Pinterest Scavenger Hunt: Week 4!

Have  you guys been participating in the Pinterest Scavenger Hunt? It's fun way to check out some of the cute seasonal crafts from around the blogosphere and win prizes at the same time.

And boy are there prizes!

There are some grand prizes PLUS weekly prizes. In general, I'd say your chances of winning something are pretty good. Plus it's like going on a walking tour of CraftBloggerLandia. Winning all around.

Want to Play?

Check out the first post for more details but here's the gist:

• Create a new Pinterest board specifically for this Scavenger Hunt
• Each day, a new clue will be revealed on the Host blogs as well as the Rafflecopter entry form. With the clue, a link will be provided to the blog with the photo to be pinned.
• To be eligible to win, you must pin a photo from each clue provided
• There are also many additional ways to earn extra entries, so be sure to give them a try!

There is a Rafflecopter box near the bottom of the first post (really, it's huge and hard to miss). Head there and as you do each entry, click on it on the Rafflecopter board to get your corresponding entries. 


Did Someone Say Prizes?
Why yes I did!  Check out the prizes for week 4 winners:

Sponsor One:
Suzy's Sitcom Store

Prize: Patridge and Pear Faux Stained Glass Kit (value $20)
Great patterns, Ukrainian eggs, gifts, and much more!


Sponsor Two:
DIY Fluffies 

Prize: DIYFluffies Cotton Whale Toy Sewing Kit  (value $24)
Mariska Vos-Bolman is a dutch soft toy designer, and a graduate from the Utrecht school of Arts. In her Etsy shop customers can purchase ready made Fluffies, complete sewing kits for soft toys, rag dolls, softies, and stuffed animals, as well as downloadable PDF patterns patterns!
All e-patterns are available in English and Dutch, some in German or Spanish.
Her creations are inspired by her sons, as well as her many years of work history in the video game industry.

Pinterest Scavenger Hunt

I'm excited to announce my participation in a fun new project that will be fun for you and will give you a chance to win some great prizes as well. Read below for how to participate and check out the Rafflecopter entry form as well. Good luck!

Now without further ado, I introduce.....

Welcome to the Fall Pinterest Scavenger Hunt and Giveaway! Pin to Win one of five prize packages with a total value over $275!

Hosted by ArahBellas, All Done Monkey, and Just a Little Creativity

Here's how to Play-

• Create a new Pinterest board specifically for this Scavenger Hunt
• Each day, a new clue will be revealed on the Host blogs as well as the Rafflecopter entry form. With the clue, a link will be provided to the blog with the photo to be pinned.
• To be eligible to win, you must pin a photo from each clue provided
• There are also many additional ways to earn extra entries, so be sure to give them a try!

You Could Win One of These Five Prizes-

One Grand Prize Package

$40 Target Gift Card courtesy of MyArtsyBaby

Artistry Essentials hydrating skincare system or an Artistry balancing skincare system from Chris & Niki's Online Store (ARV $50.45)

$50 Gift Certificate to Bowdabra

{Total Grand Prize Value $140.40} 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One Week 1 Sponsor Prize Package
 $20 Gift Certificate to Cherished Bliss 
One Week 2 Sponsor Prize Package
Coilbound Documenting Book from Paper Coterie (Up to $32 value)
  One Week 3 Sponsor Prize Package
Blog Header Redesign from Simply Klassic Blog Design Ad Space on CherishedBliss.com {Total prize value $56}
  One Week 4 Sponsor Prize Package
Partridge and Pear Stained Glass Kit from Suzy's Sitcom Store
  Cotton Whale Toy Sewing Kit from DIYFluffies a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

More about our Grand Prize Sponsors-

MyArtsyBaby

Quality, hand painted art for your little one. Specializing in custom wooden and canvas growth charts and canvas wall art. Each piece is affordable, and 100% handmade and original, no prints or giclee reproductions. Made to order to your exact specifications. Any design you imagine can be painted on either wood or canvas charts, as well as gallery wrapped canvases.

Chris and Nikki's Online Store

If you enjoy finding new products that fit your lifestyle, you’ll love what’s “in store!” Chris and Nikki started their online store with a belief in their products and potential of their business. With the flexibility they have as entrepreneurs, they are able to spend more time with their two amazing kids.

Bowdabra

Bowdabra bow and craft tools... are unleashing creativity all over the world, from beautiful bows for gifts to elegant bridal accessories and home decor, the crafting possibilities are practically endless with Bowdabra. Bowdabra bow and craft tools...With its simple-to-use "goof proof" design, Bowdabra is for people of all ages; even children. Families seeking fun and affordable activities can spend some quality time together using Bowdabra products to create unique crafts and wonderful memories. Bowdabra bow and craft tools...Bowdabra products come with a VIP Pass to the membership site, containing craft articles and videos presented in an easy to follow style.

 

  This blog is not responsible for prize redemption, and was not compensated for participating in this sweepstakes.

SodaStream Review and GIVEAWAY!

The entry window for this drawing is closed. Congrats to lucky winner: commenter #19, CT!

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I am a soda addict. And while Cherry Coke Zero is my current fave, I just flat out love soda. I swear it's the bubbles. I can go back and forth between sodas with or without caffeine with no withdrawal symptoms. But if I switch to just water or iced tea I miss the dance of carbonation on my tongue.

This is a bummer for a few reasons:

1. Sodas are known for containing some not-so-healthy ingredients. GMO-laden high frustose corn syrup among them.
   
   
2. Most soda bottlers use cans or bottles that contain hormone-disrupting BPA. Yuck.
   
   
3. Soda is not budget friendly. Even less so if you live in a state (like I do) that requires a mandatory deposit on beverage containers....a "deposit" that you don't get back if you utilize curbside recycling. Boo.

It's enough to make you give up soda entirely. Except for that addiction bit I mentioned earlier.

These are just some of the reasons why I was really excited to be able to try out an at home soda maker from SodaStream. AND I also get to share the at home soda love with you because SodaStream is going to give a Fountain Jet Starter Kit away to one lucky Carissa's Creativity Space reader!

This post is brought to you by SodaStream USA. I received compensation including free product for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and 100% mine.

So let's get started...

Before I partnered up with SodaStream to do this review and giveaway, I had actually been considering getting an at home carbonator for about three years. No joke. Three. Years. What held me back? A few things. And if you're thinking about an at-home soda maker, I know these thing might be holding you back, too, so let's address those up front:

I wasn't sure if the flavors would be any good

In addition to being sent the carbonator, SodaStream generously sent me 10 soda flavors as well as a three pack of MyWater flavor essences. And I have to tell you: I liked most of them. Their Cola Free flavor (a knock off of Coke Zero) was spot on....and like I said: Coke Zero is one of my fave beverages so I'm kind of picky on that front. The Diet Cranberry Raspberry and the Diet Pink Grapefruit were my two non-cola favorites. I also liked drinking the soda water plain with a lemon and lime wedge and just a kiss of simple syrup. Dr. Pepper fans will want to know, though, that their Dr. Pepper knock off, which they call "Dr. Pete", isn't bad but it doesn't taste like Dr. Pepper. Conclusion? There are plenty of tasty flavors available. If you're a die-hard Dr. Pepper fan, though, skip Dr. Pete.

I wasn't sure about how the carbonator refills would work

One thing I had worried about was what I would do once I ran out of CO2. Would I have to drop a lot of money at a specialty store? Pay a lot for UPS shipping? Luckily, none of that was the case. When we finished off our first bottle of CO2, I used SodaStream's retailer finder to find a store near me that would enchange my carbonator cylinder. I found about 5 stores within a 5 mile radius of my house and popped into a local Bed, Bath and Beyond to trade in my old carbonator for a new one for a little less than $15. Conclusion? Trading in my cylinder for a new one was super duper easy.

I wasn't sure if I'd actually save money

Not being sure how far the flavors would stretch and how much soda each cylinder made, I wasn't sure if this gizmo would even save me money. But now that I've got one (and have already worked through my first CO2 cylinder and a couple bottles of flavor), I've got the inside scoop. The soda maker I have, takes a 60L cylinder, which will make about 60 liters of carbonated water. My replacement cylinder was $15 (so $0.25 per liter). So if you just drink club soda, you'll save about $0.75 per liter (before bottle deposit). If you want to add SodaStream flavors, you'll pay $0.41 per liter for flavoring if you don't opt for the more expensive Sparkling Naturals line. If you've been drinking 2 liter bottles of soda, this will pretty much match regular store prices. Of course, you can make your own soda flavorings like Ginger Syrup or Lemon Lime Soda for even less. Don't forget that you won't have to pay your bottle deposit anymore, too!

What else do I love about SodaStream?

• Because I reuse the bottles that come with the maker, there's no more lost money on bottle "deposits" ("deposits" in quotes because while I could return the bottles to get my nickel back, it's a huge hassle. I just curbside recycle them, which means my "deposit" turns into a five cent donation to the state)
• It has a small footprint - it does not take up much space at all on my counter. It doesn't need access to electricity, either. Really, I can put it anywhere!
• Making soda in small batches keeps it fizzy longer. No more half-drunk bottles of flat soda from the store.
• I can make my own flavors to have 100% control over what goes into my body.
• My son loves (and frequently requests) plain "bubble water". Anything that makes food more fun for a toddler is a plus in my book!
• The bottles are BPA and phthalate free (most cans of soda contain BPA so this is a great alternative).
• None of SodaStream's flavors contain High Fructose Corn Syrup or Aspartame. 
• My favorite SodaStream flavors were: Cola Free, Diet Pink Grapefruit, Diet Cranberry Raspberry, Diet Green Tea Pomegranate Peach. 

Any down sides?

Overall, I am really happy with my soda maker. There are, however, a few things that I'd love to see improve:

• I wish SodaStream made glass bottles that worked with my model. SodaStream does have two models that use glass bottles, Penguin and Crystal, but their bottles are not compatible with the less expensive soda makers like the one I have.
• Because the bottles are plastic, they need some extra special love. You should never put them in the dishwasher, use detergent or a bottle brush on them. Scratches (as from a bottle brush), heat and detergent will make the plastic start to break down. Because of this, you should not drink straight from the bottles and should always pour into a glass or drinking container first. Once you've finished drinking a bottle of soda, simply rinse it with water and fill it with tap water. Keep the bottle with tap water in the fridge until you're ready to carbonate.
• While I love that the Sparkling Naturals line of flavorings contains no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, the caps on the bottles are messy and the syrup does not dissolve into the  carbonated water as easily and the standard flavors. At the very least a re-design of the bottle would make these more user friendly.
• I would love if they expanded their energy drink flavors to have more than just a Red Bull knock off. Maybe a Monster or RockStar flavor? Double brownie points if it's the pink RockStar flavor.

Even though there are a few points that SodaStream has room to improve on, overall I am delighted with my soda machine and see it continuing to get plenty of mileage in my house.  And now....

You Can Win One, Too!!

What's Up for Grabs:

A Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit including:
- Fountain Jet in the winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
- 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
- Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
- Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
- 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

How to Enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me what kind of soda you would want to try to make first (official SodaStream flavor or otherwise) if you win.
(make sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. I'd hate for you to miss out on your prize because I couldn't reach you)

Get Bonus Entries

You can also earn up to seven bonus entries for doing any or all of the following. After you do each one, leave a separate comment letting me know which thing you did to earn your bonus entry. 
Don't forget your e-mail so I have a way to contact you if you're a lucky winner!

• LIKE Carissa's Creativity Space on Facebook (or tell me if you already do)
• SUBSCRIBE to Carissa's Creativity Space via e-mail or with Feedburner (or let me know if you already do)
• FOLLOW ME @CreativeCarissa on Twitter (or tell me if you already do)
• FOLLOW Carissa's Creativity Space with Google Friend Connect (that's the box that has the "join this site" button on the right side of any blog page underneath "My Fabulous Followers") or tell me if you already do.
• FOLLOW ME on Pinterest (or tell me if you already do)
• LIKE  SodaStream on Facebook (or tell me if you already do)
• FOLLOW  @SodaStreamUSA on Twitter 

Other Contest Details and "Small Print"
This is a sweepstakes style giveaway. No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. Sweepstakes entry period is 7:40am (PST) on February 29, 2012 through 11:59pm (PST) March 7, 2012. Each person may enter a maximum of eight times and win only once. One winner will be chosen at random using random.org. Winner will be notified via e-mail provided in comments on March 8, 2012. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to e-mail with a valid US mailing address to which the prize pack will be sent. If winner does not respond in time, an alternate winner will be chosen, also by using random.org. Dollar value of prize pack is approximately $99.95. Entrants must be above 18 years of age and have a United States of America mailing address. I have received compensation from SodaStream for posting this review and hosting this sweepstakes. All opinions expressed in the review are 100% mine.

Shutterfly Houseparty and Giveaway!

This Giveaway is Now Closed.

Congrats to Winners Kim D, Jennifer S and Ciji C!

A couple weeks ago I was delighted to be chosen as a Shutterfly Holiday Card House Party host!

What does that mean?

It means Shutterfly sent me a box of fun goodies including samples of their holiday cards as well as goodies like free promo codes for cards and calendars. All I had to do was have people over to my house to check everything out!

A couple weeks ago, I had friends over for coffee and apple pie and we took at look at all the fun goodies from Shutterfly. I love love love Shutterfly's cards (we've ordered birth announcements and holiday cards from them in the past). Whenever I've ordered cards or photobooks or prints from them before, I've been delighted with their quality. And of course the only thing better than things from Shutterfly is FREE things from Shutterfly!!

Shutterfly sent me enough goodies for all my guests to go home happy AND I have a few left over. You know what that means....

Giveaway Time!

I am giving away Shutterfly party packs to THREE different blog readers.

What could you win?

Each party pack includes:

• A promo code good for 15 personalized holiday cards from Shutterfly.com
• A promo code for a personalized 12 month wall calendar from Shutterfly.com
• A $10 shopping card from Plum District

 (Shutterfly promo codes must be redeemed by December 15, 2011. Plum District card must be redeemed by January 31, 2012.)

How to Enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite kind of holiday card is.
(cards with photos, cards that come with a newsletter, serious cards, funny cards, multi-holiday cards, Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards, New Year cards, cards with snowmen,  etc. There is no right or wrong answer!)

Get Bonus Entries

You can also earn bonus entries for doing any or all of the following. After you do each one, leave a separate comment letting me know which thing you did to earn your bonus entry. 
Don't forget your e-mail so I have a way to contact you if you're a lucky winner!

• FOLLOW Carissa's Creativity Space with Google Friend Connect (that's the box that has the "join this site" button on the right side of any blog page underneath "My Fabulous Followers") or tell me if you already do
• LIKE Carissa's Creativity Space on Facebook (or tell me if you already do)
• SUBSCRIBE to Carissa's Creativity Space via e-mail or with Feedburner (or let me know if you already do)
• FOLLOW ME @Carissa_Marie on Twitter

Other Contest Details and "Small Print"
This is a sweepstakes style giveaway. No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. Sweepstakes entry period is 7:15am (PST) on November 28th, 2011 through 11:59pm (PST) December 2nd, 2011. Each person may enter a maximum of five times and win only once. Three winners will be chosen at random using random.org. Winners will be notified via e-mail provided in comments on December 3rd, 2011. Winners will have until Monday, December 5th at 5:00am (PST) to respond to e-mail with a valid US mailing address to which the party pack will be sent. If winner does not respond in time, an alternate winner will be chosen, also by using random.org. Dollar value of goods redeemable by each prize pack is approximately $70. Taxes, shipping and handling fees will apply and will be the responsibility of the redeemer. Entrants must be above 18 years of age and have a United States of America mailing address. Shutterfly promo codes must be redeemed by December 15, 2011. Plum District card must be redeemed by January 31, 2012. While the promo codes are party packs being given away were provided by Shutterfly in conjunction with HouseParty.com, I have received no compensation for this blog post. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Freschetta Giveaway Winner

And the Freschetta giveaway winner is...

Commenter #10: Cynthia

I sent you an e-mail. Just get back to me in the next 3 days with your address and the prize is yours!

Freschetta Simply Inspired Pizza & Giveaway

This post brought to you by FRESCHETTA®. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you guys a little bummed you didn't win a composter in the Earth day giveaway? Well, I've got another awesome giveaway to share with you, courtesy of the people at Freschetta. This one won't fill your garden with compost, but it will fill your tummy with tasty pizza!

Winner of the Worm Factory 360!

And the winner is....

Comment #50:

JoyceAnna

You didn't leave an e-mail address, so I sent you a message through your Etsy shop. You've got until 2:00am on April 29th, 2011 to get back to me or I'll need to pick another winner.

Didn't win? Don't Worry!

If you didn't win, don't worry. You can still get your own worm factory and squirmy, garbage eating pets to call your own.  If you purchase your own Worm Factory (or anything else) through the Nature's Footprint Website, you can get 10% off (and free shipping on most items) by using the coupon code "carissa" through Friday, April 29, 2011.

A great big THANKS once again to Nature's Footprint so offering such an awesome and popular giveaway!

Worm Factory Review and GIVEAWAY!

One of the best home management decisions I've made in the last five years by far has been my acquisition of a Worm Factory composter. I absolutely LOVE my Worm Factory. This week, thanks to the generosity of Nature's Footprint Inc (the makers of the Worm Factory) I get to help them give one Worm Factory 360 away to one of my blog readers for FREE! We all know that I am a fan of free. They have also generously offered Carissa's Creativity Space readers I discount for the next 2 weeks in case you didn't win. Read on, friends!