Simply Sweet Home: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

My Memories Suite Review & Giveaway

I've got a fantastic review and giveaway to share with you this week! I recently received My Memories Suite, a digital scrapbook software package.

This software is an amazing value because it can be used to create tons of projects! Apart from digital and printable scrapbook pages and photo books, you can also use the software to create videos, as well as calendars, photo cards, gift tags, business cards, printable crafts and even homemade party supplies. (I'm thinking cupcake toppers!)

Easy Lemon Tilapia

This week I'm sharing one of my "go to" quick meals. It's not really a recipe, just add a little seasoning and bake, but I thought it's still worth sharing with you for a delicious, healthy, and hassle-free meal.

Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hills Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.

I absolutely LOVE animals. As many of you know, we have 2 kitty cats named Rebel and Dixie. Our cats make every day in our house an adventure, and I have to admit, they've got me wrapped around their little paws! And I want to have them around for a long time.

I recently learned about the Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge at Hill's Pet Nutrition. The site challenges you to switch your dog's (on in my case, my cats') food to Science Diet Healthy Mobility Food to promote an active and healthy life. They also want for you to track your pet's progress over 30 days and then come back to their site and share your story.

When you register for the challenge, you not only get the chance to improve your pet's lifestyle, but you will receive $30 in Hill's Healthy Mobility Coupon offers. And registering automatically enters you in a sweepstakes where 30 winners will receive FREE pet food for a year!

If you're like me, you've probably seen the Science Diet commercials on television. Up till now, I thought they only sold dog food, particularly formulas for adult and older dogs, but I was surprised that they actually have products for puppies as well, And they have cat food for cats of all ages.

The site is also very informative, providing articles on pet care and also explaining which products are best to fit your pet's age and special nutritional needs.

I encourage everyone to go over and learn about Hill's Science Diet, find out which products are best for your four-legged friend, and then take the Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge to help your pet live an active life.

Also, check out Hill's Pet Nutrition on Facebook.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Blog Swap with Angie from Country Chic Cottage

Today I'm swapping blogs with Angie from The Country Chic Cottage, and she has some great things to share with you today!

Friday Favorites - Week 78

Happy Friday! Last week I mentioned my feature over at Homespun with Love. But I got my dates mixed up, and it's actually this week! So you can head over there on Friday to see it! Also, on Friday I'll be blog swapping with Angie at The Country Chic Cottage, so please go over and check out my guest post, and be sure to come back here and see what she'll be sharing with you!

Inspired Bedrooms

Photo Credit

Following the theme from the past couple of weeks, today I've got some inspired bedroom decor to share with you. I found all these on the absolutely fabulous site Pinterest, which is now my go-to site for blogging and other creative inspiration!

The first picture (above) is actually from anEtsy shop called Atilla Design. I actually found it several weeks ago on Pinterest and was just looking for an excuse to share it, so here it is! lol. Hope you enjoy all my selections!

BeadforLife Review - Eradicating Poverty One Bead at a Time

I recently received a cute bracelet from BeadforLife, and I'm really excited to share their jewelry and the mission of this wonderful organization with you today.

Chicken Bacon & Swiss Sandwich

This week I've got a lunch time or quick dinner time meal for you. This Chicken Bacon & Swiss sandwich is inspired by the one they serve at Arby's. I made mine using chicken patties from the freezer section, which cook up in seconds, but if you've got a little more time, this would be delicious on a made from scratch patty, or an unbreaded chicken breast. Hope you enjoy!

Beautiful Bedding and Accessories

With the summer time coming to an end and the fall season rapidly approaching, it's the perfect time to do a little redecorating. As some of you know, I recently did a little makeover in our bedroom, adding a new bedspread and curtains. It's amazing how much difference the simplest change like this can make.

Upromise 10th Anniversary Dream Sweepstakes

This post brought to you by UPromise. All opinions are 100% mine.

UPromise_Brand_300x250_static.jpg (3 documents)

Shortly after graduating from college, I signed up for Upromse, a program which helps you earn money for college through your everyday purchases. Upromise members have received more than $600 million in college savings through this rewards program.

And this year Upromise is celebrating its 10th Anniversary by giving away $20,000 to users who share a story that tells how a parent has supported a child's dream!

Users can participate in the sweepstakes by submitting a story, and they can vote on their favorite stories by “liking” them on Facebook. Upromise will give away $1,000 to ten winners and a grand prize of $10,000 to one winner.

I recently went over to the dream wall and posted my own dream for our children. Rather than dealing in specifics about college and career paths, I wrote that I dream for our children to live lives of honor and integrity. I hope that they will stay true to their values in all things. And I wish for them to do something they are passionate about.

You can enter the contest too! Just visit the Dream Wall: www.upromisetodream.com

Then submit your dream and get friends and family to vote for you. Please see the dream wall official rules for more information.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Friday Favorites - Week 77

Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by today to link up your favorites! I mentioned earlier about my feature at Homespun With Love. If you went over there and couldn't find it, that's because I got the dates mixed up. It's being posted next week. Oops! So I'll just mention it again next week! lol.

New Bedroom Curtains and Curtain Tips

I recently shared our little bedroom makeover. Part of the makeover included these curtains, but these aren't just ordinary curtains. These are blackout curtains, and at just $10 each at Wal-mart, my husband is now calling them, "one of the best purchases I've ever made!"

Aurora Softy Soakers Review and Giveaway

Summer time may be drawing to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end. You can transition from fun in the sun to a great time indoors with Aurora's new line: Softy Soakers!

These little guys offer the same high quality and cuteness you find in other Aurora products, expect they come with a little surprise. They expand when placed in water!

Chicken Burritos

It's been a while since I shared a Mexican style recipe, so here we go! These chicken burritos are pretty quick and easy to make and very flavorful. The rice was a little more "saucy" than I usually like, so next time I'm planning to try another recipe that I just found, but I think a lot of people will really like this one, and I hope you do as well.

All About Gifts and Baskets

Don't you just love gift baskets? They are the perfect present, regardless of who you're buying for and what their tastes and interests are. All About Gift and Baskets has a great selection of gift baskets for all occasions, including weddings and anniversaries, and housewarmings.

Bedroom Shopping

I recently shared my own little bedroom makeover. And today I'm sharing a great a place where you can shop for your own bedroom makeover. It's so fun shopping for furniture online; there's such a vast selection of products and ideas to jump start your makeover!

Friday Favorites - Week 76

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by this week for Friday Favorites. If this is the first time you've stopped by this week, I'm sure you've noticed that we have a new look. This is the first blog design I've ever done by myself, and I'd love to get your comments on it. (And if you've already commented, thanks so much for your kind words!)

Also, don't forget to check the giveaways in my sidebar. I've got some really great ones this week!

Sponsor Me for A Harvest Halloween Blog Tour

I had a lot of fun participating in the Christmas in July Giveaway hop, and I was pleased with the exposure that my blog got, so I've decided to participate in more of these events!

I just signed up for A Harvest Halloween Blog Hop hosted by Savey Spender. And now I need sponsors!

If you ever watch any of the home improvement and house selling shows on television, you know how much a bathroom makeover or remodel can improve the look and value of your home. When we moved in to our current home, a lot of improvements were made, particularly in the bathrooms. And I must say, it is just amazing to see the results of these types of improvements.

Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event and Giveaway

Have you heard? The Cart Buster Savings Event is back at the Kroger Co. Family of Stores. It began July 31st with storewide savings in almost every department! During the savings event, summer deals are just getting started. Browse the aisles and load up your cart with everyday items from brands you already love.

Chocolate Mousse

With this current heat wave, you can't have enough cool, no bake desserts! The other day I made this super yummy chocolate mousse! It's perfect if you're hungry for something rich and chocolately but you're not in the mood to cook! Enjoy!

My New Blog Makeover

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Simply Sweet Home's new look. I loved the design I had before; it had become like an old friend, and I was actually sort of sad to see it go. But I was ready for a little change of scenery. And I hope you guys like it!

And what's even cooler is that I designed and installed everything myself. Me! (Yeah! I'm still a little surprised myself!) This was my very first time to do a full redesign by myself. (Up till now, I'd only made a couple of buttons and basic graphics.) Anyway, I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and I hope to do a lot more design stuff in the future. (Maybe even do some design work for other bloggers!!)

Friday Favorites - Week 75

Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by for Friday Favorites.

Before I get to this week's features, I wanted to tell you about an event that one of our blog friends is putting on and how you can participate. Anne at The Saturday Evening Pot is hosting a 100-Day Countdown To Christmas, and she's looking for bloggers to guest post with recipes, food-related crafts, and DIY projects. I'll be contributing a post or two the event, and I was hoping that some of you might contribute as well. Check out this post for more details.

Also, I'm attempting to do more guests posts and blog swaps in the future. As of now, I've only done a couple of these, and I want to do more. I just need a little push I think! So if anyone would like to do a blog swap with me, please contact me by email and we'll set something up!

Free Freschetta By The Slice

Do you love pizza? How about Free Pizza? Then you'll be very excited to learn about the Free Freschetta By The Slice Event.

Baby Gift Giveaway from Kalos Candy

Today I'm very excited to introduce you to Kalos Candy, a super sweet etsy shop that offers the most adorable baby gifts! To me, baby stuff is already very cute, but I absolutely love it when people take the seemingly ordinary baby gifts (onesies, washcloths, blankets, etc.) and present them in a creative way, which is exactly what Kalos Candy does.

Johnsonville No Ordinary Burger Review and Giveaway

The burger got a makeover, and pork lovers are celebrating! I'm referring to new Johnsonville Bratwurst Patties and Johnsonville Italian Sausage Patties. I love the summer grilling season, so I was really happy when I got the chance to try one of these great products.

Express Jeans Giveaway

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

REROCK FLARE LEG EXTENDED TAB JEAN at Express

I just love the back to school season! It's so great seeing all the fun supplies and the cool new fashions. And no shopping list would be complete without a new pair of jeans! Teens and tweens love showing up on the first day of school in that hip, new pair of jeans. But then again, don't we all?

While shopping for the kids' clothes, don't forget to treat yourself! Express has some fabulous women's jeans in a variety of styles. My personal favorite is flare leg jeans, but they've also got skinny jeans, jean leggings, boot cut, straight leg, and more!

ZELDA MOTO JEAN LEGGING - EMBELLISHED at Express

And Express jeans also has colored jeans! When I was a kid, everyone had colored jeans: red, gray, and especially white! And now they're making a come back. So cool!

Now how would you like a chance to win a new pair of jeans? Just enter the Express giveaway. Express will be giving away 50 free pairs that you could possibly be rockin’ on the sidewalk!