Happy Pretty Review/Giveaway

Looking for a unique frame for a special photo,

or a home decor sign?

Well look no further then Happy Pretty!

It’s been a long standing joke in my family that I’m the easiest person to shop for because I like anything and everything that is “happy” and/or “pretty”. So HappyPretty seemed the logical choice for a name for the items I make that I hope evoke happy, pretty thoughts in those who buy them!

I’ve been creating something out of nothing for as long as I can remember. I love painting wood crafts and creating one of a kind treasures and I also love repurposing old furniture and household items that appear to be outdated and turning them into something lovely and inspired, ie happy and pretty! And my name….well, naturally it too is happy and pretty….my name is Jessica Nicely. 

I can’t thank you enough for stopping by and taking a look at my designs! I’m always coming up with new ideas for creations, so check back often! And please do convo me if you have any questions about anything you see here or if you don’t see the perfect item for you here, let me know what you’re looking for and we can get started on creating it for you today!! 

{Taken From Etsy Shop Profile}

Here you will find adorable handmade gifts to match many occasions. If your looking for something you don't see in the shop Jessica {Owner/Crafter} Is happy to work with you to create an original. 

Check out a few of her great designs.

Doesn't this just make you think of digging your feet into the sand.

This would look great in an entryway or in your kitchen.

Looking for a great way to show off your newest photos?

"Looking for handmade wood frames, wood signs or other creative, cute home decor? All my handpainted items make perfect gifts that can be customized just for you!"
Jessica has even arranged for a great discount code for any purchases you make
Just use code "HAPPY10" at checkout

Jessica recently sent us this frame

We were excited for it to arrive, 

as you all know I take about 3,792 photos of E everyday we always need new frames! 

It showed up with such cute packaging 

Something about handmade tags, and raffia just make me feel all cheery!

As soon as I opened it up I was in search of a photo to put in it.

Love it!

See I told you we love photos & frames.
However we don't have any unique frames like this one. 

This frame can be hung on the wall or set on a shelf with the peg included. 

Thank you Jessica for this beautiful frame!

GIVEAWAY STARTS HERE

Jessica has generously offered the winner (1) handmade frame, sign, or home decor item from her shop.

{You MUST leave a separate  comment for EACH entry, please leave your email in at least one comment, if you do not complete the mandatory entry your comments/entries will be deleted}

MANDATORY ENTRY

Go visit Happy Pretty and come back and comment which design is your favorite. (1 entry)

Be a public Follower of this Blog (1 entry)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES

Post about this giveaway on your blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry)


"Like" HappyPretty on facebook (1 entry)

Post the following to facebook as your status update "I just entered to win handcrafted home decor from Happy Pretty and you can too http://tiny.cc/b2jpu (1 entry)

"like" 5k's & Chardonnay's facebook fan page (1 entry)

Purchase anything from http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyPretty?ref=seller_info#

 before the end of this giveaway (5 entries)

Giveaway runs until  Saturday June 4 at midnight (EST). Winner will be picked using Random.org and has 48 to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

Thanks to Happy Pretty for this lovely Home decor giveaway !

I was given the above items {Pink/Green Frame} to review free of charge, in exchange for this post... thank you Happy Pretty! The information given here is my honest opinion, there was no monetary compensation for this post.

Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered!!!!

The winner for Tied & True Tutu's

Mrs Not So Newlywed

The Winner for Top That

chambanachik

CONGRATS to the lucky winner... Emails have been sent!

Dont forget to check out the other fun giveaways going on now

just click the "current giveaway" tab at the top.

Memorial Day

While you are enjoying your backyard BBQ, lets not forget the reason for this holiday, to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

"Courage Doesn't mean you aren't scared, it means you go anyway"

"All gave some, some gave ALL"

Guest Post from a friend and fellow runner.

You all know how passionate I am about running, and children, so when Kristin {Friend from college} approached me about this guest post I was more then happy to have her hop over to my blog to share about her upcoming marathon opportunity. 

Hi! My name is Kristin.

 I’m a New Englander turned New Yorker who is a runner by morning, teacher by day, and wife by night (Well, a wife really all the time!!!). My mornings begin with a 5am run, followed by working as an elementary public school teacher, and finish with taking care of my hubby and puppy, with all sorts of fun city stuff in between!

Becoming a runner began in high school when I decided to run a 5 mile Thanksgiving day race. Easy enough, right? No. I did HORRIBLY! Despite the poor showing (60+ minutes), I got the bug. I ran through college, ran through grad school, and now I will run through working until my legs can’t move. After getting married, I needed some new goal to work toward. I happened to catch the Kona Ironman, and it inspired me beyond words. I decided to try a half marathon. I had never run more than 7 miles, but I went for it anyway. Yet again, I was hooked. Four half marathons later (More! Women’s Half Marathon, Hamptons Half Marathon, 13.1 NYC ’10 and ’11), I decided it was time for the big one: The New York City Marathon.

I applied for and received a charity entry through Team World Vision. In order to secure my spot on the team, I have the great opportunity to find people to sponsor impoverished children around the world. The goal is to sponsor a child per mile = 26. 5ksandcharddonay has been generous enough to let me guest blog to tell you about this amazing opportunity. 

Please consider joining me in achieving this goal. Follow THIS LINK to my fundraising page. Be sure to put “Kristin Miller” when prompted to say who you are supporting through your sponsorship. 

Also, check out my blog as I continue on this journey toward my first marathon!!!

Support Letter

8 month stats a bit late.

This post has MOM FAIL written all over it.. 

yes my daughter will be 9 months in 1 week..

{ahhhhh.. cue the tears, and pour the drink}

I had every intention of posting this sooner

as in right around the time she turned 8 months

But,

I really wanted her stats in there too

so I had to wait until her pedi appt

which just happened.

So since her 9 month post will be in just a little over a week

this update will be short and sweet.

8 MONTHS


Weight 17 pounds
Length 27.5 inches

EATING

You {were} Still nursing 4 times a day up until just about a week ago, when you decide the boob just wasnt for you anymore, you started pushing it away like you do your spoon when you are full after a meal. Of course momma was upset, but was pretty much ok with it. Oddly enough though you still nurse once at 5am and then go back to sleep for a while. You don't eat that much baby food by way of spoon any more.. you are eating alot of table foods.

This month we introduced 

Yogurt

Cheese

Broccoli

You still love fresh strawberries, but I think your yobaby yogurt has taken the place of carrots in your life.

SLEEP

Sleep has been different this whole month, you were good for a while, then we both got colds, and you had a hard time breathing at night so you were up again, then when you decided you didnt want to nurse anymore you also started sleeping alot more, not really waking up as much. 

TALKING

You are all girl.. you have started staring into peoples eyes as you ramble on, with lots of high pitches.. you "talked" to daddy the other night for almost 20 minutes straight... O dear Lord.. I see where this is going.. Im also guessing you think your full blood italian at the way you move your hands around when you are talking.

You got some shots this month, and as usual had a bit of a reaction you leg swells up something crazy, and gets a golf ball on it.. thankfully it went down much quicker then last time.

Sweet Girl,

Your Daddy and I love you so so much, and are so thankful to God everyday for making you ours. We have been having so much fun with you, this stage you are in and the way you have become so interactive is very exciting. I just said to Daddy the other day that I kind of wanted you to stay this age/size forever.. you are such a joy in our lives, and we are very excited to watch you grow over the next few months as we prepare for your 1st Birthday. 

I honestly can say.. I never believed everyone as they would tell me just how fast your first year would go by, I just though "They grow so fast" was a bit of a cliche, however I have quickly realized its more of a reality. I miss my tiny baby who would sleep on my chest, but I am fully enjoying every minute of you, and loving being a part of all of your new discoveries 

I love you to the moon and back

Momma

Bows & Buttons Review/Giveaway

Emmaline had alot of hair at birth, actually I could clip a bow into her hair the day we brought her home from the hospital. I have always loved putting headbands, and bows, and clips in her hair so when we found this adorable little bow from Bows and Buttons, I we fell in love! 

Nothing says Summer like strawberries.. and nothing says girlie girl like bows

Now I do understand that this bow is a bit too big for head right now but humor me.. I have first-time mom behind the camera syndrome.

 This bow is perfect for the fountain "pebbles" hair style

 Shes 8.5 months so a pretty photo shoot quickly turned into this

 and she showed me that the bow does not go on your head but instead its made to shew on.

I am excited to use this bow for many summers to come, as it is the perfect accessory for a cookout, party or even for church.. a girl can never have to many bows.

Let me tell you a little bit about Bows and Buttons

"I am a proud Mom to 3 lovely daughters who are now grown with children of their own. I enjoy spending time and making memories with my 7 grandchildren whenever possible. 
I work full time but love to sew, paint, knit, crochet, garden and make bows and fabric flowers in my free time. I started making bows for my 5 granddaughters last year and they liked them so much that my daughters suggested I posted some on Etsy.
Thanks to my daughter Lyndsey, who is my "business manager" and photographer. We share good conversation, coffee and bow making several times a week.
I promise to continue improving and welcome new ideas or special requests. Please stop by again, I normally add new items 2 to 3 times per week. "

{Taken from Etsy shop info}

Take a look at some of her beautiful bows

Two of my favorites

All of her bows range in price from $2.50 to $9.00 and she will consider custom orders as well. 

GIVEAWAY STARTS HERE

Ann {Owner of Bows & Buttons} Has a VERY exciting giveaway for all of my lovely readers. She has sweetly offered (3) THREE bows of your choice to the winner of this giveaway. She has also put together a coupon code for you to save 10% off of your order from her shop just type in " OFF10PERCENT" at checkout.

{You must leave a comment for EACH entry, please leave your email in at least one comment}

MANDATORY ENTRY

Go visit Bows and Buttons and tell me which design is your favorite. (1 entry)

Be a public Follower of this Blog (1 entry)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES

"like" Bows and Buttons fan page on Facebook, tell her Mrs. Stethoscope sent you. (1 entry)

Post about this giveaway on your blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry)

Post the following to facebook as your status update "I just entered to win THREE handmade hairbows and you can too, just visit http://tiny.cc/b2jpu (1 entry)

"like" 5k's & Chardonnay's facebook fan page (1 entry)

Purchase anything from http://www.etsy.com/shop/elfmom?page=1

 before the end of this giveaway (5 entries)

Giveaway runs until  Saturday June 1 at midnight (EST). Winner will be picked using Random.org and has 48 to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

Thanks to Bows and Buttons for this great giveaway and for the adorable strawberry bow!

I was given the above items {Strawberry Bow} to review free of charge, in exchange for this post... thank you Bows and Buttons! The information given here is my honest opinion, there was no monetary compensation for this post.

Party Time

Today I will not be blogging, or reading, or commenting..

it's my BIRTHDAY today.. 

and I'm spending it with my husband 

{who by the way has left me a card, or flowers every morning for my birthday week.. xoxox} 

and this sweet girl and her squishy face.

I do have a scheduled giveaway for later today so be sure to check back!

Winners

$15 Store credit to 

Cupcake Dream

Kady L

Tote bag & Headband from

Gobbledygook Bowtique

Britt

I have sent you both emails, please remember you have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to the sponsors of these great giveaways.

{Just a reminder, when entering giveaways you MUST complete the mandatory entry, and comment about it otherwise your entry will be deleted}

I love lists

Growing up we had a chore chart and a schedule, as in handwritten and posted on the wall.

The chore chart showed each chore that I was responsible for and then after completed I would get a sticker, of course as I got older I ditched the stickers and got an allowance. 

The schedule on the other hand, was something I lived by. I seemed to be a child who liked to know the order of the day, and what was to come at the end of the hour, day, and even the week. This schedule helped me complete daily tasks and also feel a sense on security, since I never had to worry about things going in different directions. When I was pretty small the schedule and chore chart were combined and included things like make my bed, certain weekly activities, naptime, playtime, and dinner cleanup. 

Once I was in middle school they broke into two, the chore chart included things like feeding my animals, washing dinner dishes, and helping out with once a week cleaning. The schedule on the other hand was just like a weekly calendar that showed the order of the day, and the plans for the week, play dates, doctors, ect. 

Then high school hit, and at this point I was such a creature of habit that I went right out and got a planner with a homework assignment tab in it. When I could drive I would pencil in things like oil changes, and car wash. When I got jobs, I would add those things right into my planner.

Fast forward a bit to college, and it was here that my OCD schedule and list personality really came to life. I had a binder with my monthly, weekly, as well as daily schedule in it, I used one page for my paper budget {yes thats right most list makers also enjoy budgets}, shopping lists, & wish lists.I got a class & homework assignment tab and added that right into there as well. 

I carried this sort of living into my marriage as well, thats why I do the finances.. because that sorta thing is right up my alley. I use an excell spreadsheet type of budget, where each transaction is recorded, money is saved up for things, and debt is paid off. I also have a cleaning schedule, it shows what days I clean what, so that I stay on track. 

At this point in my life if one were to take away my "lists" I would have to be admitted into an inpatient therapy setting and follow some kind of 12 step program. This has become my way of life.. and I know that some of you reading this are the exact same way. You know exactly what i'm talking about.. we are the ones who have a list of the things to get done today, and every time something is accomplished you get that instant gratification of CROSSING IT OFF. Its a wonderful feeling, so much so that we are the same ones if if we notice we finished something that was not on the list.. {somebody out there is already finishing my sentence} well we just add that to the list just so we can cross it off. 

So what do these lists look like, well now I have learned to merge my list's with my schedules it makes life easy {for me}. I have a large dry erase calendar that has the things going on that day, any extras that week, hubs work schedule, my work schedule, the meal planning for the next two weeks, the grocery list, and the cleaning schedule. I also have a running list of anything we run out of in the house, but that is stored on my phone so I always have it with me. 

I keep a planner in my purse to so I can always see whats coming up. You may be laughing but get ready for this.. its color coded... My life is busy and thats the easiest thing for me. 

I first started brainstorming this color coding thing when I first started working at the hospital, it was a system they had.. for charting. One color meant the doctor had not yet signed off, another that there were scripts pending, one that they were being discharged, ect. I love it.. one glance and you kinda knew the status of that chart/patient. So I adapted this to my life, and it works for me. 

Now that I am working on loosing weight, and toning up.. you better believe that I have a calorie tracker sheet, and a workout log.. yea buddy.. thats just how my mind works. Spreadsheets are the way I think.. now I promise.. I am not a nerd, I really don't know that much about technology, and I don't even own anything from Apple except my ipod. This is just me... 

It was almost instilled into me as a child, and I rely on a schedule to keep things on track. 

wanna see what some of my sheets look like

Like what you see.. are you a list maker too???

These can all be printed off of 

www.TheProjectgirl.com

look under free downloads.

Top That! Review & Giveaway

I recently had the pleasure of working with Jen from Top That!, 

she was able to design the most adorable cupcake toppers

for E's 1st Birthday party!

I looked through the many designs that she had, 

so many cute ones to pick from.. 

since we are doing a lady bug theme, 

she was able to work with that. 

Within 24 hours of talking to her,

I already had the PDF printables in my inbox.

Next I was on a mission to find a 2" scalloped paper punch.

Who knew that everyone must have went out the same night for one as well,

it seemed like everywhere I went they were sold out.

Thankfully I got one, and then got right to work. 

I ended up purchasing a hand held paper punch

so I had to trim the edged just a bit.

It didn't take very long and I had them all punched.

I grabbed some double sided tape, and picks..

and ended up with this

I think they turned out great and I can't wait 

to use them for cupcakes at E's Party

Here are some ideas for the toppers

{Both photos courtesy of top that}

Top off any event with tags and toppers. Custom designed for any occasion! You can use items as favor tags, dessert toppers, drink tags, napkin rings, food labels, thank you cards, and more. Get creative!

{Taken from Top That Shop Announcement}

Not looking for anything Lady Bug themed? 

How about one of these...

Bridal Shower

Cocktail Tags

Carnival Toppers

Not finding exactly what your looking for? Top That is happy to work with you on a custom collection that better fits the theme of your next event. 
Top That has even offered 15% off of all orders until the end of the month just enter "TOPTHAT" at checkout.

~GIVEAWAY INFORMATION~

Jen has kindly offered (1) FREE printable collection of choice to a lucky 5K & Chardonnay Reader

{You must leave a comment for EACH entry, please leave your email in at least one comment}

MANDATORY ENTRY

Go visit Top That! and come back and comment which design is your favorite. (1 entry)

Be a public Follower of this Blog (1 entry)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES

Post about this giveaway on your blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry)

Post the following to facebook as your status update "I just entered to win a free printable collection from Top That! and you can too http://tiny.cc/b2jpu (1 entry)

"like" 5k's & Chardonnay's facebook fan page (1 entry)

Purchase anything from http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenleonardini#

 before the end of this giveaway (5 entries)

Giveaway runs until  Sunday May 29 at midnight (EST). Winner will be picked using Random.org and has 48 to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

Thanks to Top That! for this exciting giveaway and for the Lady Bug Toppers!

I was given the above items {PDF Printables} to review free of charge, in exchange for this post... thank you Top That! The information given here is my honest opinion, there was no monetary compensation for this post.

Where I catch you up on the Milk Protein Allergy.

Many of you will remember where I talked many times regarding E's Milk Protein Intolerance. 

Basically we found out right before she turned 1 month old that "casein" a protein found in milk caused her much discomfort so much so that it aggravated her intestines and caused blood in her stool. Since I was breastfeeding that meant of course I could not consume any dairy.. sounds easy right? ... WRONG.

Do you realize how many things have dairy in them... Bread, Cookies, Chips, almost EVERYTHING on EVERY menu, at almost EVERY restaurant.  It was tough but after a while like everything else you get used to it.. I just had to read the labels on EVERYTHING, and be very careful when eating at other people houses, almost everyone cooks with butter.

My pediatrician told me that 80% of babies with this intolerance will outgrow it by 9 months old, and that once she gets to that point I should slowly try to re-introduce dairy into my diet. Well at around 7 months I was having alot of supply issues and needed to supplement, unfortunately she would not take the Silimac formula made for babies with this allergy so I had to experiment. I really didn't want her on a soy formula as I have read many articles about the overuse of soy at such a young age causing hormone imbalances. 

So I talked to the doctor and she recommended Gerber Goodstart and said lets just pretend she outgrew it.. and see what happens within 24 hours you will notice the symptoms if it is going to bother her. SO we tried it and she was taking it fine, a little bit at a time mixed with breastmilk. 

So I thought I would try eating just a tiny bit of dairy to see if she would respond, so I picked up some bread from the bakery that had milk in the ingredients, and I didn't notice any changes. So I would eat a tiny bit of cheese here or there, maybe in a salad, and have a bit of butter. I quickly notice that none of this was bothering her. 

I talked it over with my pediatrician who gave me the green light to start offering yogurt to Emmaline, and I'm pretty sure we found her new food. The girl would eat yogurt until it was coming out of her ears. She LOVES it! We have been getting the organic Stoneyfield farms Yobaby yogurt in blueberry and she eats one a day as a snack. 

Last night was the first time I gave her a few bites of cheese, and just like her momma she is addicted.. watch out baby it will show in your thighs!!!!

I am so thankful we are over that part of our journey. While it was tough. I learned alot about myself, and diets, and menu's, and what its like to live a restricted eating lifestyle. I feel so bad with people who have celiac's and must live on a gluten free diet. 

So far so good, hopefully it stays that way!

Tied and True Tutu's Review/Giveaway

You want to know what's sweet???

BABIES..

You want to know what else is sweet..

BABIES IN TUTUS.

I love tutus and think every little girl should have one, so when we found out we were going to be able to review a hand tied giveaway from Tied and True Tutus, we were so excited. Well really I was Emmaline just goes along with it. However once I put it on her she loved it, or should I say loved grabbing it, she must really like the texture of it, as she just kept scrunching it in her hands. 

Obviously I have made tutus in the past, you all saw them when I posted the pics but they were nothing like this tutu. It was tied well and beautifully wrapped with a satin ribbon. The sizing was perfect, and looked great right out of the box. The tutu also came with an instruction sheet on how to clean it, fluff it, and steam it so it always looks its best. 

Brittany {Owner/Designer} was so easy to work with, she helped my in figuring what size i would need so that the tutu would not only fit her now, but also for months to come. She even sent us some adorable coordinating bows to go with the tutu.

 I just loved seeing her in this tutu! 

 "Red and black shimmery tutu is made with 50 yards of red and black tulle, and has a black satin ribbon wrapped around the waist.

Waist size is approximately 18 inches and length is approximately 7.5 inches.

This tutu is ideal for 3mo-12mo, but should fit until 2nd birthday at least! Perfect for pictures of your little princess!"

(Taken from Etsy listing)

Here is the coordinating bow that we were also sent Thank you Tied and True!

Let me tell you a little bit about Tied and True Tutus

"I am a mommy of a handsome little boy! I can't put him in tutus, but I love crafting and am trying to broaden my horizons! 

Inspired by my adorable little niece, I began making tutus to suit her every portrait occasion! There is just something about a little girl in a tutu that is irresistale! I've decided to offer my tutus at reasonable prices so that everyone can put their little girls in tutus! I'm also creating custom clippies to match each tutu! And hopefully, some day, I will be blessed with a little girl of my own!"

Brittany has many pre made tutus like the ones below, but is also happy to create something new for you! Here are just a few of the adorable creations you will find .

These beautiful tutus sell for just $15-$18

I bet the little girls in your life would love twirling around i these, and at such a great price, you may have just found the birthday gift you were looking for and if you use coupon code "5KCHAR" at checkout you will get a 20% discount.

GIVEAWAY STARTS HERE

Tied and True Tutus has generously offered

 One custom made-to-order tutu, up to 3 colors, with choice of a ribbon and bow.

{You must leave a comment for EACH entry, please leave your email in at least one comment}

MANDATORY ENTRY

Go visit Tied and True Tutus and tell me which design is your favorite. (1 entry)

Be a public Follower of this Blog (1 entry)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES

"like" Tied and True Tutus facebook fan page, tell her Mrs. Stethoscope sent you. (1 entry)

Become a follower of Tied and True Tutus Blog (1 entry)

Post about this giveaway on your blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry)

Post the following to facebook as your status update "I just entered to win a custom made-to-order tutu

 and you can too, just visit http://tiny.cc/b2jpu (1 entry)

"like" 5k's & Chardonnay's facebook fan page (1 entry)

Purchase anything from http://www.etsy.com/shop/britty111 before the end of this giveaway (5 entries)

Giveaway runs until  Saturday May 28 at midnight (EST). Winner will be picked using Random.org and has 48 to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

Thanks to Tied and True Tutus for this fun giveaway and for the beautiful tutu!

I was given the above items {Tutu & hair clip} to review free of charge, in exchange for this post... thank you Tied and True Tutus! The information given here is my honest opinion, there was no monetary compensation for this post.