DIY Event Flowers to Save Money [ad]

Are you looking to save money on your wedding? Is your goal to have an eco-friendly wedding? Do you have a creative side that you want to utilize to plan and design your wedding? Bloominous can be a great option for you! Bloominous is a provides easy, DIY floral arrangement kits for weddings and events. Bloominous DIY flowers save you money and come with step-by-step arrangement instructions.

Bloominous currently offers 5 collections and are in the process of adding more. The collections are beautiful and are easy to put together with the step-by-step instructions that come with every order. I really like that the expert designed collections are fitting for just about any type of event or wedding theme.

The flowers are real, come straight from the farm, and are cut-to-order. Flowers are dethorned and pre-portioned. The flowers are shipped by air to ensure freshness. Once you receive the flowers, you follow the pictorial instructions to create each piece in under 15 minutes.

There are three advantages to using Bloominous:

1. Cost Savings - brides can save from 30-50% off their original floral budget.
2. Easy DIY Flowers - flowers are cut-to-order, pre-prepped, dethorned, and trimmed. Instructions assist in quick arrangements.
3. High Quality, Professional Design - all collections contain specialty flowers. 

Take the guesswork out of DIY and save time and money with Bloominous. The step-by-step instructions are easy for any experience level. The high quality, professionally designed collections will impress your guests! Bloominous also offers trial kits that would be perfect for a small gathering.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received small compensation to provide you with this content. Regardless, I recommend products and services that I would personally use and believe would be good for my readers.

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Tropical Traditions FREE Shipping Coupon Code Today Only!

Tropical Traditions is offering FREE shipping TODAY ONLY!

FREE SHIPPING COUPON FOR ALL DOMESTIC GROUND ORDERS TODAY ONLY!
Through midnight EST, Monday, January 6th, all Tropical Traditions ground shipments within the United States will be FREE with the use of our FREE Shipping coupon! This special offer does not apply to refrigerated or frozen items, products shipped directly from our farms in WI (Eggs, Produce, Lady Finger Popcorn, Heirloom Dry Shell Bean Mix, Heirloom Cornmeal, and Heirloom Whole Kernel Corn), or to rebounders, which are shipped by the manufacturer. It also does not apply to 3 day, 2nd day air, or overnight shipments. Coupon does not apply to Healthy Buyer's Club discounted items. A minimum order of $12.99 is required.

NOTE: To take advantage of this special, you MUST enter coupon code 141611 in your cart before checking out and choose either Ground or SmartPost from the drop down list of shipping options! For customers in Hawaii and Alaska, please choose the USPS free shipping option.FREE shipping is NOT applied automatically. This coupon cannot be used in combination with gift certificates. Orders placed before today cannot be refunded for shipping chargesmbination with gift certificates. Orders placed before today cannot be refunded for shipping charges. 

Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link to where I usually shop. Your purchases support this blog at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I feature and recommend only brands and products that I myself would use.

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Ozeri Instavac Green Earth Food Storage Container Set [Review]

Although I have slowly been transitioning from plastic storage containers to glass storage containers with the goal of 100% glass storage containers, I have realized that there is a time and a place for plastic storage containers. A good set of 1-4 cup glass storage containers is essential. They work well for reheating leftovers in the microwave and in a toaster oven or full oven. However, as the size of the glass container grows, they become heavy, especially when filled. When we travel for the holidays, I need to transport baked goods or prepared foods to contribute to family meals. For example, 16 scones need to fit into one container. I tend to be clumsy at times and carrying large glass containers full of food always makes me nervous. Ozeri Instavac Food Storage Containers are efficient and functional, saving food, time and money.

Ozeri INSTAVAC Green Earth Food Storage Container Set    
    ($24.95)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Large storage, nesting containers	Made from plastic
Instant vacuum seal
Stain resistant plastic

I look for three things with storage containers:

1. Eco-friendly, green, and non-toxic materials
2. Efficient storage
3. Functionality (size, fit of lid, etc)

Ozeri Instavac Food Storage Container Set contains 4 plastic food storage containers (BPA-free). Each container is microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. Although, I would personally not microwave or put plastic in the dishwasher because the heat will cause the plastic to break down and degrade over time. The plastic is see through. The largest container can hold 21 cups and would be perfect for storing a whole batch of scones or muffins. 

The main feature that makes Ozeri Instavac Food Storage Containers unique is the patented valve system that allows you to quickly remove excess air to prevent growth of bacteria. This mean that foods will stay fresh longer. Remove excess air by pressing down on the lid, forcing the air out of the container through a one-way valve. Minimal effort for longer lasting food? Yes, please. I try to be diligent about taking inventory of the fridge, but sometimes, I miss containers that have made their way to the back. I can be confident that the food in containers that get "lost" in the fridge will last just a little bit longer when using Ozeri Instavac Food Storage Containers. Plus, the bottom of each container has a wave pattern that elevates food off the bottom to keep food from deteriorating from sitting in water or its own juices.

The feature that initially caught my eye about the Ozeri Instavac Food Storage Container Set is that the four storage containers nest within each other. I only have to create a little bit of space for the biggest size container. My cabinet space is already limited so I am constantly looking to consolidate my storage containers.

If you are sick of digging through your storage containers to find the best airtight container to keep food fresher longer and provide the most functionality, look to Ozeri Instavac Food Storage Container Set. This most effective vacuum-sealed container set will save food, save time, and save money. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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Tropical Traditions FREE Shipping Coupon Code Today Only!

Tropical Traditions is offering FREE shipping TODAY ONLY!

I always wait for the free shipping coupon code to place a big order and stock up. Today, I ordered Household Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent, Household Traditions Dish Liquid and a Coconut Oil Shampoo Bar.

FREE SHIPPING COUPON FOR ALL DOMESTIC GROUND ORDERS TODAY ONLY!
Through midnight EST, Monday, December 9th, all Tropical Traditions ground shipments within the United States will be FREE with the use of our FREE Shipping coupon! This special offer does not apply to refrigerated or frozen items, products shipped directly from our farms in WI (Eggs, Produce, Lady Finger Popcorn, Heirloom Dry Shell Bean Mix, Heirloom Cornmeal, and Heirloom Whole Kernel Corn), or to rebounders, which are shipped by the manufacturer. It also does not apply to 3 day, 2nd day air, or overnight shipments. Coupon does not apply to Healthy Buyer's Club discounted items. A minimum order of $12.99 is required.

NOTE: To take advantage of this special, you MUST enter coupon code 91312 in your cart before checking out and choose either Ground or SmartPost from the drop down list of shipping options! For customers in Hawaii and Alaska, please choose the USPS free shipping option.FREE shipping is NOT applied automatically. This coupon cannot be used in combination with gift certificates. Orders placed before today cannot be refunded for shipping charges. 

Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link to where I usually shop. Your purchases support this blog at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I feature and recommend only brands and products that I myself would use.

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Nesco Digital Food Dehydrator [Giveaway]

Prize:

Nesco Gardenmaster Digital Pro Food Dehydrator

ARV $170

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug
and 
M.O.O.N.

"New Digitally Controlled" unit! Top mounted fan eliminates liquids dripping into the heater chamber. Expands to a giant 20 trays so you can dry large quantities all at once! 1000 watts of drying power means you can dry more, faster. Patented Converga-Flow® forces heated air down the exterior pressurized chamber, then horizontally across each individual tray, converging in the center, for fast, even and nutritious drying. If you are an aspiring gardener or love to visit your local farmers market, then you need a dehydrator.  There is no better and easier way to preserve in-season produce than to dehydrate it.
Fast, Powerful Fan! A quiet, 2,400-RPM motor and specially designed 4-1/2 inch fan mean faster, more nutritious drying.  Adjustable Thermostat!  The adjustable 90-160 degree F digital control gives you the flexibility to get the best results.

 As needs grow, this four-tray unit can be expanded with accessory Add-A-Trays®, up to 20 trays (20 sq. ft.) Drying pressure adjusts automatically to the number of trays.  Included  accessories: No-Spill Fruit Roll Sheet, Clean-A-Screen®, Jerky Spice Packet and Cure.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway
"Make Our Own Network" solely organized this event and I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own or even those stated in this post. All Natural Katie is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is open to the Continental US only (because of shipping costs) and will end on August 29th, 2013

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Challenge: Cooking Without Small Appliances [#CTWW]

Some might call me crazy, some might appreciate, but only a few will understand. When cooking side items for the holidays, I decided not to use any powered small appliances, only the stove and oven. It's just me, the cutting board, the knife, and the mortar and pestle. Who needs a food processor?!?! Chop the almonds, toast, then grind them up with the mortar and pestle. No annoying sounds of small appliances and no need to clean them. Yes, it takes a little elbow grease, but I can enjoy the relaxing music playing through the iPod speakers.

>> What are some of your eco-friendly tips for reducing impact on the environment?
  

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Take the Crock Pot Outside

Have you ever thought twice about cooking in a crock pot during the summer because you did not want to make your hot house even hotter? I have! During the hot days of summer, I try to limit my use of the oven and the crock pot, and sometimes even the stove. Obviously, cooking with the oven, crock pot, and stove will increase the temperature in your kitchen. I read a little tip on a eco-friendly forum about keeping your crock pot in the breezeway/mud room or even outside on the patio table. Basically, keeping the crock pot out of the house. Since we have a perfectly good (and hot) breezeway, I thought this would be the perfect location to leave the crock pot cooking all day long. The breezeway is right outside of the kitchen, so I could keep an eye on the crock pot, but not worry about making it hotter in the kitchen or smelling up the house. Additionally, I am sure that the hot temperature of the breezeway helped the crock pot stay at the right temperature. If you have electrical outlets outside your house, such a breezeway, deck, patio, or even garage, take the crock pot outside to keep the heat out of the kitchen. If you are worried about flies or bugs, place an old kitchen towel over the top surface area.

>> What are you tips for keeping heat out of the kitchen in the summer?
 

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I Found My Library Card!

I was looking for paper to write a Thank You note and I found my library card! I do not know why I am so excited about finding my library card. The last time I used the library was in middle school, in a different state. I recall several years ago, I ordered the library card online. The card arrived in the mail, but I have never used it. I am sure that the library has tons of books on eco-friendly and green living, so I will have to pay a visit this summer.

The library is an eco-friendly, reusable, and frugal resource. When you are finished reading a book, you return it to the library, and let someone else read the book. Using the library is free! Additionally, you are saving the cost of the book and reducing clutter in your home. You will also help to reduce the amount of paper needed to create new books. Public libraries are a great way for your family to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.

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Reused Gift Wrapping

The first eco-friendly gift of the season has been wrapped and is under the Christmas tree. Here is what I used:

1. Plain paper used to wrap fragile items at Home Goods
2. Shoelace-type string from a J Crew bag
3. Red ribbon from a Victoria's Secret bag

I need to add a name tag and the gift will be complete.

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Green Motivation Monday: Buy a Live Christmas Tree

This post is part of the Green Motivation Monday series. The purpose of these weekly posts is to offer motivation to take a small baby step in the green and eco-friendly direction. Of course, I will be taking the step right along with you. I will let you know how I did and I hope you let me know what you were able to accomplish.

Motivation: Buy a live Christmas tree instead of an artificial Christmas tree.

I asked my husband if he thought that a real tree or an artificial tree was more eco-friendly. His answer: artificial tree. Initially, we both thought that an artificial tree would be more eco-friendly because you are reusing the same tree year after year and not cutting down real trees. We were both wrong!

Real Christmas trees are the eco-friendly choice. Buy a tree with the root ball and you are being even more eco-friendly because the tree can be planted after the holidays are over. Good Girl Gone Green and Earth 911 cover the debate of "real vs. fake" and also promote buying a real Christmas tree. Over the long run, a real tree will cost you more money. However, the positive environmental impact of buying a real tree every year will outweigh your out-of-pocket cost in the end.

Artificial Christmas trees are harmful. They can potentially cause cancer because they are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is “one of the most environmentally offensive forms of non-renewable, petroleum-derived plastic.” Fake trees might contain lead and other additives that have been linked to liver, kidney, neurological and reproductive system damage in lab studies on animals.

I challenge you to buy a real Christmas tree (even if it is a small one) and stand clear of fake, toxic plastic trees!
  

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