Matthew's Puzzle and a mom putting it all together

Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

August 22, 2013 By Maryann

Disclosure: I have received compensation for this post.

I know that Back To School is upon us – I just spent all morning stuffing “Back To School” folders at our elementary school! And I also know that sending 3 kids to school, even public school, is super expensive. We had a ton of supplies to purchase this year, and lots of new clothes to buy.

That leads me to this really cool opportunity. Wouldn’t you love to win an Amazon Gift Card that could help offset some of those Back To School expenses? Or even better, let the money buy you something fun for one of your hobbies. I’ve been eyeing several watercolor paints to help me work on my new watercolor hobby.

Internet Payment Exchange, Inc., a leading provider of online payment services, is a proud sponsor of this giveaway.

Back-to-school season is here and who couldn’t use a little extra spending money? This $100 Amazon.com gift card giveaway is perfect for picking up last minute supplies or even a little something for yourself.

Entering is easy – just use the simple Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to US residents only and ends September 1, 2013.

The New Preppy – sponsored post

August 14, 2013 By Maryann

Disclosure: I have been compensated for this post.

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I am totally in love with the new preppy looks out right now. I have always loved a well put together outfit and I tend to look better in tailored and well constructed pieces. Those fit right in with current trends.

I recently saw some very fashion forward trendy people while out of town. They were sporting bright colors in the new preppy looks. I wanted to see if I could find some of these really amazing pieces so I started with Ralph Lauren. I have always been a fan of Ralph Lauren. The pieces are timeless and classic while still being up to date and edgy. Even my preferred perfume is an old Ralph Lauren fragrance called Safari.

Being a person of shorter stature I tend to gravitate to more fitted items that define my figure. Ralph Lauren always has the perfect pieces to make me stand out without looking overly done. When I was searching for the perfect outfit to wear to my conference last May one of my friends suggested I get some beautiful red Ralph Lauren trousers, pair it with a tailored white shirt and thin black belt. She even suggested I wear nude pumps to complete the outfit. I totally love the look. I can’t wait to see what other amazing outfits I can find this fall.

Fall is my favorite season for really beautiful pieces. I love the fact that you can often use summer items and pair them in new and interesting ways to come up with hot Fall outfits. I am hoping to find some really unique sweaters to match up with my existing wardrobe and help me stand out in the crowd.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get shopping. What is your favorite outfit to take from Summer into Fall? What are your favorite pieces and how do you update them? What are your new, must haves?

New Boots for Mom – Sponsored Post

August 14, 2013 By Maryann

Disclosure: I have been compensated for this post.

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Hard to believe but summer is almost gone. I know, right?! I can’t believe school is starting up and the weather is already beginning to change. Today it is only 70 degrees out and it is August 14. What is up with that?

But that means I have to get out and start paying attention to new clothes, not just for the kids, but for me too. I often don’t allow myself to purchase really fun items like new jackets or beautiful jewelry, BUT I have to have cool shoes. Shoes are my biggest downfall, and as much as I love a beautiful stiletto or strappy sandal, I just can’t justify buying them. Where does a stay at home mother of 3 have to wear such shoes? But a great boot? Now that is another story. I can wear them practically EVERYWHERE.

I can wear a great boot all Fall and Winter long. Ankle boots are perfect with jeans, slacks, skirts and winter dresses. One that features a bit of a chunky heel gives me the height I lack while still allowing me to walk comfortably. I found the perfect Black Leather Chelsea Boot for a decent price. It has everything I need in a great boot. I love the black color so that it will go beautifully with all my blacks and charcoals, not to mention my bright neons, too. Ankle boots are super modern looking and can add punch to everything you wear. I hope to rock mine out with a big chunky sweater on football weekends. I can even picture myself in them at the October Festival and going to the pumpkin patch with the kids. I’m sure they will also be perfect to wear to my husband’s casual work holiday party.

Do you go out and get yourself something new each year or each season? Are you like me and you love to spend your “mad” money on some comfortable and stylish boots? Why not leave me a comment telling me about your favorite buys?

Hallmark Making Memories and Encouraging Kids Gift Pack Giveaway

August 9, 2013 By Maryann

Disclosure: I was provided with a Hallmark Making Memories and Encouraging Kids Gift Pack to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

Hallmark wants to help you make Back-to-School extra special this year. I used to think I would be the super mom that had all the cool stuff ready for my kids when they went to school. I would make sure they had the cutest clothes for their first day, great haircuts, and I would always take a ton of pictures. And then real life set in and I am lucky if I remember to take them to music class (hint – I forgot 2 weeks in a row!!).

But this year I’m not sitting around just pinning ideas to my Pinterest boards. No way! This year I’m letting Hallmark help me make our first-day-of-school photos truly adorable without all the hassle. I will be using the Pics and Props board to make sure our photos are cute, accurate and professional looking. I adore the red wooden frame, but think the pre-printed grade levels are really the special touch. They look as if they are written on chalkboard and come with their own chalk dust. And I love to send the kids to school with really fun notes from Hallmark, but this year I’m going to be able to send them Kids Encouragement Greetings on those days when then need a little extra boost, such as exam days and first games. The one that says Remember, whether it’s a good day or a bad day…It’s always a LOVE-you day is probably my favorite.

And sometimes I forget to tell my niece and nephew just how special they are, but Hallmark has some great new SO SO Happy Greetings that will let me send them a card “just because”. And sometimes getting something in the mail “jut because” is really “just the best”. I know my niece would love the SO SO HAPPY card that comes with the SO SO HAPPY heart pendant on a rubberized necklace. It is pink of course!

Giveaway

Hallmark wants to help make your BACK-TO-SCHOOL time just as memorable so they are offering a Making Memories and Encouraging Kids Gift Pack. Please enter below for your chance to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway