A Well-Labeled Pantry~

Some time ago I got a bee in my bonnet.  My cupboard was a mish mash of cereal, pasta, baking supplies,  hot chocolate...you name it.  I couldn't take it any longer and I decided to get organized.  I grabbed some baskets and plastic bins, I purchased a few containers to put my baking supplies and cereals in.  And the pantry cupboard looked better.  No doubt about it. 

But when Dymo sent me their Plug and Play Label Maker to try out.  I knew exactly what I needed to do with it. 

You see, even though the cupboard was now nice and organized...there was a little issue with the baking supplies.  Turns out, powdered sugar, flour and granulated sugar can look very similar when they are placed in containers without labels. (Really, you say?  Bake much, Wendy, you say?)   Luckily, I never grabbed the wrong container - like say, powdered sugar when I needed flour...but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. 

So I pulled out that little Plug and Play Label Maker.  It was so easy to use, I couldn't believe it.  It has built in software, so all I had to do was plug it into my computer (it's PC AND Mac compatible). 

A window popped up for me to type in my label...there were a number of fonts to choose from...and even an option to add graphics from your computer.  (Below is a screen shot of the software window...)

I opted for simple labels...but I used Curlz for a font to give them a little bit of fun.  Then I just clicked the print icon and the label popped right out.  There's a button to push on the machine that cut the label for me.  That was it!  I got all the labels done for my baking supplies in a couple of minutes, but I was having so much fun that I made some for my cereal as well.

Mr. Three (my 4-year-old) came up while I was in the midst of my label-fest and wanted me to show him how the machine worked.  He giggled when he saw the label pop out, and wanted me to make labels for everything in the kitchen.  I was having so much fun with it, I just might have...but I decided I better save the label tape for some other  projects I have up my sleeve.

So here for you to admire is a collage photo of my well-labeled pantry.  It's a thing of beauty, no?

I just love getting organized, don't you?

Discaimer: Dymo provided me with their Plug and Play Label  Maker in exchange for this review, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Picaboo Photo Books: A Giveaway~

Thanks to Picaboo for sponsoring this post. To learn more about Picaboo photo books, cards, calendars and other printed products visit http://www.picaboo.com/?siteID=B_SN. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.


Good morning, all! Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when I was talking about how I was creating a photo book using Picaboo so that I could attempt to catch up on documenting the million and one digital photos sitting on my hard drive?

Welllllll....my Picaboo book arrived over the weekend and I am in love! And so are the kiddos. The minute they saw that thing they greedily snatched it up and devoured every page of it. I find that my kids love looking through their scrapbooks and photo books more than just about any other book we have.

The finished copy of my book


I chose to make a 12x12 book, and I love the bigger pages. The photos are beautiful...the color is vibrant and the images are crisp. I also love the heavy weight pages (1oo lb. archival quality!) and the fact that it is hardbound. Now I'm thinking I better order one for every kiddo in this house...and probably for both sets of grandparents as well.

On these pages I chose just to use photos and one title.

Picaboo also gives you the option of journaling, which I used on this page about the Hubby's accident.


And today, you're in luck because the good people at Picaboo are offering one reader of the Shabby Nest a $50 gift certificate to use on their site. Good toward your own photo book or any of the other products they have to offer!

You know the drill, simply leave me a comment on this post telling me why you need this giftcard!

You may Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway for extra entries, but you must leave an additional comment for each thing that you do in order for the entry to be valid.

Giveaway open until Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 11:59 PM MST.


This is a sponsored post, but the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint.

Lisa Leonard Designs: A Giveaway~

Happy Tuesday everybody! Do I have a treat for you today! And what is that, you might ask? (Okay, you wouldn't really ask that if you read the title of this post...) Today, I've got a giveaway from one of my favorite shops...Lisa Leonard Designs!! Can I hear a "woot woot"?

I'm sure you all know about Lisa's beautiful custom jewelry. Love. Love. Love. I've been wanting one of her teeny tiny initial necklaces for.ev.ah.

But, did you know that she also has a line of lovely home decor accessories? They are seriously just about the sweetest things I've ever seen. And, just like her jewelry...they can be personalized!

So you can imagine how excited I was when Lisa asked if she could send me something from her new line. I chose the pennant banner...personalized with our last name. I simply adore it!

Don't you just love this idea for portraits?...I'm going to have to take the pennant with us the next time we get a family portrait taken.

Here it is hanging on our mantle. Which is a perfectly wonderful place for it, except that I actually have a very fun plan for it...hopefully I'll post it later this week...

In the mean time, Lisa has generously offered to give one reader of the Shabby Nest a $75 gift certificate good toward anything in her shop!!

To enter simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite item from her new home decor line.

You can tweet, facebook or blog about this giveaway for extra entries, but you must leave an additional comment for each in order for the entry to be valid.

Giveaway is open until Thursday, April 28, 11:59 MST.

Good luck and have a great day!

I was given a pennant banner by Lisa Leonard to review, but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

Comfort Works: Great Day for a Giveaway~

Hello out there in blogland!! I am very excited to share a great company with you today!

Comfort Works is an Australian based company that makes custom slipcovers for IKEA sofas. I realize not everyone has an IKEA sofa, but never fear, Comfort Works also creates custom curtains, quilt covers and pillow covers! Yes, I said custom. But the great thing is that they are affordable as well.

Photo by Pretty Petals via Comfort Works

Comfort Works contacted me a while back to see if I would be willing to review a slipcover for the Ektorp chair that is currently in my home office. Once I visited their website and saw all of the great fabric options, I was so excited, I jumped at the chance. Trouble is, there were so many great choices, I just wasn't sure what to do. No problem! They sent me a bunch of free swatches from my favorite fabrics so that I could make sure I was completely happy with my choice.

Photo by Comfort Works Photo by Comfort Works

I ultimately settled on Elizabeth Green which was the perfect shade of aqua to go in my office. And once the slipcover arrived, I was amazed at the quality. The fabric was thick and soft, and completely washable. The slipcover went on like a dream. Overall, much nicer than the IKEA slipcover I had on the chair. Truly high quality for a great price. If your worried that the shipping from Australia might negate the affordable slipcover, you don't need to be. Just $25 flat rate shipping. Amazing, truly.

I really wish that the photos of my slipcover could do it justice. (That's what I get for having a home office in the basement - with no windows might I add.) But, trust me, it's lovely. And it's so nice to have an option besides the plain white cover I already had.

My Ektorp Chair: BEFORE

My Ektorp Chair: AFTER

And today, you're in luck, because the good people at Comfort Works are offering $50 to one reader of the Shabby Nest to spend on anything Comfort Works has to offer. That means if you don't happen to have an IKEA sofa, you could spend it on a quilt cover, or curtains or a pillow cover.

So what are you waiting for? To enter simply leave a comment on this post. You can tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway for additional entries, but each entry must have it's own comment to be valid. Giveaway open until Friday, April 15 at 11:59 pm MST.

The legal stuff: I was provided with a slipcover in exchange for this product review. However, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely mine.

Good luck~

DownEast Basics: A Great Day for a Giveaway~

Hello my dear readers!! I am soooo excited for today's giveaway I can hardly stand it!! One of my very favorite clothing companies is DownEast Basics. I freely admit that most of what I wear is purchased there. Because not only are there clothes ADORABLE...they are AFFORDABLE as well. So when DownEast contacted me and asked if I would review one of their pieces and do a giveaway, I was thrilled. Here I am wearing the Pageant Top. I love this top because of it's assymetrical design and the fun ruffle detail! Not to mention the fact that the icy blue color made my eyes "pop"! (note to self: wear blue more often!) Here's just a small sample of the other great pieces that DownEast Basics is offering right now...

One of my very favorites...the Frosted Flowers cardi.

I love the blossom detail on the Rosy Cheeks skirt. Whimsical but elegant at the same time!

Love this vintage lace skirt...so romantic and fun!

Another favorite... the Round and Round tank. It would be fabulous with a pair of jeans and some flirty heels this summer!

Perfect for spring, this Flowerful top just makes me smile.

Here's the fun part...DownEast Basics has offered to give one reader of the Shabby Nest their choice of items from DownEast's New Arrivals! To enter just visit the New Arrivals section of their site, then come back and tell me which piece is your favorite!

For extra entries, follow DownEast Basics on Twitter, or Like them on Facebook. For extra entries to qualify, you must leave one additional comment for each. Drawing is open until Friday, April 1 at 11:59 MST. Drawing open to US residents only.

Good luck!!

Great Day for a Giveaway ~

Happy Wednesday everybody!!!

Today I'd like to introduce you to one of my newest sponsors... Say It On The Wall vinyl wall words (and more!)

Say It on the Wall is an online shop specializing is just about any sort of vinyl decor you could possibly want! I really enjoyed exploring the site and looking at all the fun products...and ways to use them!

Laura, the lovely owner of Say It on the Wall sent me my very own vinyl saying to try out. so I chose this definition!

No sooner had I placed my order than I turned around and it was already on my doorstep. Okay, not really. But it did come super fast. And it's sooooo cute.

It's destined for a project for my home office/ mom cave...but it isn't quite ready to post yet..so you're going to have to wait. (ha! What a meanie, huh?)

The shop has so many fun sayings etc. that I had a very difficult time narrowing it down to just a few to show you.

We need this "shut the door" sign at my house!

It's too bad the Hubby is not a fisherman, because I think this one is funny!




I love the idea of putting phrases on tile...so cute.







Check out this vinyl clock face. What a great idea for a DIY clock.

Today, Laura has generously offered to give one reader of The Shabby Nest a $30 gift certificate to use at the Say It on the Wall shop!!!

Not only that, but for any orders placed throughout the duration of this giveaway Laura has generously offered a 40% discount on YOUR ENTIRE ORDER. That's right...40% off. But hurry, the discount is only open until the giveaway ends. And that will be Friday, March 18th at 11:59 MST. Just use the code SHABBY40 at checkout.

For your chance to win become a fan of Say It on the Wall on Facebook. For additional entries follow the Say It on the Wall blog. Remember, you must leave me one comment for each entry for it to be counted.

Good luck!!

Shabby Apple~

Have you heard of Shabby Apple? If not, you can thank me later.

Shabby Apple is an awesome online dress shop. They like to say that their shop is a "return to what dresses were always meant to be—a one piece outfit. No need to add anything…no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing."

And you know what? They're right. Shabby Apple sent me a dress for me to try, and I can't tell you how fabulous it was to slip that baby on, and be done!! I didn't have to fuss with anything but my accessories. What a relief!

I got the Frida K. I loved the fact that it was so comfortable. It had just enough stretch to make it move with me. It was sassy and a little retro with a fun red zipper in the back for that little bit of the unexpected. I love it!

The Shabby Apple has a great and varied selection of women's dresses. And you know what? They offer dresses for every body type - and even for little girls and preteens. They also offer style advice where you can ask them a question..and they'll answer it. It's a great site.

And you're in luck today, my dear readers, because Shabby Apple is offering readers of the Shabby Nest a 10% discount! Just use the code shabbynest10off at checkout!

So what are you waiting for? Easter is just around the corner....go get yourself an Easter dress.

Have a great day~

A Great Day for a Giveaway~

Hello My Lovelies!! Today I am excited to introduce you to a line of cleaning products from Shaklee called Basic H.

I was contacted several weeks ago by a cute lady named Toni Hammersley who asked if I'd be willing to review the Shaklee Basic H cleaning products on my blog. I was convinced to try them out as soon as I found out that they are all natural! Because of the fact that my boys all suffer from Alpha 1, I am always on the look out for products that are healthier for my home and the planet. Shaklee products are just that.

Shaklee products are free of heavy metals, pesticides and other contaminants. The Basic H products are also highly concentrated...meaning that just a little bit of the cleaning product mixed with water in varying ratios provides you with gallons of cleaner...from one little bottle. That is GREEN baby!!

I especially loved the glass cleaner. I used it on the sliding glass doors in my kitchen that are constantly fingerprinted (and smeared with food). With some Basic H glass cleaner and a squeegee, they were spotless. I tried to get a photo of the difference...trust me it was impressive. But let me just tell you that glass is very hard to photograph. Sigh. So you'll have to trust me on the difference. Just remarkable.

Today, Toni is generously offering to give FIVE yes FIVE readers of the Shabby Nest their own Shaklee Basic H samples. Trust me, people, you are going to like this product!!

Take a minute to visit Toni's fabulous blog! You'll be impressed with the cleaning and organizational tips. To have a chance at winning one of the FIVE sample kits, just leave me a comment. Easy Peasy!! Giveaway open until Friday March 4, 11:59 pm MST.

Have a great day!

Novica~

Have you heard of Novica? It's a fabulous online marketplace that seeks to give artists and artisans throughout the world a global platform to share their talents. As a result, it gives us, as consumers, a wonderful opportunity to purchase truly unique gifts and decor items.





I was contacted by Novica several weeks ago about reviewing their site and their products. After visiting the site, which is associated with National Geographic, I was truly impressed not only by their dedication to their mission, but by the truly beautiful products that they had to offer.


As you may remember, I was looking for something unique to accessorize the coffee table in my living room. So I searched through Novica's home decor selection until I came across this beautiful centerpiece bowl handcarved by an artisan in the Andes. It was perfect.

And after placing my order, I was impressed by the fact that I got follow up emails telling me when the product shipped and the estimated time I would receive it, and then again with tracking information so that I could keep tabs on it.

It was packaged with a beautiful postcard from the Andes as well as information on the artisan that created it. Novica really succeeded in achieving their goal of helping their customers to know their artisans and to feel a connection to the "hands that created" the piece. I look at that pretty bowl sitting on my coffee table as a true piece of art, and I'm happy to know that it was created by hand, not whipped out by a machine.

Novica offers much more than just home decor (although I do have a fondness for home decor. LOL!) They have fabulous unique and corporate gifts, and eco-friendly gifts as well. So if you're looking for something out of the ordinary, I suggest you stop by their site and see what you can find...it's definitely worth your time!

Legal Stuff: I was given free merchandise by Novica in exchange for this review, but the opinions expressed are mine.

Have a great day~

Our Christmas Cards~

I am so excited about this year's Christmas cards! You see, the Hubby and I had a vision of what we wanted. (If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you might recall that John is a photographer.) And he is finally doing well enough after his car accident that we could do a little photo shoot with the kiddos.

We wanted a picture of the kids asleep. Yep, you heard right...asleep. Okay, so that wasn't going to happen naturally. And a little bribery may have been involved. But, oh. my. goodness . did we end up with a beautiful picture. I think it's absolutely perfect. Good little actors, those kiddos.

A picture this sweet needed to be made into a FABULOUS Christmas card. And I wasn't going to trust that to just anyone.

So I turned to Cardstore.com. Cardstore.com has an amazing selection of holiday cards to choose from. We're talking oodles and oodles of options here, people. And they don't have to just be photo cards...although those are definitely my favorite! They have a great selection of non-photo Christmas cards as well, not to mention gift tags - with or without photos, invitations, etc. etc. etc.

A couple of the super-fantastic options from Cardstore.com


It took me a while to sift through all of the possibilities but I finally found the perfect card for our perfect photo. And I tell you, Cardstore.com was so fast, the cards shipped out the very next day! I couldn't believe it! And I was so happy with them once they arrived. The colors are beautiful and the cards are made of heavy, pretty cardstock. None of that flimsy photo paper. I just love them! Look at them all nestled in their shipping box. Aren't they pretty?

And the good people at Cardstore.com have offered the readers of The Shabby Nest a 20% discount on your first Cardstore.com purchase! All you have to do is enter the code CSHOLIDAY20 at checkout! That's it!!

Legal stuff: Cardstore.com offered me free merchandise in exchange for my review of their site, but all of my opinions are 100% mine.

Oh and one more thing...I just wanted to thank you all my FABULOUS readers!!! Over the weekend, this little ol' blog reached 2,000,000 pageviews!!! 2 Million!!! and 1000 likes on Facebook! You guys are THE BEST!!! I just love you all to pieces!

Have a great day~