Free $10

November 11, 2012 by 1 Comment

Packages from my online Christmas shopping began arriving on my doorstop last week:

Notice a familiar emblem on one of those packages?

One that resembles that square at the top of this posting and looks something like this:

Did you see it amongst my packages???

Of course a package from Zulily was delivered at my house, because I’ve been doing A LOT of shopping on Zulily!

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to shop online.  It’s the best way to find a bargain.  Everything at Zulily is a bargain, so it’s my go to place for holiday shopping.  I literally check in every day to see what the latest deals are.  So far we have acquired some building blocks for Banjo on Zulily at around 80% off retail.  This week I’ll There are just so many things at major percentages off that it’s sooooo very difficult to decide just what to get her!  Maybe this adorable shopping cart:

Can you say, “Little Tikes”???

Or a pink truck for her to scoot around on:

Or some holiday books:

There are so many options right now.  I’ll have to check in tomorrow see what the new items are for children at Zulily!  Not shopping for kiddos?  Well, Zulily has way more than just stuff for kids.  I actually bought myself a wool peacoat from there a couple of weeks ago.  It’s gorgeous!  And the price?  Amazing.  $29.  That’s right… only $29!!!

Who wants $10 to start shopping?  Yep $10 for free!!!  Just GO HERE and you will get $10 to start spending at Zulily!

 

This posting was part of my affiliation with Zulily, but all opinions are strictly my own.

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Halloween Decorating Obsessiveness

October 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Can you tell that I have a 4 year-old obsessed with perfect order in all things???

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Happy October!

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The Painted Name {Giveaway} ***ENDED***

February 27, 2012 by 57 Comments

My children have a very important lady in their young lives.  Her name is Gran and she is my mother.  Thank you all for the good thoughts that have been directed towards her during this difficult time.  I know that I’ve eluded to the fact in recent postings that she is ill.  Until now I haven’t been open on the Dandy with what my mom has, but this particular feature has me thinking of her a great deal.  So I thought that I should fill you in.

At the start of the New Year (when my new baby girl was just 1 week old) my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.  It came as quite a shock to us all as my mom has always been very healthy.  Sure she has been more tired than normal over the last few years, but we just thought it was because she works full time and has had a lot on her plate with both her parents and my father’s parents.  My paternal grandfather (who was the inspiration for Dandy Giveaway) died suddenly 4 years ago, maternal grandmother had a stroke 3 years ago, paternal grandmother had brain cancer 2 years ago, and my maternal grandfather was just diagnosed with cancer just barely before Thanksgiving.

So we haven’t had an easy time of it.  Through it all my mom has been there for everyone and we are now here for her.  We are rallying behind here.  That’s what being a family is all about!  I’m happy to report that she is tolerating chemotherapy well and we continue to pray for a cure.  It’s going to be a long road, but I have complete faith that my mom can continue to fight this.  She’s a strong woman.  Gran is even still working!  She’s a manager of a bank and this is why I’ve had her on my mind for this feature giveaway.  🙂

When Banjo was born it was important to her to get him his first piggy bank.  What else would a banking Gran think of.  😉  I think everyone has that token gift that they like to give and a piggy bank is the perfect fit for my mom.  I remember her searching high and low for Banjo’s bank.   Who would have thought that it would be so difficult to find a piggy bank?  Well, I have just the place for her to get those piggies from now on.

Isn’t he a cute one?  The Painted Name carries personalized piggy banks to match lots of nursery decors.  Even if you aren’t a bank manager a piggy bank makes a great gift for a new baby!

The Painted Name has plenty of other items perfect for baby gift giving.

How great is this dish set?

 

And be still my heart this mini tea set is adorable!

 

Then…

How cute is this egg for the Easter baskets???

The Painted Name has it all!  Who’s ready for the giveaway?

The winner of this giveaway is going to receive a CUTE personalized piggy bank (a $47 value) from The Painted Name!

 

*** 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 The Painted Name, have a look around, and then tell us your favorite item! (ex: “Dandy Smith = Love the piggy banks! )

(3): Become a follower of The Painted Name Blog through Google Friend Connect or if you already do.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= follow The Painted Name.”)

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

(5):  Tell people about this giveaway and then tell us how you did!  (ex: “Dandy Smith= emailed, called, texted, etc.”)

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

(7): Become a follower of Dandy Giveaway through Networked Blogs (in the right hand sidebar) or if you already follow through there.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= follow Dandy.”)

***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 until Sunday, March 4th at 5:00 pm CST.  Be sure and check back on Monday, March 5th 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!

This posting and giveaway was sponsored by The Painted Name, but all opinions are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

{Giveaway} SuLu Gifts ***ENDED***

January 30, 2012 by 57 Comments

The audiologist man and I were married for almost 6 years before we had Banjo.  During that time we lived in San Antonio and enjoyed furnishing our first home.  One of our favorite purchases was this coffee table:

We thought it was a cool table, because it has all of these great compartments to store books, blankets, throw pillows, etc.  Shortly after buying said table I watched in horror as a little girl who was visiting drove a matchbox car across the top of it.  Now this car didn’t have very good shocks, because metal was all that touched the table!  Of course leaving distress marks that weren’t meant to be there.  I was near tears.  When our guests left audiologist man instantly said that it was going to be okay and it was just a coffee table.  I remember asking him if the girl even realized that she had done harm to a Ralph Lauren coffee table!  He just told me that one day we would have kids and they would ruin things.  To which I replied that we didn’t have kids yet, so we were supposed to have nice things until then.

When Banjo came into our lives Ralph became good at storing toys in the living room:

And unbeknownst to us until the damage was already done…

Ralph became a teething table:

 

Fast forward several years and we still have Ralph.  He may have acquired a few more scratches here and there, but I’m still quite protective over him.  For instance coasters are to always be used on his scratched up surface!  In fact I’m really in need of these ceramic tile coasters to protect Ralph:

Aren’t they gorgeous?  Where can you get them???  Well, I’m going to tell you…

SuLu Gifts!  This shop has so many fun gifts and supplies for your next party.  Totally cute party favors:

 

 

 

How cute are these for Valentine’s Day?

In addition to the ceramic coasters SuLu Gifts also has these unique photo coasters:

Talk about a really unique gift for the person who has everything!  Totally customizable and totally cute!

And guess what’s being given away?  A set of 4 photo coasters personalized with your own photos!

*** 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): Get Dandy in your inbox by signing up for the brand NEW newsletter in the right hand sidebar.  (ex: “Dandy Smith = signed up!)

(3): Follow Dandy Giveaway on Twitter (or if you already do) and then tweet about this giveaway.   (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter and tweet”)

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

(5):  Tell people about this giveaway and then tell us how you told!  You get an entry for each one that you do!  (ex: “Dandy Smith= emailed, blogged, texted, called, etc.”)

(6): Go to SuLu Gifts, have a look around, and then leave a comment telling us your favorite item.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= I love those monogram ceramic tile coasters!”)

(7): Become a follower of Dandy Giveaway through Google Friend Connect (in the right hand sidebar) or if you already do.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= follow Dandy”)

***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 until Sunday, February 5th at 5:00 pm CST.  Be sure and check back on Monday, February 6th 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!

This posting and giveaway was sponsored by SuLu Gifts, but all opinions are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

{Giveaway} Just Beccuz ***ENDED***

July 18, 2011 by 83 Comments

When the audiologist man and I got hitched we were given this really cool red plate that reads “You are special today”.  It’s the perfect addition to someone’s special day.  For the birthday dinner girl or boy.  Or just a day that’s made special by an employment raise or school accomplishment.  Or one that deserves to be special just because.  The red plate is one of my most favorite wedding gifts.  (It has been almost 9 years since it joined our family!)  And it looks spectacular with my yellow and red kitchen decor!  Remind me to share a picture sometime of my kitchen, because I absolutely love my kitchen.  Lots.  Probably because I feel like it’s the only room in our house that’s put together…  Anyway, back to the special plate.  I enjoy things that carry a special meaning, but also are creative and original.  Basically anything that makes someone feel like a lot of work and effort went into it.  Now I’m not saying that I’m the one who puts the a lot of work into things.  I’m not that creative or original!  So when there’s someone who has the knack for that type of thing then they become my new best friend.  Like Becca at the shop Just Beccuz.  Everything in her shop is perfect for making anyone feel extra special!  So without further ado here are my favorites…

I’m a sucker for anything yellow,

so of course this Happy Birthday Banner is a winner in my book!

And don’t even get me started on how much I love monkeys…

This birthday package would complete any monkey themed party!

 Then…

Check out this entire Baby Shower Package:

Isn’t it simply diva divine?

And oh be still my heart:

It’s no wonder that I LOVE this banner!  🙂

Then who could go wrong with this for the newly marrieds:

 Just Beccuz also has handmade cards:

Now that’s extra special!

What’s being given away this week from Just Beccuz?  One lucky winner is going to receive a $25 gift certificate to spend at Just Beccuz!

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

And…

***Open for entries for 2 whole weeks!***

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 Just Beccuz, have a look around, and then tell us your favorite item. (ex: “Dandy Smith = Definitely that yellow Happy Birthday Banner!)

(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 Just Beccuz on Facebook or if you already do. (ex: “Dandy Smith= like”)

(5): Place a Just Beccuz Gifts & Greetings button on your own blog (found in the right sidebar of her blog).  (ex: “Dandy Smith= blog button”)

(6): Follow Just Beccuz on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway. (ex: “Dandy Smith= twitter & tweet”)

(7): Become a follower of Dandy Giveaway through Google Connect or if you already follow.  (ex: “Dandy Smith= follow Dandy”)

***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 for 2 whole weeks!  So from July 18th-July 31st at 5:00 pm CST.  Be sure and check back on Monday, August 1st 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!

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{Guest Posting} Party Decorations!

February 23, 2011 by 1 Comment

Hello all, My name is Edith and you can usually find me blogging over at Edeenut Creates. My good friend Tara asked me to join her today on Dandy Giveaway and share a fun and simple decoration idea for any party.

While deciding how to decorate for a recent Valentine’s Day party, I saw these cool looking paper plate balls and thought they might be cool to make. The instructions are found here at Family Fun, so you can make your own if you desire.

My basic idea was to slip a string of white Christmas lights inside each ball and poke some light tips out through the holes illuminating in the dim party room.


The light idea was put aside after more consideration and so were the paper plate balls in fact. But I still really like the balls and this image makes them look so fun for a party. Even though I didn’t actually use the paper plate balls for decorations I thought I would still share how easy and inexpensive they are to make if you want to make your own.

While I was contemplating the whole pink paper plate ball idea, I tried to find some pink paper plates to use. The only ones I found were in packs of 10 and would have been pretty pricey because for each ball you need 20 plates. The pack of 10 plates were almost $2.00 each.

I bought a pack of 100 white paper plates and a can of pink spray paint. The paint was $3 and the plates were $1.50.

In my back yard, I made sure the wall was protected with paper and cardboard, then working with 20 plates at a time, I sprayed a thin coat of paint on each one. They were in direct sunlight and so they dried fast.


By the time I sprayed the last one I could go back and move the first one off the paper to dry completely on the wall. But by this point though they were pretty much dry. I just didn’t want them to stick together if stacked up.


When I was completely done with 60 plates I was out of paint. I think I could have done 40 more plates though if I would have not done two coats of paint on some plates. Because I was out in the bright direct sunlight my eyes didn’t quite see the color of pink on the plates as it really was so I added another coat thinking it needed it. But after going inside with the plates I could see the color would have been fine with one coat.


Here is one ball hanging up above my table. I used clear nylon thread to hand it so it looks as if it’s floating in mid air. Even though here you can see the ceiling fan chains hanging down.
Also, you can see the pink color indoors is really rich with two coats. But if you want a deep rich color you could always do as many coats of paint as you wanted.


This painting method also makes these polyhedrons easy for any party idea. You could paint them in any color you want to go with your theme. Blue, red and white for the 4th of July would be very fun. Green for Your St. Patties Day get together. Make them for a baby shower, or Birthday. The possibilities are endless.

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: , , , , ,