Nine has a Nice 'Ring' to it . . . !

We have had lots to celebrate this week already with Memorial Day and the last day of school (whoop!) but today is another red letter day at the Rollins 'Ranch' because NINE years ago today, Speed and I tied the knot, took the plunge, said "I Do!" and all of the above!

I was fishing through our wedding photos the other night looking for a picture of our centerpieces at the reception to add to my DIY Centerpiece post and found a couple I thought I would share today!  It was fun to look back, especially at our 'varsity squad' - the youngest of whom will graduate high school on Sunday - yet another day to celebrate!

I love you sweetheart and here are NINE reasons why:

1. You brought 3 beautiful children into my life and gave me 2 more to love - thank you for our very own Party of Five!
2. You know how to fix just about anything and often do it too (wink, wink)!
3. You go to work every day to provide for our family and . . .
4. You come home to us each night.  We love spending time with Daddy!
5. You indulge my hobbies, even though you neither understand or appreciate them.
6. You are an optimist.
7. You make me laugh - A LOT!
8. You find my lost things and
9. You are my best friend!

I saw this piece of art in one of the stores in Warrenton called Hope & Glory and it reminded me of 'us.'  I wasn't looking for a blond, motorcycle-riding, divorced, father of three whose jeans have always been smaller than mine (sigh), but God can turn rain into a rainbow, right?!

Center(piece) of Attention!

Yay!  It's Sunday and no one has to be anywhere tomorrow!!  School is not quite out here (uugh) and I am soooo ready for summer to start!!!  After a busy week planning and executing THE BEST father-daughter dance EVER in the history of girl scouts (more on this later - hee, hee), I am plum tuckered out and haven't felt like doing much of anything other than spend time with my little buddy.   Sheep has headed off with Speed for a weekend at the track, so Snacks and I have been playing at the park, swimming at the pool and just hanging out.  I've missed him this week, which makes me wonder what I'm going to do come August when he heads off to pre-school (sniff).  He's growing so fast!  We are having some friends over tomorrow though, so I'm trying to get motivated to spruce up this house that has been neglected during the chaos as well!

So, here's a quick and pretty centerpiece for your summer table!  I actually made these for the first time 9 years ago (WOW!!) for the reception tables at my wedding because they are easy and inexpensive and can last all summer with the right flowers!  If I can dig up a picture of them, I will add it later!

You will need:

1 large plastic flower pot bottom (this one is about 12" in diameter at the top)
1 small flower pot bottom (this one is about 4" in diameter across the top)
1 hurricane glass with opening the same or smaller than the small flower pot bottom
Potting soil - I use Miracle Grow Moisture Control for this project specifically
Small, compact flowers (I used petunias at the wedding, but they get leggy quickly and require lots of water.  Dianthus work well but my favorites now are Moss Roses because they are a succulent of sorts and don't require as much water)

OK, this is super simple!  Place your small flower pot bottom upside down inside your large flower pot bottom.  Place your hurricane glass on top of the small, inverted bottom so it rests on top of your small bottom.  Depending on what size everything is, it may also completely encompass your small bottom, resting instead slightly inside your large bottom (I am having serious trouble writing this right now without giggling.  Can someone, anyone tell me what these things are really called?  Please, leave me a comment already!)  Anyhoo, place potting soil inside your large bottom, around your small, inverted bottom with the glass.  Add your flowers and a candle and you're done!

Just a couple of tips!  First, make sure you use plastic to protect your table from moisture.  It's also cheaper!  Second, depending on how things come together, you may find that your candle doesn't sit evenly in the glass.  In that case, just empty a bunch of those tiny rocks into the glass (you know, the kind your toddler wags home from the park) to nestle the candle into it.  This is obviously a very shallow planter, so it does require frequent watering.  Hence the use of moisture control soil AND succulents to make it more carefree.  I mean who wants a bunch of hassle in the summer?!

Follow these simple steps and your large (or small) flowered bottom will be the center of attention at your table this summer too - ha!

Sharing this sassy centerpiece at It's Overflowing, Cowgirl Up!, Savvy Southern Style, The NY Melrose Family, Made in a Day, Mop It Up Mondays, Sweet Talkin' Sunday

Berry Patriotic Pie!

Memorial Day is just around the corner and although I am too busy to even see straight this last week of school, I wanted to share a quick and fun little dessert idea with you!  I came across this fun little twist on the traditional lattice topped pie at the Joy of Baking and thought it was perfect for the upcoming holiday!!  For this cooked berry pie, I used the dewberries from MY BACKYARD (!!) and the pie crust recipe I shared with you here.

Putting a fresh fruit pie together is very simple, but in case you haven't tried it before, here's what you do!  By the way, this recipe works well with pretty much any fruit, but if it's not berries, you'll need to core and peel the skin off the fruit to prepare it (say apples or peaches) - but it comes out just as yummy!

Berry Patriotic Pie

4 C fresh fruit, washed and dried

1/2 C sugar (can use more or less depending on fruit)

2 T cornstarch to thicken

1 tsp. lemon juice

sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

2 unbaked pie crusts

Toss fruit and remaining ingredients together.  Fill 1 of your pie crusts with the fruit mixture.  Roll out second crust and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out enough stars to cover the top of the pie.  Bake at 350 degrees 30-40 minutes or until juices are hot and bubbly.  Cover pie crust edge with tin foil if it's getting too brown before the pie is completely cooked.  Remove from oven and let stand 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving.  With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pie is Mmmm, Mmmmm, GOOD!

Sorry I didn't catch any pics of the 'finished product,' but you try working with a 20 year-old bottomless pit in your house.  Trust him - it was good!

Sharing this sassy recipe idea at Debbie Doos, Cowgirl Up!, The NY Melrose Family,  Mop It Up Mondays, Overflowing with Creativity, Wow Us Wednesdays,  

Blogapaloosa 'Restored' Giveaway!

Well Hello!!

I am so excited to be participating in Blogapaloosa and to have this great opportunity to introduce everyone to my new friend Rhonda McCleskey - proprietor of the brand new home furnishing and refinishing store in Alvin, Texas that opens THIS SATURDAY!!

Restored~Home

Rhonda and THE Annie Sloan in New Orleans - jealous?!!

I met Rhonda when I visited her store last month, while the shop was still a 'work in progress.'  I was on a quest for the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint everyone has been raving about here in  blogland and was excited to find my own personal local distributor was just minutes away from home!   The store was already shaping up into something fabulous, so I cannot wait to see how it's all come together.  When she generously offered to provide the giveaways for Blogapaloosa, I wanted to do something special for her too, so we sat down to talk more about her vision and inspirations. 

Tell us a little bit about where you're from and how that has influenced your style?

I was born and raised in Wisconsin but I now call Texas my home.  I was a military wife for many years and have lived all over the U.S., but settled in Austin for most of my adult life.  We moved to the Houston area in 2006 and are so happy to call the Texas Gulf Coast home.  Over the years, I’ve had an extraordinary opportunity to be exposed to many different cultures and designs across the country, and there was something that I fell in love with in every place I lived.  Therefore my style is very eclectic and I believe that as long as you decorate with what you love, you can make it work!

 What/who has influenced your approach to design over the years?

My style is best represented in the Velvet & Linen blog - adore that blog and love what they call ‘patina’ style.  Aged, worn but timeless.  Beautiful.

 Who is your biggest fan (supporter)?

My husband. He is my rock and my encourager always!

The grand opening of your biggest 'project' to date happens this weekend!  What is your vision for Restored~Home?

I would love to grow and have several locations, someday beyond the Houston-area.  I dream of Restored~Home becoming a destination for unique, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces and accessories.  I’m very excited about the future I see for this business because everything has come together so beautifully.  So I hope everyone will come out and see for themselves!

What do you hope to bring to the local community? To the blogging community?

Our store is located in Alvin, one of the cutest, friendliest towns in Texas!  I look forward to being a part of this community and supporting local business growth in Alvin as well.  I’m looking forward to participating in community events and perhaps even starting some new traditions!  I grew up in a small town and thought when I left I’d never look back. But settling in Alvin has reawakened my sense of ‘home,’ a small town where we can put down roots, and I am so happy to have found it!

I am equally excited about the blogging community.  I hope to become a go-to and an encourager for do-it-yourselfers.  I see blogging as a way to share my experiences and knowledge in a laid back, fun and sometimes funny way!

(By the way, you can catch up with Rhonda at www.therestoredhomeblog.com)

If you could only have one tool, what would it be and why?

A paintbrush . . . because they help me create and express myself.  In fact, I have a little bit of a paintbrush obsession.  I currently own over 100 brushes!  Some that I don’t use at all, and bought more for their looks than their function.  See what I mean?!  But my trusty favorite is a Purdy XL Cub.  Annie Sloan has just come out with her own line of paintbrushes and I have just started using them.  Just like her paint line, I must say her brushes are fabulous!

You've restored so many beautiful pieces and your store decor is breathtaking, but could you share with us a project 'fail'?

Oh my – I’ve had many!  I have a table that I have painted several different times – different colors, different finishes and nothing works!  It seems like no matter what I do to it, nothing looks right on it, so it’s probably headed back to storage.  Sometimes you just can’t make friends with a piece, and it’s best to move on!

Everyone seems 'too busy' these days - what do you do to help 'restore' balance in your life?

I love to read. I love to garden and spend time with my family.  They keep me focused on what’s important.

Any advice for others about what you do?

Ask lots of questions and allow yourself to learn from the experience of others.  Believe in yourself and never give up!  Don’t expect perfection and remember that as long as you love what you’re doing, you’re a success!

Finally, what can we expect at the Grand opening of Restored~Home?

Goodness – drawings, ASCP demos, refreshments, sales and lots of fun!  It’s from 10-3 this Saturday and you can get more information and directions at www.therestoredhome.com

Speaking of giveaways, here's what you can win!

3 samples of Annie Sloan Chalk paint and an ASCP color chart, 2 chip brushes and 1 bar of handmade "Painter's Friend' Soap!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rhonda has such a generous spirit and I am excited to let you know that in addition to this giveaway, 'local' gals can also enter to win An Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Techniques Class at Rhonda's new store in Alvin, TX - a $165 value!!

a Rafflecopter iveaway

Blogapaloosa 'Claim Your Space' Giveaway!

Yippee!
The day is almost here for a super-duper giveaway from yours truly!  I cannot wait to introduce you to my new friend and courageous momtrepeneur - Rhonda McCleskey!  Not only is she providing tomorrow's giveaway, she's offering something really special for all my 'local' followers too!  I can't think of a better way to say "Thanks for sharing the journey with me!" so be sure to come back tomorrow and enter to win!!

In the mean time, here's today's giveaway from Claiming Our Space

---

 

I am so excited to be part of Blog-a-Pal-Loosa (thanks for including me Randee)!  I have loved seeing all the previous giveaways!

My giveaway is for a set of 4 hand stamped tumbled travertine tiles, a set of 4 slate refrigerator magnets with a Celtic design and a set of 4 porcelain tile magnets stamped with green dragonflies. 

I hope you will head on over to see D and I at Claiming Our Space to enter.

To see the other giveaways, click here.

Blogapaloosa 'Plum Good' Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Connie @ Measured by the Heart.

_______________________________________________________

Hi guys, I am excited to host a giveaway of $50 worth of the best crafting, baking, home decor and fashion items. This giveaway comes to you from Pick your Plum.

Pick your plum is a daily deals site that scours the globe to bring you the best deals on high quality items. Because their deals are so HUGE, they can only offer 1 per day. They also come in limited quantities. Once they are gone they are gone. Some of their past deals include:

You can increase your chances of not missing these deals by signing up for their newsletter, or liking them on facebook. They post their deals daily on facebook before the newsletter even comes out.

Pick your plum has been nice enough to giveaway a swag box with $50 of the best crafting, baking, home decor and fashion items!!

To enter, use the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone!!

I LOVE to meet new people and I hope you will stop by my blog Measured by the Heart.

You can also connect with me here:

Meet the 'Faulkers' and Blogapaloosa 'Modern Yet Old Fashioned' Giveaway

I hope everyone had a GREAT Mother's Day yesterday!
Here's a recent picture of MY tribe, and though I wasn't able to spend the day day with all of them, it reminds me how much I appreciate and enjoy them . . . most of the time!!
From left to right is Sissy, Strings, Sheep, Snacks and Sport.
Only two from my belly but all in my heart!

I will be sharing my brunch menu later today so stay tuned!!

In the mean time, here's Andrea from Modern Yet Old Fashioned to tell you all about herself, her blog and her giveaway.

Thanks Andrea!
___________________________________________________

It's my turn for a GIVEAWAY with BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA! 

I know I am not the only mom who feels like she is running a taxi service for kids; running here and there and everywhere!  We have activities every night of the week, it's either softball, baseball, soccer, ballet, hip hop, youth ministries, or ALL of them! 

Many times I have to have snacks and drink loaded and ready, even for the kids (and mom) who are just along for the ride for that particular happening.

We always rely on our Blender Bottles and protein/nutritional bars, along with some fresh fruit and veggies.  I love Blender Bottles; we have several, and they are good quality and hold up well even with the tough beatings they get.  This is the reason I was so excited when Blender Bottle recently came out with a new sleek and sexy bottle called the Sport Mixer. 

 The bars we eat vary, I usually give the kids Clif Kids Organic Z bars and for me...my newest favorite is Nogii Paleo Bar in the fabulous flavor Nuts About Tropical Fruit.  I am picky about bars and these are hands-down the best bars I have found.  Its like a tropical beach party in your mouth with each bite!

Thus, my favorite things to take on-the-go with us, is what my GIVEAWAY is!  YEAH!

The winner will receive a Sport Mixer Blender Bottle, my favorite Nogii Paleo Bar and 3 Clif Kids Organic Z bars.

You know how much I love giveaways and that I am more than thrilled to be part of Blog-a-pal-loosa, 14 days of giveaways!  With that being said, I would only giveaway and/or promote products that I truly love and believe in.

Here is how you can win:

(make sure to leave a separate comment for each one)

1- Visit Randee's Organized Chaos (genius behind BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA)

2- Follow Modern Yet Old-Fashioned

3- Like Modern Yet Old-Fashioned on Facebook

4- Follow me on Twitter

5- Share this post on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog

Winner will be chosen with random.org on May 21st at Noon. 

Good Luck!

Blogapaloosa 'Jamba Juice' Giveaway!

Happy Mother's Day Y'all!

I am still so excited to be part of Blogapaloosa!!
The first giveaway was awarded TODAY, so head here to find out if you won!!
I am extra excited about today's Giveaway!!

Because Jullee over at The Grubery is a foodie like me - with lots of yummy recipes and such, so head on over for some quick and easy dinner ideas (and some yummy desserts too!).

Jullee wanted to give away something that has a real meaning and purpose behind it.  Something that you will cherish and hold very close to your heart.  Something that...well..you can eat! She posts about food here so she figured she might as well give away food related goodies. 

Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide book
and a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice!

Now I must tell you that ever since I started participating in Blogapaloosa, the Loos part has been nagging at me.  I mean, I've told you about the 10 14 pounds I've managed to 'find' over the winter and I had this crazy idea that I would try to loose 7 pounds in 14 days - kind of like my own version of Blogapaloosa.  Well, let's just say that idea never even got off the runway, but maybe something like this would help.  I've completely lost my mo here and need something to get me back on track - and fast!!  Otherwise, I will be identifying more with the Loos-A part of that word (sigh).  So frustrating!!!

I do have an awesome brunch menu to share with you that I thoroughly enjoyed today with the moms in my life today, but it will have to wait!  Because I am headed off for a Mother's Day nap - and I hope all you awesome mommies do the same . . . right after you register to win at The Grubery!  And don't forget there's still time to enter for giveaways 2-7 too!!

Good Luck!

Blogapaloosa 'Some Like it Hot' Giveaway

Happy Saturday Y'all!

We are heading out to a Dynamo football game (that's for you Adele - we call it soccer here!) today in the brand-spankin' new stadium - yippee!!  While we're out having fun, here's today's bloagapaloosa treat for ya!

Alicia at Little Sprinkles Of Fun is giving away a Thirty-One flat iron case in circle spirals! This flat iron case is made of a sturdy canvas in a fun circle spirals print. The silver thermal lining can withstand heat up to 400 degrees- so have no fear if you need to pack up your hot iron directly after use!

Retail value of $20.

 

 

Blogapaloosa 'Jolly Good' Giveaway!

Cheery Oh!!  Today we're hopping the pond to meet Adele from Mammy Made!!

She is a RE-fashonista Extrordinaire and I am SOOO excited to make the introductions!

Her she is to tell you all about her jolly good giveaway!

It's Blog-A-Pal-Loosa day 6 and that means it is my giveaway day!! I have never done a giveaway before and I am so excited to be taking part in this group giveaway. It's been brilliant fun!

Find more Blogapaloosa giveaways here. 

Today I am going to be giving away EITHER a purple gingham bow tie OR an apron skirt made in the same purple gingham and flowery broderie anglaise. 

They both turned out so cute and I am excited to be able to make one for the little boy or girl in your life. I know you will love them too!

Both are pictured toddler size but can be made bigger or smaller, depending on measurements. 

Please bear in mind that I live in England. I do not mind posting worldwide but please allow at least 2 weeks for delivery.

 

By the way . . . are you ready for the London Games?! Totally off topic, but having a new British Bloggy Buddy has gotten me excited! I just love, love, love the Olympics!  And I've been seeing lots and lots of English-inspired projects these days too!  Last year a wedding, this year the Olympics - WOW!  What will you be doing to celebrate?

DON'T FORGET!
Head over to  Mammy Made, to enter!

GOOD LUCK!

Blogapaloosa 'Pretty Pinafore' Giveaway

I hope you're having as much fun as I am meeting and greeting all of the awesome Jennifers women participating in Blogapaloosa!!

Today's giveaway comes to us all the way from Michigan from  Jenn at A Jennuine Life for a custom reversible pinafore (toddler not included-  ha)!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vintage-style floral fabric, but she's got LOTS to choose from!

Jenn will handcraft an adorable reversible pinafore

for the little princess in your life sized between 6 months and 6T!!

Wouldn't this sassy top look sweet over a pair of ruffled bottom bloomers or banded shorts?

Jenn can really sew (and do just about anything else apparently - you really do need to check out her blog) . . .  sew I'll bet she could make those for ya too!

Who am I kidding-  I want this one for myself!

The winner will get to choose colors, fabrics and details like a ruffled embellishment or pockets for stashing treasures!!!

So head on over to A Jennuine Life and enter to win!
And don't forget!!  It's not too late to enter to win for Days 1-4!!

GOOD LUCK!

A Childhood Memory and Blogapaloosa 'Lonestar Lovelies' Giveaway!

After reading all about Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas, I went and found this image of a well-worn sayin' in these parts because I think it just might sum up Jen's feelings about her 'new' home and hubby!

I'm sure by now she's been introduced to real barbecue

and bluebonnets (of course)

but I'd like to tell her (and you) about another Texas pleasure and favorite childhood memory of mine!

DEWBERRIES

They grow wild around here and it's often an adventure in itself just to find them, but they are SOOOO worth the trouble, because they are Dee-licious!!

When we were growing up, our neighbor worked for the railroad and used to take us out to the tracks to pick each Spring.  We'd eat more than we brought home because they are so good, especially fresh off the vine and warm from the sun!  They start with small white flowers, then red berriesd that turn a deep purple when they are ripe!  They are very similar to a blackberry but with a milder (less tart) taste.  They are yummy  . . . and a sweet taste of my childhood!

Seems like these days, most of the wild places are gone, so you might have to ask a local where to find them.  I am lucky enough to have found these right in my own back yard!  Literally!

When we bought our house, the back and far side of our garage was a REAL MESS, and we've been slowly fixing things up, even adding a couple of raised beds for a vegetable garden.  As I was clearing, I noticed some berries mixed in with these wild purple flowers and knew I had struck gold!!  I have been nurturing these few little brambles ever since and this year's Spring rains are yielding my biggest crop yet!  I might even have enough for a small pie - if I can keep Sheep and Snacks from picking and eating them as soon as they see a ripe one!

So head out and look for some of mother nature's bounty and head on over Jen's blog to say Howdy!

 . . . . and if you're lucky enough to live here too, give her a warm Texas welcome and tell her I sent ya!

Up for grabs today is a $20 credit to Jen's online store LoneStar Lovlies

There are LOTS of new things in there! So be sure to check it out!   And if you head over to Finding My Way in Texas to enter the giveaway you might just discover a Discount code too!

In true Texas style, one of Jen's fav bloggy people Brandi has offered up a super cute Gold Fish Pouch for Blogapaloosa as well - isn't this fun!!

And if you haven't done so already, it's not too late to enter for prizes from Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3!

Blogapaloosa 'Amazon' Giveaway!

I hope you're having as much fun as I am with Blogapaloosa!

First flip flops, then handmade children's clothing . . . what's next???

I mean really, there's so much to win and so many awesome blogs and blogesses to discover!  Like Barb at Second Chance to Dream!  A Christian, a crafter AND a life coach (are you kidding me?!) - there's literally something on her site for everyone - so do yourself a favor and check it out!

You won't regret it!

Today's Giveaway at Second Chance to Dream 

is a $20.00 Amazon Gift Certificate!

Come on over for a chance to win!

Seven Layer SALAD and Blogapaloosa 'Sweet Chef' Giveaway!

I hope you've all had a chance to head over to Randee's Organized Chaos to say "Hello!" and enter to win a FANTASTIC bag and BLING, BLING flip flops, but if you haven't - what are you waiting for?!

She is a great friend, super-mom, amazing crafter and FUH-NEE - Oh this girl makes me laugh until my sides hurt!  And who doesn't need a little more laughter in their day?!  Seriously.

Blogapaloosa is being hostessed today by Melanna at Rhapsody of Cacophony.  She makes the sweetest sewing projects I've seen in a while - perfect for the little princess in your life!  Here's what you could win!!

Pink Lemonade Apron and Chef Hat 

with matching Recipe Cards

A 4T (ish - it could probably fit 3T-5T quite easily since it's adjustable), easy on/off (yeah velcro!) chef hat and apron set, hand made by Melanna. The pink fabric has little tiny polka dots on it that don't show up on camera, so I think it's even sweeter in person.

 And she even included some matching recipe cards, because every new chef has to start her recipe collection at a very young age!

In keeping with Melanna's chef theme, I've decided to share a GREAT salad recipe with you - perfect for your new recipe cards!  With the yummy dressing, it reminds me of Seven-Layer-Dip, which is to say that it is Yum-O!!

Seven-Layer Salad

Fresh greens (I used Red and Green Leaf Lettuce - no iceberg please)

1 small can black beans rinsed and drained

1 small can corn (grilled corn is even better)

cilantro, chopped

green onions, chopped

avocado, diced

tomato, diced

green bell pepper, diced

tortilla chips, crushed

Prepare and toss together first 8 ingredients.  Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for garnish.  Serve with dressing below.

Mix together:

1 16 oz. jar sour cream (I used Light)

1 8 oz. jar mayo (Light again)

1 package Ranch seasoning

1 package taco seasoning

milk (to thin if you like your dressing runnier)

Don't forget!! To enter today's Blogapaloosa giveaway, hop on over to Melanna's blog Rhapsody of Cacophony and tell her I sent you!

Good luck!

Sassy Sunday Blog Hop # 13 and Blogapaloosa 'Bling Bling' Giveaway!

Wow!!

I have been telling you that there's so much going on this month . . . and now it's time for you to join me in this craziness!!!

So let's get right to it, shall we?

First, a big, big thank you to all our loyal party-goers!  We, love, love, love sharing all your fantastic recipes, projects and finds each week and it has been so much fun to see our party grow!

Here are a couple of MY favorites from last week:

Kim @ Made in a Day shared these HILARIOUS wine glass charms that I WILL be making for my next party!  I wonder how they would look on a margarita glass?!

Melanna over at Rhapsody of Cacophony shared this sweet ruffled skirt, modelled by this sweet little princess no less!  As a seam-'stress' myself,  I love seeing other people's sewing projects - especially the finished ones!!  It's sew encouraging to me!  Great job Melanna!

As a party-girl my self,  I love reading all your fun, fabulous parties!  This mystery party from Kim at Plumberry Pie takes the cake - literally!!  YUM-O!!  I can't wait to hear how you 'solved' the rest of your party dilemmas so I hope you're back this week too!

This week would normally be a giveaway here at the Sassy (but Sleepy) Sunday Blog Hop, but I am suspending the Sassy Giveaways (but keeping the linky of coarse!!) for the next two weeks so that you can take part in something WAY BIGGER!

It's BLOGAPALOOSA and it begins today!!

EVERY DAY for the next TWO WEEKS, I will be featuring a FABULOUS PRIZE from an equally fabulous fellow blog!!

Each bloggy sister will be hosting her own giveaway, and all you have to do is head to her blog and follow her rules for entry and you DO NOT have to have a blog to enter!!

Meet someone new every day and every day is a new chance to win!!

My bloggie bestie Randee (and Sassy, Sleepy Sunday co-hostess) has put this incredible giveaway together and kicks off BLOGAPALOOSA today!!!

So link up your projects and head on over to Randee's Organized Chaos for a chance to win these!!

The BLING BLING "HIDE N SOLE" flip flops are to DIE for and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "ALBA" bag to match!!  I can see me you looking pretty darn cute in these all over town!!!  ;)

Mmmmmmm . . . Margaritas!

It's Cinco de Mayo and that's a celebration around these parts!  We'll be toasting our neighbors to the south tonight with some friends out on the porch (smile) with my favorite frozen beverage - margaritas!!!  This recipe came from a friend's dad, who taught us how to make them back in high school so he didn't have to leave his lounge chair at the lake!  Ahhhh, memories!

I've been serving and bringing these babies everywhere for years and they are a hands-down hit every time.  And, the recipe's easy enough to remember even after you start embibing - bonus!! So, although the recipe didn't originate with me, they have since become 'my signature drink' - Enjoy!

Jennifer's Mr. Gutowsky's Frozen Margaritas

(Don't 'cha love how THAT rolls off the tongue?!)

1 3oz. can of frozen limeade

1 can tequila

1/2 can orange liqueur

enough ice to fill your blender

Blend, pour and serve!

Don't forget!  The Sassy (but Sleepy) Sunday Blog Hop and BLOGAPALOOSA starts tomorrow!!