Silhouette Winner!

WOW! The Silhouette machine was my biggest giveaway to date, and boy do you all REALLY want one of your own!!......over 2,300 of you entered last week.
**Little side note........I just realized my very first blog post was 2 years ago today! Happy Blogoversary to me!

Well, it's time to announce the lucky winner

Drum roll please....................

.........picked by random.org the winner is #1043

Gina at Enjoying our Journey said...

I would definitely be making some vinyl stuff for my house. And then some cute shirts for my girls, maybe with rhinestones.

Pop over to Gina's blog and congratulate her , I don't think she knows she won yet!

I wish I had one for everyone! Thanks to all who participated in this fun giveaway and especially a big thanks to the awesome girls at How Does She and the amazing people at Silhouette.

If you didn't win and would like to own a Silhouette machine of your own, Silhouette is still offering 2 specials right now for a limited time for TidyMom readers! Be sure to use the code word "TidyMomRocks" to take advantage of these promotions.

#1 AWESOME PROMO (running from August 1st through August 9th at midnight)

Buy a machine and receive the following:

- $50 off the Silhouette Craft Cutter

- 2 rolls of vinyl (Valued at $15.98)

- 1 roll of transfer tape (Valued at $7.99)

- Scraper (Valued at $6.99)

- Home Décor CD (Valued at $50)

- $10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store

- Cutting Blade

- 2 Cutting Mats

All for $249.99

A Savings of $130.96 WOW!

#2 GOOD PROMO (running from August 9th through August 14th at midnight)

Buy a machine and receive the following:

$50 off (receive for $249.99)

2 rolls of Heat transfer ($29.89 value)

$10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store

Cutting Blade

2 Cutting Mats

All for $249.99

A savings of $79.98

Want to see what all you can do with a Silhouette?

See some of my projects here, my etched glass bowl here, and lots of other bloggers projects here. I will continue to post more projects as I enjoy my Silhouette!! and I would LOVE to see what YOU are making with YOUR Silhouette!

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July wrap up......Free Desktop Wallpaper, new blog & Winners!

I can't believe July is over! And as always, I would like to Thank You to all my readers, friends and family who have made TidyMom so much fun!!

So let's start off with announcing a few winners!!!

There were 3 winners from last week's awesome Sew Saucy Stitches Print Giveaway

Using Ramdom.org to choose the winners......


Congrats to #40 Jennifer, #48 ruthhill74 and #16 Anna Galvas

This would be the perfect time to remind everyone who is on blogger to PLEASE add your email to your profile!!! By doing that when you leave a comment on my blog (or anyone’s blog) I/they can reply to you. Did you ever notice how when some people comment on your blog you can reply to them, and to others you end up replying to No-Reply-Blogger address? I LOVE to reply to your comments, and so often I cant! It also makes it so much easier to contact you when you win a giveaway!! It's VERY easy to do......Darcy wrote a great little post on it......so I'm just going to send you over there......So EVERYONE RIGHT NOW.......head over to Darcy's and take a look at these steps and make sure you're Blogger/Google account is set up this way! PLEASE I BEG YOU!!.....Thank you kindly! :-)

Speaking of Giveaways........you have entered my HUGE Giveaway for a FREE Silhouette Craft Cutter haven't you?

{Click the picture if you haven't it!}

A Big *gushy* thanks to the top referrers to TidyMom in July....

1. Bake at 350
2. University of Cookie
3. How Does She
4. Hoosier Homemade
5. The Coupon Goddess
6. i am mommy
7. Living Locurto
8. 320 Sycamore
9. Centsational Girl
10. Reluctant Entertainer

And to all of the great people who help support TidyMom.net



I do have a few ad spots open for August......just send me an email if you're interested in working together!! tidymom{at}charter{dot}net


I'm still keeping up with my 365 project, though I'll have to admit....summer time has made it VERY difficult to keep up! I get my pictures taken, but some times I don't get my pictures loaded until a week later.

I've started a separate blog for my photography. It's mainly a place for my 365 pictures and other pictures I take! I love linking up to photography challenges and parties.....I thought it would be easier to do on another blog. I have not finished "fixing her all up" but I DID WIN a budget makeover from Adori Graphics on Amanda's Beautiful Blog Designs!! So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to start working on that site. Louise put together a fantastic blog header for me with some of my pictures and installed it for me.

If you'd like to take a peek.......TidyMomPhotography, as you can see I am WAY behind with uploading my 365 pictures..... the site was designed to "match"my new TidyMom.net makeover, so the photography siet is a sneak peek that new look!....don't you love the fresh new colors?....*remember, it's not finished yet, I have more elements to add

I will still post my monthly mosaics here, but if you wish to see more, you can follow me over on TidyMomPhotography



I'll wrap up this SUPER long post with a link to Julie of LeeLou Blogs super cute desktop wallpapers for August!!

Click the picture below to get your FREE August 2010 desktop theme like I did!!

Be sure to leave Julie a comment thanking her for her generosity!!


So that wraps up July!!.......School starts here on August 16! YIKES!! When does school start for you?

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A FREE Silhouette Craft Cutter {Giveaway!}

~

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED
Good Promo good until Aug 14 (see below)
winner will be announced on Mon Aug 9


Ok, I can't stand it any more!

I've been keeping a secret!......a HUGE.....$300 secret!!

Remember yesterday how I mention my new toy?
Well I was just so darn excited when my sweet friends at How Does She? set me up with this fantastic craft tool for myself AND one to give to one lucky TidyMom reader!!!

This incredible little machine is sleek and compact.
It makes me look like......well, a "crafty gal" with little effort on my part.
Her name is........Silhouette
(just rolls off the tongue doesn't it? ♥)

Take a look at her!.....She's so SLIM and beautiful!

I have heard a lot about all of the craft cutters out there, and honestly, I didn't know if I'd really use it........I thought it would be too complicated for me.
........Remember, I like SIMPLE projects!!

Well, I couldn't have been more wrong!!

You can cut vinyl

cut/make the cutest cards

cut outs for your scrapbooking

Huge assortment of paper cut outs

It did take me a little time to understand how to use my Silhouette, but their website is full of help, and their customer service number is awesome!........they didn't even get annoyed with me when I called 4 times in one afternoon! lol

The Silhouette hooks up to your computer and cuts out the shapes/letters that you tell it to. It's THAT easy! So all you need is your Silhouette machine, your computer, the cords and your imagination! You can even use an SD card and take your Silhouette wherever you go!

It comes with a nice library of shape and cutout files to get you started! And, what I LOVE is, you can use all of the letter fonts (True Type) from your own computer, to design your own cut outs. Hello!!! I can choose ANY font I want? Do you know how many FREE fonts there are out there?!! You can even create your own shapes and cutouts for your projects!!--I LOVE that!

No cartridges to buy!

They do have an online image store, where you can browse and purchase from a huge assortment of different shapes, letters, phrases, cutouts, etc......and upload them instantly to your computer. The images are just $.99 each and they offer membership plans and options for bulk-buying where they can cost even less than this. Each week, they also feature a free download on their site that you can add to your library. Love those freebies!
In no time I was making........

cupcake wrappers
(frosting recipe )



Sunshine help me cut out and iron on her school mascot on a pair of shorts
(I can't believe she starts high school in a few weeks!)

I even made a mug just for ME!!



I gave my knife block a fresh new look!



I even made this cute canvas tote bag with the help of my Silhouette!
(will post a tutorial soon)

and I'm STILL working on another project!!!

Later in the week I will share some "how-to's"
I can’t wait to show off more projects that you can create with this cutter.
But enough about me, let’s talk about this giveaway!

**This giveaway is only open to those in the states**

Here's how to enter to win:

1. Leave a comment by Sat Aug 7th at 9PM CST and tell me what is your favorite feature that the Silhouette has to offer.
   
2. Go over to Silhouette’s site and check things out. Then, come back here and leave a comment telling me how you would use the Silhouette machine! (ie, scrapbooking, vinyl, card making....EVERYTHING)
   
3. Blog about it with a link back to this post, then come back and leave a comment with the link.
4. Mention it on Twitter or Facebook- I want to win a Silhouette Craft Cutter from @TidyMom http://bit.ly/c7hiJy #giveaway (be sure to leave a comment letting me know)
5. Subscribe to TidyMom.net ...leave a comment letting me know you did or if you already do.
   

**PLEASE make sure you leave your email address if it's not linked to your account (so I can contact you if you win) also, be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry

The contest ends on Saturday Aug 7, 2010 at 9PM CST. I will announce & contact the winner on Monday Aug 9, 2010

The Giveaway includes:

A Silhouette Machine

(a $299.99 value)

And it includes…

• Silhouette machine
• Software for Windows XP/Vista
• Power cable, USB cable
• 2 Cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media)
• One cutting blade
• $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store

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If you are interested in purchasing a Silhouette, there is an exclusive TidyMom promo code. Use the promo code TidyMomRocks to take advantage of these two promotions! (After you put in the code all the discounts and freebies will show up in the basket)

#1 AWESOME PROMO (running from August 1st through August 9th at midnight)

Buy a machine and receive the following:

- $50 off the Silhouette Craft Cutter

- 2 rolls of vinyl (Valued at $15.98)

- 1 roll of transfer tape (Valued at $7.99)

- Scraper (Valued at $6.99)

- Home Décor CD (Valued at $50)

- $10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store

- Cutting Blade

- 2 Cutting Mats

All for $249.99

A Savings of $130.96

Just think of how much you’ll save on gift giving this year!

#2 GOOD PROMO (running from August 9th through August 14th at midnight)

Buy a machine and receive the following:

$50 off (receive for $249.99)

2 rolls of Heat transfer ($29.89 value)

$10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store

Cutting Blade

2 Cutting Mats

All for $249.99

A savings of $79.98

Good Luck Everyone!!

Have fun!

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Disclaimer: I was provided with my own Silhouette, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed my own and have no reflection on receiving the product.

{Sew Saucy Stitches} Print Giveaway!

I'm super excited for a fun giveaway I have for you today!!

Sew Saucy Stitches

Crystal has lots of wonderful digital artwork in her cute etsy shop!

You must take a look..... here are just a few of my favorites.

Here is a little info from Crystal about her and her digital artwork!

"My name is Crystal and I'm a SAH mom to 4 great kiddos. I've had a passion for photography for as long as I can remember and spend much of my free time (although I don't have much) taking pictures, reading, creating digital artwork, cooking, and trying to learn to sew! I love reading craft, sewing, and cooking blogs, although I haven't found the time to make one for myself!

I started playing with digital artwork a couple of years ago and have a true love for creating new pieces of art. My shop, Sew Saucy Stitches has been around since December of 2009 and growing every day. I love working on custom projects!

I enjoy creating art that has real meaning to me (ex. "I Love You, A Bushel And A Peck", was a song I sang to all my kids when they were younger, and continue to sing it today, although my teens get quite annoyed with it!) Many of my prints are actual words of wisdom or encouragement that I give my kids and then they become artwork at some point! "Expect to get what you give" and "dare to be different" started as just a mom giving advice!

Hope this gives you a little insight into my world...which very much revolves around my children and my love for art and all things handmade! "

Crystal was so kind, to send me a print of my choice...

I had a very hard time choosing just one, but decided on the

"Home is where your story begins...."



I was thrilled when my print arrived and was excited to hang it in my office. I just clipped it to a wooden pants hanger and hung it on the wall. I LOVE how it looks!


Okay... so the fabulous Crystal has offered one of her fabulous prints to

THREE TidyMom readers to win!

So here is how to enter:

Simply head on over to

Sew Saucy Stitches Etsy shop,

to check out all her cool prints...and then come back here and

leave a comment...

telling me and Crystal which item is your favorite or what your inspirational mantra is

Simple as that!

for extra entries you can: (don't forget to leave a separate comment for each thing you do)

• subscribe to TidyMom (or tell me if you already do)
  
• grab my blog button & post it on your blog's sidebar
• blog or facebook about this giveaway
• follow TidyMom on twitter and tweet: I want to win a cool print from @TidyMom & Sew Saucy Stitches http://bit.ly/ckc12U #giveaway

Giveaway will end on Aug 2, 2010 at 5 pm CST. Three winners with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. I will email the winners, they will have 48 hours to claim the prize or I will choose someone else. Be sure to leave your email address, or have it available on your blogger profile.

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Disclaimer: Sew Saucy Stitches provided me with my own print, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post. These are my real opinions.

I'm Lovin' It! - Flirty Aprons! {Giveaway!}

Welcome to the Party!!

*****************

Be sure to hop over to Sew Much Ado on Friday.....I'll be guest posting there about something very dear to me. Check it out. ♥

You all know I LOVE to bake, and what girl doesn't like to look pretty...even when she bakes? Now I can now bake in style thanks to Flirty Aprons! I was so excited when they asked me if I'd like to review their aprons and pick one I'd like to own!

I chose the adorable Women's Original Very Cherry Apron.

I've had a few aprons in the past, but rarely wore them because I just didn't care for them!! Well, let me tell you....I LOVE my Flirty Apron!!

Some days I have put it on and wore it around the house all day!

I love the way it fits and the pockets are a big plus!! I'm a pocket freak!! I love to have pockets to keep my cell phone near me, tuck my lens cap in when I have my camera out, a pen, tissue, dog treats......I dig all sorts of things out of my pockets at the end of the day.

Flirty Aprons will make you look cute weather you are cooking, cleaning, or even gardening! I remember growing up, my Grandma wore her apron most all the time....I think with an apron this cute, I may have to start doing the same thing!

Flirty Apron Facts:

• 30 Day Money-Back guarantee
• One Size Fits All
• 100% Soft Cotton Fabric
• Quality 2-Ply Construction
• Won’t Fade or Tear

You can purchase a Very Cherry apron, just like mine for only $29.95

Or you can enter to WIN ONE!!

The awesome people at Flirty Aprons want YOU to look cute and feel great in one of their aprons....they are giving one lucky TidyMom reader a chance to win her very own apron!!

To Enter: Visit Flirty Aprons and in a comment, let me know which one is your favorite!

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

• Subscribe or Follow TidyMom
• Tweet - I want to look cute in an apron from @Flirty_Aprons & @TidyMom http://bit.ly/bIjfRe #win #giveaway
• "Like" TidyMom and Flirty Aprons on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway or make a post with a link to this giveaway on Facebook to your friends about it

Giveaway will end on July 1, 2010 at 5 pm CST. One winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. I will email the winner, they have 48 hours to claim the prize or I will choose someone else. Be sure to leave your email address, or have it available on your blogger profile.

*********************************

Now it’s your turn, let us know what you’re lovin' this week! If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link below.

What is I'm Lovin' It Fridays? get all the info, how to's and button here

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Disclaimer: Flirty Aprons provided me with my own apron, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post. These are my real opinions.

Cookie tips & Button of Hope {Giveaway}

I'm sharing my tidy secret to rolling cookie dough
over at University of Cookie today!!

Click over to watch my video!

**********

On another note.....

Cindy recently emailed me about her 6 year old niece, Sirri, who was diagnosed with cancer almost 2 years ago and is thankfully a survivor today!

She had a potato sized tumor in her tiny little chest squeezed in between her heart and lungs. It is truly a miracle and act of God that she is alive today. But her family also cannot go without recognizing the efforts of the American Cancer Society. Sirri's family's experience was made so much lighter because of the efforts of the American Cancer Society. They do so much for those suffering with and the families of those suffering with cancer.

They would not be able to do half of what they do without the help of ordinary people donating and raising funds through various events like the Relay For Life.

Cindy told me:

"To celebrate and honor Sirri's life my family and some very close friends are participating in Relay For Life on the evening of Friday, June 25th to help raise money to save the lives of others.
As part of Relay For Life we are expected to raise money to contribute to the efforts of the American Cancer Society. We have a goal of raising $5,000 as a team.
In an effort to do my part, I have been working long and hard to get an etsy shop, Button of Hope up and running. I have made earrings, necklaces, and hair pins and am currently selling them. 100% of my proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

All of us on the team have come up with our own ways to fund raise and have a goal to raise $5,000. And we are actually more than half way there!!!

Our family feels so blessed to have Sirri with us today. For me personally, she is one of the lights and joys of my life. She is my "little squish" and someone I can't imagine life without. She is a healthy and thriving 6 year old who is constantly making us laugh, loves her first grade class, playing with her friends, performing for her family, and painting her fingernail."

Here is a small sample of what Cindy is selling in her shop, Button of Hope . . .

With your help, more families will be able to enjoy the outcome we now, so gratefully, enjoy.

Giveaway!!

Cindy would like to give away
a pair of earrings, a set of hair pins and a necklace, of their choice
to one lucky TidyMom winner.


To Enter: Visit Button of Hope and in a comment, let me know what items are your favorite, and if cancer has touched your life.

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

• Tweet - I want to support Relay for Life & win @TidyMom http://bit.ly/abT30p #win #giveaway
• Post on your blog or Facebook about Button For Hope and link to this giveaway
• 2 entries if you make a purchase, at Button of Hope 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life

Giveaway will end on July 1, 2010 at 5 pm CST. One winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. I will email the winner, they have 48 hours to claim the prize or I will choose someone else. Be sure to leave your email address, or have it available on your blogger profile.

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