Fall into CASH ($800 Giveaway)!!!

"It's the season after summer; 
it's before the winter; 
it's the fall,
it's the fall,
it's the fall."
-Barney the Dinosaur

Is anyone else freaking ecstatic that it's the fall?! The leaves have changed color, the air is crisp... aaaahhhhhh. Do you need another reason to LOVE fall? How about 800 reasons?

That's right; it's once again time to FALL into CASH!!

Our favorite season FALL has finally arrived and we're celebrating with some of our friends by giving away $800 in PayPal Cash!!! Enter to win the $800 Fall Cash Giveaway! This giveaway is blog/business sponsored and would not be possible without the following: Mom Spark, Pretty My Party, Play Party Pin, Cloudy With A Chance of Wine, The Frugal Navy Wife, See Mom Click, Bloggers Get Social, My Highest Self, She Saved,  I Am That Lady, Michelle's Party Plan-It, What Rose Knows, Tips From A Typical Mom, The Farm Girl Gabs, Monica's Rants, Raves & Reviews, Sugar & Type, The Coconut Head's Survival Guide, What the Fork, Ella and Annie Magazine, Jolee Studio, The Sugar Confetti Shop, Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats, Painting Paris Pink To see a full list of sponsors, please see the Rafflecopter entry form below.

$800 Fall Cash Giveaway!

September 28, 2015  at 12 a.m. EST to October 5, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. EST Open Worldwide Prize: 1 winner will receive $800 PayPal cash. Eligibility and Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. This giveaway is open to individuals over the age of the majority in their home country. The winner will be chosen randomly through the Rafflecopter form. It is the sole responsibility of the winner to adhere to all laws in their respective country, which includes payments to any governing tax body. Winner Selection: The winner of the giveaway will be selected in a random drawing through Rafflecopter from among all eligible entries received throughout the promotion period. The random drawing will be conducted within 48 hours of the closing of the giveaway by Pretty My Party or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. Winner will be notified by email by hello@prettymyparty.com. Potential winner must accept the prizes by email as directed by Pretty My Party within 48 hours of notification. Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable may result in prize forfeiture. The potential prize winner may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability, and a Publicity Release (collectively “the Prize Claim Documents”). Privacy: All entrants acknowledge that if they are chosen as a winner, some of their personally identifying information may be disclosed to third parties at least as required by law, including, without limitation, on a winner’s list. All personal information submitted as part of the giveaway may be shared by and between the promotion entities, and each of the promotion entities will use such information in accordance with their respective independent online privacy policies. See Pretty My Party’s full privacy policy here. Rafflecopter Disclaimer: This promotion is powered by Rafflecopter. Metric Feat LLC (“Rafflecopter”) does not sponsor, administer or endorse this promotion. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy. Social Media Disclaimer: Entrants should understand that they are providing their information to the sponsors of the giveaway and not to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram or Google+. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with any of these social media sites. Disclaimer: This giveaway is blog sponsored and is in no way associated with PayPal. If there are any questions, please email hello@prettymyparty.com.

PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW TO ENTER

The more entries you complete on the Rafflecopter form, the higher your chances are of winning. If you don’t have time to fill out all of the entries you may come back and complete any entries that you may have missed. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

HUGE GIVEAWAY!

Happy Friday! How are you all doing today?

"Whatever Annie, enough chit chat -- get to the big giveaway!"

Okay.. I won't make you wait any longer (and I'll quit having awkward conversations with myself on my blog)!

My girl Nicole over at The Blessed Branch is having a HUGE giveaway in honor of her 1000+ Facebook fans! YEAH!!

A little taste of Nicole's talent!

If you missed my giveaway a few months ago, Nicole is a crazy talented sign maker who can create just about anything you could ever want--and she's giving away ONE YEARS worth of signs (one a month for 12 months) as a way to say thank you to her awesome supporters! Cool, huh?

In addition to Nicole's prize, a few of her favorite shops and blogs have come together to give away even more (handmade items, gift cards, etc.)! Enter now for your chance to win:

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlessedBranch?sk=app_228910107186452

Jackson's 1st Birthday Sneak Peek (& a $110 Gift Card GIVEAWAY!!)

My sweet little boy turns one two weeks from today.. *sigh*

..it's probably a good thing I've been planning his birthday party since he was one month old!

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have seen my board chock full of ideas for Jackson's Winter Wonderland themed 1st birthday party--I'm so excited to see it coming to life and just have to share a sneak preview with you all today!

When I found this invite on Etsy, I knew it was "the one"--doesn't that little boy look like Jax?!

Treat boxes? Check. 1st Birthday Shirt? Check. Caffeine for Mom & Dad? Check.

It's no secret that I have a huge girl crush on Jenny Keller and her amazing dessert tables (particularly this Christmas themed one)--I know my table (and desserts) won't look nearly as amazing as Jennys do, but I'm going to give this dessert table fad the old college try for Jax's party! Wish me luck!

Speaking of desserts (and tables of dessert), I've already started baking and freezing different kinds of cookies and homemade treats for Jackson's guests to enjoy and take home with them! My original plan was to just serve sweets, hot chocolate, and adult beverages, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that not everyone likes snacking on sugar alone (hard to believe, I know!).

That's when I decided that it was time for Jackson and me to take a trip to our neighborhood Safeway to get ideas for other snacks to serve.

Yeah, yeah, I know this is still considered sweet but come. on. Peppermint flavored whipped cream?? PERFECT for our hot chocolate bar!

Cheese and crackers is such an easy, yet satisfying snack to serve.. only, which cheese(s) do we choose?!

It looks like our birthday boy has spoken.

You can't have a Christmas party without a little Eggnog!

These aren't for the party.. these are for me (come to mamma, Salted Caramel creamer..).

Since 1904, families have enjoyed rich, creamy dairy products from Lucerne^®. With so many choices like wholesome milk, tasty cheese and smooth butter, it's easy to see why it's been loved for generations.

Here are a few tasty recipes that I'll definitely be serving on my dessert table:

 Cheery Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 2 cups Lucerne® shredded triple cheddar blend (yellow mild, yellow sharp and white Vermont cheddar)
• ¼ cup Lucerne Cream Cheese
• 2 roasted garlic cloves, smashed into a paste
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp chives, minced
• 2 tsp paprika
• Open Nature™ Flatbread Crackers
• Wine Syrup:
• 1 cup Headsnapper Radiant Red Wine
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Directions

1. To make Wine Syrup, add red wine and sugar to a medium saucepan and reduce slowly over medium heat until thick and syrupy, or it measures about a quarter of its original volume. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Combine cheeses, garlic, salt, pepper, and chives in a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until for 30 seconds or until softened and mixed, then form into a round ball using your hands.
3. To serve, sprinkle plate with paprika and drizzle with half of the Wine Syrup. Place “cheese ball” in center of plate, drizzle with remaining Wine Syrup and surround with crackers.

Zesty Holiday Dip

Ingredients

• 2 cups Lucerne Sour Cream
• 1 cup Safeway Kitchens Whole Green Chilies – Fire Roasted
• 2 cups waterfront BISTRO Fully Cooked Shrimp
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a medium bowl mix together sour cream, chilies, fully cooked shrimp, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour mixture into an oven-safe casserole dish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until it begins to bubble around the edges.
4. Remove from oven and sprinkle with paprika and chives, then serve immediately with chips and flatbread crackers.

Cream Cheese Peppermint Dip

 Ingredients

• 8 oz Lucerne® Whipped Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup Lucerne Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
• ½ cup Safeway Kitchens Powdered Sugar
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• 6 Safeway Starlight Mints, crushed
• Suggestion: Chocolate-covered pretzels and graham crackers to serve with dip

Directions

1. Put cream cheese, ricotta, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract into a mixing bowl. Using a mixer, mix on high for 2 minutes.
2. Chill 30 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with crushed peppermints and serve with chocolate-covered pretzels and graham crackers.

It all looks so yummy, huh?! For more fun holiday recipes (featuring Lucerne products) and ideas, be sure to follow Safeway on Pinterest! And to get your Christmas grocery shopping started, Safeway is generously giving away a $110 gift card to one of my readers!! To enter, just follow the Rafflecopter below:

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I was compensated for this post with product and/or payment; however, opinions are 100% mine and as always, I would never recommend something to my readers that I wouldn't use myself.

$1,000 Black Friday GIVEAWAY!!

Halloween is over which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner..

..and BLACK FRIDAY will be here before we know it!

*insert gasps/eye rolls/whatever describes how you feel about Black Friday*

Don't despair; we're here to help with a HUGE $1,000 Black Friday Giveaway!!!!

That's right folks--$1,000 in cold hard cash to spend on gifts for your family, friends, or even yourself!!

Here's the deets:

The holidays are around the corner and it's only a matter of time before we are all shopping and fulfilling those Christmas wish lists! How awesome would it be to have $1,000 to spend on Black Friday?! Awesome we know! That's why Pretty My Party teamed up with She Saved and a group of fabulous blogs and businesses to bring you the $1,000 Black Friday Shopping Spree Giveaway!

This giveaway is blog/business sponsored and would not be possible without the following: Stylist Diva, Stretching A Buck, The Coconut Head's Survival Guide, Five Heart Home, Cloudy With A Chance of Wine, Creative Juice, Catch My Party, Party With The Warriors, Morsels Party Planning, Bear Haven Boutique, I Am That Lady, Bonggamom Finds, Great Stitch, What Rose Knows, Annie One Can Cook

To view the full list of sponsors, please see the Rafflecopter entry form below.

$1,000 Black Friday Shopping Spree Giveaway!

November 5, 2014  at 12 a.m. EST to November 13, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Open Worldwide

Prize: 1 winner will receive $1,000 in Visa Gift Cards for their holiday shopping!

Eligibility and Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. This giveaway is open to individuals over the age of the majority in their home country. The winner will be chosen randomly through the Rafflecopter form. It is the sole responsibility of the winner to adhere to all laws in their respective country, which includes payments to any governing tax body.

Winner Selection: The winner of the giveaway will be selected in a random drawing through Rafflecopter from among all eligible entries received throughout the promotion period. The random drawing will be conducted within 48 hours of the closing of the giveaway by Pretty My Party or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. Winner will be notified by email by hello@prettymyparty.com. Potential winner must accept the prizes by email as directed by Pretty My Party within 48 hours of notification. Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable may result in prize forfeiture. The potential prize winner may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability, and a Publicity Release (collectively “the Prize Claim Documents”).

Privacy: All entrants acknowledge that if they are chosen as a winner, some of their personally identifying information may be disclosed to third parties at least as required by law, including, without limitation, on a winner’s list. All personal information submitted as part of the giveaway may be shared by and between the promotion entities, and each of the promotion entities will use such information in accordance with their respective independent online privacy policies. See Pretty My Party’s full privacy policy here.

Rafflecopter Disclaimer: This promotion is powered by Rafflecopter. Metric Feat LLC (“Rafflecopter”) does not sponsor, administer or endorse this promotion. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy.

Social Media Disclaimer: Entrants should understand that they are providing their information to the sponsors of the giveaway and not to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram or Google+. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with any of these social media sites.

Disclaimer: This giveaway is blog sponsored and is in no way associated with Visa. If there are any questions please email hello@prettymyparty.com.

PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW TO ENTER

The more entries you complete on the Rafflecopter form, the higher your chances are of winning. If you don’t have time to fill out all of the entries you may come back and complete any entries that you may have missed.

Good Luck!

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The Blessed Branch GIVEAWAY ($300 value)!

Happy, Happy Monday!

I can see you guys rolling your eyes at me as you read this (rude) but it is a happy Monday because I have the most amazing giveaway ever for you guys! Can you tell that I'm just a little excited about this?

My super sweet and talented friend Nicole owns the adorable The Blessed Branch, a shop specializing in custom wood signs. This girl does. it. all (in fact, she's made a few Christmas gifts for me and is going to help me with signs for Jax's new room after we move!).

Today she is here to give away not one, not two, not even ten.. but TWELVE (!) signs to one lucky winner!

Are you freaking out yet because I definitely am!

How adorable is Nicole (left)?? She did all of the centerpieces, decor, and even the girls nails at my bestie Turin's (right) wedding last summer!

Nicole is graciously giving away one sign per month for a year (up to $25) to one of YOU and entering couldn't be any easier.. just follow the Rafflecopter below and get yourself entered! 

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Fall into Cash $800 GIVEAWAY!!

It's Friday! Friday! Friday!

Do you have any big plans for the weekend?

Weekends at the Sandmeiers are my favorite because my hottie husband gets to stay home for two glorious days, I get to eat a lot of junk food guilt free, and there's always a football game to watch.

Win Win Win!

I'm especially excited for this weekend though because my mom is staying the night with us! I'm looking forward to playing lots of card games, eating a ton of Pumpkin Spice Oreos, and doing a little flea market/treasure hunting tomorrow (and I know my mom is especially looking forward to lots of Jackson time--her favorite.. and his). I can't wait!

What are your plans for this weekend?

If you answered "Oh, I don't know.. I wish I had $800 so I could go out and do something awesome..", you're in luck! A few of my blogging buddies and I are teaming up to give YOU $800. With the holidays coming up, who couldn't use a little extra cash?

Entering couldn't be easier--just follow the Rafflecopter below and get yourself some cash money.

Fall is here and we are celebrating by giving away some cash! Enter to win $800 in the Fall Into Cash $800 Giveaway!

This giveaway is blog/business sponsored and would not be possible without the following: Saving With Shellie, The Latina Homemaker, Freebie Finding Mom, Cloudy With A Chance of Wine, Great Stitch, Kate Aspen, Creative Juice, B. Lovely Events, Make the Best of Everything, Making Me Events, Stylist Diva, Annie One Can Cook, Krystal's Kitsch, Memories By The Mile, Bitz & Giggles, Five Heart Home, Make the Best of Everything

To see a full list of sponsors, please see the Rafflecopter entry form below.

Fall Into Cash $800 Giveaway!

September 26, 2014  at 12 a.m. EST to October 3, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Open Worldwide

Prize: 1 winner will receive $800 PayPal cash.

Eligibility and Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. This giveaway is open to individuals over the age of the majority in their home country. The winner will be chosen randomly through the Rafflecopter form. It is the sole responsibility of the winner to adhere to all laws in their respective country, which includes payments to any governing tax body.

Winner Selection: The winner of the giveaway will be selected in a random drawing through Rafflecopter from among all eligible entries received throughout the promotion period. The random drawing will be conducted within 48 hours of the closing of the giveaway by Pretty My Party or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. Winner will be notified by email by hello@prettymyparty.com. Potential winner must accept the prizes by email as directed by Pretty My Party within 48 hours of notification. Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable may result in prize forfeiture. The potential prize winner may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability, and a Publicity Release (collectively “the Prize Claim Documents”).

Privacy: All entrants acknowledge that if they are chosen as a winner, some of their personally identifying information may be disclosed to third parties at least as required by law, including, without limitation, on a winner’s list. All personal information submitted as part of the giveaway may be shared by and between the promotion entities, and each of the promotion entities will use such information in accordance with their respective independent online privacy policies. See Pretty My Party’s full privacy policy here.

Rafflecopter Disclaimer: This promotion is powered by Rafflecopter. Metric Feat LLC (“Rafflecopter”) does not sponsor, administer or endorse this promotion. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy.

Social Media Disclaimer: Entrants should understand that they are providing their information to the sponsors of the giveaway and not to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram or Google+. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with any of these social media sites.

Disclaimer: This giveaway is blog sponsored and is in no way associated with PayPal. If there are any questions, please email hello@prettymyparty.com.

PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW TO ENTER

The more entries you complete on the Rafflecopter form, the higher your chances are of winning. If you don’t have time to fill out all of the entries you may come back and complete any entries that you may have missed.

Good Luck!

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Starbucks GIVEAWAY!

It's Thursday.. and the first official* day of fall is less than 2 weeks away!

*Though it "officially" started for me early last month.

YAY!!

Have you gotten your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte fix yet?

If you answered yes: you are a guy or gal after my own heart!

If you answered no: what are you waiting for?!

To make getting your fix a little bit easier, my friend Tara and I are giving away a $20 gift card to the 'bucks and we want YOU to win!

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Good luck!

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This or That with Taush.O (and a Fabulous Giveaway!)

It's Monday..

..which means vacation is over and it's time to go and get back into the swing of things..

*sigh*

We've had a wonderful time with family in Kansas but it'll definitely be nice to get home to Brandon & Bitsy--we've sure missed them! I'll hopefully have a photo recap up here tomorrow or Wednesday.. so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I have some exciting news--we have a giveaway and super fun post today!!

Today my friend Tausha from Taush.O (if you don't know this girl, you're going to want to change that--love her, her sweet little girl, and her blog! It's one of my daily reads!) and I are playing "This or That" and are giving YOU awesome readers a fabulous giveaway with a few of our favorite things.

Read on!

1.) Boy band or Big Band?

Annie: Big Band (I'm an old soul!)

Tausha: Boy band all the way.....I'm top 40's charts all the way!

2.) Sweet or salty?

Annie: Sweet

Tausha: Sweet!

3.) Gossip or Home Improvement Magazines?

Annie: Ooh, toughy.. I gotta go with Home on this one (Country Living is my jam!)

Tausha: Home Improvement, although I get mad when I can't pin something I like!

4.) Tea or Coffee?

Annie: Normally tea.. but lately gourmet coffee (more caffeine=more upbeat mamma)

Tausha: Coffee. All.The.Way

5.) Beer, Wine, or Cocktail?

Annie: PJ (Pre-Jackson) days, my answer would have been whiskey and diet coke.. today, it's wine (one glass does me in!).
 Tausha: All of the above. Kidding. I'm not an alcoholic. I'm not an alcoholic.

6.) Email or Snail Mail?

Annie: Snail. 

Tausha. Snail - so much more personal!

7.) Movie or Book?

Annie: Book (when I can find the time to read!)

Tausha: Movie!

8.) Mexican or Italian food?

Annie: Mexican

Tausha: Mexican

9.) Cupcakes or Ice Cream?

Annie: Cupcakes 

Tausha: Ice cream!

10.) iPhone or Android?

Annie: iPhone

Tausha: iPhone - all day err'day!

11.) Harry Potter or Twilight?

Annie: Would you believe me if I told you that I've never read or seen either of these? With that being said, I'll go Twilight?

Tausha: Twilight. Obsessed - and proud of it!

12.) Manicure or Pedicure?

Annie: Pedi (my mani gets picked/chewed off within minutes)

Tausha: Pedicure, my manicures (unless gel) only last a day!

13.) Brad Pitt or Chris Hemsworth

Annie: Bradley Cooper.

Tausha: Both. Kidding. Chris Hemsworth

14.) Vanilla or Chocolate?

Annie: Chocolate!

Tausha: Vanilla! (With toppings of course!)

15.) Hot or Cold weather?

Annie: Cold (LOVE Christmas, snow, and scarves!)

Tausha: Hot, any day!

16.) Dog or Cat?

Annie: My answer used to be dog.. but now it's cat (I have Bitsy to thank for that)

Tausha: Dog! I love my puppy Dex!
 

17.) Drive or Fly?

Annie: Fly!

Tausha: Fly! I used to love to drive, EVERYTHING changes with a kid! Get me from A to B the fastest way possible!

18.) Silver or Gold?

Annie: Silver.

Tausha: Silver

19.)  Facebook or Instagram?

Annie: Instagram!

Tausha: Never make me choose! Okay, Instagram. 

20.) Target or Ikea?

Annie: Target (I had a really, really, really bad Ikea experience.. that story is for another time)

Tausha: Target

Now that you know basically everything there is to know about Tausha & me, it's time to give you a fun and fabulous giveaway! And what are we giving away? A few of our very favorite things! I'll be giving one lucky winner my favorite hazelnut gourmet coffee, dark chocolate, and homemade bar of goat soap (this stuff smells/feels like heaven, y'all); Tausha will be giving away (not one, not two, but) THREE fabulous fall colored Essie nail polishes.

Are you ready?!

Good luck!

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Giveaway Opportunity!

It just occurred to me that I haven't done my own giveaway since last March (my 23rd birthday giveaway)!

That's a LONG time ago.

Since I'm long overdue, I want to throw a BIG, fun birthday giveaway and I want you to take part!

Jack is ready to party! Are you?

Giveaways are the perfect opportunity to gain more readers/followers, grow your blog, and make new blogging friends! If you'd like to participate, please comment on this post with your email address or email me (annieonecancook@gmail.com). You can contribute anything: gift cards, services, ad space, jewelry, makeup, or anything else you can think of! 

The giveaway will begin Monday, March 24th (at midnight) and will run through Monday, March 31st. Please contact me as soon as possible if you're interested in helping! 

Thank you!

Mamma's Christmas Party/Surprise Baby Shower!

Wow! What a fun and eventful week this has already been--and it's only Wednesday! Can't wait to see what the rest of the days have to bring. But before I get started, have you entered my fabulous giveaway for a free 8x10" custom photo canvas from Easy Canvas Prints (a $44.71 value)?! No? Well, you better hop on it!

On with the post!

If you know me, you know that I am all about Christmas--it's such a magical time of the year and I just love all of the wonderful spirit and the meaning of the season. So now that you know this (if you didn't before), you know that I was excited when an opportunity to host a Christmas party/gift exchange came about!

These women are such a wonderful blessing in my life!

I have been a member of our local Catholic mother's group since August--I am always looking to meet new people/make new friends so I was thrilled to learn about this group (plus, I figured this would be a great way to meet other moms/friends for Jr.)! I quickly learned that this isn't just a group; it's a sisterhood. These women are all so warm, caring, and are always there for you when you need help, advice, or support. Our group meets two times a month, so I jumped at the chance to host one of the December meetings so I could do something Christmas related!

A couple cool cats enjoying the Christmas season (poor Bits.. she was finished with pictures after this one)!

I made my favorite Christmas cookies and English Toffee (recipe from the TomKat Studio Holiday Gift Guide) for the party!
I also set up a little hot cocoa bar with leftover supplies from our wedding.

So many gifts for the gift exchange!

Gift exchange fun with the gals!

Here's another little "if you know me" tidbit: I am terrible at catching on to surprises. 

Like, awful. 

It takes awhile for things to sink in with me so there is always a bit of a delay.. I definitely had one of those moments at the party. 

One of the ladies from the group was going to be coming late so we had planned to wait until after she arrived to do our gift exchange. When she drove up to the house, two of the gals went out to the car to meet her, which I didn't think anything about. When they came back a couple minutes later, they were carrying more gifts and a cake. My friend Jeanna came walking toward me with the cake--the cake had blue frosting and said "Boy oh Boy, It's a Boy!" 

"Huh, that's a cute cake," I thought to myself. "I mean, kind of random for a Christmas party, but still cute."

And then it finally clicked.

We were having a surprise baby shower for Baby Sand!

Baby and I were definitely spoiled at the party--not only did the girls bake a cake, but they gave us an adorable diaper cake, play mat, diapers, books (for mamma and baby!), and an extremely generous gift card to Wal-Mart that is going to help out tremendously. 

Words cannot describe how much this meant to me--these girls are such a blessing in my life and I thank God every day for this group of girlfriends. Thank you, thank you to all of the moms who came to the shower/were there in spirit/contributed in some way or another. I will never forget your kindness and warmth!

It was a perfect night full of good food, good friends, and good conversation--what a perfect way to start the Advent season!

Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway!

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post with a complimentary 8"x10" canvas, but the opinions are my own and never influenced by the company.

Dad, if you're reading this, please go away! This is one of your Christmas gifts and I want it to be a surprise! Love you, thanks!

Now that we have all that out of the way... 

You guys, I have a giveaway today! And it's a really good one! Hang tight and I'll tell you how to enter. 

If you've been a reader for awhile now, you may remember my tribute to Shadow, the family dog, back in May. 

My family adopted Shadow when we moved to the country in 2002--some friends of the family told us about this 8-month-old (75 pound) puppy who was in the middle of a nasty divorce battle and needed a new home. Since we now lived in the country, my parents decided we could use an outdoor dog and that a lab would be perfect. My parents set up a bed and comfortable area for him in the garage on his first night living with us--and he stood at the door and howled.. and howled.. and howled.. all night. 

That was that. He was an indoor dog. 

Shadow was the biggest, friendliest, and sweetest dog I have ever known. He really was a member of our family for 11 years--and it was really, really hard on all of us when we discovered he had cancer earlier this year. My parents made the decision to have him put to rest and he died very peacefully at home (we have a really sweet family veterinarian who came to the house to do it so his arthritis wouldn't flare by getting in and out of the car).

I loved that dog and I had a really tough time grieving in another state (I wanted to be home with my family) but I knew my parents were having an equally difficult time--especially my dad.

Dad and Shadow were best buddies. They enjoyed rough housing together on the floor, playing hide and seek (Shadow is the only dog I have ever known who would actually play that game), and working together (pictured below).

Just a couple guys working on the patio (Shadow was the perfect name for him--anywhere dad went, Shadow went). 

I knew I wanted to do something for my dad this Christmas as a tribute to Shadow--but I wasn't sure what. I have so many cute pictures of Shads, but I didn't know if I should make a little scrapbook for him or something else..

You can imagine my excitement when my bloggy friend Ruthie Hart (by the way, if you haven't read her blog, you should do so--right now) referred me to Easy Canvas Prints--an awesome company with outstanding customer service and beautiful products. Easy Canvas Prints allows you to easily turn your photos into canvas art for home or office. I decided that was absolutely perfect and I knew which picture I wanted to use..

Here is my 8"x10" canvas--I took this picture of Shadow during the summer of 2012. 

Here's a better picture of it--isn't that gorgeous?! My dad is going to love it!

Uploading to Easy Canvas Prints could not have been simpler--I was actually able to upload this picture directly from my Instagram account (and the quality is surprisingly clear and stunning)! I can't wait to see my dad's reaction when he opens this on Christmas morning!

Bitsy has the gifts on lock down--no peeking!

Would you like a beautiful 8"x10" photo canvas of your own? How about for free?! I'm so excited to announce that Easy Canvas Prints is giving one of my wonderful readers their own photo canvas, just in time for Christmas! You can use it as a gift or keep it for yourself (I won't tell..). Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below to enter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can't wait to see if you're the winner?? Then use this link to get 50% off your canvas NOW! With half off, you can get a whole set of canvases (wouldn't that be neat for a gallery wall?)! If you're looking for other custom print options or Christmas gift ideas, check out buildasign.com or alliedshirts.com.

A Giveaway with a lot of "Hart"

Well friends, we had our first doctors appointment yesterday.. and it couldn't have gone any better!

Brandon and I were able to ask questions, get tons of reading material and hear the strongest, most perfect heartbeat there ever was (I cried.. and I'm starting to tear up over it again so I'll come back to that on Monday's post); it was a wonderful half hour!

Today we're headed back to Colorado to visit my family for Father's Day weekend and we're so excited! We'll be seeing my Rockies play on Friday night, golfing all day Saturday and then just relaxing Sunday--it should be a good time!

We love our Rockies!

I also wanted to let you all in on a fabulous giveaway that my friend (and blogging girl crush) Ruthie is having! She's giving away all sorts of fun gift cards (including a Starbucks card from yours truly), ad space and baby swag--go check it out!

P.S. Sorry for the super corny title, Ruthie.. I wish I had a cool last name that I could play off of!

A Giveaway For My Frans!

Happy Thursday, Gang!

I have some good/exciting news for you!

My dear bloggy friend Dara is having a 300 fan giveaway! Dara is the wonderful gal behind Not in Jersey (check it out!) AND a fellow Kansan. Yeah, she's pretty great!

Are you ready to win some fabulous prizes?! Of course you are! Take it away, Dara!

I told myself that when my blog reached 300 followers via GFC I would hold a giveaway. That was obviously before everyone started switching over to following on bloglovin! However, I’ve declared it close enough. Today 14 of my closest blogger friends and helping me celebrate. First, check out what we’re giving away. Then, use the form below to enter!

Avery / Hot Pink Satchel (Purse) with Gold and Rhinestone Accents from her store, Bloom
Annie / Cookbook: “101 Things to do with Canned Biscuits”

Breanna / 1 month VIP ad space and $5 Starbucks Gift Card
Breenah / Blog header and three blog buttons

Kerry / Large ad space
Kimberly / Biggest of the Big ad space

Kristyn / Large ad space and $25 Etsy Gift Card
Lanaya / Sponsors ad space

Leslie / $10 Amazon e-gift card
Mallory / Blog ad space

Mel / Glitter Washer Pendant
Melissa / Medium ad space

Kera / Handmade headband and set of hair clips
Shoshanah / Blog ad space and $5 Starbucks Gift Card

A bag, a cookbook, ad space on 8 blogs, $25 to Etsy, $10 to Starbucks, $10 to Amazon, a blog header and buttons, a necklace, and a headband and hair clips! Aren’t my blog friends generous? I couldn’t decide what to offer up from me to match their generosity. So you get to choose.

Dara / $10 gift card to store of your choice or handknit item

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone!

Top 10 Musicians from the 90s (and a birthday GIVEAWAY!)

First things first.. I turn the big 2-3 one week from today.. and a few of my friends are helping me celebrate by giving you a BIG gift card to Target!

But... you gotta sit through my post first (sorry).

If you know me, you know that I LOVE 90s music (primarily Grunge). I know that many will argue with me when I say this, but I believe that the 90s was the greatest decade for music (I’ve heard the big band/Frank Sinatra argument and The Beatles/60s argument but no…90s still wins). The 90s introduced new sounds, edgier lyrics and soulful harmonies that would change the face of music forever. Let’s get started, shall we?

10.) Beck

In the time of chimpanzees, he was the monkey.. but that’s not the only reason Beck made the list. Beck is an intrepid artist who experiments with both musical style and lyrics, creating a unique techno/funk/indie fusion, the first of his kind. He is truly “Where It’s At.”

9.) Thom Yorke (Radiohead)

There is something about Yorke’s soft, tenor voice that is just comforting to listen to–and when you combine that with his deep and prudent lyrics, you can’t go wrong. It’s no wonder Yorke was named one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.”

8.) Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)

I have never been a giant Pearl Jam fan. Why? When Eddie Vedder rocks out with the group, you can’t understand an effing word he’s saying. Yet I still have a ton of respect for the guy as an artist. Vedder has written some of the deepest, most heart wrenching lyrics of all time regarding his feelings on various events (“Jeremy” was written after the suicide of a 15-year-old student in front of his classmates and “4/20/02″ was written after the death of Alice in Chains lead singer, Layne Staley) and social/political issues (“Daughter” is about a child with a learning disability who is abused and tormented because she is misunderstood). He can also play one hell of a ukelele.

7.) Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day)

Armstrong is cool. And funny. And made eye liner cool for guys to wear. He is also fearless in his song writing, which makes him that much cooler. Boredom resulting in self gratification? Yeah, he’ll sing about it. Politics? You betcha. Goodbyes and Good Riddances? Duh. Oh, and I forgot to mention that he can play one mean guitar.

6.) Sheryl Crow

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love Sheryl Crow. All she wants to do is have some fun–and who can blame her? One of her many unique qualities that makes her one of my top 10 artists is her ability to sound different with every song. You know how each of some bands/artists songs sound eerily similar? You will never find that with Crow. Her lyrics will always be original and her instrumentals and backup vocals are always unexampled.

5.) Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains)

My all time favorite band is “Alice in Chains.” Most of that is because of lead singer, Layne Staley (read on…) but it is also due in part to Mr. Cantrell. If you have never listened to Alice in Chains, definitely give them a go (classic 90s AIC though, not 2000s). Cantrell and Staley’s harmonies are a mix of beautiful and haunting–they are what make the band so rare and memorable. Cantrell is also a gifted guitarist (which is portrayed best by “Whale and Wasp“).

4.) Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)

“For Martha” alone earned Billy Corgan the #4 spot on my list.

3.) Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave)

When you hear “Burden in my Hand” or “Fell on Black Days,” you know your first thought it the 90s–as well it should be. Cornell’s deep, non-traditional vocal styling also helped him rank in at #3.

2.) Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)

Hands down the greatest song writer of all time. If his songs don’t make you think (even if it is “WTF is he talking about with this bucket, mop and book about birds nonsense?”–actually, that is a Meat Puppets song but you get the point), you must have lived under a rock for a long period of time. His death was one of the biggest losses in the history of music. Period.

1.) Layne Staley (Alice in Chains)

This was a tough call (I couldn’t decide if Staley or Cobain should take the coveted #1 spot) but after some consideration, I decided Layne would have to be my favorite artist of the 1990s. And it’s mostly because of his deep, raspy voice–and his ability to harmonize with Jerry Cantrell. His lyrics can be dark (most of them deal with drugs, depression, death and addiction) but there is still something beautiful and serene to them that makes you come back for more.

And that folks is my Top 10 Artists of the 90s list. Agree or disagree with any of my picks?

Okay, moving on.. I was born in 1990 so I do really love the 90s.. that's my decade, yo!

Last year, I celebrated with a 90s themed birthday party (my friends threw one for me--it was legit)!

I was Courtney Love--I caked on the makeup, dressed as trashy as I could and pretended to tweak out the entire night--it was great!

This year, I'm celebrating by teaming up with some bloggy friends and giving you an $80 Target gift card! 

Kristine, Melanie, Christina, Dara, Stephanie, Dara, Tessa & Annie are ready to party like it's 1990--are you?!

Annie (Annie One Can Cook), Melanie (Van Wynsberg Nest), Stephanie (Never the Same Spice Twice), Dara (Not in Jersey), Dana (Lil Family Blog), Tessa (Tessacotton), Kristine (Heart Shaped Sweat) & Christina (Juggling Real Food and Real Life)

All of the lovely ladies listed above have pitched in for an $80 gift card to Target! That's an adorable new wardrobe! Or new home decor! Follow the Rafflecopter below to enter! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway