DIY Kids Room - Trash Can & Storage Bins

Adding a splash of more jungle to my sons room. I wanted to do some easy projects that they could help with. I visited the dollar tree and picked up wall stickers, trash can, colorful storage boxes all for $1 each.

 Then the boys added the stickers to the storage boxes for their shelf. They fixed up their very own cute trash can. Now they can keep things more tidy and organized.

Last Chance, Hurry!

Last chance you have to me out with the Top 50 Giveaway Blogs at Voice Boks. ENDS September 1 11:59PM (PST)

Hoping to finish in the top 10. Only need a few more votes to be there. Click this link and then thumbs up. That easy. 

Thank You so much for each person's help and for being a part of Life Is A SandCastle. I appreciate your support.

Giveaway Linky Thursday 8/29/2013

Thanks for joining in this week's giveaway linky for blog giveaways only, no businesses or contest entries. I would love if you could give me a thumbs up in the Top Giveaway Blogs, one click on thumb symbol real easy @ http://voiceboks.com/life-is-a-sandcastle

Sweepstakes $30 Princess, Fairy, Mermaid Costumes 9/5

Yabbly $300 Amazon GC & 4 $50GC 9/9

Sweepstakes Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit ($99.95)9/12

Sweepstakes Yabbly $300 Amazon GC & 4 $50GC

Yabbly is an online community of thoughtful people who help each other make great purchasing decisions everyday. They were finalists in SxSW 2013 in the social category and are a top 3 search result in "product reviews" on the iPhone app store. Now we all know how hard it is to get to the top 10 in the eyes of Apple. So that is pretty big news. Get the Yabbly App today. It's free! The Yabbly philosophy is that the best purchasing decisions are made through dialogue with actual people who have made similar decisions recently. They believe that one of the main frustrations about online shopping today is that averaging a bunch of reviews just doesn't cut it, and you're left buying a product and simply hoping for the best. Breakdown on how Yabbly works and you will see why it works for you, you and yes, even you:
 
My favorite thing is people that has had experience with same product giving insight. Have you ever had someone not even owning a product giving advice on it and usually the wrong advice. Reminds me of a car repair man & stylist describing each others job. Well you put oil in it or you may want to give it a wax. Both good advice, but total different ideas. You need to know your on the same page and have the same product in mind.

About Yabbly, Inc. Yabbly is a shopping Q&A community where members provide vital, real-time reviews on choosing products that best fit their needs. Yabbly motivates people to help each other pick the best product for them with its 1:1 karma system and is revolutionizing how we connect through shared product experiences. For more information, please visit yabbly.com.

Grand Prize Winner will receive a $300 Amazon Gift Card and Four Additional Winners will each receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Giveaway ends September 9th at 11:59pm, open US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

Organized by Mom Powered Media: Mom to Bed by 8 and Budget Earth.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Life Is A SandCastle did not receive compensation for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Prize fulfillment and shipping will be handled by MPM.

Would you like to have your products featured in a similar giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure before the holiday season? See how we can help! Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com to see what Mom Powered Media can do for your company!

Sweepstakes Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit ($99.95)

Teaming up with my buddy The Night Owl Mama and a few other bloggers to share the Soda Stream Giveaway. To read her full review on this product visit her blog. Ends 9/12/13

Giveaway package of a Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit ($99.95) Includes:

• Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
• 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
• Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
• Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
• 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweepstakes $30 Princess, Fairy, Mermaid Costumes & More

Little girls love dressing up as princesses. When I was little I couldn't get enough princess dresses & accessories. Life Is A SandCastle is co-hosting with It's A Princess Thing. Links in this post will link you to some adorable princess, fairy, & mermaid costumes at ThePrincessDress.com Find the perfect Halloween Costume for your little princess. Formal dresses, feather boa, parasol, gloves, wands and so much more to have fun with at your castle!!

At ThePrincessDress.com we try to provide a full line of girly costumes along with the accessories. The girls can choose from all of their favorite princesses, fairies, mermaids, southern belles and more. Then they pick the right pair of heels, some jewelry, wings if they need them and of course a Tiara. This year we are also carrying Silky Princess Capes with a hood. They are beautiful, and are the perfect solution to keeping your princess just a bit warmer without messing up her look by having to wear a jacket. These cute capes come in Pink, Hot Pink, Red, White and Lavender.

Thanks to the The PrincessDress.com one lucky US winner will win $30 Gift Certificate. 

Disclosure: I've co-hosted this event, no product or compensation was received. a Rafflecopter giveaway .

Giveaway Linky Thursday 8/22/2013

Thanks for joining in this week's giveaway linky. I would love if you could give me a thumbs up in the Top Giveaway Blogs, one click on thumb symbol real easy @ http://voiceboks.com/life-is-a-sandcastle

Flash Sweepstakes Hasbro Chasin' Cheeky Monkey

Sweepstakes Hyde Prize Pack & Kindle e-reader 8/28

Bear Grylls Survival Bracelet 8/25

Win 50' Samsung TV, Macbook, Ipad - Ultimate School Kit

This is what the Ultimate back to school kit sounds like from Gogo. A Samsung 50" TV, an Apple Macbook Air, An Apple iPad Mini and an Apple TV! Go enter for your chance at http://ptab.it/1eV6Y ends on August 30, 2013 at 11:59:59 a.m. CT

I've enter and good luck!

Flash Sweepstakes Hasbro Chasin' Cheeky Monkey

The boys have laughed and chased around the Chasin' Cheeky Monkey from Hasbro Elefun & Friends. We was sent this fun game to play from Hasbro. Clicking links in this post will take you to the sponsor site so you can get in on this and more family fun games.

The monkey has rolling wheels and he moves around. After deciding each players color, throw up the rings, and go after them. The kids each have to try to ring his tail with rings. First one to get all their rings on and grabs the banana out his mouth, wins! Then monkey shakes his rear at you. Seriously funny to see his "cheeky" victory dance.

This game needs 2 C batteries to operate and is intended for 2 players age 3+. My 4 year old doesn't play fair, he holds the monkey to add the rings on the tail, making big brother angry. It's not as easy as it sounds with this moving monkey.

Thanks to our sponsor Hasbro, one lucky US reader is going to win the Chasin' Cheeky Game a reg. $24.99 value. Good Luck! ends 11:59 pm 8/24, winner has 24 hours to respond.

Disclosure: Sample provide received for review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and may differ from others.

a Rafflecopter giveaway .

Win PlayStation 4

Win the upcoming PlayStation 4. Enter contest now at http://ptab.it/1cvRW

Proud Mama, He Did It!!

My baby competed in his first tournament today & I forgot to mention he got his purple belt last month.

1st Gold - Fighting

3rd Bronze - Kicking

3rd Bronze - Forms

24 Flash Giveaway! Step2 Train Engine Up & Down Roller Coaster

One Day only to win the Step2 Thomas the Train Engine Up & Down Roller Coaster ends 11:59pm 8/16/2013 Click Here

Giveaway Linky Thursday 8/15/2013

Thanks for joining in this week's giveaway linky. I would love if you could give me a thumbs up in the Top Giveaway Blogs, one click on thumb symbol real easy @ http://voiceboks.com/life-is-a-sandcastle

Sweepstakes Hyde Prize Pack & Kindle e-reader 8/28

John Deere Toys 8/14

COACH HERITAGE WEB LEATHER MESSENGER VALUE $398 8/15

Bear Grylls Survival Bracelet 8/25

$1000 Visa GC 8/15

.

Tons of Sweepstakes Win

LAST DAY!! Free Cuisinart Gourmet Portable Grill http://woobox.com/eupgp5/3w9nk0 

Duckett Fishing Rod Giveaway! http://woobox.com/dh9jx4/3wcby1 Ends 8/15

Back to Campus Organization Sweepstakes http://woobox.com/ojrw4z/3w9o3w 

Teddy The Dog Giveaway! Win a collection of cool Teddy products. Tshirt, hat, hoodie, treats and more! Retail $150 http://ptab.it/1d6jO 

Enter to #Win a Mobi AnimaLamp http://ptab.it/1d6gU 

I just entered to WIN a $200 Zappos gift card  http://ptab.it/1d61a

WIN a $200 gift card to Macy's http://ptab.it/1d63i 

 #‎win‬ Laura's Lean Beef Summer Grilling Sweepstakes Prize Packs & one Big Green Egg Grill!! http://woobox.com/ca5b2m/3wbtib

Café La Rica's $500 Amazon.com Shopping Spree/Coffee for a Year Sweepstakes! http://woobox.com/fadvio/3wbum7

Win a 50" LED TV! http://woobox.com/bywt8t/3wmgdx

Enter to Win Summer Prize $500 Whole Foods Giveaway http://woobox.com/mqk7ys/3wbvt5

Chromebook Giveaway! http://woobox.com/ss2uxk/3wbw7f

Outfit your deck, win a $250 Lowe's gift card in the ChoiceDek Sweepstakes http://woobox.com/k6dxdn/3wbwmv

BioVi iPad mini Sweepstakes http://woobox.com/govdko/3wbwy8

New School Year, New School Gear Backpack Target gift card, dental kit. http://woobox.com/zspc8w/3wbxvm

Enter to win the Mamas & Papas Stroller http://woobox.com/vumbon/3wc016

Enter to win 28 days of Nutrisystem + $500 cash!  http://woobox.com/a7ax87/3wc4d9

Chance to win an Ipad4 http://woobox.com/cfmivd/3wc4ni

Win a Cubbly Hideaway Chair  http://woobox.com/8g99dd/3wc71x

Win a Night Vision monocular! http://woobox.com/z9x9w7/3wc7me

Win an new Mountain Bike http://woobox.com/nr4fai/3wccs8

Free Halloween Paper $100 value http://woobox.com/ye2hj3/3wc850

win a Summer Infant Fuze Stroller! (value $349) http://woobox.com/g6g2e7/3wc8l6

Hair Styling!! The ONE Weekly Tool Giveaway http://woobox.com/wddj7y/3wc9o8 

Just got this offer - $1,000 Dream Decor Room Makeover by Select Shops  http://woobox.com/nkjja7/3wc9zu

Vault Identity Protection Sizzling Summer Sweepstakes!

THE THREE (3) PRIZES!! IPAD MINI. ONE, Acer C7 Chromebook 11.6", Wifi, & ONE (1) McAFEE® All Access 2013  http://woobox.com/yof8yf/3wcb5f

Schwinn Exercise Bike Sweepstakes http://woobox.com/m9my8o/3wcbu7

10 Camera Bag Giveaway! http://woobox.com/tkwu6w/3wcfe8

Sweepstakes: Win a Next Gen Gaming Console http://woobox.com/btm6g4/3wcg9m

Back To School Area Rug Giveaway! http://woobox.com/figy46/3wcgi8

Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest #iloveNYA

As soon as receiving this information from Child's Play Communications, I knew I had to share. Information provided and links will take you to the event's sponsor & sign up. 

My family loves the beach and summer fun building sand castles. Our castle don't turn out the best but, some people really can create sand art that leaves an impression. Go check out all the details below:

New York Aquarium for the 23rd annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest. Next Saturday, 8/17, professional sand sculptors will be on-site to create amazing artistic sculptures from 50 massive mounds of sand, including marine animals such as dolphins, sharks and more!The day will also include prizes and lots of family entertainment!

What: Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest

When:
Saturday, August 17th
Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Where:
The sand sculpting contest will take place on the beach and boardwalk from West 10th to West 12th Streets.

Event Highlights:
Professional Sand Sculptors will be on-site to create amazing sculptures representing Coney Island icons - including the New York Aquarium!

Contest:
Watch amateur sculptors—both children and adults—from throughout NYC and beyond compete in five categories. Three winners in each category will receive cash prizes.

Entertainment:
This year's entertainment includes a Latin band, several dance groups, and more!

Giveaways:
Along the boardwalk, local organizations will provide informational materials and giveaways.

Learn More and Register:
Visit the Coney Island Fun Guide to learn more. Sign up FREE for the event here.
This event is hosted by Astella Development Corp. and the Alliance for Coney Island.

Disclosure: All information provided and no compensation received. Just sharing.

Ton of Sweepstakes to Win

Enter to win a NEW Inverter Generator! 

http://woobox.com/2v47y3/3vb5qx

Nostalgia Coca Cola Kettle Popcorn Popper Giveaway http://woobox.com/dtnnjw/3uwln7

Monterey Boats Beach Pack Giveaway! Value $500  http://woobox.com/safw75/3vf2tv

La-Z-Boy Kingswood 6pc Sectional Patio Set http://ptab.it/15hO4

An Apple Macbook Air 11" 256GB SSD http://ptab.it/1cvJy

Win Sony PlayStation 4 ends 8/25 http://ptab.it/1cvRW

Win an Acer Chrome Book ends 8/14 http://ptab.it/1cvOo

$250 Publix Gift Card http://ptab.it/1cvJO ends 8/31

FruitSocks "Sock It Away for School" Sweepstakes giving away a $75 gift card for school supplies and 25 pairs of Fruit Socks  http://woobox.com/4y4bzy/3vf42i

Win A Platinum Collection Hoover LiNX ! enter:  http://woobox.com/8ecm3z

$200 Amazon Gift Card http://ptab.it/19lU8

Win a Chaney 12" Round Wall Clock Enter by 8-31-2013
http://ptab.it/1cvHC

Stillwell Book and $100 Home Depot Gift Card #Giveaway http://ptab.it/1cvPS

Win 10-Packs of Whatever You Want from Zoombait http://ptab.it/1cvUY 

Win Free Stand Up Desk http://ptab.it/15qs0

Giveaway Linky Thursday 8/8/13

Thanks for joining in this weeks giveaway linky. I would love if you could give me a thumbs up in the Top Giveaway Blogs, one click on thumb symbol real easy @ http://voiceboks.com/life-is-a-sandcastle/

Back to school cash $100, $75 and $50 winners 8/12
John Deere Toys 8/14
Sweepstakes Hyde Prize Pack & Kindle e-reader 8/28
COACH HERITAGE WEB LEATHER MESSENGER VALUE $398 8/15
$150 Wishlist Gift 8/9
$200 Amazon Gift Card 8/9

$1000 Visa GC 8/15
Bear Grylls Survival Bracelet 8/25

Sweepstakes Bear Grylls Survival Bracelet #GetOutAlive

Could you imagine surviving out  in the wilderness. Bet it would be better with Bear Grylls, right. Thanks to the sponsor of this giveaway for supplying us with all the details of this event and prize. Links in this post may take you to sponsors site for more Get Out Alive information.

Bear Grylls is back with the ultimate survival competition, Get Out Alive! Airing Mondays 9/8c on NBC! In #GetOutAlive, 10 teams of 2 compete to survive in the beautiful New Zealand wilderness with Bear Grylls as their guide. The teams are faced with various survival tasks as they battle the terrain, mountains, gorges, glaciers, rainforests, rivers and rapids. Each week, one team is eliminated, and the last remaining duo will win $500,000! And most importantly, don’t forget to watch the unmissable #GetOutAlive SEASON FINALE on August 26!

Take the WOULD YOU GET OUT ALIVE? Quiz. Get to know the contestants by watching inspiring videos about how they have all overcome huge obstacles in life. Find official Bear Grylls Gerber merchandise at Walmart here: http://spark.walmart.com/#inspire/bear-grylls-kit-room

app at https://apps.facebook.com/ph-get-out-alive

PRIZE:
ENDS 11:59pm 8/25/13. US winner, sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please.Winner will win an official Bear Grylls Survival Bracelet from Gerber! Taking advantage of Gerber's decades of experience and Bear Grylls' adventure knowledge, this survival bracelet's design provides 12 feet of high-strength paracord to help you work your way out of a difficult situation. Weighing less than an ounce, it has an easy, one-hand size adjustment and an integrated whistle.

Disclousre: NBCUniversal & PartenersHub supplied all information, graphics, and contest prize. No compensation was received. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The First Day Of School PreK & 1st Grade

We made it through the first day of school with no tears. I didn't know how my Pre-K baby would do, but he was happy and liked it. I felt so bad cause there was little ones with tears streaming their faces and again today. My 1st grader was smiling and talking to all the teachers going down the hall and they were calling him by name. He is so friendly and happy.

To me coming home to this quiet house is unreal. I lined all the phones up in a row and watch them, no call from the teacher. I'm off balance and feel lost right now. I smothered them with hugs and all my attention when they got home yesterday.

SAHM Empty Nest Syndrome

My life of a stay at home mom is about to change. On Monday my nest will be empty during the day. It's going to be a major shock and change here for me. I've had children home with me since early 2007. I'm really a ball of nerves with my smallest baby heading to Pre-K and oldest to 1st grade.

We visited the schools and teachers this week. My first grader is jealous of the fort built in the pre-k room. I loved that they had Pooh to greet the children. Really memorable for the little ones.

I suppose my house might get clean, I may get blogging done during the day, grocery shopping will be quite and boring. I'm going to miss my babies. I've been hanging so tight to them these past few weeks and spending extra cuddle time. They grow up so fast. I guess I'm going through SAHM Empty Nest Syndrome?