and the winner is....

of the Lee Lee's Flower Bow-tique  giveaway

..........#21- Jessy!

Yay!  You get to head on over to Ashlee's STORE and pick out a fabulous new headband! :) 

And please, please, pretty please take lots of photos of your little miss wearing it! 

Thanks everyone for playing!

And remember- if you left a comment on the give away post then you get to take 20% off any order from LeeLee's! :)

blooming excitement!

Sooo... if you A.) Follow my blog... or B.) facebook with me, you've seen the loads (and loads) of photos I've been taking of my girls (GIRLS!) in these adorable flowered bands...

DROOL worthy, right??

Not only are the pretty to the eye, they're handmade, beaded, sewn and put together carefully by Ashlee.  They are durable, comfy (super comfy!) and obviously gorgeous.

So here's where I'm BLOOMING with excitement!!! 

The fabulous, Ashlee, owner/designer/creator/artist (she's lots of great things) of Lee Lee's Flower Bow-tique is giving away a FREE band of  YOUR CHOICE!!!!!

One lucky winner is going to be drawn via the random number generator on Sunday, September 25th at 8 PM! 


So.... are you all wondering what in the world you can do to win one of these blooms????

You can earn up to FIVE entries!   Only one of the entries is mandatory, the other 4 are optional but will give you three more entries!

First, and MANDATORY:  just leave a comment on this post, about the color of flower you'd like on your band.
-  "like" Lee Lee's Flower Bow-tique on Facebook
- share this giveaway on your facebook page/wall by just copying and pasting the link of this post!
- "like"  Ashley Rita Photography on facebook.
- follow this blog
SPECIAL NOTE- BE SURE TO INCLUDE HOW MANY ENTRIES YOU'VE EARNED IN YOUR MANDATORY COMMENT!  For example, if you leave a comment and "like" ashlee's page, you've earned 2 entries- simply put, "2 entries" after your color comment.  Get it? 


So what are you waiting for????  Enter!  And win a beautiful blooming band from Ashlee!!!  :)  And while you're waiting for Sunday evening to roll around (that's when the winner will be posted here, on the blog) take a look at all the beautiful choices Ash has going on over at her page.

Oh and one more exciting thing- just for entering this contest- (yes, just for leaving A SINGLE comment) you can earn 20% off your entire purchase at Lee Lee's Flower Bow-tique!

 

HEY HEY HEY 3rd Blog Post In A Day!!!

I should just tack this onto the end of the last post...

Just an announcement/reminder- "Amish Grace" is on LIFETIME MOVIE NETWORK at 10:00 PM!  It's not the greatest movie, if you're thinking awesome acting or anything like that- but the story itself is incredible and SO worth listening to. 

Speaking of "Amish Grace", you don't think I've forgotten about this post, right?

Well "Amish Grace" has nothing to do with a list of things I would never do, but it does have something to do with the whole, "What would you never do? Do you have a weird OCD thing? Or a fear of something? Share! And you never know.... a commentator might just get a little somethin' somethin'."

That little somethin' somethin' is my copy of "Amish Grace" and the lucky commentator is Leslie!

YAY! :) 

So if you're not Leslie, don't fret- watch the movie tonight and get a hint of what its all about.  Then become completely intrigued by their grace, and forgiveness, go and buy the book :)

winner? winner!

We have a winner for the "One, Two, TEE" contest!

CONGRATS TO.......

Dominica! :)
You win a $15.00 Gift Card to Crazy Dog T-Shirts!

Here's what Dominica said:  "I'm already a tee shirt loving mama and this just makes it worse. This is not helping me at all at some point I need to abandon my uniform of tee's and sweats and embrace career wear. My fav is the crunch 'n munch and popcorn tee-classic and Fatty would look tooooo cute in the I love to fart onesie-bc he does, he cracks his own self up!"

I'm excited to see what tee you pick Dominica!

I DO need your email asap, to hook you up with your gift card!  You can email me at ashleymckenney07@gmail.com

And for the rest of you fabbbbbbulous, gawwwwwgeous readers, PLEASE, ohhhhh pretty please,

"LIKE ME" on the official

"These Days" facebook page?

MUUUUUAH!

and more to come later!



I'm No Martha...

Remember way back when I was in that crafting kick?

My husband was so thankful when I finally decided to put the sewing machine away.

However, I truged down to the basement and its reappeared on our dining room table.

I am BOUND and determined to make my kids these.

I went to Jo-Ann's this afternoon and picked out some cute, coordinating fabric. I'm going to make an owl for Maeve and a racoon/cat type thing for Henry. And yes, I'm planning on using lavender scented rice.

I will post ((later)) on how this project turns out.

In the meantime, are you making any homemade gifts? If so, please share!


OH... and have you entered THIS give away? Come on... a $15.00 gift card for leaving a comment as simple as "hi!" :) You can do it... :)

ONE, two, tee.

CONTEST NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS TO DOMINICA FOR SNAGGING THE GIFTCARD!

STAY TUNED FOR TWO MORE CHANCES TO WIN A $15.00 GC!!! :)


See those pretty, fancy buttons on the right side of my blog? They (and companies) are hooking this momma, and you mommas up.

I not only have an awesome opportunity to promote some great products, but, I get to SHARE then with YOU! My fabulously lucky, incredibly cool blog readers.

This post is entitled "ONE, two tee" for a few (3, to be exact) good reasons.

The first reason, being that, this is one of THREE- yes, THREE- give aways that I'll be hosting here on the blog this week. ...just in time for Christmas!!!

TEE is the magic word, because that's intee-ddeed what is on the give away list this week! THREE TEES!

First, immediately check out "Crazy Dog T-Shirts."

Crack up over funny tees, like this one. (yes, I ordered this for my lovely self :)

Feast your eyes on the vintage collection. I have my eyeball specifically on this one. Whimsical, eh? :)

But... my absolute biggest rave has got to be the STINKIN' ADORABLEKIDS AND BABY tees. Guess who's getting this for Christmas???? :)

So what does all this raving and oodling about these tees have to do with you?

I'm glad you asked.

YOU, my friends and readers, are eligible for a $15.00 Gift Card to "Crazy Dog T Shirts"

Holy wowness, right?!

This give away is very similar to the "Nannah Bread Knots" hat give away that was hosted a week or so ago.

There are a few ways to earn entries. You can do one of the following items (for one entry), or you can do all 5 of the items (earning you FIVE entries).

Here's the list...


Become a fan on FACEBOOK.


Post a comment on the FACEBOOK PAGE sharing what your favorite tee is. It can be as simple as "I love the dino tee." :)

"Like" or "Share" one of the products on the site. The facebook "like" buttons for these, are on all product detail pages, above the main image.
Follow THIS BLOG.

And FINALLY, the only option you really have to do, to enter this contest, leave a comment. It can be a comment about the weather, your breakfast or how bad of a headache you have. The gist being, I don't care- I just need your name for the drawing!  HOWEVER-  BE ABSOLUTELY SURE you include how many entries you obtained! 

This "Crazy Dog T Shirt" give away will be open until Sunday, December 5th.

Have fun, enter, enter, enter & while you're waiting to see if you're the lucky winner, browse the site and do some Christmas shopping :)

FTC Disclosure: This is not a paid post, all opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. I did receive my choice of a t-shirt from Crazy Dog T Shirts to write this review. I was given the opportunity to participate with this review through my involvement in SheBlogs.

First Thing This Morning.

Maeve drew a name out of a hat!

But lets rewind to the beginning of this story. Savannah Rand, the creater and master crocheter behind "Nannah Bread Knots" decided to team up with me (Ashley, author of this bloggggg:), and do a fabulous give away! It's been a fun few days, "meeting" all the new "followers" and readers! From California to Maine to Taiwan- WOW- I've loved seeing your comments and interest in the blog! :) HOW FUN!

Now onto the business at hat, hand. :)

Last night I spent, ohhhhhh a half hour writing names down on a pad of paper, and then cutting them out, making sure, each and every one was evenly cut.


this was very technical, I can assure you.













The winner was supposed to be chosen last night (Tuesday, 9 PM).  Apparently I forgot that I am a mother to a three year old, and this three year old has a bedtime of 8 PM. Therefore, the actual drawing took place this morning.

Here's how it went :)

when I pulled the hat out to put the names in, she wanted to wear it.  So she did.  And I took a picture.  Exciting! ;)

I put the names in the hat... Maeve wondered what the heck we were doing.

I told her we were picking a name... "Close your eyes and pick!"

she fished around for a minute or two...

or three...or four.... (remember her nick name is "pokey")

and then she withdrew a name.....

and it said........ JULES!  (aka JULIE PEAD)

I told her "Julie won!" She was excited and jumped around....

and for good measure, one last picture of the winner's name...

That's right, Mrs. Julie Pead!  You're the winner of a $20.00 gift card to "Nannah Bread Knots!"  Have SO MUCH FUN designing the perfect hat for your little guy(s)! :)   And if you could email me asap ashleymckenney07@gmail.com with your info, that would be great! :) 

CONGRATS and THANKS for playing everyone!!!!! :)  It was FUN!!!!

SO Proud To Introduce....

This Giveaway is now CLOSED.  Thanks for playing!  And CONGRATS TO JULIE! :)

...a truly talented young woman.

Her name is Savannah Rand, and she is the owner of "Nannah Bread Knots."

I met Savannah a few months ago, and was completely floored by her talent. Not only can she crochet ANYTHING- but she does it in record speed. After some convincing from Angie and I, Savannah has decided to officially open up shop. And I can't tell you how thrilled I am!

Gone are the days of store-bought hats, mittens, etc.- my kids will now be decked out in one of a kind pieces from "Nannah Bread Knots."

And so could (should!) yours!

Savannah and I are teaming up for something (that we think) is SUPER- no wait- CRAZY SUPER, exciting!

This, my friends, is a give away- and not just for a generic, run of your mill baby hat... but a hat of your choosing. Like neon orange? Go for it- lime green? FO SHO. Whatever you want! :)

That means whatever hat you need for your (or your child's) head, is yours. IF, you enter and win this spectacular give away. :)



You can earn entries to this give away by doing the following:
1. "Like" "Nannah Bread Knots" on facebook.

2. Follow the"Nannah Bread Knots" blog.

3. Follow my blog :)

4. Share this link on your facebook walls...

5. Finally, leave a comment- This is the ONE thing that you HAVE to do to be eligible for the give away! "What kind of comment, you ask?" I am stuck in a book rut (yeah- nothing to do with cute hats...). Give me the name or names of your favorite reads.  


6. When you leave a comment, be SURE to let me know that you've also "followed" on facebook,  and both blogs, as well as shared this link- that will earn you 5- count 'em FIVE entries.

On Tuesday (11/16) I will shut down the drawing, and announce the winner, who will be drawn randomly.

The lucky chica (or chico...?:) will be contacted by the sweet Miss Savannah herself, to talk about designing the perfect hat for you (or your babe, child, toddler, etc.) Your hat should be shipped out by the end of next week. (that's how fast this chick is!) Speaking of shipping, don't hesitate to enter- even if you live in timbuktu (or whatever that place is called)... "Nannah Bread Knots" wants to reach all corners of this beautiful world :)

So really, what are you waiting for? Follow, "LIKE" , comment and cross your fingers!

GAME ON!

***and seriously- excuse the pictures- Maeve was in a nutso mood ;)

blog news.

 

some exciting blog news! We have a winner for the "50 First Dates" contest.

Here's how it went down.

I took ALL 12 comments... (yup, ALL 12 :) and numbered them on paper, 1-12.



I opted NOT to do the number generator because I don't think its fair for the first or last commentator. I'm sure its random, but whatever. Also, I liked Leslie's idea of drawing the names/numbers out of a bag... or in this case... a blue tupperware box.

I told Maeve to close her eyes and pull out a piece of paper. She didn't close her eyes, but she did in fact, very randomly, pulled out a piece of paper.

The winner of MY FAVE. movie in the universe is.....



Commentator #1- AKA Alissa Sauder. Congrats! :) email me at ashleymckenney07@gmail.com with your address and I'll get it out tomorrow morning :) Many laughs to you! And thanks for playing! :)

PS- I found it funny that I chose not to do the number generator because it never picks the first or last number- and Maeve just so happened to pick #1...

I spy with my little eye....

Ryan and I...

have a thing...

for dvds...

We've been collecting them since high school.

We have six deep, full shelves of DVDs, packed in two by two.

My point with all this?

We probably own any movie you'd find at a rental store... therefore the last thing in the world I need to be buying is a DVD.

HOWEVER...the other day I was perusing the aisles at Goodwill, and low and behold, what do I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE???

What do you think it is???

Take a guess!
Are you dying with excitement???

Okay....here it is....

That's right. A brand spankin new copy of "50 First Dates" for sale at Goodwill for 3.75. Do we own "50 First Dates?" You can bet your booty we do. It's one of my ALL TIME FAVES. Logic would say, you don't need two copies of the same title. But my love (and lust for Adam Sandler:) took over and I bought the dang thing.

It's been sitting on our table for a few days now... Ryan says I'm a hoarder because I bought two of the same item. I'm going to prove him wrong :)

Becaaaaaussse...... I'm giving my brand new copy of "50 First Dates" AWAY! :)

Want to add this amazing, fantastically funny, tear jerking, heartwarming movie to your collection?? COOL!

Leave a comment, and I'm going to play like Leslie. At some point this weekend, I'll draw a name out of a bag... and one of you lucky blog readers will be the proud owner of one of my personal favorite movies :).

So... what are you waiting for? Comment away!

winner, winner, CHICKEN DINNER! :)

The RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR results are in.... and the winners are:
#1...Leslie
#6...Sarah
#7...Karen

Congrats winners!!! Facebook me your addy's and your goodies will be in the mail soon :)

BUT... I was feeling so FLOWERY and creative that I decided to include an EXTRA surprise along with your flower clip...

Check 'em out:
Leslie chose pink & brown with some polka dots thrown in there.



Les, I couldn't just make a flower clip for Reyna- with all of Ruby's beautiful hair, she most definitely needed one too! :)



Sarah chose pink and purple:




(again... couldn't leave little sis out! So she gets a mini version of Tessa's flower clip :)



And Karen chose yellow & orange:


Karen- I totally would've made you 2 flower clips as well, but I don't think Russ would allow one in Benns hair ;)

SOOOOOOOOOOOO there ya go!