Desperate Houselife

Walgreens Now Offers a Prescription Savings Club

2012-01-15T04:01:00.001-05:00

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

As many of you may have recently found out, Walgreens' partnerships with Express Scripts (a major pharmacy provider) was not renewed as of January 1, 2012. This means Walgreens is no longer a member of the Express Scripts pharmacy provider network, particularly those in Duane Reade, NYC pharmacies, but also nationwide. The end of this contract has left many patients whose health plans use Walgreens and Express Script pharmacy networks to either go elsewhere or pay out of pocket for their medications.

Though Walgreens did not ask for an increase in rates during the negotiations with Express Scripts, they wanted to slash Walgreens reimbursement rates and have say over what is constituted as a generic or brand name drug. They are a middle man between pharmacies and health insurances, and basically prefer patients to use mail order services in lieu of going to a pharmacy.

Walgreens is offering a special discount on their annual membership fees for the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. It costs $10 a year for a family membership (including spouses, dependents under 22 and even pets) or $5 a year for individuals. Members will receive discounts on over 8,000 generic meds, discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies, and additional bonuses when they purchase Walgreens' brand products or photo services.

You can follow Walgreens on Facebook and Walgreens on Twitter to keep apprised of the situation and support the pharmacy.

PartyLite Can Earn You Free Stuff

2012-01-14T16:01:00.001-05:00

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

If you like hosting parties, why not do it to supplement some income? PartyLite is the world's number one direct seller of premium candles and home fragrance products. If you are constantly hosting get-togethers, consider hosting a PartyLite party for your family, friends and coworkers. If enough people come to your party and make a purchase or two, you can get products for very cheap, if not free! Add in a few fun games and snacks, and party on!

So why go with PartyLite?

PartyLite offers premium home scent products. You can buy "scented" candles anywhere, but how strongly do they smell and how fast do they burn? PartyLite has been around a long time because they are quality and they are an up to date way to freshen and decorate your house at the same time. You can find decorations, candles, reed diffusers and other home scenting products. There is a wide array of choices, to meet anyones needs.

You can check out the PartyLite Facebook page for up to date promotions and monthly offers for party guests and party hosts. PartyLite launced their Winter/Spring 2012 catalog on Dec. 16, so it is now available with up to date products!

New Year, New Craft Resolutions

2012-01-04T21:13:00.002-05:00

This year Santa (aka boyfriend) got me a brand new sewing machine. I have had one in the past, but the most I accomplished with it was basic hemming. (I am so short, even petite pants are too long!)

So I want to focus some of my crafty time this year to learn how to sew. I see way too many patterns for adorable shirt redos, jewelry, hair accessories and baby clothing to not learn. I have a pinterest board just waiting for me to learn!

I got a Brother sewing machine with 17 stitches, capable of learning basic sewing and quilting. I have picked out a few square patterns to refresh myself. This sewing machine also came with a DVD instruction guide. My old one didn't have that! I feel old. :(

Woven Chain Bracelet Crochet Pattern

2011-12-28T11:22:00.000-05:00

I am seeing (and loving) all of these woven chain bracelets, all over the place. What I am not loving, is the price. I have seen a few braided chain bracelets, but I decided to crochet it for that pretty edged look. Check out these beauties:

Ariel Gordon Blue and Gray Silk Woven Bracelet $115

Bee Charming Thin Silver Chain Braid $60


My version - Gray and Yellow (less than $5)

Materials
b hook (2.25mm) *you may need to adjust hook size to the size of your chain. my chain links measure approximately 6mm*
1 chain bracelet
2 pieces of embroidery floss held together (in this case yellow and grey)

sl st 2 pieces of embroidery floss over the first chain.
sc over each chain link across. (I sc over the tail to save from having to weave it in later!)
tie off and weave in end. *you can optionally choose to leave long ends on both sides, like in the first picture. I just prefer a neat and tidy look to mine.*

Sorry for the blurry pics, I really need a new camera!

tip: make sure to do it on the same side of each link, or your bracelet will be spiraled (unless you want that look of course!)

If you wanna skip all of the shenanigans and just buy one, I am selling it in my Etsy shop! I take color requests :)

PS - I party here!

Copyright - I don't care if you make and sell these, but please do not sell the pattern as your own and credit me as the pattern author when selling it. That's all I ask! :)

Peanutbutter Fudge and Last Minute Christmas Baking

2011-12-27T09:59:00.000-05:00

Why I feel the need to wait until the absolute last minute every year to try and bake is beyond me. Baking is something I love and is on my very long to-do list of things to improve (especially cake decorating!), but I'm hoping this year wasn't an absolute fail. I didn't taste test anything, so I guess I'll find out the hard way, LOL. (People taking a bite and trying to hide the disgust while complementing how wonderful it tastes. I know you know what I mean!)

So this year I did have 2 helpers:

I made fudge and chocolate covered pretzels with mama one day.


And my 9-month-old Chihuahua supervised the next day! He says yum!

Peanutbutter Fudge (No Fail with proper tips!)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
4-1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup milk
1-1/2 cups peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7 cups confectioners' sugar

1. Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar and milk.
3. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
5. Pour over confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth. (Not pictured)

Pour into a dish (silicone works best, if not something foil covered).

Chill until firm and cut into squares. Yum!

Tips I have learned making this fudge:

If it comes out runny, add a little more confectioners' sugar until desired consistency.
If it comes out too thick, add a little more milk until desired consistency.

Even my peanut butter-hating puppy had a tiny bite and loved it. (I know, what dog hates peanut butter!)

New-Skin® - Share the Outdoors Sweepstakes!

2011-12-22T21:00:00.001-05:00

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

You know how we all love giveaways and sweepstakes! Well you are definitely going to want to check out, New-Skin sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three 4-day getaways! I don't know about you, but I could use a vacation right about now. If you act quickly, the first 500 entrants will receive a free New-Skin water proof container as a bonus.

How to Enter:

All you have to do is go to their site, fill out the entry form. You can also share the sweepstakes with your family and friends to vote for you, to increase your chances of winning. You can have up to 5 votes a day. The more votes you get, the better your chances are. The winning destinations are a skiing trip to Breckenridge, CO, a tour of the Botanical Gardens in Atlanta, GA or a hiking trip in Yellowstone National Park, MT. There will be 3 grand prizes given away!

More about New-Skin:
New-Skin has 3 products; the Liquid Bandage, Scar Fade™, and Poison Ivy Treatment. Even if you have not heard of them, their products are tried and true, having been used for over 100 years!

In fact, right now I could use the liquid bandage on my boyfriend, who just started a new job on his feet all day (after years of a desk job), and he has a cut and blister on his heel. Ouch!

Anyone who knows me will also attest to the fact that I am a huge clutz. I am constantly bumping, tripping, scraping etc. Have been since I was little, my poor poor parents. So, needless to say, I have a few scars. My health has not been the greatest and I have a few scars on my belly from surgery, which make me hesitant to wear a 2 piece. The Scar Fade™ Gel could help me in that area! I also could use it on some scars on the legs from other ouchies!

A few times a year, we go and visit family in upstate New York. They live in the middle of the woods, and mosquitos and poison ivy are almost impossible to avoid. That is where I am sure the Poison Ivy Treatment could come in handy. And for those with kids, I'm sure you've used your fair share of calamine lotion, which can only do so much.

So, where would you take your trip? I would love to hear some comments and situations where you've been in need of these products. Also, feel free to include a link to your sweepstakes entries for more people to click and vote!

Christmas Gift Idea - Family Recipes Cookbooks

2011-12-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

Most families have those beloved, saved (and probably well-worn) recipes from great grandmothers or great aunts. I have a few myself that are splattered, tattered and very hard to read. Did that say tsp or tbsp!? Compiling a cookbook of family recipes or even family favorites is a wonderful gift idea. This is also great for housewarming gifts, new parents, family reunions, etc.

The Family CookBook project will do just that! They are on sale from $39.00 (61% discount from $99.00). Just sharing the discount love!

 The

New Crochet Earrings

2011-12-19T15:08:00.000-05:00

I don't normally make a post about every single craft I make (as I make a lot of jewelry and such for Etsy), but I am in love with these earrings. I love them so much, I almost don't want to sell them. But alas, I can make more, right?

PS - I party here!

Check Out Holiday Themed Eyeglasses for This Season

2011-12-16T11:00:00.001-05:00

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

Zenni Optical is offering cheap eyeglasses with a festive touch this year. Any purchase over $50 will have free shipping to boot! Every pair of glasses have anti-scratch, 1.57 light index, UV protection, an eyeglass case and a microfiber cleaning cloth.

There is a tool to try on different frames and see what you like best. You can use the models (male and female) with different face shapes, or upload your own picture. Try on a few pairs and share them on Facebook to get input from your family and friends before purchasing!

On the left hand side of the main page, you can narrow your search. You can sort by gender, type of eyeglasses, prescription type (ie bifocal, single or progressive rx), material (and there's a bunch to choose from), shape, size, gender and color.

For only $12.95, why not get some Holiday Santa cheer on?

I am a purple kinda gal, so I searched for Women's purple and found these babies! This one is my favorite. It has white flowers, but not too showy. Just enough to indulge my creative side.

Check out which frames you think are best for the holiday season and let me know!

Dollar Store Craft Shopping List

2011-12-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

I am always trying to be frugal and getting stuff on the cheap. I have started to compiling a running craft store shopping list of supplies to look for and get at the dollar store as needed. Most of these items are just plain cheaper there than even Walmart, let alone the craft store (even with a 40 or 50% off coupon, which is a must!). I will update this list as I go. After moving back to the US from Canada, I have really missed Dollarama, where you could get soooo much crafting stuff. Most of my stuff is based on the only decent local dollar store, Dollar Tree. I would love to hear others ideas and comments!

Dollar Store Shopping List:

rope
duct tape
doilies (paper and cloth)
colored plastic Q-tips (to smudge/cleanup small spots of glue or use the colored tubes in crafts)
hex nuts
washers
burlap
floral wire
foil
glitter
elastic
wood signs (to mod podge/paint)
clothesline
tissue paper
ribbon
wrapping paper
tulle (in the party/wedding supplies)
clothespins
fishing line
googly eyes
shipping supplies!
white glue (you can mix it with water to make your own mod podge - or modge podge as I like to call it!)
Seasonal molds/craft items. (I have gotten so many seasonal silicone craft molds there!)
jute twine
pipe cleaners
tissue paper (if you decoupage)
glue gun sticks

PS - I party here!

Reminiscing of Warmer Days

2011-12-14T13:11:00.002-05:00

Ok, today is one frigid day, making me miss my favorite time of the year, summer! I don't know about you, but I can recall those really hot days (100+ degrees) and hopping into the pool to refresh and cool off. I have a puppy Chihuahua, Ralphie, that got introduced for the first time to pools. He wasn't the biggest fan, but he was an instant swimmer. He is very attached to me and even jumped off a raft on one end of the pool and swam to the other to get to me. Awww, it pulls the heart strings!

My boyfriend's father was teaching me how to maintain a pool this summer. I honestly didn't know a thing about it. Pool chemicals are important for keeping the water sanitary and clean. Then you need pool supplies like those pool filters to get bugs out of the water (yuck!). A good pool supply store should give you everything you need to maintain your pool.

Nest Egg Pendants are Amazing Gift Ideas

2011-12-06T19:30:00.001-05:00

I came across a Nest Egg Pendant tutorial on That's What {Che} Said and with my mother's birthday being tomorrow (what a procrastinator, I know!), I decided it would make the perfect gift. We had talked a bit about doing something similar for my grandmother and I figured it would be a nice touch for her on my limited budget. I just happened to have glass pearls the same colors as my sister, my mom and my birthstones, so it was meant to be! (I added her in to make it 3, because 2 just doesn't look right to me). I also added a feather charm.

Think she'll like it?

I also did one for the hubbies mom for a Christmas gift. I mean, what a thoughtful gift for moms, right??!!

PS - I party here!

Update: Here is another pattern from Sarah Ortega Photography where you start opposite, with the pearls first. I haven't tried it yet myself, but I plan to soon! Interesting.

Master Your Holiday Meals With GravyMaster®

2011-12-03T02:00:00.001-05:00

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

GravyMaster is not just used for what it sounds like... gravy. GravyMaster is an ingredient that is used to carmelize food, particularly meats and vegetables, adding locked in flavor. According to GravyMaster's site, their ingredients are as follows:

Ingredients: caramelized sugar, caramel color, water, hydrolyzed soy and corn protein, apple cider vinegar, salt and spices (onion, celery, parsley and garlic). CONTAINS NO MEAT.

Amount per serving: Calories 0, calories from fat 0, total fat 0g, 0%DV; saturated fat 0g, 0%DV; trans fat 0g, 0%DV; cholesterol 0mg, 0%DV; sodium 30 mg, 1%DV; total carbohydrates <1g, 9%DV; dietary fiber 0g, 0%DV; sugars <1g; protein 0g

This is a great alternative for people who are looking to avoid extra preservatives in their food. A rule of thumb, if you can't pronounce an ingredient, you most likely don't want to eat it. GravyMaster uses pure cane sugar and herbs for a natural flavor, which is ultimately the best type. Their site features recipes worth checking out.

Let GravyMaster Master the meal with flavors such as:

"Holiday Ham, Lemon Sole Supreme, Hamburger Italiano, Orange Chicken, Salmon Supreme, Hot and Saucy Shrimp, Swordfish Scandia and Perfect Gravy Every Time."

Lets look at the importance of natural ingredients. You really want to know what is going into your own body, not to mention your children and loved ones. There is a lot of documentation coming to light on the harmfulness of pesticides, chemicals and preservatives in food. Take a look at the sodium content on the next can of gravy you pick up at the store. Check out that freezer meal you were going to throw in for supper on a "cheat" day. You would be surprised what you will find. Ingredients are listed by what the highest content is. If you take a look at most gravies or bottled seasonings, marines, etc. you will find a lot of foreign words.

High fructose corn syrup is a major ingredient being targeted, due to the obesity epidemic the US faces. This is a perfect example of why you want to go with natural ingredients. Many brands are advertising no high fructose corn syrup and utilize cane sugar instead. The more natural you go, the better. GravyMaster gives a lot of seasoning and marinade options.

Out of curiosity, leave me comments telling me what you think you would most likely use GravyMaster for in your cooking. I think I would use GravyMaster first and foremost for gravy, as my hubby loves mashed potatoes. Shrimp flavors sound delicious as well!

Easy Felt and Organza Flower Tutorial

2011-11-27T19:15:00.001-05:00

These cute felt flowers are super easy to make. They are great for use in scrapbooking, jewelry etc. These are great for use for those premade flower pieces you can buy at the craft store. These were bought at Michael's.

Materials: 1 large felt flower, 1 smaller felt flower, 1 medium sized organza felt flower, 1 metal brad

Line flower petals up in the order you want them to appear. Pierce the middle of the flower with a Xacto knife or scissor blade. Push a metal brad through the middle of the flowers.

Fold the back of the brad flat. There you have it. A super fast and easy flower.

PS - I party here!

CaféWell - A New Form of Healthy Social Networking

2011-11-19T23:00:00.001-05:00

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

What is Cafe Well?

Cafe Well is a new take on social networking, with healthy living in mind. Cafewell is an online, anonomyous social networking site where you can connect with other health conscious people. You can talk to people who suffer from the same health condition as you, get support or find healthy tips.

They currently have a promotion going called "Race to the Moon." Race to the Moon is a corporate wellness program that has the goal of getting more people fit and healthy. They offer free wireless pedometers so you can track how much you are walking and see if you are hitting your milestones. If you are a member of HealthAmerica, you might be able to join the Race to the Moon and get a free wireless pedometer. Even if you are not a member, you can join Cafewell for free and join discussions, meet people and find answers and advice for health challenges.

I am currently working on a healthy eating challenge with my boyfriend. I must admit, we are not making much headway. Eating out or making convenience meals is very tempting after a long day, especially for my personal health challenges. Maybe it is time to join Cafewell and get some advice and motivation from likeminded people.

Weekend Coupons!

2011-11-18T17:18:00.001-05:00

A Contest for Bulbs, Gardening Bulbs That is!

2011-11-18T11:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done. for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

“Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done.” – is an educational effort designed to excite all types of women about the surprisingly simple beauty of flower bulbs – is giving away a $5,000 yard makeover! (visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more) not to mention the donations for every entry.

All you need to do to enter is submit a photo of your garden at the website Curbside Chaos.

The lucky winner will not only receive a $5,000 yard makeover, but they will also receive a visit from Taniya Nayak (@TaniyaNayak on Twitter) – Taniya will go through and give you tips on the best way to update your yard! She will give you creative ideas for incorporating flower bulbs into your landscape.
For every share on Twitter, “Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done.” will donate $1.00 to Rebuilding Together – the nation’s leading nonprofit, working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities.
Be sure to try out the Garden Guru Tool located in the bottom left of the screen. This tool will help you figure out which bulb is perfect for your home depending upon where you live!

Here’s how to use the tool:

Step 1 – Pick your Country
Step 2 – Pick your location within that Country
Step 3 – Choose the type of bulb you want to grow
Step 4 – Check out the Planting Guide that shows you how to plant your bulbs.

I chose my location (which was in yellow) and that I would love for my bulbs to bloom in May. Good time of year to go outside and dig a little, right? April showers may prove too pesky. I also chose Daffodils, lovely and bright.

All I need are the Daffodil bulbs, a spade, garden gloves and water. Wow, who would have thought gardening with bulbs to be so easy?

What qualifies as a bulb?
Many people, myself included, thought a bulb is just any plant that is planted underground. This is incorrect. There are other underground plants as well, tubers, corms, etc. Bulbs actually store food in their "basal plate." Tubers and plant roots just grow underground.

So once you choose good healthy bulbs (no much or mold growth), you just plant those babies in the Fall 3 to 6 inches deep and then wait. That is the hard part. You could also plant them in containers and give them away as gifts! Choosing bulbs that sprout in the Fall is perfect. They sprout up and become nice and pretty in time for Christmas.

I loved reading about the ladies on Dig Drop Done. I would have to say I can relate to Juliana, the Fashionista. Not that I'm not a family kinda gal, but I have not done much in terms of gardening. Let's not forget my baby Chihuahua, Ralphie. Kids coming soon!

Christmas is the Best Time of the Year

2011-11-13T13:20:00.001-05:00

Check out my Etsy shop!
Contact me if you want to do a blogroll or badge swap!

18K Gold Jingle Bell Earrings

Festive Christmas Dangle Earrings

Jingle Bells Dangle Earrings

oh, hello friend: you are loved.: collections / jane austen:

2011-11-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

oh, hello friend: you are loved.: collections / jane austen:: What can I say? I am a sucker for romance, particularly Jane Austen . I could sit and read Austen novels all day long. I wanted Nick to wear...

I am a HUGE Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice fan. Love, love, love this post on pictures relating to Jane.

I Love Making Jewelry

2011-11-08T00:52:00.000-05:00

Here are a few new pieces I made:

Christmas Dangle Earrings

Murano Glass Lampwork Earrings

PS I Party Here!

All Cards 79 Cents plus Free Shipping - Today only - No code required, Exp. 10/31/11

2011-10-31T13:09:00.001-04:00

All Cards 79 Cents plus Free Shipping - Today only - No code required, Exp. 10/31/11

Puppies Vs. Babies Online Contest

2011-10-31T10:01:00.001-04:00

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

This is a tough one. Puppies vs. Babies! They are both small, cute and innocent (for the most part, right?) The Puppies vs. Babies online contest is going on until November 23, 2011 and the winner will get a whopping $5,000! That money can easily cover baby costs, but your puppy would be set forever. You could build a special puppy fortress! I have a 6 month old Chihuahua puppy, Ralphie. He is the cutest thing ever. Everyone loves him and cooes at him. He thinks he is much bigger than he really is, however. He growls and is a scaredy cat, but he doesn't have the intended effect. Most people stop and say "Awww, he's growling! Cuuute!". Poor Ralphie. He also looks super duper cute in his new hoodie jacket andturtleneck sweater. Not to mention his booties for the snow, which came way too soon. October snow? Historic! If you've read my previous posts, you've not doubt seen pictures of little Ralphie.

I would have to go with puppies, but our situations in life always change, affecting these decisions. Who are you voting for? I would love to hear your comments and stories.

What's Your Sodium Style?

2011-10-26T18:01:00.001-04:00

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

I took the Sunkist Sodium Quiz and got "Sodium Smarty"! What was your score?

Must be from my health writing days, finally some information is sticking! I, personally, am a sucker for processed foods. It's my pet project, trying to freeze some healthy meals to replace those tempting quickies. Sunkist S'alternative is a sodium-free altnerative to salt that utilizes fresh squeezed lemons. Yum! It reduces sodium intake while increasing potassium and enhancing flavors naturally.

Sunkist® Lemon Seafood Paella -

Ingredients: (Makes 8 servings)
*1- 32 oz can low sodium vegetable broth
*1 cup dry white wine
*1 teaspoon saffron threads
*1lb. of firm, fresh pieces of whitefish such as tilapia, bass, halibut and swordfish, cut into 16-21 pieces
*1lb. or 16-21 mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
*1lb. or 16-21 medium sized clams, rinsed
*cup chopped fresh parsley
*3 Sunkist® lemons, zest and juice
*3 Tbsp. olive oil
*1 _ cups minced onion
*3 cloves garlic, minced
*teaspoon crushed red pepper
*3 cups uncooked short-grain rice such as Valencian, Arborio, or Calrose
*1 cup frozen green peas
*1- 8oz jar of sliced, roasted red peppers

Instructions:
• To prepare broth, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.

• To prepare paella, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large paella pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish pieces to pan and sauté 1 minute. Remove fish from pan, reserve and keep warm. Add onion to pan and sauté 5 minutes. Add the lemon zest, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook 5 minutes. Add rice and cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly. Stir in broth, bring to a low boil and cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Stir in the peas and red pepper slices. Add mussels and clams to pan, nestling them into rice mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until shells open; discard any unopened shells. Stir in the reserved fish and chopped parsley and cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in lemon juice and check for seasoning. Cover with a towel and let stand 10 minutes before stirring.

Sunkist S’alternative Tips
*Plan meals carefully. If a high sodium food is selected, choose your other menu items from lower sodium groups.
*Read labels of packaged or prepared food products for the sodium content. Look for items “without added salt.”
*Skip the salt in all cooking and food preparation and instead serve extra Sunkist lemon wedges and herb mixtures for individual seasoning.
*Check the sodium content of the drinking water in your area with your local Health Department. If you are on a lower sodium restricted diet, do not drink the water if it has been treated with a water-softening agent.
*When eating away from home, order fresh turkey or chicken versus processed meats.
*Avoid turkey rolls and other pre-cooked poultry and deli meats which contain a much higher sodium content than freshly cooked poultry.
*As you reduce your sodium intake, your taste buds will adjust, allowing you to enjoy the true flavors of food that salt often masks.

Purple Dangle Earrings Tutorial

2011-10-23T00:31:00.001-04:00

Mats:
Chain
4 square purple beads (or color of your choosing)
4 headpins
2 earring hooks
2 small Sjump rings (not shown)
needle nose plyers

Step 1: Place each headpin through each square bead. Cut the

wire approximately 1/4 inch from the top of the bead and fold

to the side.

Step 2: Holding the bent wire with your needle nose plyers,

wrap the wire into a loop around the plyers.

Step 3: Trim Excess wire.

Step 4: Repeat Step 2 for all 4 beads.

Step 5: Cut chain into 2 lengths, depending on your

preference. 2 shorter and 2 longer.

Step 6: Attach each piece of chain to a bead.

Step 7: Close the loops over the chain with needlenose

plyers.

Step 8: Open Earring hooks and jump rings with needlenose

plyers.

Step 9: Attach 1 small and 1 large chain to a jump ring.

Close jump ring with needlenose plyers. Repeat with remaining

two chains and jump ring.

Step 10: Place jump rings on open earring hooks, making sure

both earrings are facing the same way. (Pictured above, each

earring has the small chain on the left and long chain on the

right.)

Step 11: Close Earring Hooks

Ta Da!!

PS - I party here!

Branson Missouri is Perfect for a Fall Vacation

2011-10-19T04:02:00.001-04:00

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

With the fall leaves changing to beautiful colors, why not take a trip to Branson, Missouri? The Hilton has two locations that offer excellent lodging, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

Here are a few different locations I would love to check out in Branson:

Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City is an amusement park that is set in the 1880's. The park features roller coasters, live entertainment shows, The Culinary and Craft School (which includes demonstrations) and many restaurants to choose from.
Level 2 Steakhouse. This restaurant is known for its 28-day-aged Kansas City beef, cooked in their 1600-degree radiant heat oven, fresh seafood flown in from Hawaii, locally-grown produce, and their Heritage Missouri pork. They also have tons of sides to choose from, to-die-for butter cake, and an extensive wine list offering. Plan your trip in time for Level 2 Steakhouse's Thanksgiving Brunch and Turkey to Go.
Titanic Museum. Exactly what it sounds like!
Table Rock Lake.
Tanger Outlets. Lets face it, we need to get a shopping fix!

The Convention center is 220,000 square feet of meeting space, two 50,000 sq ft exhibit halls and a 23,000 sq ft ballroom.

The Promenade Hotel is right across from the Convention Center and features an indoor pool, heated whirlpool, a hotel fitness center and the Branson Landing Fountain that features dancing water shows.