New Bedding and a Giveaway

*I partnered with Lush Decor to bring you this post. All opinions are my own.*

Parenting styles are such a controversial topic lately. I choose to stay out of them and not give my opinion one way or the other. Seriously, we are all just doing what we feel best for our child and family, right? So , I tend not to share about certain things we do or don't do. Today's topic needs some background though. Let's just start with the controversy first, get it out of the way. We co-sleep. From birth until our kids are ready to be on their own, they start in their own beds and then climb into ours when they need us. Newborns are in the bassinet next to me until they are ready for their first feeding...which is before I ever go to sleep. It's what makes me feel safest and feel is best for MY kids. (With the exception of our foster to adopt baby, who is not legally allowed in our bed).

That being said, for the past 6 years we have had 1-3 children in our bed with us. 3 kids that spit up, leek out of their diapers, have dirty little feet, the works. Babies and toddlers are not clean. Not even when you bathe them daily. I mean, once you get to baby number four, it's at least every other day at best. Ha! They are the most delicious, snuggly, lovey little ragamuffins around but let's face it, they destroy the bed or at least the bedding.

For the past few years I have begged the husband for a pretty bedding set. My request is always met with "when the kids are out of our bed". So we always settle for the cheapest descent looking set we can find at a discount store. Not this time folks. The kids are still in our bed but they aren't babies anymore. They aren't ruining it like they used to. There aren't anymore coming either... not the kind that are allowed to sleep in our bed anyway.

Guys! We are graduating to our big kid bed. I have been on the hunt for a pretty, chic, simple but beautiful bedding set. I have waited long enough! I couldn't for the life of me find what I wanted though. Isn't that how it always works? Right in front of your face until you can actually have it. Then, poof gone. 

Everything I have found, has just fallen short. It's the wrong color. It's the right color but not the right size. It's okay but not the style I wanted. You get my drift. Nothing, Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch.

The other day though, I was referred to Lush Decor and couldn't decide what I wanted. There were so many sets that were just what I was looking for. So I did it, I made the plunge and chose the bedding set I have been seeking. 

 Beautiful, ruffly goodness in a pretty soft yellow. Isn't she pretty?  I have seen a few sets like this in white but I am just not that daring. I mean, the kids are still technically in our bed. Like I said, so many options that I could have picked from. 

This was a VERY close second but I just couldn't commit to the lighter color.

I almost changed directions completely for this baby. The whole room, the way it is styled, just fits me. I want to duplicate it. It would fit right into our home. I am going for a different look in our room though. The husband might not be happy either if I tried to change directions after all of my begging. Ha! I may go back and buy this for the girls room though.

Isn't it all so pretty? Lush Decor was bursting at the seams with stuff that I loved. You may have seem some of their products at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Boscov’s, Sears, etc. Seriously though,
you need to go to their site right now to see all the cute stuff! It's not all bedding either. You need to see their shower curtains and window treatments too.


Oh, I almost forgot the best part! They are offering you, my readers 10% with coupon code LOVELUSH1 . Wait, it gets better! Enter the giveaway below for a TWO HUNDRED DOLLAR gift card to their site. Yup, you read that right $200! What would you get?



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Fawn Over Baby Blogiversary

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I recently stumbled upon Fawn Over Baby and fell in love. You can find her over there on our Right Sidebar----> Her blog is full of beauty and inspiration. Today Melissa is celebrating her One Year Blogiversary and it is quite the party. Four different prize packs to win. I am so excited to show you what's up for grabs and to be a part of it. Check it out and enter to win!

Prize 1 & 2: Baby & Nursery Product Package

Courtesy Of The Following Shops:

Winner 1 will receive:

• Aly Paige - Raglan Tee w/Shorts
• Birch Baby Boutique - Two Bibs
• Indie Nook - Tee (Winner's Choice)
• Unexpected Knock - Hand Drawn Alphabet Wall Art
• Deerie Handmade - A Pair of Moccs (Winner's choice)
• Mama Case Prints - "Love Your Guts" Raglan Tee
• Odarling Handmade - "Jur-Aztec Park" Leggings

Winner 2 will receive:

• Vonbon Apparel: $30 Store Credit
• Truly Sanctuary - Tee (Winner's Choice)
• Dette Cakes - Pallet Wall Arrows (Winner's Choice of Color)
• Bare Blooms - 3 Hair Accessories (Winner's Choice)

Prize #3: $50 Paypal Cash

Courtesy of the following Blogs:

• Moons & Junes
• The Ashcraft Bunch
• You Can Have Your Cake & Eat It Too
• Lovely Little Fawn
• Sunlight After The Rain
• A Modern Commonplace Book
• Two Places At Once
• Vessel Handmade

Prize 4: A Bella Lulu Ink Blogger Template

Courtesy of Bella Lulu Ink (Fawn Over Baby's Official Blog Designer)

Giveaway Entry Form

Now that we've seen all the wonderful prizes, here is your chance to win them!! Please Follow Entry Instructions Below:

1. You must first leave a comment letting us know which prize you have your eye on! (First Entry..Done!)
2. For Extra Entries, you may fill out the lovely rafflecopter form below.
3. Giveaway will end Thursday, March 20th - 12PM EST. 
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and announced, Friday, March 21st!
5. All Winners' Entries Will Be Verified (If Entry Action is not complete - prize will go to next randomly chosen contestant)
6. Feel Free To Share With Family & Friends!
7. Have Fun & Good Luck!

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Smoke and Shimmer

***This is a sponsored post with CoverGirl but all opinions are my own. The Walmart gift card and information were provided by CoverGirl.***

I get e-mails or messages daily from you lovely readers and our fans on various social medias asking one simple question: "How do you do your eye make-up?". Or some variation of that question. So I thought I would do a few posts showing different ways I play with my eye shadow and eyeliner.

Today this is the look we are going to achieve. A smokey shimmery eye.


Are you ready?

What do you think? Not to difficult right?

To finish off the look I added my Mineral Powder foundation, a dark blush, filled in my eyebrows a tad and of course added a hint of color to my lips.

In this video I mentioned the bombshell collection by CoverGirl. I am loving the new products and think you should try them. So head to Wal-mart to pick them up at some ridiculously low prices. You especially need the mascara. It's the bomb.com for real.

Lucky for you, you have the chance to buy a whole bunch of it with ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS to Wal-mart. Whaaaaa? That's right, CoverGirl is giving one lucky reader a $100 gift card to Wal-mart. It could be you. So enter. And tell your friends to enter. We want to know what kind of eye you would all like to achieve. Cat eye, smokey, everyday? What's your fav?

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Here's a little more info on the Cover Girl products used here:
Bombshell Collection Information
Taking cues from the new wave of bombshell beauty, with sexy starlets gracing magazine covers and lingerie-inspired looks on the runways, women are craving beauty tools that will help them stand out and feel sexy. So obsessed with achieving an over-the-top lash look, many women are “cocktailing” multiple mascaras, applying several different formulas to achieve the desired volume and definition.

COVERGIRL Bombshell Volume by LashBlast™ Mascara
Bombshell Volume mascara is now the best-selling CoverGirl product at Walmart*! This entirely new mascara experience, unlike any other two-step offering available, features a first-of-its-kind Boost System that has two brushes and two formulas for MEGA VOLUME and DRAMATIC INTENSITY.  It’s time to take lashes way beyond big.  Shades: Very Black, Black, Black/Brown and Brown
-          Step 1: Extreme volume basecoat that loads on the volume with a big brush and mega-volumizing formula to thicken lashes; the result is volume that’s even and clump-free
-          Step 2: Dark, intensifying topcoat that seals the look with a dark, smooth finish; the proprietary micro-thin lacquer offers maximum impact and lasting power in just one coat

COVERGIRL Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast
With big sexy Bombshell volume, you need sexy shimmer and shine shadow that lasts all night. Shine Shadows feature reflective pigments that play with light to bring dimension to any look.
-          Available in six buildable, blendable, get-me-noticed shades, each shadow is easy to apply and leaves behind a creamy shimmer finish.
-          Shades: Ice Queen, Platinum Card, Color Me Money, Gold Goddess, Copper Fling and Ooh La Lilac

COVERGIRL Bombshell Intensity Liner
Bombshell eyes can be intense – and your liner should live up to the look. 
-          Intensity Liner is a precision felt tip pen with a smooth formula that glides on for a little or a lot of deep, dark sexy. 
-          The longwear liner is available in two shades, Pitch Black Passion and Chocolate Kiss - both providing liquid intensity for 24 hours of sexy Bombshell eyes. 

Introducing...

On July 23rd, after 14 long hours of labor, we welcomed our newest little guy into the world. My labor was a nightmare but the end result was a perfect gift from God. I will be posting the whole birth story this week or next. I just couldn't wait one more second to introduce you all to baby boy.

So here he is:

Corbin Grey. Born at 3:22am on July 23rd.

 Our big boy weighed in at 9lb 11oz and measured 21.5inches.

We are all loving having him here. He is the perfect addition to our family and everyone is so happy to have him here. Until I get the chance to post again, here are a few pictures to make your ovaries quiver.

 

Isn't he the sweetest? Yeah. I think so too ;)

On another exciting note, we are ready to announce the winner of the Target Giftcard Giveaway. Drum-roll please......

Jennifer Bryson!!!

E-mail me ASAP at Vesselhandmade{at}gmail{dot}com 

with your mailing address. 

Congrats!

Family Fun

This weekend was amazing! Like I can't even put into words the fun we had as a family. We went to San Diego. First stop Yo Gabba Gabba Live. Next up, 2 days at Sea World. Seriously the best family vacay we have ever had.

Instead of telling you all about it, I'll just show you all of the fun. We took a ton of pictures...only on our phones since we were too bust enjoying it to be photogs :)

Here are some of our favorites, minus the face shots of Little Man. Hopefully one day we will get to share those with you one day too.

Fun at our favorite hotel.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live: Get the Sillies Out

Sea World Fun Day One

Sea World Fun Day Two

These kids are Orca whisperers

And the group Favorite was....THE STARFISH

Want to know what else is fun? We have a winner for our Tasha's Sweets Giveaway is in! 

The Winner is Melissa Steele!

We will be e-mailing you soon so you can claim your prize.

A "Sweet" Giveaway

People! I cannot even explain how excited I am to introduce you to my friend Tasha today. This girl is an example of being obedient to the Lord and the fast rising success of her business is proof of His faithfulness when we follow His plans.

I could go on and on telling you about how great this lady and her amazing chocolates are but I'm gonna let her tell you about it all for me. OH, and she is being so kind as to offer us a giveaway! So meet Tasha and then enter the giveaway and of course order some yummy chocolates.

Hello, first and foremost I am the daughter of the King. My name is Tasha-Ann, and  I love Jesus.  I am a Wife and Mother of two with a 12 year age gap.  I have a servants heart. I am very blessed with the love for what I do. I enjoy making others happy and I seem to be able to do that well, through their stomachs.  I am so blessed to be able to stay at home with my little honey.  My husband is Awesome.  He has been such a cheerleader for me.  I have been through a lot in my life.  Most of which I brought on myself.  I have known Jesus practically my whole life but have chosen to ignore him for a lot of it.  Praise the Lord for Grace.  Since I've fell back in love with him, life has been so much better.  I am blessed beyond anything I could dream.

I have been casting chocolate since I was about 12 or 13.  My mom brought home a 50lb box of chocolate and a bunch of molds and that was the start of something awesome.  I taught myself. I have been trying to get my daughter to help me make candy but she only likes to eat the finished product. 

Tasha-Ann's Sweet Treats started getting serious about 1 year ago.  When I realized that I had a product that people wanted.  I have always loved making candy, and that was usually what I always brought to anything I was invited to.  Even though friends and family knew what I did, it just wasn't on their mind to share.  This is something that people need to see.  They have no idea sometimes, the candy that I can make. So after much thought and tons of encouragement from many people I started a page on FB.  Since I have done that the Lord has blessed me.  I get to glorify him, give him thanks and praise while making others happy and bringing some joy to their event.   I am blessed to still continue being at home and work my business.

My Mission is to bring some expensive looking candy to your event for budget friendly price.  Custom candy like this is not hugely available because the cost is so high.  I believe your party favor should be edible or useful.  Why spend all that money on something that someone will throw away, when you can spend all the money on something that someone will get to eat?  I love doing this so much, I wish I could just give it away.  (We will later.) Yay!

My inspiration comes from my friends and family.  As soon as I have a theme, I take it and run.  When I find a candy mold that I know someone would enjoy I try to make it for them.  It brings me much joy to bring joy to others.  That is my way of telling you I LOVE YOU!  

I specialize in Chocolate Lollipops for almost any occasion, theme, or event.  Candy comes in many different colors.  All colors are white chocolate flavored.  I am able to fill some molds (depending on size) with cookies, caramel, sprinkles, graham crackers, marshmallows, cake pop filling and so on for an additional cost.  I am getting more creative with my fillings by the day.  I also offer Chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries (in season), marshmallows and soon will be introducing cake pops, but in the form of a candy mold. For the pops I make homemade buttercream icing.

I try very hard to keep my prices low.   I do all this by hand and alone.  The more notice for an order the better. I give free samples at scheduled appointments.  I like to see your invitations and color scheme at our appointment.  That way I get a better Idea of what you would like.  I can mail out orders however it will be an additional fee. More time for order to be fulfilled would be required on a mail order. Delivery is available, cost will vary.

I will be introducing new items in the summer since I am so limited on selling candy.  (melts at body temperature).  I am able to make chocolate during the summer as long as your event is indoors and the nights are cooler, otherwise its a no go. Get orders in early for winter holidays.  I will be limiting my orders and closing shop temporarily so I can have time with my family.

My favorite candies to make, are the novelties.  I love quirky, funny, "oh my gosh I didn't know you could make that", kind of candy.  I have a big "Golden Ticket"  candy mold.  So Fun.  All pieces come individually wrapped in cellophane and tied.

I believe the Lord has plans for me that He has not revealed yet. The one thing I hope you take away from reading this, is that you see the Love Christ has for you.  As I am writing this I feel the Lord tell me that someone will read this and she will feel broken.   I don't know who that is, but what I do know is that God is so faithful and Loving and he loves YOU!  I am so humbled to have been asked to share Tasha-Ann's Sweet Treats with you.  It will be an absolute pleasure to serve you, and a honor to have my Sweet Treats at your next event. 


Ummm, she's pretty stinkin' cool huh? I knew you would love her. Want to love her even more? Tasha is offering the winner of our giveaway a box of either 30 baby shower or birthday themed chocolates. That is a prize worth at least $45 y'all!

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Creative Headquarters Blog Hop

Hey everyone today I am co-hosting and holding a giveaway with The Creative Headquarters Blog Hop. It is basically a few awesome ladies who are ridiculously crafty, coming together and introducing us all to some other fabulous bloggers. It really is pretty cool. I have found some amazing blogs through the hop, so I encourage you to not only link up but click through some of the other links and find your new favorites.

Oh and don't forget to enter my giveaway, I even included a coupon code for you all. I'll stop talking though, everything I am saying is mentioned below. :)

Do you "like" me?

Last week I told all of my Facebook fans that if we reached 300 "likes", we would shoot for 500. When we hit 500 the fun will begin. I have some very generous and very talented friends who happen to be shop owners. We have put together an amazing giveaway if you ask me.

So here's the deal. Head over and "like" us on Facebook. Tell your friends to like us. Tweet it, FB share it. Just get the word out. When we hit 500, one lucky FB "like"r will win ALL of this!

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog & Shop

So, what do you think? Pretty awesome right? I wish I could enter. I mean I "like" Rock-A-Bow. ;) The giveaway will go live when we hit 500, so like I said. Head over, spread the word and hopefully you will be the big winner!

GO NOW!

New Friends and a Giveaway

Have I mentioned to you all that I am an introvert? Because, oh boy, I am an Introvert. I like break out in hives thinking about meeting or talking to new people. I hate that about myself but it's one of those things you just have to deal with and move on.

Have you noticed that the blog and handmade world is more of a community than anything. That people come together and make great friendships before even meeting? This works out great for me. I get to stay in my comfort zone. By the way comfort zones suck. They keep us in little shells and don't allow us to grow.

Luckily for me there are bloggers like Kimmie at Sugar and Dots who decide to invite friends from twitter into her home. Ripped me right out of my comfort zone and forced me to meet new people in real life.Now when Kimmie invited me to her craft night, I knew that I would have fun but that I would just be a little uncomfortable. I was only half right. I was not uncomfortable at all. I felt like I had known all of the girls for years as we chatted over cupcakes.


We did eventually get around to crafting. It took us a while to migrate because we were having way to much fun. But Kimmie taught us to make some adorable frayed blooms.



When a few of the girls realized what time it was we said our goodbyes and Kimmie sent us home with these goodies.

Which brings me to this...Have you heard of LemiShine? No, neither had I. But let me just tell you, the stuff is amazing and I am hooked. Our generous hostess even gave us a little extra to giveaway so I'm offering you the chance to win a little bundle of LemiShine. You will be entering to win a reusable LemiShine bag and a couple of LemiShine samples. To top it off, I am going to include a coupon for 25% off in my shop.

To enter go over and "like" LemiShine on Facebook, follow them on twitter and/or follow any of my new friends from my crafty night. Come back here and comment for each thing you do.

Here's a list of the girls and links to their blogs.
Kimmie @ Sugar and Dots
Nicole @ Olive Blue
Andrea @ Four Flights Of Fancy
Jennifer @ Crazy is my Superpower
Alissa @ Rags to Stitches
Kara @ Eli's Lids
Mandy @ Life in the Fashion Lane

Giveaway will close on Monday at 9am