Thursday, October 28, 2010

Homestead Blessings 10 pack DVD Review & Giveaway

~~~THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED~~~


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As a stay at home mom I am continually learning new things to make my family's life healthier and more memorable. Some of my favorite memories of growing up are of the times I watched my Grandma and Mom can jams & garden produce and work on quilts & various sewing projects. Now that the weather is starting to turn cooler I tend to be more creative and energetic and want to work on crafting projects or try a new recipe for the first time. There are still several things that I want to learn how to do, such as making candles & soap and learning how to knit (to make cute booties and hats for the new baby!). Since I still have many things to learn, I was really excited to get the Homestead Blessings 10 pk DVD to review.





About the Homestead Blessings DVDs!

The Homestead Blessings Series is a wonderful instructional series taught by the West Ladies. Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe. This group of women live on a homestead and practically do everything and make everything from scratch. What a better group of women to learn from that have mastered the tricks to running a successful homestead?

I was given the opportunity to review the 10 pack of DVDs from Homestead Blessings. However, the West Ladies are continually adding new DVDs to their collection. The 10 pack featured the topics:  bread making, candle making, soap making, canning, gardening, herbs, cooking, dairy, sewing, and quilting. I would consider this great basic DVD collection to start out with, but the DVDs are also sold individually if you are not wanting the whole set.

The Art of Bread Making DVD
I have been struggling to make my own homemade whole wheat bread lately. It just has not been turning out correctly and has been discouraging. Watching this DVD made it seem so simple and inspired me to keep trying! What I love about this DVD in particular is that the West Ladies use healthier ingredients like whole wheat and natural sweeteners in their baking.




The Art of Candle Making
Learning how to make candles is on my "to learn list" and has been for a very long time. In this DVD the West Ladies show how to make very basic candles as well as more elaborate decorated candles with beautiful pressed flowers. They give very clear directions and describe the materials that they use to make these candles so it does not seem daunting.




The Art of Canning
I have watched my grandma and mom can numerous times growing up, but had yet to do it myself. I am planning a garden for next year and have already picked up lots of canning supplies. After watching this DVD I couldn't wait until next year to start canning and I also thought it would be a good idea to "practice" before attempting a large batch of tomato sauce from my garden. I picked up some apples and made some apple butter! You can read my post here. I had a wonderful experience! I'm looking forward to next summer now with all the canning opportunities.




The Art of Soap Making
Learning to make soap is also on my "to learn list", but once again soap seems like it should be a long task and there is more science into it than I want to get into. It's not though! The West Ladies show how simple it really is. A great blessing to making your own soap is that you know exactly what goes into it. This is great for those who have a lot of allergies. Hand made soap is also terrific to give for birthdays or Christmas gifts.



The Art of Gardening
So far I would say that this DVD has been the most informative to me since I'm planning on a garden for the spring. The West Ladies cover basics about gardening and share how simple it is to prepare a bed for planting (which would probably be the first thing that would scare people away from attempting to start a garden). I am planning to use their lasagna gardening style for part of my beds next year.






The Art of Herbs
I admit, I don't know much about herbs when it comes to adding them to dishes or cooking. The West Ladies share how herbs can add so much flavor not only to our food, but many other health benefits to using herbs. I am excited about growing some herbs next year as well!




The Art of Dairy Delights
This is a DVD I think every home maker needs! The West Ladies show how easy it is to make your own butter, buttermilk, yogurt and other diary products from fresh milk. Although I don't have a cow in my back yard like the West Ladies to get real fresh milk, I can still make all of these wonderful dairy delights from store bought milk. Yogurt especially is so good for our bodies because of the probiotics and it is simple & more economical to make it yourself with their easy steps.






The Art of Sewing 
Really, before I learned how to cook I learned how to sew! I love sewing and have made so many things (all of Ethan's baby bedding for one!). I am even in the process of sewing several cloth diapers at the moment. Sewing appears to be a dying hobby and it's a shame! This is a great dvd for those who want to learn some basics to sewing.


The Art of Quilting
I love quilts! My mom made a full sized quilt for me when I was young and still love it. I plan to make a quilt for each of our children as well for their keepsake, but have yet to start a quilt! I have made a couple of smaller toddler quilts, but that is it so far. This DVD has inspired me to start planning and slowly (as I have time) work on them. 




The Art of Cooking
This was one of my favorites dvds! The West ladies make several dishes that are just delicious looking! They use healthier ingredients in their recipes which I love as well. They make a meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner and by the time you finish the dvd you'll be hungry!



I have really enjoyed watching all of the Homestead Blessings DVDs. Since I'm a visual learner, this has been the best way for me to learn the basics of many home making topics. I believe this series is great for those home makers that want to learn more or even for the younger girls to learn. The DVDs were very informative and fun to watch! Thanks to the West Ladies I now feel more confident learning new hobbies such as the soap and candle making as well as brush up my other home making skills.

Buy It! You can purchase the Homestead Blessings Series or other great DVDs directly at Franklin Springs Media.


WIN IT! Franklin Springs Media is giving away one Homestead Blessings: The Art of Sewing DVD to a Take Time to Smell the Rose Reader!  


You have the chance to enter several entries by the doing the following. Each one counts as 1 entry unless otherwise specified. I am now making it a requirement to follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect to enter my giveaways.
  • MANDATORY ENTRY(You also must be following my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect)-counts as 1: AND visit Franklin Springs Media and tell me what other DVD(s) you would like to watch.  
    • Subscribe to my blog via email with Feedburner (on right side bar).
    • Blog about my giveaway before Oct 31st, linking back to this giveaway. Leave the URL where you blogged.
        • Grab my  Take Time to Smell the Rose button. Leave URL where it is posted.
        • Grab my Take Time to Share Your Giveaway Sunday button. Leave URL where it is posted.
        • Grab my Bump 2 Baby event button. Leave URL where it is posted. 
              • Follow Smell_the_Rose AND Franklin Springs on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. After initial "tweet" you may gain an extra entry each day. Limit 1 tweet a day.  Leave URL where you tweeted in your comment. Please use this copy & paste tweet:
              Win The Art of Sewing DVD from @FranklinSprings and @Smell_the_Rose. Ends 11/07 #giveaway #dvd #sewing http://tiny.cc/HomesteadBlessings
                •  'Like' Franklin Springs Media on Facebook and write on their wall that I sent you (even if you are already a fan). 3 entries!
                                          **Leave your email on each comment. You must do this in order to win!**

                                          Giveaway ends Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 9:00 p.m.(CST) Winner will be drawn by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner will also be announced on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

                                          This giveaway is open to USA residents ONLY . Must be 18 years old or older to win.

                                          The thoughts and opinions expressed on my blog are my own and are not swayed by any monetary or product compensation. I received the 10 pk Homestead Blessings Series and no other compensation was received. 
                                           
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                                          ~~~THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED~~~

                                          61 comments:

                                          shirley said...

                                          I follow GFC, like the Measure Twice, Cut Once.
                                          supergrand2009@yahoo.com

                                          shirley said...

                                          Signed up for FSM newsletter
                                          supergrand2009@yahoo.com

                                          mogrill said...

                                          I like the Family works volume 1.
                                          Thanks for the chance.
                                          mogrill@comcast.net

                                          tree said...

                                          i follow you blog and like the Farm and Family Fun Pack! i love all the Homestead Blessings dvds!!

                                          thanks for the chance!

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i follow you bloth on twitter and tweeted!

                                          http://twitter.com/patchouligirl91/status/502590328537088

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter! #1

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter! #2

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter! #3

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i have your Time to Smell the Rose button on my blog! (bottom of page)

                                          http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i subscribe to your blog via email!

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i have your Take Time to Share Your Giveaway Sunday button on my blog! (bottom of page)

                                          http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          tree said...

                                          i have your Bump 2 Baby button on my blog! (bottom of page)

                                          http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          Niecey said...

                                          I follow your blog via google friend connect - Niecey

                                          nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com

                                          I visited the site and think I'd enjoy the A Full House of Blessing: The Inspiring Story of the Nicklas Family dvd

                                          Niecey said...

                                          I have your take time to share your giveaways button on my blog sidebar

                                          http://goodieslist.blogspot.com/

                                          nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com

                                          Niecey said...

                                          I have your bump 2 baby button on my blog sidebar

                                          http://goodieslist.blogspot.com/

                                          nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com

                                          Niecey said...

                                          I follow you both on twitter and tweeted
                                          http://twitter.com/#!/goodieslist/status/769060665040897
                                          nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com

                                          Niecey said...

                                          I like Franklin Springs Media on facebook and said you sent me
                                          Niecey Docherty
                                          nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com
                                          #1

                                          Niecey said...

                                          I like Franklin Springs Media on facebook and said you sent me
                                          Niecey Docherty
                                          nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com
                                          #2

                                          Niecey said...

                                          I like Franklin Springs Media on facebook and said you sent me
                                          Niecey Docherty
                                          nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com
                                          #3

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          I'm a GFC follower

                                          I'd like to see the new Art of Crafts DVD but I think the Complete Library Pack - All Released Franklin Springs Titles in One Complete Pack would be great to have! I'd love to donate this pack to my local library as well!
                                          tnshadylady at gmail.com

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          following both on twitter
                                          http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/906983548915712

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          like Franklin Springs on Facebook and left comment
                                          tnshadylady at gmail.com

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          like Franklin Springs on Facebook and left comment
                                          tnshadylady at gmail.com

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          like Franklin Springs on Facebook and left comment
                                          tnshadylady at gmail.com

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          signed up for Franklin Springs newsletter
                                          tnshadylady at gmail.com

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          signed up for Franklin Springs newsletter
                                          tnshadylady at gmail.com

                                          Deb Anderson said...

                                          signed up for Franklin Springs newsletter
                                          tnshadylady at gmail.com

                                          jandsfox_143 said...

                                          I would like the Homestead Blessings: In the Kitchen Collection - Hosted by The West Ladies.
                                          jandsfox_143@msn.com

                                          tree said...

                                          Tweet!

                                          http://twitter.com/patchouligirl91/status/988686116200448

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          Dani' said...

                                          following and I'd like the Measure Twice Cut Once DVD because my youngest wants a tree house!

                                          Dani' said...

                                          subbed with solta(at)hotmaildotcom

                                          Dani' said...

                                          button at http://bee-mused.blogspot.com

                                          AEK said...

                                          The George Washington Carver DVD sounds interesting but I am mostly interested in this Homestead series!
                                          I publicly follow via GFC under AEK

                                          Thanks!
                                          angiedkelly at gmail dot com

                                          AEK said...

                                          email subscriber

                                          angiedkelly at gmail dot com

                                          AEK said...

                                          Have your bump 2 baby button under blog event:
                                          www.queenofthesnotprincesses.blogspot.com

                                          angiedkelly at gmail dot com

                                          AEK said...

                                          follow you both and:
                                          http://twitter.com/#!/queenofthesnot/status/1013092649537536

                                          angiedkelly at gmail dot com

                                          AEK said...

                                          subscriber to FSM newsletter
                                          1

                                          angiedkelly at gmail dot com

                                          AEK said...

                                          subscriber to FSM newsletter
                                          2

                                          angiedkelly at gmail dot com

                                          AEK said...

                                          subscriber to FSM newsletter
                                          3

                                          angiedkelly at gmail dot com

                                          rah267 said...

                                          I like Homestead Blessings: In the Kitchen Collection - Hosted by The West Ladies

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          I follow you on GFC (Mickey Coutts) and would also like to watch the Measure Twice Cut Once DVD.

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          Subscribed to your blog via email with Feedburner.

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          Following Take Time to Smell the
                                          Follow Smell_the_Rose AND Franklin Springs on Twitter AND tweet:

                                          https://twitter.com/mickeycoutts/status/1149750103511040

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          Signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter. #1

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          Signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter. #2

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          Signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter. #3

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          'Like' Franklin Springs Media on Facebook and wrote on their wall that you sent me.(Mickey Coutts) #1

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          'Like' Franklin Springs Media on Facebook and wrote on their wall that you sent me.(Mickey Coutts) #2

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          A Helicopter Mom said...

                                          'Like' Franklin Springs Media on Facebook and wrote on their wall that you sent me.(Mickey Coutts) #3

                                          mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

                                          tree said...

                                          tweet!

                                          http://twitter.com/patchouligirl91/status/1296197977378816

                                          enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

                                          Homemaker said...

                                          I would also like to watch their The Family Heritage of Hunting DVD.
                                          sallylynnsara@hotmail.com

                                          cman said...

                                          I'm a GFC Follower.
                                          Homestead Blessings: The Art of Canning

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I am following with GFC. I would also love to have the Homestead Blessings: Household Skills Collection dvd set.
                                          There are so many too choose from it would be great to have the entire set.
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I subscribed to your email.
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I Signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter.
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I Signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter.
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I Signed up for the Franklin Springs Media Newsletter.
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I have your Take The Time To Smell The Roses button.
                                          http://grandmabonniescloset.blogspot.com/
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I have your Take The Time To Share Your Giveaway Button.
                                          http://grandmabonniescloset.blogspot.com/
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Grandma Bonnie said...

                                          I have your Bump 2 Baby Button
                                          http://grandmabonniescloset.blogspot.com/
                                          bonniesbabyboutique(at)ymail(dot)com

                                          Unknown said...

                                          I follow. i would like to watch A Journey Home. garrettsambo@aol.com

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