tweaking I wanted.  While this is certainly more time consuming, the things you can do to make the photo book what you want are incredible.  You can resize photos, add text boxes where ever you wish, and they have fun new “stickers” that allow you to add a little something extra to your photo book. 

We’ve used Shutterfly products time and time again – from Christmas cards to invitations and have always been happy with the final product.  In fact, we even made a photo book as our guest book for our wedding and folks could sign it “yearbook style”.  I also love that they are constantly responding to consumer feedback and trying to improve their products. 

The folks at Shutterfly have contacted me about giving 10 of you free 8x8 inch, 20-page hardcover photo books!  I absolutely love this size book – it’s perfect for a gift, for a shelf or a coffee table.  Now you have the chance to try out their new custom path photo book and make your own book of memories. 

10 (yes, 10!!) lucky winners will each win a code that is good for a free photo book from Shutterfly!  Code offer is good until September 1, 2011. Applicable taxes, shipping and handling charges will apply.

Mandatory Entry: 
Simply leave a comment telling me what photo book you would make if you won!

For Additional Entries {leave up to two separate comments}:

(1) Like Finding Joy in My Kitchen on Facebook and leave a separate comment here telling me that you are a follower.

(2) Become a follower of Finding Joy in My Kitchen via Google Friend Connect Followers or via RSS feed and leave a separate comment here telling me that you follow Finding Joy in My Kitchen. 

For all comments, make sure that your email address is activated or left in the comment box so that I can get in touch with you if you are chosen as a winner.

Comments will close on Wednesday, July 27 at 11:59pm. 10 winners will be chosen with a random number generator in R (statistical software), announced on Facebook between July 28-31, 2011, and will be contacted by email.  Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Comments are moderated, so if you don’t see your comment right away, it will be there soon!

I received compensation in the form of a free photobook from Shutterfly in exchange for this post; however, the views and opinions expressed are my own.  If you have a blog and are interested in a free photo book from Shutterfly, Go to http://goo.gl/K5hUC.  

Winners of the Ice Cream Maker & More!

We're excited to announce that Krista at Hope Notes from Krista and Mike 

is the winner of the ice cream maker!

Lisa at Life is Crazy Beautiful is now the new owner of Le Creuset bakeware!

And,  Morgan can now upgrade some of her kitchen gadgets!  

Thanks to all 300 entries for this giveaway!!  

Congratulations to our winners; and thank you CSN Stores for this great giveaway.  

Winners were chosen using random sampling through the statistical software package "R" using the sample function.  Winners have been notified by email. 

Last Chance - Giveaway!

If you haven't already entered our giveaway for an Ice Cream Maker, Le Creuset bakeware and other kitchen utensils - be sure to do so!  You have until midnight CST tonight to do so!

Winners will be announced later this week.

Win an Ice Cream Maker {and more}!

This giveaway is now closed -- winners will be announced by 3/27/10.

Thanks for entering!

We love making ice cream around here -- it's nearly a weekly occurrence!  And, this Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker makes wonderful ice cream in just 20 minutes.

I thought you might enjoy the chance to own one of these Cuisinart Ice Cream Makers yourself.

Thank to CSN Stores, all you have to do is leave a comment below and you're entered to win what probably has to be my number 1 kitchen gadget.

In addition, CSN Stores is also giving away something I've longed for ... for months.  Le Creuset stoneware!

The second lucky winner will receive a 10.5 x 7 AND a 7 x 5 Le Creuset stoneware baking dish in your choice of carribean, cherry, kiwi, black onyx, white or colbalt.

And, finally, a third winner will have the chance to stock up on kitchen utensils {up to $25}!  Maybe you're interested in an apple peeler corer slicer, a safer pizza cutter, a set of new collapsible measuring cups, a cookie scoop, a new set of colorful mixing bowls, or a good meat thermometer, perhaps? 

Here's how you can win:

Mandatory Entry:


(1) Leave a comment on this post letting me know what needs replacing in your kitchen.  Make sure to include your email address, if not linked to your profile.

Additional Entry:

Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter, and leave a comment letting me know that you posted it on Facebook or Twitter. 1 additional entry.

Winners will be chosen using Random.org; and will be contacted via email.  They have 24-hours to respond before another winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is open to all US and Canadian readers, however, Canadian readers should know that International shipping to Canada is not included in the giveaway {CSN Policy}.  

Giveaway is open from Monday March 14 - Midnight (CST) Tuesday March 22, 2011.  

Giveaway Coming Up!

Recently, I've been contacted by CNS Stores with a chance to offer you a wonderful giveaway!

CNS stores has amazing variety in their online stores, with everything from an L Shaped Desk to Le Crueuset Dishes {drool} and these bar stools Frog Prince and I are excited to review for our kitchen!

Stay tuned... you won't want to miss this giveaway.

Winners!

Congratulations to the following ladies who won the Kitchen Organization Giveaway!

Please email me (see button on the top right) by Sunday evening with your email address, mailing address and full name to claim your prize.

Winners of the 4-Signed Copies of Clutter Rehab:


1) JODI - who wrote, "My pantry is in need of some major attention and re-organization!!"

2) Rush Hour Mom, who wrote, "Pantry, definitely the pantry.  It has absolutely zero organization right now!"

3) Jenni, who wrote "Spices!  We are currently employing a turn-table approach, but this method wastes space. When we remodel, we plan to have a rack on the inside of a cabinet or on the wall, over the counter.  Further, we are trying to switch to small jars or bulk-purchased spices so that we can (a) fit more spices into the same space and (b) keep our spices fresh!"

4) Tiffanee @ One Crazy Cookie, who wrote, "Love your kitchen!  I would first have to start with my junk drawers and move onto the cabinets."


Winners of the 3 Copies of Do The Funky Kitchen:

5) Mippy, who wrote, "Hi!  I have so little space in my kitchen that I'd organize all the food items in boxes along my wall.  I keep trying but I seriously need one of those pantry type tall closets.  Thanks so much for the opportunity to win in this giveaway!"

6) Angie, who wrote, "My whole kitchen could use some organization, but my pantry needs help big time!!!"

7) Kathleen/Beau, who wrote "the countertop on my island needs major help.  everything ends up piled up in a heap."

As I read through your responses, the top two places needing organization were the pantry closet and what to do with the Tupperware Lids!  I have a solution that's working really well for us, that I am excited to share.

Enjoy and Congratulations!

Organizing My Kitchen {and yours too}

When Frog Prince and I moved in to our house 6 months ago today, we had a blank slate in our kitchen.  After our remodel, we have been trying out different ways to arrange our kitchen dishes, utensils and small appliances for maximum efficiency.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who arranges and re-arranges trying to find the best use for the space?!

Today, I want to share with you the top three things that have really worked for us to organize our kitchen:

1. Clean utensil drawers.  
When I have a limited amount of time to get a recipe together, the last thing I want to do is spend time looking all over for that missing Tablespoon!  Or, that missing garlic press I mentioned on Facebook.  Which, I did end up finding -- behind the bread machine in the pantry closet.  Anyway, I digress.  Having clean, organized drawers is a must for us.

 

We lined our drawers with a shelf liner, and used an old Velveeta cheese box (and by old, I mean 5+ years old, since we haven't had Velveeta in our house for that long!) to hold our measuring spoons and meat thermometer.  Corralling those loose items in one space makes the drawer look much nicer.

2. Easy Access Baking Supplies
We use a lot of flour and baking supplies, so I want these items to be easily accessible.  Arranged on two pull-out drawers in our new kitchen cabinet are 8 flour storage containers.  I find these Oxo storage containers so much easier to work with than torn flour bags.  Each 4-quart square canister holds a 5lb bag of flour.

I labeled them using our label maker and have them organized for easy access - with the wheat flours in the front, the bread and all purpose flour behind them, and the sugars, oats and powdered milk on the lower shelf.

3. Menu Plan Central
Tucked along the side of our refrigerator is a posting of our weekly menu plan.  Menu planning significantly reduces dinner time stress, decreases our food budget, encourages fellowship of Frog Prince and I in the kitchen, promotes healthier eating and saves us from that dreadful 5pm question, "Honey, what's for dinner?!"

Frog Prince gave me this rotating menu plan dry erase board a few years ago and I love it.  Each Thursday night, Frog Prince and I take a few minutes to menu plan. This is often determined by (1) what we have that we would like to use up, (2) what's on sale, and (3) what we're interested in eating.  You can read more about how we menu plan here, if you'd like.

We record our menu items on the calendar and place it on the side of the fridge, clearly visible as a reminder (oh, yeah, I need to start the crockpot before work) first thing in the morning.

If you need some help and inspiration getting started with menu planning, six bloggers {including myself} have put together menu plan ideas, and each recipe in the menu has a  printable grocery list to match!

*       *       *

Over the coming weeks, I'll continue to give you sneak peaks into our kitchen -- how it's organized and how we store healthy foods in our space.  But today, I'd like to finish up this post with an organizing kick-start giveaway!

I'm sure many of you know Laura, The Organizing Junkie, and are inspired by her organization.  Well, she has just authored a book about organizing called Clutter Rehab, and I have FOUR free, signed copies for you!

In addition, I also have 3 copies of Laura's (The Heavenly Homemaker) book all about kitchen organizing - Do the Funky Kitchen e-book.

That's right -- there will be 7 winners chosen using Random.org.

Entering is easy. Just leave a comment on this post identifying the area you would start organizing first in your kitchen!

The giveaway will close on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at 11:59pm.  

Be sure to visit some other fantastic bloggers and get their insight on organization and enter in their giveaways:

• Breakfast Organization (With Giveaways!) @ Heavenly Homemakers
• Getting Organized: Menu Planning @ Home Ec 101
• Say Goodbye to Disorganized Meal Planning @ Once a Month Mom
• New Feature: Printable Grocery Lists + Giveaway @ Organizing Junkie
• Organize With Less @ The Happy Housewife
• Help Getting Organized @ Say Mmm

Exciting things, coming soon!

January and February at Finding Joy in My Kitchen will bring some exciting things!

At the beginning of February, I will be doing a product review for CNS Stores.  

And, you'll have a chance to win something fun too!  

Maybe you're thinking new modern bedding?  

Maybe, some nice storage containers for your kitchen?  

Or, better yet, that ice cream maker you've been dreaming about!

Come back at the beginning of February for a fun chance to win.  

And... coming soon - a tour through out kitchen!!

{I'm so excited to share this new space with you}

Checking in.. with the kitchen!

3 months ago this week, we closed on our house!  

In some respects, it seems like we've been here our whole lives.  

It's a nice fit like that.  

In others moments, I find it hard to believe it's already been 3 months.  

Time has gone by quickly.  

While there are still a few, what I call "finishing touches" to complete our kitchen remodel, 

it really is "done"!  

Frog Prince is in the process of putting a final coat on the lazy susan doors

And, then -- I can't wait to give you a tour!!  

One of the things on our "finishing touches" list is
finding the right bar stools for our new eat-in kitchen.

Our first place to look is CNS Stores --
we've been eying some extra tall bar stools that might be a good fit for us!



We're looking for something with a back... safety and comfort first!



Sheesh.  This might be the hardest part!

Any tips from those of you who have shopped for bar stools for your kitchen?

Guess who won $70 from CSN Stores?

Thank you so much to all of you who entered to win a $70 gift card to CNS Stores!  Based on RANDOM.org's random number generator, the lucky winner is:

Otherwise known as Betty Crapper!

Congratulations, Betty Crapper!  I hope you enjoy some new kitchen gadgets courtesy of CNS Stores!   

Win $70!

Just a reminder that you have a chance to win a $70 gift card to CNS Stores!

Click here to view contest rules and to enter this giveaway.

You have until midnight tonight {July 5th} to enter to win!!

Giveaway!

We're celebrating around here.

Not only did we just buy a house...
Get a new look here at Finding Joy in My Kitchen...
Celebrate the upcoming arrival of my new little niece or nephew...

But, we're celebrating the opportunity to help you find joy in your kitchen thanks to the generosity of CNS Stores!

I don't know about you, but CNS stores is going to be my first stop when we're looking for furnishings in our new home... like, maybe new platform beds, perhaps?!  I've already scoured their many websites to determine what I'd like most in my new house.

So, now's the chance to ask you:

If you had $70 to use at any CNS Store... what would you buy?!  


That's right -- CNS Stores is offering one of Finding Joy in My Kitchen's readers a chance to win a $70 gift card to use at any of their web-stores!

You have three chances to win this $70 gift card {please leave a separate comment for each entry}:

(1) Leave a comment telling me what you'd spend your $70 gift card on from CNS Stores

(2) Post/Tweet about the giveaway on your blog/Twitter/Facebook and leave the link to the post in a comment

(3) Become a follower of Finding Joy in My Kitchen, and leave me a comment telling me that you are a follower {current followers, you are eligible for this entry too}

You have until 12 midnight, eastern time, on July 5th, to enter.  Winners will be chosen using Random.org based on comment number.  Winners will be announced sometime July 7th, 2010.  This giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers.  Good Luck!