Im in the spotlight! Come join the hop!!!

Happy Hump Day!!

...and rest assured, because its all down hill from here. In a good way! Welcome Back to a Mid Week Link up where you can link up everything you got, including your giveaways. Make sure they go on the right linkies below.

 EVERYONE WHO LINKS UP WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO BE SPOTLIGHTED AND GET FOLLOWS ON MOHTH HOSTED GIVEAWAYS!

How does it work? 

Not only will everyone get a chance to get spotlighted. One or more of the spotlights will get a follow on the next MOHTH hosted giveaway on one of the social media accounts they have featured below. So this could be beneficial if you are trying to grow your audience!

Sign up here:

http://goo.gl/qTpmN

*Please go to the link above to sign up. Make sure it is an email address that you check often. *

1. Follow your host  Mommy Only Has Two Hands

2. Spotlight This Week: Unraveling Ends

3. Tweet This Hop: Tweet

4. It would be nice if you displayed the button in your post or blog sidebar to help spread the word.

But Most of All, have a Happy Hump Day!
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Once again Our Spotlight This Week Is:

Unraveling Ends

 

The Sunday Social 5

 

 

 

 

 

1. What were you like in middle school and high school?

I loved middle school!  I was pretty much friends with everyone, never really got into the whole "click" thing.  We had some of the best teachers there too!  I did the school newspaper for 3 years.  Our highschool consolidated for towns, so it was a big change going there.  I never really enjoyed it as much as I should have.

 

2. What were your favorite pastimes?

Most of my after school days were spent hanging out at my friend Erins house.  She lived right down the road. 

 

3. What songs were you obsessed with?

I loved No Doubt!  I still listen to all the older stuff now, lol!

4. What fashion statement do you look backing and cringe? In middle school we were still rocking the 80's big hair.  Lots of hair spray and everyone had a perm! 

5. Who was your celeb crush? Hmmm.........long time ago.......I would have to think on that one!

6. What was your favorite movie?

My favorite movies then....which were older.....and they are still my favorite movies today, lol.  I don't seem to change much.  Grease, Dirty Dancing, Splash, Ghost, Pretty Woman....and others.



The Sunday Social 4



  Another weekend is coming to an end........and I must admit, I had a fantastic one! Then there is back to the doom and gloom of working tomorrow, lol.   Which is kind of funny that I am feeling that way because todays questions from Ashley Lately are about jobs!   1. What is your dream job? My dream job of course, would be to not have to work a job at all!  Growing up I wanted to be an Oceanographer, which may have stemmed from the fact that I didn't live anywhere near an ocean.  I was 28 when I finally did make it there!  My last dream job though was to be a photographer.  I love to take pictures and do my own editing.  We have never had our pictures professionally done and we do not buy school pictures.  Gotta love photoshop!! I now work in the title (house) business, which is very mundane, and not for me at all.  But it pays the bills.  To be a stay at home mother to my three children (whom are growing up very quickly now) is the only job I am actually interested in having.

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time? Aside from doing a little bit of traveling,  I would be home....all the time!  I would have a huge garden (flowers and food).  I would constantly be redecorating my house.  Anything crafty, and tons and tons of picture taking!

3. What piece of career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field? If you are a creative person, then this job is not for you!  Not to be negative, but it gets very boring, and someone can lose interest very quickly.  But it is rewarding, and plenty of room for advancement.

4. What would be your ideal "just for fun" job? Photographer.  I love the freedom it gives you to use your imagination and creativity.  Aside from the enjoyment that you would be giving people with your work.  Pictures are very important to me, and I would like to give that feeling to others.

5. What was your first "real" job? Define real, right?  To me, any job that you are providing a service for someone elses benefit and getting paid for, is a real job.  You don't have to have a fancy college degree, of have some high position for it to be  a real job.  There are people who go through life, working in fast food, or at gas stations.......and while some people might not consider those "real jobs" because those are typically considered lower class positions, that doesn't mean they are not "real' jobs.   Can you imagine not having the convenience that jobs such as those provide to you?  Ok, done ranting, I try not to let my political views show on my blog.    
   

WIP Wednesday 9

 

This is a project that I almost didn't post........why......because Im not quite sure yet if I plan on finishing it, lol.

 

I have had this yarn in my stash for about two years now.  I bought it on the clearance rack at Hobby Lobby.  The color combination I am not crazy about, but at the price I couldn't pass it up.  So, its just been hanging out in the stash pile waiting for its turn to get hooked.

 

Since it is a cotton I started this with the intention of just using it for an extra rag around the house, then I thought maybe I would just make a quick granny baby blanket for "just in case".  Who knows, I put it back in the closet today, we will see how long it takes me to get it back out again, lol!

The Sunday Social 3

I have been MIA for about two weeks now!  So so busy.....but that only means that I will have plenty to share this month!!  Later today, the new 30-Day Challenge will be up, and I also have some new wips and fo's to share later this week.  Be sure to check back because this month could be interesting!   Okay, to start off this month.....Im joining in on the Sunday Social again hosted Ashley Lately.  I love this!  You get to share a little bit of you that you may not have posted about and learn a lot about others as well!  

1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?

We didn't get to take any real trips or vacation this summer but we did spend a lot of days down at the lake.  Its peaceful and relaxing.....and since I have been so busy...its almost like a mini vaca when we go there!

2. What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer?

 

I don't usually follow trends, I am more of a jeans and flip flop girl all summer long. 

 

3. What is one thing you wish you'd gotten to do this summer?   I work a 9-5 M-F job so just to have had more time to spend with the kids while they were on Summer break would have been enough for me.  School started last week and it was a very bittersweet moment. 4. What was your favorite song of the summer?   Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines........I know it was the "Official" song of the Summer as all the radio stations was proclaiming......but it was catchy!  Loved the beat!    5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer?   We only went to the movies twice this summer.  We seen the Purge and World War Z.  Out of those two World War Z was great!  I was wanting to see The Conjuring and never got around to it.........but I have feeling I am going to love that one as well!   Though my summer was busy and hectic and I didn't really get to do too many summer activities it was a great summer and I am sad to see it go!  I love the warm weather and I am not looking forward to winter.  Fall on the other hand, bring it on!

 

WIP Wednesday 4

No, I still have not finished the baby blanket!  Its kind of been put on the side burner until we find out if it will be a boy or a girl.  I have some ideas floating around in my head and need to wait to make my color choices.

 

 

So this week, I started a new project and it is already half way done!  This is for my little chicklets room, if you can not tell by the colors.

 

 

It is a super easy pattern worked in rounds.  I got it at Micheal's a few years ago.  It was one of those paper flyer patterns that they had hanging by the yarns.  I tried to search there website for it but did not see it on there.  I will try and work on getting it scanned in to share with everyone when I post this for FO Friday.

 

Anyways, what it is, is  a pillow!  What you see here will be the front. The pink is Caron Simply soft, and the black is Red Heart Shimmer.  Both yarns have shine to them so it made it hard to get a decent picture.   The black is actually a raised surface off of the pink.

 

My little chicklet is already in love with this!  We will be adding to her room décor along with some other things once finished.



IT WORKS (Giveaway) and Im co-hosting!!!



CHECK THIS OUT!!!

I am super excite to be co-hosting this amazing giveaway!!

 

Right now.....if chosen, you can score some great products to help shed some of that extra weight we all have been packing around!  Enter  now for your chance to win and get a jump start before all those holiday pounds start setting in....because that is going to be here before we know it!!

 

With all the monthly workout challenges I have been doing the last few months, the It Works wrap maybe just the thing I need to help get me motivated.  Instant results......yes please!!

 

Check it out below, and I bet Mary can hook you up with all the help and info you need!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!  My name is Mary (marianne) and I'm an It Works! Independent Consultant.  When I heard about this crazy wrap thing I was skeptical.   I kept seeing my friend post all these crazy pictures on facebook and my curiosity got the better of me.  I thought...There's no way this could be the real deal...But I was willing to give it a try.  I am SO glad I'm nosey!  After trying this crazy wrap thing I decided that I wanted to be more than a customer.

For $99 this is a steal to start your own business!  This is the perfect opportunity to become more financially independent, get out of debt and save for our future.  I'm doing it and so can you!
Ask me how It Works! Can change your life!

Here's a brief bit of info about The Ultimate Body Applicator:

Expect "ultimate" results with this amazing 45-minute body Applicator! The Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven cloth wrap that has been infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results where applied to the skin.

• Tightens, tones, & firms
• Minimizes cellulite appearance
• Improves skin texture & tightness
• Mess-free and simple to use
• Results in as little as 45 minutes
• Progressive results over 72 hours
• Made with natural ingredients

The IT WORKS! Ultimate Body Applicator has been featured in the Emmy and Oscar Awards celebrity gift suites, as well as promoted by celebrity makeup artists on movie sets such as Sex and the City 2.

It Works Giveaway:

Mary is supplying 1 Ultimate Body Applicator and 1 Facial Applicator to 2 lucky people!!!
That's a value of $60 EACH!
Enter using the rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers 18 and older.
Ends 8/11/13 at 11:59pm.

What If you don’t win?
Be sure to visit Slim Down With Mary, her shop online.  If you don't win or you don't want to wait you can always buy your own wraps or all natural health and beauty products.

Yes, even Men wrap!!!

What is a Loyal Customer?
As a Loyal Customer, you’ll save up to 45% off EVERY order you place! Plus, earn 10% of the value of your orders back in points to spend on more products. Easily manage your favorite products and have them delivered to your doorstep each month with little to no effort.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WIP Wednesday 2

My second week joining in WIP Wednesday and I am excited!  Last week I got to see many peoples projects that they had going on ........all of which were amazing! I started following some new favorite pages and even received some return follows.  I love to do all crafts.....but crocheting I must say is my favorite and this linkup has let me connect with so many people that share the same passion for the needle arts.

Last week I shared the baby blanket that I started for my niece who recently found out that she is expecting her first child.  You can see the beginnings of the blanket HERE.  There is also a link to the free pattern in the first post if you like what you see here and wanna try it yourself.

 

This week, I managed to get the whole tree pattern completed.  It is looking great!  The original pattern is called the Tree of Life but I am making a whole different play on it.  I see two trees combining as one.....and since this is for a baby......I am considering this two "family trees" combing together (the baby). 

 

This is my heirloom gift to the new to be mother.  I plan on embroidering some leaves on the trees and writing a sweet poem to put in a card to go along with the blanket explaining the idea behind it.

 

I am definitely not a writer, so I am going to need some luck writing this poem, lol.

Im Co-Hosting!!! Friend Connect Blog Hop!!

I am so thrilled this week to be co-hosting the Friend Connect Blog Hop!  This is my first time co-hosting anything and cant wait to see how many of you join us this week!  Special thanks to The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife for letting me join in on the fun!

 





It's Tuesday again which means it's time for the Friend Connect Blog Hop!

It's the time to meet new friends and find new blogs. You can choose to follow the cohosts in whatever way is best for YOU! Here are some of my favorite ways: GFC, BlogLovin', HelloCotton, RSS, Twitter, Facebook.

Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?

RULES are simple:

1. Follow your host 

The First link below

2. Follow your co-hosts 

The Next 6 links below

3. Link up below using your main blog url not a specific post.

4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them 

and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.

5. Tweet about this blog hop

Tweet

6. Share about this blog hop by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!

<a href="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/search/label/gfcbloghop"> <img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z237/melissaenault/fcbloghop_zps81aaa394.gif" border="0" /></a>

I have cohost spots available! Email me if you're interested at melissa@thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com

All Things Baby Linky Party 3

Whoooaa........things were so crazy this weekend that I did not have time to post my feature from the All Things Baby Linky Party 2 yesterday! 

 

 

 We had our American Girl Crafts House Party, and our family grill out.......things went amazingly great and I had such a wonderful time!!  I will share more on all this later this week....but for now lets get on to my feature from last weeks All Things Baby Linky Party....

 

 

Are these not the most adorable things you have ever seen!!!!!  Ok, quit google eying over thos cute little tooties and check out the hand crafted Gladiator Sandals.  These were linked up by Whistle and Ivy and I just adore these!  You can check out her whole post HERE where you can even download the pattern.  She also sells on Etsy, so if your not needle savvy then maybe you can sweet talk her into making some for you!

 

Ok, we are now on week 3 of the linky party!!  I have seen some great things so far, and excited that you are all so willing to share.  The only rule that I have is that you link up to something that petains to infants and toddlers.........and if you want to grab a button that would be great too! 

 

Lets party!!

 

 

 

 

 

 



WIP Wednesday 1

Today I am joining in on the fun of posting my first WIP Wednesday hosted by Tami's Amis and Other Creations.  Every Wednesday you can linkup your work in progress and show off to the world what you have in the works!

 

 

I found out a couple weeks ago that I am going to be a Great Aunt!  This was very exciting news!  I love babies and love making things for babies even more!  The problem with making things for a new baby is...........you have a deadline.  So, I knew I had to get started right away if I was going to have things finished before the big arrival. 

 

 

I racked my brain trying to figure out what I was going to make.  I had a couple ideas in mind but wanted something special, something that I hadn't done before.  Trying to think outside the box was begining to stress me out, lol.  So I started hosting a weekly All Things Baby linky party looking to all of you for a little help!  There is three days left so be sure to stop over HERE and linkup any post, idea, advice that you have that pertains to babies!  I can use all the help I can get.

 

 

In the meantime, while I waited to see what all of you had in store......I started searching for a pattern.  I always make a blanket in some form, whether it be knitting, crocheting or quilting.  My grandmother made everyone of my children one and I like to keep with the tradition. 

 

While searching online I came across (for the millionth time) the above pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.  It is called Tree of Life Afghan and is a free pattern on their website that you can find HERE.  I actually printed the pattern out back in 2011 but was too intimidated to ever try and make it.

 

 

Until now!!!!!  Ta Da.......my WIP!!!

 

Now,  I didn't follow the pattern quite as layed out.  The full pattern was going to be way to big for a new born baby, so I decided to change things up a bit.  I skipped through the pattern and just started to work on the block that has the trees in it. 

 

I have a whole story line planned out for this new little creation.  It is the cutest thing ever.  I don't want to give away my idea just yet though.  You will have to check back later......this is for sure going to be in the family heirloom box!

 

 

 

 



All Things Baby Linky Party 2

Welcome back to All Things Baby Linky Party!  This week is round 2!  But before we start the party I want to thank those that linked up last week.....super big thanks for helping me get the ball rolling on this!

 

 

 

Now time to share the love! Here is my favorite from last weeks party!

 

 

This idea shared by What I Do All Day is amazing!  DIY baby wipes!!  I love anything that will save me money and to top it off......you know exactly what you are putting on your baby.  You even get to reuse an old container and save it from going to the trash.  You can check out her whole post HERE.

 

If you were featured don't forget to stop by HERE and grab a button!  If your new to linking up, you can stop by HERE to grab the party button! Its always nice to share the love!

 

Okay, so if you missed round 1 of the party, heres the scoop:

 

My oldest niece is pregnant with her first child.  I am looking for anything that pertains to infants and toddlers.  Any project, idea, advice.......!  I always make handmade gifts for baby showers and I am looking to you gals to bring some fresh ideas my way.

 

Let's Party!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

All Things Baby Linky Party 1

Today I am the lucky recipient of some super oober good news!!!

 

There is a baby on the way!!!

 

Okay, okay.....now before I lead everyone in the wrong direction.....no I am not pregnant...which is good news.  Whats even better news though........is my niece is!!  I am super excited for her.  She just got married last month (check it out here) and is so in love.  She could not be happier.

I love babies.  I have three of my own.....though the youngest is now nine!  Oh how I miss them being little.  My nieces baby will be the first baby in the family since I had my daughter (9 years ago).  This is a big step in our family, and my in-laws first grand and great grandchild.  Big big news for us!

Now along with my love of babies comes my love for making baby items!  I have not been able to do this in awhile and can not wait to get started.  My problem.......I need some inspiration.  My patterns are all dated by now and this fresh young couple needs something that screams a new generation!!

<a href="http://unravelingends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9301/tjp.gif" alt="Unraveling at the ends" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Okay, so heres the scoop!  It is link-up time!  I want to see anything and everything baby!!  Any craft goes!  Any item goes!!!  But please keep it infant/toddler oriented.  If you link up, be kind and follow my blog via gfc, bloglovin, etc.  I always follow back.  I would greatly appreciate it if you could snag a button and place it with your post or on your side bar and help spread the news........I need all the inspiration I can get and times running out!  If  can get this linky party up and going there will be features every week.......wel atleast for the next 32 weeks!  Yikes, time is already flying by!

Cooking like Grandma....My Love of Comfort Food! (and a hop)

Sundays around my house, are full of many great smells and smiles!  I work a hectic full time job so week night dinners have a tendency to be quick and simple........but not on Sundays. 

 

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I spend almost every minute of it in my kitchen.  I always get up way earlier than everyone else and start making breakfast.  We have a no cereal rule on this day.   I usually prepare such a big meal that lunch gets skipped over, but that only gives me more time to make an even bigger meal for dinner!

 

Our Sunday dinners usually consist of some good ole comfort food!  You know, the kind your grandmother used to make.  No calorie counting, no portion controls, and definitely not short on the good stuff, that's not so good for you.  Its an anything goes, splurge day!

 

 

I love vegetables, and have never had a problem getting my kids to eat theirs.  My grandmothers green beans are a total guilty pleasure of mine.  Oh, these are soooo bad for you......but anything good usually is!  These are made with three cans of cut greenbeans, half an onion, a chunk of rind from a roast or ham, and a table spoon of bacon grease....boiled down twice.  Artery clogging Im sure.......but so so good!

 

The Green beans are a perfect compliment to Country Fried Steak!  My husband calls this a blue plate special.......old school, mom and pop diner dinners!  I think is his favorite Sunday dinner....and its a pretty good one too.  There is a reason why its called comfort food!

Do you have good memories of eating dinners prepared by your grandmother, perhaps you still make some of her recipes.   Would love for you to share!