A Few of My Favorite Things

Allie & Macsen's Room Reveal!

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I FINALLY put together the finishing touches for Allie and Macsen's room on Saturday and took some pictures! Here are a few of my inspiration images for the room:

And here is the finished product:

Wood letters from Craft cuts

Giraffe pillow from Chic Decor Pillows on Etsy

Pompom pillows handmade by me :)

White down comforter from Ikea

Lantern mobile from Janiegirl crafts on Etsy

Pom poms added to mobile from Perfect Poms on Etsy

Steiff bear- gift from the grandparents :)

Stripes on the wall- contact paper (thrifted)

Crib Skirt from Carousel Designs

Changing cover- Wendy Bellissimo (thrifted)

Turquoise vase- thrifted

Horse piggy bank- Dollar store

Mirror- thrifted
Flowers- thrifted

Quilt- Made by my mom!

Thermal blanket- my old baby blanket with satin edge added

Sunshine print- Sugarfresh Etsy shop.
Frames- thirfted

Embroidered Picture - gift from my sister :)

It is so nice to finally have this room done! Now my goal is to have Macsen sleeping in his crib before he turns 3 months old in February!

Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-24T10:08:00.001-07:00

So happy to announce the winner of the GK Hair Giveaway:

Jamie ClarkJan 9, 2012 03:44 PM

I follow you!

Congrats Jamie! Contact me via email to claim your prize jessicahills22 at gmail dot com.

Newborn Crocheted Hat Giveaway!

2012-01-23T07:00:00.002-07:00

Allthingzenergy is an Etsy shop full of cute and fun items- crocheted and painted by Judy Todd.

Judy shared with me the main focus and goals of her Etsy shop. She makes all of her items with love and care and never rushes herself - just like she would be making a gift for someone she cares about! She also never uses patterns and is a self-taught crocheter! I can't believe how good she is- especially for only doing it for just over a year!

With my love for cute owl stuff I was, of course, drawn to this adorable owl hat for Macsen. This is one of my favorite pictures of him and the hat makes it!

I also really loved this little bear ears hat (because babies are that much cuter when they have little bear ears!)

And I loved the blue version of the sleepy owl hat too:

Judy has offered a custom crocheted hat to one lucky reader. Yep, you get to decide what kind of animal or monster you want to put on top of your little one's head :)

Click on "Read More" to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Craft Cuts & Sneak Peek of the Nursery

2012-01-16T08:00:00.004-07:00

I am a huge fan of decorating with letters, especially in nurseries. I decided that I wanted to hang an "A" and an "M" for Allie and Macsen in their room above their beds and I had a very specific style in mind.

I looked EVERYWHERE for letters that would work, but no craft stores had anything even close to what I wanted. Then my mom found and posted this website just for me on Pinterest.

Craft Cuts.com has just about anything you could need when it comes to decorative lettering. They have painted and unpainted wood letters in all sizes and fonts you could need. They also have vinyl lettering and quotes (which I know people are loving right now) and at REALLY great prices.

I got a letter "A" and letter "M" in the unpainted baltic birch wood so that I could stain it with a dark wood color and the grain would still show through. I got them a little thinner so I could hang them easily, and got them 16" tall. I LOVE how they turned out:

More pictures of the kids' finished bedroom to come!

Awesome Deal at Minted

2012-01-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have ordered a couple things from Minted in the past and I have been very impressed. Right now you can get $25 off any order of $30 when you sign up through this link. This is a great place to make business cards, stationary, announcements, and so much more!

I am thinking about making some new business cards for my photography business here...

Wild Rose Creations Giveaway!

2012-01-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

I stumbled on this Etsy shop with ADORABLE hats and photography props for babies. Lyndsay, the owner, also makes adorable baby booties and headbands. These were some of my favorite items from the shop:

Lyndsay sent me this adorable hat and diaper cover combo to review. It is so cute, as you can see, and I got some really cute pics of Macsen wearing them.

Wild Rose Creations has offered to give away an item of choice from their shop! To enter the giveaway, go pick out what item you would like and leave a comment here of that item. (Item you choose will be the one sent to you so choose carefully!)

For extra entries:
Share this giveaway on
Facebook
Twitter
Your Blog
(3 extra entries for each)

Good luck!

GK Hair Curling Iron Set Giveaway

2012-01-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

If you have seen my video tutorial on how I do my hair you know that I use a straightener. I have been watching a few other tutorials lately using curling irons for really pretty waves and I decided I wanted to try them.

When I was looking for a curling iron, I wanted one without the clamp, since that was how most of them were doing the waves and not tight curls.

I found GK Hair from another blog and noticed they have a wide variety of styling tools that are a really great quality:

The 4 in 1 Curling Iron Set from GK Hair was exactly what I was looking for. I was pretty excited when it came in the mail. The curling iron set also comes with a glove to prevent burns. It gets REALLY hot- 430 degrees to be exact, which is great for my thin, fine, straight hair that doesn't hold curl well. You can adjust the temperature to just the right temperature for your hair and it heats up really fast.

GK Hair also sent along some of their GK Serum.

I have used a couple different kinds of hair serum (to use when styling with hot tools) and I have to say that this GK brand has definitely been my favorite. I like the way it smells and I love that it doesn't make my hair seem greasy at all. It just feels softer and prevents all that nasty static I get in the winter.

GK Hair has offered one of you the 4 in 1 Curling Iron Set along with the GK Serum! This is definitely one of the best giveaways I have been lucky to host- a value of $125!

To enter the giveaway, make sure you follow my blog on GFC and leave me a comment.

For extra entries (leave a comment for each):

GK Hair on Facebook

GK Hair on Twitter
Share this giveaway on twitter/facebook/your blog (2 extra entries each)

Halo Sleep Sack Review

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

As I am a very paranoid mother (especially with new babies) I have always worried about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.) To me this would be the scariest and saddest thing that could happen and my heart breaks every time I hear about it happening to a family. Of course I wanted to take any precaution I could with this new baby, and had heard about Halo Sleep Sacks as a way of preventing it.

"With the American Academy of Pediatrics now saying “no” to crib bumpers, HALO Innovations is introducing its own Safe Sleep Crib Set™ designed to create an attractive and safe sleep environment for babies.

The five-piece HALOSafe Sleep Crib Set™ consists of a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, both in 100% cotton; two coordinating crib sheets in soft cotton jersey; and a matching crib skirt.

“Too often parents ‘overdress’ the crib with a quilt and bumpers, both of which can pose a breathing threat for baby,” comments Bill Schmid, founder Halo Innovations. The Halo SleepSack and SleepSack Swaddle are the only things a baby needs in the crib to stay warm and sleeping safely, and the soft jersey sheet provides a snug fit on the mattress.

The new HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set will be available in stores mid February and comes in six patterns including pink, blue and neutral tones."

These are so cute and so much safer for babies than loose blankets. I have also heard from multiple parents that they help their kids sleep better and longer through the night because they swaddle their baby so well.

VS Semi-Annual Sale

2012-01-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today I am anxiously awaiting the UPS guy to get here...he is bringing me all the clothes I bought online from the Victoria's Secret Sale! I can hardly wait to try everything on and decide what I am keeping and what I am returning.

Here is what will be in my box:

Things change when you have kids- I love to go shopping and try everything on sometimes twice to make my decisions. Now it is so much more convenient to shop online and just return what I don't like. Any of you experiencing this?

Oooh! I think I hear the truck!! :)

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

So I read on a blog somewhere their resolution for 2012 is to "lighten up" - getting rid of excess stuff, weight, and simplifying their life. I love this and I think I will make it my 2012 goal. Less stuff, losing baby weight, laughing more and not "sweating the small stuff" in life. Here's to lightening up in 2012!

Good Stuff to Come

2012-01-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

So, I have to confess, I have been neglecting this little ole blog lately. With the holidays and a new baby my posts have all been boring, scheduled ones and I promise I will be better. Life is just starting to get a little less crazy as I am learning to juggle baby, Allie, and work, although the whole "no-sleep thing" is still not helping me get things done around here...

I do have some fun things coming up though, including a couple giveaways (one of which is worth $125 and is awesome.)

For today I will just share a couple pictures of the new love of my life and the reason I haven't been the best blogger:

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

image

New Year Party

2011-12-30T07:00:00.002-07:00

How fun would it be to do a cute New Year party? So many great ideas:

images here

Try this Target promotional code to save on party supplies.

Shopping List

2011-12-28T07:00:00.002-07:00

Did any of you get money for Christmas and are just anxious to spend it? My sisters, mom, and I didn't get the chance to go shopping together like we usually do, so I am waiting until I see them again in January to buy the things on my list. Currently they are:

Long tees and tanks to go under things:

I also like the necklace and blazer...

Leg warmers/long socks:

I also love that sweater...

A form-fitting sweater dress:

A sequin sweater?

Cute blazer:

Chambray top and sequin tank:

I'm holding off on buying pants until the baby weight is off, but tops are always my favorite to buy anyways :)

What's on your Christmas money shopping list right now? Maybe I need to add a few things to mine...

images here

Merry (Late) Christmas!

2011-12-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Thought I would make some of your Christmases even sweeter with a couple giveaway winners!

For the Lilsteinstyles winner:

Beth said... 9 shared on twitter- entry 1

http://twitter.com/#!/stealsdealslife/status/141211196765372416

bethwillis01@gmail.com

And for the Shabby Apple giveaway winner:

Tereza said... 10 I liked shabby apple on fb. my fb name is tereza opatril lyver :)

Congrats you two! Contact me via email at jessicahills22 at gmail dot com to claim your prize!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.004-07:00

I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas day! This year is extra special for me, having a new baby boy and blessing him on Christmas Day. It makes the true meaning of Christmas even more meaningful.

I hope you all know that I truly love our Savior and I am so grateful for Him. I hope you have a meaningful day full of family and love!

Merry and Bright

2011-12-22T07:00:00.007-07:00

images

Gift Guide: Owls!

2011-12-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

From previous posts, you know that I am a fan of owls right now. It seems like they are everywhere. So, I just HAD to do a gift guide post on all the cute options you have for owl gift giving. :)

First up, I think there is really not a better place to buy from than Etsy. So personal, handmade, and done by people doing something they love.

The shop with the CUTEST owl hats for kids I am featuring today is Swellamy. She sent me this hat and it is just adorable on Allie. I think these would be perfect for any kids or babies you are buying for.

I have also noticed really cute owl gifts for the cook:

You can find these all here

White Christmas

2011-12-20T07:00:00.006-07:00

Gift Guide: For Your Kids & Pets

2011-12-16T07:00:00.028-07:00

For me, kids and pets are the EASIEST to buy gifts for. Probably because they are happy with ANYTHING! :)

So, I am just sharing a few things I have seen around that I thought were fun and cute.

Dog Meat Dog Toy Set $17

Kid's Tool Set from Lowe's $15

Dog Christmas PJ's $15

Playschool Lullaby Glowworm $11

Woodland Animal Family $40

Bedazzled Collar $9

Fruit Basket Ikea $8

You can find the links to all these items here.

Red and Green

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Gift Guide: For the Women in Your Life

2011-12-12T07:00:00.005-07:00

I personally think that women are the easiest to buy for...probably because I am one. Here are a few things I thought just about any woman would love to get for Christmas:

Bride Apron:

Comfy slippers:

Cute pajamas:

Pretty decorative dish:

Jewelry:

Cute birds:

For the student:

Find these products here

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

2011-12-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to host another Shabby Apple Giveaway! I know how much all of you loved it last time, and I am totally jealous of whoever wins this skirt:

Andes Skirt

Shabby Apple is an online boutique of women's dresses and skirts, along with other really gorgeous pieces including aprons and swimwear!

To enter to win this gorgeous skirt, like Shabby Apple on facebook then leave a comment with your facebook name.

For extra entries (leave a comment for each:)

Follow A Few of My Favorite Things via GFC.

Like A Few of My Favorite Things on facebook.

Share this giveaway on facebook/twitter/your blog (3 extra entries each)

Good luck!

Rustic Christmas

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Macsen

2011-12-05T20:03:00.001-07:00

Well, we finally welcomed our baby boy this last week! He was born Monday, November 28th at 5:28pm. He weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. and was 19 inches long.

He came to us with a head full of brown hair (surprise to us as Allie was totally bald) and bright pink. We loved him instantly, and I couldn't believe how cute and how sweet a little boy could be!