Blogmania Scavenger Hunt Details: Starts July 1st

Here is a quick look at all of the sponsors for the Blogmania Scavenger Hunt that starts July 1st.  You could win $100 to your choice of one of these shops simply by finding the Blogmania image hidden among their pages.  

To get a jump start, bookmark the Blogmania blog and get ready to go!  The post will go live at midnight Wednesday night which will contain the master list, complete with instructions on how to join the fun, and clues to help you find our image!

The Pat-a-Cake Baby
Clutch That
Susie Cues
Milkin’ Cookies
Oh Goodie Designs
The Peach Tree
Tiny Dots by Robyn
Always B Designs
Candied Bath Bakery
Evelyn White – Fine Fabric Fancier
Ficklets
Soapy Ventures by Jamie Johansen
Catnap Cottage
Waste Not Recycled Art
The Sterling Custom Shop
Lilly Queen
Pocket Full of Daisies
Pottery by Deborah
Batwa
Karen’s Kreations
The Purse Place
Cayenne Peppy
Invitations and More
Candle Kitty
Pane in the Grass
Crzy Bag Lady Designs
Pretty Little Pearl
SquackDoodle
Scentsy (Kimberly Robinette)
Altered by Jenn
Pink Dixie
It’s My Favorite Boutique
Adorable Baby Clothing
Peanutbearys
Better than Normal
Japanesesque Accents
Just for the Art of it
Couture Unraveled
Royal Rugrats
Sasa Originals
Snowman Collector
Cierra’s Sweets
Travel Time Crafts
C’s Charms
A little Lollipop Tree
Sew Lucky Embroidery
Pieces of Me Pendants
Decal Show
The Story Book Cottage
Less Ordinary Designs
Vintage Lures
The Decorative Bee
Muddy Puppys
Paint Myself Pretty
Ultimate Essentials
Loretta’s Crafts
Itsy Bitsy Paper
Ruby Ryder Attire
The Wicked Mama’s Emporium
Fragile Elite Jewelry Designs
Fuzzy Mug
Orglamix
2 Blondes and Bling
Julie the Fish Designs
Sea Glass Treasures
Bird Crafts Party Shop
Cards and Notes
KD Designs
Michelle V Custom Leather Jewelry
Faith Heart
Tribute Books
Posh Pixels Design Studio
Angie’s Store
Scrivener’s Retreat
Island Girls Jewelry
Mommy Mart
Rainbow Swirlz
Darkling Treasures
Kolcraft
T and Little S Designs
GIGART
ColorMe Art Spa
Lavender Moon Oasis
d.s. lookkin
dj2designs
Sadie Olive
Serendipity Rose
Creative Visions Woodworking
Tweet Memories
Lovely Pieces Design
Dahzay Designs
A Dash of Kennedy – A Dash of Style
Amby Creations
New Leaf Handmade Goods
Loverly Vintage
Lunarra Star
Charm Factory
Nanna’s Knitting
Ellie Blossoms
Jewelry by Aisha
Always Personal
Inkspot Workshop
Creative Artworks
Dove Chocolate Discoveries (Kim C.)
Lucy Blaire Creations
Pomella
She’s that Girl Soap Shop
I am Joolienn
Giggles Galore n More
Raceytay
Kitsune Yuki
Bubalina Beauty
Jewelry by Jackie
WeeLittlePea
Sprinkles of Love
Alyssabeth’s
Tickled Pink Paperie
Jolex USA
Sarahsewta
Brynn’s Beautiful Bows
Zo-Be Designs
Wired Whimsy
Relm Handmade
Necklace Necessities
It’s the Small Things
Uniquely Pampered
Untangled Living
The Posh Event
Scrappy Gifts
KG Style Designs
Mama Hoot Designs
Gussy
ATG Stores
Saint Francis Couture
Sora Designs
Creative Baby

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Blogmania Spotlight on The CatNap Cottage

Looking for handcrafted afghans and throws?  Housewares, linens or pillows?  How about sachets, bedspreads or blankets?  If you want handcrafted products with a 100% positive feedback on over 1000 purchases, please visit The CatNap Cottage.  

  

A Little About Catnapcottage's Shop:

The CatNap Cottage  has an eclectic mix of unique vintage finds and handcrafted goods.  She is a vintage textile collector. who loves to restore linens, spreads and fabrics. If they cannot be used for their original purpose, she gives them a new life, mostly as pillows. Her pillows are about the fabric used to construct them. In her travels, she has come across other unique vintage items that she could not pass up and lots of them ending up in her shop. 

If you want to read a little history on fabrics, she does a beautiful job in understanding how the fabric, barkcloth came about here.

Here is neat fact:  One of The CatNap Cottage's pillows was featured in Real Living Magazine!

      

The CatNap Cottage will combine shipping from purchases from all her shop:

• Crocheted Scarves & Birdie Brooches @ http://CraftyNanaCreations.etsy.com
• Vintage Modern Pillows & Decor @ http://MidCenturyModern.etsy.com 
• Lampwork Bead & Silver Jewelry @ http://DanglesandBangles.etsy.com
• Vintage Barkcloth Yardage and Pillow Panels @ http://VintageTextileJunkie.etsy.com

You can also check out The Catnap Cottage's blog here.  Facebook here or follow in Twitter here.

Layaway is available - Pay How Much You Want and When You Want! - Just send her a convo!

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Posted in: blogmania,catnap cottage

Radio Flyer Wagons & The World's Largest Wagon Mosiac

 

I think the image of Radio Flyer Wagons reminds me of apple pie and baseball.  It seems as much the American tradition to grow up with one.  Shhh....my girls don't have one and I know I should have bought one by now but my oldest did have one.  This great American icon in their ever so loved signature color has been around since 1917!

As a kid, we had one and you can't forget the tricycles!  Those were also part of nearly everyone's home if they had children.  It's not just the red wagon anymore as there are many other products ranging from scooters to ride ons and as I noted, tricycles.  Summer fun and Radio Flyer go hand in hand!

Writing this post brought back so many memories and I had no idea that Radio Flyer made so many of the products I grew  up with.  I remember my brother riding to town on his rocking horse and who can forget the Inch Worm?  So beloved!

  

However you have fun making memories this summer with Radio Flyer, add your photo of your fun by participating in the World's Largest Wagon Mosiac.  All you have to do is capture those moments and add your picture(s) to help the legacy of the little red wagon to live on!

I posted this not only to spread the word on this great project to keep Radio Flyer around for many generations to come but also as part of the MomSelect program in hopes of winning a prize.

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Posted in: mom select,radio flyer,World's Largest Wagon Mosiac

Our Kung Zhu Zhu Party

Thanks to the folks at Zhu Zhu Pets and MomSelect, I was able to host a Kung Zhu party for my daughter and some of her neighbor and school friends.  Zhu Zhu Pets were a big hit in our house this past Christmas as they were among many houses.  I even had to resort to buying a couple from Ebay to be able to give gifts.  The only Zhu Zhu I was able to purchase in a store ended up not working as soon as I opened it and the great folks at Zhu Zhu Pets replaced it for me due to the holiday depletion of all Zhu Zhu Pets.  I thought that exemplified excellent customer service on their part.

Back to our wonderful party!  We received this AMAZING party pack full of Zhu Zhu Pets and accessories.  The kids LOVED it and that's an understatement.  I did have to reserve one as my husband wanted me to send him one all the way to Kuwait.  He thought it would be cute to have in his room since they aren't allowed to have pets and serving in a war can be lonely.

Here is the deal on the great new addition to Cepia's line of Zhu Zhu Pets:  Kung Zhu are the new ninja themed Zhu Zhu Pets that are marketed to boys but I can vouch that girls love them too!  These cool battle hamsters are interactive and have their own personalities.  Whether you choose the Ninja Warriors or the Special Forces or even both your kids will have so much fun!  Each group has their own set of personalities and you can choose from special armor, weapons, vehicles and training ground to include a really cool battle arena.  All the parts are easy to set up and come apart easy for changing your training area or for each clean up as it does evolve into a large set up.

The theme behind these Kung Zhus are they have to be trained and transform into one of the Ninja Warriors or Special Forces so this gives the kids a mission.  Each hamster has their symbol of allegiance on their back and they have their own unique personalities.  With so many choices, the kids had such a great time choosing who they wanted to play.

After the party, we had water fun!

 

Overall, we had a great time!

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New Items at Evelyn White Fine Fabric Fancier

Looking for fine linen handcrafted?  Evelyn White Fine Fabric Fancier has some new items that are a must see.  Plum charcoal leaves on cream placemats are 13" x 17" and are $48 for six.  To buy, click here.

 

Another new item are half mats which are perfect for a setting of sandwiches and tea or a small breakfast.  A set of four are $16 and can be purchased here.

Fine Fabric Fancier has elegant and unique handmade linens for your home or for gift giving.  Quality table linens made wonderful gifts and can really spruce up the table when you entertain.  I love the placemats and napkins I ordered along with this great cup customized java jacket.

 

Looking for a bigger bargain, check out the sale section as you can choose from some of these beautiful items:

 

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Posted in: linens,placemats,sale linens

Zulily Sale: Dr. Seuss & More!

Dr. Seuss: Seuss-tastic Bodysuits are on sale now at Zulily!

Oh, the places they'll go in these stupendous Dr. Seuss bodysuits! For babies big and small; for one and for all. Red, green and blue! Thing 1 and Thing 2! Long sleeves keep little arms snug as a bug in a rug. Snaps at the bottom make them easy to slip on and off whether you're on a train or plane, here or there, or anywhere! Haven't you wished for a little whimsy lately?

 

Priced at only $9.49!

More great savings ... check them out!

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Posted in: dr seuss,zulily sale

Martha Stewart's Red, White, and Blue Clip-Art Crafts

I keep writing posts on my girl's upcoming Minnie Mouse party and I get to add these great craft ideas from Martha Stewart.  I love all of Martha Stewart's crafts and enjoy getting the e-mails of the day.  Her crafts are usually very easy to do while giving off such a "wow" effect.  I've always liked Martha and can't wait to see her latest edition of her magazine and definitely look forward to the craft of the day to include the recipe of the day.  Here are the crafts:

Stars and Stripes Clip-Art Paper Cones

Tools and Materials

• Matte heavyweight paper
• Craft knife or scissors
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• Waxed paper (optional)

Chip-Cone How-To

1. Print clip-art image (red orblue) and trim. Score along dotted line, and fold back to create a tab.
2. Wrap to form cone, and attach sides with glue stick or double-sided tape. To prevent grease marks, line the inside of the cone with waxed paper if desired.

Sources

Premium Presentation Matte Paper (SO41257), 8.5 by 11 inches, $12.99 for 50 sheets, epson.com.

I love these patriotic flags:

 

Wave away the heat, and proclaim your allegiance, with these red, white, and blue decorations. With wooden garden markers as handles, our fans make great party favors.

Arrange a cluster of them in a cup for a festive centerpiece, or turn them into place cards by affixing printed name labels to the sticks.

Clip-Art Craft: Cupcake Flags

Signal a special occasion by topping the dessert course with checkered "good luck" banners or sunburst "birthday" medallions. Download ourtemplates, print them on a color printer, and cut them out. Use party toothpicks as flagpoles and ribbon for an extra dash of color; cap each pole with a candy-colored bead. Dressed like this trio of cupcakes, your treats will pass any test of festivity with flying colors.

Flag How-To
For a Banner 
Cut out one of the strips and fold it in half vertically. Apply craft glue to the top third of a party toothpick, slip it into the fold so it sticks out slightly at the top, and hold it in place until dry. Affix banner halves together with a glue stick.

For a Medallion 
Cut out two circles. Place one facedown; use a glue stick to affix a toothpick along the circle's diameter so the toothpick's tip juts just beyond the circle's edge. Attach a short length of folded ribbon at the bottom. Affix other circle face up. Apply a dot of craft glue to the top of your flagpole; slip a small bead over the end.

From Martha Stewart Living, January 2003

Patriotic Can Wrappers

Wrap up your holiday entertaining plans with these patriotic containers.

For more great ideas, visit Martha Stewart here.

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Posted in: cones,cotton candy cones,martha stewart 4th of july cones

ChicBuds Swarovski Earphone Giveaway 7/14 ($39 Value) WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

STACY!

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected by random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

I think between my kids and husband, we have almost every type of portable music player available whether it's Ipods, phones, other MP3 players and so forth.  I guess you get the point!  For those of you that have those music players, you also know the ear buds are just plain old boring and have no character.  I'm sure that's okay for some but for those of us that like the bling, ChicBuds is the deal!  Have you heard of them?  They come in so many varieties and styles and have other great accessories.  If you have a tween, teen or young adult, they will also LOVE them!


We received a complimentary set of ChicBuds and like the portability of being able to have little speakers on the go.  The sound is really booming and delivers enough to allow us to enjoy the music.  I was surprised given the size of the speaker but it was perfect for us.  It's a simple plug in feature and works perfect for times when you want to go outside, on a trip or wherever you want to listen to music without headphones.


Here are just a few of the other types of ChicBuds:

The Giveaway:

 

The giveaway is for a set of watermelon ChicBud Earphones as pictured above ($39 value).  


About the ChicBud Earphones:

Adorned with Swarovski Crystals, chicBuds transforms functional earbuds into a deliciously stylish experience. But don't be fooled! chicBuds are not only yummy looking--they're convenient too. The built-in retractor allows the cord to expand and retract to 5 stopping points for various lengths. The clip stops cords from bouncing around and the retractable device prevents tangling when not in use.

Available in five colors:

• Blueberry
• Grape
• Watermelon
• Sour Apple
• Marshmallow

To Enter:


Follow my blog and leave a comment that you want to win! 


Optional Bonus Entries:

• Follow ChicBuds on Twitter here or here or here (get two entries each)
• Sign up for ChicBud's e-mail here (two entries)
• Visit ChicBuds and tell me what other product you would like.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter
• Fan me on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 7/14 at midnight - winner chosen by random.org.

Open to US and Canada.

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Posted in: earphones giveaway chicbuds

Tired Feet? They Need Some Spare Soles: Review and Upcoming Giveaway

How many times have you worn high heels and your feet end up screaming and making you cry?  I can't even recall how often as when I worked in an office, I always wore heels and I think just until recently, I wore heels to make up for my shortness.  If you wear heels, you know exactly what I'm talking about when it comes to pain, soreness, aching and blisters.  When I found Spare Soles, I had to learn more because they were such an ingenious idea on helping us women stay so prim and proper without anyone really realizing we are in comfort land!  

  

Spare Soles are spare footwear for when your feet have had enough but you haven't.  A revolutionary, compact, hygienic and fashionable solution to sore feet from uncomfortable footwear. Spare Soles fashion-forward ballet flats and flip flops come in their own matching wristlet. They are meant to be easily toted in your purse or pocket to put on when your feet need relief.  I love this idea that they are portable and discreet!  Who would even guess you have a spare, comfy pair of shoes to replace the one's that are ruining your day or night? 

 

Your choices vary with the Original Spare Soles that are available in seven colors, the Diamond series perfect for weddings, the Metro version for those busy city streets when you have to walk a lot, comfy Flip Flops and Roll-Upz with a tote.


I think the concept is great and I wished I had these on the endless traveling I did overseas.  These would have been perfect for the flight, for the hotel room and even for some casual get together in the hotel.  

 

I received a complimentary pair of the Spare Soles® Flip Flops Hot Pink.  They sell for only $20 and are available in sizes size (5-6), medium (7-8), large (9-10) and extra large (11-12).


Since they are foldable, they do tend to fold up towards your heels.  I did have to get used to them before I found them comfortable as they are different material from what I'm used to.   They are skid resistant with a water proof sole which is very nice given how slippery some floors can be.  They are also very durable as I pulled on the straps and they didn't budge.  Even the crystal/stone was securely fastened to the flip flop.  The carrying wristlet unzips to become a tote which is ideal for carrying your shoes you took off.  I love that feature too!  It's even a fashionable tote with the Spare Soles logo in silver and swirls on a black background.   You can choose from three colors.

  

I also received a complimentary pair of the Spare Soles® Pink and I can say that these were my favorites!  My feet just melted into the silky soft shoes!  They are also foldable or rollable and fit into this really cute little matching satin pouch that can fit in your purse, a jacket pocket or carry on your wrist.  The material is stretchy and fits nicely with your foot with skid resistant water proof soles, it's a must have for your wardrobe!   They are also available in the same sizes listed for the flip flops and come in many colors.

  

Here are some of the other types available but there are many more which can be seen here.

 

I really love these and would recommend Spare Soles to complete your wardrobe!


Keep up to date with Spare Soles by following them on Twitter or Facebook.


Stay tuned for a giveaway!

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Posted in: comfortable shoes,compact shoes,roll up shoes,spare soles