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the working mother’s best friend: apron warehouse {giveaway}

By Nicole

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

UPDATE: The winner of this giveaway is #64, Rosey!

You know how they say that if you dress all pretty that you’ll then feel pretty? I have to agree with that anecdote. And it works in the kitchen, even. Really.

See, you could say that I’m not in love with cooking. I do love baking, and using the Cuisinart Elite food processor I gave myself for Christmas. Its lovely and divine.

Its the whole, nothing-is-defrosted-mom-I’m-hungry-hurry-up-and-eat-cause-we-have-to-run-out-the-door-in-10-minutes that I hate…who doesn’t?

But Im convinced with the right tools, time in the kitchen can be more productive, more efficient and more enjoyable.

I could tell you all about some of my favorite Pampered Chef tools, my method (when I use it…) of meal planning, my love of Bountiful Baskets, or more about my Cuisinart (did I mention its divine??), but I’m focusing today on something just as important…fashion…because a girl’s got to look good, no?

Apron Warehouse not only keeps you looking chic and well-dressed for any job, they actually equip the busy mom, wait staff and salon staff for the task at hand…

This would be perfect for the man of the house (aka: The Only One Who BBQs in our house)…

They even have kids craft/school aprons

The Apron Warehouse website is easy to navigate, with every apron in stock searchable by color or category. Im pretty sure you could search the entire site and not see everything they have to offer in one sitting. There’s just a plethora of aprons!

I love their Vintage line…

Cute or what?

This one would make a great gift for Valentine’s Day (hint hint…men!)…

To get a feel for the quality of their products and navigating their website, Apron Warehouse kindly sent me one to try for myself. I chose the French Toile Betty by Jessie Steele. Reason? Look at it…its adorable.

Also, Im constantly throwing a towel over my shoulder in the kitchen (do you do that?). I loved how this one came with a little towel that buttons right on to the front.

Love.

Prices are reasonable and shipping was lightening fast, even the week before Christmas. Apron Warehouse also offers logo embroidery and bulk orders, so they’re great for everyone from the large restaurant to us working moms (see the mom in top pic??) and everyone in between.

WIN IT! One randomly drawn entry will win the apron of their choice from Apron Warehouse! Enter below by doing any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

After visiting Apron Warehouse, leave a comment telling me which apron you would pick if you won
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Like Apron Warehouse on Facebook
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #apronwarehousegiveaway up to once a day. Need a suggestion? Tweet this: “Feel pretty as a picture in the kitchen! @pixeldesigngal is giving away an apron of your choice from apronwarehouse.com http://is.gd/Ok6Wk3”

Giveaway ends January 25 at 11:59 pm MST.

I was compensated with product for this review. Opinions, as always, are solely my own.

dress up…or down…with downeast basics

By Nicole · Comments (0)

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

I wouldn’t consider myself a fashionista, but I do love me some clothes. I always have. I still love lounging around in my stretch pants I must admit, but since working at home doesn’t require me to dress up (…or…get dressed at all, truth be told…), I look forward to days that I get to put on a little somethin’ somethin’. I like to feel pretty…who doesnt?

You know from before, that I’ve just recently discovered the DownEast Basics line. There is a new store here in Tucson (albeit on the other side of the world from me, 45 minutes away), at the Tucson Mall. But the style of clothing they offer is right down my alley. Cute…modest…modern…affordable.

I just recently ordered this online (because its so much easier for me…)

Its the Roundabout Cardi. It comes in Ginger Spice and Kangaroo. I got the Kangaroo…

The thing I love about it is you can dress it up for a night out or holiday party…

…or down for just running around.

(sorry for the fuzzy pictures…it was dusk when I finally got around to taking them)

I love how soft and girly and flowy it is. It retails for $36.99, but its on sale right now for $31.99. Great value, if you ask me.

And right now (as in…ends tomorrow…) there is an in-store sale for 40% off any one piece of clothing. So hurry…go there now!

Oh, where did I get that flower pin I’m wearing? Well, it just so happens I made it and its for sale in my Etsy shop. Thanks for asking!

Happy holiday dress-up!

I received the cardigan I am wearing in exchange for this review post. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Comments (0)

a blast from the past: my friendship bracelet maker {giveaway}

By Nicole · Comments (21)

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

UPDATE: The winner of this giveaway is #10, Niecey!
Do you remember these?

This is a friendship bracelet I made as a middle schooler ~~a trillion~~ ~~too many~~ just a few years ago. Its now faded and smashed in the pages of an old scrapbook.

But how fun were those to make? I had forgotten the “technique” until I tried it again on the My Friendship Bracelet Maker. In the Olden Days, we did it by hand. But girls these days, they are so sophisticated…

My Friendship Bracelet Maker came into being when David Crorey, an inventor in Michigan watched his granddaughters making friendship bracelets. David’s philosophy was “Give me an everyday problem and I’ll invent a solution”. So he did.

There’s also a Ribbon Barrette Maker (made plenty of those too, back in the day…)

And the fun isnt just for girls either. Boys can get into the fun with the less “girly” Clip Board…

My Friendship Bracelet Maker retails for $19.99 and is intended for children 6 and up. The MyFBM.com website has great video tutorials and oodles of patterns (they’ve come a long way since my day…). You’ll find them at Michaels, Toys R Us and Hobby Lobby among other places nationwide.

WIN IT! One lucky winner will receive their product of choice from the MyFBM.com website. Enter below by doing any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

Visit MyFBM.com and tell me your favorite product.
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Like Movies On Demand on Facebook
Follow My Friendship Bracelet Maker on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #myfbmgiveaway up to once a day
Need a suggestion? Tweet this: “A perfect gift for the crafty girl on your list…http://is.gd/OlaHoT #myfbmgiveaway”

Giveaway ends December 12 at 11:59 pm MST.

Comments (21)

the working mother’s best friend: bountiful baskets

By Nicole

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Last November I discovered Bountiful Baskets, a produce co-op. Have you heard of it?

Photo credit: InspiredRD.com

Here’s how it works.

You place an order the first part of the week, depending on your state’s deadline, and pick up your order on the following Saturday. You can order the typical “basket” or upgrade to an all organic offering. They also offer non-produce as well as in season “extras”. The Nine Grain Bread is addicting, by the way.

The value is unbeatable. For $16.50 (plus $3 for your first order to reserve your basket), you get two laundry baskets full of fruits and vegetables.

Now I’m a total Costco girl, and to use the words of my father, I’m usually of the opinion that “if its not at Costco, its not worth getting”. But, when it comes to produce, I still think I get a better value with Bountiful Baskets…plus I’m not eating apples for 35 days and then some.

Here’s why I think Bountiful Baskets qualifies as a WMBF…

Its a great value
If you plan your menu around what you get in your basket, you dont have to wonder if you have fresh produce for your recipes
You get to try things you may not otherwise…like mangos, butternut squash and kale, to name a few
It forces you to get creative with your meals and break out of the same boring chicken dish you make 4 times a week
You’re supporting local/semi-local growers

Some things to keep in mind if you plan on trying Bountiful Baskets…

You’ll need to think ahead a few days, which can be hard if you’re like me and cant think past tomorrow.
You’ll need to be able to pick up your basket in the 20 minute window they give you (but you can always have a friend pick up your order)
You’ll want to read up on storage and freezing tips
You may want to check out inspiredRD, who does a fabulous job each week of giving you recipe suggestions based on that weeks’ offerings

So as a happy Bountiful Basketer, I’d wholehearted recommend it for any busy mom wanting to give her family a healthy serving of fresh, local produce each week. Check out the locations page to see if there is a co-op site near you.

The Working Mother’s Best Friend: Spongables {Giveaway}

By Nicole

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

UPDATE: This giveaway is closed! The winner is #37, Shannon!

Moms often put themselves last. So for this first installment of The Working Mother’s Best Friend I’m starting with the last…first.

Spongeables is a fun and innovative product that combines the soap and the sponge in one little package. Lasting up to 20 washes, Spongeables releases just enough sudsy goodness each time you use it.

Offering dozens of different shapes, sizes purposes and scents, there is something for everyone in the family…even the dog. My family used a couple of different products and I was pleased with the interesting smells and how it actually worked. One thing to keep in mind is that because it is filled with soap between washings, it does “leak” and can leave a white residue in your shower. I would recommend a soap dish or leaving it over the drain.

Spongeables have plenty of options to help you take a few minutes out for yourself…whether with the Pedi-Scrub or the Hearth Shaped Shower Gel. The cute Ducky Duo would be a great thing to stock up on as gifts for new moms. Check out all the fun things they have at their website, spongeables.com. And, you can follow them on Twitter.

WIN IT! Enter to win 5 Spongeables to pamper yourself (and one for the man in your life…). One winner will receive:

Peony Passion Heart Shape Shower Gel in a Sponge
Citron-Eucalyptus Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer
Olive Oil, Prickly Pear Extract & Shea Butter Clean Power for Men
Grapefruit Zest, Pink Pepper Anti-Cellulite Body Wash
Lavender Nectar Ultimate Spa in a Shower

To earn an entry do any or all of the following:

Comment on this post telling me which Spongeable you would love to try
Follow Spongeable on Twitter
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like Spongeables on Facebook
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #Spongeables up to once a day

Giveaway ends Monday, March 21 at midnight. Good luck moms (…and go treat yourself to something special)!

Give The Gift of Touch {Giveaway}

By Nicole · Comments (119)

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

UPDATE: The winners of this giveaway are #116, Gianna and #49, Theresa!

One day last winter, husband came home with some fancy shmancy new gloves. Fancy, because they gave him bionic powers when using his smart phone. He no longer would have to take off the entire glove to get the screen to respond. I’d never seen such a thing…and I was jealous. He had found something “techie” before I had.

So when Isotoner approached me about reviewing their new smartTouch gloves, I knew my redemption was nigh.

I got my cute turquoise and black gloves with the usual Isotoner style and quality in the mail and tried them out immediately. I turned the AC down to 50, pulled my Droid out and started smart phoning away. Ok that AC part’s a lie, but I did get to test out the whole functionality of the glove and I was definitely impressed with the way it interacted with the screen on my phone.

The gloves are made with conductive thread on the thumb and index finger. It took me a few minutes of “learning curve” to know just how to press and what angle to turn my finger and thumb. But I quickly got comfortable with the gloves and was able to accurately interact with my phone on a consistent basis.

The smartTouch stretch gloves provide superior fit and flexibility. With honeycomb nylon outside and fleece inside, your hands are surrounded with warmth and comfort.

For a limited time, Isotoner is running a sweepstake where you can win a pair of smartTouch gloves AND an Apple iPad! Simply register here and share the promotion with your friends. For every friend who returns and registers, you will receive one entry in the Give the Gift of Touch Sweepstakes—and you will both have the chance to win a pair of Isotoner® smartTouch™ gloves and an Apple iPad®.

WIN IT! You can also enter here to win one of two pairs of Isotoner smartTouch gloves…perfect for yourself or for someone on your Christmas list! Winners will be chosen randomly.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me where you live and how cold it gets in the winter!

2. For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day, and/or subscribe to this blog (leave a separate comment for each).

3. Entries must be made by Tuesday, November 16 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Comments (119)

How To Train Your Dragon for Wii: Product Review & Giveaway

By Nicole

Friday, April 9th, 2010

UPDATE: The winners of this giveaway are #200 (Debra F.), #64 (geckoseiya), #166 (Nicole D.) and #88 (Sue). Congratulations!

I’m sure you’ve seen or heard about the new movie by DreamWorks that came out a few weeks ago…How to Train Your Dragon. My boys want to see it so bad they can taste it. But, baseball games, book reports and blog designs seem to be eating up our extra time of late.

So for now, they’re whetting their appetites with the video game by Activision, based on the movie. We recently received a copy for the Wii to play and review.

Developed for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS, the game has a ESRB Rating of E10+…perfect for my 9, 11 and (though a little old for it…) 13 year old. The suggested retail price is $49.99 for PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii and $29.99 for NDS.

The multi player game picks up where the movie left off, allowing players to enjoy an all-new adventure as one of the movie characters, “Hiccup” or Astrid”. Players create and train their own dragon for battle, explore environments and battle in prestigious dragon tournaments.

With mini games such as “Ice Sculpting”, “Looping Race”, “Flying Sheppard”, “Memory Torch”, and “Puzzle Dragon” built in, players earn experience points toward leveling up your dragon, winning gold and other items to help care for their dragons.

My 9 year old enjoyed the game the most out of the three. Really, how can you go wrong with battling and dragons with a boy? I felt like the graphics and material were age appropriate and the challenges engaged his attention. However, without seeing the movie first, my son felt a bit lost not knowing character names, locations, etc. Still a fun and entertaining game, and I’m sure it will be even better after we see the movie (whenever that may be…).

Win It! Activision has generously offered 4 Wii games for The Pixel Boutique readers! Here’s how to enter:

Comment on this post telling me if you’ve seen the movies and what you thought of it.
For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day and/or subscribe to this blog.
Entries must be made by Friday, April 23 at 11:59 p.m. MST.