All About You Monday Link Up Party

It's Time For All About You Monday!

<a href="http://www.texasmonkey.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x287/shaynamills1/FEATURE_BUTTONpng-1.png" border="0" alt="Texas Monkey" /></a>

• Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
• Link up your craft, DIY, project, recipe, party, or post about you.
• Grab the button and put on your post or sidebar.
• Enjoy visiting other post link ups and learning more about fellow bloggers and tell them you're visiting from All About You.
• I will choose the features from those that carry the button on their post or sidebar and that visit and comment on the other link ups.
• If you decide to follow me let me know so I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

All About You Link Up Party

It's Time For All About You Monday!

<a href="http://www.texasmonkey.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x287/shaynamills1/FEATURE_BUTTONpng-1.png" border="0" alt="Texas Monkey" /></a>

• Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
• Link up your craft, DIY, project, recipe, party, or post about you.
• Grab the button and put on your post or sidebar.
• Enjoy visiting other post link ups and learning more about fellow bloggers and tell them you're visiting from All About You.
• I will choose the features from those that carry the button on their post or sidebar and that visit and comment on the other link ups.
• If you decide to follow me let me know so I can follow you back!

Happy Monday Ya'll

Kaspersky PURE Review and Giveaway

It's Friday and that means it's FOR YOUR FRIDAY!
If you are like me (and if you're a blogger then you are like me) then you too are on the computer, A LOT! And because I do so much of my work on the computer I need to be able to rely on a good secruity software that will keep me working at my fast pace.  And because I work at a fast pace I don't always look closely at sites I'm going to or things I'm downloading like I should so I need something that will stop me from putting something harmful on my computer.

And that's exactly what Kaspersky Pure offers and so much more! 

Kaspersky PURE at a Glance

• Kaspersky PURE provides world class protection using the features that have made Kaspersky Lab’s current retail products the hottest-selling software in America.
• Run scans on any PC in your household to make sure they’re secure
• Automatic file backup and restore functions
• An integrated Password Manager to protect your identity
• Data Encryption and File Shredder to make sure your private information stays private
• Perform file backups remotely, to protect your data no matter what machine it sits on
• Fix security issues before they become problems
• Administer parental controls so kids are never outside of your protection, even when they’re out of view
• Control over when and for how long your children can be online, or on the computer at all
• Limit access to the Internet, web content, applications, games, or social networks
• The ability to keep important information from being shared
• A communication-safety hub

Now if only it did my laundry. :)  But even if it doens't do my laundry did you see the list of things it will do.  I dub thee Kaspersky PURE, "THE MUST HAVE" for any computer loving family in 2011. 

Kaspersky PURE is ideal for:

· Couples who each own separate PCs, but want the same protection

· Families that have multiple PCs in the home but want to manage them all from one PC

· Anyone who plays the role of “tech support specialist” for their family


It's been a few weeks now that I've used Kaspersky and I'm very happy with it and can sleep better at night knowing that my computer is protected.  My computer being protected means my family photos, videos, documents, files, and other hard work is protected. 

Monkey is only 2 so she's not using the computer yet but I take lots of comfort knowing that when she does , Kaspersky PURE  will allow me to limit computer access to her.  That's a favorite feature of mine but I also really like the fact that it backs up my files, again my pictures, videos, etc is protected!  

My Thoughts:
I was excited to try out something outside of the other virus programs we've used.  I had my fingers crossed that it wouldn't slow down my computer like some are known for doing.  I was very pleased to see that it didn't slow down one bit.
Also it's pretty cool that we can use it both on my computer and Poppa's computer.  We don't have to buy a seperate one for each computer.  That's a $90 savings right there.  HMMM I'm thinking that savings should go towards Momma's shoe fund!! 

One thing to take note of is if you have older children who access the computer daily you can set preferences so that they aren't going to sites that are not suppose to be.  Even more you can block out times you don't want them on the computer.  That's so cool to me.
I really have nothing bad to say about this program.  I am happy with what it's doing for my computer and think it's worth the $90. 

Check out all that Kaspersky has to offer on their website, http://usa.kaspersky.com/

Kaspersky PURE will go on sale Janaury 24th, 2011 and I know you too will find it meeting your computer needs. 


Don't want to wait?  Then you could WIN it right here.

One Texas Monkey reader will win their own copy of Kaspersky PURE. $89.98 Value


Mandatory Entry

(leave your e-mail address so that I have a way to contact you)

Visit Kaspersky PURE HERE and tell me what feature you are most excited about.


Extra Entries (1 Entry Each)

(Mandatory Entry MUST be completed first or all others are forfeited. Leave a separate comment for each entry.)

• Follow Kaspersky Lab's on Facebook
• Follow Kaspersky Lab's on Twitter
• Follow Texas Monkey Blog
• Like Texas Monkey on Facebook (leave your name used on FB in your comment)
• Follow Me on Twitter (leave your Twitter handle in your comment)
• Grab My Button and let us know where to find it
• Blog about this giveaway
• Comment on a non-giveaway post (can be done up to 10 times, leave a separate entry per a comment telling me what post)

Invalid entries will have to be deleted so please make sure you enter correctly.



Contest will close on Monday January 31st at 11:59 p.m. CST and the winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via e-mail. Giveaway is open to US!!  Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn.

Happy Friday Ya'll

Disclosure: I was provided with this product in exchange for my honest review, as well as the prize for this giveaway. No monetary compensation was received, and the opinions expressed are my own and were in no way influenced by the sponsor.  All contest sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes to the winner and Texas Monkey is not responsible for prizes lost or not received.  

Dear So and So

Wow it's been months since my last "Dear So and So", you would think with that much time gone by I'd have pages filled up with stuff I'd like to say but never got to say, but nope, it seems lately I've been saying what I wanted to, and well that could end up in a completely different meme all on it's own uh?  But I do have some for you, so without further ado, here's our little therapy session, say what you wanted if you didn't have the chance.

Dear Sun,
I miss you, where have you been?  I know technically it's winter but come on this is Texas, we've already had a few snow days, our 2 weeks of cold weather, and dreary dark days, it's time to move on to Spring.  So please sun, come back and grace my pale face with your brightness!
Love,
Thin Blooded Me

__________________________________________________________________________________

Dear 5:30 AM
You are the devil!  I loath you and get so tired of you telling me EVERY day about your arrival.  You can suck it!
Sincerely,
One Tired Momma

___________________________________________________________________________________

Dear iPhone Alarm Clock
No wait you are the devil!  You are so about to hit a wall.   Either you have hiccups and don't go off and wake me up at 5:30 thus making me late or you go off at 5:30 and then continue to do so every 9 minutes.  Really, who thought 9 minutes was a good snoozing time anyways, why can't I get that full 10?  Is that too much to ask?  Apparently so.  Regardless of how much I despise you and your little beeping I will keep you around because most days you are loyal and keep me going.  If it makes you feel any better I loath 5:30 more than you.
Love,
Hitting snooze one more time, Me.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Day Job,
Seriously, could you please get the memo that MLK is a NATIONAL holiday and give your overworked, tired, moody, and loyal employees the day off?  So got tired of reading everyone's facebook status that they were having a fun day off while I was slaving away at work.  Ok if I'm on facebook reading status updates while at work maybe I'm not that overworked, but still, come on!
Love,
Thinking Memorial Day is a really long way off for our next Holiday, Me.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Taxes,
Please be good to Momma this year, she is NEEDING some shoes that rock!  Ok not needing but really really really wanting some. 
Love,
I love shoes that Rock, Me

____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Poppa,
Please don't freak out if I come home with boxes and boxes of shoes.  Remember they make momma happy and when momma is happy she is eager to make you happy!  :)  Get your minds out of the gutter people I mean I'll let him buy video games. (Or do I? lol)
Love,
Your Shoe Lovin Wifey

____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Cleaning Fairy
You totally suck right now!  For realz, skipping my house 3 weeks in a row now is just plain unacceptable.  I can no longer count on you and therefore must let you go.  It saddens me to do this as I know you rely on my weekly dust bunnies to feed your children but you've just gone too far this time.  I am forced to employ your distant cousin, The Cleaning Giant.
Love,
Fed Up with You! Me

____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Me,
Please for the love of all things holy and good, put down the Diet Dr Pepper.  You can do this!  I know how awesome DDP is and how sweet it is and how that first taste on the lips can just send you into a state of euphoria.... HMMMM Diet Dr Pepper, must go get some now! 
Love,
Falling off the wagon every day, cause I can't quit you, Me.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Readers,
Sorry I've been such a slacker blogger lately, I promise to get better.  I've been thinking about some things, some changes, taking on different and new roles at each of my jobs but I haven't forgotten about how you totally rock and will make it up to you with making you laugh, sharing some ideas, and maybe a cool giveaway or two coming up!  Thanks for sticking it out with me.
Love,
A Big ole slacker that is thankful for you, Me.

Happy Tuesday Ya'll.

Teacher Valentine's Gift Idea and Giveaway

It seems like I was just running around doing Christmas shopping and now here I am trying to figure out Monkey's Valentine outfit, photo shoot, and what to get or make her teachers for this Hallmark holiday known as Valentine's Day.

Thankfully we function on a budget and cash and not on credit cards so I don't have bills coming in to try to pay for Christmas but still, funds aren't just overflowing either.  It seems like I'm always needing to buy something for someone.  Don't get me wrong, I love giving, LOVE it!  I really do, but it does take a lot of effort, thought, and planning which can be tiresome at times.  I know that the 14th is going to be here before I'm ready for it so I need to do everything I can to prepare.

I've always had many adults purchase the zebra initial scrabble necklaces at my shows so I knew they were a good fit for any age.

But this year due to my cousin ordering a set I added earrings to the necklaces.

And well the initial scrabble tile necklaces with matching earrings were selling like hotcakes!  And they were selling to all ages, about 7 years old to little old ladies in red hats.  I kid you not!  I saw that moms and teachers and grandparents were getting these sets for themselves and decided that these would make cool presents for Monkey's teachers.  So that was nice to have that part of Valentine decisions taken care of.

I love that they are handmade with love, have put the thought into it for the receiver, and that it didn't cost me much.

I'm bagging them up in little bags with a special note and candy for Monkey to give out.  I'm pretty excited about it. 

I also realize that not everyone has the supplies or maybe not the time to make these and so for those of you interested, I do offer these and have lowered the price to try and help make your Valentine gift giving a little easier on your budget.  So now through Feb 4th, instead of $15 they are now $10.  And if you want them sent regular postal mail without insurance it's free shipping.

What's even cooler?  I have a set to giveaway to one of you readers.  I will announce the winner on Friday the 28th so that I have time to make it and get to you in plenty of time.

How do you enter?
Mandatory Entry:

• Become a fan on my Facebook page.  That's it.  Pretty easy. Just leave a comment with your facebook name.    

Bonus Entry

• Suggest us to your friends and tag Texas Monkey Boutique and leave me a seperate comment telling me your name it will show up under on my wall and you're entered again. 

That's it, easy entry, and a fun gift to give! 

Happy Hump Day!

All About You Link Up Party

It's Time For All About You Monday!

<a href="http://www.texasmonkey.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x287/shaynamills1/FEATURE_BUTTONpng-1.png" border="0" alt="Texas Monkey" /></a>

• Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
• Link up your craft, DIY, project, recipe, party, or post about you.
• Grab the button and put on your post or sidebar.
• Enjoy visiting other post link ups and learning more about fellow bloggers and tell them you're visiting from All About You.
• I will choose the features from those that carry the button on their post or sidebar and that visit and comment on the other link ups.
  
  If you decide to follow me let me know so I can follow you back!

Happy Monday Ya'll

Do you want $15 Now?

Eversave has a great deal and I'm excited to offer that deal to you.  Eversave will give you a $15 credit for signing up as an affiliate to Share the Save.
You do not want to miss out on this! This is an incredible program with great deals for you and your readers both. You can Share each "Today's Save" on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, wherever you want and get commission.

And through Jan 31st anyone that decides to enjoy the wonderful Eversave affiliate program gains $15 to spend on any of their awesome deals!  SWEET!!!

What is Eversave?

Only the coolest money saving site ever! They offer 50% or more deals that you and your readers will find fun and practical.  What's even cooler than saving money is making money, am I right?! With this program you can be as involved as you want to be.
Each day you are sent their daily offers with html codes that you can then share with whoever you want.  Your tracking account is built into the coding so no need to do any work besides copy and paste!  My kind of job!  Like this one for today.

$25 for $50 worth of custom wine gifts and accessories from PersonalizedWineGifts.com
Offer expires: 11:59 PM - Jan 17, 2011

When someone clicks on your link and takes advantage of that days awesome deal then you make 8%.


Also, there is a banner you can place on your website that will gain you $1.50 if someone clicks on it and then enters their email. Mine is coming soon and I plan on posting it in my sidebar.
 
Want even more? BreeBees also have an incentive….if you sign on then you are entered to win cash!!! She gave away $100 to December’s sign-ons.  So no telling how much she will give away now that there's a free $15 in it for you!

Ready to sign up?  Come on, it's free, it's paying you right off the bat, literally, you're entered to win $, and you'll be doing your readers a service by providing them awesome deals.
So, leave me your email and info in a comment or email me at texasmonkeyboutique@gmail.com, I’ll send the info to sign on and start making money and be entered to win even more! 

This ends 1/31 and drawing will be held on 2/15. Open to anyone the is approved into the Affiliate program. Money Paid via paypal.

Happy Friday Ya'll

Blog Swap With A Little Tipsy

I'm so excited to share one of my very favorite blogs with you today.  I think you are going to love seeing what all she has to offer her readers and will become a huge fan just like me.  But don't be like me and schedule a blog swap with her and put down the wrong date and she be on top of things and send you hers but you think you still have a week to send her yours and you don't, it's TODAY, and you once again realize what a horrible slacking blogger you are.  Nope don't be like me, be like Michelle!  I'm so sorry Michelle. 


Hi There! I am so excited to be here on Texas monkey today! I just love Shayna's beach chair cover and toddler book shelves. She is so talented!
Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Michelle, from A Little Tipsy here, taking the wheel for the day!

Nope not drunk (what a relief you will not be taking your tour with a drunk driver), I may or may not be a bit clumsy though.

A little about me, I am a SAHM with one crazy 3 year old boy, a 2 month old baby boy, and a big geek for a husband (don't worry, he calls himself a geek). I love keeping busy and sharing all my projects and adventures whether they be home decor, holiday projects, activities for the kiddos, or discovering how to get permanent marker off granite counter tops.

So, enough about me...here are a few of my favorite projects.

For Valentine's coming up, I have a few Man-themed romance ideas...







Or if you have a little baby at home and need some Stay Home Date Ideas...

I'm kinda sorta known as the treat girl. I am asked to bring dessert to every family gathering and even have a feature on my blog called Cereal Treat Sunday.







Or maybe you have not even begun to think of Valentine's because you are working on your New Year's resolution of being more organized, wherein my DIY Key Hanger tutorial could be of assistance.







Resolution to eat more healthy or lose weight? We've got you covered there too with our Fast Healthy Lunch under 300 calories.







I love hosting giveaways, like our current one for $100 to Tea designer children's clothing, so be sure to check in often!

Well, I guess that about wraps things up. Thanks to Shayna for swappin' it up and thanks to you for letting me be your tour guide today. Watch your step on the way out and don't forget to come visit soon!

All About You Link Up Party

It's Time For All About You Monday!

<a href="http://www.texasmonkey.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x287/shaynamills1/FEATURE_BUTTONpng-1.png" border="0" alt="Texas Monkey" /></a>

• Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
• Link up your craft, DIY, project, recipe, party, or post about you.
• Grab the button and put on your post or sidebar.
• Enjoy visiting other post link ups and learning more about fellow bloggers and tell them you're visiting from All About You.
• I will choose the features from those that carry the button on their post or sidebar and that visit and comment on the other link ups.
  
  If you decide to follow me let me know so I can follow you back!

Happy Monday Ya'll

Conversations With A 2 Year Old

Back when we were childless I swore that I would not become that mom who does nothing but talk of her child, tell stories at adult only gatherings, and push pictures onto strangers and know my boundaries.  I'd also refrain from comparing what my child could do and not try to trump stories no matter how much more awesome my kid was than yours.  I would roll my eyes at facebook posts of silly conversations or "funny stories" and think to myself, "that wasn't funny at all!"

So here I am with a child of my own and I really do try to stick to what I swore I wouldn't do so that I'm not eating too many of my words.  I mean I've got enough of a weight issue to deal with from eating too much fast food, I don't need to add to it with my own words ya know! 

But I did want to share this story although you may not find it as cute or funny as I.  My first edition of Conversations with a 2 year old:

Let me paint the picture:  We're sitting at the table for dinner and I'm done eating (Poppa hasn't made it home from work yet) and Monkey is working on her apple sauce.  As I sit and wait I pick up my iphone to check my email which is a no-no at the table but Poppa isn't there to catch me so whatev!

Monkey:  I wanna see I wanna see I wanna see I wanna see
(History for you.... she loves to look at pictures on the computer or our iphones so anytime we pick it up to use, she thinks we are looking at pictures and wants to see them)

Me:  I'm not looking at pictures, I'm doing some work.

Monkey:  Momma, your phone is poopy.  (Just another reason I'm ready to be a stay at home mom so that I can shelter her from older kids at daycare teaching her this nonsense!  BTW that's total sarcasm if you can't read it because I'm sure it's from us she picks these things up from, I'm just thankful she didn't say "Momma your phone is Shitty" because that's the kind of thing I or her Poppa, and by I or her Poppa I mean her Poppa, would teach her, cause we rock as parents like that!) (Also my phone really is poopy, I'm constantly complaining about it crashing and locking up)

Me:  Monkey, that is not nice, do not say that again.

Monkey: Momma, your phone is poopy.

Me:  Monkey, this is your warning, if you say it again you will be in timeout for 2 minutes.  Now apologize to Momma.

Monkey:  OOOOKKKKK, Momma, I'm sorry your phone is SSSOOOO poopy!

Once I gain my composure and can speak without laughing I simply say "me too baby, me too!"

Poppa and I are aware of the trouble this one is going to give us!!

Worthy of note, this is her "I am being good" look.  You know that grin is just screaming, I'm really thinking of how I'm going to conquer you in 3 moves or less!
So, do you have any stories you want to share to make me laugh and make me feel better about knowing my child is not the only one that is smarter than her momma?!

Happy Thursday Ya'll.

Beautify Your Blog Giveaway

Have you hit the gym yet?! Well there is NO NEED! Besides who really cares about shedding 5 pounds or even 10 pounds? What we all really care about is looking good and feeling better in general! Well BlogMania and Infusion Design Studios wants to help you do just that! We Want to Beautify your Blog for the New Year! Consider it a gift from me to you. This gift requires a little challenge thought, and I'm pretty sure it's the PERFECT challenge for YOU! Yes, YOU!

Here is what we are asking YOU to do!

Starting TODAY through January 14th at 11:59 am EST

YOU get to nominate a blog that you believe deserves and needs a makeover!


Maybe that blog is YOURS or MAYBE it isn't! We will have to wait and find out!

NOMINATE A BLOG HERE!

Please take the time to submit this form for your nomination.

What's up for grabs you might ask?

3 Ultimate Custom Blog Makeovers (WP or Blogger)

(Disclaimer: This does not include istock images/design kits.)

Who can Win?

1 Dream Team Winner

2 Winners from ANYWHERE

and there may be more, but you will just have to wait and see!

NOMINATE A BLOG HERE!

You are allowed to vote once per day!

On January 17th thru the 28th you can cast your votes for the Top 10 Finalist with Winners being announced on the 31st! There are several promotions going on throughout the entire month of January (view calendars for details), and to get you name on the list you better act quick!

Any Questions or Concerns? Want to know more about BlogMania or about Joining the Team for 2011?! Email me at Jes.InfusionDesign@gmail.com (preferred contact)

If you have any questions, DON'T HESITATE to email me at Jes.InfusionDesign@gmail.com or jeford2012@gmail.com

Happy Tuesday Ya'll

All About You Monday Link Up

Well I took a little blogging time off for the holidays to spend time with my family and catch my breath. I feel like I've been missing a part of me though with not blogging. It was nice to unplug for a bit but I'm ready to get back to my readers and my blog. I have some great things in store for you and I'm working on getting back to the basics of my blog which is crafting and tutorials and DIY projects for you, with a few giveaways and a few reviews. So I hope you enjoy it here this year! I trust everyone had a great holiday season as well.




So without further ado.......It's Time For All About You Monday!

<a href="http://www.texasmonkey.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x287/shaynamills1/FEATURE_BUTTONpng-1.png" border="0" alt="Texas Monkey" /></a>

• Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
• Link up your craft, DIY, project, recipe, party, or post about you.
• Grab the button and put on your post or sidebar.
• Enjoy visiting other post link ups and learning more about fellow bloggers and tell them you're visiting from All About You.
• I will choose the features from those that carry the button on their post or sidebar and that visit and comment on the other link ups.

If you decide to follow me let me know so I can follow you back!

Happy Monday Ya'll.