Mama Days

Cute Diaper Bags for a Steal!

2012-01-23T22:10:00.001-05:00

So, you guys know I love a good diaper bag.

... And you know I love a good deal...

So go check out JJ Cole bags at Baby Steals!

So. Cute.

I have some JJ Cole diaper bags and I love them! Great quality.

Happy shopping!

Long time no read

2012-01-22T09:37:00.003-05:00

Hello my beautiful readers. You may or may not have missed me, and I won't take offense. :) Our family has been transitioning continuously this past year, and september through december were probably the most challengning months. My husband was working 2 jobs at any given time, which resulted in us having zero family time. In November, I started working 3 days a week at a job I love.

December 10th, Joshua dumped a cup of boiling hot water onto himself, landing us in the trauma ED, and a hospital stay for 3 days. He had second and third degree burns all over his shoulder, chest, belly, and back. We made several trips to a burn recovery center several hours away from our home. Luckily, he healed ahead of schedule, without incident.

Needless to say, we were not mentally or physically prepared for the holidays, but they happened anyway (funny how that happens).

January came around and we had made the decision for me to go full time at my new job, and my husband is now a stay-at-home daddy. He also began working on his Masters degree.

So, we are transitioning and trying to find our groove as we all adjust to our new schedule.

I miss my boys each day. It is a challenge for me - going from staying at home with my kids for 3.5 years, to working full time.

On my 30-minute drive to work each day, I get to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. As a wonderful friend pointed out to me, that time is a gift. A gift from God. A time of peace, quiet, reflection, and prayer. When I stayed at home, there was no such quiet time. Now, I have this gift of quietness each day.

I am thankful for God providing. This year has been a time where my trust in God has been severely tried and tested. My patience and emotions have been pushed to the limit. My ability to forgive has been stretched. My heart has been broken. But I know it is all for God's glory. God will use these challenges to somehow bring glory to Himself. I'm not sure how yet, but He will.

winners!

2011-11-21T10:03:00.000-05:00

We have some winners!

The winner of the Denise Mosaics giveaway is #36... Carrie Phelps!

And the winner of the Bosheree Family Signs giveaway is #38... allison!

Congrats! I will be emailing you shortly!

I have some other giveaways coming up soon so stick around!

FREE Coffee!

2011-11-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

Free sample of Seattle's Best Coffee!

Just like their facebook page and enter your address to be sent your free sample!

MMMMM, COFFEE!

Enjoy!

new adventures

2011-11-09T13:36:00.002-05:00

Well, I have begun a part time job as a social worker this week! I think I am going to really enjoy this job. Although I do miss my boys terribly whenever I am away from them. But it works out rather nicely to have this job, because Husband is able to be with the boys when I am working. And the last several months, with the hubby working 2 jobs, he rarely got to spend quality time with the boys. So we are all looking forward to this new family schedule, as it will allow for more quality time. Hubby will return to having 1 job, and I will have a part time job. Everyone wins. :)

So, needless to say, the last several months have sort of kicked my butt. We have been so busy and stressed. Which I do not care for - because I hate the culture of BUSYNESS that everyone seems to get caught up in these days. I hate when no one ever makes the time for the important things in life, like relaxing, enjoying friends, and cultivating relationships with one another. I refuse to let busyness consume us, and I refuse to teach my children that busyness is something we should allow to happen. It's tough. But it's worth it.

On a completely different note, I am a lover of all things autumn. Maybe it's the kids ages - but this year I am thrilled for Christmas! Benny is old enough now (3 and a half years) that he is getting excited for Christmas things as well, and that makes me excited! I am not sure I'll be able to wait until after Thanksgiving this year to decorate for Christmas!

Do you have Christmas on your mind, or do you HAVE to wait until after Thanksgiving to even think about Christmas?!

A couple weeks ago we had like 6 inches of snow (before Halloween)... so I feel like autumn was just thrown out the window this year! The snow got me in Christmas-mode I guess!

Last year, we bought a plantable, live, small Christmas tree. We planted it in our yard! I love it. So we plan to do the same thing again. I am excited!

Anyway, that's all for now. (Talk about a random post...)

What are y'all up to?!

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide: Bosheree Family Signs {review + giveaway} CLOSED

2011-11-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

This is one of my very favorite personalized gift ideas, friends. Custom family signs.

bosheree custom family signs does beautiful, careful, and precise work. Look at our beautiful family sign:

We love it. I think it is elegant and beautiful, and adds such a personal touch to our home. I love the family name sign in additional to our family photo. I love how it makes our home look so warm.

Here are some other designs that bosheree custom family signs offers:

These would all make wonderful holiday gifts for family members and close friends. I am such a huge fan of personalized gifts. bosheree custom family signs would also make a perfect wedding gift or housewarming gift. And they offer baby name signs as a perfect baby-welcoming gift for a nursery. Beautiful.

So precious.

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Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win a sign of choice from bosheree custom family signs!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to bosheree family signs' shop and tell me what item you love in her shop!

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Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart bosheree on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet: win a beautiful handmade custom family sign from bosheree's etsy shop! http://tinyurl.com/d5murwv @missemmielou #giveaway #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

Subscribe to Mama Days blog via email (right column)!

(1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways!

(1 entry per giveaway entered)

Grab my regular button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will end November 18, 2011!

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide: Denise Mosaics art {review + giveaway} CLOSED

2011-11-09T12:43:00.005-05:00

I am happy to bring you another amazing handmade artist I found on etsy. Denise Mosaics offers gorgeous handmade mosaic crosses and other mosaic artwork. I am amazed at the talent and unique quality of each item in Denise's shop.

I received this beautiful cross from Denise.

I love the rainbow of colors found in this particular piece of artwork.

It displays just beautifully in our home.

Here are some of Denise's other beautiful designs:

I love the design and the colors of this turquoise cross.

And the beautiful sunshine in this cross is so bright and pretty.

I love the simplistic message of this cross.

...And the bright beauty of this cross.

Denise's mosaic art work make great gifts this Christmas. It is handmade with care, and uniquely put together, for a one of a kind Christmas gift.

I would highly recommend Denise Mosaics to you. The quality is wonderful, and so is the talent.

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DISCOUNT!

Mention to Denise that you found her shop through me, and you get 10% off your order until Christmas!! Just let her know when you order, in the note to seller. :)

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Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win a small cross of choice from Denise Mosaics!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to Denise Mosaics and tell me what item you love in her shop!

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Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart Denise Mosaics on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet: win a beautiful handmade mosaic cross from denise mosaics's etsy shop! http://tinyurl.com/c6ggwqk @missemmielou #giveaway #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

Subscribe to Mama Days blog via email (right column)!

(1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways!

(1 entry per giveaway entered)

Grab my regular button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will end November 18, 2011!

Beware: Enclosed is Holiday YUMMINESS.

2011-11-05T16:36:00.001-04:00

It's no secret I am sort of (incredibly) addicted to yummy, sweet coffees. Its my treat of choice. In fact, before the Keurig was around, we had an espresso maker, and my wonderful husband made me lattes daily, with caramel syrup (YUM!).

I was delighted to recently receive Torani flavor syrups in both sugar free pumpkin pie flavor and also hazelnut flavor. In general, I am not a fan of pumpkin flavored coffees, but I wanted to try it out anyway. I opened it up, and smelled it, and decided once again that pumpkin flavored coffees are not for me! So I offered it to a friend, who will enjoy it! Most everyone I know loves pumpkin lattes this time of year, am I right?!

The hazelnut syrup is amazing. I love it in hot coffee, iced coffee, lattes, even in hot chocolate to add some extra yumminess. You have got to try it! Chocolate-hazelnut is an amazing combination (think: Nutella)!

I am looking forward MOST to trying Torani's Salted Caramel syrup, Gingerbread syrup, and also their sugar-free Brown Sugar Cinnamon! You cannot TELL me that those wouldn't make some amazing cups of joe! :) They also have peppermint syrup available. I would not choose this, but I know quite a few people who would LOVE a peppermint mocha!

Have you tried Torani flavor syrups? What's your favorite?! What do you think of the seasonal flavors? Yum, right?!

*Fine Print: I wrote this post as a part of the SheSpeaks Torani blogging program. I received samples for review purposes free of charge. My opinions are real, though, folks. I wouldn't lie to you! *

winner!

2011-10-29T10:44:00.000-04:00

And the winner of the requited love giveaway is... #65... JillHogan! Congrats! I will be emailing you shortly!

More giveaways coming ASAP! I am working on 'em!

The Raw Truth

2011-10-19T16:44:00.001-04:00

Warning: This is a raw post. A post that is mainly for myself, to help me process my own emotions. A post about hurt. Deep, spirit wounds. Anger. Resentment. Loneliness. And becoming cynical.

Hopefully, one day, this same story will be about forgiveness. Healing. Growth. Wisdom.

But we're not there yet.

...

My husband and I dedicated nearly 4 years of our life to a ministry. A ministry in which we were abruptly and swiftly kicked out of. And we still aren't sure why. There seems to be no real reason. The ministry was growing. Healthy. Nothing "happened" that would point to any problems. We were blindsided. Completely and totally blindsided. This was in January.

This church was one that we eventually learned to think of as home. We planned to raise our kids in this church. We were whole-heartedly dedicated to the ministry and the church as a whole. Our whole family's lives revolved around striving to share Jesus with youth, while trying to also become a part of His church and build relationships and serve God.

When my husband was asked to leave without warning, we did not know what to do with ourselves. We were in shock. We didn't know how we were going to pay our mortgage, how we were going to feed our kids, where we were going to live, why this was even happening, or how we were going to ever learn to trust again. How could we move on from this hurt? We couldn't even understand why anyone would treat us this way. Especially when we looked back and saw that the people who did this to us were the same people who smiled at us on Sunday mornings, gave us Christmas gifts, and feigned interest in our sweet babies. How dare they do this to my babies? I felt very sad for my kids, who would now be thrown into a transition they didn't ask for, a transition away from everyone they have ever known. How could they do this to us? This is not how the Body of Christ is supposed to be.

We were lost in a town that we came to for this church. All of our friends were a part of this church. We had no connections apart from it. Enter: loneliness.

I quickly went into panic mode, organizing our house, getting rid of needless things, because I did not want to stay in this town. I thought for sure there was no way we could handle running into these people in the grocery store or at Target. For months, I was worried that if I were to run into any of these people, I would not be able to control my hurt when facing them. I was still searching for the "Why?" in all of this.

How could believers of Jesus Christ plot to hurt our family for months? How could no one have told us what they were planning? How did they justify this in their heads to themselves? To each other? Before God? How could they not see how unloving and heartless their actions were? If there were valid concerns, why did no one simply talk to my husband about the concerns in order to resolve the issue? (Looking back, all signs point to there being no real issues, so there was nothing to correct. They had made their minds up. That was that. Church politics is funny like that: seems like if you are friends with the right people, you can pretty much make what you want happen.... oops, there's the cynicism coming out...) It's right there in the Bible... we are called to live at peace with one another. (Romans 12:18- "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." and Hebrews 12:14- "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.") So why did these believers choose such a hurtful path? Why?

On top of this hurt, we were not allowed to say what actually happened. We were told by the church leadership that we were to lie to everyone, and say that this was our choice to leave. I guess in the end, they wanted to come out smelling like roses. And they had no real reason to do what they did, so they couldn't admit that they asked him to leave, because then people would ask "Why?"- a question that they could not answer. We were told that in order to receive severance, we were to basically just walk away, tell everyone we were leaving to "pursue new opportunities" and go merrily along our way. Just. Like. That.

And the shocking thing is, we did... and no one seemed to really notice. Or care. I can count on one hand the amount of people who have reached out to us from that church since we were asked to leave. One. Hand. From a church of MANY hundreds of people. Everyone else's lives just went on. The ministry continued. It was like we were never there. Never left. Their lives just all went on. And ours was turned upside-down.

Why am I sharing all of this? I am not sharing to make any one person or church look bad. I am not sharing for revenge. I am sharing because this blog is a forum for me to write and process what I am going through. I am sharing this because my husband and I felt our hearts hardening towards the body of Christ as a whole. We saw ourselves becoming cynical. And we knew this was not God's plan for us. We knew we needed to step back from ministry, take a break, and be spiritually refreshed, renewed, and focus on what we need to focus on: Jesus. We know God has a plan to heal us. We know there are healthy churches. We know there are believers in this world who are fully imitating the life of Christ by fully loving one another.

During all of this pain, and all of these struggles that have come along with this situation that we never thought we would have to be in, I can state confidently that I never doubted Jesus' love for me. I never once blamed God. I never once was mad at God for "doing this" to us. Because He did not do this. Imperfect, sinful people did this. Not Jesus. And only Jesus can heal this hurt.

WINNERS!

2011-10-18T10:40:00.000-04:00

The winner of the not so blank canvas giveaway is... #123...TARA!

The winner of the urban walls giveaway is... #48... CATHY!

The winner of the grace for grace giveaway is... #3... Sunflower Joy!

The winner of the red letter ink giveaway is... #71... allison!

I have emailed the winners! Congrats everyone!

Note! I had to redraw a winner because the winner initially drawn did not follow Mama Days! Make sure you follow all the rules, written in EACH giveaway post!

handmade with heart: requited love {review + giveaway} CLOSED

2011-10-08T10:24:00.002-04:00

Requited love is such a sweet etsy shop. I love the fabrics that Reesha uses. They are unique, making every item in her shop something special.

I was sent this adorable honeycomb two-zip wristlet to review.

My photos don't do it justice. It is so cute!

Reesha obviously puts a lot of time, care, and love into her work. The quality is outstanding. I love that the fabric is sturdy. It is obvious she uses very high quality fabrics and supplies when making her adorable creations.

I love it!

Take a look at some of her other sweet products:

Now that you are super in love with requited love, YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN!

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Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win an item of their choice from requited love!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to requited love's etsy shop and tell me what item you love in her shop!

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Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart requited love on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet: win a sweet handmade wristlet from requited love's etsy shop! http://tinyurl.com/3wm9jke @missemmielou #giveaway #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

Subscribe to Mama Days blog via email (right column)!

(1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways!

(1 entry per giveaway entered)

Grab my regular button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will end October 22, 2011!

Extra Giveaway Entries Opportunity!

2011-10-07T17:17:00.000-04:00

EXTRA GIVEAWAY ENTRIES OPPORTUNITY!!

1. For 10 extra entries into a giveaway: Make a purchase from the etsy shop that is hosting the giveaway! (Then, go comment on that giveaway 10 times that you did!)

2. For 10 extra entries into EACH giveaway: Make a purchase from my new mark store! http://ecotton.mymarkstore.com/ (Then, go comment on EACH giveaway 10 times that you did!)

Christmas is just around the corner...

2011-10-05T10:43:00.002-04:00

Not trying to rush your autumn, because believe me, I LOVE autumn, BUT I also LOVE planning ahead. I have already bought my kids Christmas gifts, and now I am starting to think about Christmas pictures and Christmas cards.

Ways to plan ahead this holiday season:

1. Coffee. Haha. Yes, I need coffee all year round, but especially during the holidays. So much to do!

2. Savings. If at all possible, it is best to put aside money throughout the year for these extra Christmas expenses.

3. Buy ahead. When you see a good deal throughout the year, go ahead, buy ahead. I usually begin my Christmas shopping early autumn, to spread out the expenses.

4. Lists. I am a list person. I make lists of who I need to shop for, and I write down what I buy for them as I buy. This way, I (hopefully) don't overbuy, and can easily keep track of who I still need to shop for.

5. When planning holiday get-togethers with friends and family, make a menu and shopping list for your meals, directly from the recipes, so you don't forget anything.

6. Ask friends and family to bring side dishes to holiday meals. This cuts down on your time and anxiety.

7. Take a family picture in November. We do this every year. It gives us enough time before Christmas to have Christmas cards/photos printed, without have the picture be outdated by December when we mail out cards.

8. Order your photo cards mid November, so that you can address them and mail them by early December. This way, you aren't scrambling right before Christmas to get cards to people.

9. More lists. Make a list of who you are planning to mail Christmas cards to. This way, you don't forget anyone.

10. Order some extra cards. This way, when you get a card from Great Aunt Thelma in Texas, you'll be able to send her a quick greeting in response.

Have you heard of Storkie Express stationary? I have not tried this company personally yet, but the website is full of wonderful holiday designs. After searching through their photo Christmas cards, I think I have found my favorite!

So cute and whimsical! I love it. Definitely a hint of elegance, but playful enough to use for our fun family!

What cards do you love? Check 'em out and let me know your favorite!

Storkie Express is on Facebook and Twitter!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Storkie holiday blogging program. I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are 100% mine.

mark.

2011-10-05T10:06:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of mark.?

It's kind of fabulous.

If you know me at all, you know I love make-up. I don't leave the house without mascara, eye liner, and lip gloss on my face.

mark. has some of my very favorite lip glosses. I love the hook-up lip glosses. Fabulous.

Oh! And for a limited time, shop at mark. and spend $20 or more, and get this super flip color kit for only $10!
It's a good deal.

Should I also remind you that Christmas is coming up?! I would be over-the-moon happy if Santa brought me some lip gloss and mascara in my stocking. mark. makes awesome gifts for your favorite ladies.

mark. also has a wife variety of skin care products, fragrances, hair products, and bath and body products.

Oh, Oh! mark. even has cute bags and accessories!

So, if you're not a make-up lover, that's okay... mark. still has tons of stuff you'll love.

Check it out, ladies. You won't regret it.

WINNERS!

2011-10-05T09:26:00.000-04:00

Random.org picked #146 as the winner of the Rustic Pines giveaway! Congrats to... Rhian!

Random.org picked #118 as the winner of the Doodle Graphics giveaway! Congrats to... Diana!

I will be emailing you shortly!

Thanks for entering!

hoodies, soccer, cuddles, and preschool

2011-10-04T10:03:00.000-04:00

Ah yes. Autumn is here. This mama is HAPPY! Hoodie weather is, by FAR, my favorite time of the year. Even with the rain and ickiness, I am much happier with this weather, where I can cuddle with my sweeties under blankets.

Oh! Oh! Did I tell you?! Benny has been playing soccer for a couple weeks. He's only 3, and let me tell you... it is ADORABLE. Watching 3 and 4 year olds "playing" soccer? There are no words for the level of adorableness that is displayed. Last night, we didn't get to play due to the weather... which was sad. Back at 'em next week hopefully!

AND Benny is LOVING preschool! He is my social butterfly. He is such an extrovert, it's insane. He thrives being with other kids. He doesn't care AT ALL that I leave him. He doesn't even say goodbye to me. He's sort of an awesome kid.

On a completely different note, we have been searching for a church home in the last month. After 4.5 years of being employed at a church, my husband and I have been looking forward to this time for awhile now. We are using this time to attend church as a family. We are going to be church members of a church family. Ahhhh... refreshing. We are using this time to refocus, rest, grow as a family, and heal. And we have found an amazing church. The people have already welcomed us into their HOME. We got together with some new friends last night for hot dogs and smores. It was so refreshing to be welcomed and loved by others. AND? My little social butterfly??! He BAWLED out of pure sadness when we had to leave. He had so much fun with the other kids. (Can I just say, too, that I have never seen other kids be so loving towards my children. They were so sweet! Usually Benjamin is the kid who is trying to be friendly and reach out to other kids. These kids made Benny feel right at home! No doubt, they learned this from their parents, who did the same for us.) And Joshua had fun running around and getting into everything he shouldn't get in to. We are excited for this chapter in our lives. (Although, I could do without my husband having to work 60+ hours a week, and I am sure he could live without having to set his alarm for 1:45am...).

handmade with heart: red letter ink etsy shop {art print review + giveaway}

2011-09-28T11:04:00.001-04:00

Red Letter Ink is a wonderful etsy shop I came across that am very happy to get to share with you. My love for etsy is immense, especially when I come across such sweet and inspirational shops such as Red Letter Ink. Aimee offers a variety of unique and creative art prints. Her work is inspired by her faith and the Bible.

I was sent this wonderfully bright and uplifting print for review.

It's so bright and eye-catching. A perfect way to get my attention daily to the message.

Red Letter Ink also offers this "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" print. I love the colors in this print, and it's modern, whimsical feel.

"I sing because I'm free"...

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord..."

She also offers sweet note cards!

I truly LOVE adorable note cards, because I love sending mail to others for encouragement, and to show my love for them. So, I am seriously so excited to see unique, encouraging note card designs available at Red Letter Ink.

Alright, so now that I've got you super excited about Red Letter Ink, who wants to WIN?!

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Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win the same print I received from Red Letter Ink!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to Red Letter Ink's etsy shop and tell me what item you love in her shop!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart Red Letter Ink on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet: win an art print from red letter ink's etsy shop! http://tinyurl.com/4xkypj2 @missemmielou #giveaway #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

Subscribe to Mama Days blog via email (right column)!

(1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways!

(1 entry per giveaway entered)

Grab my event button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Grab my regular button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will end October 12, 2011!

handmade with heart: grace for grace etsy shop {inspirational art review + giveaway}

2011-09-26T12:15:00.002-04:00

Art with a sweet, encouraging message. How refreshing. Grace for grace offers such sweet designs that are inspired directly from the Bible. There is no greater inspirational book. I love these designs, because they really can fit into any room of your house, no matter what your style is.

I was generously sent this wonderful "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" canvas.

It is beautiful and I love it so much. So. Much.

Friends, I really really love it.

I need this reminder each and every day, especially in our current family/job situation. And I am so pleased to have such a pretty and wonderful piece of artwork to remind me to trust in the Lord, each and every day, fully.

Grace for grace offers a variety of other designs...

Such a pretty reminder that Love never fails.

Isn't this beautiful? "Create in me a pure heart."

"I will praise the Lord with my whole heart."

"Faith. Hope. Love."

I can't wait for you to check out her etsy shop because I know you are going to fall in love with her art, just like I have.

Want to WIN?!

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Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win a $20 gift certificate to grace for grace!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to grace for grace and tell me what item you love in her shop!

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Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart grace for grace on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet: win a $20 gift certificate to grace for grace etsy shop {inspirational art work}! http://tinyurl.com/43o4gf5 @missemmielou #giveaway #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

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(1 entry)

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(1 entry per giveaway entered)

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Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will end October 12, 2011!

Handmade with Heart: urban walls etsy shop {review + giveaway}

2011-09-26T09:00:00.008-04:00

Have you discovered the new trend of vinyl wall art? Well, if not, let me tell you... it is fantastic.

Urban Walls has a variety of wall decals, including this sweet Scripture verse that I received. I put in on the wall in my basement, by my craft area. I LOVE it!

I must admit to you - because of it's large size, and my lack of experience with decals, it was challenging to put up. My husband and I both worked hard to get it displayed, and it still ended up slightly crooked. Its not so crooked that the average person notices, but if you really look, it is slightly crooked. And once it's on the wall, its on the wall. You can't really fix an error without ruining the decal.

Other than that slight challenge, I love it! It's such a wonderful idea. It looks like it's hand-painted on the wall, but it is completely removeable.

Urban Walls also has this adorable "In This House.." decal. I love it to pieces!

Urban Walls also has adorable graphic decals for any room of the house. So pretty.

I highly recommend you check out Urban Walls and all of the creative and wonderful designs that are available. You'll love them. Seriously. Love.

Want to WIN?!

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Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win a $50 gift certificate to Urban Walls!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to Urban Walls and tell me what item you love in her shop!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart Urban Walls on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Like Urban Walls on Facebook!
(3 entries, leave her a comment on her wall thanking her for the giveraway at mama days!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Urban Walls on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet: win a $50 gift certificate to urban walls decals! http://tinyurl.com/44pc7vk @missemmielou @hardydanielle #giveaway #handmade #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

Subscribe to Mama Days blog via email (right column)!

(1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways!

(1 entry per giveaway entered)

Grab my event button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Grab my regular button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will end October 12, 2011!

WINNERS!

2011-09-24T15:18:00.000-04:00

My dear friends! I am so terribly sorry for the delay in my choosing of winners. I am just now able to use a computer. And can I just tell you... the computer that is actually working is my Dell desktop from 2003! What?! Yeah. Okay... so, here we go.

The winner of the Bakeman Ceramic Art giveaway is #11... Jaime Lee!

And the winner of the Pursemafia giveaway is #57... Tara!

I will be emailing you both shortly! You have 48 hours to respond to my email before I would have to re-draw winners! :D

Thanks! I have more reviews and giveaways coming up! Seriously. Like I am working on several right now. Yep. You might want to keep checking back :)

Handmade with Heart: the not so blank canvas etsy shop {review + giveaway} CLOSED

2011-09-24T14:50:00.002-04:00

I love handmade, unique pieces in my home. When I came across the not so blank canvas's etsy shop, I was in love. I was sent this "It is well with my soul" canvas for review. I hung it in our basement, along with some picture canvases, and I could not be more in love with what was created.

I am loving this canvas so much. I love the message it delivers. I love the simple and modern look. And the quality is wonderful. Heather from the not so blank canvas does a variety of types of painted canvases, including this "What wondrous love is this" canvas...

...And this "Amazing grace how sweet the sound" canvas...

...And even some beautiful seasonal designs like this "Autumn Bliss" one.

Don't you just have to have one of these beauties?! The answer is yes. Trust me.

Ready to WIN?!

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Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win a handpainted canvas {either the "it is well with my soul" or "amazing grace how sweet the sound" canvas in color of choice} from the not so blank canvas!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to the not so blank canvas on etsy and tell me what item you love in her shop!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart the not so blank canvas on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet:

win a hand-painted canvas from thenotsoblankcanvas's etsy shop! http://tinyurl.com/3mjgukd @missemmielou #giveaway #handmade #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

Subscribe to Mama Days blog via email (right column)!

(1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways!

(1 entry per giveaway entered)

Grab my event button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Grab my regular button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will close October 11, 2011!

boo computers.

2011-09-21T12:25:00.000-04:00

ya know what is hard to do without a computer?

blog.

hence, me being mia lately. not sure when i will have a working computer again. bummer, right? any computer companies out there listening?? :)

anyway, i am not gone... just unable to blog. its taken me longer than id care to admit to type this sad post on my phone.

i will be back soon!

Before + After {our new art slash craft area}

2011-09-09T10:27:00.000-04:00

Our lovely little townhome has an awesome finished basement. We love our basement. But for the first 4.5 years we have been here, a bar has taken up about half of the basement. When we first moved in, we pictured awesome parties and entertaining awesome amounts of friends using the bar. While we entertain often, and have friends over at least once a week, we never really used the bar. It ended up being a storage center. Because it was a dry bar, it was pointless. If I was making mixed drinks, I'd have to do it in the kitchen anyway. So, I made the decision that we needed to get rid of the bar.

bye bye, bar.

It would allow us a ton more room in our wide open basement. And I thought it would be quite fun and practical to have an office/art/craft area. My husband is so artsy, and has never had a place to get up his art things and create. And I have never really had a place to do crafts with the boys. I still have a few finishing touches to put on this area, but here is the gist...

I love it! I will probably still be moving a few things around and adding a few things, but I am loving the way it is taking shape. And we have been spending so much time in this space already. I have yet to break out my new Cricut machine and create some fun things! {So. Excited.} Our family schedule has been insane and bizarre these last several weeks because of my husband changing jobs, so we haven't had much down time to actually do projects yet. But I am very much looking forward to using this space even more. :)

Next thing on the to-do list: Repaint the kitchen table. Unfortunately, although it looks pretty, it is tacky. I think a layer of old paint prevented the paint from drying and setting correctly. Sigh. At least the chairs are great! I used spray paint on the kitchen chairs and love how they turned out, and how much easier it was than brush painting. We'll see!

Handmade with Heart: Doodle Graphics print {review + giveaway} CLOSED

2011-09-09T09:49:00.004-04:00

Doodle Graphics has wonderful, inspirational prints and unique designs that I LOVE! All of Nancy's prints come mounted in a white mat ready for framing or gift giving. When shopping around etsy, you will find most prints come without matting. So, the mat is an extra plus from Doodle Graphics.

Nancy from Doodle Graphics was sweet enough to send me this lovely scripture print. I LOVE it! It is such an elegant and wonderful reminder to me. And it happens to look AMAZING in my basement, where we spend quite a bit of time. :)

I am also in love with this humorous and wonderful design:

Um yes, yes, coffee DOES smell like freshly ground HEAVEN! :) This would be perfect in my kitchen right next to my lifeblood station... I mean coffee station. :)

And look at this adorable and SUNNY print:

Nancy also makes adorable personalized baby birth prints, perfect for your baby's nursery, and would also make a perfect post-baby gift.

You are sure to find something that would suit you and your house at Doodle Graphics. :)

Ready to WIN?!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enter to Win!

One lucky reader is going to win your choice of print from Doodle Graphics (a 5x7 or 8x10 print)!

{IMPORTANT! How to Enter!}

For each entry, you must leave 1 comment on this post.

You must leave your email address in each comment!

You must be a follower of Mama Days blog (via google friend connect) to enter giveaways!

Mandatory Entry

Go to Doodle Graphics and tell me what item you love in her shop!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Entries

(these are optional)

Heart Doodle Graphics on etsy!

(1 entry, leave your etsy name)

Like Mama Days on Facebook!

(1 entry, leave me a comment on my wall letting me know you entered!)

Follow Mama Days on Twitter!

(1 entry)

Follow Mama Days via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar)!

(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway!

(3 tweets per day allowed!

tweets must be at least 2 hours apart!

leave 1 comment below per tweet!

must leave tweet URL in comment!)

Sample tweet: win a print from doodle graphics etsy shop! http://tinyurl.com/3el2v4x @missemmielou #giveaway #handmade #etsy

Blog about this giveaway!

(5 entries! leave me the URL of your blog post!)

Subscribe to Mama Days blog via email (right column)!

(1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways!

(1 entry per giveaway entered)

Grab my event button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Grab my regular button!

(5 entries, see right sidebar, leave me the URL of where you posted the button)

Fine Print

I was not paid for this review/giveaway.

I was sent a product free of charge in order to give you an honest and thorough review.

My honest opinion was given!

Open to U.S. and Canada.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen randomly out of valid entries, via random.org.

Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is drawn.

Giveaway will end September 28, 2011!