Texas Monkey

10 Tips For On The Go Moms

2011-07-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

Can you believe how fast summer is flying by? When you're constantly on the go, that's what happens.... time flies!
We spend a lot of our summer doing day trips, visiting family, play dates, catching up on dr and dentist visits, and the dreaded running errands.
My toddler isn't in sports and extra activities yet but I know many that are running to VBS, ball games, practices, lessons, and more so I know I'm not the only one running the roads these days.

AND, when I'm on the go a lot, I tend to get unorganized, stay tired, spend more money, and stay stressed. And let's face it, a tired, stressed out momma with no shoe shopping money is not a pretty picture.

So I've got 10 tips making both mine and your life easier and more efficient while on the go!

1. I have Monkey's bag always ready by her door with wipes, a bottled water, book, game, and sunglasses for when we will be in the car a bit. So when I'm running out the door I don't have to stop and pack it up, I've already made it a habit to keep it packed and ready.

2. I keep baggies of fruit and raw veggies in the fridge. I like to cut them out and we can grab a few and have healthy snacks on the go AND I'm not spending more money by stopping at the gas station or running through the drive through.

3. I set my iphone calendar to go off with appointments that not only tells me what I'm going to but I include the address and phone number so I just click on the address and my google maps pulls it up and give me directions from my location.

4. Be Gumby! You know the flexible green guy. Yes be flexible, if things need to change in the middle of what you have planned, just go with it. Try not to sweat it and know that having a schedule is great, but sometimes getting off schedule can be a fun adventure!

5. MAKE A LIST!! If I'm out running errands I have a list of the places I'm going and the things I'm picking up. This helps me from over spending and getting home and realizing I forgot something.

6. Combine errands for when I'm going to be out and about. I don't want to have to get out of the house and in the heat everyday so if we have an appointment or play date scheduled, I go ahead and schedule my errands around those. This saves me time and gas money!

7. On days I'm going to be on the go I make sure to get up as early as possible. One reason is to make sure I've got everything ready to go, but more importantly so that I can spend some quality quite time before my day gets loud and hectic.

8. DON'T over schedule. Between birthday parties, play dates, activities, family visits, you can quickly find yourself forgetting what your husband or house looks like. It's ok to say no to an invite and try again another time.

9. Prepare Ready Made Meals. Take one day of the week and put together a few ready made meals that can be frozen and then just popped in the oven so when you get home from a long day of on the go, supper is practically ready. Some of my favs are Lasagna, Baked Spaghetti, King Ranch Chicken, and Enchilladas.

10. COFFEE!! All the running around tends to keep me tired so a little pick up of Seattle's Canned Iced Latte always does the trick to keep me going when my body is wanting to shut down. I like to have a little cooler in the Jeep and pull one out if I'm waiting in the Dr's office or out at a park play date. Keeps me refreshed and alert!

So what do you do to make your life easier on the go? I hope this list helps you out, I know I'm going to take my own advise and use these tips and put more time, money, and energy in my pocket!!!!

I know something else that can make life easier is coupons and Seattle's Best Coffee has great coffee and great coupons for my readers.
About Seattle’s Best Coffee

As coffee blenders and roasters since 1970, we’ve seen a lot come and go. We went from a tiny shop on the Seattle waterfront to being declared Seattle’s Best Coffee in a local competition. In 2003, we joined the Starbucks family which has allowed us to place more resources into further honing our special way of crafting delicious, impossibly smooth coffee. Every step of the process, from coffee cherry to your cup, is managed to fit our exacting standards and our premium approach to coffee. Now, we’re making it easier to find your perfect coffee with our new Level System.

Save $1.50 on a 4 pack today!
It’s low calorie: Just 130 calories per can.

It’s affordable: A premium latte for just $1.49? And a 4-pack is an even better deal, at just $4.99.

It’s everywhere: Available in major grocery, convenience and other retail stores.

More info on Seattle’s Best Coffee: http://www.seattlesbest.com/

Seattle’s Best Coffee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattlesBestCoffee

Follow @SeattlesBest on Twitter
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Mama Mia I Heart Pasta!

2011-05-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

If I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life it would be pasta!  I mean who doesn't love pasta? And there's so much that you can do with it. It is a go to staple in my kitchen and I never feel like I'm eating the same thing over and over.  I love creating something fantastic with pasta but what I love even more is going out to eat and having it served to me on a big platter. And when we go out for Italian I love going to Carrabba's.

So in my day dreaming of plates of spaghetti and lasagna I went over to Carrabba's Facebook page and took their Pasta Personality Quiz.
My pasta personality is Spaghetti which means that I'm genuine and well loved, like Carrabba’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. Your warm and comforting personality makes you everybody’s best friend. So go for our equally popular hand-prepared meatballs over perfectly cooked imported spaghetti.
I'd say that is pretty darn accuarate of my personality.

I do love me some spaghetti but one of my go to favorite dishes to make with pasta is
Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti:
When I first got married I was constantly looking for recipes that would look homemade, taste like I slaved all day, but be easy peasy! And this one always did the trick. Poppa would always think I had this simmering away all day and praise me after he ate 2 bowls full. I still haven't let him on the secret of how easy it is.

What You Need
1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked

2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables

1 Tbsp. oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup Italian Dressing ( I prefer using the zesty kind)

1/2 cup Cream Cheese or cream cheese Spread

1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:
COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, adding stir-fry vegetables to the boiling water for the last 3 min.

MEANWHILE, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes and dressing and bring to boil. Simmer on medium heat for about 5 min., stirring occasionally. Add cream cheese and cook and stir until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended.
DRAIN spaghetti mixture; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve in pasta bowls with a side salad and garlic bread and viola you are going to get lots of kisses for the cook.

What's your favorite pasta recipe?  Ready to see what your personality would be? Check out the Carrabba's Pasta Personality Test yourself.

Now that I probably have your mouth watering for some pasta, Carrabba's has got some amazing signature dishes and limited time offers to tease you with as well.

Signature Pasta Meals, featuring seven distinctive dishes served with choice of soup or fresh salad starting at $10. There’s no better place than Carrabba’s to enjoy a complete Italian meal – any day of the week.

CARRABBA’S PASTA: Carrabba’s makes every pasta dish by hand with the freshest ingredients. Pasta is cooked perfectly every time and signature sauces are made from scratch daily. Creative flavors and combinations of ingredients are part of Carrabba’s authentic family recipes as well as new creations.

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Now through July 2011.

Featured Signature Pasta Meal:

Pasto Rambo – Named for the chef who created it, it’s made with shrimp tossed with imported Italian linguine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes sautéed in our basil lemon butter sauce. Lobster is available instead of shrimp for an additional cost.

Other Limited Time Offers:

Parmesan-crusted Chicken – Topped with fresh arugula and grape tomatoes tossed in a hand-prepared lemon vinaigrette, served with choice of side. Substitution of wood-grilled chicken also available. Pairs well with Estancia Pinot Grigio.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Three pork tenderloin medallions wrapped with prosciutto, wood-grilled and topped with an apple and fig infused port wine sauce, served with the vegetable of the day. Pairs well with Coppola Pinot Noir.

Limoncello Bread Pudding – Back by popular demand! Brioche bread pudding made with fresh Madagascar vanilla beans and a rich custard, served hot out of the oven. Topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Carrabba’s homemade Caravella Limoncello liqueur sauce.

Now Introducing:

Peach Sangria – Carrabba’s new light and fruity Peach Sangria blends Copper Ridge White Zinfandel, Absolut Apeach vodka and Patrón Citrónge with a splash of citrus. Topped with a fresh lemon wedge and strawberry, it’s a taste of the Amalfi Coast in spring.

Locations: Visit www.carrabbas.com for the closest Carrabba’s location. There are more than 230 locations nationwide.

I know we all love making wonderful dishes for our families but when those time arise for you to be served and enjoy a meal out, consider Carrabba's and have an extra special family time together.   They will take the time to create something amazing for you and leave you singing Mama Mia I Heart Carrabba's!

Disclosure:

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Be sure to show Carrabba's some Love:
Follow Carrabba’s on Twitter: @Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carrabbas

Blogmania Is Here! CLOSED - Winner Announced

2011-04-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Blogmania is Closed and I had a blast. Thank you to all of my sponsors and to all of you who entered. I really wish I could give something to all of you. I have gone through the entries and worked on verifying every entry and my eyes are crossed and I'm tired but I'm happy to announce a winner.

Congrats to Mom to Three, you are my Blogmania winner. Please check your inbox. If my winner does not confirm, a new winner will be drawn!

It's Here It's Here, Blogmania is finally Here! I am so excited and hope you are too! Thank you for stopping by and entering and showing all of my sponsors some Texas Monkey Love!

Let's get started.

My Theme is Pinkalicious. Every girl whether it's a newborn or a grandma can use a little pink in their life. There is power in pink ya know! My prize package is over $300 and is filled with not only pink items but items that will make you feel pretty and loved! And you are!

Sponsor #1

SwimSpot $100 GC

With summer right around the corner everyone is getting ready for swim suit season. Whether it's for you or for your little girl, you are sure to find something Pinkalicious at Swim Spot. Swim Spot is giving my winner a $100 Gift Certificate to their store.

Sponsor #2

Thirty-One Gifts - Lunch Tote $20 Value

Misty from Thirty One Gifts wants my winner to take their lunch to work or school in style with a lunch tote. Thank you Misty!

Sponsor #3

Mary Kay - $25 GC

Misty also knows that you can't have a Pinkalicious theme without the ultimate Pink Mary Kay gift. She's offering my winner a $25 gift certificate to her Mary Kay site.

Sponsor #4

CCARIA Jewelry - Necklace $30 Value

Cari, owner of CCARIA Jewelry is giving my winner this beautiful baby blue pearl necklace. It's one of a kind and even though it's not pink, it's sure to make any girl feel pretty! Thank you Cari.

Sponsor #5

Orglamix - 3 Set Eyeshadow - $20 Value

Cheri from Orglamix is offering my winner their choice of 3 eyeshadows. And with the new Champagne Bubbles added to the line, I know you are going to have a hard time picking just three. I want them all!

Sponsor #6

Mable Labels - $21 Value

Mable Labels is everyone's answer to losing "stuff!" Your child will love these little cuties that dress up his or her possessions and you will love not losing their stuff in a sea of cups and backpacks at school.

Sponsor #7

EverSave - $10 GC

EverSave is where you can get awesome deals at half the price and what better way to get started than a $10 credit on your account!

Sponsor #8

Usborne Books $10 GC

Glenda is offering my winner a $10 gift certificate to purchase a book for your little reader and help you make memories of sharing reading time together. Thank you Glenda.

Sponsor #9

Texas Monkey - $100 Value

Texas Monkey is providing this beautiful Pinkalicious Petti Skirt Set with crochet bodice and hand rolled rosette headband for your little monkey AND mom will receive a matching hand rolled rosette necklace.

Mandatory Entry

Tell me in a comment what prize you are most excited about. Please make this a real comment, not a generic, "I want to win" My sponsors have worked hard at providing for this giveaway and I'd like for us to show them som true love!

Bonus Entries ( 1 Each)

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on GFC

Leave a comment for each entry, 3 entries total.

Please note that Texas Monkey, Blogmania or the Blogmania bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will... contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to me to send one big winner's package to you. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Happy Blogmania Weekend Ya'll

Blogmania Sponsor Spotlight: Mabel's Lables

2011-04-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

My Monkey loves "stuff!" She loves filling a bag or purse with "her stuff." Her stuff consists of books, cups, bowls, crayons, anything she feels is "stuff" worthy. I catch myself saying "my stuff" so at least she gets it honestly. Well when she's toting her bag of stuff every where we go, it's easy to lose some of it or get it mixed up with another child's bag of stuff. So I'm constantly pulling my hair out and getting frustrated not only at losing stuff but at stickers and lables not staying put.
That is until I found Mabel's Lables!
I was sent a great set of Label Out Loud Sticky Lables to review.

Choose the name, up to 20 characters, and the design from 20 different motifs. I chose the pink princess for my Monkey. They are bright and fun. I was quick to label all of her "stuff."
This line is:
Dishwasher safe

Microwave safe

UV resistant

Peel and stick

In need of labels in other areas? Mabel's Labels has you covered. From clothing, skinny labels, bag tags, household labels, etc. There is something for all of your labeling needs.

I am excited to have Mabel's Labels as one of my Blogmania Sponsors (April 9-11). One of my lucky readers will receive a set like mine from the Label Out Loud Stick Labels with the name and motif of your choice ($21 value).

Connect with Mabel's Labels online
Follow them on Twitter
Like them on Facebook : Mabel's Labels
Follow their Blog

All About You Monday Party and Giveaway

2011-04-04T09:33:00.001-05:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.

But first I have a great giveaway for you and want to introduce you to one of Texas Monkey's Blogmania sponsors.
Misty from Thirty - One Gifts and Mary Kay has some great goodies in store for a winner on this giveaway AND on the Blogmania giveaway. How great is she?!

Misty is a local consultant for these 2 great companies but no fear if you don't live near her, shipping is available and so reasonable.
One winner on this giveaway is going to win a fun and trendy lunch tote from Thirty-One Gifts AND a $25 gift certificate to use at Mary Kay on Misty's site! I don't know about you but with Mother's Day right around the corner both of these great products would make great gifts to any mom including yourself!

Please note that design you will receive varies.

So how do you enter?

Sign Up for Misty's Thirty-One Gifts Website to receive all the latest info and news by leaving your email in the comment section so that Misty can add you to her email blasts.
Sign Up for Misty's Mary Kay Website to receive all the latest info and news

Bonus Entry to win a Thermal Bag

Refer 3 friends to sign up under your name and you are entered into a seperate drawing for the bag.

Leave a seperate comment for each entry. Misty will verify with me the winner did sign up before I announce them.

Winner will have 48 hours to respond, contest ends on April 9th. US only. I was not provided any compensation or products to run this giveaway.
Good Luck
NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.

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 follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

Orglamix review and giveaway Blogmania Sponsor

2011-04-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

I was given the opportunity to review some mineral eyeshadow from an Etsy shop called Orglamix.

I love mineral make-up and love that Cheri makes all her own products! I was surprised at how the vibrant the colors are. You can go really subtle or bright and dynamic. Choosing the colors to test was not easy. I spent hours browsing as I LOVE makeup, LOVED her color choices, and LOVE shopping. But I finally decided on a charcoal, a shimmer white, and a raspberry. The cosmetics arrived beautifully packaged in a satin bag, in sleek black-lidded shaker jars with scented rose petals. She puts such care into the packaging, I was very impressed.

About the Shop:

Welcome to the next-generation of mineral makeup. With products made from zero synthetic ingredients, Orglamix Cosmetics has become a huge sucess. Orglamix is an Etsy shop that sells makeup made from 100% pure mineral. Cheri, the artisan behind Orglamix, never uses synthetic materials so you can be sure they are safe, especially for those of us with sensitive skin. Cheri says, “All Orglamix products are proudly formulated without: nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or parabens. Orglamix is a proud member of PETA.”

What is more important, quality or value? At Orglamix, they say both! And that is exactly what you will get with every Orglamix product. Each product is of the highest quality and the greatest value compared to mega beauty brands. The affordable prices will allow you room to try a variety of colors. With over 200 choices, you are sure to find a few you love.

According to a recent survey: 99% of women who tried Orglamix said they’d recommend it to friends. But don't take their word for it. Try Orglamix risk-free. They guarantee you will LOVE it or they will refund your money . Sign up for the Orglamix Newsletter to stay up-to-date on all upcoming promotions, sales, and new products. Join them on Facebook for fun Beauty discussions, color challenges, and color of the week specials.

Be sure to Like Orglamix on Facebook and show them some sponsor love.

Orglamix Believes:

♥ That six deep breaths a day can improve your life.

♥ We are all beautiful inside and out.

♥ It's important to speak your mind from your heart.

♥ A good laugh should be an essential ingredient to your day

Cheri

Mineral Makeup Maestra

Cheri is great and is offering a set of 3 eye shadows in the color of your choice to my Blogmania winner. How cool is that? So be sure to come back April 9th and get entered to win. I'm having over $300 prize package with a theme of Pinkalicious because every girl needs a little pink in their life!

Blogmania Sponsor - SwimSpot!

2011-04-01T09:50:00.002-05:00

Are you aware of how close summer is? And that means swim suit season is close. I'm trying not to freak out about the 1000 crunches I need to be doing before I will even attempt to step in a bathing suit. Every year I say I'm going to work out and get ready and before you know it, it's August and I'm still sporting my muffin top! Oh well. In the mean time I love browsing around the net for cute bathing suits I can dream about looking good in. And SwimSpot.com is a site I love visiting.

SwimSpot is the #1 best women’s swim wear and bathing suit web boutique in the world. And the suits featured on the site are designed and produced in the U.S.A.

About SwimSpot

SwimSpot.com features a great selection of one piece swimsuits, bikini tops and bottoms, and swimsuit cover-ups with a wide spectrum of styles and fits for women looking to purchase the perfect suit for the swim season. AND they also have a little girl's line. Since I'm not ready to stuff my rolls into their fabulous suits yet I got my daughter this awesome suit for this summer. How adorable is that? I'm making her matching flip flops and bow to rock it out this summer!

But if you are looking for a suit for you then you have to check out the Bikini Builder. SwimSpot.com created the Bikini Builder application because they know that their customers not only want to shop the racks, but also want to play designer and come up with fresh looks to help them standout in a crowd. You can mix and match from hundreds of swimwear tops and bottoms.

I love how their site is filled with every design, style, and fit to accomadate every figure, shape, and size. I adore their cover ups and their sales pretty much rock!! Their customer service and shipping is top notch and this is a store and website I will be sharing with all my friends.

AND I'm so excited to announce that SwimSpot is a Blogmania Sponsor for Texas Monkey. That means that one lucky reader will win a $100 gift certificate to SwimSpot. With summer so close, I know this will come in handy.
Happy & Healthy

Blogmania will take place starting April 9th and ending April 11th. Be sure to come back and enter to win this and so much more on my blog!
In the mean time stop by SwimSpot and let me know what suit you'd like if you won and please show this sponsor some love by:
Like SwimSpot on Facebook

Follow SwimSpot on Twitter

This contest ends April 11, 2011 at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen using Random.org
Good Luck!
This review is 100% my opinion alone and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was given a bathing suit to review but not paid for this review.

Apothica $25 Gift Card Giveaway

2011-03-30T07:43:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to introduce to you awesome readers, Apothica! If you already know about this amazing company then you're going to love this giveaway. If you've never heard of of Apothica, then allow me to enlighten you, and then you'll love this giveaway too! Apothica is an online beauty boutique, which carries the best products you will find, including one of my all time FAVS Becca Makeup. Reese Witherspoon is one of my fav all time gals and pretty much anything she wears that's within my budget I will try and so that's how I came to know BECCA. And since BECCA is sold at Apothica, you can call me a very happy chica!

My ABSOLUTE Favorite item is the Jewel Dust. I love the light weight shimmer and pop it gives to eyes.

Apothica has so many brands, products, and fun offered in their shop. A girl can never have too much fun with makeup in my opinion! They carry all the hottest brands including GloMinerals, Clinique, Paul & Joe, and more!” Don't wear makeup?, well they have hair products, men products, skin care and more. This company knows how important health is to us and so they are dedicated to providing you with high quality products formulated to promote and enhance your natural beauty.

So are you ready to win yourself a $25 gift card to pamper yourself a little bit?

Entries (Enter 1, 2, or all 3)

Visit Apothica THEN Write on Apothica's Facebook Wall about what you think of Apothica and what products you like. (1 Entry)
Visit Apothica THEN Tweet a Tweet from your own Twitter Account about Apothica. (1 Entry)
ReTweet this Tweet from Apothica (2 Entries)
Visit Apothica THEN Write something on your blog about what you think of Apothica (3 Entries)

Bonus Entry: Write about the brand I highlighted and link it to Apothica (2 Entries)

Be sure to leave a comment for each entry.

This contest will run for 14 days and end on April 13th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. Apothica will contact the winner to verify information is correct. A code will be emailed to the winner to redeem. Contest is open internationally but Apothica does not ship to all countries. Please add SkinCareRX as a contact in your email so that you don't miss the newsletter or winner info.

Good Luck and Happy Wednesday Ya'll

All About You Link Up Party

2011-03-28T08:23:00.002-05:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.

NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.

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 follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

All About You Link Up Party

2011-03-21T08:22:00.000-05:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.

NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.

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 follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

Blogmania Sponsor - CCARIA Jewelry

2011-03-17T16:03:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about Blogmania, do you realize it's just right around the corner?! Man do I have some amazing prizes lined up for you lucky readers! Over the next few weeks I will be highlighting my sponsors and their products just to tease you a little of what's to come! I hope you show them some love and support as they are really hooking you up!

Let's give a big TEXAS Monkey welcome to Cari of CCARIA Jewelry! Cari started making jewelry as a hobby because she needed something she could do to unwind. Next thing she knew she was overrun with pieces. She was giving them to friends and family to get their reactions and everyone told her that they were wonderful and that she should start selling them. Years later, she still enjoys making pieces for friends and family, they are often her best advertisers! But nothing is more thrilling to her than to be out in public somewhere and seeing a piece of her own jewelry on a total stranger. It's so rewarding!

Please tell us all a little bit about yourself and your store, Cari.

What Kinds of products do you offer?

CCARIA jewelry consists of one-of-a-kind earrings, necklaces and bracelets. (I will replicate a piece if requested, but mainly do one-of-a-kind items) I also have a section of Awareness jewelry for both Breast Cancer Awareness, my mother died of breast cancer, (proceeds go to the American Cancer Society or Susan Komen Fund) and Diabetes Awareness (my son has Type 1 Diabetes and all proceeds go to JDRF). I really enjoy using natural stones, like freshwater pearls, jasper, quartz, agate and more. But I also like using beautiful colors of Czech pressed glass.

Describe your typical client?

I'm not sure I have a typical client. I think it’s anywhere from the girly girl that likes big bright and bold pieces, to someone that just likes something simple. I try to make a wide range of pieces for everyone's style, from beaded necklaces and bracelets to sterling silver and antiqued brass. I love doing custom orders too, and I think people really enjoy getting a piece made exactly the way they want it and they know that no one else has it.

How long have you been in business?

I have been making jewelry as a hobby for a while but it became a “business” in August 09. I still consider it my hobby, as I enjoy every minute of it, and do it in my free time.

What sets your business apart from other's in your niche?

Honestly I'm not sure. But what I think sets my business apart is that I try to always use natural stones, I offer low and competitive prices and I always provide excellent customer service.

What is your most popular product?

Since I don't make duplicate pieces, I would have to say that overall necklaces in general seem to be the hot item. Freshwater pearls are also very popular, especially in bold bright colors.

What inspires you?

I actually get my inspiration from colors. No matter where I am I notice other people’s clothing and the jewelry they are wearing and then I start working on different pieces in my mind based on the colors around me. Sometimes I just feel bright and happy and I tend to make pieces around that feeling etc. It varies from day to day.

Where do you see your business heading in the future?

I really can't predict where it will go in the future. Right now I'm happy with it being a hobby and a creative outlet from my everyday life. I enjoy creating pieces and being able to offer them to people at an affordable price. Because this is a passion for me, I’m not sure that I want it to be a “full time job". I love doing it so much, because it is pressure free for me.

What countries do you ship from?

Right now I ship free within the US and I ship to Canada for a small fee.

How can people find you online?

At www.ccaria.etsy.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/c_caria

Now what could one of you lucky readers win? How about this gorgeous one of a kind necklace!

It's an 18 inch necklace made up of baby blue freshwater pearls wire wrapped on an antiqued brass chain.

Valued at $25.
Now show Cari some love and follow her on Twitter and stop by her STORE for some online shopping, did you catch she does FREE shipping, HELLO, I'm sold!

Thank you Cari for being one of our Blogmania Sponsors.

Happy Thursday Ya'll

A Kitchen Lover's New BFF!

2011-03-15T15:45:00.001-05:00

Have you seen this amazing little baby?! I am so excited about The Bag Holder and how it is going to change my life and time spent in the kitchen!

If you have learned anything about me by reading my blog, you've learned that I LOVE to make memories with my Monkey. It's my passion and motivation in doing most things. So when I was told that The Bag Holder will not only help me make memories with my child in the kitchen but that it would also do it without the mess, I was pretty much sold right then and there. However, it does so much more for us kitchen lovers.

With the help from her mom Carol, Kara, a mom herself of 2 and a Breast Cancer Fighter and Survivor began her adventure of bringing to us The Bag Holder.

Let me give you the low down of what all this little baby can and will do for you:

Minimize the steps it takes to put together meals
Easily transfer food in plastic storage bags and minimize clean up
Create with your Kids in the Kitchen and enjoy making meals with your family
Assemble freezer meals for OAMC (Once A Month Cooking) in half the time
Take camping and boating to make meal prep and clean up a breeze
Make hundreds of recipes, including cakes, cookies and piping desserts
Marinate meat and eliminate contamination of raw meats on counters
Minimize the space needed for food storage by using bags not plastic containers
Reheat leftovers effortlessly in the Bag Holder
Wash, reuse and recycle the bags using The Bag Holder
Where ever you need a bowl replace it with The Bag Holder
Store leftovers easily and mess free
Breakdown bulk items with no more messy counters and contaminate free
Save on your monthly electric and water bills by using fewer dishes and less water
Buy and prepare meals in bulk to cut grocery costs

So how does it work?
The Bag Holder is like having a personal assistant in the kitchen. It works by holding your gallon sized storage bags open so you can easily assemble or pour your ingredients hands free and build your meals quickly with little to no clean up.

Change the way you’ve been making meals with The Bag Holder!

I love how their site has Kid friendly recipes that you and your child can make together, videos showing you all about it, and Cooking 101 with all kinds of tips, notes, and fun!

You can Buy yours nowfor $19.95 which comes with 20 recipes and a DVD and shipping will begin on April 15th but you also have a chance to win one.
They are giving 3 away so check out how you could win HERE.

Let's show this Mom/Daughter Team our love and support!
Like them on Facebook
Follow on Twitter

Please tell em Texas Monkey sent you!

All About You Link Up Party - Rainbow Cupcakes

2011-03-14T08:15:00.000-05:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.

St Patrick's Day is this Thursday and you can check out my Macaroni Kid site for all kinds of fun to enjoy with your family. One way you can make memories with your monkies on March 17th is making some yummy Rainbow Cupacakes. And no rainbow is complete without a leperchaun leaving some gold.

Ingredients:
Cake batter of choice
4 different food colors
Icing
Candy wrapped in gold (gold coins, Roll-O's, etc)

Directions
Make your batter as you normally would for cupcakes and divide the batter into 4 bowls.

Add drops of food color to each bowl. I used yellow, green, blue, and red.

Layer your batter into your lined cupcake pan one at a time in any order of choice. I did blue, red, green, then yellow on top. (As you can see from the picture it doesn't have to be pretty or neat and when you are letting a 2 year old help I assure you it is not going to be either but FUN it will be!)

Bake according to directions.

Tint your icing green and decorate your cooled cupcakes. Top with your gold candy.

Now my favorite part, give your Macaroni Kid a cupcake and watch their face lite up with joy! Oh and don't forget to enjoy one yourself.

Happy St Patrick's Day

NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.

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 follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

Orglamix Giveaway Winner Announced

2011-03-10T09:28:00.000-06:00

First , a big thank you to everyone who participated in their color challenge. It was a huge success and many people had a lot of fun creating their own colors. There were over 150 votes and the winner (by 2 votes) is Champagne Bubbles! Champagne Bubbles is a light beige base, like a rich champagne, that is between matte and shimmer. For the crowd that is too mature for total shimmer, and not yet ready for matte. I can't wait to try it out AND my Winner for the upcoming Blogmania Event will win this color along with 2 other colors of their choice. So exciting.

Now on to this giveaway winner.

leanne_mac said...

I like the Cafe Au Lait, Teak and Roselle and I signed up for their newsletter

Congrats Leanne, you are the winner, please email me at texasmonkeyboutique@gmail.com to claim your prize.

How To Save Money In Your Grocery Cart

2011-03-09T09:44:00.000-06:00

Is it weird that one of my favorite things to do is go grocery shopping? Well, let me rephrase that, if I'm by myself, one of my favorite things to do is go grocery shopping. I do, I love it. I love memorizing the aisles, I love standing there reading labels of products, I love seeing new products and getting new ideas for dishes, I love getting the circulars in the mail. I love clipping coupons. I love lining my purchases up a certain way at check out. And I LOVE seeing the savings on my receipt and running home and showing Poppa how much I saved us. Hey, more savings means more shoes for Momma!! Can I get an AMEN!?

I am a loyal customer to Kroger. I have their savings card, plan my shopping around their sales and what coupons I find. I love that I go in the store and it's clean, stocked with the items I need, good quality items, but at a very low cost. Now add in the coupons and sales and you've got one very happy momma on your hands.

There are so many ways to save money at many stores, that's no new concept. And many of us have what works for us. Many of us have brands that we are loyal to as well. And Kroger helps me save on those brands with their already low prices, store sales, store coupons, and their Cart Buster Savings Program going on now.

I want to share with you some of the few ways I save on money but don't miss out on quality.

I spend a little time each week going through the circulars and compare them to what coupons I have found.
I always make a list for that week's meals and needs for the house. I never step foot in a grocery store without my list. Doing so ends up in a bigger bill at the end.
When planning meals I always try to have at least 1 that can be used in a 2nd meal. Like If I make tacos one night then I make enough meat where I can make Taco Soup a few nights later. Or If I make grilled chicken and vegetables I know I can use the left over chicken in pot pie the next night.
I load coupons from Kroger's site to my store savings card. This way I don't have to keep track of an actual coupon, save money from printing coupons, and save time from clipping them.
Always stockpile on your favorite more expensive items when they go on sale or when you have a coupon. Some items I stockpile on are toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry soap, cleaning products, canned items, and deodorant. I have a little closet where I keep my stockpile and it's so nice to pull from that instead of pulling money out.
Buy items to make lunches instead of eating out. I have saved nearly $50 a week just by cutting out eating out for lunch and buying sandwich stuff or soup.

So even though you won't find me on Extreme Couponing, I am a frugal shopper who loves to save money for more important things like shoes! :) I enjoy finding ways to save my family money that doesn't cost me a lot of time in the process because let's face it, Time is Money.

So how do you save money in your grocery cart?
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms Kroger CartBuster blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

JAWS Giveaway - New Concept to Green Cleaning

2011-03-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

It's Hump Day, how about a little giveaway to help us get over this hill?
JAWS Just Add Water Cleaning System - New Concept in Green Cleaning!

I received this set of JAWS cleaning products that one of you will win and I'm here to tell you I will never buy highly chemical based products again! No need, these babies do the same work without killing my nose from odor.

Plus aren't the colors so pretty, even motivates me to clean when dealing with fun colors. :)
I can't wait to give one of you this set but first let me tell you a little about it and why I liked it so much.

The JAWS System is what you need in your home and here's why.
A wallet-and-earth-friendly clean.

Did you know that conventional cleaners contain up to 97% water? That means you’re paying for water every time you buy them. Not so with the Just Add Water System. With one reusable bottle, a compact cartridge refill, and your own H2O, the Just Add Water System costs you 30-50% less than the ready-to-use stuff.

Effective: Real results every time.
You might think that something so earth-friendly won’t work as well as other cleaners, right? Not so. Each Just Add Water cartridge contains super-concentrated cleaning power, which, when released in water, creates a high performance clean. JAWS cleaners work as hard as the other guys, if not harder. They’re as powerful on dirt as they are gentle on the planet.

Environmental: Reuse. Make a real difference.
There’s too much plastic, overflowing landfills and depleting resources. JAWS cleaners use 70% less packaging material, leave 59% less packaging waste, require 59% less energy to transport, reduce water pollutants by 85%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 60%. With just one plastic refillable spray bottle and a powerful cleaning cartridge, you’re going green every time you clean.

Convenient: Simple to use. Simple to store.
The Just Add Water System makes it easier to stay organized and save space. With conventional cleaners, you have to buy a new bottle every time you run out - maybe even several bottles at once. That means you’re not only wasting precious storage space, but also the fuel it takes to get to the store - and all the other resources that are used to ship the bottles. Each JAWS reusable bottle comes with a refill cartridge attached. Everything’s in one uncluttered spot. In fact, Just Add Water cartridges use very little storage space. And that makes a big difference.

Ready to Use:Ready, set, spray!
The Just Add Water System comes with everything you need. One full refillable bottle, a reusable trigger sprayer and a super-concentrated cleaning cartridge. And after you use the contents of your first bottle, all you do is add water to the fill level, insert the refill cartridge into the bottleneck, insert the sprayer, screw it back in, shake gently and you’re ready to unleash the power. Yep, that’s all.

JAWS offers you four different products for your daily uses.

Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner - Fingerprints, grease, smudges are history with the no streak formula. All that’s left is an amazing shine.
Multi-Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser Ink, grease, gunk and grime are no match for it's power.
Bathroom Cleaner/Deodorizer Lime, soap scum, oil, grease, mineral deposits are no longer hard to get rid of.
Disinfectant Cleaner Degreaser Reduce the spread of infection with this broad-spectrum disinfectant, guaranteed to kill 99.9% of germs while you clean.

JAWS can be found in many stores and available online at http://www.jawscleans.com/. Online, starter packs are sold with empty bottles and 2 cartridges:

Well now that you are well informed of these amazing products, let's give a set away!
You can enter with 1 entry or up to 4 times. Good Luck.

Follow me via any social network you would like and let me know which one. FACEBOOK, TWITTER, GFC
Subscribe to my Macaroni Kid weekly Newsletter
Visit JAWS and tell me what product you need the most.
Tweet, blog, or post on facebook about this giveaway, leave me a link to it.

Leave a seperate comment for each entry.

Open to U.S. Only, concluding March 18th 7pm CST. I will contact the winner via email and they will have 48 hours to respond. Winner will be drawn via random.org. I was provided the Jaws System for this review and giveaway put was not paid for it. Thank you to JAWS for this giveaway.

Happy Hump Day Ya'll

All About You Link Up Party

2011-03-07T08:09:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.

NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.

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 follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

Happy Birthday Dr Suess - Cat In the Hat Party and fun ideas

2011-03-02T12:25:00.001-06:00

Today Is Dr Suess' Birthday
Dr. Suess was born March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. His 44 children's books have thrilled many children throughout the years with imaginative characters and tongue twisting rhymes. His books have been translated into more than 15 languages and sold more than 200 million copies.

To celebrate the birthday of such a famous author, here are some fun activities:
Cat in the Hat dot to dot (printable- includes numbers 1 to 78)

Can you match the Dr. Suess character with the name (on screen, takes a bit to load the graphics.)

Cat in the Hat Coloring Page (Make sure you change your printer setting so it prints on one page.)

Dr. Suess Word Search Puzzle (Includes names of characters. Best suited to a child who is reading well.)

And here are some fun party food ideas that I did at a Cat in the Hat Party I threw last year.

You could not, would not Miss
The fun to be had with food like this!
I meant what I said
I said what I meant
It's Dr Suess' birthday
One- hundred percent
March is the month, the 2nd is the day
There is lots of fun coming your way!

Green Eggs and Ham

Prepare Deviled eggs as your favorite recipe calls for but add a few drops of green food coloring to the filling. Then fill your eggs with the green filling.

Ham Sandwiches:
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Brown Sugar Ham from the deli
Dijon Mustard
Swiss Cheese

Cut the rolls in half and spread mustard on one side, stack ham and cheese and put sandwich together then broil in the oven for just a few minutes until cheese melts and tops crisp up. Serve and along side the green eggs and enjoy.

Colored Popcorn

Pop your favorite popcorn and fill up a brown paper bag.
Melt butter, corn syrup and food coloring of choice together
Pour mixture over popcorn and shake around in the brown paper bag
Pour popcorn out onto wax paper and let it set

Serve in your favorite see through server and listen to your guests oohh and ahh

The Cat in the Hat Marshmallow Pops

White Candy Melts
Red Candy Melts
Sucker Sticks
Marshmallows

Melt your candy melts adding a little oil if needed to smooth it out. Dip one end into the red and place on wax paper undipped side down to set. Once hardened do the other side of the marshmallow leaving a white stripe of marshmallow showing. Let dry.

Optional:

Using a piping bag, fill with the white candy melts and pipe a hat brim around the marshmallows and let dry.

Using the tip of a very sharp object (ice pick, knife, etc) make a small hole on one end of the marshamallow (the side with the white brim if you went with this option). Dip your stick in the melted chocolate and stick into the marshmallow where you just made the hole. Stick into foam or glass jar and serve.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 cupcakes

Make cupcakes as you like and use blue icing to frost. About 15 minutes before your party or before you serve the cupcakes take blue cotton candy and place on top of the cupcakes to look like Thing 1 and 2 hair. This is so fun and so easy!

And don't forget to read their favorite Dr Suess book with them or to them tonight before bed! We will be reading all of Monkey's as they are all her favorites!

Happy Hump Day Ya'll

All About You Link Up Party - St Patty and Easter Bows

2011-02-28T08:36:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.

I've been adding new bows to my store and wanted to show you my new St Patty's 3 in 1 Bow and my 2 Easter 3 in 1 Bunny Bows.

First is my St Patrick's Day 3 in 1 bow which is a clover leaf ribbon sculpture clippie with bling and large white bow. It can be worn 3 ways.
1 - Bow by itself
2 - Clippie by itself
3 - Clippie and bow combined for the ultimate St Patrick's Day Look.

Next are my 3 in 1 Easter Bunny Bows. I have 2 to choose from, Peter Cotton Tail or the Yummy Chocolate Bunny. Inner ears and inner body come in choice of hot pink or light pink and bunny's bow is any color of choice. The Large bow comes in choice of white, hot pink, or light pink. And as the St Patrick's Bow these can be wornt 3 ways.
1 - Bow by itself
2 - Clippie by itself
3 - Clippie and bow combined for the ultimate Easter Look.

You can find them on my facebook page HERE, I'm offering them for $10 no paypall fees and no shipping this week only.

NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.

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 follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

Orglamix Giveaway

2011-02-25T05:00:00.009-06:00

Orglamix is offering one reader the chance to try out this wonderful makeup! The lucky winner of this giveaway will be able to choose 3 colors from the Pure Organic Mineral Line of eye shadows. Orglamix is also searching for a new color that will be Exclusive to the April Blogmania Giveaways. We need your ideas. Click HERE to be taken to another post where you can create your own color. List your Color name idea and description for the exclusive Blogmania Color. On March 5, we will chose the top 20 ideas and let you, the readers, vote on the winning color. The winning color creator will win the new eyeshadow. The rest of us will have to wait until Blogmania for the chance to win. Blogmania will run from April 9 to April 10. For more information visit http://www.breebee.com/.

Giveaway and contest ends March 9th and a winner will be chosen via random.org and have 48 hours to respond.
Mandatory:
To win your choice of 3 eye shadows, visit Orglamix and sign up for their Newsletter. Leave a comment that you've done so

Bonus Entry:

Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

Like Orglamix on Facebook (1 entry)

Disclosure: This giveaway is open only to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. Giveaway open to residence of the US and Canada only. Those involved in the production, development or implementation of giveaways, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, affiliates, licensees, and any other person or entity associated with Orglamix are not eligible. One win per ninety days. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be chosen randomly. An email notification will be sent to the email address provided by the winner. The winner must respond within 48 hours. Failure to do so will result in being disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

In Need Of Furniture - CSN Giveaway

2011-02-22T09:31:00.001-06:00

I am in the mood for Spring Cleaning, Garage Sales, Reorganizing, and trading in some old furniture for some new lovelies.

I know it's the weather warming up and the opening of windows and children's laughter that gets me in this sort of mood. I love it! I've got lots of ideas of redoing my living room. It's been the same for quite some time and it's long overdo for a makeover. First of all my coffee table has white finger nail polish all over the top of it. But it goes pretty well with the end tables with hot glue stuck everywhere. Um what else, oh yes the tv stand is in pretty good shape except for where our precious dog Maximus chewed on it when he was a puppy.

So you see I'm in great need of some new pieces to liven up my living room. Thankfully I don't have to spend hours searching craigslist or garage sales to find the perfect piece for me to redo AND I don't have to spend an arm and a leg paying retail price at department stores either. So what's my secret? Well you and I both know it's no secret, it's called CSN Stores! I so heart them!

CSN Stores has everything both you and I need to make any house into a home without killing our budgets, from cookware to what my living room needs, Classic Corner TV Stands!

I looking at some of these, what do you think?

I'm a sucker for any piece of black furniture!

Of course with a bold paint color, this white unit would really stand out!

This is what Poppa would pick, he loves that two toned look. This would match his desk perfectly!

And because I love CSN so much and I love my readers, thanks to CSN I have a $35 Gift Card to give to one of you.

Mandatory Entry

Head to CSN Store and tell me what you would buy if you won.

Bonus Entries:

Enter my $50 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway (2 Entries)
Follow me via GFC ( 1 entry)
Like me on Facebook (1 Entries)

Wow that's a total of 5 Total Entries. Be sure to leave a comment for each entry.

All About You Link Up Party - $50 Walmart GC Giveaway

2011-02-21T08:27:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.
First I want to make sure you know about my $50 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway. If you haven't entered, please do so, I'm throwing in an extra $20 cash for the lucky winner. Let me know you entered in the comments below!

Let's see what you've been working on.

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 follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.

Happy Monday Ya'll

Lawhorn's Seasoning and $50 Walmart Giftcard Giveaway

2011-02-15T23:00:00.004-06:00

One of my most favorite things about blogging is bringing you, my awesome readers, some awesome products and giveaways. To me the best giveaways are cash, gift cards, and products that I or you can really use on a daily basis. And THE BEST giveaway is when it's all 3 of those in one.

Prize package of $50 Walmart Gift Card, Lawhorn's Seasoning AND $20 Cash.

If you haven't heard of Lawhorn's Seasoning then you are really missing out. I did a review HERE for you to check out but I know you want to know how to enter so I'll cut to the chase.

14 Fellow Blogging friends of mine and myself are all working together to bring you this giveaway from Lawhorns.
Not only that but making the entries as easy as possible and no leaving comment after comment for each entry either. One google document, one step, and BAM you are done.

You can have 3 entries. Mandatory entry and 2 Bonus entries. But first here's some very important information. Of the 15 blogs that are hosting this give away, their will only be one winner drawn from the blog who has the most entries. That means my blog, Texas Monkey needs to have the most people enter from so that the winner can be one of you. So you must put "Texas Monkey" as the blog you are entering from on the spreadsheet. And to entice you a little more if Texas Monkey has the most entries and a winner is choosen from this blog then I will also give that winner $20 additional cash to go along with their $50 Walmart Gift Card and Seasoning winnings.

Mandatory Entry
Like Lawhorns on Facebook

Bonus Entries
Follow Lawhorns on Twitter
Follow Texas Monkey Via GFC

AFTER you have done the tasks above, Click HERE to enter and be sure you click all 3 entries on the one form. Please note, you only need to complete the form once per all 3 entries per blog.
REMEMBER you must put Texas Monkey as the blog you are entering from so that one of you can win the $50 Walmart Gift Card, Lawhorn's Seasoning, and an bonus of $20 Cash paid via paypal.

If you have any questions let me know and good luck, tell your friends to come over and enter via Texas Monkey so that you stand a better chance of winning. Go Texas Monkey Readers!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll
Disclaimer: Giveaway is open to US only and will end at midnight on the 24th. A winner will be drawn from the winning blog with the most entries via random.org and the winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Spice Your Life Up With Lawhorn's Spice

2011-02-15T19:24:00.000-06:00

I love to cook, I can have a stressed day at work and come home and get in the kitchen and cook my woes and stress away. It's so relaxing for me and one of my hobbies. I love experiementing with different foods and spices and love it when I find something where it's the only ingredient or seasoning I need to use.

That's exactly what Lawhorn's Seasoning has done for me.

It is the perfect compination of seasoning, salt, spice, and flavor and has made every dish I've made had all of us running back for more.

In the week I've had it I've put it on potatoes, shrimp, chicken, beef for meatloaf, burgers, tacos, and chili. I've also used in on grilled veggies and seasoned fries with it and it has quickly replaced my husbands need to salt everything!

I more than recommend grabbing yourself one of these bottles and watch your family dinner time turn into a time of showering you, the cook, with compliment after compliment.

Check Lawhorn out on Twitter and Facebook AND come back here tomorrow for your chance to not only win your own bottle but a $50 Gift Card to Walmart to buy the meat to go along with it. (Or whatever you want to use it for).

Follow - http://twitter.com/LawhornSpice
Follow - http://twitter.com/GreatSeasonings
Like - http://www.facebook.com/LawhornSignatureSeasonings
Friend - http://www.facebook.com/LawhornSeasoning

I was not paid for this review but was provided a bottle of seasoning to test and this is my own opinion and review.

Is Your Monkey The Next TMB Model?

2011-02-15T10:07:00.000-06:00

Most of you know that I have an online store/boutique called Texas Monkey Boutique. This is my little crafting outlet. I started it because I wanted to deck my own little monkey out in the cutest accessories but I didn't want to pay high end boutique prices. And I know others felt the same way so my goal is to always bring boutique quality products to you at consignment store prices.

Since I've started I'm always adding new products, you have to in this market in order to keep up with the competition. But I don't always have an age appropirate model to showcase my items. And frankly taking a picture of it out in the grass or against a wall just doesn't do it justice in my opinion.
So that's why I've decided to have TMB's first ever Spring/Summer Model Search.
And I want to invite you to enter your little monkey. I'm having it over at my facebook page and below are all the details. You will need to become a fan in order to enter but I'm really excited about it!

Our first ever model search is on! (You can also find the details HERE)

Texas Monkey Boutique has some great things planned for late Spring and Summer and I am looking for some fresh faces to model my products! And I want you to enter your monkey!

Send 3 recent, clear quality photos (no phone pics please) of your model to texasmonkeyboutique@gmail.com and I will choose one photo per submission to enter in the contest. Or simply send the one you want me to use. Please include the name and age of your little monkey.

I will post all contest entries in a contest album for each age group where you may vote for your favorite submission. Each "like" a picture receives counts as one vote. You must "like" Texas Monkey Boutique before you can like your favorite photo. The photo with the most" likes" wins! Comments are welcome but will not count towards the vote. So you'll want to send all of your family and friends to vote.

The winners of each age group will receive a selection of Texas Monkey Boutique products and will be featured on my website and facebook pate as an official TMB model!
Please note: If you are the winner it will be expected that you take pictures of your monkey in their winning products and emailed to me to use on the site. And as new items are introduced your winner will continue to receive the free products.

Entries will be accepted through 3/4, contest will start 3/5 and run through 3/19. Winners announced 3/20!

One winner in each age group determined by the number of likes

0-12 months
1-2 years
3-5 years
5-8
8-Tween
teen
Adult

Get your cameras out and start clicking!

Will need at least 3 entries per age group, if for some reason there are not 3 entries, that age group will be grouped together with the closest age.
So head over to my Facebook Page and hit like and then send in those adorable pics! Good Luck.

Please email me with any questions.
Happy Tuesday Ya'll.

All About You Link Up Party - Valentine's Edition

2011-02-14T08:23:00.003-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations. Today I'd really love to see your Valentine Projects and creations but no worries if you don't have any, any project is great!

One of my favorite things to do and make for Valentine's Day for my sweetie is a fun cake. You may have seen my post HERE on decorating cakes with no stress, if not you must check it out and check out all the versions of readers who have sent me their versions HERE. I still have a few to share with you.
This is so easy and it just screams I LOVE YOU! Here's a few of my fav versions.

Let's see what you've been working on.

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 Valentine's Day and Happy Monday Ya'll!

Homemade Valentine Idea #2

2011-02-09T19:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I showed you the valentine that we did last year HERE. This year I wanted to do something as easy but still with the cute factor. Monkey is still young enough where I like to include pictures of her for family and friends. If she was a bit older I'd opt to do something similar to the chocolate bars made to look like iPods. But for now family prefers to see pictures verses getting lots of candy. So their wish is my command.

I am in no way a photographer so please bare with my pictures.

I am sending out 2 cards this year. My original idea and something that came up after I uploaded the pictures.

First Card.
Kisses 25 Cents

I dressed Monkey up in her pettiskirt, pettipants and flower shirt with matching flower hair clip, all that I sell in my store. I ~~bribed and begged~~ asked Monkey to blow kisses and I just snapped away.
I uploaded and did a little editing and added text to the picture.
Kisses From Monkey Just 25 Cents - Happy Valentine's Day!

Then I got Hershey Kisses and bagged up a few in some cute bags, stapled it with some pink paper and taped the picture on top. Easy Peasy. I wanted to use a printable for labels but with the snow storms, work, and orders well I didn't have the time but HERE are some you could use that are so cute made by Trillustrations.

The 2nd Card I used is You Have My Heart.
Monkey had her hand over her heart in one of the pictures and I loved how it looked so I did a little editing, added the Text
You Have My Heart Valentine

Instead of kisses I used various heart shaped candy for the bags.

So there's 2 ideas for you to do with your child for Valentine's. What are doing for cards this year?

Happy Hump Day Ya'll.

Eversave Twitter Party - Don't Miss This One!

2011-02-08T21:09:00.000-06:00

As the kids take their nap time siesta, we would like to invite you to the best kind of party —a Twitter get-together on Friday, February 11th from 2-3 pm EST hosted by @Eversave. The best part? There’s no need to worry about babysitters, high heels, or touching up your manicure. Plus, the Valentine’s Day theme will be adorable.

We’ll be chatting about bargains, sales, and our passion for deal hunting with Eversave, a great site featuring daily deals at up to 90 % off. Join in the conversation at #EversaveVday and make sure to check in with @BreeBees for more details as we celebrate our love of savings and you can R.S.V.P for a special prize HERE.

And you can start saving now at Eversave by clicking on their Logo in my sidebar or HERE, with daily 50% off deals there is bound to be something for you. Besides do we really need more arm twisting to shop than 50% off?! I didn't think so.

Homemade Valentine Idea

2011-02-08T11:30:00.000-06:00

This is what we did last year, I thought I'd share it again since so many of you are newer followers. I will show you tomorrow what we are sending out this year!

I love all holidays! I love the parties, the candy, the fun in the atmosphere that surrounds most holiday dates. Valentine's is a favorite of mine, especially now that I have a child of my own. I really enjoy making special cupcakes and putting together goody bags for the kids in her class. AND I really love making Valentine's Day cards. Here's a fun little project you can do with your child to build memories and get that Awww factor when he or she delivers them.

Supplies Needed:

Camera
Suckers
Cute Child
Exacto Knife

Step 1:
Have your cute child stand with their arm extended out to the side and hand making a light fist (like they were handing you a flower), take several pictures so ensure you get one you can use.

Step 2:
Upload your picture to your computer and edit the picture to say "I'm Just A Sucker For A Valentine Like You" Love... Your Child's Name

Don't Worry, if you don't have a photo editing program you can upload your picture to Shutterfly, Walmart or any other photo service site and edit it there, then you can have them print them up for you.

Step 3:
Print your photos and cut a slit with an exacto knife at the top of the child's hand and at the bottom of the hand. ON THE PICTURE, NOT ON THE CHILD :)

Step 4:
Slide your sucker into where the slits are and tape on the back to hold the sucker in place.

You can hand them out like this or place them in a cute decorated envelope.

Have fun handing out these special Valentine's this year and making a fun memory with your little cupid!

This week I'll be bringing you other fun Valentine ideas I've found around the blog world. Next Monday's All About You Link Up Party will be Valentine Inspired so start working on those projects.

Happy Tuesday Ya'll

All About You Link Up Party - Pinch Proof Headband

2011-02-07T10:21:00.004-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.

I've been working on things for my store and wanted to share with you my "Pinch Proof" Headband. I love how it's got a little bit of everything for any little girl or the girl in any woman. With bling, pearls, puff, you or your little monkey is sure to feel glamorized! It's the perfect accessory for St. Patrick's Day with bright green rosettes and puff. So you'll be pinch proof all day long while looking oh so chic. AND with the bright fun colors it's perfect to use all through Spring and Easter fun. I'm selling them for $15 and they come on elastic headband in sizes newborn through adults. Perfect for photo props if you are a photographer, school functions, work, or just dressing up fun. Hope you like it as much as I do.

Don't you love that food stained face and shirt, such a ham!!!

Now let's see what you've been working on.

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 Winner Announced

2011-02-06T09:09:00.000-06:00

We have a Kaspersky Pure winner.

Using random.org the winner is.............................................

Aime she said

"--Amie-- said... I follow Texas Monkey blog!! "

Congrats Aime, hope you enjoy it.

We have some great giveaways, humor, ideas, and fun coming up so hope to see you around! Don't forget All About You Link Up Party, come back and link up and show off.

All About You Monday Link Up Party

2011-01-31T11:22:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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

2011-01-24T11:20:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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

2011-01-21T15:25:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-20T11:56:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-19T12:44:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-16T18:58:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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?

2011-01-14T14:18:00.001-06:00

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

2011-01-14T08:57:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-10T09:45:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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

2011-01-06T15:13:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-04T13:45:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-03T08:27:00.000-06:00

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!

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

2010-12-20T09:18:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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

A Great Gift Idea and 50% Off For You

2010-12-13T08:24:00.000-06:00

Do you have a little chef on your hands? This is a great gift set for you and them and 50% off for you awesome readers. Just click the link below and order your little cook the perfect Christmas or anytime present!
$16 for $32 worth of cookbooks and gear for your littlest chef from HandstandKids.com
Offer expires: 11:59 PM - Dec 15, 2010

All About You Link Up Party

2010-12-13T08:13:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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.

Gift Cards Make Great Gifts - Special Deal Just For You!

2010-12-08T08:40:00.001-06:00

I know with the holiday season here, sometimes it can be a stressful time. Budgets, finances, bills, shopping, rude people, all of the bad that comes with the joy of the season. I wanted to offer my blog readers a little deal that may make gift giving a little easier for you.

I'm offering gift certificates to Texas Monkey Boutique which are perfect stocking stuffers or as main gifts under the tree. BUT a little extra to help your dollar stretch. I'm giving you an extra $5 with at least a $10 gift certificate amount purchased so......

Spend $10 on a gift certificate and give $15
Spend $15 on a gift certificate and give $20
Spend $20 on a gift certificate and give $25
So on and So on

This is the perfect way for those little monkies in your life to be able to accessorize, mesmorize, and glamorize their life! Custom orders are always welcomed.

With this awesome deal, stock up for yourself.

Go to Texas Monkey Boutique and add Gift Certificate to your cart in the amount you want and a code for free shipping and a gift certificate to be printed will be emailed to you.

Happy Shopping and thank you for considering Texas Monkey.

Happy Hump Day Ya'll

Cash Giveaway and Opp for You and Winner

2010-12-07T10:04:00.000-06:00

Wanna make some money? You will automatically be entered into a few cash drawings that is being provided as a thank you for signing on to be an affiliate with Eversave. Eversave will also pay you 8% of any sales earnings. You can also opt to place an ad banner/button on your site and earn $1 per unique click AND $1 per email entry! WOW!

What is Eversave? They find us great finds (some with specific locations yet daily national dealsl) and they offer it to us for 50-70% off the retail price! AND, you don' t have to rush to decide, most of the deals have the option to buy within a couple of days! Whew!

For signing on as an affiliate &/or opting to host a banner you will also be entered into a few different CASH drawings! The more that enter the more cash we can give away!

To be entered to win MONEY via paypal the 1st step is to let me know you want to become an affliate and send me your info, in a day or two you will receive an email from Eversave with your links to complete the process or Bree at breebee.com (check your spam). The terms of functioning, etc will be available at each phase. {it does not matter where you live, this is open to anyone}. EverSave will be verifying entrants that complete the affiliate sign on.

If you are already an affiliate you are not eligible for this giveaway. (but you can opt in for the ad banner)

Entry into this giveaway will end on or before 12/31/2010 11:59pm EST (ending is based on entries), drawing for cash prizes will be on 1/10/2011, winners will be selected from the google doc via random.org and notified via email who will have 48 hours to respond to bree@breebee.com or another winner will be selected.

So what do you need to send me? You can email me at texasmonkeyboutique@gmail.com or leave it in the comment section.

First and Last Name
Blog URL
City
Email address
Which program you want to do - affiliate (8% payout), Ad Banner ($1 per unique click) OR Both.

Pretty cool and easy way to make a little cash for yourself!

AND
The winner of the Holiday Gift Giveaway is MomTo3 who said: "I'm A Follower!" She has been contacted and I'm awaiting a response, if no response a new winner will be selected. Congrats to you Angela.

IF you didn't win, don't forget my $50 Target Giveaway that is still available to enter until Friday. Low entries on this one!

Happy Tuesday Ya'll.

All About You Link Up Party

2010-12-06T08:25:00.000-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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.

Holiday Gift Giveaway For You

2010-12-05T23:01:00.001-06:00

Are you ready to WIN?! I hope so because so many blogs participating in this Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop has got some amazing prizes for you to win and I'm so excited to one of the blogs hosting this year.

Want to know what you could win?

I've got a pretty good little package of gift cards and cash to give to one lucky winner. And entering is so easy for you too and it's available for US or Canada residents.

Prize #1 - $25 Gift Certificate to Texas Monkey Boutique use this gift certificate to order adorable little accessories for your little monkey this Christmas.

Prize # 2 - $20 to Staker Sensations. These wall vinyl and home decals make great Christmas gifts. I made a little Time Out chair with urs

Prize # 3 - $25 Gift Certificate to Jasmere a unique social shopping site where they find the deals for you!

Prize # 4 - $50 To Target. Take care of some of your Christmas shopping and mark things off your list with this $50 Gift Card.

Prize # 5 - $25 to your paypal account! A gift from me to you! Merry Christmas.

All 5 Prizes will go to ONE winner.
How to enter:
MANDATORY ENTRY

Follow me on GFC which can be found in my sidebar to the right.

Bonus Entries

Like Me on FACEBOOK
Follow Me on Twitter

Leave a comment for each entry, the Mandatory entry must be done first.

Good Luck and be sure to enter the other blogs giveaways for more chances to win more. Giveaway ends on December 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Good luck!

$50 Target Giveaway

2010-12-03T08:54:00.006-06:00

I'm got so many giveaways for you for Christmas you'll be calling me Santa Claus. And it better be because of my gift giving awesomeness and not my big round bum!

I'm an ambassador mom for Juno Baby and Juno Jr. Juno Baby is an Emmy Award-winning children's lifestyle brand all bout beautiful, original music. Created by classical composer and mom, Belinda Takahashi, Ph.D., Juno Baby leverages the world's best puppet makers along with incredible orchestral musicians to create fun, witty and beautiful musical experiences for babies and children.

My 2 year old has every CD, Book, DVD, and even the Juno doll and let me tell you she can not get enough of Juno Baby! And I can't either. It's one of those companies that just makes you feel good about using their products to educate your child. And now with the introduction of Juno Jr she can continue to grow up with Juno!

And now for what you're really reading for, what's in it for you! Juno Baby has this awesome website and free newsletter with free game downloads, music and more. As a mom ambassador for Juno Baby it's my job to promote it. So to help me do that I'm giving away a $50 Target Gift Card to one lucky reader.

How do you enter?

MANDATORY

I need your permission to sign you up for their newsletter, it will come about once a week with exciting news, free music and game downloads, and fun info for your little one. Just leave your email saying I can sign you up for this FREE awesome newsletter and you are entered! I am asking that you let me sign you up so that I can put my info in to get the credit for being their mom ambassador. Make sense?

BONUS - Leave a comment for each one and a link if posting or tweeting.

Like Me on Facebook (1 entry)
Follow me via GFC (1 entry)
Follow me via Twitter (1 entry)
Blog about this giveaway (3 entries)
Tweet it (3 entries)
Post it to your facebook (3 entries)

I will also be giving away a Juno Baby DVD, Book, and CD Prize package next week so stay tuned for that. You can also enter my Holiday Gift Giveaway for some perfect Christmas shopping $.

Good Luck!
Happy Thursday Ya'll

Blogmania Announcement

2010-12-02T01:00:00.001-06:00

Blogmania is Now open to YOU!

Blogmania has proven to be a lot of fun. Not only do you get to see a lot of amazing blogs/bloggers that may have otherwise been buried under the sea of blogs but you get to potentially win a ton of prizes! Last season over 35K in prizes were dished out worldwide!

Would you like to be a part of this crew of Blogmania bloggers? Would you like to become more PR friendly, grow your blog, meet new bloggers, form new relationships with bloggers and shop owners? Regardless of your blogging goals, be it one or all of those, you will have FUN!

If you are interested in being on the Blogmania 2011 crew please send me a note at texasmonkeyboutique@gmail.com and I will respond with the details of the event. Registration is open until March 1st but those that sign on by Dec 15th, 11:59pm EST will be entered into a CASH prize drawing!

Hope to work with you on this awesome event!

All About You Monday

2010-11-29T10:56:00.002-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday! Sorry this is so late getting up, I'm so behind and playing catch up from the holiday weekend, but it's up now and time to party!

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

Come Back Each Week and Party With Texas Monkey!

And be sure to come back on Dec 1 for the Big Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop

I am one of the hosts for the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop this year and so excited about the giveaway on my blog as part of the event. The event runs December 1 to 5th and there’s over 300 blogs participating so far! I think its going to be so much fun for everyone involved!

The giveaway theme is cash and gift cards/gift certificates. If you are a shop that wants to get in there is still time! Just email me at texasmonkeyboutique@gmail.com

Just what can you win on my blog alone? $25 Gift Certificate to Texas Monkey Boutique, $20 to Staker Sensations, $50 To Target, and $25 to your paypal account! Talk about perfect for Christmas shopping! See you here on the 1st.

Happy Monday Ya'll

CSN Review Coming Up!

2010-11-23T11:45:00.000-06:00

If you are a pro to the blog land area then you probably are very familiar with the awesomeness that is CSN Stores! If you haven't been made aware of this amazing online shopping place then please let me introduce you!

CSN Stores is beyond amazing. I can't tell you how much time I've spent browsing through their sites and now I have Poppa hooked on CSN being the go to site for finding what we need for our home. They literally have just about anything and everything you could ever need or want! Seriously people I'm not kidding! You need a car seat? They got em! You need a tent for camping? They got em! Oh What, you need new Bathroom Cabinets? Yep they got em! Are you traveling this Holiday Season and need new luggage? Well they've got that too!

You'll have to wait and see what I review but I'm loving some of these options, what do you think?

Monkey would LOVE a toddler recliner chair.

Poppa is really wanting some new knives and informed me he wants this Cleaver Knife.

And Momma wants, well everything but would love to get my hands on a Wine Chiller! Hey don't judge me!

There is so much more to choose from, how am I ever going to decide?

Thanks CSN Stores for a fantastic opportunity!
What's your favorite item from CSN?

New Turkey Recipe You HAVE to Try!

2010-11-23T11:12:00.000-06:00

Your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!!

You should try this!

Sure to bring smiles from your guests!

Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out alumi num foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully. (see attached picture for details)

3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.

4. Watch your guests' faces...

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Happy Tuesday Ya'll

All About You Link Up Party

2010-11-22T07:55:00.003-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

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

Come Back Each Week and Party With Texas Monkey!

Happy Monday Ya'll

For You Friday - Holiday Gift Giveaway

2010-11-19T09:03:00.000-06:00

I am one of the hosts for the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop this year and so excited about the giveaway on my blog as part of the event. The event runs December 1 to 5th and there’s over 300 blogs participating so far! I think its going to be so much fun for everyone involved!

The giveaway theme is cash and gift cards/gift certificates. I am currently looking for companies and shop owners who wish to sponsor my blog giveaway for this event with a Gift Certificate from their business.

How will this help your business? We are expecting this to be a high traffic event and the buzz is already building online about it. Your company will gain exposure and I am offering a few Sponsorship Packages to give you more incentive to sponsor my blog giveaway!

The Sponsorship Packages are:

Gold Package- Donate a Gift Certificate of $100 and up. You will receive:

Company or Product Feature Post the week leading up to the Giveaway (300+ words, 2 keyword links of your choice, pictures, links to your site and Social Media sites).
Sidebar Button Ad through the month of January. You must provide me with the picture for the button.
Weekly Facebook Posts about your company on the Texas Monkey Facebook Page for the whole month of December and I will suggest your page to all my Facebook friends.
Weekly Tweets the whole month of December about your company and a link to your site.
Description of your business with a link to your site and a picture on the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop post.

Silver Package- Donate a Gift Certificate of $50 to $99. You will receive:

Sidebar Button Ad for the month of December. You must provide me with the picture for the button.
Facebook Post the week of the event about your company on the Texas Monkey Facebook Page and I will suggest your page to all my Facebook friends.
3 Tweets about your company and a link to your site the week of the event.
Description of your business with a link to your site and a picture on the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop post.

Bronze Package- Donate a Gift Certificate 0f $49 or less. You will receive:

Sidebar Button Ad the week of the event Dec 1 - 5. You must provide me with the picture for the button.
Facebook Post about your company on the Texas Monkey Facebook Page and I will suggest your page to all my Facebook friends.
1Tweet to over about your company and a link to your site.
Description of your business with a link to your site and a picture on the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop post.

So far I have some great sponsors and some great gift cards including cash lined up so I know readers are going to be flocking to this blog to enter and I don't want you as a shop owner wanting PR and advertising this holiday season to miss out on that opportunity!

Please email me at texasmonkeyboutique@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a sponsor or if you have any questions.

Happy Friday Ya'll.

Yay You Did It

2010-11-17T13:36:00.000-06:00

Well it's time for another round of Yay You Did It where readers have taken something I've done and did it for themselves.

We have a few more cake decorators on our hands from my Decorating Cakes with NO Stress Post and I'm telling you each one that is done and sent to me is so unique and amazing and makes me want to give up my diet and dig in!

These latest two come from some awesome and loyal blog followers and readers of mine, Corine and Lorie. They both did amazing jobs and inspire me to make some more of these easy and stress free cakes.

Corine's Cake with Candy

Lorie's cake with strawberries.

I may or may not have just licked my computer screen. :)

So have you made one yet? If not you better get busy and watch your family and friends oohh and aahh over something so easy but so stunning!

Happy Hump Day Ya'll.

All About You Monday

2010-11-15T09:40:00.001-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

You may have noticed that Staker Sensations store is closed for vacation so we've put the giveaway on hold until Dec1 but you will want to come back for that giveaway as I'm participating in the 1st Holdiday Gift Giveaway Hop. OMG you don't want to miss this, it's over 200 blog hosts participating in the same blog offering you amazing giveaways that are either cash or gift cards. Talk about perfect timing for your holiday shopping. I've got lots of cash prizes in store for you so hope to see you there.

Now for the All About You Monday Link Up.

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

Come back each week and have fun with us!

Happy Monday Ya'll

Small Business Saturday

2010-11-10T03:05:00.000-06:00

Please leave your link and if you are offering a SPECIAL* on SAT, Nov. 27, 2010 PLEASE WRITE THAT in NAME/TITLE box, like this: 15% off entire purchase w/CODE: PPRO.

Personally I am a sucker for FREE SHIPPING, but lots of people like discounts and free gifts with purchase too. ;)

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-09T12:49:00.000-06:00

Did you know that over at BreeBee she has a mom made link up where you as a shopper can get some great deals and support some moms who make things for you? I'm one of those shops and I'm offering free shipping to Bree's readers, just by putting in BreeBees in checkout you receive free shipping on any purchase. I hate paying for shipping when I order something, it makes ordering something special and unique frustrating when my cart total goes up by $5, $7, $10 or more just for shipping. So because I hate it I know you probably don't love it and want to make shopping for you a little more fun this holiday season.

I'm in the process of adding Holiday items to my TMB Store, I do mostly custom orders and don't keep a lot of stock so I don't have nearly as much on the site as I've made and have but I do keep my Facebook updated as it's a lot easier so you can check out pics there but wanted to show you my little Turkey set.

I think he's just the cutest little turkey. This set comes as a 3 in 1 set. You have the brown bow which can be worn by itself, the turkey which can be worn by itself, or put them together for a bow/turkey combo.

I also do a smaller version for pig tail set.

Isn't it fun paired with my Fall Colors Tutu? Oh what I wouldn't give to be a little girl to prance and dance around in this.

So take advantage of the free shipping from BreeBee and enjoy shopping a little more this year!

Thanks for looking, here's a sneak peak at some Holiday stuff I've been working on.

Peppermint Candy Tutu

Lollipop Clippies

Christmas Tree Clippie with Bling

Happy Tuesday Ya'll, don't forget to enter the Staker Sensations Vinyl Word Art Giveaway.

All About You Monday and A Giveaway with Vinyl

2010-11-08T08:01:00.001-06:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

This week I have an awesome giveaway for you awesome readers. I have been on the lookout for some unique vinyl pieces to add to my home and trying to figure out Monkey's "spot" for her to sit for timeout. Well wouldn't you know I found the answer to both at one place - Staker Sensation.

I can't tell you how fun it was going through her store and making a wish list. She has unique and cute sayings and decor from vinyl. I fell in love with her Laundry Sign and of course had to have it. I can't wait to show you my outcome for my sign.

I also got the most adorable monkey growth chart. You know I love this. I did however mess it up, I applied it to what I thought was a dry painted piece of wood and when I peeled it off, my wet paint came off. I felt like the biggest loser. Who doesn't make sure the paint is dry? I do that's who. My plan is to add painted wood letters that spell Monkey's name at the top and hang it but I'm trying to figure out how to fix my mess. I'm hoping I can just touch of the pain where it's really bad and then to the naked eye you won't be able to see the rest? Got any ideas? Only me would take something so adorable and mess it up.

I also got perfect piece for Monkey's timeout spot. She has the cutest piece for this and I just had her add Monkey's name. I got a stool from Target and added it to it and called it a day! Now the only problem is Monkey loves her stool and carries it around everywhere with her and doesn't get that she has to leave it in her time out spot.

I got a few other pieces that I'm working on for gifts and I will be showing those to you soon. I am loving them!

Shannon has so graciously offered one of you a $20 gift certificate to her store. Talk about perfect for the upcoming holidays. So how do you enter?

Mandatory Entry is

Follow Shannon's Blog at Shannon Make's Stuff and leave me a comment telling me what is your favorite item in her store.

For Bonus Entries 1 Each

Follow me via GFC
Like Texas Monkey on FB
Link up a post to All About You Monday

Leave me a comment for each one. Giveaway will run through Friday and announced on Saturday. Good Luck!

Now for the All About You Monday Link Up.

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

Come back each week and have fun with us!

Happy Monday Ya'll

Holiday Open House - Making Gifts

2010-11-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

It’s officially the start of the Holiday Season since it is NOVEMBER 1st. Do you have a Holiday Entertaining Post or Tip or Idea? Then Link it up for a chance to win $2,000 in prizes!

Last year I made personalized chargers for gifts for my mom's co-workers. She's a teacher and they exchange gifts with everyone so that's a LOT of gifts and when you're on a budget like most of us are then that can blow you out of the water if you're not careful. I love doing homemade gifts for people and I love receiving homemade gifts but let's be honest here, sometimes homemade gifts are well.... not usable. So if I'm going to give something that I've made then I want it to be something the receiver will be able to use and enjoy. These chargers hit that spot and was fun, easy, and well within the budget. Click HERE for more details and instructions but here are a few pics.

Do you have homemade gift ideas? Link it up so we can see and get ideas for our list this year!

Please ENTER THE DIRECT URL to YOUR Holiday Entertaining post(post must include our giveaway button in it) in the link up below for YOUR chance to win the over $2,000 in prizes* – all chosen to make you the Holiday hostess with the MOSTESS!! You can link up every single day…
PRIZE LIST HERE on ParkerPROnline (subject to change and more to add)
You can enter once a day with a NEW holiday entertaining post! Feel FREE to visit the blogs on this list for great ideas to enjoy this holiday season! You MUST post this button on your post.

*All links must link directly to a winter/holiday entertaining post. Links to main pages will be deleted. All linked posts must include our giveaway button. Any posts without our button in them will be deleted. Winner will be chosen using random.org. from all eligible (remaining) links and announced on www.parkerpronline.com on Nov. 11, 2010 and winner will also be contacted via comment on winning post. Winner will then have 72 hours to submit their contact information to blogmaniapr@gmail.com in order to claim the prize package. If not claimed, a new winner will be selected from remaining eligible links.

This is featured on almost all the dream team’s blogs, it is the same linky, this is ONE BIG prize for one winner pulled from the linky below

For You Friday - Aden + Anais Giveaway

2010-11-05T12:20:00.000-05:00

October was SIDS Awareness Month. And Aden + Anais, a company for babies that does so much more than just sell products is a huge supporter of SIDS Awareness. They make and sell a product that improves the lives of your baby and you as a mom. They have also partnered up with The CJ Foundation for Sids to help bring awareness to moms and support to those that have lost their precious angel.

I had the pleasure of receiving one of their Muslin Sleeping bags and can I just say that immediately you will feel a difference in the quality of the material and it will stand out from any other blanket or sleeping wrap you've ever had.

From their site:

"Single 100% cotton muslin sleeping bag. aden +anais sleeping bags are designed to be worn over a baby’s pajamas, ensuring a safe night’s sleep by eliminating loose crib blankets, which can be dangerous. Muslin’s light, open weave allows a baby’s body temperature to regulate itself naturally helping to prevent overheating. aden + anais sleeping bags offer the ultimate in breathability and softness, as the more the more you wash them, the softer they get. Each sleeping bag zips from the bottom, making diaper changes easy, and a strip of muslin over the zipper by baby’s face provides extra comfort. aden and anais award-winning sleeping bags are the perfect sleepwear to follow our popular swaddling blankets."

The sleeping bag is perfect if you have a baby that doesn't enjoy being swaddled like my monkey! If yours is a swaddler then their blankets are for you and you will never go back to anything again. With the 47x47 size and the breathable soft Muslin material it's the perfect wrap for your little one.

Aden & Anais has graciously offered one of my awesome readers the chance to win one for your own. I'm thinking this would be a great Christmas gift to give or keep.
You can choose girl, boy, or neutral color classic sleeping bag.

How To Enter:

Like Aden + Anais on Facebook AND you need to like CJ Foundation For Sids on Facebook.

For Bonus Entries:

Like Me on FaceBook
Follow Me on GFC
Like Macaroni Kid

Leave a seperate comment for each one and winner will be picked via random.org and announced next week.

Happy Friday Ya'll

Thank you Aden + Anais for your awesome products and your heart to bring awareness of SIDS to us all.

Holiday Open House

2010-11-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

It’s officially the start of the Holiday Season since it is NOVEMBER 1st. Do you have a Holiday Entertaining Post or Tip or Idea? Then Link it up for a chance to win $2,000 in prizes!

Please ENTER THE DIRECT URL to YOUR Holiday Entertaining post(post must include our giveaway button in it) in the link up below for YOUR chance to win the over $2,000 in prizes* – all chosen to make you the Holiday hostess with the MOSTESS!! You can link up every single day…
PRIZE LIST HERE on ParkerPROnline (subject to change and more to add)
You can enter once a day with a NEW holiday entertaining post! Feel FREE to visit the blogs on this list for great ideas to enjoy this holiday season! You MUST post this button on your post.

All About You Monday

2010-11-01T08:39:00.000-05:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

This Week's Theme is Show Off Those Halloween Costumes!

My little Dalmatian.

Monkey as a Dalmatian and her cousin LuLu as Minnie Mouse.

I did the ears for her costume.

Hugging it Out!

Attempting to Bark!

So Let's See Yours!

Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
Link up you Halloween Costumes and stories OR any 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

Come back next week where the theme is Furniture!

Happ Monday Ya'll.

Twinkie Mummys - FAIL = PERFECT

2010-10-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

I saw these adorable twinkie mummies in Women's Day and thought "Oh that will be so fun to make with Monkey!" I even have things on hand so don't have to spend any money. I'm really trying to come home from work and do things with her instead of cooking and cleaning all the time. Besides, making messes means I'm making memories!

So I gathered my items.

A Box of Twinkies that may or may not have had 10 twinkies to begin with but somehow I only had 5 to work with.

Popsicle Sticks

Melting/Baking Chocolate

Butter Cream Icing (or store bought)

Candy for eyes

At this point I'm thinking, oh this will be easy, fun, and yummy! Now the Women's Day recipe doesn't call for this step and I don't know why I have to try and be ambitious and change it up thinking I'll make it better cause history has proven I won't, I'll just mess it up but who learns from history these days? Sure as heck not me. So I insert the sticks and freeze the twinkies to make dipping them in chocolate a little easier and this is where FAIL begins to rear it's ugly little head.

Maximus our "precious" Pomearanian is demanding to be let outside, Monkey is needing a diaper change, Poppa is studying, and I'm still trying to get supper in the oven ALL while I'm attempting to melt the chocolate. So of course I end up burning the chocolate. So I start a new batch take care of everyone's potty issues and forget to turn the oven down and am now burning potatoes. AWESOME!

Open the door to let the smoke out, now Monkey wants to go outside instead of making ~~mess~~ memories with Momma and the dog is running in and out in and out in and out in and out OMG can I get a glass of wine please!

Ok wine in hand, much better, all is right with the world, now what was I doing? Oh yeah, burning supper and making something with twinkies. Who the hell dresses up twinkies anyway, they are already a glob of goodness in your mouth, why mess with a good thing?! Whatever, dipped the ~~bastards~~ twinkies and put in the freezer to set up quicker.

Go to pull out my ButterCream that I always have on hand and I don't have enough to cover 3 let alone 5 and I sure as heck don't have time or energy to make any so my Mummies ended up looking like they had Egyptian Mummy Wrappers (yeah I made that up, I don't know the official wrapping term) who got really lazy and said the hell with it and half wrapped their mummy booty's and threw them in their tomb and said SEE YA SUCKERS!

Oh and the candy I had were Gobstoppers which were way too big to be considered "eyes" so now it looks like my mummies got squeazed to death prior to being mummified. AWESOME! (BTW word of the day today is AWESOME).

So I'm trying to take pictures of these horrible looking creatures and all the time Monkey is having a blast, loving it, talking to her mummies, and thanking me. So right then I realized I took a fun thing and made it stressful because it didn't look like the picture on a professional decorating website and was just ashamed of myself. I almost let myself steal the joy of spending time with Monkey. So I looked around, saw the huge mess, smoke still coming out of the oven, chocolate covered Monkey face, and soaked it all in. I was making memories.

I took her outside and gave her the little mummy she had been eye balling the whole time and captured shots of her holding her "precious."

So next time you're stressing out over the mess or the project that didn't come out "perfect" or "blog worthy" remember that to your child it is perfect and that's what is important!

She just kept starring at it and smiling!

I kept trying to get her to take a bit and she just would talk to it.

She Loves Him

Finally she takes a bite.

Enjoying her Mummy with her Poppa

She looks like her Poppa but in this picture she really looks like him!

Happy Friday Ya'll

Flying Bats Craft For Kids

2010-10-27T08:13:00.001-05:00

So as a working mom I struggle with finding time in the envenings to spend "play" time with Monkey. Usually when we get home, I start on supper and Poppa plays with her. Then we eat, he cleans up, and it's bath, bed time routine, and then bed. Do you see what is missing from this routine? Yep, me playing with her. So I'm trying to make more crock pot type meals or meals I can throw in the oven so that while supper is "cooking" I can play. Last night I threw supper in the oven and then she and I sat down at the craft table and made these fun Flying Bats together then went outside and had Bat Races. It was what we both needed.

Now you and your child can make these adorable Halloween creatures and have your own Bat Races.
Supplies Needed:
Black Construction Paper
Wiggly Eyes
Scissors
Glue or Modge Podge
Bat Template

Step 1:
Cut Out Your Template
Step 2:
Fold you black paper and lay your template down and cut out.
Step 3:
Unfold your bat cutout and glue wiggly eyes on.
Step 4:
Cut a piece of paper to fit around your child's finger and glue the ends together to make a ring.
Step 5:
Glue the ring to the back of the bat.
Step 6:
Once the glue is dry enjoy flying your bats around. The wings really do flap up and down to mimic the flying motion.

Monkey wanted to race them down her slide.

She was entertained, stimulated, and exhausted by the time we were done! I'd say this craft was a success.

Happy Halloween Ya'll.

All About You Features and Winner

2010-10-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

First things first, Congrats to Teresa who is the winner of the Corner Stork Baby Gifts Giveaway. Weatherbee said:

Great giveaway! The Jo Jo Giraffe and Pig in a Blanket are so cute! But the monkeys still probably the cutest. :)Thanks for the giveaway!~Teresa

I've emailed Teresa and if no response after 48 hours I will draw a new winner. Come back next Monday for a really awesome giveawy, I'm so excited about this one, you will be too!

Monday's are quickly becoming a favorite day of the week for me thanks to all of you amazing and talented bloggers out there that link up and show off your latest and greatest! Here are a few I wanted to show you but they all are great so go check out the Link Up and post up of you haven't already.

First you have to go check out these awesome little witch shoes filled with goodies at Red Couch Recipes. Don't they just scream Halloween!

And I think Ghost Poop is just about the cutest thing since being Boo'd by your neighbors. I love this idea from Can't Stop Making Things and she even provides you with the download printable to make your own.

Need an inexpensive but awesome gift idea? Then head to Sassy Sites for this great tutorial and make one for yourself.

Want or need an easy last minute idea to add Halloween color and decor to your home? Then Muse Lodge has got the tutorial for you. I love the bright colors of the background!

Ya'll know I love all things Monkey so of course I had to show you this adorable Toddler Monkey Wallet from Nancy's Couture. I love it!

Remember the link up is open until Friday so keep posting all about you!

Happy Tuesday Ya'll

All About You Monday Link Up

2010-10-25T08:47:00.001-05:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

This Week's Theme is Anything Goes!

This past weekend Poppa and I took Monkey to a little pumpkin patch/festival. Usually we go to one of the biggest pumkin farms/patches in Texas but just did not have the time to make that drive this year so we went to one a little closer to home. They had trunk or treating, hay rides, a small pumpkin patch, music, and food. She is going to be a Dalmatian for Halloween but I don't have her costume finished yet so I made her a little Candy Corn Princess costume to wear to this. Enjoy the pics and have fun linking up!

Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
Link up 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
Come back next week!

Happy Monday Ya'll.
I myself am linking up to these fun parties.

Before & After China Cabinet

2010-10-22T09:50:00.001-05:00

My grandparents had this beautiful China Hutch and Buffet set that my Papa bought my Nana for their 25th wedding anniversary. It was big and heavy and solid wood. When I think of family gatherings, parties, holiday meal in their dinning room growing up that piece of furniture is in every memory. So when my Nana and Papa had to move to a smaller apartment because they were getting too old to take care of a big house they no longer had room for it. I jumped at the opportunity to have it passed down to me, the only granddaughter. Yep I played that card to get it. But come to find out the buffet part was down in Houston at some cousins house for some still unknown reason to me and when we called to request MY GRANDPARENTS piece of furniture back, we were impolitely told no. So I had this enormous hutch but no buffet/table to set it on. So it just sat against the wall not looking right at all.

I spent nearly 3 years looking for a buffet that was in my budget and had the right dimensions to fit as well as it needed to be a solid piece of wood. Then a few weeks ago I did a search on CL with just the dimensions and a dresser came up. HMMM never thought about using a dresser for the buffet. That day I found the piece I was looking for in the form of a dresser, Poppa went and picked it up and Momma got to work on putting it all together.

Now I learned a lot from working on this DIY project. I opted out of sanding and went with 2 coats of primer instead. Normally I'd sand but this saved me a lot of time and the primer covered well. However next time I think I'll go with a spray primer as using a paint brush just took forever and made my arm very sore. That's probably due more to the fact that I'm out of shape though. One thing good though about using a brush to paint is your little monkey can help. Boy we both are looking rough here!

Here she was so proud because she painted the letter C.

I used a brush nickle spray paint to turn that brass into some sass!

Black was the color of choice. I've been collecting white dishes and serving platters for a few years and thought the black with the white would just pop. Plus our walls are white in our rental home so need something to add contrast to it. We took the doors off and once they were off we decided we liked the look of it and kept them off. (and please don't mind the red and turquoise squares still up from the Cat In The Hat Party, don't worry they are down now. )

I just love the way it turned out. Sometimes I get home and just go and stand in front of it and stare it, I've even been caught hugging it.
So once again here is the Before

And here is the After

My Papa died 2 years ago, 3 weeks after Monkey was born and so this piece has even more of a value to me. I hope to pass it on to my grandchildren one day. Until then though I will be showing it all my love!

What do you think? I was thinking of distressing it a bit and or glazing it but just haven't made up my mind.
I have a few more DIY projects I need to finish and get posted but they seem to keep getting put on the back burner. You know cause a glass of wine or taking a nap always seems more fun. :)

Happy Friday Ya'll.

Dear So and So

2010-10-21T08:59:00.000-05:00

Been A While since I've written a Dear So and So post. I should not go so long without these, I end up actually saying what I should not have said outloud. Oh well right! This one is a little long this week.

Dear Vegas:
Although you basically rock and had me at blinking lights and dinging bells from slot machines I must vent to you a little bit. No Diet Dr Pepper?! Really?! Perhaps you haven't had the pleasure of having this ~~crack~~ amazing goodness touch your lips but let me tell you it's the most wonderful thing in the world. Ok maybe I'm being dramatic but seriously I had a headache the whole time I was there from lack of my precious aka DDP. Oh sure the headache is probably DDP's fault and the ~~crap~~ stuff they put in it to get you hooked but the least you could do is support me in my habit. Obviously you're all about supporting every other bad habit, I mean really, smoking, prostituting, gambling is ok but I can't get one taste of goodness on my lips?
Please consider working on this before I come back. Thanks. Missing You!

Dear Self:
Obviously you have a problem, please seek help and quit the DDP already!

Dear Lovers of Jersey Shore:
I'll admit I don't get it, I don't care to get it either. Not that I think I'm better or above that but I guess we just roll a little differently here in Texas. But really.... a book?! The Situation is writing a book? Well having a ghostwriter do it for him but a self help book at that? And I'm sure it will be on the best seller list although I can't figure out why. I can just image the conversation that took place.
Gotham Books: Hey Situation, we want you to sign a book deal with us.
Situation: What's a book?
Gotham Books: Oh that's not really important but basically it's pages or paper if you will that has written words of your life that others can read.
Situation: Oh yeah, I never bought one of them, well not on purpose anyway, I did have to buy a library book in school once cause I slapped this grenade in the face trying to slap the ugly out of her and it broke the book so I had to pay for it. Hell yeah man where do I sign and how much money will I get?
Gotham Books: Let's just fist pump to seal the deal.
Situation: This is a great situation for the Situation, I'm always looking for situations that can bring The Situation to the people!
Me: Gagging!

Dear Dude on the airplane:
Clearly you do not carry the gift that allows you to be observant or to be able to read others. So I guess it's not your fault. And maybe it's my fault for saying hi when I sat down, clearly my mistake, lesson learned, won't do that again but that was not an open door for you to talk my ear off the entire 2 1/2 hour plane ride home. I even put my ear buds in and leaned my seat back and closed my eyes and you still continued to talk. People on the plane think I had a bad case of stomach issues as I sat in the bathroom for near 20 minutes just to escape you. I for one do not care that you think the Godfather series is overrated and Titanic rocks, or that you once taped your thumbs to your hands to see what it would be like to be a dinosaur, or that your favorite gambling partner is your 80 year old grandma, or that some girl named Melissa that was in your wedding looks just like me, NO, no matter how many times you swear up and down I AM NOT MELISSA! Not shut it before I kick you in the nuts!
Thanks,
Not Melissa

Dear Self:
So apparently you have no idea what size bra you wear. Please for the love of God and for the girls stop buying bras based on how cheap you are and go get fitted and spend some money on one that will actually support the girls. They are really starting to get fed up with your laziness and cheap ways.
Just saying, go get fitted!

Dear Poppa:
Next time I ask you what groceries and meals you want stocked up while I am gone and you give me a list and I take the time to go buy them for you and premake things, and label and organize it for you, will you just tell me "Hey, you're gone, the kid is gone, therefore I'm a bachelor so I'll just order pizza and Chinese and be good!" I don't care what you eat just don't have me do work to take care of it and then it go to waste.
Love,
Me

Dear Rangers:
I BE-LEE-VE! You make your fans so proud and we are all acting a little nutty as we've never had this taste of playoffs before. No matter what we are true to the red white and blue but please oh please give us this sweet victory and championship!
Love,
Cowboys suck so I need to hold on to something, Me!

Dear Cowboys
You suck, for the love of all things holy get your stuff together and play like professionals and not a pee wee league team, and quit it already with the penalties!

Dear Wanna Be Bow Lady:
I remember you vividly from last year's show. You came into my booth and tried to pick apart my bows to figure out how to make them. Listen, it's not hard to figure it out, there are so many tutorials and tips out on the web but must you be so rude about it? I overheard you tell your friend you're just going to buy one to take home and take a part and see how it's done. Well I should have refused to sell to you but I like the challenge. Now fast forward to this year's show and you are now posting on all my local forums about being the new bow lady in town, have a booth in the same show, and contacting my customers personally to get them to leave me. I really hate to break it to you but everyone of my customers you've approached has come back to tell me and they are laughing in your face about how "pathetic" your bows are, their words not mine. So of course I had to see for myself. Look I know what it's like to be starting out new, trying to get your name out there, looking for support and customers, but the way you're going about it sucks! I would have happily networked with you and helped you out the way someone helped me but not now. You are making a really bad name for yourself and you haven't even started yet. Shame Shame.

Her Bow

My Bow

Dear Julia at Work Wife Mom....Life!

Thank you so much for the humbling shout out and feature on your blog about little ole me. It made my day as I'm such a loyal reader of yours! It such a fun thing this blogging world, where we can reach one another, inspire, learn from, encourage, and just laugh together. So many of you do that for me!

Love ya'll!

Dear Readers:

As usual ya'll rock, thank you for coming back each day. Do you have something you want to say to the world but didn't get a chance to say it? Join my therapy session and tell us all!

Happy Thursday Ya'll.

Vegas Baby

2010-10-20T09:52:00.001-05:00

Ok I'm finally at a point where I can muster up enough energy to sit down and blog about my awesome trip to Vegas. If you've been here a while you know that I passionately publish for Macaroni Kid and this past weekend was our very first Macaroni Mom Meetup. So it was a little of working and a lot of playing type of trip. To say that it rocked would be putting it mildly but when you're so tired, words just don't come easy to you and so "It Rocked" will have to do. But multiply that by 100. Oh and I'm not gonna lie, this is a long ass post, may or may not have inside jokes, some ramblings, and not much of a good flow so you may want to come back after a few cups of coffee. Just sayin, I'm still tired people!

First the Cons of my Vegas Trip:

Apparently Vegas doesn't think that Diet Dr Pepper is the greatest beverage ever so it was impossible for me to find one. I had to settle for Diet Pepsi and that just sucked. Oh how I heart you DDP!
I only won $40 instead of the million I was hoping for. I so wanted to come back and give my notice at work and tell them to suck it but $40 doesn't really allow me that luxury. One day my little pretties!
I missed Poppa like crazy! I am one of those wives that just prefers to be with her husband at all times. I'm more relaxed around him, feel safer, and just usually have a better time overall. I really want to go back with just him.

That's it, those are the only cons!

I won't go through a play by play but just highlight some of my favorite parts, which is kind of hard to do as I loved so much about the trip. You may be wondering what the purpose of the MeetUp was. Well that's none of your business. Kidding. It was to focus on us as Moms and learn more about community building, goals and purpose of what we've chosen to do with Macaroni Kid, some etiquette, Twitter 101, Advertising, PR, some legal stuff, and over all bond with other Publishing Moms.

I met my Sister In Law out there, she's a PM (Publishing Mom for Macaroni) in Ohio. It's been a year since we've seen each other and well that's too long to go without seeing someone you love so much! I'm married to her brother and she and I were roommates for nearly 4 years back when Poppa and I were dating. We've never done a trip just she and I especially without the hubby and kids so this was a treat for both of us.

Our schedules were a great combination of work and play. The mornings were spent in seminars and meetings listening to some amazing speakers like author Lisa Quinn who wrote the awesome book Life's Too Short To Fold Fitted Sheets. If you have not had the chance to read this book you must, it's eye opening, hilarious, and sends perfection out the window!

Some of us PM's are also blogging mommas and a few there are blogging gals that I ~~worship~~ ~~stalk~~ follow. There's Chief from Hiding From the Kids, Supah from Supahmommy, my sis, Bree Bees, and then myself. All 3 of these awesome gals helped me see that Macaroni Kid was for me and so I'm so thankful to them. But I had no idea how much they loved me. I mean from the moment we got there Supah was all like "OMG it's Shayna from Texas Monkey" and then Chief shrills like a little girl and jumps up and down and runs over to hug me and I'm all like settle down little fans, let's not piddle ourselves, there's plenty of time and me to go around to get your fill. I mean every break we had they were like, "OH please have lunch with us, we need to pick your brain and learn from you and bow down to you. Please take your picture with us!" So being the loving celebrity that I am I of course spent every waking moment with them when really all I wanted to do was just take a nap, but hey this is why we do it right, to make others happy, make their dreams come true. Who knew being so loved was so tiresome. I even signed their autograph book and didn't charge. Oh you should have seen their eyes light up, it was like Christmas morning. Bless their little hearts. Small Disclaimer - By they I really mean me and by me I really mean them. :) Yeah I kind of heart them!

Left To Right: Chief, Bree, Me, Supah (notice how big I'm cheesin?)

The awesome Headquarters and founders of Macaroni Kid really pulled out all of the stops for us this weekend. Our resort and accommodations were top notch, to the belly rub downs to laying out by the pool, you get your fix of relaxation. WHAT?! Your resorts don't rub down your belly? Oh you are so missing out.

One night they took us to Simon restaurant at The Palms and can I just talk about this for a bit. I'm a girl from Texas ya'll and here we're raised to have a love affair with food so there's not much that can still impress me. But either I just don't get out much or this chef's main goal is to blow your socks off, either way the food was to die for.

While there we had the pleasure of tasting wines and the maker and owner of the wine we were enjoying came into our room to speak to us with this beautiful thick Italian accent. We couldn't understand a word he was saying but no one wanted him to stop. Oh and yeah I won a bottle of wine that he signed for me. He had a little hard time with the spelling of my name and so it reads Shwawynana. So guess who had the nick name of Shwawynana the rest of the weekend?! :)

After dinner a few of us took a cab while a few others piled into Chief's rental car and headed to the strip. We were suppose to meet at Excalibur but apparently driving a rental in an unknown city with a car that fits 4 but has 5 wine filled women with the top down makes you get a little lost. So after waiting on the curb for an hour we finally took a cab to them, much easier that way.

Bree waiting patiently.

We were at the Belliagio so of course we had to go out and see the dancing waterfalls and it was beautiful!

Here are some more shots from the strip.

For one of our luncheons the great folks from Lego came and did a community building luncheon and had us build with a small set of Lego's. We may or may not have known at the beginning what to build but at the end were to share a story about our little master pieces. I totally sucked big time at this. But it was fun.

This was mine, see my bow on top of my little person's head. :) Oh great now I want that cookie in the background!

Supah didn't suck, she was good at it and so proud of herself too. This picture captures her in her proud moment with her stop light creation and Chief's look on her face in the background is priceless!

Love It!

Lego Luncheon

The last night we had a bowling party, drinks, food, and lots of laughs. Again to say this weekend rocked is an understatement! I came back so energized, refreshed, motivated, and excited to make Macaroni Kid Dallas the best kid site this city has! I can't wait for next year's meetup in Miami FL and know that if it's anything like this year then I'm in for a treat.

Me and Nicki (one of the founders)

Supah and Eric (one of the founders) and her flying pig, again, she's such the overachiever!

No I'm not jealous. :)

My bowling team. (Why am I the only one with a drink in my hand?! Hey the more I drank the better I got!)

Me and Supah (See I told you she was constantly wanting her pic taken with me)

And because I have no shame, I'll do a quick plug for Macaroni Kid, if you think your city would benefit from this service and want a real work from home job with no contract and working with the most awesome women and support then shoot me an email at shaynam@macaronikid.com and I can go over any questions you may have.

Happy Hump Day Ya'll

All About You Features and Winner

2010-10-19T08:29:00.002-05:00

I'm having so much fun going through all of your link ups. So many talented people in this world. I am having to live vicariously through all of you as I'm still wiped from my Vegas trip. Yesterday I could barely keep my eyes open at work and so when I get home I have no energy to work on my crafting to do list. I have had to work on orders though so I'll post pics of those and of the trip later this week. So let's see what some talented gals have done. Grab a Button if I featured you.

Lee, Me, and The Girls shows us how we can make a free boutique style trick or treat bucket and put that $30 to use somewhere else, you know like for shoes!

Make The Best of Things has a beautiful Halloween Display that she is showing us. I'm a sucker for the Halloween trees, I have one myself but I love how she decorated Christmas ornaments to be Halloween ornaments. It just gives the tree an elegant yet fun twist!

I'll need to bring some fun treats to Monkey's class party next week so I'm adding Crystal and Company's Ghost Halloween Treats to the files. These are so cute and so fun, what kid wouldn't love these, or parent at that?!

And for any great Halloween party there are great Halloween favors and I just love what The Autocrat has done for hers. She even wrapped the Hershey bars to look like Mummys. How Cleaver!

Do you have some Halloween Party ideas? Link up Here the party is going on until Friday.

Congrats to Bree at Bree Bee's random.org chose #7 and she won the Fantasy Jewelry Giveaway.

Happy Tuesday Ya'll.

All About You Monday Link Up

2010-10-18T08:02:00.000-05:00

It's Time For All About You Monday!

This Week's Theme is Halloween Parties

Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
Link up your Halloween Party and show it off OR any craft, DIY, project, 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
Come back next week!

Happy Monday Ya'll.

Corner Stork Baby Gifts Giveaway

2010-10-12T10:56:00.000-05:00

I'm constantly on the lookout for great baby shower gifts and items for my own little Monkey. So when Corner Stork Baby Gifts offered me something from their store to giveaway to one of my readers I had to jump at that! Of course I spent my own time browsing their store and just oohed and ahhed at so many great personal gifts.

From diaper cakes to blankets to shower favors and clothing, there is something for every mom, baby, and gift giver at this store. Their products are top of the line and the reviews I see for their items is highly recommended.

So what's in store for you? Well a monkey of course, hello have you not met me yet? :)

Say hello to "Monkey Magoo!" He swings from trees and baby's crib, too! The banana he clutches is filled with delight—a soft baby blanket for morn, noon and night. The gift box—a keepsake, the blanket—a prize! It's even more fun when it’s personalized! A totally unique baby gift! Features and facts:
•"Monkey Magoo" measures 18" tall, with Velcro grips on his hands and feet so he can "swing" from baby's crib

•Keepsake "banana" gift box holds a 30" x 36" mellow-yellow fleece blanket with embroidered “Monkey Magoo” in one corner

•"Banana” gift box measures 6" h x 12" w x 8" d

So how do you enter?

Simply visit the Corner Stork Baby Gift Store and leave a comment here on your favorite item or gift idea.

Want extra entries? Of course you do.

Follow me on GFC (1 Entry)
Like Me on Facebook (1 Entry)
Blog this giveaway (3 Entries)

Winner will be choose via Random.org and announced Oct 19th. Good Luck

All About You Features

2010-10-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

I'm having so much fun on Mondays going through all of your link up projects and posts that are about you! There are so many talented people in this blogging world and it's so amazing to me that so many of you share your secrets and talents with the rest of us!
The link up is still open so go add yours and check out all the others there. Here's a few I wanted to show off from this week.

Halloween season is upon us and will be gone before we know it and if you're anything like me then you love unique and cleaver decoration pieces that will be conversation starters. Greenbean's Crafterole has just that over at her blog. This soap hand is unique, cleaver, and will for sure get your guests talking about it. I love it and she explains in detail how to make your own.

And since Halloween season is here then you know what's right around the corner right?! Yep better start you crafting/shopping now for those gifts you want to give. Living For Him makes these beautiful canvases for wedding/anniversary gifts for her friends but I'm thinking these would also make great Christmas gifts.

Just Another Day In Paradise is making her son a Buzz Lightyear costume and she's started witht the gloves and showing us all exactly how to make some of our own. If you don't know what your Monkey's going to be for Halloween then this could be your answer. (BTW I still don't have Monkey's costume figured out for this year, any ideas?)

Sewing is not something I'm good at but it is something I'm wanting to get better at but until then I am bookmarking those who share with us detailed sewing tuturials like this adorable Apron over at Purple Chocolate Home man she is talented, that is too cute! I want one for every season and holiday.

Stuff by Ash has shared with us a great gift giving idea for those you love for Halloween. I'd love to get something like this, the time and effort and thought she put into her Mummy Candy Jar just screams I love you!

I am seeing so many candy corn decorating ideas and there are so many I want to do but of course I haven't. I even have some supplies picked up to do some and there they sit still in the sack in my To Do closet. Oh well until then I can drool over the fun ideas you are coming up with or recreating like Southern Girl Creations' Candy Jar that she saw A Pumpkin and A Princess do. And how sweet is she, she's taking it to her hair salon to give as a gift. I need to be sweeter like that to those I appreciate.

If I featured you, go grab a button.

I'll be leaving for Vegas on Thursday but have some posts scheduled out but not everyday so enjoy your week and I can't wait to share all about my trip with Macaroni Kid Mom Meetup!

Happy Tuesday Ya'll.