Simply Sweet Home: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Watch Giveaway from The Trendy Boutique

Today I'm excited to share a review and giveaway from my amazing sponsor The Trendy Boutique. If you're shopping for females this holiday season, The Trendy Boutique is your one-stop shop! They have everything from scarves and handbags to watches and a TON of jewelry!

Oreo Balls

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the food, especially the sweets! Today I've got a really yummy treat that's perfect for parties and gift giving. I first made these Oreo Balls last Christmas, and I can't wait to make them again! I know your family will love them too. And guess what? They are SUPER easy to make!

This week I'm participating in A Crafty Creative Christmas over at Me Making Do, and I'm excited to not only be guest posting but also to be sponsoring a giveaway!

Holiday Gifts at AliLilly

All this month I've been bringing you some holiday gift ideas. Today we've got a guest post from one of my fabulous sponsors and bloggy friends. It's Ami from AliLilly.

Friday Favorites - Week 91

Hey everyone! If you're taking time out from your Thanksgiving festivities to link up here, Thank You!

Dreaming of a New Living Room

Photo Credit

Every year my husband asks me to make a Christmas list for myself so that he'll know what to get me. (Isn't he sweet?)

Each year I put a few small items on the list like books and cds, and then I put a few big items, which I may or may not be able to get. This year one thing my husband and I would both like to have is new living room furniture.

Super Deal on Eye Glasses at Zenni Optical

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical. All opinions are 100% mine.

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I went to have our eyes examined. Despite our insurance paying for our exams and a good portion of our eyeglasses, we still ended up paying a lot more than we expected, particularly for my husband's progressive lenses.

After leaving the office, the first thing my husband said was, "We're not coming here next time."

And then I told him that I wanted to check online about getting us another pair of glasses. I'm fairly gentle with my glasses, and I also wear contacts a lot, so I may not even need a second pair. But my husband works hard, and he's also outdoors a lot, so he certainly needs to have another pair of glasses.

One site I found where you can get cheap eyeglasses is Zenni Optical.

Zenni Optical offers glasses that are both stylish and affordable. They have a number of shapes including round, rectangle, oval, and aviator. And they have several types from full rimmed, to half rimmed, to rimless. And they have several colors and materials available to fit your style.

And as for lenses, they have single vision, bifocal, and yes, even progressive lenses for my husband!

And did I mention that the frame prices start as low as $6?

Just think of how much money you can save! In today's economy everyone can use all the extra money they can get. And when you can save on an essential like glasses, it gives you a lot more money to spend on other household bills, groceries, holiday shopping, or even a fun night out with the family.

And to take a little of the guess work out of your shopping, they have tool on the website that allows you to upload a photo of yourself and see what the glasses would like on you.

Here's one pair that I like for my husband:

And here's a pair that I like for me:

Go check out Zenni Optical and see how much you can save on glasses for your family!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Bauble Pops Recipe and Crazy for Cake Pops Review and Giveaway

Photo: Present Pops

If you're in to the cake pop craze, you are going to love today's review and giveaway! It's for the brand new book Crazy for Cake Pops! And I've also got a super fun Christmas recipe for Bauble Pops!

Easy Ideas for a Festive Thanksgiving

It's not too late to think about adding a little fall flair to your Thanksgiving table. Here some easy and inexpensive, last minute ideas.

Holiday Shopping with Scentsy

All this month I'm featuring products and places that should be on your gift giving list. Today I'd like to introduce you to Scentsy Consultant, and my good bloggy friend, Kassi.

Free Milk and Kroger Gift Card Giveaway

Kroger is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from our house. And luckily they always have great deals and promotions. As you shop for your Thanksgiving groceries, how would you like to pick up some free milk? It's easy! Just buy four participating General Mills products at Kroger.

Friday Favorites - Week 90

Hey Guys! I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving! Hope you all enjoy your holiday!
Before we get to the features I want to thank Kassi at Truly Lovely for spotlighting my shop the other day. And also thanks to Ami at AliLilly who is featuring my Etsy shop in her Holiday Shopping Guide this Friday. Go by and check out her post. (There's a 20% off coupon included!)
Also, I just added a new giveaway from Uprinting. It's only going to be open for a week, and we only have a few entries so far, so go and get entered!

Uprinting Sticker Giveaway

It's been a while since we've had a print giveaway, so here we go! Uprinting is the go-to place for high quality printing. They have a variety of print products available for your business and personal needs, from business cards to canvas prints.

Southern Brownie Pie

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it seemed like the perfect time to share this classic, Southern recipe. This Southern Brownie Pie is yummy served warm or cold, and it's sure to please everyone at your table. My husband isn't really a chocolate fan, and he doesn't like pies at all, but he couldn't get enough of this one!

By the way, come join Love the Pie with TidyMom sponsored by Cherokee USA, Le Creuset, Wilton, Bags by Bloom and Harvard Common Press.

Mini Chef Video Contest and Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies

This post brought to you by Avocados from Mexico. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know avocados have the vitamins and nutrients essential for child development and growth? Just 3 slices of this creamy green fruit packs potassium, fiber, folate, vitamin C, E and those B-complex vitamins that support memory and brain function.

To help you introduce this food to your kids (or get them to eat more of it), Avocados from Mexico Mini Chef Video contest is having a Mini Chef Video Contest.

The contest starts November 14 and is open to parents of kids ages 5-15. To enter, you must submit a 1-3 minute video of your child/children preparing an avocado dish. Also, in your video, have the kids include why they love avocados and have them sing the catchy Avocados from Mexico jingle (found on their website). Videos will be judged on the Mini Chef’s personality and the presence of avocado.

Send in your video by December 4th and check back on December 6th to see if your video is one of 10 finalists. Public voting will take place on YouTube December 6-11. The video with the most Likes wins and will be posted on the website December 12th.

Now I'm sure you're wondering what kind of prizes you get if you win, right? Here's a quick run down.

One grand prize winner gets:

$1,000 in cash
HD Camcorder
a Nintendo 3D and 2 games
personalized Mini Chef jacket.

And Nine runners up win big too with an HD Camcorder, a Nintendo 3D and a personalized Mini Chef jacket.

To give you a little inspiration, today I'm sharing a kid-friendly avocado recipe. I can't think of anything more kid friendly than chocolate chip cookies, can you? Next time you get ready to make chocolate chip cookies, consider this Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Recipe for Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup avocado (1 small avocado)

3/4 cups white sugar

3/4 cups packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

chocolate chips (about 1/2 a bag)

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions: Cream together avocado, butter, and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add flour, salt, baking powder and soda; add one cup at a time. Then fold in chocolate chips and nuts. (You may want to use more or less than the recipe calls for.)

Roll into 1 inch balls and press down lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes.

Do you have any kid-friendly avocado recipes that you make for your family?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Apple Chai Recipe and Mini Pies Book Review and Giveaway

Photo: Spiced Cranberry Pear

The fall and holiday seasons are such great times for baking! And there's nothing like freshly baked pies to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth (err...teeth) and make them feel right at home.

By the way, come join Love the Pie with TidyMom sponsored by Cherokee USA, Le Creuset, Wilton, Bags by Bloom and Harvard Common Press.

MyBuy Nursing Scrubs and Stethoscopes Review

I often find myself shopping on healthcare sites for our various home care needs. I recently became familiar with the site MyBuy Nursing Scrubs & Stethoscopes. They have everything from blood pressure monitors to Lab Coats and everything in between.

Friday Favorites - Week 89

Happy Friday! This week has gone by so fast! If you haven't entered my blogiversary giveaway from 41 West Designs
Also, I finally added some new items, including a couple of Christmas pieces to my shop this week. Please go by and check them out! Also, get 15% off this week when you use the coupon code: HAPPYHARVEST.

Berricle Snowflake Pendant Review

Jewelry is an excellent Christmas gift for one and all! This season check out Berricle, an online retailer specializing in beautiful silver and cubic zirconia jewelry.

World's Best Cat Litter Review and Giveaway

As you do a little fall cleaning for the upcoming holidays, consider freshening up your cat's litter box with World's Best Cat Litter.

Coconut Pecan Cookies

Several weeks ago I shared these pudding cookies, which I first saw over at Chef in Training. You know I love to make different versions and variations of the same recipe, so today I've got Coconut Pecan version to share with you!

Ice Cream Happy Hour Review, Giveaway, and a Recipe

Eggnog with Brandy and Rum

The holiday entertainment season is upon us, which means lots of excuses for drinking and desserts. What better way to impress your guests at the end of a dinner party or holiday festivity than with boozy ice cream.

Friday Favorites - Week 88

Happy November! Thanks for stopping by for Friday Favorites! I have a couple of quick announcements. First off, set your calendars! Holly Bloggy Christmas is coming back for the 3rd year! This is a week of Christmas themed linky parties hosted by myself and four other bloggers! And this year's event will be hosted December 12-16.

More details and specifics will be announced later this month. But I wanted to go ahead and give you a quick heads up about it. Also if anyone would like to be a giveaway sponsor for this event, please send an email to simplysweethome@hotmail.com.

I also want to thank all of my awesome blogiversary sponsors and thank you guys (the readers) for supporting us by entering last month's giveaways. We still have a few of those going on, including the "finale" giveaway, a $50 GC to 41 West Designs! So be sure to check the sidebar and enter these before they close!

November Deals and Freebies

The last couple of months I've been bringing you some free printables. It's so fun sharing these freebies that I'm going to try and make it a monthly thing. Each month I'll try to find you some printables or other freebies and share a deal or two with you!

Today is the final day of my 4th Blogiversary Celebration, and coincidentally this is also my 1000th post! (Not planned at all!What are the odds, right?) For the final day of this celebration, we've got an amazing giveaway from 41 West Designs.