Spiffy Business: Tukula Giveaway and Review

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Today, I'm happy to showcase an awesome organization: Tukula.

Similar to another company I have worked with in the past, Tukula works with young Ugandan women who are unable to find consistent work. They provide them a job, medical care, and the ability to save money. This all goes a long ways! There are some personal bios that tell about some of their current artisans!

Each product is handmade and helps to stimulate Uganda's economy as well because the fabric is purchased there. The patterns of the fabric differ in variety so each print is a unique one!

Tukula is the vehicle that allows these women with dreams to be able to find a way to accomplish them. Who doesn't want to be a part of that? There are some fun videos to check out if you're further interested.

Handbags, clutches, accessories, and childrens items are all sold by Tukula. They are colorful, fun, and cultural. I personally love having a story behind something that I use, so supporting Tukula is a perfect conversation starter with friends!

I was able to review a headwrap. It came very colorful and just perfect for accessorizing! I use it with my hair down, in a ponytail, in a bun...you name it, the options are endless!

Also offered are kits that offer items at a discount to you so that you can sell them to friends and family and raise money for Tukula. It's like a Pampered Chef party, but for an awesome cause! Here is how to host one.

Tukula has generously offered 1 lucky reader the chance to win a clutch (pictured above). Below is the entry widget. Keep in mind that hosting a Tukula party will get you a load of entries. I want to help this awesome organization!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**I was not monetarily compensated for this review. All views are my own.**

Spiffy Business: Vasseur Skincare Review + Giveaway

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When Vasseur sent me their beauty pillow, I was thrilled. Not only does it seem like it would help with sleep posture, but it also keeps you from getting those terrible morning face wrinkles!

 The Beauty Pillow is shaped a little bit like a space ship, and a little bit like a tooth. Its softness is perfectly cushioned without being overly fluffy.

(giveaway after the jump!-->)

Spiffy Business: Vermont Farm Table Review & Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe

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When the folks at Vermont Farm Table sent me this gorgeous French Tapered Cherry rolling pin to review, I was thrilled! Just in time to try it out on holiday baking. :)

Vermont Farm Table specializes in furniture and other wood items that are made from reclaimed wood with non-toxic finishes. They are warm, and homey pieces, not made by the thousands. They invite you to stop by and check out their shop if you're in Vermont!

Their pieces are made without all the bolts and screws, and use solid wood, no veneers. They are also very open to customization...perfect for holiday gifts! Check out their shop by looking at the camera-view here. (Hint: it's pretty cool!!)


Go here to check out their shop! They have everything from toys, to tables, to kitchen items.
Follow their Twitter.
Check out their Facebook.
Visit and follow their Pinterest.

Mini Pumpkin Pies
(printable version w/o pictures)

(Delicious recipe after the jump!-->)

Healthy Halloween Treat: Abe's Market!

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Just a little announcement about a *great* sale at Abe's Market!

They are offering a whopping 20% off of their products for 2 days (until October 28 at 11pm)!

Talk about a healthy fall treat! Take 20% off when you spend $50 or more with code TREATS20. Excludes gift cards. Limit one per customer.

Learning to Sew: Maintain Your Machine!

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Let's just start off by saying, I have an old sewing machine!

 It's a Riccar Z208B, as far as I can tell. If you  have a Riccar, you can go here and find your model too, if you don't know what it is. They have all the product manuals!

I learned to sew when I was quite young, but honestly I haven't done much sewing since Jr. High, so I have lost most of what I knew! This is my journey of re-learning! I haven't used my machine very often, and so it hasn't been cleaned...at least by me. That's...bad. :)

Although I have an older machine model, most sewing machines have a few basic cleaning methods, and the metal ones need to be oiled several times a year if you do regular sewing.

Sewing Machine Maintenance

Gather Your Gear
Sewing Machine Oil (sold at Jo-Ann's, Hancock Fabrics, and other craft stores.
Little Brush (eyeshadow brush size)
Little clean cloth
Sewing Machine Lightbulb
Philips Screw
*optional sewing machine needle

Clean your Ma-chine

1. Open the front compartment of your machine where the light bulb is. If it hasn't been changed in a while, and looks like mine...Yikes! It needs changed!

2. Be sure to dust out the light compartment with your tiny brush as well. Refrain from blowing on the dust, as it can create moisture in the compartment. Get that little brush into each nook and cranny and get all the dust out!

(learn more after the jump-->)

Spiffy Business: Back to the Roots Review

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Recently, Back to the Roots, sent me their infamous Grow Your Own Mushroom Garden Kit. 

Joey, of course, was thrilled about this because he adores hates mushrooms. :) Regardless, I was super excited because I have a thing for love mushrooms. 

For those of you that haven't seen these cuties in places like Whole Foods, they come in a cardboard box like this, and inside is coffee grounds (recycled from Peet's Coffee) and mushroom seeds. This was invented by 2 guys from Berkeley. Ingenious, I say!

What the kit looks like in the beginning.

When you open the front cardboard tab, I admit, the inside looks pretty gross...Just tell yourself, "Beautiful mushrooms will come from these coffee grounds!!"

The bag inside

(more awesome mushroom-growing after the jump-->)