Review and Giveaway: Mary's Soft Dough CLOSED

Thank you to Terrapin Toys for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

One of Nate's favorite indoor activities is playing with play dough. It's so nice to have a peaceful activity we can enjoy out of the scorching heat and threatening thunderstorms. But have you ever researched the ingredients for the most popular brand on store shelves? As if the neon colors weren't a dead giveaway that they are questionable. Boric acid? Silicone oil? No thanks. It may be "nontoxic" but it's still not something I want my toddler to ingest. I'd much rather make my own with water, salt and cream of tartar. The problem is that it can be time-consuming to stir and knead in the color and sometimes my dough comes out a bit sticky. So, in my search for natural play dough, I came across Terrapin Toys, the makers of Mary's Soft Dough

Mary's Soft Dough began in 1988 when Mary Newell began selling her homemade modeling dough at the local market in Eugene, Oregon. The original recipe for her dough came from her mom, who acquired it when Mary was a Girl Scout. Since then, her business name has evolved and she has expanded her product line to include scented doughs (including natural scents!), glitter dough - even glow-in-the-dark dough! Mary's Soft Dough is non-crumbly and lasts for up to a year when stored properly.

Mary kindly sent me an assortment of her dough to try, including a Rainbow Tub of her classic solid colors, birthday cake scented dough (for the birthday boy!), eight 2 oz. solid color tubs for party favors and a tool set including fun shape cutters and a wooden dowel for flattening.

In short, I love this play dough! It's not sticky or crumbly. If it is left out and dries out, you can just add a little vegetable oil and it's good as new! The colors are bright without searing your corneas. The dough in the rainbow tub is separated by thin plastic layers so my OCD self can relax about the colors bleeding or mixing. It's also convenient to have just one big container rather than five little ones to store. Nate has a blast using the tool set to flatten the dough and cut shapes like frogs, squirrels, moon, stars, hearts, etc. The night before his birthday, there was a big thunderstorm in our area and he spent over an hour playing with his new dough. I loved watching his imagination soar and to see the masterpieces he could create:

The birthday cake scented dough was simply yummy! I thought it smelled more like cherry cobbler than birthday cake but it was still great. Nate apparently thought so too since he ate a bit of it. I didn't encourage the taste test but since I knew the ingredients were safe, I didn't flip my lid if he happened to take a few tiny bites here and there out of the corner of my eye.

Nate's big party will be on August 15th and I know his friends are going to love the Mary's Soft Dough they'll be getting in their favor bags. I can't wait to add the natural Orange Scented dough and the Playful Pink glitter dough to our collection. Okay, so the last one is more for Mommy. But with play dough this cool, I can't help but join in on the fun!

BUY IT: You can purchase the rainbow tub (ARV $9.95), scented dough (ARV $4.25), tool set (ARV $7.95) or browse Mary's amazing line of dough at www.softdough.com. It would make a great birthday gift too!

WIN IT: Mary is generously giving away one large Rainbow tub of her Soft Dough to one lucky reader!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Check out Mary's Soft Dough and tell me another kind of dough that you'd like to try. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Mary's Soft Dough on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:

#Win a rainbow tub of Mary's Soft Dough for hours of natural, fun play from @TerrapinToys and @kris10chumley! Ends 8/17 http://bit.ly/b4BlSf

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

5.) Add my blog button to your site and comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on August 17, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received the assortment of dough above at no charge from Mary at Terrapin Toys to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Attention Scrappers: Giveaways and Deals from DaisyTrail!

Are you into scrapbooking? Then you'll definitely want to check this out!

This week only, DaisyTrail, Serif’s social scrapbooking network, is hosting five days of giveaways and deals, ranging from digital scrapbooking giveaways to discounts in the DaisyTrail shop. Every day this week, they’re featuring a different deal, with a chance to win the DaisyTrail Digikit Collection 5.

To enter, you must be following @DaisyTrail on Twitter. Stay tuned to @DaisyTrail throughout the week for great discounts on digital scrapbooking supplies and additional giveaways and deals!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post.

DIY: Homemade Play Dough

As Nate nears 2, he's taken more of an interest in crafts. Particularly on rainy days when outdoor play is not an option. He loves to color and draw. And I love watching his imagination come to life. I also like that it is an activity that we can do together.

Because he loves to build, I considered buying him some Play-Doh. But I decided against it for several reasons. One, my toddler is still deep in his oral phase and since I can't be sure what it is comprised of, I'm nervous that he will ingest it and get a stomachache or worse. Second, it dries out over time and becomes a crumbly mess. Which also means I'd have to spend money to replace it often. Third, I'm not a huge fan of the plastic containers.

So, when I came across this recipe for homemade play dough via Real Moms...Real Views, I knew I had to give it a try. It's eco-friendly, super easy to make and the ingredients are all derived from common items you probably already have in your kitchen!

DIY Play Dough
Ages: 18 months +
Makes 3 cups

Ingredients

2 cups white flour (I personally recommend sifting for best results)
2 cups water, tinted with food coloring (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 teaspoons)*
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
Plastic gloves (optional)
Magnetic spice jars (we got our set of 6 at Linens ‘n Things for $20) or airtight containers

*If you want to create multiple colors, leave the water untinted, then divide the finished dough into balls and knead food coloring into each. (Wear plastic gloves to avoid staining your hands.) You can change colors by kneading together balls of different hues.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture holds together, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside until dough is cool enough to touch, about 5 minutes.



Step 2: Turn the clay onto a wax paper-lined countertop and knead it for 2-3 minutes.



Step 3: If you used untinted water, separate dough into palm-sized balls and knead food coloring into each ball of dough. Use less drops for a pastel hue or more for a bright, vibrant color. You'll want to use gloves during the process to avoid staining your hands. However, as the dough cools and the color is blended, it will no longer transfer.





Step 4: When completely cool, pack into spice jars or airtight containers. We used mason jars, as that is all we had on hand.



The dough may dry out with repeated play, but simply knead in a little more oil and it should soften back up. You could also add some vanilla or almond extract for a yummy scent.

I LOVE this recipe! The dough is so soft and smooth and easy for little hands to mold. We use cookie cutters to make different shapes or we start from scratch and sculpt our own creation. And if Nate happens to take a bite, I don't have to freak out because I know it is perfectly safe. Just think about the money you'll save since you won't have to buy the store-bought stuff! Not to mention you'll be doing the environment a solid.

This is a fun project for the entire family. Little ones will have fun playing with the finished product but older children will have a blast stirring, kneading and shaping. You could even recycle old plastic margarine tubs, Tupperware or tin coffee canisters by having your children decorate them as their own little play dough containers. Cut and tape/glue construction paper around the base and on top of the lid. Embellish with stickers, draw designs, write their name...the possibilities are endless!

Next DIY experiment: crayons!

Holiday Review and Giveaway: YouCanMakeThis.com CLOSED

You may remember back in October when I gave away a Halloween bundle courtesy of YouCanMakeThis.com, a veritable playground for DIY craft masters (and amateurs too!). Well, with the holidays looming just around the bend, YCMT is back with more tips and quick, easy gift ideas for family, friends, neighbors - even co-workers! With their detailed, step-by-step instructions and templates for unique, handcrafted treasures, you can cross everyone off your list this year with ease.

This month, you can enter to win eBooks from www.YouCanMakeThis.com and learn some fun new techniques to foster your creativity. Check out their free download for some adorable printable holiday gift tags! I know I'll be using these with my treat bags. Each of them coordinate with ideas found on the YouCanMakeThis.com blog as part of their DIY Gift Giving Series, as well as designs and patterns found at YCMT and www.SWAKembroidery.com. You can also enter to win hundreds of dollars in gift certificates simply by watching the videos in the series and answering questions on the YouCanMakeThis blog! If that's not incentive enough to peruse the site, I don't know what is!

I was lucky enough to receive the brand new pattern for the She Loves Me Knot handbag to review (ARV $8.00). First of all, how cute is this bag?! I fell in love with it the instant I saw it. Imagine the oohs and aahs you could get as you walk into the office, playgroup or girl's night out with this slung over your fashionable shoulder. No one would ever believe you made this! Yes, you!

Now, I am a novice when it comes to anything involving needle and thread. I have aspirations to knit and crochet but a chic crafty mama I am not. So, I will admit that I was a bit intimidated as I read over the instructions. Everything seemed so complicated and initially, my brain was overwhelmed. But as I read the details over one more time and acted out the instructions with bits of paper (yes, I'm a nerd like that!), I realized it wasn't nearly as dreadful as I originally thought. I liked that there weren't many fancy tools required to get the job done, since I don't own much in that department. And the pictures that coincide with every written step are so well done that it is actually pretty hard to screw up. I can't wait to visit my local fabric store to choose my designs and borrow my mom's sewing machine to construct this little handbag from heaven. Depending on how it goes, I may just make one to match all my favorite outfits :)

But don't feel left out because YCMT isn't giving you a lump of coal in your stocking this year...

WIN IT: They're offering two lucky winners just a little something for a Merry Christmas - a pattern for their Believe Pillow (ARV $6.00)!



This sweet pillow is enough to get even the Grinch in the holiday spirit! It's the perfect addition to your holiday home decor or would make a great hostess gift for any seasonal party you may be attending.

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Have a look around the YCMT website and tell me one thing you would love to make. Be sure to leave me your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my button and/or holiday guide button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

**Because you will likely want to make this in time for the holiday, I'm ending the contest in 8 days rather than the typical 14, which should allow ample time for craftiness. Merry Christmas and good luck!**

Giveaway will end on December 20, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Contest open worldwide. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was offered this review and giveaway opportunity from Courtney at YouCanMakeThis.com. I received one free download to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for my post.

Review and Giveaway: YouCanMakeThis.com CLOSED

When it comes to crafts, I'll be the first to admit it. I can't sew. I can't knit. I can't crochet. My mother-in-law has tried to show me the ropes a few times but when I attempt it on my own, my creations come out looking like geometric abstract art. Unintentionally. My forte is more paper crafts. I designed my own wedding invitations, place cards, table cards, CD favors, and programs. I have to say they turned out pretty darn good. Even better than some professional ones I'd seen. But if it involves a needle, yarn or thread, you can forget it. My hands just don't seem to want to work that way.

But now there's a site for the craft-impaired like me as well as the gurus: YouCanMakeThis.com.

Dedicated to helping you succeed in enjoying the creative process, YouCanMakeThis.com provides detailed, step-by-step guides for making fun projects in a variety of DIY categories. The guides are available for you to download immediately after purchase - most as PDF documents.

One glance around the site gave me confidence that even I could make some beautiful handcrafted items. From clothing to toys to home decor, the ladies of YCMT provide online tutorials to assist you every step of the way. And unlike many DIY sites, there are plenty of patterns for boys as well as girls. Any boy mama will appreciate this!

I had the pleasure of reviewing the Fancy Filled Tutu e-book. I may not have a little girl (yet) but this would be the perfect gift for my niece or friends' daughters. The instructions were explained in detail and were easy to understand. The corresponding pictures with every step were really helpful for a visual learner - and amateur - like me. Also included were 40 tutu "recipes" for any kind of color combination you can think of. I think I may borrow my mom's sewing machine and attempt to make a winter-themed tutu for a special Christmas gift. They're that cute!

Interested? Well here's a special treat just in time for Halloween...Courtney from YCMT is offering one lucky Goodie Goodie Gumdrops reader a bundle of seasonal downloads! That's a $50 value!



No tricks! As part of the prize pack, you'll receive the following patterns:

Fancy Filled Tutu with Bonus 40 Tutu "Recipes"
Pumpkin Polly Patterns
Paper Piecing Project: Pumpkin Patch Pillow
Frayed Applique: Too Cute to Spook!
Little Miss Spider Applique Patterns
How to Applique the Easy Way
Hocus Pocus Patterns
Just a Little Something for a Happy Halloween Table Runner

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): What are you or your kids dressing up as for Halloween this year? Be sure to leave me your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Visit the YCMT website and tell me one thing you want to make. (2 entries!)

2.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

3.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

4.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on October 25, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Contest open worldwide. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was offered this review and giveaway opportunity from Courtney at YouCanMakeThis.com. I received one free download to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for my post.