My First Giveaway!!!!!

                                                                    
A few months ago, I became part of the Purex Insiders group.  I've been able to try products before they hit the shelves, and now I get to give away some products!! 
                                    Today's giveaway is for Purex Crystals! I am IN LOVE with this product. It's easy to use, smells fantastic, and doesn't block flame retardants in kids sleepwear or absorbency in towels like liquid softeners do.
 
Here is a fact sheet for more information about how Purex Crystals work: Purex Crystals Fact Sheet.

After using Purex Crystals for two months now, I honestly can say I will not use any other fabric softener.  I used to use liquid, with sheets occasionally, but disliked the occasional spots on clothes and how it 'gunked up' our HE washer filters.  We had just switched to using vinegar for a softener, which was fine, but I missed the fabric softener fragrance.  I have tried the Lavender Blossom and Spring Waters fragrances, but not the Tropical Splash.  My favorite is Lavender Blossom.  

So, here is the GIVEAWAY!!!!!! My FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!! (Can you tell I'm a little excited?????)
THREE readers of The Loose Screw will win a coupon for a 28oz. bottle of Purex Crystals, which I will mail to the winners. You will have until May 30th  at 11:00 pm (MST) to enter, at which time I will choose the three winners using Random.org.  Here's how to enter:

1st Mandatory entry: Leave a comment below letting me know you'd like to win, and which of the three scents you think you might like the best. Make sure to leave your email in the comment so I can contact you if you are a winner.

Additional entry: Become a follower of The Loose Screw via Google Friend Connect!  Then leave me a separate comment letting me know you already are a follower or just signed up, and be sure to leave your email address. 

GOOD LUCK!!  I will announce the winners on June 1st!

WOO-HOO!!

A few months back, I asked for some support as I was applying to be part of a team of reviewers for an awesome homeschool magazine.  I needed more followers, and you were all great at helping me out.  Well, the application process is over and..... I got a spot on The Homeschool Crew!! I start in June. Thanks so much everyone!  Here is a link to the magazine if you want to check it out: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Book Review: Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic

When the opportunity arose to review Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic, I was intrigued.  My family had recently seen him speak at a church, and they had nothing but wonderful things to say about this amazing man.  This book is a combination of autobiography and inspirational.  It did not disappoint-it kept my attention to the end, and I had a hard time putting it down. 

Nick Vujicic tells of his difficult childhood, and all that he had to endure without arms and legs.  He describes times of depression and hopelessness, and how he rose out of these dark times to become a motivational speaker.  He teaches others how to accept what they cannot control and make the most of their lives.  His story is truly inspiring, and Life Without Limits is full of encouragement for your life.  Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Amazon.com: Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life (9780307589736): Nick Vujicic: Books

Amazon.com: Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life (9780307589736): Nick Vujicic: Books

31 Days to Clean-Week 1!

On May 1, I began the 31 Days to Clean Challenge through Joyfulmothering.  I really don't have any problems with housekeeping, other than not ever seeming to have enough time or energy to get it all done as often as I'd like. My home is usually picked up, just not as deep-clean as I'd like it.  With chronic illness affecting my energy and pain, along with homeschooling and a busy household where someone is always home 24/7, our house is very 'lived in' and I can't get it all done like I want it.  I've had to relax and let some things just get dusty and cluttered at times.  This Challenge appealed to me because it is more than just cleaning your house-it is also about cleaning up some things inside of you-"We’re going to declutter some junk from our hearts and dust off that motivation that’s been sitting on the shelf." 

So, I've finished through Day 5 and wanted to share with you the best part of the week.  No, it wasn't having a sparkling clean fridge (although that is always very nice!).  On Day 3, one of the challenges was to ask your family members what makes them feel loved that you do in caring for the home.  My kids responses really made me feel great!  Nick (19) said he feels loved when I offer to switch his laundry for him(the older kids do their own laundry), when I cook a big dinner from scratch, and when I just sit and joke with him or listen to his plans for the future.  Alyssa (16) said she feels loved when she sees how frugal I am with budgeting, planning, and sales/couponing.  I'm passing all I've learned over the years on to her, and she has become quite the sale shopper, and uses coupons too!!  Chad (8) was the real shocker: he said he feels loved when I homeschool him, and that he loves me teaching him!!  Melted my heart and made me feel so great!!  I wrestle all the time with  whether he would be happier in school, and that statement of his erased so many doubts I had.

If you are interested in joining the challenge, click on the link above.  If you aren't interested in joining but would like to buy the book, go to 31 Days to Clean.