Your Choice Giveaway

One of the things I enjoy is being able to help other Bloggers celebrate milestones in their bloggy life. 

That is what I am doing today. Amy at One Artsy Mama reached the goal of 4000 people following her on Facebook. That is a pretty big milestone. So of course a giveaway was in order. This one is a little different, in that the winner gets to choose their prize! And they are some AWESOME prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to entrants ages 18 and over and ends at 12:00am EST on May 30, 2013. Approximate retail value $200.00. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. One winner will be selected. This is a giveaway sponsored as a group buy, which means the bloggers pooled their money together to purchase this product for you. All liabilities and responsibilities with the product itself is directly responsible by Silhouette America. Winner will drawn by random.org from all verified entries, contacted by the email provided when entering, and announced on this page at the end of the contest. Winner has 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn. Entrant is responsible for the email address they provide, whether through typing it directly or through the Facebook entry method. One Artsy Mama is not responsible for lost, misdirected, or undeliverable emails. All prizes will be awarded, no prize substitutions allowed. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook and we hereby release Facebook of any liability. Information is provided to One Artsy Mama, not to Facebook, and your information is never sold or shared. Facebook, Target, Amazon, and Silhouette America are not a sponsor of this giveaway. Prize is mailed or emailed directly by Amy of One Artsy Mama. Protected tweets do not count as an entry method for tweeting; tweets must come from a public account. Bloggers in this group giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. International entrants are not eligible to receive the Silhouette Portrait unless they provide a valid US Shipping address.  No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

LINK IT UP THURSDAY #71

HELLO, HELLO! Welcome back to another party day!  I hope you are all getting ready for summer, and for school to be over for the kiddos.  Things are warming up here it's doesn't feel like spring anymore, summer is here.

It has been kind of a slow week here on the blog, but not at home. Isn't that the way things work, busy in one area means not enough time in another.  Anyway I did share a free pattern for a crocheted trivet that would be perfect for the Memorial Day weekend get together's I'm sure you're all having. I also planted more flowers around the Double Wide, it's only taken me 6 years to get around to it. ha,ha

I was going to add a photo here of the before and after but for some reason my phone doesn't want to send  them right now.  I'll blame it on the storm last night.  So for now just insert a beautiful picture of a well landscaped lawn with pretty geraniums.... from your mind. I'm sure it will be close to the real thing. {I'll keep telling myself that anyway}  ;)

Ok I'm done chatting.... on to the PARTY!

First lets take a look at a few BELLES of the ball from last weeks party.

Annemarie's Haakblog ~ Dolls

If It's Not Baroque ~ DIY Ombre Art Expedit Doors

Queen B - Creative Me ~ A Sweater for Sally I Mean Grace

Stone Cottage Adventures ~ Ombre Gourd for Spring Bouquet

Our most viewed link from last weeks party was:

Pursuit of Functional Home ~ DIY Plastic Spoon Ceiling

Y'all totally knock my sock off!

Go ahead and grab yourself a Featured Button!

<center> <a href="http://www.seve-alive.com"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/loulou711/NewFeaturedButton-1.jpg" /></a></center>

This is not a blog hop, please make sure you are linking to a specific page/project and not your homepage/entire blog.  Feel free to link up old projects, new posts, giveaways, recipes, crocheting, any and everything that you have made.  However please no shops. 

 If you have more than one thing to link up, even better.  

Here are the very simple rules.

1.  Please keep it family friendly.

2. If you would like, please grab a button and place it on your post or somewhere on your blog. {Not mandatory, but nice}

3. Have fun, be inspired. Try to visit the 2 links ahead of you.

If you would like an e-mail reminder about the party let me know in the comments. Make sure you leave your e-mail address with your comment. I will happily add you to the list.  

I am trying something different this week.  The latest added link will show up first in the links.  This way everyone gets a chance at being first and being seen.  

Fun With Peppa Pig

If you have a child under the age of 3 and frequent Nick Jr.  you have probably heard of Peppa Pig.  Peppa is a show about a little girl pig and her brother George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig.  The half hour show celabrate the value of family, friendship, and have a lot of humor how Peppa deals with her friends and her family.  Because the show is a UK show I now get to listen to my kids say things like "after we go to the market we put the shopping in the boot of the car". It makes me laugh every time.

Why am I telling you all of this about Peppa?  We were recently given the opportunity to try out a couple of Peppa Pig products from Fisher Price. { I received the products in exchange for writing an honest review about what the kids and I thought about them.}

First we received the Peppa Pig and the Muddy Puddles 32 page hardcover book.  We LOVE books here at the Double Wide, so the book was a huge hit.  We have read it several time, the kids love that they can pick out the charchaters from the show in the book.  They also recognized the story and liked that they could tell me what  was going to happen next in the story. I love that even though Peppa has jumped off the small screen and onto the page, there are still all the same values and laugh out loud fun from the show.

In this story ~ Peppa love's it when it rains because that means she gets to jump in muddy puddles, however when the rain doesn't stop she makes the best out of the situation by hopping on Granny and Grandpa Pig's boat and bringing supplies to their neighbors.  Of course as soon as the flood water recedes she is out to jump in the giant muddy puddle left behind.

It is fun that the kids can get a "Peppa fix" without turning on the T.V.

Next we received a Peppa Plush talking doll.  I wish I would have had my camera when I pulled the doll out of the box!  Little Lotte's eyes got so big and she was so excited!  She loves that Peppa can talk and snort at her. Peppa has gone to bed with her every night and even though she was meant for both Wyatt and Lotte, she is Lotte's Peppa.

She's pretty happy with her Peppa!


The Positives:
 
   ~The Book:

• easily recognizable characters and photos.
• fun story the kids remember from the show
• the book jacket has a coloring page on the back side of it.

    ~ Peppa Doll

• sounds just like Peppa
• soft enough to sleep with
• looks like Peppa {with the same dress}

The Cons:

   ~The Book:

• No real cons, however I hope they come up with more stories and not just the same ones from the T.V. show.

    ~ The Peppa Doll

• The biggest con is that it is hard for Lotte to push it hard enough to make her talk on her own.  She brings her to me or Wyatt for us to "Make her talk".
• Not washable, I like to have toys that are washable for the kids.  The voice box is not removable so I can't throw it in the washing machine.

For more Peppa fun you can follow along on the show's Facebook Page and twitter.

So have your kids ever watched Peppa?  

Disclosure: I received a product for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts and opinion expressed in the post are my own. 

Wood & Hemp Crocheted Trivet

I had an idea a while ago to make a Crocheted Trivet out of hemp and wood. It has taken me a couple of weeks, and several tries to turn this project into something close to what was in my head.  Turns out I was just over thinking the entire thing.  This is a very simple crocheted project and works together quickly.

The first thing you will need is the wood rings, like the ones I used.  My wooden rings are actually skinny flat bracelets from Bangelwood Crafts, if you remember I used one of her bangles to make this Mother's Day Large Bangle.  A huge Thank you to Tiffany for sending me your wonderful bracelet to try out my crazy idea with. I wasn't paid for using the bracelets and I am the one who wrote to Tiffany and asked her if she would be willing to send me bracelets to work with.  I can honestly say that if you are looking for unfinished wooden products you will find high-quality products and wonderful customer service at Bangelwood Crafts!

You will need 4 bracelets for this trivet.  You single crochet around the entire bracelet.  If you have questions about how to do this I have a full photo tutorial that will be helpful.

Of course I'm going to share the pattern with you all.  I'm happy for you to use this pattern for personal use or to sell the items made from the pattern.  I do ask that if you sell in an online shop you link back to this pattern {if a link back isn't possible from your shop a mention where you got the pattern is appreciated}.  Please do not reproduce this pattern in full or part, it is under copy-write as my intellectual property.  I am happy for  you to use ONE photo from this post on your blog with a link back to this post.  Thank you for understanding.


Wood and Hemp Crocheted Trivet Pattern:
by Kadie at Seven Alive all Livin' in a Double Wide

You will need:

• 4 Wooden Bracelets or Rings {I used skinny flat side bracelets from Banglewood Craft}
• One roll of medium thickness polished hemp twine.
• Size M or 6.0 MM hook

The Pattern:

Single crochet around each bracelet/ring. Move hemp around the bracelet to make room for more.  You want the bracelet covered.  {the count on this is going to depend on the size and type of bracelet you use} Join with slip stitch in the first single crochet. Chain 2.

Row 2: Double Crochet in each stitch around.  End with a slip stitch in the first Double Crochet. Tie off and Weave in all ends.  {do this for each bracelet/ring before moving on to the next step.}

Put front side of 2 bracelets/rings together.  Join them with a slip stitch in 7-10 stitches depending on  the size of the bracelet ring. Do the same for the remaining 2 bracelets/rings.

With front sides together join the 2 sets of 2 bracelets/rings, the same way as above.

Tie off all ends and weave them in before moving onto the next step.

Half Double Crochet around the entire trivet.  Tie off and weave in all ends.  

The wood and hemp will stand up to heat very well.

Silhouette Cameo Giveaway!

I'm pretty excited because today is the day!!!  The day YOU get to try to win your very own Silhouette CAMEO®! 

I enter Silhouette giveaways all the time and I never win!  But I so hope one of you, MY lovely readers wins this one.

 I am  very excited to join Nap Time is My Time and several other amazing bloggers who made this great giveaway possible! One very lucky winner will receive a brand new Silhouette CAMEO® electronic cutting tool! In the box: A Silhouette CAMEO® electronic cutting tool, Silhouette Studio® software, 51 exclusive cuttable designs, Power cable, USB cable, 12" cutting mat, Cutting blade, $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store, and Basic Instruction Guide. Giveaway is open to US only. Prize valued at $300!

This giveaway is open to US and ends May 31 at 11:59 PM EST. Come back everyday for more chances to win by completing our daily entries!

The Silhouette CAMEO® is a must have for any crafter!  You can do so much with it! From designing with Vinyl, create gorgeous scrapbook pages, personalize cards, clothing, and so much more! Entry is easy, just complete the Rafflecopter form below. Be sure to come back and grab your daily tweet entries, too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: Seven Alive all Livin' in a Double Wide is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact Nap Time is My Time if you have any questions regarding prize fulfillment, rules, or eligibility.

Stacked Potted Chair

I have been crushing on the adorable layered potted plants that have been floating around blog land for the last couple of years.  Last year I told my self I would make one and it never happened.  So when the weather started to warm up this year I started thinking of how to make one.  I have also been hanging on to a so-ugly-it's-cool chair I picked up for $1 at a yard sale a couple of summers ago. The chair has been living outside as the "hair cutting chair" for a bout a week now, and as I was trying to decide if I even wanted to bring it back in the house, inspiration struck.  I could make a potted chair,  or even better an stacked potted chair plant!

The project it's self is very simple and quick, the thing that might take you some extra time is gathering your supplies.  However if you have all your supplies on hand I  promise you can make this in 15 minutes or under.

You will need:

• a chair you don't care about, you will not be using it for sitting in ever again.
• a large plastic flower pot.  I used a 24 inch pot, but you will want one that is big enough for your chair that the lip rests on the edge of the frame of the chair.
• a smaller terracotta flower pot. Make sure you get a terracotta pot that has a hole in the middle of the bottom. I used a 12 inch pot for this, but again this will depend on the size of your bottom pot.
• a stake long enough to go though both pots.
• assorted flowers
• potting soil
• small shovel
• gloves
• hammer
• {if you would like to add a third pot} I used a 6 inch terracotta pot.

Step One:

With your hammer take the seat of your chair off.  Be aware there will be nails or screws so be careful and ware gloves. Mine was really easy to take off, a few hits on the underside with the hammer and it was off.

Step Two:

Fit the largest pot in the hole left by the seat.  If you don't/can't get a pot big enough that the chair it's self with hold it, you can put a brace under the pot however it's much easier to just get a big pot. I chose to get a plastic pot because I could bend it to fit in place and it isn't as heavy for the chair to hold.  You are going to want to figure out were you want your chair to be, once you fill the pots with dirt it's going to be to heavy to move much.

Step Three:

Add in your dirt.  You can add rocks or other things that will help with the drainage, my pot already has drainage in place.  After you have filled about half way with your dirt, you will want to figure out where you would like your second pot to be and put the stake all the way to the bottom of the first pot. Continue filling with dirt until you are about two inches from the top, place the second pot {with the stake through the hole in the bottom of the pot} on the first pot.  Fill the smaller pot with dirt.  You don't want to over fill the first pot with dirt, it will become a lot fuller once you have your plants planted in it. {I over filled mine and had to take soil back out when I went to plant.}

Step Four:

Plant your flowers.  Make sure that you get plants that all need similar sun and watering.  Water your plants and stand back to admire your work.

I did end up going back and adding a third pot to the top. You don't have to, but I figured why not, and the stake was long enough.  

I chose to plant flowers that are known to "creep" and spill over the pots.  I added an ivy in the first pot next to the chair because I want it to wrap and grow around the chair.  You can trim the stake with large wire cutters if you don't want to see it at all.  The flowers I planted in the top pot "should" cover it in time.  However if it doesn't you can bet I'll trim it off.

What do you think?  If you have the space it this a project you would think about putting in your yard/flower beds?

I am participating in Craft Lightning, click on the button below to see all the other great 15 minute crafts that have been shared this week.

Plants I used:  

Bottom Large Pot: (left to right)

Magadi Compact Blue, Lobelia

Periwinkle, Bowles' Variety

Ivy

12 inch pot:

Compact Safran, Calibrachoa

Asparagus Fern

Random flower I got from church for Mother's Day

Smallest 6 inch Pot:

Petunia, Mini Rose Blast

LINK IT UP THURSDAY #70

Welcome back to PARTY DAY!!  Did you all notice that we are on our 70th party?!  It's awesome that some of you have been linking up since party #1, and that new friends find this little party every week. Thank you all for joining in!

This week I have been working in the garden some more, I also made a friendship bracelet for my daughters little girlfriend, we did find time to make some no bake cookies though.  I also shared with you all one of my new favorite sites, you'll want to check that out if you missed it.

So what have all of you been up to?  I can't wait to look at all your lovely link ups and see the creativity!

But first lets take a look at a few BELLES of the ball from last weeks party.

Crystelle Boutique ~ Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe

The Crafty Scientist ~ Confetti Shot Glasses

The Crafty Blog Stalker ~ What Can You Make With a Pool Noodle part 2

I Got This Martha ~ Greek Chicken Pasta

Our most viewed link from last weeks party is:

Crochetapy ~ Taking Time

Y'all totally knock my sock off!

Go ahead and grab yourself a Featured Button!

<center> <a href="http://www.seve-alive.com"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/loulou711/NewFeaturedButton-1.jpg" /></a></center>

This is not a blog hop, please make sure you are linking to a specific page/project and not your homepage/entire blog.  Feel free to link up old projects, new posts, giveaways, recipes, crocheting, any and everything that you have made.  However please no shops. 

 If you have more than one thing to link up, even better.  

Here are the very simple rules.

1.  Please keep it family friendly.

2. If you would like, please grab a button and place it on your post or somewhere on your blog. {Not mandatory, but nice}

3. Have fun, be inspired. Try to visit the 2 links ahead of you.

If you would like an e-mail reminder about the party let me know in the comments. Make sure you leave your e-mail address with your comment. I will happily add you to the list.  

I am trying something different this week.  The latest added link will show up first in the links.  This way everyone gets a chance at being first and being seen.  

BFF Fishy Bracelets

My oldest daughter has found her BFF. To be fair she has had many BFF's {best friends forever}, for a while it seemed everyday she had a new best friend.

However over the last couple of months one little friend has seemed to stick out.  They draw each other pictures and give each other little gifts.  For the first time this weekend I had a little girl call the house just to "chat" with my baby.  It was a bitter sweet moment, I'm so excited that she has found a sweet friend who loves her, but my baby is growing up.  One day it's going to be a boy calling to "chat", that will be weird.

As the end of school draws near these girls are sad that they aren't going to be seeing each other every day.  So I thought a BFF bracelet was in order.

How to Organize Your Gardening Tools (Fabric Covered Garden Bucket)

I have been in an outdoor mood lately.  Last year because of health reasons I wasn't really able to do as much yard work/gardening as I wanted to.  This year I'm LOVING the warm weather and being outside with the kids.

I have been trying to figure out a way to keep all my gardening things together, I don't like to have to hunt for  my things, but I don't have a lot of space to keep things either.

So this is what I came up with.

No Bake Cookie Recipe

Over the weekend it was my Sister-In-Laws baby shower, she requested that someone make No Bake Cookies for the shower as they are her favorite.  I jumped at the chance not only because they one of my favorite cookies, but they are so super simple.