Hair Bow Along with Me?

Birdsong Bows is a fabulous new sponsor of The Cottage Home and I can't wait to give her patterns a try.  I already have my 24+ page pattern printed out and ready to go for the Funky Loopy Bow (picture below).  I will be reviewing this pattern next week, but I can already tell you that it looks like one of the nicest PDF patterns I have ever received!

So, what about you........want to make some hair bows with me this weekend?  I so wish that we could all get together and have a hair bow party or craft night, but alas, I don't think it's very feasible with us all living across the world.  So let's just pretend!  Go get your Birdsong Bows pattern and let's make some hair bows together.  We can show each other what we came up with next week!!

Time for Me: Part 4 – Accessories and enter to win $100 Visa gift card

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

For the last 3-4 weeks, I have been focusing on spending a little more time on me.  Being the mom of two little ones (16 months) and (2.5 years), staying at home and maintaining our home, running my own children’s clothing business and blogging doesn’t leave me a whole lot of time for me.  But I think it’s important.  Isn’t it true that when we look good, we feel good?  I think so.

Last week I shared some of my favorite women’s fashion sewing tutorials with you.  Now if you are still unsure if you want to commit to making some of your own clothing either because you don’t have the time or your still not comfortable with your current weight or shape.  The next best thing is accessories!

You can instantly breathe new life into an outfit with accessories alone.  Take a plain t-shirt and jeans, add a fabulous necklace, some pretty earrings and some killer boots and you’ve got a new look in minutes.  Accessories are a very inexpensive way to spruce of your wardrobe.  And they are even more inexpensive if you make them yourself.

Here are some of my favorite DIY accessories tutorials:

1.  Girdy Belt by Katy from No Big Dill

2.     2.  Infinity and Beyond Scarf by Shannon from Luvinthemommyhood

3.     3.  Petal Clutch by Disney from Ruffles and Stuff

4.     4.  City Cowl by Annaleise from Aesthetic Nest 

5.   5.  Fall Flower by V & Co

6.     6.  Anthropologie Inspired Bag by The Boy Trifecta

7.     7.  Clutch by Little Big Girl Studio

8.     8.  Upcycled scarflett by Cheri from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

9.     9.  Ribbon Camera Strap Cover by Ashley from Lil Blue Boo

Now that I’ve taken some time out for me, I am feeling good!  I’ve got my new Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Mosturizing Lotion with Cooling Hydration that has given my skin a definite boost, my new cosmetics to accentuate my clearer skin, a list of wardrobe and accessories projects that I can’t wait to get started on.

So what will you do to take a little time out for you?  Do you have any projects on your “to-do” list just for you?

All comments on this post will be entered to win a $100 Vista gift card.  Come on – join the conversation.  And if you have a moment, check out the other 14 awesome bloggers giving away a $100 Visa gift card today as well……enter to win them all!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a)      Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.

b)      Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment

on this post.

c)       Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.

d)      Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 27, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random drawing, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Time for Me: Part 3 - Clothing and enter to win $100 Visa gift card

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

As most of you know, I focus most of my sewing efforts on my children as well as my children’s clothing line.  After posting my “Shawl Collar Sweater Tutorial” I started thinking that I should take some time here and there and make something for myself.

For the last three years, since I have been either pregnant or nursing, I feel like my wardrobe has been all over the place.  I’ve got maternity clothes, just had a baby post-pregnancy clothes, sort of just had a baby post pregnancy clothes, and my “I still feel like I need to lose 5-10lbs after having a baby” clothes (which is where I currently stand).  But whether or not those 5 or 10 pounds is ever going to come off is definitely a mystery.  So in the meantime, I need to make sure I feel great in all of my current clothing.

I find too often that women wait until they reach their ideal body shape or weight before buying clothing that makes them feel good.  Well, that’s pretty silly, isn’t it? What if we never reach that ideal?  We are going to go our whole life in clothes we "so-so" like?   Well, I’m not going to let myself go there.  I’m going to make sure I love all of the pieces in my wardrobe and I think I will add to my current collection with some of these fabulous women’s clothing tutorials.  Who’s with me?

Here are just a handful on my current “to-do” list.

1. Billy Cardigan by No Big Dill on Luvinthemommyhood
2. Dress to skirt refashion by Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy
3. Cape Pattern by Burda Style
4. Vintage hankie cardigan refashion by Disney from Ruffles and Stuff
5. Tablecloth skirt by V & Co.
6. Tank top by Made by Lex

7.  Cardigan refashion by Make It Perfect on U-create
8.  Autumn Ruffle Leaf Tee by Amy from Positively Splendid
9.  Ruffle Shirt by Make It and Love It
10. Shirt to dress refashion by Made by Lex
11. Ruffle Tube Top by Happy Together

So now that I’ve got my skin-care regime down with my Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Moisturizing Lotion with Cooling Hydration, my new make-up and some new wardrobe items, what’s left?  Accessories!  Check back next week when I round-up some fabulous accessories tutorials and a chance to win another $100 Visa gift card!

How do you feel about your wardrobe?  Are you in limbo with your post-pregnancy body?  What fashion sewing tutorials are on your to-do list?

All comments on this post will be entered to win a $100 Vista gift card.  Come on – join the conversation!  And if you have a moment, check out the other 14 awesome bloggers giving away a $100 Visa gift card today as well……enter to win them all!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a)      Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.

b)      Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment

on this post.

c)       Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.

d)      Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 20, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random drawing, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Time for Me (part 2 - Beauty) and enter to win a $100 Visa gift card

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

Last week in my month long series, Time for Me (part 1), I was discussing how I just weaned my daughter Matilda.  I nursed her for 15-months and it was finally time to call it quits.

Now that I have my body back, I have been feeling like it is time to finally focus on me.  I have been using my Olay 7-in-1 Mosturizer with Cooling Hydration and it seems to be doing the trick.  My skin has been feeling great!

So now that I’ve got my skin care going well, I decided it was time to update my make-up collection.  I have had some of my make-up for far too long (probably dangerously too long).  Have you heard of the make-up brand “Benefit”?  Well, if not you must check them out.  I used to use this make-up exclusively, but ended up trying some other things out over the years.  But yet again, I come back to the best (what I think is the best).  I swear this make-up is a miracle cure for the too tired, stayed up all night sewing, running after two toddlers Mom.  Not to mention that they have totally adorable vintage inspired packaging and the most adorable names for their products.

So, here's what's in my make-up bag........

Clockwise from left to right:

1. Eye Shadow Brushes
2. Powder Brush
3. Blush Brush
4. "Hello Flawless" Powder
5. "Bad Gal" Mascara
6. "Some Kind of Gorgeous" Foundation
7. "High Brow" Highlighter
8. Cream Eye Shadow
9. Eyeliner
10. "Sugar Bomb" Blush
11. Burt's Bees Lip Balm
12. Concealer

Pair this make-up line with the new Olay 7-in-1 Moisturizing Lotion with Cooling Hydration I have been using and I must say, I am feeling good!

So, what's in your make-up bag? What is your beauty regime?  Do you have any skin care or make-up products that you swear by? 

All comments on this post will be entered to win a $100 Vista gift card.  Come on – join the conversation!  And if you have a moment, check out the other 14 awesome bloggers giving away a $100 Visa gift card today as well……enter to win them all!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a)      Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.

b)      Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment

on this post.

c)       Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.

d)      Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 13, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random drawing, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Time for Me (part 1 – Skin Care) and enter to win $100 Visa gift card

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

For the last almost three+ years I have either been pregnant or nursing.  Yes, that’s right.  I had my daughter Savannah and then when she was 7 months old I found out I was pregnant with my younger daughter Matilda.  Two weeks ago I finally got my body back.  After 15-months of nursing my daughter Matilda, I finally decided it was time to wean.  I’d definitely say weaning was a bittersweet time for me.  But all and all, I think it’s a little bit more on the sweet side.

Pregnancy and nursing have definitely caused a shift in hormones, so what once felt like a fool-proof beauty regime, just hasn’t been doing the trick for me lately. With all of these changes going on, I was thrilled to be asked to test out a new beauty product for Olay.

I have been using Olay’s Total Effect 7 in 1 Anti-Aging with Cooling Hydration moisturizing lotion for several weeks and I have to say it’s a definite winner!  I have used many different beauty products over the years, but Olay has been one that I have come back to time and time again.

I love the lightweight feel of this moisturizer.  I have been using one pump in the morning and one pump at night before bed for the last several weeks.  My skin has felt more evenly toned and I have noticed definite improvement around my eyes.  With two children under the age of three, I need all the help I can get around my eyes!

I typically have very sensitive skin, so I was a little nervous about trying this product.  But luckily I felt some reassurance in the fact that I have never had any reactions to Olay products.  Olay’s new moisturizer kept my skin feel hydrated all day (which is hard to do in this cool Chicago fall air).

How long did you all nurse your children?  Or did you go straight to formula?  Did you have any skin care issues post-pregnancy?

All comments on this post will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card, so come and join the conversation!  And if you have a little extra time, check out the other 14 Olay reviews and enter to win 14 more $100 Visa gift cards.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a)      Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.

b)      Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment

on this post.

c)       Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.

d)      Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 6, 2010.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random drawing, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. 

Over the next four weeks I will be focusing on posts regarding taking time out for myself. I will be giving away a total of four $100 Visa gift cards, so make sure to check back and enter to win all four!!  You could win $400!  And if you check out the other 14 awesome bloggers participating you could enter to win a total of $5,600 over four weeks – now that would be some awesome holiday spending money!

New Sponsor and Giveaway - Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary

I'm pleased to introduce the newest sponsor of The Cottage Home - Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary.  Beth, the owner of Elizabeth Victoria is giving away a $25 gift certificate to one of the lucky The Cottage Home readers!

Here's a little more from Beth about Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary........

Who doesn’t like receiving a personalized envelope when they open the mailbox? In a world full of technology and electronic communication, it’s exciting to receive something so few and far between. Here at Elizabeth Victoria we are committed to providing you great products and new designs to allow you to brighten up someone’s day.

Design at Elizabeth Victoria isn’t a word we throw around lightly. It’s not just a preliminary sketch or a motif or a pattern. It’s a way of life. It’s that perfect combination of every last detail that we provide in our products. We don’t stop until we feel they are perfect. Every product that you find on Elizabeth Victoria has been thoughtfully processed and completed to that last, precious detail that makes you excited to send it.

Just as passionate about design, we are about our customer service. Our goal is to not only provide a great product but to match it with great service. That is why we take the extra time to make sure you are happy. Every order is reviewed and processed by a professional graphic designer. A proof is sent to you for your approval before we send it off to the printer ultimately creating one, final, perfect product.

Beth designed our birth announcement for our youngest daughter, Matilda Jane and we were thrilled with the design and quality of Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary. Thanks so much for joining The Cottage Home, Beth!  We are so glad to have you!

To enter to win the Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary $25 gift certificate giveaway, please visit Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary and leave a comment here and tell us what your favorite thing is from their shop or what you might buy with your $25 gift certificate.  Giveaway will be open until Tuesday October 5, 2010 (will close at midnight central standard time).  Winner to be selected from Random.org

New Sponsor Highlight: The Blog Guidebook

I'm so excited to introduce you to one of my new sponsors, The Blog Guidebook.  Sarah and Lyndsay have done an incredible job with their new blog over the last several months and I am thrilled to be working with them.  Here's a little more about these two incredibly lovely and talented ladies........

The Blog Guidebook is the vision of two women—Sarah Bradford and Lyndsay Johnson—who want to see the blogging community grow in friendship, creativity and beauty. That's really what blogging is all about!

Recently launched in June of 2010, The Blog Guidebook encompasses all bloggers, be they crafty, creative, cooks, designers, teens, moms, dads, children in need, pet lovers, home stylers, antiquers, flea marketers, homeschoolers, doctors, lawyers, in any country, and on and on. You name it, you can blog it. And the Guidebook wants to know about it!

Blogging is a new form of journalism. It is a way to self-publish your dreams, hopes and stories of your world. The Guidebook offers a way for others to find you, in a friendly, happy, easy to navigate, safe environment. You'll find regular Spotlights and Features of notable blogs and bloggers, Free Listings for your blog, Blog Tips, Video Tutorials, and a live Help Desk. You can ask The Guidebook questions and get an answer. Backed by real people, not just a computer with an automatic reply, the Guidebook is here to help your blog become the best it can be.

Click on the button below to visit the site, and list your blog for free! 

Thank you so much ladies for choosing to sponsor The Cottage Home!  I am thrilled to be working with you two and I can't wait to see what great things are ahead for your new and fabulous blog.  If you love reading blogs, you must head over to The Blog Guidebook and check out this gorgeous site - their blog design is top-notch and you will find a wealth of great information in The Guidebook.  If any of you have a blog, I encourage you to head over to The Blog Guidebook and enter your blog for free - I'm in The Guidebook, are you?

You will find a link to The Blog Guidebook in the right side-bar of The Cottage Home under the "Sponsors" header.  Think you would be a good fit for The Cottage Home? Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please email me (thecottagemama@gmail.com) for rates and additional information.