Becca's Perspective

TGIF Blog Hop 5/11

2012-05-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Thank Goodness Its Friday! Our link will open every Thursday night so you can join us for Thank Goodness Its Friday, also known as TGIF. Let's make some new blogging friends and celebrate the end of a wonderful week!

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps! #1 Follow your two hosts via GFC and leave them a comment on their blog to let them know you are following from the TGIF blog hop (if you already follow via GFC, follow on Facebook, twitter or networked blogs.

#2 Add your blog to the linky below
#3 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop
Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.
We'd love it if you would place the button to our Blog Hop somewhere on your page; whether it's on your sidebar, a "Blog Hops" page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!
Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

MP3 Touch Screen Music and Movie Player Giveaway

2012-05-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have teamed up with an awesome group of bloggers to bring you Penny Pinch Boutique’s MP3 Touch Screen Music and Movie Player Giveaway! We bloggers, love our readers and want to thank you for being a fan. The giveaway will run from 5/7-5/14 and entry is easy, just follow the Rafflecopter below. This giveaway is open to US residents over 18 only. Make sure you come back and enter the daily tasks for more entries. Thank you so much for being a fan!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chili's and the NEW #CoronaRita

2012-05-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Chili's and the NEW #CoronaRita

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Chili’s Grill & Bar. All opinions are 100% mine.

Any of you struggle with choosing a restaurant when getting together with friends or family? I used to, but not anymore! Chili’s is right down the street from where I live, which is so convenient!

Are you looking for a place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? I have been. It needs to be a place that serves chips and salsa, have some yummy food, and serve lots of different types of drinks! Chili’s actually has a new CoronaRita at Chili's available, which is a Margarita served with a Corona beer in it. Please keep in mind, “You must be 21 years or older to drink alcoholic beverages and as always, please remember to drink responsibly.”

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My personal choice for Cinco de Mayo would be to drink a #CoronaRita with a 6 oz classic sirloin off the Lighter Choices portion of the menu. Now, if I wasn’t worrying about what I was eating, I’d go for the crispy shrimp tacos. On a night separate from Cinco de Mayo, may I suggest the chocolate chip paradise pie, with a bar of chocolate chips, walnuts and coconut, topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and caramel. Mmmmm this is making me hungry just thinking about all this food!

If you’re looking for a place for date night, Chili’s offers an awesome $20 dinner for two. You get to choose one appetizer to share, and then select two full-size entrees. Then just pay for your beverages! You can even choose the 6oz classic sirloin from this deal, or if you’re feeling like some comfort food, order the half-rack baby back rips with homestyle fries.

For those that have kiddos joining them, Chili’s has a great kids menu, including a chicken sandwich and a quesadilla.

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I hope you get a chance to stop by Chili’s and try out their yummy food, and their new CoronaRita margarita. In the meantime, leave a comment below sharing your favorite Chili’s item and your thoughts about trying the new CoronaRita.

Whitney Farms: Helping your Organic Garden

2012-05-03T09:10:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As you probably know about me already, I'm a big proponent of eating fresh and healthy foods, and I especially love vegetables. Growing an organic garden is not only good for your health, but great on the wallet as well. I love having a garden in my backyard, especially because I know that I didn't use chemicals on it. I feel that if I'm going to spend the time growing a garden in my backyard, I better make it organic, otherwise I could just get the same produce at the market. Whitney Farms® lets me feel good about what I'm growing in the backyard as healthy and natural, and most importantly, chemical-free.

Whitney Farms® has a product line that includes natural plant foods and organic soil, and includes nothing artifical and no additives. Plus, it's easy to use and apply to your garden.

Below is a picture that is similar to what my garden looks like. I like having the garden raised, as it helps to keep unwanted critters out, including my dogs who love to mark their territory around the yard.

Whitney Farms® products benefit your garden because they include beneficial mocribes good for the soil and the plants themselves. Even the specially-designed plends provide your plants with both micro and macro nutrients which are needed to survive.

Click here if you'd like a $3.00 off coupon to try this organic plant food!

Each year I like to add something new to the garden. Last year it was blackberries, which didn't do too well. I'm using Whitney Farms® on my Tomatoes and lettuce this year and looking forward to enjoying (I haven't exactly planted much yet).

What are you going to be planting in your garden this year? Do you like to keep an organic garden, or do you use chemical based fertilizers?

Guest Post: Choosing Stylish Swimsuits For Your Body

2012-05-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

With Memorial Day just weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about swimsuits! Many women hate swimsuit shopping, mostly because it heightens their insecurities and lack of self-confidence. But shopping for swimsuits can be an enjoyable process if you know what to look for. Regardless of body shape, anyone can look great at the beach. All you need to do is find swimsuits that are both fashion-forward and flatter your body type. Read on for some tips…

Pear/Triangle Shapes

If you’re small up top and bigger on the bottom (specifically your hips, thighs and rear), you have a pear or triangle body shape. In order to balance you out, choose swimsuits that have busier tops and dark solid-colored bottoms to enhance your bustline and minimize your bottom. For example, Fringe Black by L Space, Mozambique by Vitamin A and Let’s Twist by Gottex Profile are perfect swimsuits for you… and fringe, animal prints and colorblocking are all HUGE trends this season!

Fringe Black by L Space

Apple/Inverted Triangle Shapes

On the other hand, if you’re small on the bottom and bigger up top (specifically your bust and shoulders), you have an apple or inverted triangle body type. You need swimsuits that will balance you out and provide great bust support. Choose supportive swimsuits featuring halter or underwire-style tops in dark solid colors paired with more elaborate bottoms. For example, Tricolore Blue by Gottex Profile, Mademoiselle Noir by Vitamin A and Spot On by Vitamin A Silver are perfectly on-trend and right up your alley! Remember that strapless swimsuits are OK as long as they have molded cups and/or optional straps.

Tricolor Blue by Gottex Profile

Boyish/Rectangle Shapes

For those of you who are very narrow all around and are non-curvy, you have a boyish or rectangle body shape. Instead of balancing out your look, you want to choose swimsuits that create the illusion of a curvy hourglass figure. For bikini-wearers, go for the mix and match look by choosing either a printed top and a solid bottom or vice versa. Try twist or sweetheart style bandeau tops paired with hipster or Brazilian bottoms like Grey Python Mix by diNeila or Jangala by ViX, both of which feature stylish animal prints with a pop of color. For one-piece swimsuits, try a monokini; the side cutouts create the illusion of curves and they vary in coverage! Check out the animal print Boa Turquesa by Aguaclara or the Network Onyx Monokini by Becca for your classic black style.

Boa Turquesa by Aguaclara

This season, choose swimsuits that fit and flatter and you’ll be a guaranteed knockout! Happy shopping!

Susan Bodack manages and writes for Beauty and the Beach, a blog on swimsuits and beach-chic fashion by InStyleSwimwear.com. Check it out today for more swim-related tips!

Submit your crazy stories to: In-Laws or Outlaws

2012-04-25T19:55:00.002-07:00

One of my oldest blogging friends, let's call her L, is a writer and In-Laws or Outlaws is her latest project. She's putting together vignettes from YOU regarding your crazy stories of your gotta love them (or maybe not so much) in-laws.

In-Laws or Outlaws Wants to Hear From You!

Do you think your In-Laws are harder to deal with than anyone else's?

Do you feel like they intentionally provoke you?

Are you fed up with them over-stepping?

If you can relate to any of the above questions, In-Laws or Outlaws wants to hear from you. They are putting together an exciting and witty new book featuring stories inspired by people like you. Ordinary people, dealing with extraordinary In-Laws.

Think your In-Laws are one-of-a-kind? In-Laws or Outlaws are looking for tales about the craziest, most demanding and frustrating In-Laws out there. From quirky and zany to overbearing and utterly ruthless, they want to hear your stories.

In-Laws or Outlaws wants to offer their readers a humorous escape from their relatives by marriage. A place to laugh, cry and overall, recognize it could always be worse. They do not want to create a self-help book, but instead a collection of amusing and relatable tales for their readers. Rather than creating fictional stories, In-Laws or Outlaws wants to showcase tales inspired by the people who are living them..

The goal is not to hurt or insult anyone, but instead produce an entertaining publication for everyone to enjoy. Therefore, names, places, etc. will be changed and/or removed. So, feel free to sound off and share your story with them.

[Becca here: And this is the best part!!!] If your story is selected, you will receive a free digital copy of In-Laws or Outlaws. For more information or to submit your story, visit www.inlawoutlaw.com today!

Oh, and join In-Laws or Outlaws on Facebook!

It's Been Awhile...

2012-04-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

So, its been awhile since I've been on my blog, let alone written a post. I just wanted to send a big THANK YOU to those that still check my blog, even though I haven't been writing. It goes to show how great my readers are, and also that I wrote some awesome posts reviewing products as those companies are still linking to my posts. Things were crazy in my life a year ago, and I've grown so much in these past months. There have been some awesome people in my life to support me and have helped me to learn and flourish with happiness surrounding me. I'm very grateful.
I'm really into nail polish these days. I did a newspaper nail manicure last week, and fell in love with getting more artsy with my nails. I pretty much cleared out Sally's Beauty Supplies in their nail department. Uh Oh... new habit I've acquired. Thank you Camera+ for the cool border and filter. I totally dig the Camera+ App. It's awesome (I'm boycotting Instagram because of Facebook, and who knows what they will do with one's pictures)!
Please say hello if you've been around. I'll be sure to stop by to you as well.
P.S. Lynda, I have you to thank for making me feel that longing for blogging feeling!

Newspaper Nails. And yes, I did use the Sports Section!

TGIF Blog Hop 6/3

2011-06-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Thank Goodness Its Friday! Our linky will open every Thursday night so you can join us for Thank Goodness Its Friday, also known as TGIF. Let’s make some new blogging friends and celebrate the end of a wonderful week!

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts via GFC and leave them a comment on their blog to let them know you are following from the TGIF blog hop (if you already follow via GFC, follow on facebook, twitter, or networked blogs)

#2 Follow our guest hosts!

Kristen is a SAHM of 4 kids. She is a wife to a US Marine who just recently moved from Florida to Massachusetts. Kristen blogs about the craziness of life with 4 kids, military and new adventures as she finds them here in Boston.

Alyssa’s boyfriend is in the Army and they met 6 months after he got back from his first deployment to Iraq. She always knew a second deployment was an option but a part of her never thought it would happen- If/when it did, she wanted them to have been together for the same if not longer amount of time than he'd be gone... Luckily the military gave them that.

Alyssa turned to blogging after finding out that he was being deployed again. She wanted to have a place to work through my thoughts and anxiety as well as meet some other military wives and girlfriends. Blogging has helped her find some peace and given me an outlet to work though all the unknowns. Alyssa has been able to connect with some awesome people and get ideas for new hobbies and things to do at home without her soldier.

Aly is a 19 year old married college student, and a new mommy. Things are difficult with her husband overseas, but she still manages to smile every day. She know that her journey to motherhood is another great chapter in her life.

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

Magnificent Monday! May 23

2011-05-22T16:46:00.001-07:00

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, Nap Time Is My Time

Follow our Guest Host, The Real Housewife of Longleaf Ranch

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

Magnificent Monday! 5/16

2011-05-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, Nomie's 3 Monsters

Follow our Guest Host, Beauty Brite

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

A little break...

2011-05-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi friends... I've had to take a little time off from blogging due to personal reasons, so I'll respond to your comments as soon as I can. I know I'm way behind but this is important that I take some time to get my life back together and heal.

My lovely friend Lynda from 2 Against 1 is helping me out with the blog hops to help keep them going, and they will hopefully be back to our regular numbers and followers in a few weeks.

I might update my Facebook page occasionally so feel free to stop by if you'd like.

Magnificent Monday! Week 7- 5/9

2011-05-08T21:53:00.001-07:00

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, 3decades3kids

In Him We Live & Move & Have Our Being

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

Thank Goodness It's Friday! Blog Hop Week 7

2011-05-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest hosts, Lucy, from Love Lucy Locket and Heather from Feelin Kinda Crunchy.

Lucy’s blog shares a slice of her life with people. She’s a university student living in England, figuring out boys, friendships and what she wants to do with her life, all through pretty pictures and inspirational finds on my blog.

Heather is a mommy blogger that features reviews and giveaways for green baby/family/mama products. Her blog is only a couple months old, but is growing steadily. She is right around 200 followers now. Stop by and check out her blog!

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

A Moment for Mommy Giveaway Event

2011-05-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the "A Moment for Mommy Giveaway Event" that Becca's Perspective is participating in. This is a three day Blog Hop Giveaway event, which means you should check out the other participating bloggers for a chance to win some awesome prizes as well.

I will be hosting two great giveaways for this event, which are especially for Mom's!

1. Caramel Sweets 1/2 Pound of Vanilla Caramels

2. $25 Gift Card to Restaurant.com

Giveaways will open at 12am PDT and be open until May 1st at 11:59pm PDT.

A Moment for Mommy: $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate

2011-04-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

In honor of Mother's Day, a holiday where Mom's prefer to go out for brunch or dinner instead of cooking for the family, Becca's Perspective is hosting this $25 Gift Certificate to Restaurant.com.

Simply search for a restaurant near you, and choose a gift certificate at your favorite restaurant. You have the ability to purchase a gift certificate at thousands of restaurants around the country.

Win It: One (1) Winner of a $25 Gift Card to Restaurant.com

Giveaway Ends 5/1/2011

at 11:59 pm PDT

Open Worldwide, however Restaurants are only located in the United States and will have to be used there.

Winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner must respond by email within 48 hours of receiving email. If winner does not respond to contact email, he or she will forfeit this prize and a new winner will be selected and notified.

Mandatory Entry: Like Becca's Perspective on Facebook and Google Friend Connect (GFC)

Extra Entries:
2 extra- Follow Becca's Perspective on Twitter
3 extra- Follow Becca's Perspective on Networked Blogs
4 extra- Subscribe to Becca's Perspective via RSS Feed
5 extra- Subscribe to Becca's Perspective via email
1 extra per day- Tweet about this giveaway- "I entered to win a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate from @bexperspective #giveaway http://

Magnificent Monday! Week 7

2011-04-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest hosts, Heather, from Basil Momma, Mrs. Shopper at Simply Shop and Save, and Chase from Chase’s View.

Heather is a busy working Mom of 2 boys that are 11 and 8. She has a husband and 2 dogs as well! Join Heather in reading about her culinary hits and misses and all of the life that happens along the way!

If you are looking for savings, freebies, deals, coupons, and family related topics, then visit Mrs. Shopper. Most things are Canada related but she does have giveaway contests for USA/CANADA. Her product reviews are family friendly and she tries to add some natural/organic reviews.

Chase is a SAHM to a beautiful 12 month old! She loves being a stay at home mom and seeing the growth of her daughter every day. Her daughter has amazed her from birth. Chase loves doing reviews and giveaways on her blog, but also loves cooking and doing crafty things as well.

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

Magnificent Monday! Week 6

2011-04-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Magnificent Monday! Our linky will open every Sunday night so you can join us for a Magnificent Monday. Let’s try to make the beginning of the week a bit better by finding some great new blogs and making some new blogging friends!

Do you notice anything different about Magnificent Monday? Please say hello to our newest host, Lynda from 2 Against 1. Lynda is a mommy to two beautiful twins and blogs about her experience providing “customer service” to her two kids, along with starting to host giveaways. We’ve also decided to change the image for Magnificent Monday. If you’d like to let the awesome photographer know what a great image she took, stop by her blog at 1 at Play.

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, Aly, from Seventeen Sirens

Her pregnancy has taught her to be patient, to keep going, and to be happy. When you realize that someone else's life depends strictly on yours, everything changes. This blog is Aly’s journey into motherhood.

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

Review: Skoy Cloths

2011-04-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Does your family go through a roll of paper towels every day? It seems like we go through a roll at least every two days, between my husband and me, and the two dogs.

I love using natural products around my house and kitchen, and what better way to do that then to add a product to replace those expensive paper towels! SKOY cloths are 100% biodegradable and natural, and are reusable and machine washable. These cloths take the place of paper towels and sponges. Can you believe that you could save 15 rolls of paper towels, just by using ONE SKOY cloth.

I love the cute colors and designs that the SKOY cloths come in. The package came with 4 SKOY cloths, tied neatly with natural-colored raffia. The colored cloths are assorted colors, so you never know which fun colors you will receive. The colors for me were green, purple, blue and orange with the traditional flower logo on the front. However, you can find lots of different print designs including inspirational text, paw prints, holiday prints or the traditional flower print.

The SKOY cloths were great to use in my sink because I use our traditional sponge with soap for washing dishes, and I'm always frustrated when I need to wipe the counters because the sponge is filled with soap. Usually, I just grab a paper towel and wipe. Now I use these SKOY cloths and keep our brand new kitchen (we just did a huge kitchen remodel!) nice and clean!

A super clean option instead of throwing your SKOY cloth in the washing machine is to microwave the cloth for 1-2 minutes. This keeps the cloth healthy and germ-free (and from getting stinky!) However, feel free to wash your SKOY cloth in the washing machine as well as they will hold up to many washes.

SKOY is offering a great fundraising program for schools. There is a special 6-pack of cloths which students sell for $10, and schools purchase from the company for only $6. This leaves a huge 40% profit margin for the schools. Since I personally know how other fundraisers work at schools, this is a great fundraising opportunity, and also includes environmental awareness.

Buy It:
4-pack: Mixed colors with flower print- $6.99
4-pack: White with flower print- $6.99
Find a Retailer or E-tailer near you

Disclaimer: I received this product for review. However, the above opinions are my own and I only recommend products that I believe in.

Thank Goodness It's Friday! Blog Hop Week 5

2011-04-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for the TGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest hosts, Laurie, from DRD Designs and Sara at Posh Pooch Designs

DRD Designs was created to honor the memory of Laurie’s son, Dillon R. Dziedzic. The idea originated with her son who was saving his favorite pair of jeans by patching them all by hand sewing them with various items. A short time after Dillon’s passing on October 24, 2010 at only the age of 24, Lauren began creating jeans for loved ones and as therapy...it then evolved into DRD Designs.

Posh Pooch Designs is a blog all about free crochet patterns, Crochet, crafts, Crochet for dogs, Sara’s chihuahuas and their antics, a few recipes for dogs, and Sara’s life as a chihuahua owner. It is light and fun and a little bit silly. Sara loves to load pics of her dogs!

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

Wacky Jacqui's Blog Designs

2011-04-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with my readers a great Blog Designer, Jacqui at Wacky Jacqui Designs. Sometimes I refer to her as "Wacky Jacqui," but that's because I only know her in the blogging world and I didn't know her name to begin with, although I also call her my "late night Facebook friend" since she's always up late when I am! Her and I started the Magnificent Monday blog hop and she is one of the most knowledgeable web designers I've come in contact with. I have asked her many questions and I know when I decide to make the switch to Wordpress someday, she will be my go-to gal. Jacqui recently did a huge re-design of her business website, and I think it looks amazing. She can do these types of designs for your blog as well! I have to say though that she is so great with the turn around time on projects and she puts in the extra effort that many designers don't care to go to. She just adds that extra touch that we all are looking for in this extra competitive market and tough economy for us all.

Please check out Wacky Jacqui's Designs. I know you need a great designer for your blog..... who doesn't?! We are all addicted to blogging and she can help you, and at a GREAT price! Check her out on Facebook and Twitter as well...

Hi, my name is Jacqui and I am the owner of Wacky Jacqui’s Designs. I design blogs that are hosted by Blogger and Wordpress (the free site and the self-hosted sites). What got me interested in designing blogs is that I couldn't find any "pre-made" designs out there that I liked for my blogs so I started to create my own. I started to learn the HTML of it all and got to work on creating my own designs. Soon after, I started to do designs for blogger friends and it just took off from there. One of the people I was creating for told me that I should start my own business. I've been working on it ever since.

I really love having the freedom of having my own business; It lets me stay at home with my kids and still make money. I am completely self-taught and everything I know came through lots of trial and even more error. I started out experimenting on my own blog design and then for a few brave friends. All the technical web design stuff has also come through lots of experimenting. Whenever I need to know how to do something, I usually consult my best friend “Google” and he teaches me all I need to know. Here are a few things to help you get started on the path to a new blog design and any questions you might have.

*What is the one thing that you would like potential clients to know?

I make fresh and clean designs; I want to make your blog look amazing. For Blogger, I start with the basic blogger template. I don't mess with the template much so your page will not take forever to load like other designers layouts do. If you mess with the codes in the template too much, or have a really complicated template installed, your page will load really slowly, and readers do not like that. They want to go on to your blog and read, not have to wait 1-3 minutes for your whole page to load. I do not ask for your Blogger password at all during the design process. I do not feel comfortable giving my password out to anyone so I would not ask you to do the same. I know that people contact me about this and when I tell them that I don't need the password to install the design they are shocked since all the other designers ask for it. From what I have seen with other designer sites, I'm the only one that doesn't ask for your password (And I'm the cheapest! I give you a whole lot for bang for your buck).

I will make your blog look the way you want. Also, I will involve you with the entire process. I will organize and clean up the gadgets you use as well. I will send you everything I create for your approval. For example, if you don't like the font, I will change it. If you don't like the design at all I will create something that you are happy with.

*What should potential clients know before contacting a blog designer?

Before contacting a blog designer you should know what you want and the feel you want for your blog. You want it to reflect what you blog about like being a stay at home mom, giveaways, hobbies; if you want it to have a certain theme including stars, clouds, flowers; and what colors do you want it to have. If you don't know what you want or don't have any ideas for your blog I will help you in any way I can. I'll try to get ideas from what you already have as a blog design or even what you write about. You should feel 100% comfortable with the designer before you purchase, and ask questions if you have any before buying.

*Do you design for Wordpress, Typepad, and other types of websites?

I design for:

-Blogger blogs

-Wordpress.com blogs

-Self-hosted Wordpress blogs

-Facebook fan pages

-ETSY banners

*Who do I host my blog with and what are the differences?

Well let’s start off with what blog host you are using. I design blogs for Blogger hosted blogs, Wordpress hosted blogs, and Wordpress self-hosted blogs.

-Blogger/Blogspot: These are the same thing. The blogging program is called “Blogger” and your blog address will look something like “yourblogname.blogspot.com”. Blogger is a completely free blog service and probably the easiest one to use. I have two different types of blog designs for blogger, The Classics and The Modern Designs. The Classics Designs are based off the Minima template and the Simple template in the new template designer from blogger. The Modern Designs are based off templates that I create using a template designer program. For both types I offer premade and custom designs.

-WordPress.com: This is the free blogging service from WordPress. Your blog URL would look something like “yourblogname.wordpress.com”. With WordPress.com you are limited to the themes that are offered through their site. Due to this I am only able to create Headers and Backgrounds for certain packages. I offer both premade and custom designs.

-Self-Hosted Wordpress: This is similar to WordPress.com, however you are responsible for your own domain name and hosting. Your blog name would look something like “yourblogname.com”. You would need to secure a domain name and hosting through a hosting company and install the WordPress blogging software before I begin your custom design. With self-hosted WordPress I only create custom designs. If you like a free background that you'd like to use I could incorporate it into the design if desired.

*Do I just tell you what I have in mind and you create it? I'm new to this!

You tell me everything you have in mind. I have you pick out the fonts you want to use, and then you tell me the colors you want and any kind of images requested. You approve the designs from start to finish, and you will get what you want... or even better. In simple terms: your get what you want, I design for you and give you what you want.

*Do you offer items other than what are listed on your site?

Just send me an email, and more than likely we will be able to accommodate you. If I'm not sure about the item, I'll figure it out!

*How long will my design take?

Once I have received your order form and your Payment in full, your name will be added to our design schedule. When I am ready to start your design I will contact you and begin working on your design. Designs generally take anywhere between 3-4 days depending on your response time to emails I send during the design process. If you’re good about checking your email and prompt with your feedback it should only take about 3-4 days once I start designing. However, if you are slow to respond the design process could drag on for several weeks. This one is sort of up to you. If you order a custom blog design, the average wait time in the wait list is about 1-3 weeks (wait time varies according to demand). Once your name reaches the top of the wait list and work on your design begins, it generally takes only 3-4 days to complete your design.

If you order a pre-made design, your design is guaranteed to be installed within one week of your order.

*Why do you require full payment up front?

Full payment is required up front to help shorten your wait time in the queue. I try to move through the queue as quickly as possible and I found that waiting for payments to come in holds up that process. My time is very valuable and so I need to know you are serious about having me design your blog. With a recent event I had to change my payment policy. Someone was stealing something I created for them and was using it on their blog without payment and blocked me from contacting them. So now I require payment upfront. If I do decide to go ahead and start on your design without payment, I will watermark all images sent to you for approval.

*When do I pay you and how do I do that?

Right away when I receive your order, I will send you a PayPal invoice and you will send an electronic payment via PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, please go here to sign up for one. If you do not pay right away and I start on your design, all images will be watermarked. Your design will not be installed until your payment is paid in full.

*Will gadgets/sidebar items be the same on my new design? (Blogger question)

Yes, the coolest part about Blogger (I think) is that NOTHING is affected by adding a new design. You have the same functionality, but they might be moved around a little. I ask you to back up your Template just to be on the safe side.

*Will I lose any information on my blog by having a blog makeover?

No. Your posts and sidebar information (text, links, music, etc) will remain the same, only the look of your blog will change. If you have requested a 3-column layout, your sidebar information will get moved to span down both sidebars, but it will still be free for you to move around once your design is finished. You will be able to post and add information to the sidebar(s) as usual. It is, however, strongly suggested that you save a back-up of your blog just in case something should go wrong.

*Who owns the rights to my design?

As far as I’m concerned, after I finish your design you are free to use your header or the other elements of your design for your own personal purposes. I would ask that you don’t resell or distribute any portion of your design to other people. Nor should you change or alter the work and then claim it as your own or as my design.

*Do you offer a discount to returning customers?

Yes. I offer a 20% off discount to returning customers. The discount applies to packages only and not to simple a la carte items.

Hiltons of Branson, Missouri

2011-04-19T07:02:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you're looking for a great place to take the family, check out the Hiltons of Branson, Missouri. Centrally located near the Branson Landing, each hotel maintains the highest Hilton standards that the brand is known for.

Both the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing are luxury condos, which boast superb guest rooms, suites, and condos. At the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, condos offer balconies, microwaves and small refrigerator. For those looking for additional amenities, check out the condos at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, where you will have a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a cook top, oven, microwave, dishwasher, complete compliment of cooking/dining utensils, a balcony and a private guest bedroom.

Special packages abound at the Hiltons of Branson. Currently available at both Hiltons of Branson, is the two adult & two children (ages 4-11) tickets for two full days at Silver Dollar City. A $25 gift certificate is included for the Level 2 Steakhouse, located at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. The total for this two night, three day package starts at $455.00 plus tax. It's a great opportunity for those still on Spring Break!

Branson, Missouri offers many great attractions, including the amazing Branson Landing. I love outside malls, including those that have huge fountains. The $7.5 million water attraction merges water, fire, light and music to create a dazzling show that is entertainment for the entire family. Hourly shows begin at noon daily.

Check out all of the great restaurants and shopping offered at Branson Landing. You could stop at the Branson Ridge Winery to stop for a glass of wine and enjoy the weekend concerts and water show at the beautiful fountain. Then, go to the White River Fish House for dinner. This is a floating dining room located on Lake Taneycomo, with beautiful views of the lake and bluff. Dishes include BBQ ribs, steaks, pasta dishes, & sandwiches and salads. Continue your evening by going to Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar & Grille. If you haven't been to a dueling piano bar, I suggest checking one out and going immediately. They are so much fun, and play some great music. They are not your average, boring, piano plays. They play classic and popular music, getting the audience singing and up on their feet dancing. The piano bar is definitely the happening place these days.

Silver Dollar City would be a place to make some special memories for both the adults and kids. This theme park is an 1880's themed park including rides, roller coasters, diverse restaurants, specialty shops, The Culinary and Craft School, pioneer craft demonstrations, annual festivals, and over 40 live entertainment shows. This will definitely keep both you and the kids busy all day long!

Make sure to check out the Hiltons of Branson, Missouri for your next trip. I'm sure you will find lots of great activities to keep you and your family busy and will enjoy the accommodations that the Hilton provides.

Magnificent Monday! Week 5

2011-04-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 3 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

Becca’s Perspective
Ins & Outs
2 Against 1

#2 Add your blog to the linky

#3 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us next week when we have our first ever Guest Host!

Coupon: Sephora

2011-04-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love the Sephora store. I could spend hours in there because of all the great products they carry. Just wanted to share a great coupon with you, which is 15% off your total purchase.

Simply enter the word CHIC upon checkout to receive your awesome discount.

Coupon is valid April 15th through April 21st at 11:59 pm PST.

Thank Goodness It's Friday! Blog Hop Week 4

2011-04-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for the TGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest host, Amanda, from Confessions of a Marine Wife.

Amanda blogs about her everyday life as a mom and wife of a Marine. She plans to do some reviews and giveaways here and there to reward her readers for all of their time.

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

Magnificent Monday! Week 4

2011-04-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 3 easy steps!

#1 Follow your hosts

Becca’s Perspective
Ins & Outs

#2 Add your blog to the linky

#3 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!