Home decorating can be a daunting task – from determining color palettes and wall hangings to appropriately mixing and matching older pieces with new, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! It’s for this reason that Deborah Needleman, founding editor of Domino Magazine, created the HomeGoods StyleScope, a simple interactive tool that provides a customized style (like Bohemian Classic, Earthy Modern or Dramatic Eclectic) as well as tips to put that style to use.

The StyleScope, which lives online at http://www.homegoods.com/index.asp, is an invaluable tool for those who want to find their own style, and escape from the overly prescriptive home décor options of major stores. Everyone needs a bed, a sofa, a table, but it’s that last 10% that really turns a house into a home – this quick online quiz is designed to help all of us (myself included!) who love stylish home décor but don’t know how to incorporate specific trends or styles into our own homes.

Additionally, to make this a little sweeter, especially in our current economic climate, for the remainder of the summer, those who take the HomeGoods StyleScope can enter for a chance to win a weekly $5,000 shopping spree or a daily gift card giveaway to HomeGoods. If you’re new to the brand, HomeGoods truly has something for everyone – at prices 20-60% less than department or specialty stores. Providing in-season top quality designer and brand name home fashions and accessories, including unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for every style and every room in the house, it’s easy to decorate in your style at HomeGoods.

Since text voting results are one factor in determining the contest’s winner, you now have the opportunity to help one of the finalists win by text messaging your vote for your favorite product! Text in your vote by June 26 at midnight (CDT). Standard text messaging rates apply, voters may submit votes daily, and voting is open to all mobile carriers.  

The finalists are…

• BibBaby- BibBaby, a bib that extends to and across the lap, was designed with mommies in mind! With a strong snap in the back, the bib is not easily torn off keeping your baby clean. To vote for BibBaby text “Big 1” to 839863.
• EZ Off BBQ Tools- EZ Off BBQ Tools are a set of utensils that were designed to rid you of the hassle of barbecuing by easily removing the food from the BBQ Tools. With this creation, there is no need to dirty extra utensils and your hands stay away from the fire. To vote for EZ Off BBQ Tools text “Big 2” to 839863.
• Freedom Gates- Your beautifully decorated home does not have to be spoiled with bulky, unattractive dog gates when you add a pet to your family! Freedom Gates offer a stylish alternative with its durable, clear, acrylic panels, and unique designed screens. To vote for Freedom Gates text “Big 3” to 839863.

For more details of contests, please click here and here.

Congratulations to

ilja and Kim

 for winning a copy of

The Purpose of Boys each

Please claim your prize by verifying your email address using the Contact Form here. If any of the prizes remain unclaimed by 5th June 2009, I will be doing a replacement draw.

Thank you to everyone who participated

 GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

THE PURPOSE OF BOYS is the final volume in Michael Gurian’s trilogy on boys development. In this book, Gurian presents a tool kit for parents who want to discover how to inspire the ultimate fulfillment of their son’s life. As he explains, “purpose” is vital for the success and happiness of every boy.

THE PURPOSE OF BOYS outlines a map parents can use to help their own sons wrestle with everyday life events and growth. And the book serves as a model to help all our sons seek a successful future, while still boys, adolescents, and young men.

The Purpose of Boys could not have arrived at a better time as lately, I’ve come to terms that my parenting techniques  were not working with my 9 year old son. It could be also that I am not communicating effectively with him.  When reprimanded, my son would appear to be remorseful as well as understand what I’m saying but the next minute, he would be repeating the same mischief again. Every now and then, I can hear myself repeating “Back then when I was your age, I was never like that!” .

After reading this insightful book,I learnt from Gurian that it was unfair to make such comparison - “Back then” was close to 3 decades ago and “Now” was a totally different generation where children at a young age, are more exposed to electronic media, educational levels are higher, there are more pressure from society to succeed, etc.

I found some solace  in the fact that studies have proven - Apart from the difference in biological aspects, there are also neurological differences between boys and girls. In other words, a boy’s body and brains are wired differently. Now, that REALLY explains why my kids react differently to my parenting styles. 

Gurian asserts that it is important for boys to find their sense of purpose. Otherwise, they will lose their sense of direction and eventually turn to unhealthy activities such as dropping out from school, turning to drugs, alcohol, gang violence and more. The author recommends utilizing a rite of passage system where parents can join together with other adults—leaders, mentors, coaches—and such institutions as schools and churches, to help boys refocus and get back on track.

My take on the book : Gurian points out that today’s adolescent males are scared, confused and insecure, calls for a change in the way the rest of the world view boys and he offers solutions!  This book gives me so much insight into how I could relate with my 9 year old son. Anyone (especially parents) who is thoughtful about raising sons and committed to doing the best job possible should take a good look at this book!

WIN IT : I’m giving away a copy of The Purpose of Boys to two lucky readers. Check out how you can win:

• Single mandatory entry – Visit The Gurian Institute and tell me one fact about Micheal Gurian
• Three additional entries – If you tweet about this giveaway (please leave your twitter id)
• Three additional entries – If you blog about this giveaway and link it to this post. Please leave your post url
• This giveaway is open to all destination that the USPS ships to.
• Giveaway closes on 28th May 2009 and winners will be drawn using the Random.org.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Each of my kids have their own pillow, not personalized ones but specially sewn for them by my mom. They are awfully attached to their respective security pillows and must have them during their sleep. Though my older boy has outgrown his pillow, the younger one has been bugging me to sew her a bigger and “prettier” one.

Being terrible at sewing, I was lucky to have discovered the Personalized Name Pillows pdf version book which is available from YouCanMakeThis.com. I was amazed how easy it was to follow the step by step instructions! The book comes with pattern, alphabet cut-outs and easy instruction and even teaches you how to pair fabrics of your choice. You really wouldn’t believe how simple making a personalized pillow can possibly be until you try it.

WIN IT : Thanks to YouCanMakeThis, I am giving away two e-book of Personalized Name Pillows to two lucky readers. You can participate by:

• One entry – Let me know whom you would like to make this pillow for
• Three additonal entries – if you tweet this giveaway (please leave your twitter id)
• Giveaway is open to everyone
• Giveway closes on 16th May 2009
• Two winners will be picked using the random.org. Please remember to check back here for the winner announcement post.

I have no doubt that each and everyone of us have a favourite teacher. If you feel that you have not shown enough appreciation for your favourite teacher who has has worked tirelessly to educate, shape and inspire you, here’s your chance!

Send your teacher back to school in style with a new wardrobe from Jones New York and Macy’s, plus supplies for their classroom from Adopt-A-Classroom!

Seven (7) Grand Prize winners will flown to New York City, where they’ll participate in a photo shoot styled by Jones New York style guru, Lloyd Boston. If that’s not enough, these winners will also receive a grant for classroom supplies from Adopt-a-classroom!

Winners will be chosen from Northern California, New York Metro, Houston, Chicago, Portland, Tampa and St. Louis.

All you need to do is simply go to http://jnyintheclassroom.or, and explain why your teacher deserves to go back to school in style!