Hello, Free Shoes!

Let me guess - I had you at hello, right?

I discovered a store policy yesterday that I think you need to know about! At PayLess Shoes, if they don't have your size in stock, you can request a printout that shows locations nearby that have the shoe in your size. And, for the hassle of traveling to another store, you receive a $6 discount on those shoes (take the printout with you to the second store, that's your coupon). And, when the shoes in question are on sale for $6... well, that means FREE SHOES! For an eight minute drive (en route to where I happened to be headed anyway), I didn't even pay tax on these sweet ballet style shoes (regular price $19.99) for Mia.

A girl can't have too many pairs of shoes. And the price was right!

Please note, this was my experience with two PayLess shoe stores in Calgary. I haven't researched their national (or international, for that matter) policy. YMMV!

Hi-Tec Snowdonia Boots - Review and Giveaway!!

***This giveaway is closed.***
Winner: Stacy

You may recall a month or so ago I asked for your help in winning a giveaway - and then I won!
I was SO excited when I got my Hi-Tec Snowdonia boots. Hi-Tec has been making footwear since 1974 and they are pretty darn good at it.

Even though they are super cute, these are serious winter boots. I gave them a real test when I wore them on our trip to pick out our Christmas tree. What I thought would be a half-hour walk at a tree farm turned into a three-hour trek through foot-deep snow, as we hit two different tree farms and ended up picking - no joke - the FURTHEST tree from the parking lot. At seven months pregnant, three hours of walking is a real marathon!

This is the tree farm on the day we went to get a tree! Major snow!

Despite the very deep snow, not a bit went into the tops of my boots. I was trying to walk in my husband's footsteps, but I think the drawstring at the top of the boots was the key to keeping my feet protected from ankle snowfall. (And who can resist the adorable pom-poms??? My husband calls them my "oompa-loompa" boots...)

They also are dry from the bottom and sides. No wetness, no complaints! I have been cursed with perennially cold feet, and to my amazement, my feet were not cold for one moment the entire time. I kept waiting for ice cube toes, and it never happened. The boots are super warm and comfy. Test PASSED! And, we finally did find the perfect tree -

Don't I look fierce? Ha! As if I cut down that tree. All my husband. Cadbury and I just watched.

One thing I noticed is that the boots are roomy. Perfect for fitting your thick winter socks into! I happen to be somewhere between a 6.5 and 7 shoe size and I think that you could safely pick the smaller size if you are between sizes like me.

I got to talking with Hi-Tec and learned that they were just in the process of launching their new Hi-Tec Canada Facebook page! How awesome. In conjunction with the launch, Hi-Tec has offered a pair of Snowdonia boots to one of my readers!!!


The giveaway:
One winner will receive their own pair of Hi-Tec Snowdonia boots!*

How to enter:
This is a two step entry, so make sure you follow the steps to qualify! Put both of these in ONE COMMENT. This is the mandatory entry - do this first to qualify for bonus entries!

1. Follow Hi-Tec on Twitter (leave your Twitter name)
2. "Like" the brand new Hi-Tec Canada Facebook page (leave your first name and last initial)
   

Make sure I've got a way to contact you if you're the winner!

Bonus entries: (please leave an extra comment for each. If you already do any of these things, leave the comment - you do get the entry for it!):

• Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name!)
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link to your tweet! You can do this once a day and you can use this tweet if you like:
  

  #Win a pair of @HiTecUSA **Snowdonia Boots** at Emily's Latest! Warm and stylin'! http://bit.ly/ih6nrA @emilyisland US/CAN (Ends 1/26)
  

• Follow my blog (publicly) – 2 entries, leave 2 comments
• Add my blog button to your blog– 2 entries, leave 2 comments (please leave a link to your blog)

I will be verifying comments so please actually do the things you say you do ☺

Please be sure to include your email address if it’s not public in your blogger profile! Anonymous comments without a way to contact you will be rejected. Canadian or US mailing addresses only, please. Giveaway ends January 26th at 11:59 EST. A winner will be drawn within the next day or two (as long as I'm not in labour!), announced here, in a separate post and emailed!

*If the winner’s size is out of stock, Hi-Tec will replace with another style of equal or lesser value.

And, yes, I'm usually not a big fan of daily tweets. I know. It's not that cool. Just trying it out for this one.

Heads up - Hi-Tec is coming!

Remember how I posted about the awesome boots I was trying to win on Hi-Tec's Facebook page - and then I actually won (with your help! You guys rock!)?

Those boots came today (how fast!) and they. Are. Amazing. I love them! These are the Snowdonia boots from Hi-Tec...So full of awesomeness. Anyway, the point of this (besides giddy raving about a. winning and b. how much I love them) is that I wanted to let you know that next month I'll be working with Hi-Tec on a review and giveaway! I know you're as excited as I am now!

If you don't know Hi-Tec, they're all about quality outdoor gear from footwear to their new apparel line. I'm crushing on their parkas... More about this stuff later.

Meanwhile, there are still days left of daily giveaways on their Facebook page that you can go enter. And stay tuned for the Hi-Tec goodness that is coming right here :)

One last list

Tomorrow I doubt I'll have a chance, what with all the little last minute things before we travel. Well, maybe, but don't count on it. So here's one last list before we head on vacation for a week. There are so many giveaways lately, it's great. I hate to think I'll miss any while I'm away! :) Though... lazing around Mexico is a pretty good consolation.

For baby:

• Win a $25 gift certificate to Adorable Baby Clothing at Health, Beauty and Family. Ends December 3rd.
• Win a Baby Emi jingle bells anklet at Simple. Ends December 10th.
• Win a Little Twig Mini Gift Set (bath products) at Organic Girl. Ends December 10th.
• Win Angel Baby bedding at Project Nursery. Ends November 27th.
• Win a $50 gift certificate to Maukilo Toys at BabyLuxe Daily! Ends November 26th.
• Win either a Bodysuit & Beanie (newborn) or Long Sleeve Tee (sizes 1-6 years) from Pipi Child at {Natural} Mommie. Ends November 28th.
• Win a Moby Wrap at The Eco-Friendly Family. Ends November 22nd so hurry up!
• Win an Ergobaby HandsFree System (carrier, backpack and pouch) at My Wee View. Ends November 27th.
• Win an Action Baby Carrier at Organic Girl. Ends December 5th.
• Win a LilleBaby EveryWear Baby Carrier from Scandinavian Child at Organic Girl. Ends December 7th.
• Win a Plush Pad by Ah Goo Baby at A Mom's Balancing Act. Ends December 3rd.
• Win an Applecheeks cover and insert from Change My Bummy at Glimpse Reviews. Open to Canadians only! :) Ends December 3rd.
• Win an Applecheeks Mini Test Kit (cover + 3 inserts in hemp or bamboo!) at Organic Girl. Ends December 17th.
• Win a Kalencom diaper bag in the Eleanor design Pheasant flap at Simple. Ends November 25th.
• Win any pair of Bobux shoes at My Organized Chaos. Ends November 28th.
• Win a Baby K'Tan sling at There's No Snakes in New Zealand. Ends December 4th.
• Win a set of Bummas cloth wipes at Joyful Reviews and Giveaways. Ends December 4th.
  

For the ladies:

• Win a Mommy Milk nursing tank at Me and My Boys. Ends December 3rd.
• Win a Blush topless tee at Mommies Angels. Ends November 30th.
• Win an awesome Marcelle "Classic Elegant" gift set at Sparkled Beauty. Open to Canadians only! :) Ends December 4th.
• Another great Marcelle Ultra Glam giveaway at a watercolour sky. Open to Canadians only! :) Ends November 29th.
• Win an Expressiva nursing top from their eco-friendly line at Simply Living on a Budget. Ends December 3rd.
• Win a Shower Hug from Belmama and Cherub at My Wee View. Ends December 4th.
  

For anyone:

• Win a $25 gift certificate to Affordable Scarves at Fantabulously Frugal. Ends November 29th.
• Win Clorox Green Works laundry detergent at Lucky Canucks. Open to Canadians only! :) Ends December 2nd.
• Win a Pottery Barn Christmas ornament at A Blonde Ambition. Ends December 3rd.
  

Glee!

Uh oh. I've found a new show to love. My friend kept recommending this show Glee to me, and I kept putting off watching it. Well, during a bout of insomnia I watched 4 episodes back to back and can say it's one of my new favourites! Love it. I'm watching it on ninjavideo (up to episode 7 now) and shamelessly singing along. At full volume.

Oh, and if you're in the Toronto area, one of my galleries has a Festival of Smalls show that's opening this weekend. The annual show features artworks under $250 by their many, many talented artists. If you're looking for a really unique and special Christmas gift, original art is a fantastic way to go. They do online sales as well during the show if you're not local. The gallery is Art Interiors, and you can find more details about the show here. I just sent them 8 small oil paintings for the show - here's one of them:The sailboats are a bit of a new thing for me, I'm playing around with them. This one's a teeny canvas at 6x12".

Some giveaways for today... thought I'd get to adding some more last night, but that didn't happen.

For baby:

• Win a set of Bumkins Grinch SuperBibs at The Mom Buzz. Ends November 26th.
• Win a Layla Grace blanket at Grosgrain. Not sure when this one ends.
• Win some glass bottles (Life Factory and Born Free) from SproutBaby at Fabulous Fun Finds. Ends November 18th.
• Win a cute Crane humidifier at Raising My 4 Sons. These have finally arrived in Canada, btw - I saw them at Shoppers Drug Mart yesterday, priced at $40. Ends November 19th.
• Win a Snugfits onesie or tee and knit pants or Baby Legs at Toddler Momma. Ends November 14th.
• Win a Cloud B Gentle Giraffe at Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous. Open to Canadians only! Ends November 30th.
• Win a Cloud B Polar Cuddle Cub at Organic Girl. Open to Canadians only! Ends December 1st.
• Win Bummas cloth wipes at 1 Stop Mom. Ends November 17th.
• Win Bummas cloth wipes at Mommy World. Ends November 15th.
• One more chance to win Bummas cloth wipes at Mommy2TwoGirls. Ends November 25th.
• Yet another chance to win Bummas cloth wipes at Annie's Home. Ends December 1st.
• Win a panel wrap baby carrier from Cosy Baby Happy Mommy at Fun and Funky Mommy. Ends December 7th.
  

For the ladies:

• Win lavender pearl earrings from Pearl Paradise at My Organized Chaos. These would make a nice Christmas present (or a treat for you!). Ends November 21st.
• Win a Blush topless tee at Penny Pinching Mama. Ends November 19th.
• Win a handbag from Handbag Heaven at Comfort Joy Designs. Ends November 21st.
• Win a Hip-T at Momma Loves to Shop. Ends November 20th.
• Win a Samantha Half-Padded Bra and Hipster in Magenta by Affinitas Lingerie at Simply Stacie. Ends November 24th.
• Win a pair of Must Have Shoes at My Wee View! Ends November 25th.
• Remember the Teva sandals I grumped about? You can win a pair of their Mush sandals at Simple. Ends November 19th.
• Win a pair of holiday shoes from Supershoes at The Mom Buzz. ends November 28th.
  

For the men:

• Win the book ABC's for Expectant Dads by Todd Lieman (10 winners!) at smonk you. Ends December 2nd.
  

For anyone:

• Win a $50 gift certificate to Green is Black at Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous. Ends November 19th.
• Win Crunchy Clean laundry detergent (you've got to check out the scents available!) at Take Time to Smell the Rose. Ends November 22nd.
• Win an audiobook copy of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold at Sweeps4Bloggers. I love audiobooks and this one's even read by the author. Ends November 18th.
• Win a Flip Ultra HD at Newly Wed, Newly Bred. Ends November 26th.
• Win Cowgirl Chocolates (1/3 lb!) at Sweeps4Bloggers. Ends November 13th.
• Win a Glade prize pack (wine, candles, reed diffuser, Chapters GC ) at Northern Mama. Open to Canadians only! Ends November 18th.
• Win your choice of BearPaw shoes/boots at My Organized Chaos! Ends November 19th.
  

Having fun yet? If you like what I'm doing here on my blog, you could do me a quick and easy favour by clicking on any of the Google ads that interest you to the left there. It throws a couple cents my way. Thanks!

What weekends are for...

This weekend was so busy. Here's what we accomplished in the two days:

• ripping out the old shelf and rod in our closet, repairing the walls, repainting, and installing a great new system by Rubbermaid that has loads of storage and shoe shelves (finally!) - it even has drawers! Love it.
  
• putting up the Christmas lights... I know it's early, but it was so nice to do it on a rare warm day in November than a freeze-your-buns-off day in December!
• bringing in our patio set for the winter... aw.
  
• making 2.5 litres of applesauce with locally grown apples from the market. Yum!
  
• making an apple-cranberry loaf
• making 8 meals' worth of butternut squash soup. Loading up the freezer with fall harvest goodness!
  
• making two loaves of spelt bread. I love my Kitchenaid stand mixer (which I won in a contest last year)! We used to have a bread machine, which was great, but when a small plastic part in it broke and Black & Decker wouldn't replace the broken piece (instead telling us to throw out this large countertop appliance and buy a new one), we opted not to get a new one. Not cool to add to landfills rather than replace a 50-cent part! B&D gets a big thumbs down.
  
• making chocolate ice cream (without an ice cream maker!). This one's for the grown-ups, as it's full of Baileys and rum! Mm. It's so easy, too. Though if you do make it, expect an overnight freeze time - the four hours the recipe says is not long enough. Maybe it would be, if you put it in a shallow container (I didn't think of that until too late). I confess, I had a spoonful at breakfast this morning :)
  
• cleaning the house... just a regular weekend task, but it got done along with everything else
  
• installing blinds on four windows. We finally got rid of the last of the 'temporary' paper blinds that have been up for two years since we moved in!
• Hosting our great friends for dinner. They brought their sweet daughter, whom I adore!
  

I think that's all! Good stuff. Isn't it satisfying to get stuff done?! Ok, I'm finished bragging about our accomplishments... With Christmas on the way, the blog giveaways have really ramped up lately! Here are some giveaways for today.

For baby:

• Win a set of fleece pants and a tee (for girls) by Brooke Van Gory Designs at Diapers and Dimples. Ends November 21st.
• Win a $25 gift certificate to Maukilo (toys) at The Bragging Mommy. Ends November 13th.
• Win a $25 gift certificate to Sprout Baby at Jabbering Jessi. Ends November 20th.
• Win a Babybjorn Travel Crib Lite at MomFuse (5 winners!). Ends November 15th.
• Win a Lamaze Space Symphony Motion Gym from The Learning Curve at Monkey Mayhem! Ends November 20th.
• Win a $20 gift certificate to Snap-Ez at The Cloth Diaper Report. Ends November 16th.
• Win a Econobum Onesize Cover & Onesize Prefold at Diaper Discussions! Ends November 13th.
• Win your choice of an AIO or Fitted with Coordinating Cover from My Sweet Punkin Patch at The First Time Around. Ends November 22nd.
• Win a Zosephine diaper bag at The Bragging Mommy! Ends November 15th.
• Win a Kolcraft Jeep stroller at A Giveaway Everyday! Ends November 16th.
• Win a $30 gift certificate to Great Lakes Diaper Company at Little Birdie Secrets! Ends November 15th.
• Win an aden+anais Burpy Bib at Tara's View of the World. Ends November 24th.
• Win a big Amelie Jo gift box full of goodies over at From Scratch. Ends November 23rd.
• Win a Britax Marathon CS car seat at $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge. Ends November 22nd.
• Win a ring sling from Belly Bumps to Baby Hugs at Moma Lovebug. Ends November 22nd.
  

For the ladies:

• Win a bamboo wrap by Naturally Knotty at A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts. Ends November 28th.
• Win a Shower Hug at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves. Ends November 18th.
• Win Om Shanti body scrub (in your choice of scent) at Cute Like Me. Ends November 16th.
• Win Cream perfume or lotion (your choice) at Mommy 2 Two Girls. Ends November 17th.
• One more chance to win Cream perfume at One 2 Try. Ends November 18th.
  
• You can also win Cream perfume at Helping Mommys Win. Ends November 20th.
• Win a hand dyed silk chiffon scarf at La Mimi. Ends November 21st.
  

For anyone:

• Win a $20 gift certificate to The Brown Bow at Mommies Angels. Ends November 30th.
• Win a $35 gift certificate to Novica at Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous. Ends November 19th.
• Win a Walmart photo book at Peg City Momma - open to Canadians only! Ends November 16th.
• Win a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer (like I said, I love mine!) from Style At Home - open to Canadians only! Ends November 30th.
• Win your choice of BearPaw shoes (or boots!) at Fabulous Fun Finds! Ends November 12th.
• Win your choice of watch from Inexpensive Watches at A Mom's Balancing Act (two winners). Ends November 18th.
• Win a Christmas ornament from Huephoria at Simply Living on a Budget. Ends November 23rd.
• Win a pretty planner by My Lavender Cottage at Gifted Giveaways. Ends November 12th.
• Win a Mighty Leaf Tea travel mug at Katydid and Kid! Ends November 22nd.
• Enter to win a Hallmark ornament at the Canadian Family blog (open to Canadians only!) every day until December 18th.
  

For the dog:

• Win a Natural Luxe Eco-Me Natural Dog Kit at Mkokopelli. Ends November 15th.
  

Vivid dreams

Last night I dreamt that the doctor's office called and told me once again to rush to the ER as my levels had spiked. Phew - just a dream. I woke up especially anxious.

The night before, after driving my getaway car directly into his mansion (it got caught up on a big sweeping marble staircase - oops) I was hired as a personal assistant to Pierce Brosnan, who apparently (in my dream) is very absent-minded and also enjoys walking around in the nude. Let me just say that I loved him as Bond (and way back when, as Remington Steele!) - but didn't particularly want to see him naked, although he is in great shape. I did like the awesome boots I got to wear in the dream. Pierce, if you're reading, feel free to send me some boots, size 6 1/2. You have great taste in women's footwear.

Weird things happen in my head while I sleep!

Some giveaways for today:

For baby:

• Win a $50 gift certificate to Maukilo Toys at Your Mama Reviews. Ends November 10th.
• Win a $25 gift certificate to Maukilo Toys at Katydid and Kid. Ends November 15th.
  
• Win an Ecobumz trial pack at Diaper Discussions! Ends November 6th.
• Win a cute pair of Classic Giraffe shoes by Foxpaws at Fabulous Fun Finds. Ends November 9th.
• Win a Halo sleep sac or Early Walker at Living as Mom. Ends November 10th.
  

For the ladies:

• Win a $50 gift certificate to Shade Clothing at Fabulous Fun Finds. Ends November 8th.
• Win a tee from Fierce Organic (men's or ladies, actually) at {Natural} Mommie. Ends November 5th.
• Win a trio pack of LaLicious body butters from Urban Chic Boutique at Everything Up Close. Ends November 11th.
• Win a Labor Kit (sic! where's the u? Ah, Americans...) at Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House. Ends November 13th.
  

For anyone:

• Win an audiobook copy of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones at A Bookish Mom (I love audiobooks!). You've got to watch the movie trailer, it looks awesome! Ends November 5th.
  

more to come.

Good morning...

Today is the LAST day to enter my giveaway for your choice of natural skin care products from Skin Free! I'll draw the winner tomorrow!

So I am okay (well as okay as I can be) with having another miscarriage. I accept this. It's easier being so early. But it hasn't happened yet, I'm waiting for an OB appointment to find out more, the next ultrasound appointment isn't for a week, and meanwhile... I am starting to feel pregnant. No! It's bad enough knowing a baby is once again not in the cards, but to have to be nauseous, have sore breasts, skin breakouts, be thirsty and tired all the time, uber-emotional... for nothing... So unfair. Ugh.

So. Giveaways.

For the ladies:

• Win one of two $25 gift certificates to Shade Clothing at Sweet Life in the Valley. Ends October 22nd.
• Win a Bravado Allure nursing bra at Breastfeeding Moms Unite. Ends October 22nd.
• Win a Medela nursing bra at MomStart. Ends November 2nd. Also, read her post if you're interested in reviewing a nursing bra!
• Win a Natural Woman 100% Organic Cotton Jersey Cami and Tap Pants Set from Eberjey at {Natural} Mommie. Ends October 23rd.
• Win a Baby Kaed Jacey diaper bag at Me and My Boys. Ends October 31st.
• Win an Orglamix eyeshadow set at Toddler Momma. Ends November 1st.
• Win a Namaste handbag at Baby Loving Mama! Ends November 2nd.
• Win a pair of Pearl Izumi athletic shoes at Jamie's Precious Peas! Ends November 4th.
  

For baby:

• Win a $75 Zutano gift certificate (newborn clothing) at Me and My Boys. Ends November 1st.
• You can also win a $75 Zutano gift certificate at Organic Girl. This one ends November 5th.
• Win a set of Kid Bean wooden blocks at The Mommy Homemaker. Ends tomorrow, October 20th.
• Win The Bunnies in the Garden Gift Set from The Corner Stork at BabyLuxe Daily. Ends October 26th.
• Win a Knickernappies Diaper Sprayer from Growing Green Bums at Newly Wed, Newly Bred. Ends October 25th.
• Win a Bebe Belay tether clip (3 winners) at Coolest Kid Reviews and Giveaways. Ends October 28th.
• Win two Snugfits onesies with matching hats or pants from Along Came Baby at My Organized Chaos. Ends October 23rd.
• Win a Halo Sleep Sack at Jabbering Jessi. Ends October 26th.
• Win a Serena & Lily sling at Brown Couch Events. Ends October 24th.
• Win a Sprout Shell (car seat cover) at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves. Ends October 29th.
• Win a Glow Baby journal at Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous. Ends October 28th. (I just won one over at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves - can't wait to see it!)
  

Paintity Paint!

Hooray! Today's the big day... the painters are here! Our house is finally being painted after living with 'builder's beige' for two years.

Yesterday was sooo long as we cleaned, moved all the furniture into the center of each room, emptied the closets, then cleaned again all the spots where furniture was, and wiped down all the baseboards. it took about 8 hours to do the upstairs. The tv and curtain rods had to come off the walls, the beds were disassembled, it is some serious chaos up there.

We haven't done the downstairs yet (well it's clean but not the moving and second round cleaning), they are starting on the upper floor. I am SO excited to have colour in our home!

Last night we slept on the two sofas pushed together - of course hubby got the long sofa and I got the loveseat! I was so squashed all night. I don't think I got a wink of sleep. And tonight I'm teaching until 10pm... it will be a long day!

A few giveaways to share with you today -

For baby:

• Win $75 worth of Burt's Bees Baby Bee skin care products at Organic Girl! Ends September 30th.
• Win a Hotslings baby carrier at My Charmed Life. Ends September 30th.
• Win a Fisher Price Trio Building Set at Mom Central! Doesn't this remind you of Tinker Toys? I loved those. These look equally fun! Ends September 27th.
• Win a Trendy Tadpole tee at Candid, Clever & Cost-Effective. Ends September 26th.
  

For the ladies:

• Win your choice of a pair of shoes from Must Have Shoes at Jabbering Jessi. They have a huge selection, this would be great for adding to your fall shoe wardrobe! Ends October 9th. This is part of Jessi's Back 2 Blogging Bash - check out all the giveaways while you're there!
• Win a Blush topless undershirt at Helping Mommys Win. Ends September 24th.
  

For anyone:

• Win a $75 Old Navy gift card at Bargain Moose! This is for Canadians only! Ends October 7th.
• Ostensibly for children, the Nintendo DSi would keep anyone entertained. Win one at Mom Central. Ends September 27th.
• Win a Sophia's Gourmet Salad Dressing Sampler at Sweeps4Bloggers. Yum! Ends September 26th.
  

Quickly,

One or two more because they're so good. I'm running out the door to a doctor's appointment so this is a quick one. Still working on the file transfer, between work and errands...

For anyone:

• Win a pair of New Balance shoes at Peanut Butter and Smelly's Dad! Yeah! Ends May 29th.
• Win a pair of New Balance shoes and a sports bra at Look What Mom Found! Ends June 5th.