Kindle Fire HD Giveaway Announcement/Opportunity

If you're looking to grow your blog or social media following, we have a great and FREE opportunity for you!  Free is good, right?  Well, Free is AMAZING!


Isabelle from Le Chateau des Fleurs recently released a new Android app called Smartphone DNA, and to promote it she is giving away a Kindle Fire HD-which she is sponsoring entirely.  The giveaway will be hosted by My So-Called Chaos, but what we need are other bloggers to share the giveaway on their blogs in order to spread the word! In return, you'll get two of your links in the Rafflecopter to get extra promotion for you in return for posting.  This is entirely free, there is NO buy in, we just need two posts from you.

1. Post this announcement on your blog (code will be given after you request to join) to ensure your readers/followers have the opportunity to be a part of this giveaway too! 
2. Post the actual giveaway (full Rafflecopter and all! People will be able to enter directly from your blog!) 

If you are interested in participating in this FREE promotional opportunity, please email Miss Angie and once accepted into the giveaway you will be given all the information you need for your posts.

Giveaway is set to run from 4/10/13 to 4/30/13.

All requests to join required by 4/5/13!

HUGE. I Mean HUGE Giveaway!

Help celebrate Amber at My Three Bittles amazing 1000+ follower accomplishment by entering her giveaway!  

My Three Bittles hit 1,000 followers a bit ago. I want to thank you all so much, SO much! And a special thanks to these lovely ladies for helping me celebrate! $100 Target gift card. $75 Amazon gift card. $50 Forever 21 gift card. $25 Starbucks gift card. $25 Paypal cash. These lovely ladies. Bam! Need I say more?! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Snowmen Fishing?!

For Jaxton's 1st Birthday I had a whole Winter "One"derland theme going on that I posted about here.  I am going to break one of those crafts down for you in this post, I know you are excited!  Snowmen, fishing in cups of Jell-o for Swedish fish. I really thought this idea was amazing.  I didn't come up with it, of course, I found it on Pinterest and tweaked it a tad to fit my abilities.  

I had been lucky enough to find the pieces of a snowmen in a kit from Hobby Lobby.  Which is why I chose to go with Snowmen.  I purchased colored toothpicks from my local grocery store, clear plastic party cups, blue jello, and Swedish fish.

INGREDIENTS:

Snowmen, or fisherman of your choice

Clear plastic punch bowl cups

Toothpicks(I used colored ones)

String, cut into 3-4 inch pieces

Blue colored jello

Swedish fish(or any fish shape item gummy)

Tape

HOW TO

Make the Jello according to the directions, pour the jello into the clear cups-about 1/3 of the way full and add a fish to each cup!  Set this in the fridge for the needed amount of time until it solidifies. 

While this is setting, take your string and tape it onto the end of the toothpick.   Then you will want to stick the toothpick without the string into the snowman as if it was his fishing pole.  

Once your jello is finish, tape your snowman(fisherman) onto the cup to make him look like he was really fishing!  

Everyone thought these were adorable and I hope you do as well!

Origami Owl Obsession.

I seriously cannot get enough of Origami Owl.  It is taking over my life, and I like it. :P  The charms are super reasonably priced at $5 each. It makes my argument with Brandon as to why I need another one a lot easier when I throw that it is ONLY $5 in there.  When I say there is a charm for everyone, I mean it.  Plus the list is growing, and I really hope that those suggestions our customers made for certain charms will be added! Check out these cute pictures showcasing the charms! 

 See....something for everyone!  Endless possibilities! Look how fun it is to be your own creator of your story, that you wear close to your heart....

 Go and check out my website to start your story today, I promise you won't be disappointed! 

Origami Owl with Amanda 

Any questions?  E-mail me at LoveLifeLocket@gmail.com

I can place the order for you and send you a PayPal invoice for the total! 

Want to host a party?  Earn some awesome hostess rewards like completely free product?  Let me know!  
And if you do order one, I would LOVE to know what you picked out and YOUR story and feature you on a blog post! 

No More GFC...?

Not really sure if that is going to be true or not, but I don't want to lose out on any of my followers, nor do I want to miss any blogs that I follow!  I hope you all will be making the switch!  I have been going through my blogs and following on Bloglovin' now! 

So if you want to continue to still be able to read about Mandie's Two Cents, then here is a quick link to go right to the Follow Me page! 

Weekend Wrap Up {Link Up}

This is one weekend that I am glad it is over and it is MONDAY. I just started dancing in my seat while singing the Friday song. 

We bought a new(used) car on Thursday.  I am in love. 

 I go to start it on Friday and the battery is dead. Talk about making a momma angry.  So I had to jump it.  I have a fear of electrical stuff like that. Seriously.  But I did it(WOOHOOO-Yes, I did a dance when it started).  So to the dealership I went.  FYI-doing anything at a car dealership/mechanic is not fun with two kids. Not fun at all. It was almost 430 when I got there and our sales man said that all the mechanics were heading home-I believed this because my Brother-in-law is a mechanic there and he wasn't there. "Doug" tells me to leave it, and he will get me a car to drive.  "Doug" gets me a brand new Chevy Traverse to drive. He also gives me a "No food or drink" warning. Yea, he must have missed the TWO kids that are toddlers.

I was fine with this after waiting for 45 minutes for all this to happen I just wanted to be done and gone.  I make the big car seat switch(annoying) and drive off with two screaming kids. It was 95 degrees that day.  My blood pressure was up for the obvious reasons, so I go to crank up that A/C.  The A/C starts hissing and making strange noises....it doesn't work.  Warm air blowing out of the vents.  I live roughly 45 minutes from this dealer.  Not joking.  So I call "Doug" to let him know the deal.  He says "You just don't have luck with cars, do ya?"  Well, "Doug" I guess not. I didn't necessarily want to drive back and have him put me in a different car, because quite honestly I was too aggravated.  To do the car seat switch and drive back there was just a waste. "Doug", didn't even offer a different car though, so I proceeded to tell him I just don't want to be held liable for that because it was broken when I got it.   By the way-Brock is afraid of the wind, so the windows were something that if I kept them cracked, he would be crying.  Fun times. 

Saturday, I worked for my Mom, and then I worked for my job.  Brandon and I went out to dinner that night and my parents watched the boys.  Date nights are alright, but I miss my kids a lot now that I have started to work, I would probably rather be with them.  Maybe this is my own personal marital issue though :P  We stopped at Kohl's so I could use all my amazing coupons and I ended up getting a new mat for the front door(I may or may not have had a Christmas one out still, oops). 

It glitters and sparkles, and is everything that is me. :D

Sunday I had to wake up and go to the store because I forgot an item for a science experiment, so Jaxton and I left alone.  He is my crazy little baby.  We came home and did some yard work, but Jaxton had other plans...running away into the street. So much for that.  Later we went to my husbands Grandparents house where we ate enchiladas and rice and beans.  Came home and that was pretty much it. 

How was your weekend?

Go ahead and link up with Sami's Shenanigans! 

Let's Be Friends GFC Blog Hop!

                                                         

                                                            <a href="http://thedwellingtree.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg553/tiffanycutcliff/GFCBlogHop_zps10a44325.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

Hi Friends! It is time for the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop #4. 

I love using GFC to connect with other blogs. I think it makes it so easy to follow along with blogs I love. That is why I am making it the focus on this blog hop:). 

If you are interested in co-hosting this hop with me in the future, please visit here. I would love to welcome on new co-hosts! 

Ok, the rules are simple:

1. Follow your host via GFC

2. Follow your co-hosts.

3. Visit some new friends. Visit 3 new blogs and follow via GFC and say hi! 

4. Promote the hop by linking back or placing the button on your page.



Meet this weeks co-hosts!

Blog: Hayley's World

Blog: Mandie's Two Cents

Blog: Limited Space Organizing 

Check out this month's featured sponsor:

"Sign up to take our 30-day Mom Makeover Challenge and receive a month’s worth of devotions tailor-made to the demands of motherhood delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here."

Things I Don't Love Thursday {Link Up}

I am linking up with Melissa again over at Lulu and Sweet Pea for another Things I Don't Love Thursday!

 
 

Sickness. Especially in one of my kids.  Right now they are both ill.  Get this-Brock has a RIGHT ear infection with RIGHT lung bronchitis, and Jaxton has a LEFT ear infection with LEFT lung bronchitis.  Total opposites. I just feel awful for them.  MY POOR BABIEEEEEES. 

Husband watching DVR'd items without me.  I love when I fall asleep and happen to wake up shortly after and see he is still awake, and watching a show we normally watch TOGETHER> HELLURRR. 

Women.  Yes, I said it.  This week I witnessed some pretty petty crap going on.  I am surprised at how persnickety some individuals can really be.  I just don't understand why some women feel the need to act this way.  Desperate for friends??  Tired of the old ones??  Oh well. 

That is all I have for you on this lovely Thursday! Thanks for stopping by and seeing what exactly things I don't love! 

OHHHH and don't forget about Sarah @ Fortune Favor's HUGE giveaway!! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekend Wrap Up!

Well, first-I hope you all had a good weekend!  They go to fast in my eyes, but I'm sure that everyone can agree with me there. Unless you work on the weekends ;) 

Friday it was storming in the valley pretty badly.  I got out of work early(woohoo) and went to the mall to return some shoes. As I came up to the doors to leave the mall they all flew open and trees were bending in half, things were being blown all over-looked like a hurricane, in Phoenix. Finally braved it to make a mad crazy dash to my car to find this right in front of me...

That would be a big ol tree rooted from the ground.  On my way out of the parking lot there were numerous trees pulled out of the ground making it quite the obstacle to get out of the mall! I continued on to Ikea where I then got hit by hail.  It was fun. 

Saturday I did my usual girl time with my Mom.  We went to lunch at Panda Express and then went grocery shopping together. It's a tradition. We goof off together, and this week the grocery store had a cardboard cut out for Easter related activities, so I jumped in there to get my picture taken! 

Not the most flattering facial picture, but it was a good time. 

Later that day I got my eyes checked out for some new glasses.  After that we dropped the boys off at their Grammy's house while the husband and I went to dinner with a Christmas gift card that we have been dying to use! 

 Love this restaurant, The Melting Pot.  It takes a long time, which is why it is great for a date night when you are kid-less.

Sunday we had a pretty lazy day, I got caught up on some homework for school.  Brandon was great and cleaned up the kitchen for me.  It is nice when they help out! We had dinner at my parents house and my brother and sister in law came too! We had meatloaf, with an egg in the middle, wrapped in bacon, covered in BBQ sauce...yes you read that right.

 I will be posting the recipe to this during the week! I HIGHLY recommend trying it. 

Brock is my little photographer so he had to take pictures of everyone...

 And Jaxton was injured on the run outside. Suffered a little road rash on his nose and forehead, but Grandma made it better with an ice pack...

 Sometimes I think I should put this kid in a helmet.  His poor head gets hit a lot. A lot. He is resilient though and it only phases him for about 30 seconds and then he is off. 

I got with my brother to start planning out our Mom's Mother's Day present, an Origami Owl Locket-she doesn't have one yet so we figured this would be perfect because she wants one! We started picking out charms for her and I know she will love it! 

Here is just an idea for Grandma's, or Mom's(because we have Mom specific charms too)
Take a look here!

Overall, good weekend! 

Things I Don't Love Thursday + Giveaway

I decided I would start linking up for Things I Don't Love Thursday.  I have a lot I do love, but there are definitely things I don't. 



 
 

Traffic. For some reason, I get stuck in traffic every single day.  I know a lot of people do.  BUT...there is an accident, in the SAME exact spot EVERY single day.  You would think people would be more careful after the record of accidents there (It is also on a STRAIGHT road, no fancy pants driving is needed)

Coming Home to a Dirty House. I leave for work before my kids wake up, pick them up from their Grandparents house on my way home-10 hours later. Get home, and its near their bed times so I have a one year old walking around crying, a two year old that feels he can do whatever he wants and a messy house.  Sometimes my hubby is great and he cleans up before he leaves, sometimes he doesn't.  

 What If's. After 3 weeks of training at my new job, and hearing a question start like this by another new hire employee...I am ready to snap.  TWO MORE DAYS AMANDA, TWO MORE DAYS. Everything starts "Well, what if..., What if this...."  What if the sky falls?  What if the world ends.  I mean really...No sense in wondering about what if's especially when they are SO far out there.

 

The FUN Part!!!

Today I am joining in helping a follow blogger/friend celebrate a COUPLE milestones-4 years of blogging, and 600 followers!

I have "known" Sarah for a few years now, and she is an ah-may-zing person all around.  Help her celebrate by entering in her contest{That I am happy to be a part of} and go visiting her blog Fortune Favors the Brave 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ok, Let's Talk Sponsor!

Sponsoring Amber @ My Three Bittles was probably the best decision I have made thus far in blogging. She was absolutely incredible. From the moment she approved my ad, she went and followed me on anything she wasn't already on with me..Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Pinterest...she literally went all out. Something that I am totally not used to as far as Sponsoring is concerned.

If we want to talk numbers, I have gained about 30 followers on Twitter, roughly 50 followers on Facebook, and a good 25 on my Blog. We are talking about this happening in about five days. I did post a giveaway on her page, and a lot of traffic came from that giveaway. Amber has over 1000 followers so she is a well known blogger!

I cannot recommend her enough. She truly is a great person all around and will help you with anything you need. She has answered countless questions, and walked me through the best routes for advertising with her. Sponsoring with her was seriously the best. I recently had a negative experience with a Sponsor, and she totally changed my attitude around on this. It is hard to put money out on something that you are unsure of a return on, but My Three Bittles will come through!

Head on over to her blog and look around! She is an awesome blogger and a daily read!

Dorito's Taco Bake

Dear Taco Bell,

You have graced us with the ever so amazing Dorito's Taco.  I am forever thankful to you and will continue to eat those whenever I have the opportunity. 

Sincerely,

Mandie(not Mandie's hips or weight)

 

 

So while browsing Pinterest one day (all hail Pinterest!), I found this recipe..Doritos Taco BAKE. Ooooh I could just picture that being just like my favorite Taco Bell taco.  I was thrilled, spoken like  a fat girl. OH well...

 

 

 

So I decided to do it on my own and thought how great this would be on so many levels. 

 

Here are the ingredients..

-bag of Doritos chips

-sour cream(8oz)

-Tomato Sauce(8oz)

-can of refridgerated crescent rolls

-taco seasoning package

-1 lb ground beef

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

 

First you want to brown the ground beef and preheat your oven to

350 degrees...

 

Then once that is completely cooked, add in the can of tomato sauce, and the taco seasoning package(don't worry about following the directions on the seasoning package), let this simmer for about 5 minutes after you have mixed it all together...

 

Take a 9x13 pan and spray it lightly with cooking spray.  Open your crescent rolls and press them onto the pan, seal the edges together so there are no gaps...(I goofed and bough Crescent ROUNDS..oops..still worked though!)

 

Spread the meat mixture over the top of the crescent rolls...

 

Next, take your sour cream and spread it on top of the meat to cover it all...

 

Take the shredded cheese and spread it over the sour cream.  Take your Doritos and crush them up as good as you can(good chance to get any frustrations out, if this works for you!), sprinkle this on top of the cheese, then throw it in the oven for about 45 minutes.

 

Once you take this out of the oven you will get something that looks along these lines...

 

I could definitely see myself making this again, very delicious and not sooo healthy.  Which to be honest, happens a lot in my house ;)  It is a work in progress. 



Nail Files Friday {Link Up}

Linking up for another fun Friday!

I ran across this nail polish the other day, it is called Nail Rock Nail Caviar.

I thought it looked way interesting and ventured into the 3D nail art for those that are artistically challenged(yea...that is me).  So I purchased it, and applied it. AND LOVE IT! I think it is really cute, and so easy! Two coats of polish, then dip the nail in the "caviar", press firmly, and becareful for about 15 minutes while it sets. No big deal! 

Update on how this held up: Bad. Maybe I did not push "firmly" enough on the beads, but I went to bed with a nail full of bead.  I woke up with a bed full of beads. DANGIT. I thought this would be really cute.  I will try again and make sure I push extra hard on the beads to see if that makes a difference. :)