Archives for May 2013

Fancy This Fridays #129 and Features

It’s Friday again!!! Whoot!!! In case you missed it this week we have a GIVEAWAY happening for a pretty Lilla Rose Clip and I shared a post on a few maternity friendly options from an online retailer.

This week the features are all about fun things to do with the kiddos this summer! Or even just the adults… haha. Either way!

First up, Evelyn of My Turn for Us shared a fun way to serve some tasty fruit this summer with her Watermelon Star ‘Cake’. Definitely a fun twist on the run of the mill fruit tray, right!?!

Best Star Cake

Next, Enchanting Beginnings showed us how she created a SUPER fun sleepover for her girls to celebrate the last day of school. She made this incredible indoor tent, had a delicious menu of treats for dinner and breakfast the next morning, and all kinds of fun games and activities!

enchantingbeginnings-slumberparty-bedroom

And last but not least these photo drink coasters shared by Danielle of Peanut Life Adventures would make a fun gift, party favor, or just a fun activity to do with the kiddos this summer! I love the idea of using your favorite photos!

photo drink coasters

Here’s a Featured on Truly Lovely button for you three mentioned above! Hope you’ll grab one and share it over at our own blogs! 😉
Don’t forget each of these features gets pinned to our !! Check it out for past features and some fun ideas!!

Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Now onto this week’s party!!!

Fancy This Fridays Rules:

1. Please link directly to the project post on your blog.
Not the blog itself.
2. Please link only your OWN posts.
We prefer to see what YOU have been up to… not someone random.
3. Please grab a button and display it somewhere on your blog. On your sidebar, on your posts, on your linky party page. We aren’t picky!
4. We would LOVE if you would comment on at least one other link.
Just pop over and say “Hello, coming by from Truly Lovely”, or something more clever… You know…
Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Thanks for linking with us lovelies!!!
Hope you have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend!!!



WIWW – Lilla Rose Hair Clip Review and Giveaway!

Hey there dolls! Today my WIWW post is centered on hair! I have a LOT of hair… Every time I visit a new hair stylist, without fail, they comment on HOW much hair I have… It’s not really that it’s thick, it’s just that there is a lot! So needless to say I have always been fairly skeptical of those hair clips that are supposed to hold all of my hair in place all day long. So skeptical that I don’t ever wear them….

But then Kendra of A Proverbs 31 Wife approached me about reviewing a Lilla Rose Hair Clip… She even picked out a few specific clips from their extensive collection that reminded her of me! How could I say no to that!?!

Lilla Rose Hair Clip Giveaway

So I went in skeptical, but when this pretty Bright Start Within a Horseshoe flexi hair clip arrived at my door packed so prettily, with instructions, thank goodness, I was excited to try it out!

Lilla Rose Hair Clip review

The one I received is a Medium – they come in Mini, Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Mega sizes. Like I said before, I have a LOT of hair, but the medium was the perfect size to hold my hair in both a half up do like this one…

hair clip idea

Or even an entire ponytail!! I was very pleased to find that it was really easy to use (there are instructions included with your order, or they have videos available on the website) and that it held my hair in place! Phew! Skepticism deterred!! Plus, it’s WAY gentler on my hair than a run of the mill hair tie and adds a little something to an everyday outfit!

Lila Rose Flexi Clip

Lucky for you ladies one Truly Lovely winner will WIN their very own Lilla Rose Flexi Clip this week!! Kendra has generously offered one flexi clip of the winner’s choice valued at up to $15! Enter to win using the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway will close one week from today and the winner will be announced on June 6th. The giveaway is open to US and CA residents only; winner must not have won a Lilla Rose giveaway in the past year.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a Lilla Rose clip in exchange for my honest review, as always opinions shared here are 100% my own!

Maternity Friendly Clothing with Ultimate Outlet

Throughout this pregnancy I have had the goal of using as much of my preexisting wardrobe as long as possible. I received a few maternity items such as bottoms (capris, shorts) and a few shirts from a friend. Since then I have purchased a few maternity items to get me through the rest of the summer. But now that I’m 8 months along (only 2 more months to go), I’ve discovered that I could use a few more items to broaden my outfit choices and help keep me comfortable through these hot Arizona months.

I decided I don’t want to purchase anymore strictly maternity clothes because, again, I’ve only got two more months to go, but instead I’d like to purchase a few items that lend themselves to a looser silhouette for the rest of my pregnancy and can then easily be transitioned into my postpartum wardrobe as well. Enter Ultimate Outlet, an online clothing store where you can find bargains on all kinds of lovely women’s apparel.

They have a Today’s Sales section where you can find even deeper discounts on items from their site. While perusing the $19 and under section I found several items that fit with my latest fashion goal; loose comfortable styles that can transition from pregnancy to after baby wear.

HankyHemTank

Take for example this Hanky Hem Tank. It comes in black, white and chartreuse colors, has a flowy, lose silhouette to fit over the baby bump and would be cool and comfortable for the hot summer. Bonus! Right now it’s on sale for only $14! Whoot!

JerseySkirt

Or there’s this pretty pink Shirred Pencil Skirt in a jersey fabric. Skirts like this are comfy, easy to wear underneath the baby belly and can be a fun way to change up the normal shorts and capris summer wardrobe! This one can be yours for just $19 right now, too! Another Whoot!!!

BeadedFabricBracelet

While you’re hanging out on the site be sure to browse their jewelry and accessories collection! Every girl needs a little summer bling, am I right!?! This fun Beaded Fabric Bracelet fits the bill perfectly!

I’m thinking these three items will make the perfect addition to my summer maternity wardrobe and will be items that I can wear long after this pregnancy is over! To find more great deals on ladies clothing options checkout Ultimate Outlet here.

Your turn: What were/are some of your favorite summer clothing must haves, either while pregnant or after?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ultimate Outlet. Opinions shared are always 100% my own.

Fancy This Fridays 128 and Features

Happy Friday loves!!! How was your week?? In case you missed it this week I shared a tribute to the new Arby’s KING’S HAWAIIAN Sandwiches and a fun Hawaiian getaway contest! The rest of the week was spent putting away the cutest baby goodies from my baby shower last weekend, cleaning house after having guests over for the weekend and resting. As of today we are in MONTH 8 of this pregnancy! Only two more months to go! Whoot!

This week’s theme for the features from Fancy This Fridays 127 is… SWEETS!!!

First up Carlee of Ladybird Ln. shared her daughter’s sweet ice cream themed birthday! I love the way she does parties because they’re really focused on the kiddos having fun and less stress for mom! Win-win!

icecreambirthdaytheme

Next up this recipe for Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes from Grace at Butter and Jam sounds absolutely mouth watering! Just click over and take a look for yourself!

redvelvetlavacakes

And finally, Rachel at My Wholesome Home shares a healthier take on the classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Click over to see the changes she makes for an even healthier treat!!

healthier oatmeal cookies

Here’s a Featured on Truly Lovely button for you three mentioned above! Hope you’ll grab one and share it over at our own blogs! 😉
Don’t forget each of these features gets pinned to our !! Check it out for past features and some fun ideas!!

Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Now onto this week’s party!!!

Fancy This Fridays Rules:

1. Please link directly to the project post on your blog.
Not the blog itself.
2. Please link only your OWN posts.
We prefer to see what YOU have been up to… not someone random.
3. Please grab a button and display it somewhere on your blog. On your sidebar, on your posts, on your linky party page. We aren’t picky!
4. We would LOVE if you would comment on at least one other link.
Just pop over and say “Hello, coming by from Truly Lovely”, or something more clever… You know…
Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Thanks for linking with us lovelies!!!
Hope you have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend!!!



Arby’s KING’S HAWAIIAN Sandwiches and a Hawaiian Getaway!

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

Hey there friends! Today we're talking lunch! One of my most favorite lunch stops has always been Arby's for a tasty Beef and Cheddar sandwich! Recently they have introduced two brand new sandwiches to their menu, for a limited time only. The two new sandwiches include the Arby’s KING’S HAWAIIAN roast beef sandwich which comes with an extra helping of freshly sliced roast beef, piled high on a soft and slightly sweet KING’S HAWAIIAN bun, and the Arby’s KING’S HAWAIIAN Roast Beef & Swiss sandwich which has the same extra helping of roast beef and KING’S HAWAIIAN bun, topped with Swiss cheese, crunchy pickles and creamy Dijon spread.

To celebrate the introduction of these tasty new options on the Arby's menu they are hosting the Arby’s Hawaiian Getaway Sweepstakes. To enter simply visit www.ArbysKingsHawaiian.com, fill out the information required and submit your entry.

The grand prize winner will receive a round trip for two with four nights stay in Honolulu, HI. Plus a premium group lesson at one of the island’s premier surf schools, Hawaiian Fire. For more information on the contest itself and to enter visit the link shared earlier.

The contest is open from April 29-May 26th, so you only have a few days left to get your entry submitted!

I don't know about you, but as a lover of the classic Arby's Beef and Cheddar I am really excited to try the new KING'S HAWAIIN options!

Your turn: Have you tried either of the new sandwiches yet? What did you think?? What's your favorite Arby's sandwich??

Fancy This Fridays #127 and Features

Happy Friday dolls!!! In case you missed it this last week I shared a review of a pretty Mikarose dress and a brand new Mombo nursing pillow. I also shared an easy Spring/Summer craft to prettify your office desk!

This week the features from Fancy This #126 are all focused on organizing! I am in FULL nesting mode over here sorting through and getting rid of junk, switching rooms around, tidying and dusting… So let’s all get a little more organized this next week with these featured tips!

First up, let’s organize our blogs with these FREE sidebar titles from Angela of A Typical English Home. They even come in 12 different colors! Click over to her place to download and access those please. Thanks!

freesidebartitlesbuttonblog

Next up we’ll focus on organizing the kitchen with Cleaning and Organizing Kitchen Cabinet tips from Kendra of A Proverbs 31 Wife.

cleaning-organizing-cupboards-581x500

And finally we’ll get the pantry organized! Life Outside the Box with the Cartens shows us how she made over her entryway closet into a nicely organized pantry!

organized pantry

Here’s a Featured on Truly Lovely button for you three mentioned above! Hope you’ll grab one and share it over at our own blogs! 😉
Don’t forget each of these features gets pinned to our !! Check it out for past features and some fun ideas!!

Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Now onto this week’s party!!!

Fancy This Fridays Rules:

1. Please link directly to the project post on your blog.
Not the blog itself.
2. Please link only your OWN posts.
We prefer to see what YOU have been up to… not someone random.
3. Please grab a button and display it somewhere on your blog. On your sidebar, on your posts, on your linky party page. We aren’t picky!
4. We would LOVE if you would comment on at least one other link.
Just pop over and say “Hello, coming by from Truly Lovely”, or something more clever… You know…
Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Thanks for linking with us lovelies!!!
Have the best weekend!!!



Mombo Nursing Pillow

This post brought to you by Comfort and Harmony. All opinions are 100% mine.

Baby girl is due in July, so I have been really interested in and researching mom centered products lately. Especially products to help the new mom transition into motherhood more conveniently. Enter the brand new mombo nursing pillow from Comfort & Harmony.

Mombo Nursing Pillow Review

Here’s a little video of yours truly giving a quick description of what the Mombo nursing pillow is and how it works. A few notes… I am 30 weeks 4 days expecting in this video. Fun times. 😉 You’ll notice we have a cameo appearance from a nosey, little black dog. Thank you Pandy… And you’ll hear a few mumbles from the ‘camera crew’ now and again… i.e. My niece and her little friend were there while my sister in law filmed this for me. :) I’m going to call this video a mom in training success! Not everything worked out perfectly, but we got it done! haha…

So in short, Mombo is a brand new baby nursing pillow  with two unique sides, a firm side for nursing and a soft side for lounging. It also includes a pocket for a small vibrating massager to make baby more comfortable.

Mombo Nursing Pillow Massager

Since I have yet to start nursing (or have my baby for that matter, haha) I shared the Mombo with my friend, Meghan and my baby godson, Reiner. Meg was impressed with the high quality of the Mombo. She has used other nursing pillows since having Reiner and said this was the nicest one she’d seen so far. It’s the only one that includes the battery operated massager that either of us has seen on the market. The cover is made of a super soft fabric making the pillow a cozy spot for little Reiner to kick back and relax.

baby in the Mombo

After trying the Mombo while nursing Meghan also shared that she feels like the firmer nursing side will be much easier for me to use, compared to other nursing pillows, when it’s my turn as a brand new mom because it gives you more support while you’re trying to learn the best way to hold baby.

baby lounging in mombo

I personally love the pink cover, it will be perfect for baby girl once she gets here.

So how about you friends? Have you ever heard of or tried the Mombo nursing pillow? You can check out other Mombo products by liking Comfort & Harmony on Facebook or following Comfort & Harmony on Twitter. Mombo products are available for purchase at Babies R Us.

Spring Potted Flower Pens

Hey there pretties! Spring is in full swing here (you could ALMOST call it summer…)!! Even if it’s not quite warming up where you are yet these Spring Potted Flower Pens are sure to brighten your day!

Since we’ve just passed Mother’s Day and all, shout out to our Momma, Lillie. This was another crafty idea that she shared with us and we then made together… You can see another Momma Lillie idea here.

potted flower pens

Materials Needed:

  • Small clay flower pots
  • Small decorative rock
  • Fake flowers
  • Green floral tape
  • A box of pens
  • Scissors
  • Vinyl cutouts or stickers for decorating your flower pots

Start by decorating your flower pots with the Spring vinyl cutouts or stickers. I cut out several butterflies, a few different floral shapes, a few twigs and leaves all in vinyl, then just peeled and stuck them on the flower pots like stickers. Each flower pot then gets filled three quarters full of the small decorative rock.

easy spring craft

To create your flower pens wrap a fake flower and a pen with floral tape. I used the long stemmed fake daisies left over from my wedding and just cut down the stems. Place the stem and the top of the pen together and simply wrap all the way down with the tape. The floral tape I used had to be wrapped really tight but it held the pen and flower well while looking like a green stem!

flower topped pens

‘Plant’ your flowers in your flower pots by sticking the pens down in the decorative rock and you’re finished! Now you have pretty Spring Potted Flower Pens to display on your desk or give as a spring gift!

easy spring decoration for the office

Happy Spring lovelies!!!

Linking this here and here and .

P.S. Hope you enjoyed this post! If so, we’d love if !

Mikarose Maxi Maternity Review

Hey there friends. Have you heard of Mikarose yet? Surely you have… They are a clothing company that specializes in lovely, modest dresses. If you have heard of them did you know that several of their dresses can double as nursing or maternity dresses!?! They’re not strictly designed for that purpose, but they work wonders doing double duty!

I was recently given the opportunity to review the Makenna Maxi from Mikarose as a maternity dress. The photos shown in this review show me at 30 weeks 4 days expecting.

mikarose maternity dress review

The Makenna Maxi comes in three colors. The teal with white stripes shown in my photos, gray with white stripes and black with white stripes. I had yet to try a maxi dress but after hearing how comfortable they could be I had high expectations. Luckily the Makenna Maxi dress blew those expectations out of the water!

*Please excuse my squinty look here, wanted to show you one picture without the sunglasses, but now you can see why I put them on… haha

mikarose makenna maxi dress

It’s made of a super soft viscose and spandex fabric. Which means it’s soft against your skin, but also stretchy to accommodate that growing baby belly. The detailed band around the waste helps the dress accent that baby belly as well.

mikarose maxi dress review

The sleeves on the Makenna are at a length where my chubbier than normal maternity arms felt modestly covered and comfortable. 😉 I’m a taller girl (5’7″) so it doesn’t drag the ground like I assume most maxi dresses are supposed to. Having it catch on my belly made it even shorter, but it wasn’t uncomfortably short. It still fell at a length to feel like a maxi dress.

Overall I am pleased with the Makenna Maxi dress and I’m thrilled to have a fashionable clothing item that I can take from maternity wear to AFTER baby comes! You can find out more about Mikarose here.

So tell me friends, have you jumped on the maxi dress train yet? How do you feel about maxi dresses?

Disclosure: I received the Makenna Maxi dress from Mikarose in exchange for my honest review. As always opinions shared here are 100% my own.

Fancy This Fridays 126 and Features!

Happy, happy Friday peeps!!! In case you missed it we have a GIVEAWAY happening right now for a fun book! THREE winners even! And Kayli is one of the SPEAK NOW ambassadors, so we’re helping host the link up for that here.

Now onto the features from Fancy This Fridays 125!

So this week’s theme is based on the master bedroom… Or bedroom redo… Or something along those lines… Let’s just say I am in the process of revamping my master bedroom, hoping to get it all finished before we get too close to baby getting here. Obviously these bedroom projects caught my attention!

First up, check out this cool bed made from old doors!!! Lacey from Charm and Sass shows us how she and hubby made a fun new bed in a couple of weekends.

door bed

Next up, Steph of Crafting in the Rain made some pretty vertical ruffled curtains. I’m thinking I like the vertical ruffle look! You??

vertical-ruffle-curtains

And last but not least I am loving this bright reupholstered chair from Christine of The DIY Dreamer. Not sure if it completely counts as a bedroom project, but I have a couple of old chairs that need transforming. One might end up as a vanity chair in the new bedroom!

How-to-reupholster-a-chair-Feature

Here’s a Featured on Truly Lovely button for you three mentioned above! Hope you’ll grab one and share it over at our own blogs! 😉
Don’t forget each of these features gets pinned to our !! Check it out for past features and some fun ideas!!

Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Now onto this week’s party!!!

Fancy This Fridays Rules:

1. Please link directly to the project post on your blog.
Not the blog itself.
2. Please link only your OWN posts.
We prefer to see what YOU have been up to… not someone random.
3. Please grab a button and display it somewhere on your blog. On your sidebar, on your posts, on your linky party page. We aren’t picky!
4. We would LOVE if you would comment on at least one other link.
Just pop over and say “Hello, coming by from Truly Lovely”, or something more clever… You know…
Truly Lovely
Truly Lovely

 

Thanks for linking with us lovelies!!!
Have the best weekend!!!