icRKphJXQm-ezth8lntKydifkDg The Loose Screw: June 2012

Friday, June 29, 2012

Offer Extended~Ladies Home Journal


Remember when I posted that you can win a one year subscription to Ladies Home Journal, compliments of Purex Crystals?  The offer was supposed to end June 22nd, but they extended it!  There are still subscriptions available to win, so hurry and click here for your chance!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Winners~Dry Idea Giveaway!!

The winners of the Dry Idea coupons, chosen by Random.org, are......

STF
Yona
Heather Abbe

Congratulations!!  I have emailed each of you with further instructions. Thanks everyone for entering!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Dry Idea Giveaway and Sweepstakes!


As part of the Purex Insiders program, I was recently sent a sample of  Dry Idea AdvancedDry antiperspirant and deodorant.  This 24 hour protection is hypo-allergenic, contains vitamin E, and is their fast drying Microcotton formula.  I received a 3.25 oz roll-on in unscented.  It is also available in other scents-Powder Fresh and Cotton Dry, and in Clear Gel or Invisible Solid. Although I usually would prefer a solid, scented deodorant,  Dry Idea AdvancedDry worked great-I stayed dry and fresh all day running around doing errands in 95 degree weather!  For more information on Dry Idea, go to their website and/or Facebook page.


Right now, Dry Idea is having a sweepstakes with $1000 in prizes.  There is a $500 grand prize, and 10 winners will each win $50!! Click here to enter the sweepstakes, which runs through July 13th. 

Giveaway!!!

Three The Loose Screw Readers will each win a coupon for one free Dry Idea AdvancedDry antipersperant/deodorant!

One entry each (leave a separate comment for each entry):
1.  Like Dry Idea on Facebook-let them know I sent you!
2.  Enter the Dry Idea Sweepstakes.
3.  Like my Facebook page.
4.  Follow me on GFC, Linky Followers, and/or Google Plus (one entry each, all on right sidebar).
5.  Follow me on Twitter @athenalang.
6.  Tweet about this giveaway, sending me the link.
7.  Blog about this giveaway, sending me the link.
8.  Post on Facebook about this giveaway, and send me the link. 

This giveaway will end on June 26th at midnight MST.  Winners will be notified by email.  Good luck and thanks for dropping by!!




Monday, June 18, 2012

Review~Creation Illustrated magazine


Creation Illustrated magazine has been called by some readers the 'Christian answer to National Geographic'. It has been published quarterly for 19 years by a homeschooling family!  Here is the Mission Statement from the website:

"Our purpose is to share the wonders of God's creation. By revealing fresh insights of His infinite wisdom, gentle touch, undeniable justice, redeeming love, and flawless design, pure truth shall bring renewed peace. Each part of this publication is offered as a reprieve from the daily rigors of life so that all can look to the future with unbridled gratitude and hope."

My family was sent four copies of Creation Illustrated to review.  I must say, I was impressed right off the bat!  The covers are thick and glossy, and the pages inside are full of gorgeous photos!!  Each edition of Creation Illustrated is divided into three sections:
*Creation Illustrated in Nature
*Creation Illustrated in Scripture
*Creation Illustrated in Living

Besides the beautiful pictures, Creation Illustrated includes stories, lessons, poetry, recipes, scripture, contests and more!  I really liked the instructional guide at the back of each edition, making this magazine perfect for homeschooling or family devotionals. Creation Illustrated is for all ages, and everyone enjoyed looking and reading.  This is not a magazine you toss out when you are finished reading it!

Right now, you can get a free sample issue at the Creation Illustrated website.  Subscription prices are:
1 year (4 issues): $19.95
2 years (8 issues): $37.95
3 years (12 issues): $53.95
Also, you will save $5 on your subscription if you pay by credit card.  There are shipping fees of $5/year for Canadian and $10/year for foreign subscriptions. 

Interested in more reviews of Creation Illustrated by the Schoolhouse Review Crew?  Click here!


*Disclaimer: I was given this product free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Book Review and Contest~Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore


I'm not one to usually read Young adult or paranormal-themed books, but I thought it was time to get out of my comfort zone and try reading something a little different (not Amish fiction).  Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore is the story of Brielle, who had been going to school in the city when tragedy struck her best friend.  She moved back to the small town she grew up in to continue High School, wracked with grief and guilt.  She struggles to get through each day, always thinking about her best friend and also her mother, who passed away when she was younger. 

Jake is the new boy at school, and there is something strange about him-he always shows up wherever she is, and he's warm-literally.  His skin is very warm to the touch.  She is drawn to him, and soon discovers there are angels and demons among them.  Together Brielle and Jake fight for what is good, as Brielle discovers a deeper faith and healing. 

Angel Eyes kept me interested through the entire story.  Although its not what I would normally choose to read, it was better than I expected!  This would be a good book for an older teenager or young adult.  To read more about author Shannon Dittemore, go to http://www.shannondittemore.com/. This book review is part of a blog tour running from 6/9-6/26.  To see the full schedule and read more reviews of Angel Eyes, click here


Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!

Find out what readers are saying here.


One "angelic" winner will receive:

  • A Brand New Nook Color
  • A copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Angel Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26. Shannon will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June 26th for a chance to meet Shannon and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

*Disclaimer: I was given a copy of Angel Eyes free in exchange for my honest review. 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Wordless Wednesday~All Grown Up


Book Review~The Fiddler


One of my favorite authors of Amish fiction is Beverly Lewis, who is given much of the credit for beginning this genre in 1997.  I've read many of her books, and am always excited when she writes something new!  The Fiddler is the first in a brand new series, Home to Hickory Hollow.  I couldn't wait for it to arrive in the mail, and read it quickly within a few days.  Beverly Lewis did it again-an excellent story!

Englisher Amelia Devries has trained her entire life to be a concert violinist, her father's dream.  She also loves to play the fiddle for crowds, which is a fact she is keeping from her father.  She feels she is at a crossroads-does she continue with her promising career touring as a classical violinist? She also dreams of having her own family and settling down. 

Michael Hostetler is part of an Old Order Amish community, but is defying his communities rules and getting a higher education.  He has not yet become a member of the church, and is torn between the Amish and English worlds.  Then he meets Amelia, and brings her to his community, where she falls in love with his Amish friends and family.  They also both realize they have feelings for each other, and must decide which direction their lives should take. 

*Disclaimer: I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.


Winner~ Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil!!



The winner of the Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil is......

Beth Elderton!! 

Congratulations Beth, I have sent you an email!
Thanks everyone for entering!!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Homemade Deodorant Recipe


So on Monday, when I posted my Coconut Oil giveaway I mentioned that I make my own deodorant with coconut oil, and promised the recipe the next day-whoops!  The week has flown by and here we are on Friday. A little late, but here it is.  Thanks to Amy at Life's Little Crazies for sharing with me!!  This recipe comes from Crunchy Betty-click to go to her original post that I got the recipe from, for even more info.

1/4 c. baking soda
1/4 c. cornstarch or arrowroot powder
5Tbsp coconut oil
Optional-essential oils for scent

Mix everything together very well in a small container. 

We love this deodorant.  I've been using a clinical strength deodorant, and this works even better.  I personally didn't use the essential oils, as I love the smell of the coconut oil.  The interesting thing is that depending on how warm it is, your deodorant may have a different consistency one day to the next.  When it was colder, mine was very solid; now that it is warm it is more liquid. 

Want to win some coconut oil?  Click here for my giveaway going on through June 12th!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Review and GIVEAWAY~ Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil!!


I first discovered Coconut Oil about three years ago.  I saw a small jar in a health food store on clearance and loved the way it smelled!  I mostly used it on my skin.  I've since learned that there are SO MANY more uses for Coconut Oil!

I've been continuing buying my coconut oil, usually purchasing whatever was on sale at the health food store.  Then I got this opportunity to review Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  I figured there couldn't be that much difference-coconut oil is coconut oil, right? I was wrong.  The quality of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil far surpasses what I was purchasing. The texture, scent, and taste are all exceptional!

The story of how Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil began is is great-check out the YouTube video below!  I was really impressed to watch how the oil is made-their premiere brand is still made completely by hand!  Also, Tropical Traditions is the #1 seller of Coconut Oil in America!  I must admit, I have not used Coconut oil in my cooking very much-I use it for lots of personal care. My favorite thing to make with Coconut Oil is deodorant-its amazing!  I will post the recipe on the blog tomorrow. 

If you haven't already figured it out, I'm sold on this Coconut Oil-it's my new brand!  Would you like to try it for yourself??  Well, Tropical Traditions has been generous-one The Loose Screw reader will win their own 32oz. Coconut Oil, shipped to their home!!

The Giveaway!!

Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - 32 oz.Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil? coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality
You have lots of chances to enter-please just leave a comment for each entry:

1.  For TEN entries: Subscribe to Tropical Tradition's email sales newsletter, then come back and leave me a comment letting me know you did.

The following are for one entry each:
 2.  Leave a comment-what is your favorite way to use Coconut Oil?
 3. Follow me on GFC, Linky Followers, and/or Google Plus (one entry each, all over in the right sidebar)
4.  Follow me on Twitter @athenalang
5.  'Like' my new Facebook page!
6.  Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter @troptraditions or @ttsspecialdeals
7.  'Like' Tropical Traditions on Facebook.
8.  Follow Tropical Traditions on Pinterest and/or Google Plus.
9.  Blog about this giveaway, leave me the link.
10.  Tweet about this giveaway, leave me the link.
11.  Post on Facebook about this giveaway, leave me the link.

This contest will end on June 12th, 2012 at midnight MST.  The winner will be notified the next day by email.  Good luck!!

*Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

You can win a subscription to Ladies Home Journal!


Purex is giving away free subscriptions to Ladies Home Journal!  Click here to enter-the giveaway ends June 22nd.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Winners! Honey Bunches of Oats Giveaway!



The winners of a coupon for a free box of Honey Bunches of Oats are:
Renee G
Janetfaye
Jessica Anderson

I have emailed the three of you with instructions-Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered!