Tuesday, January 22, 2013

St. Valentine's Day Less Than A Month Away!


St. Valentine's Day less than a month away!


Fun things to prepare for Valentine's day!

Take an old time photos with your love. Makes for a great memory!

Heart Shaped cupcakes!

Speaking the truth!

Monday, January 21, 2013

The Cold Weather Blues

Cold woman wearing hat and gloves

We have reached that time of the year, the warmth of Christmas has dwindled, the novelty of winter clothing is no longer desirable and all we really want to do is lay out in the sun and soak in the warm rays.  Is this possible in January?  Definitley not in Wisconsin!  Actually it's about 4 degrees right now, even though the sun is shinning, we are in the winter blues!

Photo Credit: 29Secrets

How do we get out of these cold weather blues?  Well it has got to start with your mental mindset!  Here are a few ideas to get us all out of the winter blues.

1.     Get a new hobby.  An indoor "sport" such as scrapbooking, painting or home decorating will keep you warm while you work indoors and keep you entertained!

2.     Time to learn a new winter "sport".  Spend a few moments each day learning to ski, ice skating, maybe even snow shoes!  Warm rosy cheeks, warm cozy heart!

3.     Time to plan a vacation, to a tropical location!  This is your opportunity to miss a few weeks of this nail biting weather and spend a few moments in the warm sun sipping a cocktail.

4.     Organize a new workout routine during these months. No excuses that you can't go outside! Use the warmth of your own house to burn a few calories, whether it's cleaning out your attic, painting your rec room or organizing your closet shelves.

5.     Relax.  Maybe a little rest and recreation will give you a burst of motivation after these cold months are gone.  Time to hibernate!


Winter Blues with your Lover

1.     Pour two glasses of wine while enjoying the comfort of a warm fire.

2.     Go to bed early.  The day light is shorter, so why not spend a few extra moments cuddling up with your loved one under a comfy blanket.

3.     Write a beautiful love letter and plan a fabulous evening indoors with a tasty dinner, a few cocktails and maybe end with a movie.

Photo Credit: Grapes

Friday, January 18, 2013

The Perfect Baby Shower Favors


Chances are you will host at least one baby shower in your lifetime!  These showers don't have to be boring or drowsy.  Have fun.  Yes, there's a lot involved in planning such a beautiful event for an expectant mother, but remember the details make the event.  

Keep in mind that favors are necessary at such an event.  Whether it's a small container of mints or a cupcake candle, present your guests with a small gift before they leave the party.  It isn't necessary to spend large amounts of money on favors, just put a little heart and soul into choosing the perfect favors.  Whether it's DIY or store bought, the thought counts!





Baby Shower Favorite Favors

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Resolutions? What Resolutions?


So..... how are those New Year Resolutions going?

Not so good, right? Don't worry you are not alone I am struggling too. The whole losing weight thing is soooo much fun....no one ever said! 

Saw this and I got annoyed, because it is the truth!
Healthily snack for the kiddos! or for mommy!

Adorable idea for kids, I wonder if it healthier than a real cupcake?

Made them this morning, feeling healthy and satisfied!  



Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Time for Another Giveaway!



Girl Booklet's 500 follower is here! I want to thank all the lovely bloggers who donated to my giveaway and of course to all my readers for making this milestone happen! You all rock! Blogging has changed my life (I don’t want to sound cheesy but is true) and I never thought that I would meet so many great people along the way and that I would learn so much! So thank you ALL for making my life a little better :)

And now let’s get to the GOOD stuff! I have divided the prizes into 3 “packages” and each one is worth over $300!!!! Feel free to enter as many as you can! (Trust me they are ALL worth it!) Just remember that entries are checked & Sponsors can enter the packages that they did not donate to! So other than that GOOD LUCK!!

PACKAGE ONE



The Mustache Diaries: 6 months of ad space and a Essie Nail Polish goodie bag ($80)
Sparkles & Shoes  Silver Bracelet from NYC Boutique ($25)
3 Swell and Stylish: Ad space for 2 months ($20)
4 Shary Loves You: 1 month in-post ad space ($15)
5 BericeBaby: 3 Months Daddy Badge Ad Space ($15)
6 Peace it all Together: Amazon gift card ($15)
7 Nykki-talks-beauty: 3 months of regular ad space ($15)
8The Casual Stay at Home: Starbucks gift card (15)
9 Raising Reagan: 60 days Sponsors Ad Space ($12)
10 My So-Called Chaos: 1 month small ad space ($10)
11 lala Lists: 2 months medium ad space ($10)
12 Daddy's Space: 2 Months Ad SPACE 200X200 ($10)
13 Going with the Flow: Two months of Medium Ad space ($10)
14 Being Erica: two handmade felt bows from my shop and two 'Technic' nail art pens ($10)


a Rafflecopter giveaway



PACKAGE TWO

1 Provocative Manners: Ad Space for 2 months ($40)
2 Hairspray and High Heels: 2 Months of "The Chanel" Ad Space Package ($40)
Tutus & Tea Parties: Medium Ad Space ($20)
4 The Closet Intellectual: 3 lavender sachets hand embroidered with the letter of the winner’s choice {one letter per sachet}( $5 per sachet, $15 total)
5 Whispering Sweet Nothings:  medium ad space ($16)
6 Jessica Who?: medium ad space ($15)
7 Glued To My Crafts: 2 months of 200x200 ad space ($14)
8 By the Porchlight: Large ad space ($12)
9 Country Roots City Living: 2 months Large Ad space ($12)
10 Singledou[b]t: Amazon eGiftCard ($10)
11 The Domestic Geek Blog: Large Ad space for 30 days ($10)
12 Futures: The Ferris Wheel ad space ($10)
13 Chamomile Dealer: Set of Blog Buttons & Ad Space ($10)
14 flamingos in raincoats: iTunes gift card ($10)



a Rafflecopter giveaway





PACKAGE THREE:

Rolled Up Pretty: X Large Ad Space on Rolled Up Pretty for Three Months ($90)
2 The Anna Delores blog: XL ad space ($20)
Ramblings of a Southern Belle: $20 Gift Card to Amazon.com
4 Ohsoamelia: Large ad space ($20)
5 Fortune Favors the Brave: 3 months ad space ($15)
6 Sensational Creations: set of 3 bracelets ($15)
Finding Michelina: hand painted sign -Meesh's choice ($15)
8 Discover. Create. Live: 2 months Large ad space ($14)
Spunky Real Deals:{Feb. one month} Large Ad Space ($12)
10 Chevron Stitches: Large Stitches Ad Spot & $5 Starbucks Gift card ($11)
11 My three bittles: Medium ad ($10)
12 Wifessionals: Small Ad Space ($10)
13 Wannabe Green: 1 month Ad Space ($10)
14 Free spirit reigns: 2 months ad space ($10)


a Rafflecopter giveaway









Tuesday, January 15, 2013

2013 Giveaway on Blog: The Life of Bon!

Enter to win great prizes through the blog, The Life of Bon! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Overstaying Your Welcome

We all love to entertain, right?  Well the majority of us do....but as a host/hostess we all need a break after the party, moments to unwind, moments to reminisce about the event and a few seconds to take a breathe before it's time to clean up.  Yes, we said clean up.  If you happen to know us personally, you will also know that when either of us host parties, we don't want help cleaning up.  Not in the least!  Each of us is so particular about our kitchens that the less people, the better!  So if you ever happen to be a guest at either of our homes, please do not help clean up.  Here's a little tip though, if the host/hostess starts cleaning up, it's time that you leave.
Credit: Decor


As a guest, it's absolutely crucial that you watch for the signs to leave gracefully.  Ask for your coat, gather the children, grab your dishes and give those final goodbye hugs and air kisses. Overstaying your welcome is a huge "no-no"!  If you want to annoy and frustrate the hostess, overstay your welcome and don't expect to be invited again (kidding, everyone deserves a second chance!).


If you are attending a dinner party, feel free to stay after the meal for a few drinks and pleasurable company with the host/hostess.  But if you happen to notice several yawns or loud *sighs*, time to head out.

If you are attending a bridal or baby shower, do not overstay the length stated on the invitation.  If a time was not designated on the invitation, then you better watch closely for clues!  Cleaning, packing up gifts, the guest of honor has already left...

If you were invited for a casual luncheon, then it is never appropriate to hang around till dinner.  RUDE!  Enjoy lunch a maybe an hour afterwards, but give the host/hostess a few hours of the day to themselves!

If you are dropping by a friend's house unannounced, PLEASE DON'T!  Even if you are close friends, a quick phone call (10 minutes ahead of time) would be much appreciated!  

If you are a house guest, never stay longer than the planned duration without asking the host/hostess before your arrival.  It's rude to assume!  Always be prepared when staying as a house guest, bring your needed essentials, don't expect the host/hostess to purchase your necessities.  But especially, BE PLEASANT!  


Credit: Machteld

If you follow these simple, but ever so important guidelines when attending an event or visiting a friend, it will make for pleasant experiences, and more welcome visits in the future!

Credit: eweek