Who Wants a Visit From the Laundry Fairy?

Last month I received a sample of All Small & Mighty 96 Loads laundry detergent, thanks to Mom Select. I also received a fabulous bag/laptop tote from Hayden Harnett which I love very much. I took it on vacation with me, packed with all the magazine issues I needed to catch up on. Needless to say, it was much heavier than a laptop.

I've been using the laundry detergent and loving that with every load, I feel my wallet lightened a tiny bit. All Free Clear has long been my favorite detergent. I used it in place of Dreft for my 2nd baby, and have continued with it ever since. It cleans beautifully without any perfumes or dyes. My free sample was the Stainlifter variety, and it seems to work well too. I go through a lot of Shout stain spray with three little boys, and inevitably still end up with some set-in stains. Take this for what you will - since I've been using All Stainlifter I haven't seen any stains not come out. I don't know if it's the detergent for sure, but I like the results. If you have a sensitive nose though, the Stainlifter formula might not be for you. Being used to a fragrance free, it's been an adjustment for me and I plan to go back to the All Free Clear.


While I can't offer any help on physically washing your clothes, I can help you save a little money in the process. I have 2 coupons for a free bottle of All Small and Mighty 3x Concentrate (4 varieties). To be eligible, please leave a comment by Friday detailing how many loads of laundry you do per week. I've been discussing this with friends lately. I do 5-7, but some people with the same size family as mine purport to running 10-12 loads. We should all keep track for a month. These are important things to know! I'll randomly choose 2 commenters and drop the coupons in the mail.

Winner of the Fabulous Chair

Thanks to all those who entered, and to Bloggy Giveaways for hosting the quarterly carnival. Random.org has chosen comment #22, Trisha. Trisha is a beautiful redhead, with a super cute redhead daughter. I didn't know her before, but we have the same alma mater. Go Cougars! Trisha has a family blog, and a review blog, Sweet 'n' Sassy Girls.

Remember, if anyone is interested in purchasing one of these chairs, please contact me. Unfortunately the materials aren't cheap, and I will be charging $25, plus shipping. They ship flat so a lower rate. Your kids will love them and they are pretty much indestructible. I can choose a seat fabric to suit your child.

Bloggy Giveaway: Fun Kids Chair

Bloggy Giveaway visitors, welcome to The Well-Rounded Woman, I'm your hostess, Tara. Before I talk about my giveaway, please read a little about my blog.


As women, we find our lives very full and often sliced into many little pieces. We have developed a wide range of interests, hobbies, and skills, all of which help in our many roles and responsibilities. In running a family and maintaining a home we try to keep everything running smoothly without losing ourselves in the fray. This blog serves up slices of interest to the well-rounded women, including the following weekly features: Beauty on a Budget, Home and Family, and Do It Herself.


I love magazines, TiVo, food, recipes, books, shopping, shoes & beauty products! And let's not forget blogging - some of my favorites are What About Mom, a little sussy, Bye Bye Pie, A Print a Day, Seriously So Blessed, and Gourmet Mom on the Go. I hope you are a kindred spirit and will bookmark The Well-Rounded Woman or subscribe to my feed.


This week I will give away a childrens chair of my own design. I had one of these as a kid, and when I had a toddler of my own, I looked for the design. When I couldn't find one, I made my own. It is made out of PVC pipe, with a fabric sling seat. I will coordinate with the winner over their fabric choice. (My old one had Strawberry Shortcake on it.) Our chair has been well loved, and spent a significant amount of time in the garage in "time out" when the boys have fought over it. I guess it's time to make another. And I can make one for you too!


Enter to win a chair by leaving a comment on this post, stating how you are a well-rounded woman. Not well-balanced, that's a completely different issue, which we all struggle with. The giveaway is open until midnight on October 31st. I can only ship to the continental US, sorry. I will randomly choose a winner on Saturday morning, while gorging on my sons' Halloween candy. If your e-mail address is not attached to your profile, please leave it in your comment so I can contact you. Thanks for reading!


If you love this chair & want one for your own child (Christmas is around the corner) please e-mail me.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday and my wonderful husband is going late to work because he got up with the kids to let me sleep in a little. Which truly is wonderful because I didn't get to sleep until 2:30, being up with one or another of the boys from 11:30 until then. Not very thoughtful of them.

Did I ever mention how sweet my husband is? In keeping with my birthday extravaganza week, he took me out on Tuesday. Thanks to his family for babysitting the boys! We tried a new restaurant and did some upscale shopping. You know... the kind where you can't really buy anything because it's all too expensive. It's still fun and easier on the wallet. I did come up with two new items for my Christmas wishlist though.

When we got home from our date, there was a package waiting for me. My very thoughtful friend, Lindsay, sent this book to me. I have been so excited to read it. Look for a review once I finish it.

Thanks to all my friends and family who have remembered my birthday! And since I've been so blessed this week, let's draw a winner right now for my Halloween decoration giveaway. Thanks the Random.org the winner is Jane at What About Mom. Yes, really. Here's the proof, you can count comments yourself. Thanks to everyone who entered.

A Boo For You Giveaway

My friend Jody is super crafty - like a young Martha Stewart. Her home is beautiful, she always has good kids crafts and activities, and she isn't afraid to try new things. I am frequently mulling over Do It Herself projects with her, as we exchange home, craft, and DIY magazines between us. Because vinyl lettering has been so popular, and monograms are the IT thing right now, and because her fabulous father has a fancy laser cutter, Jody has started making some really cute home decorations. She generally uses matte board, painted or covered with scrapbook paper, but has done some things out of wood and other thin materials. She is setting up an Etsy shop right now and working on filling some big orders she already received. But she took time out of her busy schedule (3 kids of her own, one a 4 month old, and she babysits her 3 month old niece every day at 6:10am) to finish a Halloween project for me. And I'm going to pass the love on to The Well-Rounded Woman readers for this spooky Halloween giveaway.

The winner will receive a set of Jody's custom black, glittery spiderwebs, one large and one medium. They look adorably icky in the corner of your window or mirror. Unfortunately they are hard to photograph, but I've done the best I can. Rest assured you will love them in person, as will all the visitors to your home.

Also in the giveaway package is a set of Halloween letters spelling out BOO! I am pleased with how these turned out, since I had a bit to do with their creation. These letters are about 4.5" tall and feature cute Halloween paper over matteboard. Please excuse the messy frig reflected in the mirror.

Enter to win this Halloween giveaway by leaving a comment on this post. I will close the giveaway at midnight on Wednesday, October 15th so I can get the prize shipped to the winner in time to display for their spooky festivities this year. If there isn't an e-mail listed on your profile or blog, please list it in the comments so I can contact you if you win.

If you don't win this giveaway, Jody will soon have things for sale at her Etsy shop - I'll let you know all the details as soon as it's up. In the meantime, if you live in the Mesa, AZ area you can buy some of Jody's spiderwebs next Saturday, October 18th at Domestic Bliss. She will be part of one of the booths there, Mimi & Friends.

I have been looking forward to this Fall Blissfest for a long time now, and since it's right after my birthday (start the countdown!) my husband has agreed to keep the kids and let me have a few hours of blissfull browsing and hopefully just a little buying.

The best part is the fundraiser for Nie Nie!

Scripture Mom Winner

It was wonderful to have 38 entries for the Adventures with the Word of God giveaway! Thanks again to Becky for writing this wonderful book, and for donating a copy for one of The Well-Rounded Woman readers.


The winner is Kim at Scattered Stones! Who said she would even like to order it and recommend it to other parents at her church. Which is a wonderful idea - share the scripture love.


Remember, if you didn't win, Adventures with the Word of God can be purchased at Seagull Book for under $12 for either the book or CD. The set is only $17. You can also find the book online here. Or the CD online here.

Thanks to random.org for helping me choose a winner.

Teaching Your Children Through the Scriptures: Adventures With the Word of God GIVEAWAY

As a parent, one of my most important jobs is teaching my children. I love these verses from Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And
thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them
when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walked by the way, and when
thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

It has been wonderful watching my four year old learn his letters & numbers. And my two year old loves to sing songs and can sing the alphabet and count to 13. But as fun as these things are - my bigger responsibility is teaching my children who they are, where they came from, and what to do to have a happy and fulfilling life. Emmett's favorite song is I Am a Child of God.

I am a child of God
And He has sent me here.
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me

Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To Live with Him someday.


My husband and I take our children to church and they attend primary classes for kids. We pray together as a family and assist the boys in saying their own prayers. We talk daily about gospel principles and how we can make good choices. We try to have a weekly family night, including a lesson geared towards young ones. But reading scriptures with them... we haven't had much luck.


It is hard for me to read, understand, and apply the scriptures in my own life, and for the boys it seems even harder. We have tried scripture books for children, with illustrated pictures, and those are great, but don't encourage us to read daily. And that is a habit I really want to establish for my sons.

Last month I was approached by my mother's neighbor and asked to review her new book, Adventures with the Word of God. I didn't know Becky Irvine before, but received a glowing recommendation from my mom and a few other friends we have in common. She brought me a copy of the book to giveaway, and the e-book (which I'm keeping). It's all about reading the scriptures with your children and looks like it will be successful for even my small children. We have been doing it for about a month now. We don't always do it every day, but much more often than before and pretty regularly.

Becky's concept is to make scripture reading visual, thematic, interactive, and fun for children. Each month features a theme and poster or display that includes small pieces for the kids to choose a daily scripture. My boys fight over who's turn it is, so we always do two. The book gives twelve theme ideas, one for each month of the year. Okay, actually eleven - August & September were combined for one theme that was a bit longer. We started with that one so we could go chronologically & I spent a little time making our cute poster, which I even laminated. Here's a picture of my boys with our little beehive. Next month starts a "fall" theme, with leaves coming off the tree and into little piles. Can't wait! (I actually better get started on the poster.)

You could totally come up with these ideas on your own, but I would never have done it. Becky has done all the hard work for you, including the illustrations, background, and scriptures. To me the best part is that this book could grow with your children. As they get older there are tons of ways to make the scripture reading more meaningful and use this daily program as a spring board into some great family discussions. I love the monthly theme idea too, and we have been trying to tailor our family night lessons to match part of the theme.

You can win your very own copy of Adventures With the Word of God. Just leave a comment on this post and I will choose someone at random. Please leave an e-mail address if it is not public on your blog. The contest is open through Sunday, Sept. 28th. If you don't win this great book, you can buy it here and the CD here.

This post was entered at What's On Your Nightstand at 5 Minutes for Books

&

Works For Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer.

One-Armed Cook Winner!

I just used random.org to choose the winner of The One-Armed Cook, which has been waiting impatiently on my bookshelf to find it's new home. And as random luck would have it, the winner is commenter #18, Becky.

I am really excited because I kind of know Becky in real life. She lives across the street from my Mom and when my Mom was telling Becky that I have a blog (thanks, Mom!) she asked for my phone number and gave me a call. Becky has a great blog here and just published a book called, Adventures with the Word of God. It's all about reading the scriptures with your children and looks like it will be successful for even my small children. We actually started yesterday! Becky graciously gave me a book to review, so look for that review coming up, along with another giveaway for your own copy.

Congratulations, Becky! And thanks for saving me a little money on shipping.

Creamy Zucchini Pasta & a Giveaway

For everyone out there desperately waiting for my Project Runway recap for this week, just hold on another day or two. I have lots going on this week, but thanks to the miracle that is TiVo - the latest episode is holding for my viewing pleasure.

While you're waiting, enter my giveaway and try this recipe for a way to use up all those fresh zucchini from your garden. Or your parents garden. Or your neighbors garden. Or all three. Or if you're like me, you just buy it at the store. I got this recipe from the mother of an old college boyfriend, who still calls me every year or two. What can I say? The moms always loved me, even if the boys didn't. So if anyone from the Redd family is out there reading this - thanks for the recipe! Just like zucchini, this pasta is best fresh - the sauce tends to separate on reheating.

Creamy Zucchini Pasta

1 box (16 oz.) mosticcoli pasta, or ziti, rigatoni, etc.

3 medium or 5 small zucchini, cut in chunks or strips

1 large onion, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

2/3 c. heavy cream

3/4 c. Parmesan cheese

1/2 lb. chicken, cubed


Cook the pasta according to directions. Saute the zucchini in olive oil until limp and lightly brown and remove to drain on paper towels. Add onions, garlic, and chicken to the pan and saute until golden. Stir in cream, increase heat if necessary, and boil until reduced by one third. Add cooked pasta, zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and salt & pepper. Toss until heated through and serve immediately. Top with additional Parmesan.

While you are enjoying this umm, not-so-much low cal pasta - browse through some of my posts and enter my giveaway. I reviewed The One Armed Cook and listed a great recipe for Shrimp Coconut Corn Chowder here (and actually entered it in the recipe box swap). And now the lovely authors, Cynthia & Catherine, have sent me a pristine copy of their book to giveaway! To enter, just comment on this post and tell me how you are a Well-Rounded Woman (or man). If you wonder what I mean, read about it here. The contest is open through next weekend, August 17th. If your profile or blog does NOT have your e-mail address, please leave it in your comment so I can contact you if you win. Thanks for reading!

For more delicous recipes featuring garden-fresh ingredients,
check out the recipe box swap at i have to say.

The Lucky Winner

Sorry I'm a little slow here, we're just getting back from a little vacations to the mountains. Did I mention how beautiful and cool it is up there? Gorgeous!

I'm happy to announce the winner of the Joanne Fluke giveaway is bookworm.

bookworm, please e-mail me your address and you can start devouring the books and all the great recipes.

Thanks again to Joanne Fluke for donating the books - remember to check out her website, Murder She Baked. She was even nice enough to send me my own copy of Carrot Cake Murder, thanks Jo! Can't wait to try the carrot cake and the almond cake.

Recipe & a Giveaway

This giveaway is closed. Find the winner here.

As a follow-up to Mouth-Watering Mysteries, I have a fun prize to giveaway! Joanne Fluke graciously gave permission for me to share a recipe with my readers and donated a couple of her Hannah Swensen books for the giveaway, including the one I reviewed, Carrot Cake Murder. She even autographed them! I can't wait until her next book comes out and she comes on tour here in Arizona - I'm definitely going to meet her. The other book is Key Lime Pie Murder, so if you love key lime pie then enter to win and try out Jo's recipe. (Oh yes, Jo & I are on a first name basis now.) She also included the cutest packet of carrot seeds to plant in your garden. Don't forget to visit her website, Murder She Baked.



To win the books please leave a comment and share your favorite mystery book/series or your favorite thing to make (recipes not necessary in the comments but if you have it posted somewhere please link to it so we can try it!). I will choose a winner on Sunday.

Cocoa Fudge Cake

Grease and flour a 9x13 cake pan and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.


2 c. sugar
2 c. flour


1 c. butter
1 c. water
3 Tbs. cocoa powder


1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs, beaten


In a large bowl, stir the sugar and flour together. Set aside.


Put the butter, water, and cocoa powder into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.


Pour the cocoa mixture over the sugar and flour, and mix it all up together.


Whisk the milk, vanilla, baking soda, and eggs together in a small bowl.

Add the egg mixture to the large bowl. Stir it until it's thoroughly incorporated.

Pour the batter into the greased and floured 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cake begins to shrink away from the sides of the pan, it's done.

Neverfail Fudge Frosting

1/2 c. salted butter
1 c. sugar
1/3 c. cream
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)


Place the butter, sugar, and cream into a medium-size saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Turn down the heat to medium and cook for two minutes.


Add the chocolate chips, stir them in until melted, and remove the saucepan from the heat.


Stir in the vanilla and the chopped pecans.


Pour the frosting on the cake and spread it out quickly with a spatula.


If you want this frosting to cool in a big hurry so that you can cut the cake, just slip it in the refrigerator, uncovered, for a half-hour or so.

Nail Polish Review & My First Giveaway

I can not wear nail polish. I like it, but it always starts chipping and peeling about two hours after I finish applying it. And it usually takes me a couple of hours to apply. Hence my love of Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish, which I wrote about previously. My nails grow freakishly fast, unlike my hair, but are very thin and soft. They bend and break a lot and when I wear polish it bends and breaks too. So I am forever trying products touted as "the latest technological breakthrough." Which is fine, because the rejects from my dashed manicure hopes and dreams work out perfectly for my toes, keeping my bathroom full of the trendiest colors.

But the folks at Sally Hansen really have a winner with their new polish, Sally Hansen Hards as Nails Hard as Wraps. I'm guessing they matched the length of the name to how long the polish will last. With three kids in tow, I bought some at the grocery store for under $5 - now that's Beauty on a Budget! I blocked out a couple hours to apply my new find that night. Imagine my suprise when the first coat went on smoothly and dried quickly, and in 30 minutes I was finished with two coats. And it was sheer joy to find my first chip didn't come for an entire 36 hours, and really everything looked very good for about 48 hours. A small miracle for me! If you have healthier nails than mine (and don't have to spend two hours a day washing dishes, clothes, bathrooms, baby bums, etc.) I can see your manicure lasting four to six days without serious chips.

The first color I tried was Coral Creme. It was very bold and certainly fun and appropriate for summer, but more of a special occasion choice, rather than everyday. Next I chose Sheer Pink Gloss. I didn't like it much - it looked merely clear and gave my nails a bit of a fake look, although I gather that's the point of wraps. The third and favorite pick was Sheer Lilac Gloss, a beautiful soft pink with a hint of shimmer.

Since this is the first regular post at The Well-Rounded Woman, I wanted to host a giveaway. Unfortunately no one is offering me free products so I chose this nail polish because I can afford an extra bottle from my own pocket (yes, husband, this purchase falls under my mad money category). Please leave a comment at this post and on Saturday morning I will choose a reader at random to win a bottle of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hard as Wraps in a color of their choice. Make sure I have some way to contact you in case you win. You may e-mail me if you don't want to leave your address in the comments. thewellroundedwoman (at) gmail (dot) com. You may enter once per day.

Check out Fussypants for more tips on how to Fight the Frump in your life!