Fireflies and Jellybeans

Show Off Your Stuff Party #111

2012-01-25T17:35:00.000-06:00

Hello and Welcome to our Show Off Your Stuff Party!

This week I am showing off:

My Tie Belt

My new pattern for sale in my shop:

Double Wine Tote

Use the Code: FIREFLIES to get 20% off!

Is 2012 the year you want make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 3 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Double Wine Tote Pattern Release!

2012-01-25T06:00:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to release my next Pattern into my shop: Funky Joy.

The double wine tote is the perfect way to carry your wine safely anywhere you want to go. Whether you are going to a party or an evening with close friends and family, you are sure to look stylish with this chic wine tote!

It would make a great hostess gift or wedding present!

**This pattern also comes with a license to sell what you make!**

It has been tested by several sewing bloggers, and I got some great feed back!

1. Greta (personal blog)
2. Tanya at Sew Many Dreams
3. Caroline at Artfully Caroline
4. Terri at A Creative Princess
5. Susan at Fruitful Words
6. Jenn at A Jennuine Life

Here is what they have to say about it:

I made the wine tote and love it! The directions were awesome and easy to follow. (Terri)

I have never sewed with felt before and I was surprised at how easy it was to use and how smart the final product looks. As far as the pattern goes, I was thrilled with all the photos. They added clarity to the written directions which is something needed for us visual learners. (Susan)

The pattern instructions were clear and simple. I don't drink wine, so that's balsamic vinegar and rice wine vinegar on board! For other non-drinkers, you could also market this as for balsamic-and-olive-oil hostess gifts, etc. (Tanya)

To celebrate I am giving away 1 pattern to a lucky F&J follower! Just leave a comment on this post and you are entered!

**Giveaway ends at midnight tonight and I will email the winner. **

Be sure to check out the Double Wine Tote Pattern in my shop: Funky Joy!

Use the Code: FIREFLIES at checkout and get 20% off !

Tie Belt Tutorial

2012-01-23T08:25:00.003-06:00

Today I have a SUPER easy project... It will take less then 15 minutes to make! A cute tie belt.

Here is what you need:

A tie {I grabbed mine from my hubby... yes, I asked first!}

A set of D Rings {found at the fabric store in the notions section}

Sewing machine with tread, scissors, etc...

I measured around my waist and decided to cut a couple inches of the SMALL side of the tie. I didn't want it to hang down to far. This is totally optional.

Fold over the end of the tie 2 times so that you have a finish edge and make a loop for your set of D rings (you should have two of them.)and sew as close to the rings as possible. I sewed a couple of times just to reinforce the seam. {Might i suggest using a coordinating color Thead too! White was already loaded in my machine so that is what I went with!}

DONE!

It is such a fun accessory!

Linking to:

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

2012-01-20T17:00:00.001-06:00

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

We get all of our prescriptions from Walgreens. My family has quite a few prescriptions each month since my hubby is Type 1 Diabetic. We choose Walgreens because all of their stores are in the same network. If we are in one Walgreens prescriptions database... we are in all of them. It has come in handy on a couple of times when the one of the pharmacies ran out of a drug that was needed but, they called the next nearest Walgreens and filled our prescription there NO PROBLEM! You cannot do that at other pharmacies!

I also LOVE the drive thru. When I have 2 kids in my car, the last thing I want to do is get them out and bring them into a store to pick up a prescription. But my Walgreens has a drive thru window for prescriptions, so no getting out of my car! My son always asks if we can get a small fry when we are at the Walgreens window... sorry buddy, different drive thru!

All this is to say: I am a Walgreens Customer, and that is not going to change anytime soon. Plus there is a Redbox right outside my Walgreens... I can pick up my {prescription} drugs, candy and a movie all at the same place! : )

There is a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens! For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $5. Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions.

Other benefits include:
-Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
-Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies
-Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services

You can also follow Walgreens on Facebook and Walgreens on Twitter

Show Off Your Stuff Party # 110

2012-01-18T17:30:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to the Show Off Your Stuff party!

This week I am showing off:

My Doodle Chalkboard Mugs

Some fun hairdos to get you out of your mom-ponytail rut!

Is 2012 the year you want make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 3 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Doodle Chalkboard Mugs

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

I love a cup of hot cocoa on a cold day! Here is a fun way to spruce up your plain mug! A Chalkboard Doodle mug... It is a really easy way to personalize a mug for a friend, family member, or yourself!

Supplies:MugShelf paperDecoArt's Chalkboard PaintDecoArt's Glass Paint MarkersFoam Brush

1.Cut out a frame out of the shelf paper. I get my shelf paper from the Dollar Tree. I used my Silhouette to cut out the frame shape but you could use and X-acto knife or scissors too. Place the frame on the mug.

2. Paint on the Chalkboard Paint. You don't need primer but you can lightly sand the area if you want to. I did 3 coats of chalkboard paint. Once the paint has dried you can take off the shelf paper.

3. Use the Glass Paint Markers to doodle on your design around the out side of the mug. I made 3 different mugs with 3 different designs. You can google "doodles" for inspiration.

Add some yummy Hot Chocolate and you are set! {These mugs are hand-wash only... if you put them in the dishwasher the chalkboard paint will come off}

Beauty Resolutions: No more Pony-Tail! Easy fun Hairdos! {#CleverBeauty, #spon}

2012-01-16T06:00:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

This year I am going to get out of my mom-ponytail rut I am in and start doing so fun hair-dos! My beauty resolution is to pay more attention to my hair! This is going to mean a little more effort on my part, but I figured if I had a couple go-to hairdos it would be easier.

Of course I went to the web for inspiration and here are 3 easy hairdo that look great! All three hairdos use products that you may already have or could get at a drug store like Walgreens! They are also great hair dos for the day after you wash your hair!

I wanted a verity of hairdos... some up and some down. I picked tutorials that are easy to follow and work on several different hair types.

The first one is the Elegant Half up. This one just uses bobby pins.

Here is my version! It still looks great with longer and wavy hair!

The second one is the One Sided Braid. All you need is an elastic band. I love braids right now!

Here is my version:

I like that it is simple, but yet the braid add a little bit of interest.

The third one is for Classy Pigtails. All you need are elastic bands and boobypins. Oh, how I love the pigtail trend!

Here is my version.

I used a headband and I braided my hair instead of leaving it as pigtails... see above! :)

I have more fun hairdos on my Pinterest fashion board, feel free to check out (and follow me too if you want!).

So, do you have an BEAUTY resolutions this year? Do you have any favorite Hairdos that you want to share? I love to hear your comments! Talk to me!

Guest Post: Lisa's Craft Blog {Cell Phone Pocket Tutorial}

2012-01-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

Today we are welcoming Lisa of Lisa's Craft Blog!

_______________________________________________________________________

Hi there!! I'm Lisa and I blog over at Lisa's Craft Blog!! My blog started as just a place for me to share my love of crafting with my friends and family. Last year, I decided to change the focus to a more mainstream craft blog and am loving meeting so many new and wonderful people!!

A while back I'd found the Cell Phone Pocket tutorial here at Fireflies & Jellybeans and thought it was a great idea!!!!

I decided to try it myself and put my own spin on it!! Today I'm going to share with you how I decorated my Cell Phone Pocket using a felt applique and lace. Let's get started on the tutorial!!

SUPPLIES

Felt in desired colors

Velcro

Lace fabric

Lace Trim

Button

Embroidery floss

Fabric glue

Step 1: PREP POCKET FORM

Here are the original instructions on the dimensions for your felt pocket pieces:

1 rectangle of main color (about an inch wider and longer than your cell phone or Ipod)

1 rectangle + strap of main color (the rectangle is the same size as the other one - the strap is 1.5 inches by 5 inches - it should be all one piece)

Sew or stick-on your Velcro pieces to the top of both pieces (as shown above).

Step 2: CUT OUT APPLIQUE PIECES

Trace and cut out your pattern in both felt and the lace fabric.

Note: I used the template found HERE.

Step 3: SEW APPLIQUE

Cut a 3rd piece of felt in your main color that is about 1" shorter and narrower than the smaller pocket form felt piece.

Place your lace piece on top of the felt applique and then using a blanket stitch, sew both pieces at once onto the center of the 3rd piece of felt.

Step 4: ADD LACE TRIM

Using your fabric glue, attach your lace trim under the entire edge of the appliqued felt piece.

Step 5: ATTACH TO POCKET FRONT

Using a back-stitch, sew the lace-trimmed, appliqued piece to the front of the pocket form (smaller felt pocket piece).

Step 6: BLANKET STITCH POCKET

Blanket stitch around the bottom and two sides of your pocket form. Do not sew the top, because you won't be able to put your cell phone in it!!

Step 7: ADD BUTTON (optional)

If you want disguise your Velcro closure to look like a button one, just sew a button on the front of the strap.

FINISHED!!

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial!! I know I had a blast with it!! You should definitely make one for yourself or as a gift - you'll enjoy it too!!

If you happen to like step-by-step crafty tutorials, I hope you'll stop by Lisa's Craft Blog because I have many for you to browse through. The 3 most popular tutorials right now are the Puzzle Piece Ornaments Tutorial, the Wire-Wrapped Tree of Life Ornament/Pendant Tutorial, and the Christmas Card Book Tutorial.

If you happen to stop by before January 31st, you can even enter my Grand Re-Launch Giveaway to try and win one of 3 crafty prize packages that have a combined value of over $175!! How fun!!

Thanks to Fawnda & Jeannine for allowing me to share my version of their great tutorial!! I've had a great time here at Fireflies & Jellybeans, but now I must head home to Lisa's Craft Blog and give my readers some attention!! hehehe

Thanks for reading!! Until next time...

My word of the year...

2012-01-13T15:19:00.004-06:00

SO, there is something you should know about me... I am a little bit of a rebel [not too much to really get in trouble}. When someone tells me to do something. I want to do the complete opposite. So when the idea of having a word of the year came around... I couldn't just pick ONE word... I had to be a little rebellious.

My word of the year is:

Yep- 2 words! :) But it is one idea so I am going to count it and I hope you do too! I have some ugly parts of me that I need to get rid of. Here are a few ugly things I need to LET GO of this year:

I have a strong sense of fairness. If something is not fair for me or my kids, I get angry and that anger turns to bitterness.

Bitterness eats away at me and I cannot get past it.

To help me let it go, I am going to say this verse when I start to feel the bitterness come on "Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." Out-loud if possible. There is power in God's word and I am going to use it!

I am controlling. Not in the clean-freak, organizing way (I wish I was more like that!), but in a "let me tell you what to do" sort of way. I like to have things go my way. I am a decisive person, and most times I am right {ok- all the time, I am right!} It can drive me crazy if someone does not do something the same way that I would have.

Control...I want total control. It is just not possible.

I don't need to get worked up over other peoples decisions! When I get the urge to control a situation I am going to say to myself "I am not them, they are not me... I am not going to think about it" {there is going to be a lot of self talk this year!}

Judgment just piggy-backs off of my controlling nature. It is so easy for me to jump to judgement when someone chooses a different path than me.

I have always tried to keep this part of me in check, it is the main reason I am not on facebook {Jeannine runs our F&J facebook page}. All those FB statuses to judge...Oh, I could be all kinds of ugly on Facebook. {I am not against FB... it is just not right for me}

Another step to help me out is to have this verse memorized: Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. I think the world would be a much better place if we forgave instead of judged.

I have a creative mind. It is great when I am working on crafts during the day... but it is a bit scary at night. My mind races to all sorts of horrible things to worry about and fear. I have some major anxiety at times. To the point of paralyzing panic attacks. I worry about my kids, my husband, my life.

I am letting go of caffeine this year. It is a trigger to my anxiety, so it is going bye-bye. I have been off caffeine for about a month and I don't miss it that much!

I have to repeat outloud what I know about my God.

My God is BIG

My God loves me

My God WILL take care of me and my family.

My God conquered death

My God is in Control (not me!)

My God is WITH ME- all the time

My God knows what is best.

So this year I am going to "Let go and Let God"!

Yep- totally cheesy and cliche but I had to say it because it is true!

What is your word of the year? Leave me a note or a link in my comments!

Show Off your Stuff Party # 109

2012-01-11T16:27:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to our Show Off Your Stuff Party!

This week I am showing off:
My new Counter tops on the CHEAP!

My Cute Heart Crafts

Check out our AWESOME giveaway from DailyScoup for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Is 2012 the year you want make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 3 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

DailyScoup deals Giveaway! Amazon Gift card!

2012-01-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

We all love a great deal right!

Anyway we can save a buck or two is awesome!

I am so excited to introduce you to a new daily deal site: DailyScoup!

DailyScoup offers daily deals for 50-90% off! Sounds great right!?

I know that most of you are thinking... "oh, so it is just like Groupon or LivingSocial." Not exactly. Although all these site offer great deals, DailyScoup is able to offer a verity of deals that the others are not.

DailyScoup does not charge the merchant for featuring a deal. This makes DailyScoup merchant friendly and are able to offer deals that Groupon and LivingSocial are not. More verity for you!

Here is how it works: Each sCoupon is $1. Every deal is going to be for 50 -90% off so you will get a GREAT saving for your $1. For example, if a business is offering a 60% off coupon, you pay just $1 for the sCoupon. You will then be able to redeem it at the business paying only 40% for the service.

Now here is how you get in on the giveaway!

DailyScoup is offering 2 Amazon gift cards for $25 each to F&J followers!

To enter go HERE and register at DailyScoup. Come back and tell me you did so {also make sure your e-mail is in your profile or your comment}! That is it!
{*Must be an F&J follower in order to win}

This is a SUPER fast giveaway! So be sure to get your scoup on!
It will only be open for 2 days {until January 12th at midnight}.
The winners will be notified my email on Friday.

Must be over 18 to enter. US resident/mailing addresses only

Good Luck!

Heart Crafts with Lifestyle Crafts!

2012-01-10T06:00:00.013-06:00

Lifestyle Crafts has some new die cuts just in time for Valentines Day! They are the Sweetheart Shapes and I have some fun projects you can do with them to get ready for the big day of love!

The great thing about Lifestyle Crafts die cuts are that they work in most die cutting machines! I have a discount code at the bottom of the post for F&J readers!

For the card and the streamers you will need:

Scrapbook Paper or card-stock

Nesting Heart Die cuts from Lifestyle Crafts.

Sewing machine

For the Card:

Cut your card stock into a 8X6 piece and fold in half. Find the die cuts that will fit on your card.

Cut out your hearts in alternating papers place (do NOT glue) on your card.

Use your sewing machine and sew a line down the middle of the hearts.

Add your embellishments and fold out the sides of the heart to give it a 3-d feel and you are done!

For the Heart Streamers:

Cut out 5 heart shapes in two papers (or one double-sided paper)

Bring you hearts over to your sewing machine. Layer the hearts with wrong-sides-together and line them up along your sewing machine from biggest to smallest.

Sew down the middle of the hearts. When you get to the bottom of one heart line up the next heart and sew down the middle of that one, continuing on so that all the hearts are in a line.

It should look like this:

Make some more and hang them up!

Make your own {no sew} heart patches:

you will need:

Fabric

Nesting Heart die cuts from Lifestyle Crafts (I used the Scallop hearts for this one)

Heat and Bond

Piece of clothing to put the patches on.

Iron on the Heat&Bond to the WRONG side of the fabric {Use the Heat&bond instuctions}. I cut my fabric to be 6 inches wide so that it would fit in to my Epic 6 Die Cutter

Decide what hearts sizes you want to use and run the fabric through the die cutter.

Peel off the paper backing off the Heat&Bond fabric and iron it on to your clothing. I used my patches to cover up dirty knees on some legging. But I think it would be ADORABLE on a shirt or dress for Valentines day!

Get 20% off your order at Lifestyle Crafts with code: FIREFLIES

Don't forget to enter into to Lifestyle Craft's I Made This Challenge! This Giveaway this week, you could win a $500 shopping spree to Lifestyle Crafts along with a bundle of Echo Park Paper!!

Check out DailyScoup for awesome deals... 50-90 % off!

PartyLite Giveaway!

2012-01-09T19:00:00.002-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PartyLite for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Now that all the Christmas decorations are down, it feels a little empty in my house. I love having my house look festive for the season. An easy way to redecorate is by changing out your candles and candle holders. PartyLite candles and decor are a great way to "redecorate and refresh" every season at no or nearly no cost by earning scented candles, candle warmers, home decor accessories, reed diffusers and more!

PartyLite is the world's #1 direct seller of premium candles and home-fragrance products. PartyLite has always offered customers Platinum Quality – the very best candles you can buy anywhere! They sell products in over 17 counties and there’s a PartyLite party going on somewhere in the world every 18 seconds! That is a lot of partying... If you haven't been to one, don't you want to see what you are missing out on?! By hosting a party you get all kinds of FREE products!

I am loving all their ScentGlow warmers. With little ones around it is nice not to have an open flame.

PartyLite's Winter/Spring Catalog came out on Dec 16th and includes all the ScentGlow Warmers pictured here!

Party Lite is also giving you a change to shop for Free! They are offering 1 F&J follower a $15 gift Credit to their online store!

To enter you have to Like the PartyLite Facebook page and come back and leave a comment. {Must be an F&J follower to win}

The Fine Print:

Limit one redemption. Valid thru Feb. 15, 2012.
Sorry, this offer is not available for online orders attached to Parties. Discount can be applied to merchandise total only. Cannot be applied to tax or shipping and handling charges.

New Counter Tops for a New Year! {How-to!}

2012-01-09T07:45:00.004-06:00

Our counter tops were old... they needed up dating. New counter tops are expensive and we have other things to spend our money on. They were a plain color yellow. They were not horrible but, they did have a few dings and stains on them.

Enter Giani Granite Counter top paint! Giani Granite paint is your counter top solution that is fun, easy, and beautiful! For a fraction of the cost you can update your counter tops!

Giani Counter top Paint comes in a kit that has EVERYTHING you need to update your counter tops in a weekend. They even include video instructions that walk you through the process step-by-step!

Here is an overview of how to use the product!

Step 1: Clean your counters really good. Fill in any holes or cracks with wood filler. Tape them off. I also use some brown paper to cover my dishwasher.

Step 2: Prime the counter tops. The kit comes with the primer and the roller. We covered our paint tray with tin foil for easy clean up! The coverage of the primer is AWESOME. We needed only one coat! It rolls on very smooth and easy with the roller. My hubby cut in {with the foam brush included in the kit} and I rolled.

We got the Sicilian Sand color kit.

Step 3: Applying the texture look of the granite. The kit comes with three mineral colors and a sponge to apply them with. We cut up the sponge into 3 different sizes {small, medium and large} and used the sponges to apply the different layers. We worked with all three colors at once in a small area and them moved on to the next spot. We also used a stiff brush to cut into some of the harder to reach spots. The video in the kit goes over this technique and it also include a piece of card stock to practice on.

First layer of the mineral color {brown}

Second layer {beige}

Third layer {white}

Here is a shot of the counters once all the layers were done. I love the depth of the colors.

Step 4: Applying the top coat... I did not get pictures of this, but you roller on the clear top coat... careful not to leave any roller lines. The video also goes over this and it is easy to follow... wait for it to dry and do a second coat of the top coat. Now you let it cure for 3 days before you put anything light on it and 14 days total for it to fully cure.

I am not going to lie to you... I was skeptical that this would turn out to look like a nice new counter top. But, Giani Granite Paint does look very nice. I had some friends over and they all noticed the counter tops in a good way. And they all were VERY impressed that I painted them. It looks, feels, and works like professional counter tops!

The counter top's finish holds up great to my everyday wear and tear. The multicolor texture hides the dirt and messes great too! Which is always a bonus with young kids!

It took my hubby and me a weekend to complete this project. It was not hard to do and the video makes it even easier. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to update your counter top, Giani is a way to go!

Check out their video for more information!

*** Disclosure: Giani provided me with the Granite Paint Kit for Free in hopes that I would blog about the results. All opinions are 100% mine.***

Linking to:

Guacamole Recipe! Avocados from Mexico Guac Off recipe Contest!

2012-01-08T21:00:00.001-06:00

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

Guacamole is one of our very favorite dips at my house! My daughter (20 months old) downs the stuff like it is candy! Here is my not-so-secret recipe:

2 Avocados
Cilantro
Purple Onion
garlic powder
Salt
lime

Slice the avocados in half and scoop our the pit with a spoon

Use the spoon to scoop out the fruit {be care to save the shell to use for serving}

Cut the fruit into slices and place in a food processor.

Cut off about a hand full of Cilantro and place in the food processor. Pulse the food processor to chop up the cilantro and avocados

Cut up about 1/3 of the purple onion into small pieces and put in the food processor. Pulse to mix and chop the onions into the dip.

Slice the lime to add the juice. Add Juice to taste. I use about 1/2 of the lime for juice {that gives it a strong lime taste} Also, add Garlic power and salt to taste. I like a little garlic and a lot of salt!

Serve in the empty avocado shell with chips!

I entered my Gauc recipe into the Avocados from Mexico Guac Off Recipe Contest!

Do you have a yummy Guacamole recipe to share? Enter it in to the Avocados from Mexico Guac Off Recipe Contest and you have a chance to win some AWESOME prizes!

Here is the playbook on how to enter!

First Down:
Submit your favorite guacamole recipe using your most valuable player- Avocados from Mexico- along with one photo of the recipe.

Second Down:
Avocados from Mexico will select the top 10 qualified players to be posted on the Avocados from Mexico on Facebook

Third Down:
There will be a grand prize winner in the following three categories: Most Popular, Best Recipe and Most Creative. Avocados from Mexico will choose the Most Creative recipe, Chef Roberto Santibañez will choose the Best Recipe, and Most Popular will be chosen by the Facebook voters. Touch Down!

You all should huddle your teammates- friends, family and coworkers- to vote for your recipe and win the Most Popular category!

Here is the prize package:

Three lucky winners will receive an iPad 2 and autographed cookbook by Celebrity Chef Roberto Santibañez and 7 runners-up will receive a $200 grocery gift card and autographed cookbook by Celebrity Chef Roberto Santibañez.

Plus, just for playing, all entrants are automatically entered into a separate sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 grocery gift card. Ten winners will be selected.

Check out some more Avocados from Mexico recipes too!

Let me know if your enter! I would LOVE to see your recipe!

Goals for F&J in 2012

2012-01-06T09:51:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking and formulating plans for F&J for a while now. I even asked you to take a survey to help in these plans (You still can take the Survey HERE!). Here are some of the results of the survey... because I LOVE numbers!

Types of projects:
{People could choose more then one option}

83% of you like Home Decor projects best
68% of you like Sewing projects best
41% of you like paper crafts
41% of you like party ideas

How you feel about different articles on F&J:

100% love/like DIY Tutorials
73% love/like Guest posts
53% love/like Giveaways... 8% found giveaways annoying
67% love/like Craft item reviews
59% love/like Iron Crafter... 12% have never heard of it.
92% love/like Show Off Your Stuff Party
75% love/like Craft Challenges/ Themed Linky parties
77% love/like Personal blog posts

My thoughts on the survey:
Overall I am so happy that you like/love F&J! Thanks so much for you awesome feedback! I now know to work on more home decor and sewing projects...but will also keep paper crafts and party ideas around too!

I have mostly kept our craft blog free of most of my personal stuff. I figured most of you come to see my DIY tutorials and are not interested in me and all my problems... but I was wrong (77% of you love/like that kind of stuff!). I will try to have more personal content here on the blog... probably on the weekends. I feel like God is laying some things on my heart to share so I will start with those! :)

Here is what I am keeping:
DIY tutorials... lots of them!
Show Off Your Stuff Party
Craft Challenges/ Themed linky parties
Giveaways - I know that some of you find them annoying but they are a fun way to introduce a new company to you so I am going to keep them... if you don't like them you can skip those posts!

Here is what I am adding:
Personal blog posts

Here is what I am considering dropping:
Iron Crafter... it is a lot of work and I am not sure if a little over half of you love/liking it is enough... I have not fully decided on this one yet and may try to think of an edited version of it.

Some other goals for F&J:
I want to get back to painting and drawing again. I love to draw/paint and did it a lot before I had kids. I want to get back into that skill and I will probably showcase some of my work here... if it fits to have a tutorial I will absolutely include that!

I also want to create more printables for you here on the blog. If it is a pattern or design or art I want to offer more ways for you to make a craft! I think I only made 2 this year so I think I can improve upon that! :)

Use F&J for the greater good. God has really been hitting me hard with this. With the small success I have seen with this blog comes opportunity to help others. I don't want this blog to be about me, me. me... I want to make a difference. Some ideas are still getting worked out... but I will share them with you as soon as I get them sorted out!

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Show Off Your Stuff Party # 108

2012-01-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

Hello and Welcome to the first Show Off Your Stuff Party of the year! 2012 is going to be great here at F&J and I am excited to see what you all have in store for us today!

If you have time I would LOVE it if you would take our short survey {just 5 quesitons!} to help with the direction of F&J in 2012! We love our readers and would love their input as we move forward with this blog! PLUS: You will be entered win a $10 gift card for Starbucks just for completing the survey! Just click the link below:

Is 2012 the year you want make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 3 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Shabby Apple Dress Review and Discount code!

2012-01-04T06:00:00.004-06:00

I love my new Shabby Apple dress!
This is my 3rd Shabby Apple dress and they are all fabulous!
{See my other reviews HERE and HERE}

I got the Da Vinci dress. I love how cute it is, yet it is jersey knit so it is completely comfortable!

Seriously... it is like wearing pajamas all day long, but you look fabulous. It is the perfect dress for the mom on-the-go. Throw it on over legging and you are good!

I love the cap sleeves, the kangaroo pocket and the length. Just my style, comfy-chic!

I dressed it up with a scarf.. just to make it feel fancy.

The fit is generous so you get to order a size smaller!

Here is the Shabby Apple model in the same dress:

Shabby Apple is giving F&J readers a 10% off discount.

Just use the code: Fireflies10off
{Code expires 2/3/12}

Shabby Apple is having a site wide (excludes the Side Saddle Line) sale right now!

20% off now until the end of January with the code: NEWYEAR

***Disclaimer: I was supplied with this dress free of charge, however the opinions are 100% honest and my own! Also- I am an affiliate of Shabby Apple.***

Goals for F&J in 2012... Input needed!

2012-01-02T11:44:00.001-06:00

As the new year starts it is a good time to think about goals for the upcoming year... and this blog is no exception!

I am trying to form my goals for the direction of this blog in 2012, and would love to have some of your input before I finalize them!

If you could be so sweet and take my short survey (only 5 questions!) I would be so grateful!

To sweeten the deal I'll put your name in a drawing for a $10 Starbucks card.
Just click on the link below!

My Favorite Projects of 2011!

2012-01-01T09:12:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I showed you the top viewed projects here on F&J for 2011... today I am going to show you my top ten favorite projects that I made in 2011!

Here they are in no particular order.

Personalized Baby Play Mat

Magnet Picture Frame

Airplane Shelf

Beachy Pool Sign

Painted Floor Covering

Pom-pom Canopy

Easy Toddler Ruffle Dress

Plush Animal Backpacks

Modern Portrait Plates

Valentine Photo Art

2011 has been such a fun year for F&J and we look forward to 2012!

Happy New Year!

Top Ten F&J posts of the Year 2011

2011-12-31T06:00:00.002-06:00

Wanna know what our top ten viewed projects of the year 2011 are???
Here they are according to Google Analytics!

#10 Name Blocks

I made these name blocks for my SIL for a house warming gift. It was before I had my silhouette so no special Die-cutting tools are needed for this project!

#9 Funky Rings with Denominational Magic

This is one of my favorite crafts because I used plate joining biscuits to make jewelry! It is so fun to use items from the hardware store to make pretty things!

#8 Chalk Board Mugs

Another one of my favorites! I love that you can personalize these mugs!

#7 Ruffle-Butt Onesie

This was made from my cousin's baby girl who is now 2! WOW time flies!

#6 Reuseable Lunch Bag

One of my first sewing projects! I loved it so much I made three of them!

#5 Photo Ornaments from Christmas Cards

These are easy to make and they are beautiful to look at!

#4 Vintage Photo Gift Tags

Probably my favorite project to date! They turned out soooooooo cute! I printed them on paper bags... I love a good recycling craft!

#3 Reuseable Snack Bags

My kids love these! They used them all the time! They are more stable then the plastic bags so they are easier on little hands!

#2 Crinkle Tag Blanket

Such a fun an easy craft to wipe up for a baby shower!

AND THE #1 Viewed F&J Tutorial of the year is...

Leg Warmers from a Sweater!

These are awesome! They look great poking out the top of boot too!

A special thanks to all of our readers! We love you and are so thankful for you!
We are excited for 2012!!

Wine Tote Carrier {Free Pattern for a limited time!}

2011-12-30T06:00:00.006-06:00

I have created my second pattern for my shop Funky Joy!

I am excited about this new pattern!

It is a Double Wine Tote!

The double wine tote is the perfect way to carry your wine safely anywhere you want to go. Whether you are going to a party or a evening with close friends and family, you are sure to look stylish with this chic wine tote carrier!

It would make a great hostess gift or wedding present!

The patten comes with step-by-step instructions and pictures for each step of the way.

It also gives some ideas for alternative fabric choices and embellishment ideas!

The pattern in made for beginning sewing level.

I am offering this pattern for FREE to F&J readers in exchange for your honest critique of the pattern plus a picture of your finish product. Before I put the pattern on the market I would like some patten-testers to give it a run through.

If you are interested in testing this pattern out leave a comment below {with e-mail address attached to profile or comment} and I will e-mail you a copy of the pattern {in PDF form}.

EDITED!!! Thanks for all of your interest in being a pattern tester! We now have enough people! Look for the pattern coming soon to my Funky Joy Etsy Shop!

Show Off Your Stuff Party # 107

2011-12-29T07:52:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to the Show Off Your Stuff Party! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the new year! Come and share you favorite projects with us!

This week I am showing off:

My Kitchen Towel Calendar

Wanna make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 3 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

A Different Kind of Kitchen Calendar {Tutorial}!

2011-12-27T09:46:00.001-06:00

I love Spoonflower! It is so cool to be able to design your own fabric! I also love calendars.... combine the two and you have a winner of a project!

A Calendar Kitchen Towel

Spoonflower has a bunch of really fun tea towel calendar designs to choose from. You pick one out, order a fat Quarter of material {I got the linen-cotton canvas} and you can make a cute calendar kitchen towel! Here is the design I picked out for my Mother-in-law

Here are some other cute ones that I liked:

I ordered my fabric and waited for it to arrive. Once it a arrived I cut off the selvage edges. then I serged and hem-ed it... if you don't have a serger you can always double fold the edges to get the finished hem.

I added Velcro to the sides so that I could hang it from my oven door.
I just hung it on the oven door to measure and sewed on the velcro.

It looks adorable hanging up!

I also ordered a personalize fabric to make a hand towel to add to the calendar to complete the gift. {you can use Picnik to create your own patterns or you can upload a picture from your computer}
This was one of the Christmas gifts for my mother-in-law... but, I also think it would make a GREAT wedding gift!

Here is another project I did using Spoonflower!
Baby Play Mat:

***I am in no way affiliated with Spoonflower. I simply love the company and love to use them to make unique and fun gifts!***

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love at Christmas and always!