::. REVIEW : How To Start A Mom Blog .::

I recently had the opportunity to read the e-book How To Start A Mom Blog by Cat Clutchey and Katrina M Thom of Thinking Outside The Sandbox, a family and business blog. I have had my blog since 2008, and I really wish I had been able to read this book first. There is just SO much great information. However, the information is relevant for current bloggers as well. 

Cat and Katrina break everything down for you in easy, chronological steps. They take you through the thought process of whether you want to blog for pleasure, for money or for both. What's even better, they set you up for success and give you the tools to set your blog up to make money even if you aren't sure if you want to make money with your blog to start with. That way, you can always go back and make money with it later if you so choose. 

Topics in the e-book include:

Why Do You Want To Blog? 
Topics/Niches 
How Much Does Starting A Blog Cost?
Blogging Platforms
Hosting 
Theme/Layout 
Names/Intro To Branding
Logo
Branding
Domains/Trademark 
Social Media 

Writing

This ebook has encouraged me to revamp my blog and get it started again. I had forgotten why I started blogging in the first place until I read their book. The encouragement and straight-forward information makes the book easy to understand and you don't feel overwhelmed after reading it. It's not "too" much information. I look forward to reading their next book!

You can purchase your copy of How To Start A Mom Blog here:

How To Start A Mom Blog

** DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. Even though I may receive compensation for my posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.** 

::. Another Kids Academy ~ Kids App Review .::

I was asked to download and review a few of the education apps made by Kids Academy over at Sverve.  I was honored and excited to have the opportunity again.

The first app I reviewed was 123 Tracing. 

This app is probably one of my favorites. Your child gets to trace letters to learn them, as well as collect fireflies along the path and then the fireflies are deposited into their jar. The jar then fills up as they progress through the alphabet, which is a perfect way to keep kids motivated not to give up and to keep trying if they have trouble with a letter. It also has the option of creating multiple profiles if you have more than one child using the app. You can even track your child's progress along the way to see just how well they are doing. I like this option because you can let them play independently and then check how they did later.

The next free app I downloaded was Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Kids Games.

This app uses an award system, which is really cool. As your child performs tasks correctly, they are rewarded through a star system. I love that positive reinforcement is used in a fun way to encourage learning. The app has two levels of difficulty and features dotted line letter tracing and writing letters independently. The instructor speaks in a soft, clear voice and teaches little ones how each letter should sound when used in a word. I really like the fact that this app works to develop good handwriting skills by teaching children to write in uppercase and lowercase letters.

The final app that I downloaded was Learn To Read & Write Kid Puzzles.

This app combines a variety of different games to teach children to rhyme, do mazes and learn uppercase letters. In the maze section of this app, my son walked a dog to the end of the maze where there was a prize for the dog. He loved playing with the dog and making him run into the sides of the maze. In the rhyming game of this app, my son had to walk the dog to the object that rhymed with an object that the dog was thinking. The last section of this game taught my son to write his uppercase letters by tracing. 

I really enjoyed trying out these apps.  Kid's Academy has impressed me once again!

 ** This post was sponsored by Kids Academy via Sverve. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

::. Kids Academy ~ Kids App Review .::

I was given the opportunity to try and review this app for my 5-year old son, who just finished Kindergarten and will be going into the First Grade in August.

+++++ Featured by The Guardian +++++
Based on the proven Montessori learning method, Kids Academy develops spelling, writing and reading skills through fascinating games!

This app is created to make fun more educational! The app goes beyond simply great graphics and beautiful music by engaging children to learn preschool basics through intriguing game play. Geared towards children between the ages of 2-5. Toddlers will start with easy tracing by collecting fireflies in a jar and will move gradually to tracing requiring more developed fine-motor skills.

The basic skills in this app are foundations for reading, writing and arithmetic operations. Appropriate hints are provided to support your children as they practice and build their skills.

+++Features+++
* Curriculum developed and reviewed by preschool education expert
* Delightful animations will help your children learn letters and words in a fun and engaging way
* Frequent repetition designed to help children learn numbers and their sequence
* Aligned to Kindergarten Reading Foundation skills of Common Core Standards
* Animated flashcards to teach your kids letters and words
* A rich, exploratory environment filled with surprises
* Funny, bright, creative artwork
* Your children can interact with the app at their own pace
…and more!

Set the stage for reading success with this delightfully interactive educational app! 

It is a great app for my son, because even though he knows his alphabet and the phonetic sounds, he has a hard time with his handwriting being sloppy. So, the tracing aspect of the app allows him to practice with positive reinforcement. He loved getting the fireflies when he did a good job and it persuaded him to take his time rather than rushing through like he normally does. The Montessori way of teaching is PERFECT for him and Kids Academy does a great job of incorporating everything into a fun experience for kids. A+ Kids Academy!


** This post was sponsored by Kids Academy via Sverve. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

*** Images via Kid Academy website (http://www.kidsacademy.mobi/) 

Become a fan of the iTunes and App Store pages on Facebook for exclusive offers, the inside scoop on new apps and more. App can also be purchased at iTunes or Amazon.
iTunes
Amazon
 

2nd Annual Great Spring Cloth Giveaway. Over $400 in Prizes!

It is finally spring. Those of you in who have dealt with TONS of winter weather (like me) know I really mean finnnnnallllly. The weather is getting warmer, wetter and none of those pesky mosquitoes are out yet.

Let’s celebrate by launching the 2nd Annual Great Spring Cloth Giveaway. This year we came back bigger (not badder) and more awesome than last year.

From April 14 – May 5th you can enter to win an amazing cloth diaper prize pack with everything you need to start cloth diapering or just expand your stash.

Prize includes :

• 20 pocket style cloth diapers
• wipe cubes
• Goodmama wipe cloths
• Bumble multiuse zip up bags
• an amber teeth necklace/anklet set
• and some other fabulous cloth diaper goodies.

When I said the prize pack would include everything you will need to start cloth diapering – I meant it.

A quick thank you goes out to the amazing businesses and bloggers who helped sponsor the event.

Great Spring Cloth Giveaway is hosted by Thinking Outside The Sandbox: Family, Flip Size Canada and From The Stash.

Special thanks to the following businesses/bloggers for helping with shipping costs (this prize box is going to be HUGE!) –

A Mother’s Design, The Inquisitive Mom, Creative Kids, Surviving Chaos, Your Modern Family, Zephyr Hill, Cloth Diaper Contests, The Anti June Cleaver, More Than A Mom of Three, The Parenting Patch, Jenn’s Butterfli Bowtique, Thinking About Cloth Diapers, Livin' La Vida Eco and Housewife Mama.

How do I enter this amazing giveaway?

Enter using the Gleam widget below. One lucky winner will win everything. Enter as many (or as few) times as you would like.

Good Luck! The Great Spring Cloth giveaway is open to both USA and Canada. The Great Spring Cloth Diaper Giveaway

::. $300 Cash Giveaway .::

Welcome to the $300 Cash Giveaway!

Sponsored by Michael Phillip Cash.

Schism was recently chosen as a BOTYA 2013 Finalist in Science Fiction. To celebrate, Michael Cash would like to offer a everyone a chance to win $300.

On the planet Darracia, an ever-widening social gap between its inhabitants is causing turmoil that is fracturing a once peaceful world. Struggling with his identity, nineteen year old Prince V'sair must harness the power of the elusive Fireblade, the secret to a warrior's heart, in order to overcome his uncle Staf Nuen's lust for supremacy. Will the energy of the Elements guide the young prince to his true destiny or will Staf Nuen conquer Darracia?

Dii, an Amazon reviewer said:

"Does intolerance of people’s differences go beyond our planet? What of jealousy and the quest for power? Is it thicker than blood? Schism by Michael Phillip Cash is a fascinating and intense dark fantasy/Sci-fi filled with everything that makes for excellent, magnetic reading! Prejudice, love, greed, trust, the lust for power, deceit, cruelty and bloodshed, it’s all here in the first book of what looks to be an amazing journey to another planet somewhere in the heavens.

The ever-widening gap between the different classes is causing unrest to the once peaceful plant of Darracia, the haves get more, the have-nots lose what little they have and are beginning to fight back. Considered inferior to those around him, young Prince V’sair struggles to be seen as warrior material, in spite of his smaller stature and different skin coloring. He is a half-breed, part Darracian, part Planta. Smart, filled with knowledge from books, he still longs to feel the power of the Elements in the Fireblade, a weapon that can only be wielded by one blessed with a warrior’s heart. Forbidden to risk his life in a quest to find the powerful weapon, V’sair chafes at being trapped between wanting to help his people and needing to obey the King and Queen. But there is more to the unrest among the classes than meets the eye. Someone nearby is a traitor and it may be up to V’sair to save his world, but how? Unprepared for what awaits him outside of his castle, V’sair finds strength in love, honor and in believing in himself as he stands against the odds and the evil betrayers around him.

No doubt about it, Michael Phillip Cash can build a world with depth and clarity and then populate it characters that one can see in their minds. Soar above the clouds on a flying horse-type creature, feel the tension, feel the fear and wonder of V’sair as he runs into danger, faces near death and the love of a girl whose skin is as red as his is blue. Mr. Cash introduces each character with ease and enables the reader to see who to watch for, who to root for and who to hiss at. He has created magic with his words that transport you into another world as good battle evil in the takeover of Darracia and a boy becomes a warrior with heart. As the foundation from which this series will build, Schism is a powerful testament to the power of the imagination when guided by a masterful storyteller."

Book 2, Collision: The Battle for Darracia (Book 2) (The Darracia Saga) is now available on Amazon.

After the success of his first three books (Brood X, Stillwell, and The Hanging Tree) Michael Phillip Cash is fulfilling a dream and creating his own epic fantasy world. The third book in the series is coming soon!

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Enter to win $300 Cash via PayPal

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

Refer your friends using your unique link to earn even more chances to win.

Open Worldwide.

Ends at 11:59pm EDT on April 8th, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway was coordinated by Giveaway Promote.

::. March Into Spring Giveaway .::

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::. Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Giveaway Winners .::

Congratulations to our winners !! You have 48 hours to contact the boutiques to claim your prize !!

Thank you to all who participated & keep an eye out for more exciting auctions & giveaways !!

Quilts By Jade : Katherine Bynum 

Sweet Potato Stitches : Donna Wall 

Chunky Monkey Unlimited : Jennifer Ripel 

Jenn's Butterfli Bowtique : Jamie Wells-Rocha 

O-dee-O Designs : Carly Fridlich 

White-O-Coccoli Children's Tableware : Kimberley Skittles Bullock Bonner 

Mariposa Fashions : Tammy J Long

::. Jenn's Butterfli Bowtique's Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Giveaway .::

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::. LET IT SNOW CASH GIVEAWAY .::

Welcome to the $750 Let It Snow Cash Giveaway!

We've joined a great group of bloggers to bring you this awesome giveaway. One lucky person will win $500 cash and five others will win $50 cash!

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Enter to win $500 or $50 cash via PayPal.

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

Refer your friends using your unique link to earn even more chances to win.

Open Worldwide.

Ends at 11:59pm EST on December 22nd, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway was coordinated by Giveaway Promote.

::. Little Tikes Big Adventures Construction Peak Rail & Road Play Set Giveaway! .::

Welcome to the Little Tikes Big Adventures Construction Peak Rail & Road Play Set Giveaway!

Hosted by The Link Fairy

My daughter is really into cars and trucks. The Big Adventures Construction Peak Rail & Road Play Set is the perfect toy which she could grow into. Since she is younger we would set up the track and train. I could see her ‘choo chooing’ around the track for hours. It would almost be like a brand new toy connecting the rest of the set together once she gets a bit older.

The Big Adventures Construction Peak Rail & Road Play Set comes with everything you need for construction fun including:

• Working lift bridge and railroad crossing gates
• 3-way boulder auto-loader
• 1 Mountain
• 6 Boulders
• 1 Dump Truck
• 1 Train Engine & 2 Train Cars
• 30 Train and Road tracks

Check out The Link Fairy‘s review of the Big Adventures Construction Peak Rail & Road Play Set!

Enter to win!

Enter through the widget below. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm CST on 10/15. Open to US residents 18+.

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::. Card.com ~ Pay With Personality !! .::

*Disclaimer - This is a sponsored review and post, which means I  am receiving compensation in the form of payment for my time writing this post for Card.com & Sverve .  However, the opinions expressed here are mine and not those of any advertiser, company, affiliate or group.

This is a debit card, like the one from your bank, and you can use it EVERYWHERE Visa is accepted -- except it's WAY cooler and cuter than your crumby old bank card.

• Free to order, activate and load
• Free app and check deposits from your smartphone
• Free direct deposit
• Free card-to-card transfers, any time, anywhere, in seconds
• No overdraft fees -- never goes negative!
• Safer than cash - 24/7 support, Visa fraud protection and 100% FDIC insurance on funds
• No debt, financially responsible, no interest/credit/APRs
• No credit check and approval in seconds
• 22,000 in-network ATMs
• Thousands of cool, unique card designs to choose from, including brands like: Garfield, Popeye, Betty Paige, James Dean, Care Bears, Walking Dead, Star Trek, Autism Awareness, Breast Cancer Research, Shark Week, Where's Waldo, Doodle Jump, etc.
  
  

  I had the hardest time EVER picking out my card. There were so many awesome designs to choose from !! I finally went with my home state - the North Carolina card. But here are a few more that I absolutely LOVED : 

  
  

  

  LOVE LOVE LOVE Butterflies !!

  
  

  

  One of Duke Blue Devils Basketball's All-Time Greats ~ Christian Laettner !!

  
  

  
  

  

  Logical. Star Trek !! LOVE IT !!

  
  

  So, what are you waiting for ?! Go get yours NOW !!

  
  For more information, go to :
  Card.com - How It Works

::. It's Not Goodbye, It's See You Later ... .::

I refuse to say goodbye anymore ... It's ‘See Ya Later’ or ‘Good Bye For Now’.

For those of you that know me, we've moved around a lot.  For those of you that don’t, my hubby is a Combat Medic in the Army & he is heading to the second half of nursing school at Walter Reed National Military Center in Maryland, so we are moving AGAIN next week.  I think for the most part, I do a pretty good job of playing it off like I'm a good sport about moving so much & that I 'make the most of it,' despite my quite vocal moaning & groaning during the process.  Honestly, I'm a hot mess away from home.  Don't get me wrong, I love my husband with all my heart & of course, I want to be where he is.  I just wish sometimes that I could take "home" with me ...

Think of it like this.  You're a little kid again.  You live in a neighborhood with all of your friends .  You all go to school together.  You all are the best of friends.  Then, your parents tell you that you have to move.  You're forced to pack up your life, move into a new house, new neighborhood, and worst of all having to make new friends.  Basically, you have to start all over again.

This has been my life for the past 6 years.  Except, it’s not as easy as it might have been when you were a little kid.  Making new friends isn’t as simple.  Getting to know a new neighborhood in a short time is nearly impossible.  Especially when you are married with kids & have responsibilities.  And making a short-term house/apartment feel like your own seems pointless when you are probably leaving again soon anyways.  As we get older, most of us have already established our friendships ~ some of them go all the way back to grade school.  We usually share very similar common interests.  So, when a new person comes along, it takes close friends a while to accept them or get to know them.  Although I like to think I’m a very easy going, likeable person, it is always very hard for me to connect with new people.  I've never been one to have a million friends.  I prefer a few quality relationships over quantity.

With that being said, I guess that's just how life really is.  It’s tough to move somewhere and fit right in.  Truth is, it just takes time.  But the worst part is, I usually don't have that kind of time.  Just when I start to adjust and fit in & become close with someone, I have to leave again. 

I always thought it would get easier leaving ...  It just doesn't.  I have met so many wonderful people who I have had to & will have to leave.  And it never feels really okay.  In some ways, I think leaving this time is even worse that even the very first time I had to leave home.  I was HOME for almost 3 years.  I got a taste again of what it's like to be here, ALL the time with my family and friends in short driving distance and I've made a new, wonderful friend that I don't want to leave.  And now that will be gone again, just like that.  I don't know when I'll be back.

Yeah, I'm a little emotional.  Moving is not easy.  Both physically and emotionally.  However, with moving so much, I have truly learned to cherish the time I have with the people who mean the most to me.  The biggest & hardest lesson I have learned is that no one is promised tomorrow.  You HAVE to keep in touch.  You have to let the people who are important to you know how important they are to you before it's too late.  But, it works both ways.  So, until next time ...

“It’s Not Good Bye … It’s See Ya Later”

::. Kid-Friendly Tablet Accessories Giveaway + Get a FREE eBook When You Enter !! .::

Hosted By: KiteReaders

Co-Hosted By: The Butterfly Effect

Sponsored By: KiteReaders

KiteReaders is thrilled to host and sponsor a Tablet Accessories Giveaway! We have an amazing selection of some of the most popular kid-friendly accessories available for your tablets out in the market today! We all know how difficult it can be to maintain your tablet when you have a young child who always wants to use it. Whether you want to protect your tablet with a kid-friendly case, use a handy stylus instead of your fingers to touch the screen, or simply accessorize your tablet with some awesome headphones, we’ve got you covered!

When you enter the giveaway, not only will you have the chance to win one of these highly coveted prizes, but you will also be able to immediately download one of our award winning titles…for FREE! Simply enter the giveaway below and read more to learn all about our 20+ amazing prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 About KiteReaders

KiteReaders is a multi-award winning digital publisher of children’s books. With over 100 titles and 30 best sellers across Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks, KiteReaders aims to provide quality content for children and their families and increase literacy around the world. Visit KiteReaders at http://kitereaders.com and like them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/kitereaders!

Giveaway Rules: US Residents, 18 years and up only. 1 entrant per household. Winners will be picked randomly through the Rafflecopter entry form. Winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 

All winning entries are verified.  

Prizes Include: 

Gumdrop Kindle Fire Case (Valued at $49.99): 1 Winner

If you’re looking for the most rugged, durable yet ultimately affordable Kindle Fire protection, you found it in the Drop Tech Series Kindle Fire Case. Shock Absorption, drop protection, extreme ruggedness and hard-core readiness for all adventures, the Drop Tech Series Kindle Fire case specifically conforms to the shape of the Kindle Fire and offers multiple layers of protection. This transformer case features a unique, snap-on integrated screen for maximum protection. (http://www.gumdropcases.com/kindle-fire.html)

iPad Smart Cover (Valued at $39.99): 2 Winners

Snap the Smart Cover into place and it wakes up, stands up, and brightens up your iPad. It magnetically aligns for a perfect fit. It wakes and sleeps your iPad on open and close. It’s a handy stand for reading, watching, and typing. And it’s a way to make your iPad as personal on the outside as it is on the inside. (http://www.apple.com/ipad/accessories/)

iGuy iPad Case (Valued at $39.95): 2 Winners

Say hi to iGuy. He’s fun, free-standing and kid-friendly. Designed to fit all full-size iPads – even the new iPad 4! (http://www.speckproducts.com/iguy-for-ipad.html)

Fisher Price Kindle Fire Kid-Tough Apptivity Case (Valued at $29.99): 2 Winners

With a Kid-Tough rubberized casing and a clear film over the screen to protect against drips and sticky fingers, the next time your child asks to play with your Kindle Fire, you’ll be much more likely to say “sure”! (http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/kidtough/products/67522)

Griffin Technology Cinema Seat (Valued at $24.99): 2 Winners

CinemaSeat turns your iPad into the perfect in-car entertainment system. CinemaSeat’s wide, adjustable strap routes around your car seat’s headrest to perfectly position your iPad for backseat riders. Without sacrificing access to Multi-Touch display, controls or headphone jack, CinemaSeat lets them watch video, listen to music, play games and more. CinemaSeat gives your riders the best seats in the house. Or car. (http://store.griffintechnology.com/cinemaseat-2-for-ipad)

KaZoo MyPhones (Valued at $19.99): 2 Winners

KaZoo MyPhones have built-in-volume-limiting circuitry that keeps the sound pressure down to levels recommended as safe for young ears. Exposure to excessive levels of sound is more than a nuisance. It’s a health issue, especially for children. KaZoo MyPhones use a built-in, always-on sound-control circuit to cap peak volume levels at 85 decibels. That’s the maximum level recommended by many auditory health organizations in the U.S. and abroad. And, of course, KaZoo are kid-friendly with fun animal designs and durably constructed. (http://store.griffintechnology.com/kazoo-myphones)

Felix TwoHands Stand (Valued at $19.99): 2 Winners

When you want to use your NOOK hands-free, this ingenious accessory is the perfect solution. Made of sturdy molded plastic, it opens with a gentle squeeze and securely grips the edges of your NOOK, while the base rests on a flat surface to form a sturdy stand. The spring mechanism is both strong and flexible, so the Felix will hold your NOOK in either landscape or portrait mode; when closed, it’s only 7″ long, so it will easily slip into a pocket or bag. Add in the sleek, distinctive look – enhanced by a “felix” logo script printed in silver – and this is truly a must-have item for every NOOK owner. (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/home-gift-twohands-stand-in-black/25719436)

Crayola Color Studio iMarker (Valued at $15.99): 2 Winners

iMarker is the key to unlock limitless discovery and play on your iPad. It’s a digital marker, crayon, pencil and paint brush that interacts with the Crayola ColorStudio HD app to create all your favorite Crayola colors on the iPad’s Multi-Touch display. As you color, animated characters, music, sound and visual effects bring scenes to life, and surprises await on every page. (http://www.griffintechnology.com/crayola/colorstudiohd)

Marware UpSurge Speaker (Valued at $9.99): 2 Winners

The Marware UpSurge Mini Speaker delivers crisp, distortion-free sound from virtually any media player device. The UpSurge travels with you wherever you go, providing rechargeable, long-lasting audio enhancement in the palm of your hand. Its compact design twists and extends when in use for enhanced bass and sound quality. The UpSurge Mini Speaker is the perfect solution for your portable audio needs, whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music or playing a video game. (http://www.marware.com/upsurge-mini-speaker)

KiteReaders Stylus (Valued at $5.99): All Winners!

The KiteReaders Stylus is the perfect accessory to use on any of your touch devices! With a pen on one end and a stylus on the other, this stylus is a great tool to have in your pocket or bag at all times! 

::. Seussational Dr. Seuss Back to School Giveaway Winners .::

Sweet Potato Stitches: Stacy Quinn

Pretty Lil Frills: Katherine Bynum

Corrine Couch's Crochet: Stacy Quinn

Grand Prize: Melody (no last name given)

Melody_XXX79@hotmail.com

::. Purex Back 2 School Sweepstakes .::

From August 2 - August 30, Purex will be providing one lucky winner with a $1,000!

If you’re family’s having trouble saying goodbye to summer this year, Purex has some news that’s bound to put that spring back in your step and a smile back on your face.

Enter for your chance to win here :

http://insiders.purex.com/1000Back2School?id=175

If you're a blogger & would like to sign up for Purex Insiders, fill out the information here :

http://www.purexinsiders.com/general/register_start.asp?ref=E2FBBDFE-E370-4B96-9CB8-22AFCE26F927

Purex.com

*Disclaimer: I am a Purex Insider and this post has been made on behalf of Purex. I will be entered into a drawing for this post but have received no compensation otherwise.

::. Seussational Dr. Seuss Back To School Giveaway ~ GRAND PRIZE from Chunky Monkey Unlimited & Jenn's Butterfli Bowtique .::

Toddler Snack Bag in Winner's Choice of Dr. Seuss Fabric from Chunky Monkey Unlimited

&

Suess Inspired Hat-shaped Laminated Matching Game (24 Patterns ~ 48 Cards total) from Jenn's Butterfli Bowtique

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::. Seussational Dr. Seuss Back To School Giveaway ~ Sweet Potato Stitches .::

Felt Bacon & Egg Set from Sweet Potato Stitches

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