A Few of My Favorite Things

Mini Session Photo Shoot Giveaway!

2013-05-16T19:09:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to give all of you (or at least those of you in Utah) the chance to win one of my photography giveaways! Here is what I am doing right now:

Just go HERE to like my page and you are entered!

Officially a Green Smoothie Addict

2013-05-15T13:57:00.000-06:00

So here's my story, I am only 28 years old, not currently pregnant or nursing, have a healthy BMI, and get enough sleep 8-10 hours (usually interrupted.) I was feeling crappy- just didn't have much energy and a little sick to my stomach in the mornings. And, we currently are going through a job change and aren't covered insurance-wise for the next month, so going to the doctor to see what I could do differently was out of the question. Luckily, there is a little thing called facebook that I like to go to often to pick all my friend's brains for advice, so I did. I am SO glad that I did- at least 3 people mentioned green smoothies or the "Green Smoothie Girl" and I did some researching on her. I wanted to completely change the way our family was eating and this was a great place to start.

So, after 2 weeks of eating WAY more fruits and veggies whole or made into smoothies I feel WAY better already! I have the energy I used to get for a couple hours after drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper ALL the time now- without caffeine! I will probably go into this way we are eating more later, but for today I just had to share the tips I have learned to make green smoothies and make making them an easy daily process:

1. Buy in bulk and freeze spinach, kale, ripe bananas, other fruits like peaches, plums, berries, etc. (Or buy frozen)

For the spinach and kale I just use sandwich ziplock bags and get a REALLY big handful into it then smash down and squeeze out the air. For bananas I put a banana into a bag then smash it around- makes it easier for the blender later on to break off smaller chunks. You will want to just compare prices per lb. and shop sales- you can even freeze canned fruits to give your smoothie some really good texture and keep it cold longer!

2. Start with water, any type of milk, or juice for the base.
I have been doing water lately to keep the calories lower, but my favorite thing to use is milk.

3. Add fruit
My favorite combo so far is peaches and oranges- it tastes a little like an orange julius. Sometimes I even add some of the orange zest. I also like to make a "chocolate shake" and use a frozen banana and cocoa.

4. Add the greens
Again, I have a favorite and that would be spinach. I try to use kale because it is so good for you, but I hate the consistency it becomes- it thickens too much for me if I don't drink it fast enough. I have been doing about 1 1/2 cups spinach and 1/2 cup kale.

5. Add the ice
I usually add a big handful...sometimes more sometimes less depending on how much of my fruit is frozen and how much liquid I have.

6. Blend and taste- add vanilla, sweetener, or anything else it needs
I usually add vanilla to start, but I try not to add sweetener unless it needs it. I have been using light agave nectar to sweeten and sometimes I'll add syrup from canned fruit, fruit juice, or sugar.

You can create so many different drinks using greens! I will share my very favorite concoctions once I have them mastered, and I will also share my recipe for a healthier chocolate ice cream.

7. Freeze whatever you don't drink into popsicles- the kids love them!

I got these molds from Wholeport, and I just add toothpicks and set the mold on a tray in the freezer. Then, once they are frozen I put them in ziplock bags in the freezer- if they last that long! :)

Body Wrap Giveaway!

2013-05-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Okay you guys, I'm not sure if I have told you this before, but I hate my body in the Spring. All the winter weight just magically appears, I am as pale as I will ever be in the year, and my skin breaks out for no reason whatsoever. So, when my cousin approached me to do a review and giveaway with It Works! Body Wraps that I had been hearing so much about, I was totally on board.

While I was completely skeptical of what a wrap could really do to my body, but I was actually pretty surprised with my results. I didn't have a lot of fat to lose, so I didn't lose inches, but the wrap really firmed and tightened the whole area I used it on. It is really simple to use, as you can see in this video:

And here are just some examples of the kind of results you can expect:

As you can see, you can use it other places than just your midsection- they have facial wraps, and you can use them on your legs, butt, and arms too!

They also help with stretch marks, varicose veins, AND cellulite:

While I am a huge advocate of eating right and exercising to lose weight- no fad diets, or diet pills, I DO think that these wraps are a good way for you to start getting on the right track for weight loss- especially since once you buy them and use them it will motivate you more to keep the weight off by exercising and eating healthier. And the results are supposed to be lasting too.

AND, you can try a body wrap for free if you win this giveaway!

To enter to win one, use the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easy-peasy Pillows for $1

2013-05-07T09:43:00.000-06:00

I really hope that I made this easy to understand, but I may have made it just more complicated...I guess I'll find out from you guys soon enough :)

The way these only cost me $1 was because I just used fabric I already had for the backing and covered pillow forms I also already had and just needed a little face-lift.

I bought clearanced fabric samples from JoAnne's- which were beautiful, designer, and high-quality but only came in a square big enough for a pillow. You can't beat $1 though!

You will want to lay out the front piece and cut 2 more pieces about 2/3 as big (to allow room to squeeze the pillow between them)

Lay them faces to each other so all you see is the backs. You will want the smaller pieces to line up on the edges so you can sew all the way around the square. The only edges you won't be sewing together are the ones in the middle overlapping each other (which will be where the pillow fits inside)

Since the fabric I had for the back already had hemmed edges, I made sure those were the edges on the inside so I didn't have to hem them- you will want to hem them before you put this together if yours are not hemmed already. Or, you can just hem the edge that will be on the very outside of the pillow since the other one will not be seen.

Here is a pic of the back- where you want the hemmed edge to be (which, when they are inside out will be the piece in between the other 2 pieces)

And here is the finished product. I made 3 pillow covers in less than an hour! The two big pillows in the back are from ElemenoPillows.

I will be linking this up here

Advertise With A Few of My Favorite Things!

2013-05-02T13:08:00.000-06:00

Hey! I have never really mention this before, but A Few of My Favorite Things is always accepting sponsors!

We are currently averaging 1,400 hits a day- that could do a lot for a small business including Etsy shops!

There are many options for advertising including text links, buttons, and even full posts!

Right now I am doing a special for a full year of advertising (sidebar button) for $50!!

If your advertising budget is a bit stricter, text links are $15 for a full year!

Shoot me an email at jessicahills22@gmail.com if you are interested! Thanks!

Jamie Clark Art Giveaway!!

2013-05-01T13:37:00.000-06:00

My sister Jamie is an amazing artist. Whether she uses a paintbrush, pencil, clay, or glass, I’ve always been impressed by what she makes. I’ve been blessed to enjoy her work for years, and now she’s finally made a way for anyone to have her beautiful art! Yep, Jamie just launched her Etsy shop, and you just have to see the things she’s making.

I love the custom photo art that Jamie makes. You can send her any photo, and she’ll turn it into a work of art. This can be a family portrait...

or a wedding photo...

or cute bridesmaids...

or a picture with a pet...

or perhaps my favorite--Mother’s Day artwork!

Here’s another Mother’s Day portrait of my mother with her mom and sister.

I think this is the cutest Mother’s Day gift!

In honor of Mother’s Day,
Jamie is giving away a custom 8” by 10” custom print!

She’s also offering 20% off orders in her shop to readers of my blog. Just enter the promo code Mothersday2013 when you check out. It is getting a little late to get your custom order in before Mother’s Day, but you can use this discount to get a gift certificate for a custom artwork for your mom. I can’t think of a better present.

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter, and check out her work on facebook and in her Etsy shop:

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KOKOON Clothing Giveaway!

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to introduce you to a clothing boutique today! "KOKOON is a fashionable lifestyle clothing line known for their feminine, contemporary designs aimed towards busy, modern women. Featuring a variety of soft knits, vibrant and sophisticated prints, and mostly limited edition designs, KOKOON offers women an alternative to mass-produced, cookie-cutter style."

I love this! And, everything I got to sample from KOKOON was comfortable and stylish, and something that I would actually wear a lot as a busy stay-at-home mom! Here are the pieces I got to review:

These cardigans:

I love the length and the detail on this brown one.

And this grey striped one has really cute ruffles and is a really cute fit.

This sweater:

I am also obsessed with over-sized tops and grey clothing and this sweater is both of those things and super cozy.

And one of you will be lucky to win a $100 KOKOON gift card!

Just use the rafflecopter below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Inspiring Interiors

2013-04-18T10:13:00.000-06:00

Sorry I haven't posted much- I've had my family in town and we just have so much to do! I will be back early next week with an awesome clothing giveaway for you, but for now here are some gorgeous interiors to inspire you for weekend projects. I am hoping we will be doing our downstairs bathroom this weekend- wish us luck!

image credits can be found here

Friday Giveaway!

2013-04-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, who else is obsessed with bubble necklaces right now? You know I am, as I have talked about this before. So, I am super excited to host a giveaway for a mini bubble necklace from a new daily deals website, Daily Product Deals.com!

Just see how cute this one in hot pink is:

I think I like them even more than the regular sized ones- these are just so much less annoying to wear!

Ummm and can I just say that 5 bucks is a STEAL?! Like, my mom is probably going to go buy one in every color- she has a little necklace addiction right now...we probably need to have an intervention. j/k Mom :)

So, take a chance to win one in a week, or just go buy one since they are so cheap :) And, to tempt you even more here is a 10% off coupon code- just use JESSISBEST at checkout (obviously I didn't make the code otherwise that would be a little conceited haha)

Oh, AND you can use that code ALL month on ANY products on Daily Product Deals.com!

Use the rafflecopter below to enter:

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Monday Funny

2013-04-08T10:36:00.000-06:00

Here are some "Monday Funnies" because it is a rainy and cold Monday...

Ron Swanson is my favorite

You have to watch this show to think this is funny :)

"Go home Bisquick, you are drunk"

"When I get excited, I too eat invisible cereal."

images found here

Have a Great Weekend!

2013-04-06T15:12:00.000-06:00

This is what I will be doing this weekend! I love this weekend so much! Hope you have a wonderful weekend too! I promise I will post more next week than I did this week ;)

image

PouchPop

2013-04-01T10:48:00.000-06:00

Since Macsen LOVES food pouches, and is such a picky eater, I thought I would like to try this new product made especially for the food pouches.

The PouchPop^TMallows for a natural transition from bottle to food, teaches self-feeding and best of all it takes the “ouch out of the pouch”! Created by a father of three after observing his youngest son struggle with the standard baby food pouch straw, the PouchPop provides a more soothing and less messy feeding solution. The PouchPop is made with safe hospital grade silicone and is naturally BPA free. The convenient, universal fit is easy to use and reuse.

The one concern I had with these PouchPops was that they would be annoying to clean. I took a very messy one off and ran some water over it- all the food came right off! It took a whole 3 seconds under warm water to clean it!

If your baby is having a hard time with the food pouches and loves them as much as mine, you can buy them here.

Or, if you are lucky, you will win a set of the PouchPops by using the Rafflecopter below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Windowless Laundry Room

2013-03-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

So we are so close to finishing our basement and one of the things I am looking forward to the most is having a couch down there right across from my laundry room that I can fold clothes on. Our laundry room is a pretty good size, but for me to fold laundry I really like to have something to watch on T.V. Folding laundry is SO boring!

So, my dilemma here is what to do with my laundry room that is clearly going to mostly be wasted space. I would probably love a bigger laundry room if there was a sink, window, the whole shebang, but since it is just a washer and dryer has no windows, I don't really want to spend a lot of time in there.

Here are my ideas so far:

A laundry/cleaning room with an area for wrapping stuff and maybe sewing and craft supplies?

I would love to have a cabinet or two to keep all the cleaning supplies and laundry soaps in like these.

This is exactly what our door looks like and I love it. I would love to add some more bead-board in the laundry room wherever possible and maybe a hanger for my ironing board like this:

Maybe add a laundry shoot upstairs somewhere that the kids can't get into or throw things down?

Since there is no window and it feels a little bit like a big closet, I would love to add some pretty lighting and maybe do a wall with some pretty wallpaper.

There are so many options when it comes to drying racks, these two are some of my favorites:

I think framing some pretty fabric would be fitting in a laundry room:

This is probably what my color scheme will be, minus the stainless steel:

Bead-board cabinets:

And this is just pretty:

image credits can be found here

Mom Stuff

2013-03-26T10:55:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been thinking about all the things that just help out when you are a mom. Raising kids is HARD! I have thought of a few things that I love to have, and want to get some of your opinions on what you love...so here it goes:

1. A cute and easy-to-carry bag

I like ones that are open and really easy to get into. I also like ones that don't look like diaper bags, or that aren't diaper bags. They also need to be easy to clean and the straps need to be the right length and ones that will stay on your shoulder easily.

This cute one found here

2. Wipes

Oh my goodness, how many times have wipes spared me from embarrassment from the messes my kids have made while in public? SO MANY.

3. Food Pouches

These are so nice to be able to grab and throw in your bag in a hurry, and also my son LOVES them. He scarfs them down in seconds and they are a little bit better than the Saltines I grab for my breakfast on the go.

4. Comfortable Shoes and Clothes

For me this can ruin or make my day. For some reason if I am uncomfortable I am annoyed and it makes me cranky, so before I buy anything, it HAS to be comfortable- which is why I don't always look very put-together.

5. iPad

Not only is my iPad one of my very favorite things for me, but also for Allie AND Macsen. Allie plays games, watches Netflix, and even does some reading and learning on it. When nothing else will calm Macsen down, I pull out the iPad and we look at pictures and watch family videos on it- it does the trick every time. I also don't know what I would do without it at church- it has my scriptures on it, I often use it for lessons, including to play primary songs in class, and Allie uses it in sacrament meeting when it is hard to sit still. :)

And now for things that I would like to have and think would make life a little bit easier:

1. Bathtime Easy Kneeler

I really like bathtime, but I really hate kneeling on the hard and usually wet bath floor.

2. "Mom cards"

I recently saw these at Vistaprint. You can get some Great Deals on Vistaprint Products here. How nice would it be to hand a card to the other moms at playgroup, or when you briefly meet another mom and hit it off but can't remember names...this would be very helpful.

3. iPhone/iPad Baby Monitor

This would be pretty cool.

4. Stroller Storage

This looks pretty awesome since my umbrella stroller is so nice and easy to carry/throw in the trunk but has no storage space and my purse hanging onto the handles causes some major tipping issues.

5. Belkin Kitchen Cabinet Mount for the iPad

And this is why I think I need it:

I also want it for Macsen to watch shows while he eats (to distract him because he eats SO much more that way)

Do any of you have "Mom things" that you can't go without?

Florence Adams Giveaway!

2013-03-25T12:00:00.002-06:00

If you read my blog you know that I love fashion and style, but I do not dress like it. I can tell you what looks good together, but for some reason when it comes to dressing myself, I am WAY more concerned with comfort than anything else. So, I was excited to do a review for Florence Adams and try to bring out the fashion blogger in me :) As you can see, I really am not good at posing, as these were the best pictures I could come up with for my styling post of the Florence Adams pleated skirt.

Making a funny face and a hose in the background, blurry:

And just awkward:

Okay, don't worry, I'm not going to try to become a fashion blogger anytime soon here.

But, I do have to say that this skirt is cute and goes with so much and when you spin around like a 4 year-old it flares out like crazy. And, they have one in pretty much any color you could want right now!

AND, they are giving away not one, but TWO $25 gift cards!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tiny Mr. Giveaway!

2013-03-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Let's talk about Easter outfits. I just barely shared some of my favorites this year. Now I have a super cute Etsy store to share with you that is doing some special Easter bow-ties this year.

Tiny Mr. sent me their limited edition Easter bow-tie for Macsen. He got SO many compliments when he wore this! :) Can you see why?

What I love about Tiny Mr. is they keep updating their fabrics so their patterns are always really modern and fun- like mint, chevron, neutrals, and classic plaid too. There is really something for everyone, and these would make the cutest baby shower gifts too.

This isn't the only cute bow-tie in their shop- every single one I would be happy to own. And, one of you do get to own a set! They are giving away the Easter set to one of you!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter, and "Prepare to be Charmed"

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Hearthsong Easter

2013-03-19T19:11:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but kids toys are one of my favorite things to buy. I am always so excited for them to open their presents and see the reaction, and always interested to see just how much they will play with it. I love to be able to go to a website and read reviews about the toys to help me decide what my kids will love the most.

Hearthsong is a great site that offers just that. Here is a little about their company:

Since its beginning in 1983, HearthSong has been committed to helping parents follow their instincts to provide their children with age-appropriate, wholesome, quality playthings. That's because at HearthSong, we believe childhood is a vital chapter in life-a special time when children can be occupied with the joy of being children. And, equally importantly, a time when children need to experience as much creative, imaginative play as possible because kids experience so many of life's first lessons through play.

The first HearthSong catalog was printed in black and white, with pencil drawings of carefully selected toys and books and mailed from the home of founder Barbara Kane by her family. The name HearthSong was chosen to reflect core family values - the Hearth, a traditional symbol for the center of the home, and Song, a symbol of family spirit and of a special playfulness that parents and children enjoy together.

Over the next 25 years, HearthSong evolved into a nationally known and respected source for quality children's toys, games and crafts. Parents who found unique toys for their children decades ago tell us they're now thrilled to be finding the same kinds of educational, entertaining toys to give to their children's children.

Our selection of products has grown and expanded too. But we can still guarantee that each item is carefully selected for its quality, safety, and relevance to your child's development - and we are steadfast in our commitment to provide you with Toys You'll Feel Good About Giving®.

Hearthsong was so generous to really spoil my kids this year for Easter, they sent them the following:

For Macsen

And the brown bunny:

The Pink bunny for Allie along with these

And one of you will be able to spoil your kids this Easter too!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to win the same set of toys and Easter baskets!

This giveaway will only be running for one week so we can make sure you get your baskets for Easter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best Fonts for Free

2013-03-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

I have been scouring Pinterest for all the best free fonts. I think I have found them all, so I am putting them all in one place. You're welcome :)

find these here

find these and more here

these here

Kids Easter Outfits

2013-03-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love Easter! I REALLY love cute Easter outfits. Here are some of my faves I've seen lately:

image credits can be found here

What would you think about an Easter dress giveaway this year?

Ashmarlin Giveaway

2013-03-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday everyone! How about starting off the week with an awesome giveaway?!

I am a little embarrassed to tell you how much I wear Ashmarlin's clothing. We are talking multiple times every week...

But, how can you blame me when their burnout tee is the perfect grey color (I love to wear grey) and the perfect soft comfy material and the perfect flattering, forgiving loose fit that looks casual or can also be dressed up? Seriously, I wish I had one of these tees in every color of the rainbow.

And, not to mention they also make the most perfect layering tee on the market. No joke. I have tried at least 3 other brands and this is absolutely my favorite. The fabric is a nylon/spandex blend that is super comfy, very stretchy but also holds it's shape, and I love the striped mesh look too. It is the perfect length too- not too long and not too short.

I also am quite fond of their tanks, which come in more colors and are made from the same material:

I really am crazy about these shirts and I am really excited that one of you will be winning a shirt and tank of choice!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Think Positive Apparel

2013-03-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Think Positive Apparel has a lot to do with my opinion that what you wear influences how you act. This is directly from their website:

"We started this clothing line as a way to showcase our interpretation of the Think Positive Apparel philosophy. We believe that given any situation, if you think positive and hold yourself capable, you are statistically more likely to achieve your desired outcome."

"ThinkPositive Apparel creates interactive designs built out of tiny, positive affirmations and philosophies. Each of our designs encourage people to know what's possible and to watch their thoughts. We believe that attitude is everything and as such being aware of our attitudes is powerful"

I totally love their philosophy! I also love their clothing, and was ecstatic to review their black thermal hoody. Read more about them and see all of their clothing here

Think Positive Apparel is offering one of you a $40 credit to their shop! To enter, just use the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pretend Vacation

2013-03-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am TOTALLY craving summer right now...and the beach...so here is my little daydream of a vacation:

Go somewhere like this:

image via

Stay in a pretty, romantic beachy place:

image via

Take a road trip along the coast:

image via

Eat food like this:

image via

See a sunset like this

image via

Or this:

image via

Ummm anyone want to take me?

Monday Funny

2013-03-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

My mom reminded me a week ago or so that I hadn't posted any of my Monday funnies lately...so here you go Mom!

For all you Lord of the Rings fans:

Photobombers:

Stay-at-home moms:

Elf on the Shelf participators:

And, lastly, all you bear lovers:

image credits found on pinterest

Rapid Lash Deal

2013-03-01T17:05:00.001-07:00

This stuff is amazing and this is the best deal you will find for it! I have been using it 1 1/2 years now and have only bought about 3 in that time frame. Groupon usually has this deal once every 6 months or so, so don't miss out!

Go get it for $25 right now at Groupon!! Once you sign up for Groupon, use this link to find the deal.

This deal won't last long- usually it just goes one or two days, so hurry!

The Illustrated Stories from The Book of Mormon on iPad

2013-03-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have something really exciting to share with all of you LDS readers today! The Illustrated Stories from the Book of Mormon are now on eBook!

I grew up with these in my house as a kid, and I remember them being a lot more interesting to me than just reading directly from the Book of Mormon. They are a great way to get the kids more interested.

"The set of 32 eBooks now includes read-aloud audio, highlighted full text of the Book of Mormon, and easy-to-use interactive controls." They are compatible with the iPhone, iPod, and iPad.

Grandin Press has done such a great job with these- on each page you can open a tab that brings you to the actual scripture, customer support information, and you can adjust the volume, and add a bookmark too.

***UPDATE***
Grandin Press is now offering an extra set for every 50 entries! 100 entries=2 sets given away and 150 entries = 3 sets given away!!!

Grandin Press has offered a set of the 32-volume e-Books for 1 lucky reader!! Not only that, but very recently Grandin Press reduced the price by $30 to bring the $89.99 price down to $59.99!

To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter below:

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