REVIEW & GIVEAWAY – BLENDING THE CULTURES **ENTRIES NOW CLOSED–WINNER NOTIFIED**

Do you love cook books??
I do!
And cook books that tell a good story…
EVEN BETTER!!
Tanya Bartolini is the author of the new book “Blending the Cultures”.

This book is more than a cook book.
It’s a story about a family.
A family and their passion for food and Tanya’s passion for sharing the recipes with the reader.
With gorgeous (mouth drooling) photos and a story to go with each recipe the reader will be hooked.
It’s a book that inspires.
Inspires you to cook, to share and to spend time with others.
It is a delight to read and I can’t wait to cook something from it.
AND
As a reader of my blog I have some good news…
Thanks to the lovely people at WordStorm 
I have a copy of “Blending the Cultures” to giveaway.
It would make a great Christmas present so if the winner wants and I am happy to gift wrap and express post.
To enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me who you would have dinner with.
It could be anyone.
Make sure you leave an email address with your entry so I can contact you if you win.
Entries will close Midnight Thursday 19th December.
I will email the winner, for their address, on Friday.
AUSTRALIAN ENTRIES ONLY

**The winners have been drawn and contacted.
Thanks everyone who entered. **

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post.
I received 2 copies of “Blending the Cultures”, for review and giveaway purposes,
and all opinions expressed are purely my own.}

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GIVEAWAY – 40x50cm Canvas From Canvas Factory **ENTRIES NOW CLOSED**

Most people know that I love taking photos.
Most people know that I love taking photos of family.
BUT…
When I was asked to host a giveaway for a canvas I was given the opportunity to order one too.
Do you think I could find a decent family photo to print??
NUP!!!
So we had to take some!
This can sometimes be a painful process
There will always be someone who doesn’t want to.
Someone not in the mood for standing/sitting
Someone not in the mood for listening
Someone not in the mood for cooperating
You get the picture
AND…
Chances are you have probably been in the same situation!
I’ve learnt a few things too…
Don’t let it bother you,
Let everyone do what they do
AND
Just let the camera click click click.
I ended up with some very cool photos
And one that was perfect for printing up as a canvas.
The whole ordering process was less pain than the actual snapping of the photo!
The photo I chose was one that tells a story
One that showcases us, as a family.
Now for the even harder task
Of finding a place for it to hang!!

So how would you like your own 40x50cm canvas, including free delivery???
All you have to do is leave a comment, on this post, telling me your dream location for a family photo shoot.
Be creative, be fun!
Make sure you leave an email address with your entry so I can contact you if you win.
Entries will close Midnight Wednesday 4th September.
I will email the winner, for their address, on Thursday.
AUSTRALIAN ENTRIES ONLY **WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED**

Meanwhile…
If you don’t want to wait to win one
You can also get a free 20x30cm canvas (excludes postage)
Simply by going to the Canvas Factory Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheCanvasFactory) and liking it.
Then going to the Free Canvas page
OR you can click here on the direct link https://www.facebook.com/TheCanvasFactory/app_174961479209942

Your print can be of anything.
Canvas Factory allows you to upload a photo direct from your computer, Facebook or Instagram
(see here for more information)

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post.
I received a canvas, for review purposes,
and all opinions expressed are purely my own.}

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GIVEAWAY – FINISH PROTECTOR

Recently I was talking with Dave’s Mum about dishwashers and detergents.
She doesn’t use her dishwasher lots
Ours, on the other hand, gets a work out at least once a day.
We were talking about how dishwashers effect things like enamel pots
And how she hand washes some things because the dishwasher wouldn’t be kind to them.
So I was excited to try out the Finish Protector and review it here on my blog.
It sure sounds like the perfect solution to our discussion.

It’s not replacing your Dishwasher Tablets
It’s simply helping to keep your dishes protected.
The packaging boasts that the product is an expert against corrosion,
Preventing colour fading, glass corrosion and enamel erosion.
Easy to use too!!
After opening the foil wrap you simply hang the protector

On the inside of the bottom rack of your dishwasher.

You just leave it there!
It’s meant to be good for 50 washes too!
So good it needs it’s own super hero cape!
One with a big “P” on it, for Protector of course!!
AND GUESS WHAT?!?
The lovely people from Finish have given me a Protector to giveaway to one of you!
Just leave a comment on this post
Telling me the funniest/strangest thing you’ve put in the dishwasher to wash.
Just make sure you leave an email address with your comment, so I can contact you ASAP if you’re a winner.
Entries are open until 6pm Friday 16 August 2013
I will email the winner, for their address.
AUSTRALIAN ENTRIES ONLY

***Entries Closed - Winner has been notified***

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post.
I received 1 Finish Protector, for review purposes,
and all opinions expressed are purely my own.}

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GIVEAWAY–3 Fast & Fruity Hampers **CLOSED**

We all know how difficult it is to keep the kids amused throughout the school holidays –
and more importantly, feed them with something nutritious and delicious!

With this in mind, Fast & Fruity, an all natural fruit pouch, have 3 ‘School Holidays Cooking Packs’ to giveaway to readers of my blog.
Fast & Fruity are a great tasting, pourable, 100% pure chunky fruit, with absolutely no added sugar or preservatives.
They are perfect for whipping up yummy, healthy treats and having on hand to keep hungry kids happy with minimum fuss.

The School Holidays Cooking Pack will keep the kids busy with three recipes and some cooking essentials,
so they can play chef in the kitchen
and make Tropical Jelly Fruit Stacks, a Hummingbird Cake and Yummy Frozen Fruit Blocks. Fun and Yum!

Prize pack contains:

- 6 Fast & Fruity – 2 x 500 gm pouches of each of the three flavours,
be-licious berry and apple; golden peaches with a hint of vanilla; and sunshine sweet tropical fruits

- 1 icy pole maker (makes 4)

- 1 Sundae Glass

- Jelly crystals

- Recipe cards for: Tropical Jelly Fruit Stack, Hummingbird Cake and Yummy Fruit Blocks

- Total prize value = $39.05

AND GUESS WHAT???
It’s super easy to enter!!!

 

To enter all you have to do is tell me your favourite fruit. EASY!
Just make sure you leave an email address with your comment, so I can contact you ASAP if you’re a winner.
Entries are open until 12noon Sunday 7 July 2013
Winners will be announced shortly after.
I will email the winners, for their address/phone details.
The packs will be sent ASAP, so you can enjoy them with your kids.
AUSTRALIAN ENTRIES ONLY
Fast & Fruity’s brand, Freshfield, now has a Facebook page!  https://www.facebook.com/FreshfieldsAustralia

**The winners have been drawn and contacted.
Thanks everyone who entered. Stay tuned for more giveaways**

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MISTER MINIT REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY - WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

<<>>
Kim is the winner of the Mister Minit Key Ring.
Congrats!!!

 

Mister Minit have a delightful idea for a sweet Mother’s Day present. 
A personally engraved key ring is a fabulous way to say thank you.
With lots of choices of key rings you are sure to find something that would suit.
And with the addition of your own words it’s a keepsake that will be cherished.

This Mother’s Day Mister Minit are offering
An $8.00 name engrave with any key ring purchased in store.
For more sentiments and store locations visit the engraving page at www.misterminit.com.au.
The lovely people from Mister Minit have also sent me a key ring to give away!
To enter just comment on this blog post telling me
Which of the key rings, featured above, you would like to receive.
Please make sure you leave an email address so I can contact the winner.
Entries close Noon Saturday 4th May (Tasmania Time)
A random winner will be announced Saturday night.
The winner will be emailed and once an address is supplied the key ring will be sent.

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post.
I received 2 key rings (I already had the third from a previous review),
for review purposes, and all opinions expressed are purely my own.}

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GIVEAWAY – ESKAL FOOD PACK - WINNER ANNOUNCED

>>>WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT<<<
Congrats to Philippa, you are the winner for the Eskal Food Pack.
<><><><><><><><>
Thanks everyone for entering.
<<<<>>>>>
The gorgeous folk at WordStorm PR
have a Eskal food pack to giveaway to one lucky reader.

and the contents of the pack:

- Noble Choice Dairy Free Chocolate in Plain, $2.49 RRP for 85g bar

- Noble Choice Dairy Free Chocolate in Mint, $2.49 RRP for 85g bar

- Noble Choice Dairy Free Chocolate in Raspberry, $2.49 RRP for 85g bar

- Noble Choice Dairy Free Chocolate in Almond, $2.49 RRP for 85g bar

- Two packs of Eskal Gluten Free Chocolate Wafers, $3.25 RRP for 200g packet

- Eskal Gluten Free Choc-Coated Pretzels, $2.25 RRP for 75g bag

- Eskal Vanilla-Flavoured Tea Biscuits, $4.70 RRP for 200g packet

- Eskal Gluten-Free Original Pretzels, $2.25 RRP for 75g bag

To enter ‘Like” Eskal on Facebook, http://facebook.com/EskalFoodsAU
Then leave a comment here, telling me you’ve liked them.
Entries are open till midnight Thursday 14th Febraury 2013
Please make sure you leave your email address with your entry
So I can contact the winner.
The winner will be notified on Friday 15th.
AUSTRALIAN ENTRIES ONLY

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GIVEAWAY–$40 Typo Gift Card WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

WINNER ANNOUNCED!
Congrats Sandra Allan! You were the winner of the Typo Gift Card.
Have fun shopping!!!!
Thanks to the people at Stockland for the giveaway.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Disclosure: This is sponsored post.
The lovely people from Stockland, “Australia’s largest diversified property group”,
have given me a $40 gift card from Typo to giveaway.
If you read my blog you know I love Typo so I said yes,
because I knew you’d like to win the gift card!

Why not make your home the best it can be in 2013? We’re giving away one $40 Typo gift card to help you create the perfect space.

Stockland’s residential properties are the perfect blend of modern stylish living and a comfortable homey atmosphere.
From house and land packages in truganina  to house and land packages in berwick,
there is sure to be a perfect place to find or build your dream home.
Stockland gives your family a place to truly call home – a place where your family can live and grow, and enjoy many years to come.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post, EASY!
Australian Entries only (sorry folks)
Make sure you leave an email contact so I can notify you and pass on your details to claim the gift card.
Entries will be open until midnight Wednesday 13th February 2013
Winner will be announced (on this post) and notified on Thursday 14th.

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Personal Planner Discount Code

The lovely people from Personal Planner 
are giving readers of 4 Squirts and a Dollop of Cream 
the opportunity to save 15% on a Personal Planner
Just use this code, when you order, for your discount

 

I’m looking forward to ordering mine

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GIVEAWAY – PERSONAL PLANNER **WINNER ANNOUNCED**

<><><> Winner Announcement <><><>
Because she feels like a gerbil in a wheel
The winner is DENISE!!
Congrats, will forward your email address to the Personal Planner people.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Lists, diaries, calendars… all a necessary part of my life.
New Years Eve I have a little ritual.
I sit down and fill in the calendars for the new year,
writing in birthdays, anniversaries and upcoming appointments.
We have quite a few calendars in our house and I write up these things in two of them.
I also feel semi-naked without a diary.
I keep it in my handbag and it gets checked often.
I write in play dates, birthday parties, appointments, work days, holiday dates.
And lists….
Don’t get me started on lists!
I could write a list of my lists
But I won’t!!!
So imagine my delight when I learnt about Personal Planner

Personal Planners allows you to design your own planner
INSIDE AND OUT!
You have a choice of 4 sizes
From small (11x14cm) to a large one (A5 size, 16x21cm)

You can change the colour and text of the front/back cover as well as inlay
Keep it simple with a plain cover
OR
you can spice it up by choosing on of the gorgeous designs available on the site.
OR
you can add your very own photo or digital design.
MY GOODNESS YOU EVEN GET TO CHOOSE THE COLOUR OF THE ELASTIC THAT HOLDS IT CLOSED!!
Isn’t that the coolest?
But wait there is more!



You get to choose the start date of the planner
You can have a printed page with owner information
You can personalise the pages at the back, with optional year overview
It includes a plastic sleeve and ruler that doubles as page marker
You can add boxes for to-do lists, gym sessions, preschool, idea of the week (I Love this idea!) or even… the weather!
You can have your friend’s and family member’s birthdays added to the inlay directly from Facebook
(oh the brain strain this would ease!)
AND
The postage price is included in the cost!

But wait there is more!!
They make planners but they also make personalised Notebooks!
How super cool is that!?!?!
Almost as cool as this…
You could win your very own planner!!
Yes that’s right!
The lovely people from Personal Planner AU are giving away a $45 gift card to one lucky person.

 

To enter all you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me what design you would choose.
Would you keep it plain or would you snazz it up with a photo of your own?
Check out all the cool designs at http://www.personal-planner.com.au/AU/
Have a little play and see the endless possibilities available
and make sure you like them on their Facebook Page
Entries are open till midnight on Tuesday 5^th March.
The girls will help me choose a favourite comment
and I will announce the winner on Wednesday 6th.
Make sure you leave an email address so I can pass on your details to Personal Planner.
International entries are happily accepted.
Prize can not be exchanged for money.

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post.
I will receive a $45 gift card for hosting the giveaway, and all opinions expressed are purely my own}

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Giveaway–The Tall Poppy Project by Kylie Patchett WINNER ANNOUNCED

WINNER ANNOUNCED
I've contacted the winners and the prizes are being posted.
Thanks everyone for entering :)
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
“Nothing will change unless you commit to changing,
unless you throw your arms open wide and say
‘Yes! I am here, and this is what I truly want, this is truly who I am!’”

This book, by Kylie Patchett, is a book about balance, purpose and relationships.
Inside is a little about Kylie and her own journey and how she came to realise you need to take hold of your own life.
She shares 7 Principles for finding balance, focus and purpose.
I found this book akin to “Eat, Love, Pray”,
in that Kylie came to a place where she needed to turn her life around,
however “Tall Poppy Project” gives the reader pause for reflection
and follows this up with worksheets that are available online.
One of the things I really loved about the book was how she talks about having your own story.
As a scrapbooker this is one of the things I am passionate about.
Having our own story, sharing it, documenting it, knowing it and living it.
As a Mum of 4 girls I appreciated her call to be our own best friend and enjoy a relationship with ourselves.
I truly believe in spending time, quietly, getting to know ourselves and being happy to do so.
Now before you think the book is all about positive thinking and good stuff
It does call for the reader to reflect, deal with issues or, quite possibly, give up some things.
But through it all Kylie tells of how we are here for a reason and that we all have a legacy,
It’s up to us what that legacy will be.
I like that Kylie says
”Reading this book will not ‘fix’ you. Nor will it make you bullet-proof.
But it will give you the tools to listen to yourself and to identify where you need to tweak.”
Because, at the end of the day, this book is nothing if you do nothing with what you’ve learnt.
And you will learn something, if you read it.

Kylie has given me 2 copies of her book, to be launched this week, to giveaway
So leave a comment, on this post, to enter.
Giveaway open until midnight Thursday 31st January.
I will announce the winners on Friday 1st February.
Make sure you leave an email address so I can contact you for address details.

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post.
I received 3 complimentary copies of the book
“The Tall Poppy Project: Stand Tall and Stake a Claim on Your Delicious Life”,
for review and giveaway purposes,
and have been reimbursed, postage costs, for posting on the book to the winners.
and all opinions expressed are purely my own.}

 

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GIVEAWAY – BEATLE BOTTOMS WALL ART DECALS

Around 30 years ago, artist and mum Fiona Whyte
began affectionately referring to her four children as 'her Beatle Bottoms'.
After her first Grandchild was born Fiona, with the help of her now adult children,
brought The Beatle Bottoms to life.
The Beatle Bottoms are four fun seeking, adventurous souls Thorn, Nut, Petal and Pip.

Beatle Bottoms Wall Art Decals are gorgeous creations
by renowned New Zealand artist Fiona Whyte,
who now lives, with her family, in Byron Bay Australia.

We were given some of her gorgeous decals to try out
AND
have some to giveaway.

Every pack of Beatle Bottoms decals tells a story of its own with sets of up to 24  stunning stickers.
You simply peel them off the backing sheet and place them on a dry, clean, flat surface.

We placed a few in the bathroom

and they added lovely splashes of colour to a rather white room.

I love that each sticker is different
and allows you to use your own imagination
by making up your own stories and adventures for the Beatle Bottoms

So how would you like to win your own pack??
I have 3 packs to giveaway.
So that’s 3 winners!!
To enter all you have to do is go to the Beatle Bottoms website
Click on the WALL DECALS button
Have a look at all the wonderful designs
Then leave a comment here telling me your favourite

Entries close midnight on Thursday 17th 2013 (Australia time)
And I will announce the winners soon after.
make sure you leave an email address so I can contact the winners to get there mailing address.

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post.
I received 4 complimentary Packs of Beatle Bottom decals, for review purposes,
and all opinions expressed are purely my own .}

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DYMO CAPTION MAKER WINNER!!

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway, wish I had one for each of you!
But there was only one and the winner is…  Linda
CONGRATS!
You are the winner of the Dymo Caption Maker!!
Am getting in contact with you so I can mail it off ASAP
Thanks again to everyone.
Keep your eyes open, there are more giveaways coming this way real soon!

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DYMO CAPTION MAKER GIVEAWAY

Yesterday it was my birthday
Tomorrow it is Christmas
And I have a present for someone!

Yes that’s right!!
I have a Dymo Caption Maker to giveaway.
The lovely people at Dymo Australia & NZ recently had a Facebook giveaway.
I entered, even though I already have one.
I entered in hope that I might win one give it away on my blog.
I won.
And now I am giving it away!
I love using mine.
I use it lots, for journaling on my scrapbook pages.

I have also put together a little video, with some tips for using the caption maker.

So how do you enter??
Well, it’s easy.
Become a follower of this blog.
Leave a comment, on this post, letting me know you are a follower, and you’ll be entered.
Make sure you leave me a way of getting in contact (either a blog link or an email address)
Giveaway is open to everyone.
Entries close 11.59pm 31st December (Aussie time)
I will announce the winner on the 1st January 2013.
I will be in contact with the winner soon after that, to obtain the address details of the winner.

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Wonder Winnie Winner Announcement

Hey Hey Hey
Congrats to Claire and Lisa!!  You are the winners for the 4x1Litre Wonder Winnie Quenchers!!!
I will be emailing you both and hope to hear from  you soon so I can forward on your details.

PS
want to hear a secret???
I’ve got some more giveaways coming up
AND
You will want to hear about them!!!
Stay tuned!

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REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY : Wonder Winnie

A little while back I had an email from the lovely Jen at Brand New Solutions
She was asking if I would like to try “Wonder Winnie”.
Created by the producers of Nudie Juices
these gorgeous beauties are perfect for summer

Naturally sweetened with stevia, water based, low calorie AND guess what… they taste REALLY GOOD!
AND they really do quench your thirst.

We were given Cranberry and Apple (with Aloe Vera), Raspberry and Cranberry (with Rosehip) and Grapefruit (with Ginkgo Biloba)
Our favourite flavour, hands down, was the Raspberry and Cranberry
You could even see the raspberry seeds, just so you knew it was REAL FRUIT!
Our least favourite was the… you might have guessed it… Grapefruit

But it didn’t have the tartness of grapefruit, it just tasted… well… grapefruity!
There are two more flavours available, in the 250mL range, Apple and Lemon (with Guarana) and Cranberry, Apple and Lemon (with Echinacea)
Did you notice the “added extras”?
Well….

Ginkgo Biloba helps with memory, cognition and concentration
Echinacea helps with colds and flus
Guarana contains caffeine and is used as a natural stimulant
Rosehip helps to hydrate the skin, among lots of other good things
Aloe Vera juice is meant to be great for the digestive system

AND GUESS WHAT?
You have the chance to win 4x1L bottles of Wonder Winnies!!

So leave a comment, along with your name and a contact email address and 2 lucky people will win 4 1L bottles to try.
Entries close 9am Thursday (13 December 2012)
Winners will be announced soon after on Thursday.
Only entries with an email address will be in the running to win,
as I will need to make contact because your address details will be needed in order to have the prize mailed to you.
If I don’t hear from the winners within 24 hours of the announcement I will draw a new winner.
Only open to Australian entries.

_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post. I received 3 bottles of Wonder Winnies, for review purposes, and all opinions expressed are purely my own}

 

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Cinderella DVD Giveaway WINNERS Round 2!

Yep, with disappointment I write this post
I only  heard from 1 of the three winners?!
So it is with congratulations that I announce 2 more winners
Natalie Elphinstone
And
Celine!

Congrats!!
Can you please email me with your address details so I can pass these on to the PR company.
Your DVD will then be on it’s way ASAP.

Thanks again to all who entered
I will have more giveaways coming real soon
So make sure you stay tuned to enter
AND to see if you win!

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Cinderella DVD Giveaway WINNERS

Thanks to all the cool entries in the Cinderella DVD Giveaway.

I read each of your entries to the girls and they chose their favourites, to decide the winners.
The winners need to make contact, with their address details, so I can forward the details on the PR company.
If I don’t receive an email within 24 hours I will redraw a winner.
So without further ado… the winners are
DANA
THANH
LUCY HOLMAN

 

Congrats, I look forward to hearing from you.
And, again, thank you to all who entered.

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Giveaway–Cinderella

I don’t know about you
but when I think of Disney
One of the first things I think of is Cinderella.
I was pretty excited when Jayne, from PR firm Mango, sent us a copy of the movie to review



The Diamond Edition is available in stores right now 
It includes never-before-seen deleted songs and scenes, family-­‐friendly interactive activities and games.
AND,
for the very first time,
this movie has been brought to life on Blu-ray high definition, with enhanced picture and sound.

I love that this story captures the viewer from the word go.
It’s beautiful, in everyway, and is a story that is generational and gets told and retold often.
I love when movies from my childhood are remade, meaning we can share them with our kids too.
This story never fails to bring a smile and with a “Bibbiti Bobbidi Boo!” I have 3 copies to give away!!
So to enter you need to leave a comment, on this post, saying which character, from Cinderella, is your favourite and why.
All the entries will then be read to the girls and they are going to pick the 3 entries they like the best.
Make sure you leave your name and an email address so I can email the winners for their address details.
If you put your email details in the appropriate box, in the comment section, it won’t show up for everyone to see.
Only Australian residents are able to win.
Entries close midnight Wednesday 24th October And the winners will be announced and contacted Thursday night.
We can’t wait to read your entries!
*Edited to add: Seems blogger has removed the email box, in the comments section. So please make sure you check back for the winner announcement. Winners will need to make contact, with their address details, within 24 hours of the announcement or a new winner will be chosen*
_{Disclosure: This is not a paid sponsored post. I received a complimentary copy of “Cinderella” DVD, for review purposes, and all opinions expressed are purely my own.}

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Giveaway–Beauty And The Beast DVD–WINNERS

Thank you to all who entered the Beauty and the Beast DVD giveaway

The girls helped pick our two winners
I read all your comments and they picked their two favourite
I then put the names in a random order and gave each name a number
and Lucy picked two numbers.
So with all that randomness…
THE WINNERS ARE

DRUM ROLL

IF YOU PLEASE….

CATE
AND
ALLISON

Ladies, I will be in contact so I can forward your details on and have the DVDs sent out to you both
Congrats and, again, thank you to all who entered. We loved reading your responses.
Keep your eyes open as they may be more giveaways coming up soon *hint, hint*

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