Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

Diaper & Essentials Baby Shower

We wanted the theme of my SIL's baby shower to be a little more practical, since baby is in need of diapers and all of the essentials (my SIL has been unemployed her entire pregnancy and is a single mom, so she hasn't been able to make any baby purchases). We decided it would be best to go with a "Diaper & Essentials" theme for her baby shower. That way we hoping to use actual baby items for decoration and give the items to my SIL after the shower. We are also hoping that guests stick with the theme while thinking about their gift and purchase baby essentials.

Invitations:
I searched online for the perfect invitation to fit the baby shower's "diaper and essentials" theme and found these diaper invitations. Adorable! However, the price was out of our budget. I love doing crafts, so I decided to attempt making the diaper invitations myself. I had a bit of a learning curve creating the template for the diaper but finally figured it out. In the end, my handmade diaper invitations turned out really cute. I hope to put together a tutorial post soon to show you how to make your own diaper invitations.

Color Scheme:
Pink
Lilac
Light Green
Yellow
White

Decorations:
We are planning on using balloons and streamers (of course!). But we are hoping to use some actual baby items that can be used after the shower. A few of our baby item decorating ideas include using baby washcloths to make washcloths bouquets by rolling up washcloths and securing with ribbon, baby bottles filled with candy and tied with a bow, baby bottles as balloon holders, and mini diaper cakes. We would love to sprinkle the tabletops with baby item shaped confetti (like "It's A Girl" Confetti or Baby Nursery Confetti) but it depends on what we can find at our local party supply store because if we buy it online the shipping costs will more than double the price of the confetti purchased.

Tableware:
We are planning on using light pink table cloths to cover the tables. For the plates I was thinking about going with these Coming Soon! dessert plates. I saw them at a local wholesale store and fell in love. I think they will go very well with everything else we have planned and just I hope Crim feels the same way when she sees them. They also have napkins to match. We are planning using clear utensils and cups that way if there are extras we can use at the other shower or at home.

Do you have any ideas for my SIL's shower? I'd love to hear them if you do. :)

Overall, I think we setting a good pace to finish everything for my SIL's shower. And that is good because we may have to move the date of my SIL's shower up by two weeks (from 4 weeks, to 2 weeks away) because the doctor is saying they might have to deliver the baby early. With talk like that, I feel it is best to just have the shower in 2 weeks to make sure my SIL can enjoy and have some of the items she needs.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Change of Plans...

The baby shower we had planned for February has to be move up to January. Now we have to pull together two baby showers in one month, on the same weekend...there is so much to be done. :)

We choose the theme of "A Star is Born" for Bina, who is having a baby boy. The color scheme is baby blue, yellow, and white, with touches of gold and silver. I made the invitations with baby blue and white cardstock, and stamped them with a star stamp. Crim found some super cute star Christmas lights that we are going to hang. We have a lot of things already planned out for the shower but are still in search of plates, napkins, and decorations. We had no idea it was going to be so difficult to find star decorations. I know that my gift to Bina can be used as a decoration on one of the tables. I am making her a diaper cake that incorporates the star theme. I have never made a diaper cake before but have found some tutorials online, so I am hoping I can figure it out. I will be sure to show you...if I am not totally embarrassed.

In my next blog post, I will share the theme for my SIL's baby shower. I also hope to give you more details for Bina's shower. Stay tuned! :)

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

CSN Stores Winner

This holiday season just became a little sweeter for petite hermine, as she is the lucky winner of my $35 CSN Stores gift certificate giveaway!



Congratulations petite hermine! I will be emailing you soon! :)

Thanks to everyone who entered! Happy Holidays!

Just Checking In...

Wow, this month has flown by. I apologize for not being around more...between work, the holidays, and playing co-host for two baby showers (scheduled for January & February), there just isn't enough time. As soon as I am able, I will be sharing some of our baby shower ideas and try to put together a "diaper invitation" tutorial (they turned out soooo cute!). :)

*Anyways* B and I played Santa earlier today and delivered our gifts to the kids, so they can open them Christmas morning. It was nice to see everyone and catch up on the things we have missed.

B is off finishing his shopping for me now. I can't help but wonder what items he is going to bring home because I don't really need or want anything this year. I just want to spend some time with our families, which is why I love the holidays!

Well, I better get back to wrapping the last of our gifts and get everything ready for tomorrow. :)

Merry Christmas Eve!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

CSN Stores Giveaway - $35 Gift Certificate


CSN Stores has over 200+ online stores to shop during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year. With so many stores and products to choose from, you are sure to find those "perfect gifts" for everyone on your Christmas list -- whether you need stylish handbags, tv tables, or even cute cookware!

Handbags: I love handbags and they make fabulous gifts! My handbag collection is HUGE and DH says that I have to have a purge before bringing anymore handbags into the house. But that doesn't stop me from admiring them online and wishing Santa would send a few of these handbags from CSN Stores my way:



TV Tables: B and I have been saving our money to buy a flat screen TV; however, it seems that B keeps making our TV bigger and bigger in size as time goes on (started out as 32" and we are now at 40"). Below are a few of my favorite tv tables from CSN Stores that would fit 32" to 40" TVs:



Cookware: Since finishing school, I have been trying to bake and cook a lot more. It is something that I really enjoy but my basic kitchen cookware doesn't always get the job done. I'd love to have these gorgeous cookware items from CSN Stores:




Guess What?!?! I am teaming up with CSN Stores again to offer one of you lovely readers a chance to win a $35 gift certificate to shop their 200+ online stores! And it is just in time to help you with your holiday shopping! Read below to see how you can enter to win.

Giveaway!

One lucky reader has a chance to win a $35 gift certificate to CSN Stores.

Mandatory Entry:
Visit CSN Stores and leave me a comment that lets me know what you would use the $35 gift certificate towards. I would love it if you left a link to the item.

Extra Entries:
~Follow Heard It from the Hills via Google Friend Connect (+3 entries)
~Follow CSN Stores on Twitter - please leave your twitter id (+2 entries)
~“Like” CSN Stores on Facebook - please leave your first name and last initial (+2 entries)
~Follow Heard It from the Hills on Twitter - please leave your twitter id (+2 entries)
~“Like” Heard It from the Hills on Facebook - please leave your first name and last initial (+2 entries)
~Grab my button! Please leave the link where I can find it (+2 entries)

The giveaway will end on December 19, 2010 at 11:59 PM (CST).
The main entry is a required entry, and it MUST be completed in order to have chance of winning and should be done before completing any extra entries. Please leave your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your blogger profile. The winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and announced on Heard It from the Hills. The winner will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US and Canada.


CSN Stores is sponsoring this giveaway. No compensation was received for this post.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

FREE $3 Amazon MP3 Download Credit


Right now, Amazon is offering a $3 credit for MP3 downloads when you use the code GET3MP3S. But hurry, this free code expires November 29, 2010.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Cupcakes!

I saw these adorable polka-dot cupcake wrappers at a local store a fews days ago, and I just had to buy them! I'd been wanting to make cupcakes for a while now, and since everything I needed to make them was all ready to go and I finally had some freetime, I decided to make some vanilla cupcakes earlier this afternoon.

They turned out really well and were oh so delicious!

Plus, they looked super cute in their little wrappers!


Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Friday Shopping 2010

Phew...I am exhausted! I've been up since 2 a.m. shopping Black Friday Deals!! First it was off shopping with B's family for toys. Then when I got home, I went out again with my sister and mom to find some gifts for B and the rest of my family. The good news is that I am right on track with our Christmas budget. I'd love to share some of the deals that I picked up, but that would ruin the present surprise once family and friends read this post.

Did you go out shopping today (Black Friday)? If so, what deals did you score?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


Today is the day to give thanks. I have many things to be thankful for including the love and support of my family. They are always there and I really appreciate that. :) Love you!!

Wishing your Thanksgiving will be filled with family and love!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Norah Jones "...Featuring" CD Review

The new album …Featuring by the multi-platinum selling, multi-Grammy Award winning singer Norah Jones was just released Tuesday, November 16th, 2010! The album is a star-studded collection of Norah Jones' musical collaborations from the past decade.

"The 18 songs on the album include cool cameos, collaborations and duets with such legends as Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton, and with 21st Century icons from OutKast to the Foo Fighters. The album spans Norah’s entire career and reveal her astonishing musical versatility, from jazz to country, hip-hop to rock. "



...Featuring
Track Listing:

1. Love Me – The Little Willies
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It's Cold Outside – Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin' In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than This – Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward

Thanks to the One2One Network, I had the opportunity to review Norah Jones' new album. I have to say that the duets and collaborations were impressive, which allows there to be something for everyone on this album! My favorite song, which happens to be my favorite the holiday song, is Norah Jones and Willie Nelson's, take on "Baby It's Cold Outside". If you enjoy Norah Jones, you will definitely be a fan of ....Featuring!

A copy of ...Featuring! was provided to me, along with information, by One2One Network for review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions. No monetary compensation was received for this review.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Weekend Blog Hopping

Just Married with CouponsShibley Smiles Sunday Blog Hop

If you are a new follower, please leave a comment and I will be sure to follow you back. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

30% off Mama Mio Skincare

Mama Mio is celebrating their 5th birthday! And we get to join in on the celebration with 30% off of our Mama Mio purchase! Just enter promo code BIG5 at checkout to receive the discount.

But hurry, this deal expires November 20th, 2010 @ midnight.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Target Deal: Graco Metrolite Jessa Pink Stroller

Target has the Graco Metrolite Jessa Pink Stroller (pictured above) on clearance for $45.49 (reg. price $129.99). That is a savings of 65%.

I cannot wait to find out what my SIL is having, so I can take advantage of some bargain baby shopping. :)

Target Deal: DwellStudio for Target Flower Medallion Crib Set

This super cute Flower Medallion crib set is on clearance at Target right now for $26.24. The crib set includes a Quilt/Coverlet, Bumper, and Fitted Sheet. I think this is an awesome price for a crib set. I have seen just crib sheets being sold for this price.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

My NEW Casualmere Top!

I'm loving my V-Neck Bamboo Top from Casualmere! It feels sooo soft and fits great! "B" has one of their men's tees and loves wearing it.

To see more photos and to read my review of Casualmere, head over to All Ruby Cakes! You'll find an exclusive 20% off coupon code for Casualmere on ARC, too!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Conan!



Did you watch Conan last night? What did you think? I loved it!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Michaels 50% Printable Coupon

If you love crafts, you don't want to miss out on this Michaels 50% off coupon. But, hurry this coupon is only good until Wednesday, November 10, 2010.

Happy crafting! :)

Saturday, November 6, 2010

CSN Stores Winner

The lucky winner of the $35 CSN Stores gift certificate is....



Congratulations sksweeps! I will be emailing you soon. :)

Thanks to everyone who entered my CSN Stores gift certificate giveaway! And a huge THANK YOU goes out to CSN Stores for this opportunity!

Friday, November 5, 2010

The not so PERFECT ending to my already horrible week....

Ugghhh...and I thought the horrible week I have been having was almost over...but I guess I was way wrong...

That is my car being towed away. For some reason my car decided it wasn't going to start. :( I have had car troubles in the past but my car has never not started!! Hopefully, it will be fixed soon...

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Amazon Deal: Summer Infant PictureMe Digital Color Video Monitor, White - $108

Right now, Amazon is offering this Summer Infant PictureMe Digital Color Video Monitor in White for $107.97 (reg. price $219.99). That is a savings of 51%.

This baby monitor awesome! Not only will you be able to hear baby like you would with a standard monitor, but you will also be able to keep an eye on baby using digital video (no more waking baby while opening the nursery door when you go in to check on them). It even has night vision! Awesome!

A digital video monitor is definitely on my "baby item wish list".

Happy Shopping!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wednesday Blog Hops

Hey! Wishing you all a happy Wednesday! I'm linking up to some blog hops, which you can find below, today. If you are a new follower, please leave a comment so I can follow back. :)

Blogging Hints Catch a Wave Wednesday

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Looking Cute This Fall Thanks To TULLE!

I have two fabulous new additions to my fall wardrobe: the Single Breasted Vintage Wool Coat and the Hooded Sweater Jacket from TULLE. They look amazing! Check out my photos:






To see more of my photos and to read my review of TULLE, hop on over to the blog I share with my sister, All Ruby Cakes!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Halloween Parade

Want to know what I dressed up as for Halloween this year? A wildcat! Rawr! ;)

I had won a Star Costumes $30 Gift Certificate from a giveaway over at Happily Blended a little over a week ago, so I put the GC towards the Wildcat Cutie Teen Costume. Shipping was really fast. It arrived in just a couple days -- arriving just in time for Halloween!

The costume, which also came with gloves, a collar, ears, and a tail, looks so very cute! I love it. I really like the pink lace-up detail on the dress, and the heart paws on the gloves are the perfect touch and help make this costume different from similar ones I've seen out there. To complete the look, I wore "cat-like" makeup, my favorite ballet flats, and my We Love Colors footless tights in black. The final result = an adorable wildcat on the prowl for fun and scary movies!



Sunday, October 31, 2010

Creepy, Crawly Creations

Happy Halloween! Carving pumpkins has become a Halloween tradition for B and I. I usually carve cutesy pumpkins; however, this year I wanted to do something a little bit more Halloween-ish and went with a skull. I think it turned out okay, but it certainly isn't my best pumpkin carving creation.

Do you and your family enjoy carving pumpkins for Halloween?

I also did some decorating around the house. As you can see in the photo below, I decorated my mantle with some fall decor.