Krystal's Kitsch

Stella & Dot Memorial Day Sale

2013-05-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Stella & Dot Memorial Day Sale

Fabulous sale alert! Stella & Dot is offering up to 50% off sale items and free shipping on orders over $100+ from 5/24-5/27.

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The Stella & Dot Leona Pendant Necklace makes a bold statement and is adored by both celebrities and fashion editors alike. Each necklace is one of a kind because the stone is hand-cut.

The Stella & Dot La Coco Clutch - Black can be partnered with a simple top or can be used to accessorize dressy attire for summer benefits and galas--the options are endless!

Dressing up for a picnic or summer festival can be a blast. Go in style with the the gorgeous Stella & Dot Cleo Fringe Statement Earrings.

Be sure to check out Stella & Dot's Memorial Day Sale today! What are your favorite pieces?

Weekend Block Party--Memorial Day Edition

2013-05-24T21:59:00.004-04:00

I make a conscious effort to visit everyone on their social media channels, so I do hope you participate! I love finding new people on Twitter (my favorite!) and Pinterest. I look forward to visiting your websites.

Welcome to the THIRD Weekend Blog Block Party! Last week we added TWO new ways to link up this week: Google+ and Etsy! Please help spread the word to bloggers you know that also have Etsy shops. We want to see them! The Etsy link-up does include a thumbnail image so shop owners can show off a sample of their goods.

This week we have a NEW party button! Sorry for the inconvenience but if you can take a second and swap it out for the old one (on your sidebar or link-up page) that would ROCK OUR WORLDS!

Once again, I am THRILLED to be hosting with five amazing bloggers:

Kristin from One Organic Mama

Rachel from Can't Google Everything

Mary Catherine from Fun-A-Day

Krystal from Krystal's Kitsch AND Sunny Soirees

Lindsey from Follow the Ruels

SO when you link up here, your links show up in FIVE other places, too. Life is good! It is Friday night so you know what that means... party time! Link it up, my bloggy friends!

XO, ellie

ONE

Please follow the HOSTS on any list that you choose to add your link to! For example, if you want to add your Instagram link, please make sure you follow all of the hosts linked up at the beginning of the list. Don't worry, we are fun to follow and chances are we will follow you back!

TWO

Please grab the new party button and slap it on your bloggity blog somewhere. Sidebar? Link up page? Up to you!

THREE

Mingle. It's so fun to make new blogging buddies. Find a few new folks to follow. It's fun and good blogging karma.

FOUR

Share the love! Spread the word via Twitter, Facebook, your blog, smoke signal or carrier pigeon. More potential followers and blog friends for you!

Michael Bublé "To Be Loved" Album Review #ToBeLoved

2013-05-24T15:20:00.001-04:00

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Michael Bublé "To Be Loved" Album Review

I have a secret crush on Michael Bublé. Sometimes I forget about him and then all of a sudden I'll "re-discover" him and realize how I've been missing his music. I was pretty excited to have the chance to listen to Michael NEW album To Be Loved. What a fun record! He has covers of Elvis, Frank Sinatra (of course!), The Bee Gees, Van Morrison, and more. He also co-wrote four original songs.

"I want to take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," Michael says.

To Be Loved Track Listing:

1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"

2. "It's a Beautiful Day"

3. "To Love Somebody"

4. "Who's Lovin You"

5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)

6. "Come Dance with Me"

7. "Close Your Eyes"

8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)

9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)

10. "To Be Loved"

11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"

12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)

13. "I Got It Easy"

14. "Young at Heart"

How fun that he has a track with Reese Witherspoon. I think I've listened to "It's a Beautiful Day" way too many times (if that's even possible). It's just a fun, happy song. I definitely need more of those on my iPod. "Come Dance with Me" is, of course, a highlight too. Hearing him do Sinatra is always a treat. "You've Got a Friend in Me" is a pretty sweet cover too.

Overall, just a nice, happy, loving album.

Grab his album on iTunes or Amazon. You won't be disappointed.

Become a Stella + Dot Stylist Today!

2013-05-24T06:59:00.003-04:00

Now is the perfect time to launch your own business and join Stella & Dot's growing team of Stylists! Stella & Dot creates flexible, work from home business opportunities for entrepreneurial women. Create the success you deserve. To find out more information visit www.stelladot.com/stylist. Get started today!

Stella & Dot creates flexible, work from home business opportunities that lets entrepreneurial women style their own life. Stylists decide their own schedule and define their own success. This is a great opportunity for stay at home moms or anyone looking for a side job to earn extra spending money or a six-figure salary.

And, their jewelry pretty much sells itself. I LOVE their pieces! I have worn the same Stella + Dot necklace for going on a year now. It's so versatile and obviously durable.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2013-05-24T06:37:00.001-04:00

For once, my holiday shopping is COMPLETE. My husband already has his Father's Day gifts and they are hidden in my house (No peeking!). For those of you who are still looking, here are some easy and affordable ideas.

First up, something totally FREE.

I love doing personalized gifts for holidays, and I appreciate when the Internet gives us some deals! York Photo is offering up an 11oz personalized mug + 40 free prints when you are a new member. Shipping starts at $5.99 (still a bargain!). Guaranteed Father's Day delivery if ordered by May 31, 2013!

Use Code MYMUG and get signed up here on York Photo!
Other Ideas:

Some of my favorite websites when searching for funky gifts are World Market, Uncommon Goods, + Perpetual Kid. Think Geek is also a good one if you have to buy for someone a little offbeat. Here are a few of my top choices for Father's Day Gifts. These are perfect for the dad who enjoys a beer, plays the guitar, likes to eat, and does other general man things. More ideas are on those sites. They have great Father's Day Gift Guides!

Wall Mounted Beer Bottle Opener from World Market Guitar Pick Punch from Uncommon Goods Bacon Rub + Bacon Mayo from Uncommon Goods If these are perfect for Dad - think of other seasonings. I know my husband loves to cook + grill and is always buying and trying new ones! Whiskey "rocks" set from Uncommon Goods Keep your drinks cold! Mustache Mug from Uncommon Goods Personalized Whiskey Barrel from Uncommon Goods So - what do you think? What are you buying that special Dad in your life?

Club W: Personalized Wine Tasting (Free Wine Code!)

2013-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

This post on trying new wines is sponsored by Club W but all opinions expressed are my own.

I'm pretty sure this is the most exciting product review I've had on Krystal's Kitsch in a while. Club W is a wine club that was designed to help people discover their unique wine personalities. I'm a great candidate to try new wines and I'm happy to share my Club W experience with you.

I'm the type of wine drinker that looks for sales or pretty wine labels. I usually purchase lower quality wines due to cost or convenience. Club W is a helpful service that can help the novice wine drinker really define their wine tastes, and let them explore new and exciting options.

http://www.clubw.com/411Krystal

Coupon Code: 411Krystal

My first shipment

It's not just for novice wine drinkers though. I think even the seasoned wino might enjoy the variety of wine available on Club W (I myself had never heard of any of the wineries represented!), and it IS fun getting a package every month...especially when it's alcohol.

How It Works: You sign up and take the special palate profile test. Club W will then recommend certain varieties of wine based on your answers. You get a personalized wine experience without having to guess what you will like. You can tell Club W to recommend you only red wines or white (or a combination!), and you can of course select your own wine for your order.

This wine club delivers three wines of your choice to your home for $39 plus $6 shipping. As I talk about in my vlog, my monthly drinking budget can exceed that amount ... so I find this to be a bargain since it allows me to sample new things.

What was inside my shipment:

So, how did I like it? In my first ever VLOG ... here you go.

Each wine bottle had a Club W sticker on it with a QR Code that provided additional details.

So, about that FREE WINE...
Everyone that signs up for a Club W experience through my link will receive a free $13.00 credit which is the worth of one bottle of wine. In order to redeem the offer, you will need to use this coupon code upon activation.

http://www.clubw.com/411Krystal

Coupon Code: 411Krystal

Let me know what you order and enjoy the wine!

Disclaimer: I received product samples in exchange for my review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine. I would only recommend products or services I use and believe are helpful to my readers.

Cooper Tires #springsavings Event

2013-05-21T16:01:00.001-04:00

This post brought to you by Cooper Tires. All opinions are 100% mine.

When was the last time you had your car serviced? Your tired replaced? Your belts checked?

I am so bad when it comes to car repairs. My husband frequently scolds me for not taking my car in for its regular check up, but it is always so expensive. When I do end up getting my car serviced, it is usually for unfortunate and unexpected reasons. This is why when you see a good sale, it is best to cash in! maintained.

The Cooper Tire Spring Savings Event is hosting a Spring Savings Event that is going on now through June 30th.

Consumers are eligible to receive up to an $80 Visa® prepaid card when purchasing a new set of four qualifying Cooper tires through participating dealers in the U.S., Canada, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Spring Savings Event eligible products include:
-CS4 Touring
-Discoverer CTS
-Cooper Zeon RS3-S and RS3-A
-Discoverer H/T
-Discoverer HTP (Available only at select U.S. retailers.)
-Discoverer LSX and LSX Plus (Available only at select U.S. retailers.)

Your car will need new tires at some point. You might as well look into getting them now with this great deal.

The Blog Workshop Review #tbwc13

2013-05-21T07:46:00.003-04:00

The great thing about blogging (and social media in general) is that you are always learning. Technology is constantly evolving and if you want to take your blog or business seriously, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

Blog Conferences have been popping up all over the place, and my readers have had the pleasure of attending some big name events in cities across the nation. I have definitely missed out on this aspect of blogging (though there are THREE conferences coming around my area in September...all different weekends...should I do them all!?).

Enter The Blog Workshop. It is an online blog conference that was everything I had expected an in person conference to be: networking, knowledgeable speakers, giveaways. This three day event was webinar style. We watched presenters who were accompanied by a Powerpoint display, and we could all interact in a chat room.

Session Topics
Blogging: Back To Basics
From Blogger To Bloggerpreneur
Preparing Yourself For Advertising & Pitching To Brands/Advertisers/Sponsors
Knowing How To Handle Media Requests & Build Relationships With Media
Advertising vs. Affiliate Marketing
Other Ways To Monetize Your Blogging Efforts

The Speakers

Da Vinci, Lifestyle Blogger/Vlogger at Your Life After 25
Lindsay Lee, Co-Founder of Blog Trends
Laura Summers, Blogging for Business at NakedBlogging.com
Deborah Anderson, Community Building Strategist at Social Web Cafe
Dan R. Morris, SEO Expert at LetterstoDan.com
Lindsay Lee
Kelly Whalen
Jeneba Ghatt
Holly Harmann, Sponsorship & Monetization at Tap Influence
Robert Mooney, Sales Strategist at Blogads.com
Ryan Schram, CEO of IZEA
Dee Dee Cocheta, Public Relations & Branding at A.B.C. Publicity
Paige Wilcox, Community Development Specialist at Blogads.com
Rohit Vahist, CEO of Sverve
Jennifer Beaupre
Crystal Duncan, Director of Client Strategy & Operations at IZEA

In pajamas eating dinner drinking champagne. The best part about being home for a blog event.

While I had missed the first two sessions on Friday, I caught the other four. While I'm not going to quit my job and be a full time blogger, there are a few things I could do to make my blogging experience a little more profitable. I hope to maximize this little place on the web and really use this blog to its full capacity. I've been blogging here since 2008 and it has become so much more than just an online journal. I have connected with others with similar interests. I have built relationships with brands and shared my thoughts on products. I really should take the plunge and work more on myself, my brand, and my work.

What really brought this whole experience together for me was the workbook that came with our conference admission. The Blog Workshop put together an INSANE workbook that was so helpful to staying on task. I so rarely had to ask a question if I had missed something because the main bullet point ideas were already in the workbook!

While I haven't really announced it yet on this blog (I plan on doing a catch up on my life post soon), I am working in social media now full time for an educational brand. The lines between my personal online life and my professional online life are becoming blurred. What is helpful for my personal blog is also helpful for me professionally. A webinar on SEO (coming up next month with The Blog Workshop, you should come with me!) now is both blog + work related.

Some key points that I am trying to remember:
What Is My Brand?
Do I Have A Clearly Defined Brand?
Your brand isn't just what your blog looks like, it's also what YOU stand for!
Media Kit Creation

I think one of the great things about The Blog Workshop was interacting with the conference attendees and its host, Da Vinci. She runs Your Life After 25 which is a blog with a pretty solid following. Lately I have been feeling like I have "read every blog" there is to read, and then this conference comes along and shows me other passionate bloggers with similar interests.

I would love to hear your blog conference experiences or plans to attend one soon. Which ones are you going to? What is the best part about a conference for you?

Weekend Block Party!

2013-05-17T22:26:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the SECOND Weekend Blog Block Party! We have some big news, people. We have added TWO new ways to link up this week: Google+ and Etsy! Please help spread the word to bloggers you know that also have Etsy shops. We want to see them! The Etsy link-up does include a thumbnail image so you can show off a sample of your goods.

Once again, I am THRILLED to be hosting with five amazing bloggers (you will see all six of us listed in the first six spots on the Bloglovin' list). That means when you link up here, your links show up in FIVE other places, too. Life is good! It is Friday night so you know what that means... party time! Link it up, my bloggy friends!

Mother's Day Photography

2013-05-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Just two quick photos for the photography challenge this week. The theme was mom. Pretty simple since we took a bunch of photos on Sunday.

One of my presents were some tulips and the last photo is me and the kiddo.

Obviously not taken by me but I at least edited it.

I picked these two photos just because it was a pretty special day. I am happy my little dude is growing up and he enjoys being outside with us and playing in the pool. I also am on a quest to not kill plants since I really want to start gardening. I definitely appreciate a nice pot of flowers.

Linked up:

Miracle-Gro: The Gro Project’s Garden Inspirations

2013-05-15T20:00:00.001-04:00

This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that I actually have a backyard, I am more excited about fun garden projects. I was pleased to have the opportunity to write about The Gro Project from Miracle-Gro. What a great way to start my new gardening adventures.

One of The Gro Project's suggestions is the Toyarium!

The supplies are so simple:

• Fishbowl or other glass container

• Your favorite succulents and cactus

• Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix

• Plastic toys or figurines from your kid’s room

• Rocks

• A spoon

They also have ideas on their Facebook page for a Ukulele Garden, Origami Garden, G.Y.O.B. or Thrown Down. The great thing is that all of the projects look easy and family friendly.

Here's what I'm working with at home:

Tons of room to experiment, but I really want to try my hand at herbs. I have tried growing cilatro and basil, but it's been a no go. I know that the LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit will help me in my new gardening adventures! Do you have any other ideas? If you don't have a yard to experiment in, you can try growing indoor tulips!

Indoor Tulips (Found on Pinterest)

1. Fill a clearglass container about 1/3 of the way with decorative rocks.

2. Set the tulip bulb on top of the marbles or stones with the pointed end up. Add a few more rocks so that the tulip bulb is surrounded but not covered

3. Pour fresh water into the container. The water shouldn't touch the bulb, but it should be very close, so that the roots will grow in.

Need more gardening inspiration? Visit Miracle Gro's Pinterest page to see more gardening tips and tricks.

Baby Registry Must Have: the mombo!

2013-05-15T17:01:00.001-04:00

This post brought to you by Comfort and Harmony. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of my favorite things to do while pregnant was scope out all the new products at Babies R Us and test them out. One thing that was a MUST HAVE on my list was a nursing pillow. There are so many to choose from, but luckily Babies R Us makes it simple. The mombo nursing pillow is a great product to add to your Baby Regiustry (or to give as a gift!), and I'm so glad I was selected to share information about this nursing pillow for babies.

Comfort & Harmony's mombo is an infant nursing pillow. But, it's more than just that! The Firm2SoftTM, 2-Sided construction, is uniquely designed to offer distinct benefits on each side. The firm side offers enhanced back support during nursing and just the right elevation for baby while the soft side creates a great lounging option. And, perhaps the neatest little function of this baby nursing pillow is the optional vibration. That will definitely help soothe a cranky baby.

I used my nursing pillow ALL THE TIME...especially when I wasn't nursing! It was just so easy to have around the house for relaxing, playing, cuddling, whatever. I actually had two. One for the bedroom and those late night feedings and one for the living room. That way I didn't have to get up and go too far to get the baby situated.

Look for mombo’s assortment of pillow styles and slipcover fashions. Select your style from Standard, Deluxe or Nude™. Then choose multiple slipcover fashions so you'll always have a spare! You can find these products at Toys R Us & Babies R Us. It's a great registry addition or a gift idea.

Seriously -- the mombo might just be the best nursing pillow!

Follow Along:

Comfort & Harmony on Facebook | Comfort & Harmony on Twitter

Date Night Ideas: Vimbly.com

2013-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Struggling to find a creative date idea? Vimbly is an event planning website that shows open time slots for activities, classes, and date ideas on a single page and lets you book directly through the site.

It is such a great concept and a big time saver. I cannot tell you how many times we have sat around on a Friday night trying to decide what to do. Or, even worse, deciding what to do only to discover that there are not any more tickets left or the restaurant is packed.

Here's how it works:

You pick a category or scroll through Editor's Picks.

What are you in the mood for? Action? Romance? Relaxation?

You select your activity and book directly on the site. The available time slots will be shown along with pricing, reviews, and similar activities. Pay close attention to the "Vimbly Handshake," a promise that you will get your money back if you are unhappy with the event. It's like a guarantee that your date will be awesome or your money back. I appreciate companies that go the extra mile to ensure that a client's needs are met.

A gelato night? How fun!

Even though this site is for the New York City area, I think it's a must visit for anyone! Some of these event ideas are creative and would be great ideas for date night or an outing with your girlfriends.

Vimbly's blog has great information on New York City including recent articles on pole dancing, What to Do in New York City When it's Raining, and Staycation Ideas.

So, what activity would you try? Samurai sword fighting or Scotch pairing?

Cookie Box or Tin Giveaway - 2 Winners!

2013-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to be partnered with Gourmet Cookie Bouquets for a giveaway! Two lucky blog readers will be able to choose their favorite cookie box or tin (up to a $75 value). Visit this page to see what designs you can choose from!

The giveaway ends May 26th so get your entries in!

Gourmet Cookie Bouquets have cookie towers, vanilla pound cake, brownie bits, mini chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, and more. Some of their favorites include milk chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter with peanut butter chips, white chocolate macadamia nut, semi-sweet chocolate chip and white chocolate caramel pecan.

The giveaway rules:
*Enter using any of the Rafflecopter choices available for entry below. Any of the options are acceptable, and entries per person are limited to the number indicated in the contest form. Entries will be reviewed and duplicate or uncompleted entries will be removed.
* If you have problems using Rafflecopter, be sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have JavaScript updated.
NOTE - You must complete the specified entry task in order to be eligible to win the contest. If you click the green entry button without completing the task, your entry will be thrown out (disqualified from winning the prize).
*Contest is open to all residents of the 48 Contiguous States and only to those 18 or older!
*Winners will be chosen by random. The winners will receive their choice of cookie box or tin valued at up to $75 from this cookie tin and gift box page.
*Winners will be notified via e-mail. You must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
*The full list of rules can be found here .
*Sweepstakes ends at midnight EST on May 26th, 2013. The sweepstakes winners will be announced by June 2nd, 2013.

Enter using Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tips to Save for Your First Home

2013-05-14T22:44:00.001-04:00

From navigating savings accounts to learning how to get a fixed rate bond, saving for your first home can be very difficult! While I don't consider myself to be a financial expert, I do believe in saving when you can to achieve a big goal. It's more than just clipping coupons--it's a entire lifestyle change.

Is that how you feel right now?

Tips to Save for Your First Home

I'm not looking at "big picture" things like make more money and investing. I'm looking at the little things you can do every day that can add up over time.

1. Create a Spending Log. Write down everything you spend EVERY day. You will be surprised at how your tiny purchases make your daily spending unreasonable. I created a log a while back and realized that I could go DAYS without spending a cent. It just required proper planning...and this is where number two comes into play.

2. Meal Plan. You will be less likely to splurge on take out if you already have the crock pot going or dinner defrosting. I know that when we go out to eat, it's easy to drop $50 and that's on a "cheap" restaurant. Two drinks, two entrees, tip... it adds up! I recommend using a service like Emeals that is easy, cheap (my year plan was free through their blogger program), and accessible on your iPhone so you always have your grocery shopping list on hand. Make your own coffee, bring your lunch, and make your favorite foods at home.

3. Learn How to Say No. It might be hard to miss a friend's birthday or travel for a wedding, but sometimes you just have to say no. It is impossible to commit to every friend or family member's event -- especially if you are working with a small budget. Don't skip out on your best friend's bash (obviously), but think about how many commitments you can feasibly do without blowing your budget. Some of my friends have events EVERY weekend. That would be impossible to do on my budget (and I'm not saving for a house!). Learning to say no is very difficult, but making a plan for how many obligations you can do will make things easier as more invitations arrive.

4. Market Your Skills. You don't have to get a part time job bagging groceries, but it might be advantageous to do freelance or side work for a company in your field. Are you a good writer? Do you design websites? There are many creative gigs available through a variety of freelancing websites. Use your skills to your advantage. A few extra writing assignments a month can add up over time.

5. Cancel under-utilized "extras." I'm talking CABLE. I am still shocked at the number of people I know that are cable subscribers when most of their favorite shows are available on Hulu. Cutting the cord is easy, and the dollars saved are huge. We at one time had a cable bill of $150...and I'm pretty sure that was the "basic" package. It's ridiculous. Even if you can afford that bill with your budget, I find it crazy that it costs so much to watch television. Other under-utilized extras include unlimited packages on your smart phone, monthly memberships that you don't use (the gym?), warehouse memberships (Sam's Club, etc.), subscription services that are underwhelming (Birchbox, etc.). All the little "extras" certainly add up. Can you cut $200 from your monthly expenditures? I bet you can!

What do you think? Are you motivated to work toward saving for your first home?

8 Months + Mother's Day

2013-05-14T22:05:00.001-04:00

I want to write this on Monday, but it didn't happen. I've been kind of mad at my computer and needed a break. I get very frustrated when things (like computers!) don't work like they should, so I just stepped away for a few days.

Either way! Cannon is eight months old and we celebrated my first "real" Mother's Day (we celebrated last year too but this time Cannon got to enjoy too!). It's amazing how fast time flies and sometimes I feel like I'm just going through the motions. I'll wake up Monday morning and all of a sudden snap out of my trance and realize it's Friday night. I'm trying to slow down and enjoy the days as they come, but between my mandatory 8 hours of sleep (or else I'm a monster) and my long days at work ... things just go by in a big blur.

Some mornings I will look at Cannon and say ... WHY IS HE SO HUGE?! How did that happen!?

Eight Months.

Likes: Eating. Puffs. Crawling everywhere. Putting things in his mouth that don't belong there. Petting (aka pulling) the dogs. Swinging. Standing. Destroying electronics (he has snapped off the cover to our Blu ray player and pulled out the disc drive on our xbox).

Dislikes: He has been a very happy baby lately. He doesn't fuss (much) and seems to enjoy going to daycare. He doesn't like when I put him in his carseat and he doesn't like when daycare is chaotic when I drop him off (I can't just get him settled with toys if babies are crying, he likes to be held and for it to be quiet!).

Sleeping: He is out by 8pm and is up by 5am...maybe 6am. It just depends. He was waking up in the middle of the night this past week.

Clothing: 6-9 month stuff is fading fast. He's basically wearing everything else we have!

Diapers: 3

Adventures: Swimming! We have enjoyed a few brief moments in the pool and he seems to really like it. He likes to splash and play. He likes swinging at the playground and STANDING. We have a toy that you stand and push and he seems to really be into it.

Grandma brought a swing that we attached to our tree out back. He loves it!

Weekend Blog Block Party

2013-05-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to be hosting a new weekend "blog party." I love networking on the weekends (it's the only way I have time to do so!), so I am glad this little link up was created! Please join us and spread the word!

Welcome to the FIRST Weekend Blog Block Party! I am THRILLED to be hosting with five amazing bloggers (you will see all six of us listed in the first six spots on the Bloglovin' list). That means when you link up here, your links show up in FIVE other places, too. Life is good! Ok, so let's get this party started? Did you bring your salad or dessert? Just kidding! Link it up! XO, ellie

Bridge - Captiva Island

2013-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

This week's photography topic was bridge. I remembered that I had snapped this photo back in February. It's not very special, but Captiva Island is a beautiful place.

What makes this photo stand out, for me at least, is the splashes of water on the rocks. I love how this photo captured the movement of the Gulf.

Colorful Front Doors {home decor}

2013-05-08T07:04:00.002-04:00

There is this empty house in our neighborhood, and I love the color of the front door. Paired with an aqua mailbox, it's one of the brightest houses on our street!

I knew that I had seen a "pin" of some colorful front doors in the past, so here are my favorite ways to add a bit of color to your home.

What color is your front door? Ours is beige and we are renting -- so no crazy colors here. Maybe one day though!

I do love the decals that I am seeing online ...

Adorable, right?

Linked up:

Cinco de Mayo!

2013-05-06T06:18:00.001-04:00

Cannon's first Cinco de Mayo

(and first "big" get together!)

Sangria Bar!

Cannon playing in the dog water bowl ... before being rescued.

To make this post "Mommy Mondays" friendly, let's talk about how he refused to nap the whole day? He fussed for a long time before finally succumbing to sleep. Did he know there was a lot of excitement going on? He was a bit of a handful! It seems that he is on a decent nap schedule from going to daycare, but I think we ruin it on the weekends.

Two teeth!

I shared the party details and sangria recipes over on Sunny Soirees. See you there!

Graduation Guide: When to Send Invites

2013-05-05T21:31:00.001-04:00

Butterfly Garden Photography

2013-05-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

The park near our house is home to a quaint butterfly garden. I was so amazed at how many butterflies were hanging around and came back with my camera. I took these last weekend, and I was happy to see that insects/animals were the photography challenge for the week.

And, what's next to the butterfly garden? GIANT SUNFLOWERS.

I love this place and can't wait to go back! I had to put my camera above my head and pray I made the shot. Took a few tries ;)

Craftsy's Free Mini-Courses

2013-05-01T07:27:00.001-04:00

Craftsy's mini-courses have the same great content that you've come to expect from Craftsy.com, but feature student-led discussions and are shorter in length than regular courses. They are a perfect way to learn new skills and experience the Craftsy platform first-hand.

The Craftsy mini course I want to take is:

Perfect Pizza at Home with Peter Reinhart

What You’ll Learn

To make five types of pizza dough: Sicilian (pan), country-style, American Neopolitan, Classic Napoletana, and gluten-free
Four fresh sauce recipes: Tomato, basil pesto, herb oil, and spicy garlic oil
Sophisticated and simple cheese choices
Baking decisions that result in golden brown, bubbling crust

I'm personally all about the food courses, but if you're into sewing or jewlery making -- they have a bunch!

Check out all of the other free Craftsy mini-courses by clicking here.

A Day at the Park + Daycare Thoughts

2013-04-29T07:29:00.001-04:00

Cannon turned 8 months old over the weekend and celebrated it with his first runny nose. Awesome. This kiddo will NOT let you clear his boogers without screaming like a maniac, so that has been challenging. Silly daycare. Two weeks, two sicknesses.

Daycare was not as hard as I thought it would be. Before I started work, we put him in two days as a "trial." A half day first, then a full day. It was not that awful (for me or for him). He now is always giggling and playing when I come pick him up. He gives the teachers kisses. He seems to really enjoy it. It is great for my peace of mind to see him so happy at daycare.

I'm sure not every day is laughs and sunshine, but I am confident leaving him there everyday. I will say that I was not impressed with their facilities or their teachers -- at first. They have grown on me in these three weeks and I do really like them. Their pricing is on the more affordable end so it's not this mega daycare with huge playgrounds and tons of teachers.

I started to wonder if any daycare would meet my standards ... so I trudged along at this place. After his first full week, I really was "sold" on it. He seems to be much happier when I leave and pick him up, and he is on a SCHEDULE now. How crazy is that?

Here's photos of our stuffy baby from the weekend at the park down the street from our house:

(Seriously... LOVE this park. It's so nice and it's a ten minute walk from home.

I'm so happy we moved!)

SWINGS are his favorite!

All right dude ... licking the swings is not going to help your immune system.

BOOGERS.

HOT MESS express. Me after cleaning and unpacking all day ... ready for a jump in the pool!

Cocktail Recipes + New Blog!

2013-04-29T07:18:00.003-04:00

Are you following my new blog yet? As I transition this blog to being a more personal reflection of my life, the good stuff is over on Sunny Soirees!

Take a look at this cocktail recipe today ... thinking of happy hour yet?

Come join!