30% off your online purchase from GAP, Old Navy or Banana Republic

If you plan on purchasing anything online from GAP, Old Navy or Banana Republic now is the time because they are offering a special of 30% off your entire purchase online.  Hurry this offer ends 9/3!  Just enter the code FALLCALLS and remember that shipping is free on orders over $50.00!

Thrifty Thursday - 50% off Carter's Site & Store

If you have a little one or are shopping for one, Carter's is having an awesome Labor Day Sale!  Their entire store both online and in store is 50% off!  You can snag a lot of great deals with this offer so head now to your local store or shop their online store!

What Do You Think Wednesday - Diamond Candles

I recently discovered Diamond Candles.  If you have never heard of Diamond Candles, they are made of all natural soy and made in the USA candles that contain a ring worth anywhere from $10 up to $5,000.  They are a great smelling candle with a cracker jack surprise inside!

I ordered myself one in the Cotton Candy scent and lordy my whole house smelled like a carnival!  Amazing!!!  These jars sure do pack a punch....but in a good way.  They are not overpowering but have enough fragrance to make a room smell wonderful.  There is nothing worse then having a candle smell like nothing when lit.  This candle is not one of those non-smelling ones.

Here is a pic of the ring that I had in my candle.

Not a $5,000 one but still a nice ring!  You have got to try one of these candles!  What is better than a great smelling candle that also has a ring inside....NOTHING!!!

All In All:  These candles are $24.95 each and really last for many, many hours of burn time.  In my opinion, these candles smell more than some of those big name brand candles.  Plus you have a treat inside!  These make great gifts too!  I went ahead and ordered Cinnamon Roll for the fall....OMG when the box came I could smell it though it!   Smells so good....I want to spoon out the wax and eat it.  (not really but you get my point)  You have to go order one today!  Click here to order!

Tasty Tuesday - Weight Watchers Recipe Recommendation

If you follow Weight Watchers and are looking for some great recipes, I have to recommend to you the website LaaLoosh.  The recipes are on this website are delicious and the best part is that they have already figured our the point value for you.  Some of my favorites are the mini cheesecakes (2 pts.), frozen yogurt covered blueberries (1 pt.) and baked heirloom tomatoes caprese (6 pts.)

All In All:  These recipes are great especially if you are watching your weight!  Check out the website for a ton of recipes!

Make It Monday - Canvas Print

I love the look of pictures printed on canvas...but they can really be expensive.  I tried out the gel medium transfer method and did my own at home picture!  I loved it!  It is simple to do but you have to have a little patience when it comes to removing the paper residue.  Here is what you need:

- Any size canvas (I used 8x10)

- Gel Medium (You can find this with the oil artist's paints)

- Paintbrush

- Photo you want to transfer printed on regular paper with a toner based copier  (Image will be reversed when placed on canvas so keep this in mind)

- Something to smooth out any bubbles

- Water

1. Coat the entire canvas with an even amount of the gel medium using your paintbrush.

2.  Lay your photo faced down onto the canvas.

3.  Smooth out any bumps...making sure that the photo is completely flat on the canvas.

4.  Let dry at least 12 hours.

5.  Once dry, you can start to wet the paper and gently begin rubbing it away.  This process takes a long time as once the water dries you will see more residue left behind and will need to repeat this process.  I repeated it about 4-5 times.  So have patience...it will eventually all disappear.

All In All:  I loved the way this came out and the possibilities are endless with the photos you can use.  As you can see around the edges it looks distressed because some of the photo didn't transfer.  Now you can keep it like this if you like that look or you can go in with some paint and touch it up.  But all in all this is a great project to try out!

Thrifty Thursday - FREE Grandparent's Day Card from Cardstore.com

Once again, Cardstore.com is offering a FREE card special!  This is for Grandparent's Day which is on Sunday, Sept. 9th.  Shipping is free as well!  Send your grandparents a special card letting them know how much you appreciate them.  Just enter the code CCK2248 at checkout!  But hurry this offer is only good until 8/26.

What Do You Think Wednesday - WEN Cleansing Conditioner

I have always dreaded the day after shampooing my hair.  It would always be dry and uncontrollable.  Then I discovered WEN Cleansing Conditioner.  Granted it was a different way of washing your hair since it doesn't lather like normal shampoos.  However, the results after were amazing.  My hair was not dry and uncontrollable after washing!  My hair looked shiny and healthy and felt better too!  They come in different scents such as Fig, Sweet Almond Mint, Lavender, Tea Tree, etc.  My absolute favorite is the Six Thirteen Treatment.  It is a blend of 11 amino acids and smells wonderful!

I purchase my WEN from QVC who offers all kinds of WEN products such as styling creams, hair masks, hair mists, etc.

All In All:  Once I discovered WEN, I never went back to regular shampoo.  It makes your hair feel like it has never felt before.  I highly recommend anything from this brand, as all the products are great!  Plus as a bonus, you can use WEN as a shaving cream!  Love, love, love WEN!!!

Tasty Tuesday - Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:

6-8 potatoes

Chopped garlic

Butter

Olive oil

Pepper

Sea salt

Scallions

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Slice potatoes almost all the way down.

2.  Add chopped garlic onto the potatoes, making sure to get some garlic in between slices.

3.  Drizzle some olive oil on top of potatoes.  Sprinkle pepper and sea salt on top.

4.  Bake for 40-45 minutes.  

5.  Add a little butter to the top of potatoes while still hot.

6.  Garnish with scallions.

All In All:  This recipe is so good!  They pair wonderfully with a chicken cutlet dish!  You must try this recipe...you will not regret it!

Make It Monday - Gel Medium Photo Transfer Magnet

I have just started to discover using Gel Medium to do a photo transfer.  Gel Medium gives a kind of aged look to the photo and allows you to take a photo from a laser printer (inkjet won't work) and transfer it onto a gel film that can be applied to different surfaces.  This is a great technique and the possibilities are endless.  In the next few coming weeks, I will be trying new items to transfer photos onto like canvas. I figured that I would start out slow with a smaller item such as a clear acrylic magnet.  So here is what you will need for this project.

- A photo of your choice printed from a laser printer (inkjet will not work)

Keep in mind that the image will be reversed with the transfer so if you do not want the final photo to look reversed then you will need to print the image reversed already.

- Gel Medium (Glossy or Matte it is your choice)

- Paintbrush

- Clear Acrylic Thin Block

- Container of Water (not shown)

- Magnet Self Adhesive Strip (not shown)

1.  Apply an even coat of the Gel Medium all over your photo.  Be generous.

2.  Let dry at least 12 hours.  It will dry clear.

3.  Once it has dried for at least 12 hours, you need to place it in a container of water for 5 minutes - with the gel side facing down in the water.

4.  After 5 or so minutes, you can start gently rubbing the paper away from the back.  You will begin to see the photo transfer.  This will take a few minutes.

5.  Once all the residue from the paper is gone, you need to let the gel transfer dry for about 5 minutes.  If you see that some white spots are showing again during the drying process, just put a little bit of water on top and rub until it is gone.

6.  Apply a thin coat of the gel medium onto the acrylic block.

7.  Apply the gel transfer onto of the acrylic block and let dry.

8.  Once dry, just add your self adhesive magnet to the back and you will have your gel transfer magnet.

All In All:  This has a great antiqued look to it.  It does take some patience when rubbing all the paper off.  You can even do this onto a large acrylic glass block and you can have it as a decoration or even paperweight.  I am looking forward to see how this process works when I apply it to canvas.

3 FREE Birth Announcements from Cardstore.com

Now through Monday, 8/20 you can snag 3 FREE Birth Announcements from Cardstore.com .  Just select up to 3 birth announcements from their large selection and enter code CAK2963 at checkout.  To make this deal even sweeter, shipping is FREE!!!!

Thrifty Thursday - E.L.F. Cosmetics 15 items for as low as $16.98 SHIPPED!

Head over to E.L.F. cosmetics because until 8/20, they are offering $1.98 shipping with any $15 purchase.  As you know a lot of E.L.F. products are only $1.00 each so you can score 15 products for as low as $16.98!

They have added some new products so check them out!

Use the code 198SHIP at checkout!

What Do You Think Wednesday - Mally Volumizing Mascara

I received a Mally Volumizing Mascara in my New Beauty Test Tube about a year ago from QVC and this mascara has been my favorite ever since.  The formula is a volumizing medium consistency.  This mascara is made with an Italian base, Japanese pigments and a special brush to give you those "wow" lashes!

QVC sells individual tubes for $20.00, a duo for $28.00 (making it $14.00 each) or the best deal which they only offer as a special, a set of 6 tubes for only $60.00!  (making it only $10.00 each - saving you $60.00)

All In All:  This mascara lasts all day long and it is not even a waterproof formula but I have absolutely no fall out.  It voluminizes my lashes like no other and helps them look their best.  I think it is expensive but the 6 for $60 is a real steal!

Tasty Tuesday - Cracker Barrel's Chicken & Rice

A few years ago, BentleyBlonde on YouTube posted a video on this dupe recipe for Cracker Barrel's Chicken and Rice.  It has been one of my favorite recipes since and it is such an easy and quick crock pot recipe.  With fall around the corner, you are going to love this one!

Here is what you need:

1 package of chicken breast tenderloins
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
carrots (sliced)
rice

Add all ingredients to the crock pot.  Cook on Low for 8 hrs or High for 4 hrs. 

*Serve over Rice 


All In All:  This is a delicious meal that tastes just like the real deal from Cracker Barrel.  It takes only a few minutes to prepare and in no time at all you have a delicious and hearty meal!

Make It Monday - Wine Bottle Vase

Don't throw out that empty wine bottle you have!  You can transform it into a lovely vase with a little bit of paint!  I made this actually for a welcome gift for a friend who just purchased a house.  It is a great and inexpensive gift to make.  Here are the supplies you will need:

 - Empty wine bottle (all labels removed & bottle cleaned)

- A few different size paintbrushes

- A solid color acrylic paint (I used Martha Stewart Satin Craft Paint in Pink Viburnum)

- A glitter color acrylic paint (I used Martha Stewart Glitter Craft Paint in Rose Quartz)

- Acrylic paint in black

- A flower spray of your choice

Paint the wine bottle with the color of your choice.  I used the satin color from Martha Stewart's Craft Paints line in Pink Viburnum.  You will need to do several coats, allowing time in between coats to dry.  You want the bottle to be completely covered and so that you can no longer see streaks.  

Next you are going to paint on your message on the bottle.  You can choose anything!  I decided to use "WELCOME" because this is a gift for a new home.  Use your black acrylic paint to paint on your message. Let dry.

To make the word pop, I am using Martha Stewart's Glitter Craft Paint in Rose Quartz.  By painting the letters in black first, you are giving the glitter paint a base to be able to be vibrant.  If you paint the glitter right onto the bottle without a dark color behind it, you will not be able to see the glitter paint.  If you want to have a lighter base color for the lettering you can.

Let the paint dry completely.  Add the flower spray of your choice and you have yourself a wonderful wine bottle vase.

All In All:  This project is easy and inexpensive.  The color options are endless.  You can paint it any color you wish.  You can use all kinds of different words like HOME, LOVE, FAMILY or even a monogram.  With just a little paint and some creativity, you can have yourself a nice wine glass vase.

August Stork Stack Review

I was so excited to see this adorable baby blue box sitting on my step yesterday!  This is my 1st box from Stork Stack, a monthly subscription service filled with 5 high quality products for baby & mommy.  They have products from great brands like J.J. Cole, BabyLegs, WubbaNub, and many more!

Stork Stack is $28.00/month for a box valued at over $50.00 worth of products.  Each month has a theme.  This month's theme is:  Splish Splash and Sleep Tight.  The products are all about getting baby ready for bath/bedtime.  So what's inside?  Let's open it up!

As soon as I opened the box, I was greeted with a little envelope which included two cards placed on top of the most adorable tissue paper.  The first card explained the theme of the month and had product descriptions along with their prices.  The second card talked all about the 9th month of baby development.  (This is because they ask your child's age when you sign up)  The products are all geared to you child's specific age.  

Now on to the goodies:  

Under the Nile Animal Wash Cloth - $12.00

Sassy Stay Clean Bath Squirter - $2.99

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash - $7.00 (Full Size)

StriVectin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles - $34.00

Baby Banana Brush - $8.49

Tooth Tissues 10 Wipe Mini Pouch - $4.00

All In All:  So how does Stork Stack stack up among other services?  I have to tell you the customer service was AMAZING!  They responded to my emails right away which is more than I can say about some companies.  Shipping was the fastest out of any monthly service company that I subscribe to.  I was amazed at the selection of items.  Most of the products were full size except the Burt's Bees Shampoo but it was definitely more than a deluxe sample size!  My daughter loves the Baby Banana Brush because it doubles as a teether.  She doesn't want to put it down!  So far I am in love with this company and I can't wait to see what they have next month!  Click here to sign up today!

Thrifty Thursday - FREE VS Pink iPhone Case or Backpack

Are you in need of a new iPhone case or a big fan of Victoria's Secret Pink?  Starting today, 8/9 VS is giving away a free iPhone case with any PINK purchase.  Head over here to download the free Victoria's Secret PINK Nation iPhone app.  Once you do, you will get an offer for the free case!  Hurry though, this offer is a while supplies last!

If you can't get to a VS store, there is a great deal if you are placing an order online too.  With any PINK purchase you can get a FREE backpack.  ($15.50 value)  Choose from black, blue or pink!  Just enter NEONPINK in the coupon code box.  Make sure you add the backpack of your choice to your cart before checking out.  This offer is good until 8/15 or while supplies last whichever comes first.

*One free backpack per order. Not valid on clearance merchandise, previous purchases, store purchases or with any other Victoria’s Secret Pink offer.

What Do You Think Wednesday - Yes To Carrots Cucumber Wipes + COUPON CODE

I have to tell you, I have used a bunch of different kinds of facial wipes over the years so when I tried Yes To Carrots Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes, I was in love.  As an Allure Beauty Award winner, you can clearly tell once you use these why everyone loves them.  

The description on these wonderful wipes are:

"Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes gently remove dirt, sweat and makeup (eye makeup too!) without the need to rinse. Whether you're out and about, going for a run, or having a late night, these towelettes make it a snap to refresh on-the-go. Packed with green superfoods these all-natural, biodegradable towelettes naturally exfoliate, detoxify, and rejuvenate all-in-one. Stay gorgeous, and go from zero to clean in seconds!"

I love the fresh feeling after using them.  They have are cooling and the lovely scent of cucumber is so calming!  

All In All:  These wipes retail around $5.99 for a 30 wipe pack.  Not too bad since they remove my makeup including all my eye makeup quite easily so they replace having to purchase a makeup remover.

***If you purchase online through Yes To Carrots, use coupon code YESTO and get 20% off your entire order!

Tasty Tuesday - Carrabba's Pasta Rambo

I came across this recipe a few months ago.  The first time I made it - it was love at 1st bite.  Such a great recipe!  It tastes just like Carrabba's Pasta Rambo!

Ingredients

• 12 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp yellow onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1lb linguine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 10 oz sliced white mushrooms
• 1lb medium shrimp, peeled, de-veined
• 1 cup spinach leaves, stemmed, washed, chopped
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. For lemon sauce, melt one tablespoon butter in a skillet on medium. Stir in 2 tablespoons onion and 2 garlic cloves minced and let it cook for about 3 minutes. Add 1/3 cup wine and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Cook until liquid reduces to two tablespoons, 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in remaining 11 tablespoons of butter one piece at a time. The butter should soften into an emulsified sauce in 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. *Sauce can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours.
2. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
3. Heat one tablespoon oil in skillet on medium-high. Stir in mushrooms, 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Heat remaining oil in skillet. Stir shrimp until barely opaque around edges, 1-1/2 minutes. Stir in chopped spinach, 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, 1 minute. Return mushrooms to pan. Stir in lemon sauce and basil. Reduce heat to low. Stir sauce 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain pasta; return to pot. Stir in sauce. Serve with Parmesan and fresh basil.

All In All:  This recipe is so delicious.  If you are not a seafood eater, you can substitute the shrimp for chicken and it will taste just as good!  I warn you though, once you make this recipe you will always want more of it!

Recipe from Katie's Cucina

Make It Monday - Photo Glass Votive Holders

I came across this project from Michael's.  They are adorable and really easy to make.  I changed their directions a little since I had items on hand that were almost the same as they have listed in their directions.  Here is what I used:

-Glass Votive Candle Holder

-A Copy of a Photo (from a toner based printer)

- Modge Podge

- Sponge Foam Brush

Directions:

1.  Make sure the votive holder is clean.  Apply a thin coat of Modge Podge with a sponge foam brush to the outside of the votive holder.

2.  Cut out your photo to fit the candle holder.  Apply to the votive holder.

3.  Let dry for about 15 minutes.

4.  Apply 1-2 coats of Modge Podge over the entire outside of the votive holder including over the photo.

5.  Let dry a few hours.  Place a candle (I prefer a flameless one) inside the holder and enjoy!

All In All:  Super easy & super cheap to make.  These are great to give as gifts to grandparents or other loved ones.  You can add embellishments to jazz them up a bit too.  This project is even easy enough to have the kids help make them!