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Monday, November 27, 2017

The Merry Kid-oliday Giveaway!

I am thrilled to co-host this amazing, perfect-for-gift-giving, giveaway! Here's hoping someone from the Green Grandma community nabs this awesome prize!



Sponsored By: PlaSmart, I See Me!, Handpainting - Fine Art Prints, Farm Hoppers, The Pencil Grip, and Ailihen

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive: 

$244 worth of goodies!


PlasmaCar 
in winner's choice of in-stock color! $69.99 RV!

I See Me! 

My Very Own Christmas Personalized Gift Set $44.99 RV!

Handpainting - Fine Art Prints

Winner's choice of any four, 8x10 prints! 
Pick out a set of 4 prints, or mix and match! $54 RV!
Winner's choice of in-stock Farm Hopper! $29.89 RV!

The Pencil Grip

A 24 pack of Thin Stix! $24.99 RV!


Ailihen HD850 Volume Limiting Headphones 

with SharePort and Microphone! 

Winner's choice of in-stock color! $19.98 RV!


Open To US entrants and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway runs from 9:00am EST 11/27/17 through 11:59pm EST12/14/17


Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Friday, November 24, 2017

BRICK LOOT -- What's Inside?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for my honest opinion.


It's Black Friday. Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. And, of course, 2 days later, we have Cyber Monday. What's a shopper to do? I have a suggestion. And I have a secret. Promise you won't tell my grandson? Okay. I got him this awesome gift for Christmas. Actually, it was sent to me to review, but he's the one that will find it under the tree. Just don't tell him, okay? 

Have you heard of BRICK LOOT? If you have a LEGO or Brick fan on your gift list, then you really need to read this review. 

BRICK LOOT is a box subscription company for LEGO and Brick fanatics! Subscribers will receive a monthly box filled with unique, custom, and never-before-seen items including custom LEGO kits, LEGO mini-figures and more. BRICK LOOT boxes are filled with 4 - 8 items that were hand-picked by Brick specialists who diligently search for the newest and coolest products for your kids to collect. 


Now, for me, the very best thing about BRICK LOOT is that it was invented by a 9-year-old. Seriously. Nine years old! But that makes sense, doesn't it? Who better to understand what kids love than a kid himself?

I was pleasantly surprised by the selection in my November box. And I think my grandson will love it. What's not to love? Check it out:



Green Grandma readers are in luck! They get to save 12% by simply using the code "usfamily12" at checkout. Click here to get started! You're guaranteed to be the "cool" mom, dad, grandparent, uncle, aunt, or friend when your LEGO or Brick lover opens their very first box!

Reviewing it for you,



Thursday, November 23, 2017

Thanksgiving 2017. What I'm thankful for.


It's been quite the year for me. While 2016 was marked by the deaths of 20 family members or friends, 2017 has been a respite from that kind of intense grief. For that, I'm thankful.

It's been a busy year. Nearly one year ago, I stepped outside my comfort zone and, at 59 years of age, stepped foot into a new office and a new career. I hadn't worked full-time outside of my home since 1982 -- yes, you read that correctly -- yet, here I was starting something new. From voice-over talent, writer, editor, blogger, and speaker to COO/manager of a non-medical in-home care agency in Pittsburgh, I accepted a challenge and lived up to it. For that, I'm thankful.

It's been a scary year, or at least a scary October. On October 3rd, my 70-year-old husband had a massive heart attack and almost died. I was leaving for work when he yelled down and asked me not to leave. Moments later, he told me to call 911. Within minutes, there were six emergency response personnel crowded into our bedroom. As they put him in the ambulance, I was struck with the realization that my husband was dying. My 5'10", 172-pound husband with a cholesterol reading of 121 and triglycerides at 125, was dying.

They didn't fool around once he arrived at the hospital. Rather, they rushed him into the cath lab where they discovered a 99% blockage in his main left anterior artery. Twice, while he was on the table, they had to shock his heart back into rhythm. Two stents later, he was out of the woods.

The thing is, he was this close to death. Had I left for work a few minutes earlier, this post would have a different message and I would bear the title widow once again. But I didn't leave earlier and, today, I'll enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with him by my side. For that, I'm thankful.

This year there have been many more causes for me to lift my heart heavenward and utter the words, "Thank You." But the above three rise above the rest. Every day, I'm met with reasons to sing praises. Sometimes, I have to dig a little deeper to find them, but they're always there.

Today, as you gather around the table to enjoy food, family, and friends, don't skip the most important part. Say thanks for the many blessings in your life. After all, gratitude costs us nothing, but the rewards are deep in riches.

Happy Thanksgiving! Tell me, what are you most grateful for?


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Squirmy kiddo? Enter to win a YochiYochi 3-in-1 Safety Harness!

Sponsored By: Lucky Baby World

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

5 WINNERS will receive: 

A YochiYochi 3-in-1 Safety Harness

Can be used as a walking harness, portable high chair, and cart safety strap. Oh, oh, oh how I wish I'd had one of these when my youngest was little. What a squirmer, runner, climber she was! I truly needed this!


$135 TRV Giveaway!


Open to US entrants only and must be 18+ to enter.
Giveaway Dates ~ 11/22 9:00AM EST through 12/13 11:59PM EST

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winners will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

A monthly subscription box for wine? Yes, please!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for my honest opinion.



Those who know me, know I love a good glass of red wine. I'm especially a fan of blends. Cabernet/merlot. Malbec/syrah. Petite syrah/cabernet/shiraz. Yeah... the more the merrier. When I heard about Winc, I was thrilled; especially when they agreed to send me four bottles to try out their subscription service. I mean, really... how could I refuse?

When you join Winc, you receive a monthly box containing four bottles of wine delivered right to your door. And one of the great features of Winc is that the shipping is FREE. Yep. You don't pay anything for this wine-to-your-door service. And let's face it -- that's something you busy moms can appreciate once your kiddos are all tucked in for the night. Ahhh... it's time to relax in front of the fire with a glass of Merlot and your honey. Or slip into a hot bath with a chilled Chardonnay and a good book. 

Wait... did I take that mom-has-time-to-herself thing a bit too far? Then you definitely deserve a glass of wine now and then!

Anyway, grandmas like me appreciate Winc. As do grandpas. And busy dads. And single folks curled up on the couch with some popcorn and a Netflix marathon. 

I really enjoyed each bottle I received, which I selected from the website. My only issue was that most of the wines were from California. Ever since the news about California wines being tainted with glyphosate (even the organic ones, although the levels were significantly lower than conventional wines), whenever possible I've chosen wines from Chile, Australia, Italy, France, etc. I just prefer to not ingest Roundup, you know?

I did choose one California wine, however, and it was quite good. The cool thing is you can choose which four bottles to receive or you can let them surprise you. Surprises are fun, right?


The box I received included a funky little book welcoming me to Winc. It was an A to Z guide to wine with lovely photos and whimsical illustrations. A little light reading for me while I sat down to enjoy my first glass of full-bodied red. What a great combination.




To be honest, there was one thing I did not like about Winc. That was the late night text message I received at 10:36 p.m. to let me know my Winc wine was on its way. Not cool. Now they clearly state on the website that they will send shipping updates between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and you can opt out of the text messages, but obviously they hadn't taken my time zone into account when they sent it. I was not a happy camper. I mean, seriously. At least you can opt out and not be disrupted by unnecessary texts. 

If you're looking for a great gift for the wine lover on your gift list who seems to have everything or who doesn't need more stuff, consider a Winc subscription or gift card. Bottles start at just $13 and the gift cards start at $60 which allows the recipient the chance to choose the red or white wines that best suit their taste. It's better than another sweater, right? 

But it get's better! You can save $22 off your first month of Winc. Just click this link to access your savings! 

And, of course, I can't write this post in good conscience without including the warning to drink responsibly and to not drive while doing so (or afterwards, for that matter). But that's one of the great things about Winc -- it comes to you while you're in the safety of your home. Cheers!

Reviewing it for you,




Monday, November 6, 2017

LEGO and Brick subscription box? Of course!



So, this is pretty awesome. I'll be reviewing a Brick Loot subscription box, but before I do, I wanted to let you in on the savings!

Brick Loot is a box subscription company for LEGO and Brick fanatics! Subscribers will receive a monthly box filled with unique, custom, and never-before-seen items including Custom LEGO Kits, LEGO Mini-figures and more!

Brick Loot boxes are filled with 4-8 items that were hand-picked by Brick specialists who scour the world for the newest and coolest products for you to collect.

Invented by a 9-year-old, this box is fun for ages 6-99! Did you get that? Invented by a 9-year-old!!

My readers get to save! Click here to save 12% off Brick Loot using code "usfamily12".

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Grinning & Giving -- $100 PayPal Giveaway!


It's November! That means gift-giving season is right around the corner! 

I remember how I used to buy gifts throughout the year and stash them in my gift cupboard. That meant there wasn't a strain on the budget in December (or credit card debt in the new year). 

However, life has been extraordinarily busy this year and at this point I have next to nothing. Zilch. Nada. How about you? If you're disciplined type, you probably not only have your gifts bought, but wrapped as well. Unimaginable for a procrastinator like me. Wrapping is a chore left for as close to Christmas as I can manage. 

If you're done, then this giveaway is perfect for a little pampering for you. But if you're like me, then this $100 PayPal giveaway will go to good use toward the upcoming holiday expenses. 

The giveaway runs for the entire month of November and the winner will be drawn on 12/1/17. Open to everyone ages 18+ WW, but the winner must have a PayPal account to accept the prize

Good luck!

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Ain't it Grand... GrandBox that is


The holidays and gift-giving season are swiftly moving in upon us. You may have a long list of ideas for your kids, nieces and nephews, or even your grandkids. But what about the seniors in your life? Grandparents are often difficult to buy for simply because they don't want must more stuff. Often, they're far away and we all know shipping is expensive. Floral deliveries are fine, but maybe this year it's time to break away from the overpriced poinsettias (they are expensive to have delivered, aren't they??) or the fruit baskets with a bit too much fruit in them for one or two people to enjoy. That's why I encourage you to check out GrandBox, a monthly care-package sent directly to your loved one(s). 



GrandBox is a monthly subscription box curated specifically for seniors 65 and up. Each box can be personalized with family photos and a note. It's the perfect gift to bring a smile to the faces of the ones you love.


Because GrandBox wanted me to introduce their program to you, they sent a care-package to my husband. First, they asked me to send them five photos via email. They printed the pictures and included them, with a note I wrote, in the box filled with the following:



  • Farmer's Pantry Cornbread Crisps
  • Maple Creme Cookies from Dare (Oh.my.goodness... so delicious!)
  • BigSlice Kettle Cooked Apples (a pouch of cooked apples)
  • Honey and Almond Room Spray from Michel Designs 
  • Tenzi: the world's best dice game!

Pretty darn cool. Of course, these are not organic/non-GMO snacks, so don't expect that. But still, they were really good and my husband enjoyed receiving the box. He especially liked that it was personalized with pictures of the grandkids.

Select a plan -- monthly, 3, 6, or 12 month plans are available. All have free shipping in the U.S. and you can cancel at any time!

Go ahead -- send a smile! You'll be glad you did!

Reviewing it for you,


Friday, October 27, 2017

Washing dishes? Let me at them!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for this review. However, it represents my honest opinion about the product and company.


Every once in awhile, I stumble upon an earth-friendly product that I simply love. In this case, the company stumbled upon me and asked me if I'd be willing to review their dishwashing liquid. Why, yes. Yes I would.



I'm elated that I agreed to do this review because, quite honestly, I love True Green Organics Eco Safe Dishwash Liquid. Love it.

Let's be honest -- washing dishes is rarely something people look forward to. But at the end of my work day, I actually enjoy washing our dishes and coffee cups in our small bathroom sink. Why? Because the smell that wafts up from the hot soapy water is divine. Aromatherapy at its finest.

Eco Safe Dishwash Liquid has a lemon lime scent that draws me in. There's no debate on who is going to do the dishes at the office. I want to do them. I want to breathe in the scent and enjoy the benefits of soft hands when I'm done.

We don't have a kitchen sink here at the office, so dishes have to be washed in the bathroom. I clean the sink first with a Norwex Envirocloth before squirting a bit of the lemon lime dishwashing liquid under hot running water. Then I proceed to wash the silverware, glasses/cups, and finally a plate or two. After I drain the sink, I rinse everything well and set it out to dry.

But there's more to loving True Green Organics Eco Safe Dishwash Liquid than my own experience with it. The company's philosophy has won me over.



Owned and run by a family who believes in the importance of taking care of our lakes, streams, waterways, and the environment as a whole. Like me, they know that every little thing we do for the earth adds up and makes a difference. The following information is posted on their website: "In the USA and Canada alone, more than 6.7 billion ounces of harmful petrochemicals and toxic synthetics are washed into our local waterways from the products we use daily." That's an alarming statistic, don't you think? But if each of us does our part to eliminate these chemicals from our homes, it truly will make a difference. Switching our dishwashing liquid to something safe and organic is a start.

True Green Organics Eco Safe Dishwash Liquid has zero toxins, is biodegradable, and is garden and septic safe. It is free from: 

  • Zeolite
  • added mineral phosphate or enzymes
  • bleaching and brightening chemicals
  • fillers
  • synthetic fragrances
  • artificial colors
  • animal ingredients
Plus, it's vegan friendly, gluten free, cruelty free, chemical free, and contains NO GMOs!

They even kept the environment in mind when creating their eco friendly labels, which are made from crushed rock without using any water, trees, bleach, or toxic inks!

To be honest, the only thing I don't like about the product is the price. At $16.99/8 oz. or $24.99/16 oz. on Amazon, I find it a bit steep for most families trying to live greener lives on a tight budget. However, a couple drops are all you need to create enough suds to produce squeaky clean dishes.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely. You can learn more on the True Green Organics website. And don't forget to like them on Facebook.

Reviewing it for you,



Friday, October 20, 2017

Meet Lottie. And enter to win!

Sponsored By: Lottie

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner will receive: 

Their choice of Lottie Doll - up to a $25 RV!

Many of Lottie's dolls, outfits, accessories, and play-sets come straight from 
the amazing and awe-inspiring imaginations of children.
That's what makes their range of dolls so relate-able and it's what I love most about them.
Kids have helped to create a range of toys they actually want to play with!

Open to Worldwide entries and must be 18+ to enter.
Giveaway Dates ~ 10/20 9:00 AM EST through 11/10 11:59PM EST


Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Stupidity does not define me, but at times I think it must

Formaldehyde in clothing. I know it's there. It's commonly used to treat clothing before shipping from China and other overseas locations. That's why it's vital, as in super important, that we wash new clothing before we wear it or put in onto our precious little ones' bodies. 

I know all that. But, like I said above, stupidity does not define, but at times I think it must. Yesterday was one of those times.



I discovered a new resale shop on Saturday and was happy to pick up a couple of pieces of Stella & Dot jewelry, a super-comfy cable knit sweater, and a brand new with tags pair of Ann Taylor Loft black skinny jeans that fit perfectly (and cost a mere $8!).

Normally, I have to wash secondhand clothing two or three times before I wear it because of the buildup of toxic fabric softener. I'm simply not going to wear anything that reeks of that combination of toxic chemicals and causes all sorts of respiratory, skin, and neurological issues (just to name a few). I just won't do it.

But yesterday, while choosing an outfit for work, I picked up the brand new pair of pants, cut the tags off, and slipped them on. After all, there was zero fabric softener smell because they'd never been washed. Big mistake. 

As I worked, these black skinny jeans hugged and caressed by legs all day long. By late afternoon, I was really dragging. By evening, I could hardly walk. Now, this was disturbing because, for the first time in countless months, I've been pain-free for weeks. I attribute this to cutting nightshade vegetables out of my diet. The result has been a serious reduction of inflammation and a disappearance of my fibromyalgia symptoms. Of course, this is a topic for a different blog post, as it indicates some intelligence on my part, and not the stupidity this post focuses on.

I dragged myself upstairs as soon as I got home and I laid down. An hour and a half later, my husband woke me to see if I was okay. I was not. My glands and lymph nodes were swollen and my limbs all ached. Plus I had a headache. 

An hour or two later, it dawned on me. My Epstein Barr and my fibro were acting up and I knew exactly why. Formaldehyde. It transferred from my new pants onto my skin where it was absorbed into my system. It was poisoning me. I removed the pants and threw them into the hamper.

There are many things that can trigger my fibro. Obvious things like stress, illness, loud noise, or aspartame. But nothing affects me as much as exposure to chemicals, with formaldehyde at the top of the list. I learned that way back in the mid-'80s when a wise doctor figured it out. 

You would think I would have known better than to wear an unwashed pair of tight-fitting pants. I doubt I'll ever make that mistake again! After all, stupidity does not define me... most of the time.



Wednesday, September 6, 2017

National Grandparent's Day is Sept. 10!



Don't forget Grandma and Grandpa this Sunday. Honor them for all they've done for you and your kiddos.

GrandBox is a monthly subscription box curated specifically for seniors 65 and up. Each box can be personalized with family photos and a note. It's the perfect gift to bring a smile to your loved ones. Order yours today by clicking here. And just ignore the typo in the word "September"!

Friday, September 1, 2017

5 instances where vinegar is NOT the answer

TGIVF!

It's the first Vinegar Friday of September... how did that happen? Wasn't it just June??

Kids are back to school and the stores are full of fall and Halloween decor. Many have replaced their patio furniture with brightly lit Christmas trees. #notreadyforthisyet

While Halloween is a fun time for many, it is also a time for mischief for some. Tossing eggs at cars and homes is their definition of fun. I'll never get it. Do you?

Photo courtesy of Circe Denyer

So with egg-throwing season right around the corner, I thought I'd start off the unofficial first VF of the fall (it is still summer for a few weeks, after all) by sharing 5 ways vinegar is not a good choice for cleaning, starting with...

1. Eggs
If you're like me, your first thought when you discover an egg-drenched car or front door (after some choice words/mental images) is to reach for your jug of vinegar. STOP! Unless you want an even stickier, gooier, more difficult to clean mess, you want to skip that choice. When vinegar mixes with proteins, like eggs, it coagulates and creates stuff nightmares are made of. Ooooo.... scary. How appropriate for Halloween!

2. Pots and Pans (of the aluminum or cast iron persuation)
When scrubbing your enamel or stainless cookware, vinegar is just fine. But doing the same to your aluminum or cast iron pans is not. Why? Because mixing acidic vinegar with aluminum or cast iron will cause corrosion and damage the surface of your cookware. Of course, many people are avoiding aluminum these days, due to the possible link to Alzheimer's disease, but it seems that cast iron has never been so popular. I love mine -- what about you?

Image courtesy of Alex Borland

3. Natural Stone Tiles and Countertops
We don't have stone countertops or floors in my home, so wiping down the floors and counters can be done safely with plain white vinegar. That's not the case in my daughters' homes, although they generally rely on Norwex Envirocloths to do the job. If you have concrete, limestone, travertine, granite, or marble surfaces, do not use vinegar on them, unless, of course, you actually like pitting. Keep in mind, vinegar will eat away any sealants, so be prepared for staining down the road. 

4. Waxed surfaces
If your goal is to remove wax, by all means, reach for the vinegar. But if you want to preserve your shiny waxed surface, avoid vinegar at all costs. Otherwise, you'll end up with a sheen that is as dull as unsharpened eyeliner pencil. 

Photo courtesy of CC0 Community
5. Phone or laptop screen
The monitors and screens on our electronic devices are covered with a thin layer of oleophobic coating. This limits the amount of fingerprints/smudges smearing up the screens. We like that, no? If you wipe the screens with vinegar, you pretty much destroy this coating and you're left with... well, let's just say you'll wish you hadn't.


While I tout the benefits of vinegar here and in my book, VINEGAR FRIDAYS, there are times when vinegar is the last thing you want to use. Hopefully, this post will save you some headaches. Now if only I could create an invisible shield to protect you from those flying eggs.

Keeping it green with vinegar, but not always,



Thursday, August 24, 2017

A bat in the house!

What happens when you walk into your house and discover a bat hanging in your kitchen? 



My husband and I returned home on Monday from a 5-day getaway to our favorite little cottage. The Willow House Cottage Suite is located in Latrobe and is the perfect spot to unwind. It took me a couple of days to shed work responsibilities and finally relax, but once I did, it was delightful. I really hated leaving and coming back home.



The cats were happy to see us as we arrived. After some serious kitty time, we started unloading the car. I was heading into the kitchen to start unpacking the cooler and stopped when I saw my husband frozen in place, staring at something.

"What is that?" He pointed to the black curtain at the top of the basement steps. 

"It's a bat," I said. 

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Bill. It's a bat."

The brown critter was hanging upside down on the curtain. 

"What are we going to do?" His voice trembled... just a bit.

I assured him, "I'll take care of it." And I did.

A few years ago, we discovered a bat flying around our basement. It was a cold February day. I have no idea what it was doing there or for how long. Fortunately, it landed above a door in the basement, allowing me to capture it fairly easily. I told my husband to go upstairs and bring me a flat cookie sheet. He obeyed. I think he was just relieved that I was willing to tackle the problem.

Holding a clear plastic container in one hand, I carefully slipped the cookie sheet behind the bat and covered it with the container. Captured! I carried the intruder outside and released it, much to its chagrin. The bat spread its wings in the yard near the melting snow and hissed at me. The sun was blindingly bright against the white canvas. After a few minutes, the bat took flight and disappeared. 



On Monday night, I used the same technique, although this time I used a sieve with a long handle. I wasn't sure I'd be successful because of the bat's location -- it was hanging on a curtain, which didn't give me the solid background I feared I'd need to keep the mammal flat against the metal sheet. I was pretty sure it would escape and take an aerial tour of my house. That was something I wasn't looking forward to.

Cautiously, I slipped the cookie sheet behind the bat as I covered it with the sieve. The docile creature submitted to my attempt and I carried it outside ensconced between the two. Bill didn't want me releasing it from the patio, but since I was barefoot, he had to be the one to carry it back to the woods. He crossed the yard, carefully laid the cookie sheet down, and slowly, from as much distance as possible, lifted the sieve. 

I have no idea how long the bat stayed there. I just know I had too much to do to stand there and watch. A bit later, it was gone.

Why am I telling you all of this? Quite simply because I wanted you to know what to do if you find yourself at home with a bat. As long as the bat is perched somewhere, grab a cookie sheet and a sieve and your problem's solved. It's a humane solution after all. And you know, #kindnessmatters!

File this under "Best tips from Green Grandma" or "Tips from Green Grandma I'm never doing!"




Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Wrapping Up Summer with a Fabulous Upcycled Jewelry Giveaway!



The Wrapping Up Summer Giveaway Hop is hosted by MamatheFox.com

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received products and/or compensation in exchange for my honest review.

I admit it -- I love jewelry. And there are a few things that make me love certain jewelry more than others:
  • Jewelry that's gifted to me. There's just something special about jewelry that has been carefully selected just for me.
  • Jewelry with a history. Before my mom died, she gave me the platinum eternity band she always wore. It was given to her by my dad's mom, but it wasn't her ring. We suspect it was my grandfather's late wife's wedding ring. She died in childbirth (as did the child) and he later married my grandmother. My mom wore the ring for so many years that it reshaped into an oval instead of a circle. I treasure this ring. I also have a 3-diamond ring that was my aunt Helen's. She received it on her 16th birthday in 1933 and gave it to me when I was in my 20s. There are other family heirlooms that I cherish.
  • Fair trade jewelry that, when purchased, helps someone provide for their family. What can be better than that? I love buying my fair trade jewelry at The Shepherd's Door in Bellevue, PA, right down the street from where I now work.
  • Upcycled jewelry, crafted from recycled materials. 
It's the latter I want to tell you about today. I discovered some amazing jewelry and accessories designed by Laura ZABO and I'm so excited to introduce you to them. 

The Gator Gray Bicycle Tire Belt
Laura creates beautiful items from used tires. I received a sturdy belt from her. It was made from a bicycle tire. Not taking my weight loss into account, I ordered a belt that was simply too big for me. But altering it was fairly easy. My husband just used scissors to clip a couple of inches off the end and a drill of some kind to poke an extra hole or two. It was a bit more difficult that using an ice pick on leather, but it worked and I love my belt.

Okay, so that's the belt. Let's get back to the jewelry. Laura sent me a pair of earrings that I absolutely adore! Strips from upcycled black inner tubes strung onto hoop earrings adorned with tiny beads. Oh yeah.

Upcycled Inner Tube Earrings

You know you want some of these, right? They're flirty and fringed and fabulous. I love the way they feel brushing against my collarbone. And to be honest, they make me forget I'm 60! Almost.


Laura ZABO is a London-based eco-designer who creates environmentally-friendly, vegan fashion accessories made entirely out of scrap bicycle tires and inner tubes rescued from a future in the landfill.

"Drawing on my own life experiences and lifestyle choices I have created an innovative and diverse range of belts, jewelry, handbags, clothing, sandals, guitar straps, home decor, and dog accessories," explains Laura. "The collection is constantly growing. As we use more and more bicycles every day, in turn we are using more and more tires every day, creating an increasing amount of waste to pollute our planet with. My collection offers a great solution to this problem, transforming this "waste" into something useful and sustainable."

You can see for yourself how unique and stunning her collection truly is by visiting her website.

Now here's the part you're really going to get excited about -- Laura is offering a set of upcycled jewelry valued at $81 USD to someone in the GG community! How cool is that?! Just enter below on the Rafflecopter and a winner will be chosen via Random.org on September 1st. How's that for a great way to celebrate the new school year? Keep it for yourself or share it with your teenager, who is sure to make an impression wearing these! 

Curlywurly Upcycled Inner Tube Necklace, Earrings, and Bracelet Set

Giveaway is open to 18+ Worldwide! Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway 


MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.