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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Gift Cards & Ad Space Giveaway

Hi friends! Happy August 1st :) This month I have teamed up with Marquis from Simply Clarke and 16 other bloggers to giveaway a load of awesome prizes: Ad space on 18 blogs, $100 Target Gift Card, $100 Nordstrom Gift Card and a $50 Starbucks Gift Card. 

Before you enter below, make sure to stop by the other co-hosts blogs and tell them thank you!

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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Never Ever Ever (1st link up)


This is my first link up for Never Ever Ever and I am excited...Here I go!!

NEVER EVER EVER.....

1. Be bored!! It completely baffles me when people are bored. I do not get it! I have countless things to do and countless things I want to try.


2. Be a chef. Let's face it, I am lucky I can boil water.


3. Will I stop chasing my dreams.


This was harder than I thought it would be but I look forward to thinking of more things to share with you next week.


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Monday, July 29, 2013

Just Wanted to Say Hi!

Hello there! I feel like I have been neglecting all my followers. Although I have been posting, I feel like it has primarily been giveaways and reviews. Time to let you know why I have been semi-absent. We had been in the process of moving which had been a daunting task especially since my hubby works a lot and I am working from home and chasing a toddler so it was quite difficult to pack.  Everything I packed up, Olivia tore out of the box and this cycle went on and on. As you can imagine, every free moment was devoted to packing up.  But we are now in our new home, still have some organizing to do but it isn't as pressing as a matter as getting out of our apartment was.

I have to admit I was and still am a little sad to leave our apartment of 8-1/2 years.  We had many good times there including: countless poker games, our annual New Year's Eve bashes, getting engaged and it was Olivia's first home.  When I walked out of the apartment for the last time I was quite emotional and sobbed as I drove to my new home. I know it was time to move on but I was still choked up and am getting a little teary eyed as I type this.  Here are a few photos of some of the good times in apartment 3-14.

Happy in our home
One of our annual New Year's Eve parties
Olivia's 1st Christmas
So yesterday was my birthday and in a previous post many weeks ago I had mentioned I wanted a makeover for my birthday. Part of that makeover was weight loss that I wanted to accomplish and unfortunately that did not happen but I lost a few pounds and did sign up for a gym last week so I am making positive strides towards accomplishing that goal.  I did buy some new clothing that fits me now and looks trendy and I did it, I am a blonde!!! Ahhhh!!! It was drastic but I love it and needed a change.

I was in the salon all day but as you can see from the photo below after she brushed out my curls my hair was several different colors and needed some major fixing. I highly recommend Hair Artistry By Nicole if you happen to be from Long Island area.

In love with my new hair!

In love with my new striped shirt and anchor necklace

While you are on my blog be sure to enter my birthday giveaway for a $50 giftcard to Etsy!!! And also check out my review of my new dream flats from LUV footwear.

**GET 20% OFF YOUR OWN PAIR OF DREAM FLATS WITH COUPON CODE: JOLUV20

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Birthday Love: $50 Etsy Giftcard Giveaway



It's my party and I'll giveaway if I want to!! In honor of my birthday I have teamed up with two fabulous ladies: Kimberly from A Night Owl Blog and Catherine from Bailey Dailies to give you an opportunity to win a $50 giftcard to Etsy. How amazing is this prize?! I mean who isn't obsessed with browsing on Etsy?!

Jenny with Dancin' With A Dolly, Kimberly with A Night Owl Blog & Catherine with Bailey Dailies

I hope you'll celebrate with me and enter this giveaway below!! Good luck!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway







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Monday, July 22, 2013

New Baby Giveaway

It's time for another BIG giveaway featuring some of our favorite products for new babies! This fabulous prize package has you covered on all of your new baby necessities.

New Baby Necessities Prize Package:

  • líllébaby - COMPLETE Baby Carrier ($135 value)
  • Yummi Pouch - Little Munchkin Set and pair of BabyLegs. ($40 value)
  • nuna - LEAF navy ($299.95 value)
  • ubbi - diaper pail ($79.99 value)
  • Trumpette - POP socks - black ($29.50 value)
  • Trumpette - Large Baby Schleppbag - grey ($79.50 value)
  • Bamboobies - Multi-pack nursing pads ($29.99 value)
  • Bamboobies - Brahhh ($34 value)
  • Bamboobies - Natural Nipple Balm ($12.99 value)
  • Nested Bean - 2 Zen Swaddles ($79.98 value)
  • Milkmakers - 1 month supply of cookies ($49 value)
  • Buttons Diapers - 6 cloth covers (blue, pink and white) + 12 daytime inserts ($108 value)
  • Babiators - 2 pairs of Polarized Babiators with Cloud Case ($70 value)
  • Ambajam - Mini-Cuddle Baby Blanket ($24 value)

Total Value = $1,071.90

new baby necessities giveaway

Enter to Win

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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Sunday Social (#2)

Hello everyone!! Wowser this week has been a rough one between finshing our move, living out of boxes, work, chasing a toddler and so on, I am ready for a 24 hour nap. One can dream right?! Well, I wanted to make sure I participated in this week's Sunday Social so let me get to it!


Sunday Social


Here we go:

 1. What is your favorite TV as a kid?  Full House, Saved By The Bell and Punky Brewster!!  I think I saw every episode of those shows at least 5 times.  Weren't they on like every day of the week?! Because I am pretty sure I watched them everyday. Pathetic I know.

2. What is your current favorite TV show? So many...So You Think You Can Dance, Hit The Floor, The Voice, Revenge, Game of Thrones, Law & Order SVU, Criminal Minds, CSI, Bones, Masterchef and the list goes on...I sound like I have a split personality with the extreme variety of these shows. Haha..

3. Which reality show would you NEVER do?  Survivor or anything where I would need to eat funky things. I don't mind physical challenges but I am the pickiest eater, you're luck if you can get me to eat something off the children's menu.

4. Which reality show would you LOVE to do? Any singing competition!! I actually tried out for Idol a few years ago. (That's a whole other post in and of itself).

The crowd in Boston

Me..waiting...

5. What is the TV personality/character that you feel is most like you? Oh gosh maybe Angela from Bones..I feel I am artsy and quirky like her but also like to think I have some intelligence.

6. Which TV character would you want to date? You are all going to think I am strange with this choice but Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. I love how smart and awkward he is and is is hot in an unconventional way.


 photo dancinsig.pngAny one share my tastes?! Let me know!! See you next week!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Love my LUVs!! (And You Can Win A Pair!)

Side by side in our dream flats


I am honestly super stoked to announce that Olivia and I are ambassadors for LUV Footwear. If you have never checked out their fabulous dream flats you are going to want to do so right now! Their flats are super comfy and available in all the trendiest patterns around. They are great for everyday wear but what's even better is the fact that they are waterproof.  So if you need a water shoe that doesn't make you look silly LUVs are definitely the route to go.  

Olivia and I went to the beach yesterday and both wore our new flats compliments of LUV footwear.  Olivia is now 1-1/2 years old and has never been a big fan of the beach because she doesn't like the sand between her toes.  She would usually just sit on our blanket and play or stand in one spot  on the sand.  Well that all changed yesterday.  I guess her flats made it so the sand didn't bother her so she was running all over the beach and even in the rocky water. I am so grateful that I can now enjoy the rest of the summer with Olivia at the beach.  Not to mention it was awesome for me not to have to walk on the rocks in my bare feet. 
Feeling adventurous in her new flats

Olivia didn't mind getting her feet wet with LUV's protection


  
Now here's the good news, you can enter to win your very own pair of LUVs below!! And if you don't win LUV's has a great offer for you, 20% off your order!!! Just use coupon code JOLUV20 at checkout.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am so grateful to LUVs and their amazing dream flats for giving me the chance to completely enjoy the beach with Olivia.  Visit their website here to see all the cute styles they have for toddlers through adults.   You will not be sorry. Remember to use coupon code: JOLUV20 to get 20% off your order!


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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Meet A Sponsor: Catherine From Bailey Dailies




Hello friends!! I am pleased to introduce you to a pretty incredible lady and VIP Sponsor this month, Catherine from Bailey Dailies.  What better way to get to know someone than by asking a few questions.


1. Tell us about yourself.
I'm Catherine and I blog at Bailey Dailies. I am an attorney and I work in a small town in Alabama. I live with my husband (my high school sweetheart), and our 4 fur babies. I love to travel, cook (and eat), read, follow Alabama football and blog! I am ALWAYS busy and I really enjoy that--but sometimes I love nothing better than lounging quietly by the pool with a book or watching tv all afternoon.

Catherine and Ruffles
2. Why did you start your blog?
 I started my blog as a way to document my life with my husband--like a scrapbook. This year I decided to really focus more on the writing aspect of blogging because I really would like to be a writer. I feel like practice makes perfect, and that you can't really be a writer if you aren't writing! I actually just landed a job as a freelance contributing writer to a local magazine, so my hard work is starting to pay off. I'm excited to see what else is in store!

3. What can we expect to see on your blog?
You can expect many different types of posts. I blog about everything from what we did on our weekend, to recipes I have tried, to random things I've been pondering--anything and everything! We have just listed our house and are searching for a new one so hopefully there are going to be some fun design posts coming in the near future!

4. What is your 5 year plan?
5 year plan--wow--the answer to that question really changes over time, doesn't it? I'm 29 so in 5 years I will be nearly 35--oh boy. In the next 5 years I hope to have built a larger client base as an attorney and to have successfully tried several jury trials. I also hope to have started writing more frequently for magazines and perhaps I will try my hand at short stories or even a novel. Hopefully my husband and I will have maybe 2 kids by then (wow, that sounds a little scary to me). I hope that we will also have been able to do the things we love during those 5 years--travel, explore new restaurants, go to lots of Alabama football games, and spend lots of quality time with our friends and family!

Catherine and her hubby

5. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment.
 My most embarrassing moment happened just a few months ago. I wore this adorable light green and cream seersucker skirt to court one Friday. It was a packed room and there were several lawyers, defendants, and family members. I was in there for nearly 2 hours trying to work out my cases. I was all over the room talking to the district attorneys, the Judge, my clients, and other lawyers. When I left I went to another Judge's office just to chat and say hi. When I walked in the assistant pointed out to me that you could see my bright blue panties through my light skirt--I had forgotten to change into nude ones! I was MORTIFIED because I just knew everyone in the courtroom had seen and I always try to be so professional and modest. I cried all the way home to change!



After finding out all about Catherine I cannot wait to follow her at Bailey Dailies and I know you probably feel the same way.  Be sure to stop by her blog and give her a hello! If you would like to be a VIP Sponsor for my blog be sure to check out all opportunities on my sponsor page.  


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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

New Baby Welcome Package Giveaway

We are so excited to once again share an opportunity to win a collection of great products from some wonderful companies! Our New Baby Welcome Package has everything you need for your little one's entrance into the world — from feeding, to sleeping, to soothing, and even playing and learning new motor skills! One lucky momma who wins this giveaway will be all set for her little one's precious needs.

Yummi Pouch - Reusable Food Pouches

Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches 

little munchkin set giveaway
Little Munchkin Set - Retail Price: $28.95
The Little Munchkin set has everything you need to get started with using Yummi Pouches! Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are perfect for filling with homemade baby food, blended snacks, healthy smoothies, and more. Designed by a husband a wife team, Yummi Pouches are dishwasher and freezer safe, BPA-free, phthalate-free, easy to fill and clean through the wide zipper opening, and encourage healthy snacks for active kids! For more information visit yummipouch.com.
  • Set of 6 Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches - hold up to 6oz each
  • 16oz filling funnel pitcher
  • 10 dishwasher safe name label stickers
  • 2 decorative dishwasher safe sticker sheets
  • 6 mixed color extra pouch caps

Buttons Cloth Diapers

Buttons cloth diapers
Buttons Cloth Diaper Set - Retail Price: $108.00
6 covers and 12 daytime inserts (small or large)
Buttons Cloth Diapers were born at home. As a husband and wife team, we designed our diapers to be easy to use and affordable for everyone - the way it should be. We believe in keeping our lives simple, even when it comes to diapering.

Buttons Diapers feature soft, leak-proof, and durable diaper covers. The double-gussets around the legs keeps the mess in, so your little one can run, jump, climb, and sleep while your mind is at ease. Elastic at the back and tummy makes a custom fit. The durable snaps allow the covers to adjust to fit any baby (approximately 9-35 lbs.). And, they come in five adorable colors! For more information visit buttonsdiapers.com.

2 Red Hens

two red hens diaper bag
2 Red Hens Studio Coop Carry-All Diaper Bag - Retail Price: $70
Custom-designed, highly functional bowling bag style diaper bags. When not in use as a diaper bag mom can use as an overnight bag. Includes extra-long changing pad in 2 Red Hens signature red dot pattern.
Available in 5 custom designed vintage-inspired patterns: Chevron Stripes, Grey Damask, Peacock Mum, Pink Lemonade and Owl Dots.
Based in Denver, Colorado, 2 Red Hens Studio was founded in 2011 by designer and resident 'Mama Hen' Lori Holliday. The 2 Red Hens Studio collection of Vintage Chic Inspired Items for Modern Mamas include diaper bags, the Toy Nanny, Shopping Cart Nests, and a range of accessory items. Limited edition handcrafted one-of-a-kind diaper bags and dolls are also offered. For more information visit 2RedHens.com.

L'ovedbaby LLC

L'oved Baby 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl
4-in-1 Nursing Shawl, Brown - Retail Price: $33.00
Use as pregnancy poncho, nursing cover, stroller/carseat canopy, lightweight blankie. Comes in a matching, drawstring carrying pouch. Machine wash/dry. One size fits all.
L'oved Baby Gl'oved-Sleeve Overall 

and Cute Cap
Gl'oved-Sleeve Overall & Cute Cap - Retail Price: $28.00
Size: newborn - 24 months. Machine wash/dry; winner picks color.
L'ovedbaby is adored by A-list celebrities for their stylish Nursing Covers & coordinating Burp Cloths as well as their mix-and-match Cotton Basics Collection, ranging from Newborn/preemie to size 6 in kids. Coming this November: the Organic Cotton Basics collection from L'ovedbaby! For more information visit lovedbaby.com.

Kushies Baby

Kushies Zolo Linko toy
Kushies Zolo Linko Toy - Retail Price: $33.99
Kushies Baby - Based in Ontario, Canada, with U.S. headquarters located in Niagara Falls, New York, Kushies® creates and provides an innovative collection of quality baby products and accessories. Trusted by moms since 1987, Kushies offers more than 350 superior baby products including stylish layette and playwear, washable diapers, the award-winning Kushies Zolo toy collection and a broad range of baby essentials. The worldwide market leader in reusable cloth diapers and accessories, Kushies takes great pride in operating as a responsible company and as an environmentally concerned member of our planet. For more information visit kushiesonline.com.
  • Look! Feel! Chew! Connect Linko shapes together to create a love chain!
  • Easily attaches to other Kushies Zolo baby toys with signature clips.
  • Age: 0+ months
  • Contains: 4 Textured teething rings, 4 hold-together rings, 3 plush characters, and 6 signature rings for easy attachment.
  • Encourages: Visual development, flexible thinking,dexterity, tactile stimulation.

Oh, That Baby! Ltd.

Toofeze Baby Teether
Toofeze Baby Teether - Retail Price: $19.99
Toofeze® is a functional, durable, and all-natural alternative to traditional teething rings and toys. Its three distinct chewing surfaces allow babies to self-manage their changing teething needs. The food grade ingredients are hypoallergenic and intentionally selected to meet the high standards of today's health- and eco-conscious consumers. For more information visit toofeze.com.
  • Therapeutic - The cool stainless steel disk clinically reduces painful teething symptoms caused by swelling and inflammation - a tried and true remedy for teething pain.
  • Convenient - Chills instantly in cold water. Perfect for out and about when a fridge isn't handy. No need to freeze your teether - or your baby's fingers!
  • Ergonomic - Our soft silicone handle and stationary design make it easy for babies to control, and aids in early motor skills development.
  • Sanitary - Toofeze is easily cleaned with soap and water or antibacterial wipes, and is durable enough to be boiled or run through the dishwasher as often as you like!

líllébaby

lillebaby complete original baby 

carrier
líllébaby COMPLETE Original Baby Carrier - Retail Price: $110.00
The future in babywearing is here! Compare the líllébaby® COMPLETE with any baby carrier and you will see why it deserves its name. COMPLETE in function, comfort, and style, this carrier grows with your family. It includes every carrying position and ensures your baby is positioned ergonomically correct in every setting. It's all about options - it's COMPLETE
Resonating the Scandinavian values of quality of life, honesty, and a love for nature's beauty, líllébaby strives to make baby products that bring this functional style to parents, anywhere. We wish parents to attain the simple luxury of keeping their baby close while building a natural bond, in perfect comfort and style. For more information visit lillebaby.com.
  • Complete age range, newborn – 45lbs (no insert needed)
  • All-in-one carrying (front, hip or back; baby face in, out, or in fetal position.)
  • Ergonomic leg position in every setting, including when baby is facing forward.
  • Seat adjusts to perfectly fit baby at every stage and enables carrying through the otherwise "baby wearing gap"
  • Adjustable neck support with elastic attachments gives ideal support while allowing for movement.
  • The adjustable torso is taller than most brands, giving your baby sturdier support and better posture.
  • Padded side straps protect baby from webbing.
  • Removable sleeping hood adjusts in length and includes elastic edging for comfortable fit. Protects from sun and wind, gives privacy and supports baby's head while sleeping.

Enter to win these must-have items for your baby!

Prize Pack includes:
Yummi Pouch little munchkin set
Pair of BabyLegs leg warmers
Set of 6 Buttons Cloth Diaper covers + 12 daytime inserts
2 Red Hens Studio Coop Carry-All Diaper Bag
L'ovedbaby 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl
L'ovedbaby Gl'oved-Sleeve Overall & Cute Cap
Kushies Zolo Linko toy
Toofeze baby teether
líllébaby COMPLETE Original Baby Carrier

Plus! 3 runner ups will receive:

Set of 6 Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches
Pair of BabyLegs leg warmers
Toofeze baby teether
Yummi Pouch new baby welcome 

package giveaway
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Sunday, July 14, 2013

Sunday Social

Sunday Social

Hello! I have decided to participate in this week's Sunday Social after become a bit stalkerish to one of my new favorite blogs, A Complete Waste Of Makeup. Here I go!!

1. What is your all-time favorite song?
 Oh gosh, this is a tough one but I think it has to be Shoop by Salt N Pepa. Mainly because it is my ultimate fave to sing at karaoke. I know every word by heart. Quite sad I know.

My friend Michelle & I singing Shoop I am sure. Yup....


2. Who is your favorite singer/band?
No idea...Love many...A couple of my faves are: Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Goo Goo Dolls, Maroon 5, Destiny's Child, Boys II Men and Nickleback to name a few.

3. What song reminds you of your childhood?
There are many. Different ones from different periods of my childhood but I'd have to say Light My Candle from Rent. That's pretty bad, huh? I was obsessed with being a Broadway star and I used to sing and "act out" this song for my family all the time.  It was quite a hit. Haha..

4. What songs put you in a good mood?
 There are many of these but Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard always gets me singing and dancing around. Ultimate party song!

5. What is your music to rock out to in your car?
I'll rock out to anything from Broadway, to pop, to rock...I'll rock that s#%$! 

6. What is the most embarrassing album or song you own?
I still own my Kris Kross cassette. I don't know why because I don't have a cassette player but for old times sake. Jump, jump!!

As you can see from my taste in music, I am just a fun loving girl who likes to have a good time.  You definitely want to party with me. Heehee....

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Friday, July 12, 2013

Fashionista On A Budget : Stripes Galore

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If you are like me you love the hottest trends but they sometimes have the highest prices. If you look hard enough you kind find a similar look for much less.  Well, you are in luck, I did your homework for you. Check out these striped looks for less. The more expensive version is on the left and the less expensive on the right.


Left: Banana Republic $130
Top Right: Forever 21 $14
Bottom Right: yesstyle.com $25


Left: Brooks Brothers $295
Top Right: icing.com $28
Bottom Right: yesstyle.com $30


I hope you enjoyed my new regular blog feature: Fashionista On A Budget.  I plan to do these posts regularly with a different trend each time.  Please feel free to comment with what trend for less you would like to see next.


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