Workout DIY

June 27, 2011 By 5 Comments

Before Banjo came into our lives I worked out on a fairly regular basis.  I loved going to the gym and how great the flowing endorphins made me feel.  After he was born that changed.  I tried to make it back to the gym, but it was hard to do that with a baby to take care of.  Sure my gym had a free child care area, so I thought it was going to be so EASY to get back to the gym.  Not a chance!  When Banjo was about 4 months old I took him to the gym with me.  He just stayed in his car seat and hung out in the child care area.  3 days later he got his first cold.  Coincidence?  I tried it again a few weeks later and the result was the same… yet another cold.  So I tried to switch to an evening workout regimen when my husband was home to watch Banjo.  That only lasted for so long.  I was too tired to work out in the evening!  Like many moms I needed something I could do at home, but I didn’t have the $$$ to spend on pricey workout equipment.  Enter workout DVDs from Moms Into Fitness!  They sent me their Boot Camp 2 DVD and it’s fabulous.  Seriously the best workout program I have ever seen. 

It’s so easy to follow and understand.  Lindsay Brin explains everything really well and she teaches the importance of having a solid core.  Also, how to work that core.  Plus, there’s cardio toning workouts that are only 10 minutes long!  Perfect for the new mom or any mom who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to working out!

Moms Into Fitness also has other core fitness videos: 

How about a workout for pregnancy?  Of course Moms Into Fitness has it!

   

Even app options for your phone!

There truly is a workout for everyone at Moms Into Fitness!

Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: ,

{Giveaway} The Plaid Cupcake ***ENDED***

June 27, 2011 By 135 Comments

I love lots of things.  First, I love my e-book reader.  It makes reading so much easier and efficient for me.  Also, I love to hang out at the pool in the summer.  It’s the perfect place to catch up on all of my reading.  Then I love  to look snazzy in the kitchen.  I may not be the best cook, but gorgeous and fun looking aprons are still my friends!  Lastly I love to travel.  US, Europe, Central America… you name it and I’ve probably been there.  Ok so maybe not THAT many places in each part of the world, but I do hope to hit them all one day.  :)   Combine those 4 loves and what do you get?  Well, that would be The Plaid Cupcake!  This is a really cute Etsy shop that sells everything from cases for your Kindle/Nook/Sony Reader:

   

To cute pool/beach totes:

The Plaid Cupcake also has some really unique apron patterns of fabric on each apron they carry!

 

And the coolest looking luggage tags around!

Plus The Plaid Cupcake has a whole lot more, so don’t miss out on this great shop!

Ready to enter to win???  One lucky winner is going to receive some reusable sandwich bags/snack bags from The Plaid Cupcake!  1 sandwich bag and 3 snack bags in fact. 

And it’s winner’s choice of fabric pattern and personalization!  I mean check out these great fabric options that you get to choose from: 

      

Such a dandy and eco friendly giveaway!

*** This giveaway is open to entries in the US only***

There are 7 chances to win. Be sure and leave separate comments for each entry on this posting to enter. **If you qualify for all 7 chances then leave 7 separate comments**

(1): Leave your name, email address, or whatever you feel most comfortable leaving in a comment. (ex: “Dandy Smith”)

(2): Go to The Plaid Cupcake, have a look around, and then tell us your favorite item and why! (ex: “Dandy Smith = I’m quite partial to that Chartreuse tote bag, because I like the color chartreuse and it looks perfect for carrying to the pool!)

(3): Get Dandy in your inbox! Sign up for our newsletter in the right hand sidebar or if you already have. (ex: “Dandy Smith= newsletter”)

(4): Like The Plaid Cupcake on Facebook or if you already do. (ex: “Dandy Smith= like”)

(5): Follow The Plaid Cupcake on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway. (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter and tweet”)

(6): Change your status on Facebook to mention this giveaway. (ex: “Dandy Smith= Facebook status”)

(7): Become a follower of The Plaid Cupcake Blog.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= blog follower”)

***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won! This giveaway will be open for entries the entire week and end on Sunday, July 3rd at 5 pm CST. Be sure and check back on Monday, July 4th to see if you won, so you can claim your prize! ***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won!

Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

{Giveaway} The Ribbon Retreat ***ENDED***

June 27, 2011 By 56 Comments

Alright so I do have a craft/sewing room.  In fact I have an entire room in my home dedicated to this space.  Is it organized?  Probably not very well.  Ok it’s a disaster most of the time, but at least I know where everything is!  Kind of.  :)     As we start to need use of that room in our house (as a guest room) then we will be adding some space in the basement for my craft room.  That’s the plan anyway.  If you have any suggestions on how to finish a basement please let me know, because I need a craft room!  :)    Yep it’s a necessity that I cannot live without.  I’m always on the lookout for the perfect crafting items to add to my supply.  But who really has the time to shop for crafting supplies in an actual store?  Not me.  That makes The Ribbon Retreat is my new best friend!  Care to take a look at some of the items they carry that I’m also in need of more of?  Who am I kidding???  I’m always in need of more of everything!  :)

The Ribbon Retreat has materials perfect for making a ribbon bow…

Wired Ribbon:

 

And loads of other ribbon as well!

There’s also a huge variety of Ric Rac.  So many sizes and colors to choose from!

Can I just tell you that before the holidays last year I decided to make an advent calendar?  I hunted and hunted for the perfect Ric Rac and never found any that was perfect for my project.  How I wish that I had known about The Ribbon Retreat then!

Also at The Ribbon Retreat there’s more items that everyone is looking for…  like:

How about a way cute tutu?

 

 Or an adorable Newsboy Hat?

 

There’s even my personal favorite… FABRIC!

Here’s a few of the fabric selections from a collection titled ‘Just Dandy’:

I see a really dandy quilt in my future!  :)

Basically if you are looking for it then The Ribbon Retreat has it!  And what’s being given away this week from The Ribbon Retreat?  A $25 gift certificate that’s what!  Thanks The Ribbon Retreat for such a dandy giveaway!  :)

*** This giveaway is open to entries worldwide!***

There are 7 chances to win. Be sure and leave separate comments for each entry on this posting to enter. **If you qualify for all 7 chances then leave 7 separate comments**

(1): Leave your name, email address, or whatever you feel most comfortable leaving in a comment. (ex: “Dandy Smith”)

(2): Go to The Ribbon Retreat, have a look around, and then tell us something that you need in your crafting space! (ex: “Dandy Smith = I really need some of that ‘Just Dandy’ fabric.  Okay I need the entire line of it!)

(3): Tell people how much you love Dandy Giveaway by blogging this exact statement:  “Are you looking for the best giveaway ever?  Then you really don’t want to miss out on all that is Dandy Giveaway!”  :)   (ex: “Dandy Smith= blogged”)

(4): Like The Ribbon Retreat on Facebook or if you already do. (ex: “Dandy Smith= like”)

(5): Follow The Ribbon Retreat on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway. (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter and tweet”)

(6): Change your status on Facebook to mention this giveaway. (ex: “Dandy Smith= Facebook status”)

(7): Place The Ribbon Retreat Blog button on your own blog.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= blog button”)

***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won! This giveaway will be open for entries the entire week and end on Sunday, July 3rd at 5 pm CST. Be sure and check back on Monday, July 4th to see if you won, so you can claim your prize! ***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won!

Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , ,

Follow Me Chickadee!

June 20, 2011 By 1 Comment

Sippy Cup Mom
The Life of a Sippy Cup Mom!, Stash Mama, Lilac City Momma, Dandy Giveaway and One + One=Four have teamed up to cohost Follow Me, Chickadee!

Each week, simply stop by at any of these FIVE blogs for a chance to link up and meet new and exciting bloggers!

All we ask is that you follow a few simple guidelines:

–Add a main link to your blog each week (Linky will open every Monday night at 10 p.m. EST!)

—Follow whichever blog you like; all we ask is that you leave a comment telling them that you found them from Follow Me, Chickadee!

–You don’t have to follow every blog that follows you…but make sure that you follow the blogs that really interest you!

–If you want to put the blog hop code or the Chickadee button on your Tuesday post on your blog, we welcome it!


*~In The Spotlight This Week~*

 

 

I am a mom of 2 under 2, both with special needs, who is on one amazing life adventure to learn how to juggle it all! Life has dealt me a few apples and oranges, but on this journey I am not alone.

Along my side is my Saviour and King, Jesus Christ. I also have the following “characters” who you will get to know along the way.

My dearest husband. He can be the source of many funny moments, all of which I hope to share. Besides, he never reads this thing, so he wont be any wiser of it ;)

My daughter. She received her nickname from her great grandmother. When she was told Bear’s real name, Lilibeth, she thought we said Billy Bear. Well, the name stuck and that is where it comes from. At 5 1/2 months, Bear was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, a rare form of epilepsy in infants. It was by far the scariest thing I have ever faced, but it has made me so much stronger. I am the woman I am today because of what we have been through with Bear, and continue to go through with her. She is defying the odds today and is close to walking and talking is on its way.

My son. His name is Ryan and he is a doll. He received his nickname from his Grampy the day he was born. When we found out that he was a baby with Down syndrome, the name fit him well based on a scripture that God had spoken to us about how David had conquered both the Lion and the Bear. What encouragement based upon what all we have faced. Lion now lives up to his name by growling all the time, his first attempts at talking, right on schedule!

 

Interested in being a spotlighted Chickadee?

Contact one of us for details!



Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Dandiness

{Giveaway} BARBAR ***ENDED***

June 20, 2011 By 173 Comments

Now you wouldn’t know it by looking at my bio pic, but my hair is naturally NOT straight.  In fact it takes a good hour just to get my hair to look that smooth.  I wouldn’t say that I have tight curls, because I don’t.  But what I do have is a mess!  :)   Just lots of random pieces that will curl better than others and loads of frizz.  So it’s not surprising that I tend to tie my hair back quite often.  When I do wear it down then I start by blow drying, rounding brushing (sometimes), and flat ironing.  I’ve been doing this for a good 10+ years, so I’ve come to be a flat iron hair snob.  It has to be just the right temperature.  Provide just the right amount of coverage in terms of plate size.  My new best friend?

BARBAR  recently sent me this BARBAR 1400 “BT” Black Tourmaline Flat Iron 1″.  It’s fabulous and seriously cuts hair straightening time in half!

BARBAR  also has other great tools for hair styling.  Like:

Brushes

 

Curling Irons

Blow Dryers

Even tools for cutting hair!

 

Who wants to win their very own BARBAR 1400 “BT” Black Tourmaline Flat Iron 1″?  Well then get entering, because that’s what is being given away from BARBAR!

*** This giveaway is open to US entries only ***

There are 7 chances to win. Be sure and leave separate comments for each entry on this posting to enter. **If you qualify for all 7 chances then leave 7 separate comments**

(1): Leave your name, email address, or whatever you feel most comfortable leaving in a comment. (ex: “Dandy Smith”)

(2): Go to BARBAR, have a look around, and then tell us your favorite hair tool! (ex: “Dandy Smith = Definitely my new flat iron!)

(3): Follow the Dandy Giveaway blog. (ex: “Dandy Smith= blog follower”)

(4): Like Dandy Giveaway on Facebook or if you already do.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= like”)

(5): Follow Dandy Giveaway on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter and tweet”)

(6): Tell everyone you know about this terrific giveaway and then tell us how you told.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= I emailed, I called, I texted”)

(7):  Join the BARBAR mailing list. (ex: “Dandy Smith= mailing list”)

***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won! This giveaway will be open for entries the entire week and end on Sunday, June 26th at 5 pm CST. Be sure and check back on Monday, June 27th to see if you won, so you can claim your prize! ***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won!

Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , ,

{Giveaway} Tazzini ***ENDED***

June 20, 2011 By 81 Comments

I first heard about the potential dangers of BPA in plastics right before Banjo was born.  This came about while researching which baby bottles to register for.  After researching, of course I went with bottles that were BPA free.  I just wanted to make sure that I went with something was going to be totally safe for him.  No questions.  I didn’t need added worries in addition to being a brand new mom!  Keep in mind that since that day only BPA free baby bottles are allowed to be sold in the US.  Fast forward a couple of years…  Now that Banjo is a little bit older I still have to think about the sources that he consumes water and other drinks from.  I want him to be protected.  This is not to say that I’m not worried about my husband and myself.  Even as adults we need to make sure to avoid potentially hazardous plastics.  So I lean towards products that are BPA free, but I have to admit now that all types of plastic kind of gives me the heebie jeebies.  It’s true!  Hey at least I’m being honest about it.  :)     

Now say the word:  Stainless Steel.  Ahhh I can start to feel myself relaxing already!  Recently the company Tazzini sent me this Earth Map Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle:

It’s totally BPA and toxin free!

And it’s eco friendly!

HUGE sigh of relief!

Tazzini also has this great looking style:

And how cute are these Lil’ Taz bottles?

                                            

                                        

Available in some way dandy colors!

Now get ready, because one of you is going to win a stainless steel bottle from Tazzini and it’s winner’s choice of which one!  So get entering!

*** This giveaway is open to entries in the US only***

There are 6 chances to win. Be sure and leave separate comments for each entry on this posting to enter. **If you qualify for all 6 chances then leave 6 separate comments**

(1): Leave your name, email address, or whatever you feel most comfortable leaving in a comment. (ex: “Dandy Smith”)

(2): Go to Tazzini, have a look around, and then tell us your favorite reusable bottle! (ex: “Dandy Smith = I love that Sunshine Lil’ Taz!)

(3): Get Dandy in your inbox!  Sign up for our newsletter in the right hand sidebar or if you already have. (ex: “Dandy Smith= newsletter”)

(4): Like Tazzini on Facebook or if you already do.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= like”)

(5): Follow Tazzini on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter and tweet”)

(6):  Change your status on Facebook to mention this giveaway.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= Facebook status”)

***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won! This giveaway will be open for entries the entire week and end on Sunday, June 26th at 5 pm CST. Be sure and check back on Monday, June 27th to see if you won, so you can claim your prize! ***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won!

Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

Follow Me Chickadee!

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Sippy Cup Mom
The Life of a Sippy Cup Mom!, Stash Mama, Lilac City Momma, Dandy Giveaway and One + One=Four have teamed up to cohost Follow Me, Chickadee!

Each week, simply stop by at any of these FIVE blogs for a chance to link up and meet new and exciting bloggers!

All we ask is that you follow a few simple guidelines:

–Add a main link to your blog each week (Linky will open every Monday night at 10 p.m. EST!)

—Follow whichever blog you like; all we ask is that you leave a comment telling them that you found them from Follow Me, Chickadee!

–You don’t have to follow every blog that follows you…but make sure that you follow the blogs that really interest you!

–If you want to put the blog hop code or the Chickadee button on your Tuesday post on your blog, we welcome it!


*~In The Spotlight This Week~*

 

Hi, I’m Kate. I like fresh sheets, good beer, and decadent food. I don’t like chalk, being tickled, or talking on the phone. I also like to share my thoughts on life, design, food, beer, wine, fashion, travel, and more on the internet.

When not writing The Guavalicious Life I parent my special needs twins, run the local chapter of Social Media Club, hatch ideas and help people and businesses find their way, conceive social media campaigns, write for our local paper, and run a monthly cooking chat on Twitter. I am also a hyper-local blogger and run a group blog about my city Columbia, Missouri.

 

 

Interested in being a spotlighted Chickadee?

Contact one of us for details!



Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Dandiness

{Giveaway} Jamz Guitar Straps ***ENDED***

June 13, 2011 By 64 Comments

 

Back in the late 90′s of my college days I remember lots of guitar playing going on.  It seemed like all the boys played the guitar.  It was just the ”in thing” to do in Provo, Utah I guess.  Maybe it still is?  They would just sing away and play the guitar.  And the girls would swoon.  And I’m sure the boys liked all the attention that came from their musical talents.  I also remember that this brought about many girls learning to play the guitar.  Maybe it had something to do with them requesting the boys to teach them how to play?  :)    Regardless I’m a fan of lots of kinds of musical instruments and I think that there’s just something about the way an acoustic sounds.  I also remember how one summer I stayed out at school and my friend left me to babysit her guitar.  I vowed that I would learn to play that summer.  Did I?  No.  Do I regret it?  Yes.  Is there still time for me to learn?  Of course there is!  In fact I think that I may have a renewed ambition to pick up the guitar since learning about Jamz Guitar Straps.  I mean I am all about accessorizing, so of course I’m going to be all about accessorizing a guitar!  At Jamz functionality and fashion collide to create one really dandy custom guitar strap.  Ready to have a look at a few of my favorites?     

Well, for starters I love how Jamz recognizes the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness:

 

Then I really like the look of this one:

Then this one makes me smile:

 Perfect for the kiddo just starting to play!

How about this one?

Or something really manly for upcoming Father’s Day?

                                              

And I’m a sucker for argyle:

 

Yep Jamz Guitar Straps truly has something to fit every guitar and every guitar player.  Plus, all of the straps at Jamz are handmade by a husband and wife team.  And you can totally tell that they really have the guitar strap how to down pat!

Who wants to win a guitar strap from Jamz Guitar Straps?  Well then enter to away, because it’s winner’s choice of which one!

*** This giveaway is open to entries worldwide!***

There are 6 chances to win. Be sure and leave separate comments for each entry on this posting to enter. **If you qualify for all 6 chances then leave 6 separate comments**

(1): Leave your name, email address, or whatever you feel most comfortable leaving in a comment. (ex: “Dandy Smith”)

(2): Go to Jamz Guitar Straps, have a look around, and then tell us your favorite guitar strap! (ex: “Dandy Smith = I think that I need the Spring Morning!)

(3): Follow the Dandy Giveaway blog. (ex: “Dandy Smith= blog follower”)

(4): Like Jamz Guitar Straps on Facebook or if you already do.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= like”)

(5): Follow Jamz Guitar Straps on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter and tweet”)

(6):Tell everyone you know about this terrific giveaway and then tell us how you told.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= I emailed, I called, I texted”)

***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won! This giveaway will be open for entries the entire week and end on Sunday, June 19th at 5 pm CST. Be sure and check back on Monday, June 20th to see if you won, so you can claim your prize! ***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won!

Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: ,

{Giveaway} C-RED ***ENDED***

June 13, 2011 By 21 Comments

This is the last and final week to win something fabulous from C-RED!  If you haven’t been tuning in the last few weeks then you missed out on this:

And this:

But this week let’s talk about all the ways to accessorize at C-RED, shall we?  C-RED sent the cutest toddler rocker belt for Banjo.  In fact C-RED has lots of studded belts to choose from for men, women, and children.

Like this one:

And this one:

 

      C-RED also has great items for the new mother.  Diaper bags!

                            

 

This week the winner is going to receive this toddler rocker belt!

 

*** This giveaway is open to entries in the US only***

There are 6 chances to win. Be sure and leave separate comments for each entry on this posting to enter. **If you qualify for all 6 chances then leave 6 separate comments**

(1): Leave your name, email address, or whatever you feel most comfortable leaving in a comment. (ex: “Dandy Smith”)

(2): Go to C-RED, have a look around, and then tell us your favorite accessory item! (ex: “Dandy Smith = I love that cute Whale Hooded Towel!)

(3): Get Dandy in your inbox!  Sign up for our newsletter in the right hand sidebar or if you already have. (ex: “Dandy Smith= newsletter”)

(4): Like C-RED on Facebook or if you already do.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= like”)

(5): Follow C-RED on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter and tweet”)

(6):  Change your status on Facebook to mention this giveaway.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= Facebook status”)

***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won! This giveaway will be open for entries the entire week and end on Sunday, June 19th at 5 pm CST. Be sure and check back on Monday, June 20th to see if you won, so you can claim your prize! ***Remember*** Winners are not notified through email, so you have to check back to find out if you won!

Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , ,

Surfin’ Saturday!

June 10, 2011 By 2 Comments

Welcome to the 30th Surfin’ Saturdays hosted by Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Two Monkeys & a Washtub, And Then There Were Four, The Coupon Challenge and Dandy Giveaway! Each week we will be surfin’ a different social network. You will have to check back every Saturday to see where we will be! One week it may be a facebook hop and then the next an email hop! It will be lots of fun and you will get to meet new people and see old friends as well!
We kindly ask that you follow these simple requests

  1. Follow the hostesses in the first four spots (We will follow you back! Just please leave a comment letting us know that you are following us!)
  2. Please only link up the network that is being hopped that specific week.
  3. No spam please. These will be removed.
  4. It would be wonderful if you are linking up this week if you could add our button to your sidebar or in a post to help spread the word! :) The more people that join, the more fun it will be!
  5. If someone follows you please feel free to follow them back! If you follow me and leave a comment you are guaranteed a follow back!
This is a new list every Saturday, so please remember to come back and link up!

This week is Twitter!
Please link up only your Twitter!



Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: Dandiness
« Older Posts