GIVEAWAY: Fairtrade Fortnight Fun

Mhm, you read right.. it's GIVEAWAY TIME!

and even better? It's open to ALL READERS! 

whether you live in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA or Timbuktu - you can enter :) 

Everyone likes chocolate, right? 

As a part of Fairtrade Fortnight (7-22nd May) which starts TODAY

Alter Eco and I wanted to give one lucky reader the chance to try Alter Eco's delicious Fairtrade Chocolate

All you have to do is like Alter Eco's BRAND NEW facebook page

and let me know you've "liked" them in the comment box below! 

Just hit the "like" button or open www.facebook.com/alterecopacific in your web browser

And that's all there is to it! 

The lucky winner will receive a box, delivered to their home 

that contains FOURTEEN blocks of Alter Eco Chocolate

2x Dark Chocolate Quinoa (Favourite!)

2x Dark Chocolate Velvet (Favourite!)

2x Dark Chocolate Almond

2x Dark Chocolate Mint (My current ultimate favourite)

2x Dark Chocolate Orange Twist

2x Dark Chocolate Blackout 85%

2x Dark Chocolate Cacao 73%

So what are you waiting for?! 

SCROLL UP!

HIT LIKE!

LEAVE ME A COMMENT LETTING ME KNOW!

and the winner will be chosen at random on 23rd May, 2011.

What's YOUR favourite chocolate flavour?
I love mint and dark chocolate - so dark mint chocolate probably tops the charts :P

COMPETITION: Deliciously Simple and Coeliac Awareness Week

Even the best of chefs have kitchen disasters.

Cakes that fail to rise, muffins with doughy centres, ingredients knocked off the kitchen counter, spoiled milk, misinterpreted recipes,  faulty kitchen equipment - you name it, it happens. 

Gluten free baking can be a bit of a disaster if you're not used to it. 

Unfamiliar ingredients and textures can often lead to lacklustre cakes and gummy brownies. 

For alot of people with Coeliac disease, baking is forgotten about. 

But Melinda's Gluten Free Goodies makes it super easy, you could even say fool proof!

Take the Lemon Curd Delights I made above, all you have to do is melt and mix! 

Plus, no one will ever know it's not homemade unless you tell them ;) 

I got plenty of compliments from my taste testers who couldn't believe they'd come from a packet.

Coeliac Disease effects one in every 100 Australians, however, fewer than one in five have been diagnosed.

That means that up to 200, 000 Australians have coeliac disease and have no idea. 

So what is Coeliac Disease? 

It's the result of an auto-immune response where the body produces antibodies which attack it's own tissues. This response is triggered by eating gluten - a protein which is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.

Those with coeliac disease may experience: 

- Fatigue

- Unexplained anaemia

- Nutritional deficiencies such as B12, iron or folate

- Gastrointestinal problems

- Nausea and vomiting

- Unintentional weight loss 

- Delayed growth or development in children

- Headaches

- Liver problems

- Unexplained multiple fractures

- Irritability

- Trouble concentrating

You may also have a higher risk of having coeliac disease if you have:

- a family history of coeliac disease

- type one diabetes 

- unexplained osteoporosis

- infertility or multiple miscarriages

So how do you find out if you have Coeliac Disease?

Have a talk to your doctor if you're concerned and a Coeliac Blood Screening test can be ordered and the correct measurements can be taken from there.

What happens to people with Coeliac Disease?

The good news is that Coeliac disease can be treated quite easily, with the removal of gluten from the diet.   

 Melinda's Gluten Free Goodies have just released an app called Gluten Free Entertaining to help you out when it comes to cooking for yourself or others on a Gluten Free diet. 

This should hopefully help you to avoid any kitchen disasters!

But now, lets get to the fun part!

I want you to try Melinda's products too! and so does Melinda herself!

So we're offering you the chance to win over $100 worth of MGFG delivered to your door! 

 

All you have to do is comment, telling me about your worst kitchen disaster

or your ultimate cooking triumph! 

and to gain an extra entry like and post "I want to win MGFG with ksayerphotography" at Melinda's Gluten Free Goodies Facebook page page

The winner will be chosen by Melinda and announced here and on MGFG's Facebook page on April 4th

(Open to AUS residents only - Sorry!)

 

Non-blog readers: Leave a comment to win and send me a copy at ksayerphotography@gmail.com

so that I have your contact details if you win!

Kristy received MGFG courtesy of www.melindas.com.au

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography.blogspot.com 

Positive drinking?

Is it just me, or does the sun really need to dust off those cobwebs and come out again?

I'll admit it, I'm the type of person whose day tends to be really affected by the weather.

It's mainly the temperature - I feel the cold really easily, so as soon as its cold, windy or rainy I dread going outside. 

However, lately Spring Valley has inspired me to find the Spring in my every day.

By Spring, I mean that little boost - something that makes you smile or warms your heart.

So, what kind of things put the spring in my day? 

Chanel, my pup - somehow I managed to find the worlds cutest puppy who always manages to make me smile. Whether it be the way she will come up and paw at my leg when I'm working away at the computer or the way she scrunches her face up just so she can play with a toy that is double the size of her head. 

Baking - I love the satisfaction of creating something that works. Lately I've been trying my hand at bread making and experimenting with new recipes. My latest success? Soft pretzels! 

Little kids - Okay, I know that might sound creepy - but I can't be the only one who loves to see little ones running around without a care in the world. The carefree attitude of kids definitely inspires me to be more like that myself! Everyone needs to let loose and enjoy sometimes!

Good Food - Sometimes a delicious meal can give your day that added boost - perhaps its the pancakes you had for breakfast or that sandwich that took your right back to your childhood or the to-die-for cupcake you had for dessert, food has the ability to create memories as well as to take you back to a specific moment in time.

There's a million other things that make me smile, and I'm making it my mission to find at least one thing that adds a little spring to my every day.

It's all about taking note of the little things - maybe it's the smell of rain as you walked out the door this morning (I dislike rain immensley but I love the smell of it) or maybe its the cute old couple who strolled past you on their afternoon walk - I challenge you to find the spring in your every day!

And... DON'T FORGET!

All you have to do is tell me what makes you smile and puts the spring in your day to win a pair of Morrissey Sunglasses! Just click here and comment away! 

Back to Spring Valley, 

I was sent a whole bunch of Banana and Berry Nectar to try as part of the Sunnie Days promotion. 

This juice is super thick with the sweet taste of berries and banana and is a new addition to the Spring Valley Range. 

It's perfect for adding to things like jellies, smoothies or punches or drinking on its own. 

The juice does have a strong banana smell, put don't be put off! the banana flavour definitely isn't overpowering.

It definitely has a Spring Vibe about it and I'm inspired to make some sort of banana berry sorbet! 

But do tell me, 

What has been your latest success in the kitchen?

and What would be your ultimate juice combination? 

and once more - Don't forget to enter the giveaway! 

Happy Birthday Mum!

I LOVE YOU!

Thank you for everything!

 (especially putting up my with my entirely random nonsense)

Readers! 

Tell me one quick fact you know, but someone else may not!

(This way I have more to tell my mum ;P) 

and DON'T FORGET to enter my competition to win a pair of Morrissey Sunglasses

just click here! 

and yes, I did make those cupcakes! 

completely from scratch :) 

 

COMPETITION: The Spring in Your Day!

I told you a little while ago that I was chosen to be apart of Spring Valley's Sunnie Day project.

But what is the project, you ask?

Well - Spring Valley's current promotion is all part of the idea that you can find the spring in your everyday, even if the sun isn't shining. 

No, no.. I'm not talking about a metal spring. I'm talking about something that gives you that little boost! 

It might be witnessing something hilarious or super cute, catching up with an old friend, having the most amazing lunch of your life, noticing the flowers that just popped up in your garden or finally achieving a goal you've set for yourself.

Who knows! But that little spring is there! 

So what have I got for you? hey hey?

Why, I want to give you something, Perhaps it will be the spring in your day?

Thanks to Spring Valley and Soup, I'm giving away one pair of Morrissey sunglasses. 

Spring Valley is currently giving away a pair of sunnies every 30 minutes for the next 11 weeks

and all you have to do is SMS your Spring Valley Juice bottle's barcode from any specially marked bottle

or go online to enter.

And if you win by entering your barcode? You get to choose from 5 limited edition colours

Black, White, Red, Yellow and Blue!

And if you don't win? Second chance draw baby!

But back to my giveaway, especially for you!

To enter, I want you to tell me...

What puts the Spring in your day?!
Leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered into the Morrissey Sunnies Giveaway!

The giveaway is open to Australian residents only 

(sorry international readers, I still love you!)

and you have to make sure I have a way to contact you!
(For non blog users you can send me your email address and a copy of your comment to ksayerphotography@gmail.com - that way no one has to know your email address) 

The winner will be decided randomly, but you still have to answer the question in order to have a valid entry!

Entries close February 28, 2011 11:59 AEST

But until then, 

why don't you grab yourself a specially marked Spring Valley Juice and enter your barcode to win!\

Keep your eyes peeled for some more juice-y posts soon!

Juicy News!

All has been a little quiet on the blog front lately, 

as I've been a busyyyyyy busy bee.

But I'm back with a sneak peak of what's to come!

By the end of this week I will have a competition for you all!

I've actually been chosen as a blogger for the Spring Valley Sunnie Days Promotion.

Here's a little sneak peak at what's to come!

I will be giving away a pair of Morissey Sunglasses and you also have the chance to win a pair every 30 minutes by grabbing yourself a Spring Valley :)

I also have another competition in the works for the beginning of march, but more on that in a later post!

and as for the candy I showed you in this post, that was for Box of Treats.

Have a look at their Valentines Gift Packs (photographed by yours truly!)

Speaking of Valentines Day, I'm planning on baking up a storm with some Valentines inspired treats 

so hopefully you'll be seeing them this weekend! 

But do tell me,

What have you got plans for Valentines Day?

and How do you feel about Competitions?

078.

I apologise for the lack of posts lately, you see, I've been having computer issues. Lots and lots of sweet, sweet computer issues. Sooooo sweet...

Sometimes I really really dislike technology. Sure I love my DSLR and the internet as well as blogging - but computer viruses drive me absolutely mental. Especially as it stops me from getting to the thousands upon thousands of photos stored on my computer.

But luckily I am back to having a fully functioning computer that is virus free!

which means, I'm back to blogging!

Don't forget that...

so scroll down to my last post and make sure you enter!

All you have to do is comment, and then send me a copy of your comment in an email.

Now I want you to share with me,

What is the one thing that drives you mad?!

077.

That's right! 

It's time for my first ever giveaway!

Imagine you are strolling through a farmer's market..

You grab some tomatoes and potatoes and maybe some celery,

then you walk to another stall and buy some bread. 

You're going to need something to put all of that in, right? 

 These genuine French market baskets from The Market Basket Co. are perfect for the job.

They're hand crafted in Morocco from natural palm fibre with strong Moroccan leather handles, 

and they are way more stylish than your Coles eco bag.

Because these baskets are so strong they also hold alot more, 

so instead of lugging around 10 plastic shopping bags, 

you'll have one stylish alternative.

The handles are long enough to sling the bag over your shoulder, 

which is perfect if you're going to be carrying your buys for a long period of time.

I was lucky enough to receive not one, but two of these gorgeous baskets,
so I'm giving away one to one of my fabulous readers!

I thought these baskets would be perfect for a picnic, 

filled with delicious fresh food and a picnic rug to sit on.
Or for a trip to the beach, as they don't mind getting wet!


The market basket you could win is a classic french style market basket 
edged with bright green Moroccan leather and deluxe 60cm handles.
(see above)
The basket can be carried in the hand, or over the shoulder

and at a recommended retail price of $57.00, why wouldn't you want to enter?

All you have to do to be in the running to win this stylish basket is: 

1. Be an Australian Resident (Sorry if you live elsewhere, I still appreciate you and i'm trying to have another giveaway for you all soon!)

2. Be a follower of this blog! Just click the follow button at the top right.

3. Leave a comment on this post telling me what you'd do with the basket if you win.

4. Send me a copy of your comment in an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com with the subject Market Basket Comp.

and to get an extra entry?

Tweet about this giveaway and comment with a link to your tweet.

Good luck!

The winner will be chosen using random.org's integer generator and will be contacted via email.  
Entries close April 30th 2010

Make sure you follow all the steps to be in the running! 

If the lucky winner does not respond in 5 days a new winner will be drawn.


To find out more information on The Market Basket Co and find out where you can get your own market basket, check out their website 


Kristy received both market baskets courtesy of The Market Basket Co and Handle communications,
If you'd like a review of your products, or you'd like to sponsor a giveaway send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com