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Saturday, May 29, 2010

And The Winner Is....

Congratulation to Homebirthinmomma! Your comment
"I'm a follower" was selected as the winner in our
Customized Color Vinyl Banner Giveaway
by Digital Room...Woot, Woot!

A big "Thanks" to everyone who participated. Be sure to keep your
eyes open for another fabulous giveaway coming soon *wink*.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Oh My Peonies!


The house is soooo fragrant with the smell of fresh peonies today from our garden that I just had to share these beauties with you!

Friday Food For Thought

Dream as if you'll live forever,

live as if you'll die today.


~ James Dean

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Summer Glow Gift Set Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed.


Be sure to check out our feature by GussySews and get in on your chance to win this fabulous gift set from Ellia C. Naturals!

Summer Glow Gift Set Includes:
8 oz. One Lump Or Two Solid Sugar Scrub
4 oz. Milky Way Creamy Milk Bath
1 oz. Lip Lock Brown Sugar Lip Polish
Candy Cane Kisses Lip Smoother

Friday, May 21, 2010

Friday Food For Thought

Our talents are the gift
that God gives to us...
What we make of our talents
is our gift back to God

~ Leo Buscaglia

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Grill Daddy Review & Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed.

Spring through Fall, our grill always gets a workout. There's nothing finer than a juicy steak or turkey burger, baked potato (grill style!), and grilled corn on the cobb for this family of 6...except perhaps the occasional shish kabob or filet! You might say it's a bit of a compulsion (wink). The only downside to this innocent indulgence is the looming chore of cleaning the grill after the tummies have been filled. Fortunately, we now have some added ammunition to help with this task.

When I was first approached to review the Grill Daddy, I pictured your typical, run-of-the-mill grill brush. Boy, was I mistaken! I now see why it's called the Grill Daddy. This bad boy is huge! Both my husband and I thought at first that it was a bit too large, but our opinions were quickly turned around. Although it takes a little getting used to, the Grill Daddy is incredibly effective and works wonderfully on a variety of grill surfaces.

What makes this unique brush so effective? The power of steam. The Grill Daddy uses a combination of water based steam and firm, stainless steel bristles to get your grill squeaky clean. To use, simply fill the reservoir with water and you're good to go. As the steam comes out, it rinses away the mess left behind on your grill. As an added bonus, the steam also serves to clean the bristles of the brush itself, ensuring that you have a clean product to use each time! Because of the heat required to generate steam, this brush reportedly helps to both clean and sanitize by ridding your grill of both grease and bacteria. One of the nice features about the ominous size of this brush is the fact that it protects your arms and hands from burns by keeping you far enough from the hot surface...and did I mention, this gem can be used on porcelain, steel, and iron grills whether they are hot or cold!

You can purchase your very own Grill Daddy online for $19.95, and it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. As an added bonus, you’ll receive a color-coded meat thermometer, free of charge, with your order. You can also find the Grill Daddy at stores such as K-mart, Sears, and CVS.



Now for the Giveaway! I'm giving away a Grill Daddy to 1 lucky reader of Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby.

To Enter:
Just leave me a comment indicating who in your house would be most likely to use this bad boy of grill brushes...easy, peasy!

Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

1. Become a follower of Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby Blog or let me know that you already are (and thank you!) - 2 extra entries
2. Become a fan of Ellia C. Naturals on Facebook - 2 extra entries
3. Follow me on Twitter - 2 extra entries
4. Tweet about this giveaway and link back to @ElliaCNaturals - 1 extra entry per day
5. Add our button to your blog (please provide your link)

The winner will be selected by random.org on June 3rd. Good luck :)


(Disclosure: I received a Grill Daddy, free of charge from Grill Daddy, for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed in this review are honest and based on my own experience.)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

See Your Name In Lights {Giveaway}

This giveaway is now closed.


Ok, well print, but bold, beautiful, color print! We are thrilled to be able to offer this latest giveaway, compliments of Digital Room. Looking for a way to make a statement and leave a lasting impression for your small biz? Planning a fun-filled bash and looking for the exclamation point to add to your decor? Enter now for your chance to win a fabulous custom color vinyl banner with grommets!

Here's the Nitty Gritty (AKA: Prize Details):
Giveaway Prize: (1) 24x36 Vinyl Banner w/ Grommets
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only
Printing Service: http://www.digitalroom.com/

To Enter:
Just leave me a comment indicating what you would like to use this incredible prize for and that's it...easy, peasy!

Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

1. Become a follower of Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby Blog or let me know that you already are (and thank you!) - 2 extra entries
2. Become a fan of Ellia C. Naturals on Facebook - 2 extra entries
3. Follow me on Twitter - 2 extra entries
4. Tweet about this giveaway and link back to @ElliaCNaturals - 1 extra entry per day
5. Add our button to your blog (please provide your link)

The winner will be selected by random.org on May 28th. Good luck :)


Giveaway sponsored by UPrinting. Author received no payment for hosting this giveaway. Author was given the opportunity to enter a giveaway of the same prize. All opinions on the benefits of custom banners are honest based on personal experience and belong solely to the author.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Cast Your Vote Now (Pretty Please)!


I was recently asked to enter the 2010 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition and would be deeply honored if you would take the time to vote for me! Can cast 1 vote per day *hint, hint* ♥

Thanks to all of my wonderful followers for your support and friendships...you are helping to make this journey into small business a fabulous one!!

If I'm Not Out in a Couple of Hrs...


...please come in and get me!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Friday Food For Thought

Don't aim for success.
If you want it,
just do what you love and believe in
and it will come naturally.

~ David Frost

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Ready, Set, Dig!

It's been pretty crummy around here lately...overcast, off-and-on showers, and cold! So today, one of my little paleontologists decided to take me on a dig...and we had a blast! I must apologize in advance for the poor photo quality in this post...he was so excited about his excavation that I couldn't get him to sit still for my snaps :)


Chisels, mallets, and brushes were flyin'...and so was the debris! This kit was a little different from others we have done in the past. Rather than being comprised of a sandy material, the "rock" was made of very course, almost pebble like rocks...Yikes! We were able to expose both of the rib cages and a pelvis today, but I think when we tackle it again tomorrow, we'll be hangin' on the covered deck to keep the interior of the house clean. Sure am glad the set came with a pair of goggles for my little man...too bad there wasn't an extra pair for Mama!

Monday, May 10, 2010

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations Amanda31Gifts...Your comment was selected as the winner in our 6-Pc. Paula Deen Stoneware Giveaway from CSNstores!

"Following you on GFC! #2! Thanks :) Amanda"

Thank you to all of you who took the time to enter. Be sure to check back often, we'll have another fabulous giveaway coming soon!

A Little Bit About Us

My friend Toni from Market Mommies recently asked me to be a guest author on her fabulous site geared toward the promotion of mom-owned businesses. The topic...the inspiration behind my companies, Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby Boutique, llc and Ellia C. Naturals. I realized that I had never really shared the details of that journey with you, my super fabulous readers, and so, I am sharing it now. Below is a copy of the post that I authored...enjoy!

In 2007, while pregnant with our third son, Micah, my husband and I decided that it was time for me to take a step back from my career in physical therapy to stay at home with our little ones full-time. A dream of mine from the moment we found out we were pregnant the first time, this reality was made possible in large part due to a job transfer for my husband, which necessitated my resignation. I was thrilled to finally be at home with my babies. Then, without warning, our world changed in a very meaningful way. At 6 weeks of age, Micah was diagnosed with severe eczema. At 9 months, he was diagnosed with 7 major food allergies and a host of contact environmental allergies. The picture painted for us by his pediatrician, dermatologist, and allergist was one filled with topical steroids, oral antihistamines, and a diet that was not only bland, but nutritionally unsound.

I watched as my new baby scratched and clawed at his skin until it bled. Listened to him toss and turn at night trying unsuccessfully to find a comfortable way to sleep. Listened to his cries of discomfort and looked into his big brown eyes as they searched mine to find out why he was so miserable. It literally broke my heart. I tried everything the doctors suggested, but nothing worked for him. The steroids helped take the edge off, but were only effective as long as they were being applied. I worried about the risks and potential side effects of such strong and prolonged treatments on such a little person. I turned our home upside down making it as “green” as possible and removing all possible irritants. After a lot of research and soul searching, I decided that there had to be a better, safer, healthier way.

Armed with my physical therapy-based knowledge of wound healing and scar management and my own research, I set out to find a natural way to help my son. Something without prescription medications or steroids of any kind. As I began to experiment, I found that Micah’s skin was improving and showing more lasting results. He was no longer scratching until he bled. In fact, his skin looked phenomenal. He still had a few “hot spots” here and there that needed a little more tender loving care, but his skin tone was evening out, the big blotchy patches were dissipating, the flakiness was gone, and most importantly, he was truly “comfortable in his skin” for the first time. Thus was the birth of Smooth As Buttah ™, Munchkin Meringue ™, and Udderly Creamy Goat Milk Soap.

During this time of experimentation, I also formed Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby Boutique, llc, an online shop specializing in sweet and stylish gifts and essentials for moms and little ones. Started primarily as a creative outlet for me, this proved to be a good foundation for what would eventually become Ellia C. Naturals. While pregnant with our 4th child, Ellia, I continued to experiment to see if I could make products that were not only naturally effective, but also fun and luxurious. The line grew from the initial items designed for Micah, to a range of products designed to provide family members across the spectrum with all-natural, luxurious skin care. In May of 2009, Ellia C. Naturals made its official debut and we have never looked back.

I am often asked why, if Micah was the inspiration, is the company named after Ellia? In all honesty, there is no rhyme or reason behind it. Most of the product design and planning occurred while I was pregnant with Ellia, so both were constantly on my mind, and her name was easier than Micah’s to work into a usable business name and logo. But rest assured, my little Micah Moo will always be my muse! Because of Ellia C. Naturals, I am blessed to be able to stay at home with my children during their foundational years and have a job that has helped not only my own son, but many more like him.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Mother's Day Food For Thought

Beauty Tips from Audrey Hepburn

For attrative lips, speak words of kindness

For lovely eyes seek out the good in people

For a good figure, share your food with the hungry

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers

through once a day

For poise, walk with the knowledge

you will never walk alone

People, even more than things, have to be

restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;

never through out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

you will find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands,

one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,

but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul

It is the caring she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.

And the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows.
Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.

~ by Franz Kafka

A Special Happy Mother's Day to all of the Beautiful Mamas out there!!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Fab Frapp Find!

Calling all Frappuccino lovers...
Between May 7th and May 16th, you can get Starbucks frappuccinos HALF PRICED from 3-5 PM! Not a coffee fan or looking for a caffeine-free option? No worries, Starbucks now offers yummy non-coffee flavored frapps and some locations even offer decaf cold coffee treats! Mark your calendars now...I know I have ;)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Cinco de Mayo Super Sale!

ElliaCNaturals is having a Cinco de Mayo Super Sale! Today only, buy 3 get the 4th FREE on all ElliaCNaturals products. Just put your freebie item in the Notes to Seller section of the PayPal checkout screen.

*Offer good on ElliaCNaturals products only

*Free item must be of equal or lesser value of the 3 qualifying items ordered

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Win Your Own Fab Bounce House!


WIN a Bounce House at Two Of A Kind, Working On A Full House during her Outdoor Oasis Event!
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