12 months of Christmas...Coming soon!

In an effort to be better prepared for Christmas 2012, I have decided to work on ornaments and gifts throughout the year.  The reason I have decided to announce this goal to the world is to keep myself on track.  If I have readers following my progress - I'm hoping - that it will prompt me to stay on task throughout the year.  I haven't got all the details nailed down, but I think I have a few ideas settled already.   I found the ideas for some of these ornaments on Pinterest.com.

The best part of this 12 months of Christmas?  12 lucky readers will win a collection of the ornaments made throughout the year - one winner each month!  And at the end of the year readers will have a chance to win one of everything I made throughout the year!  Details on this fun giveaway to be posted in a future article.

ORNAMENTS


January: The Christmas family; Mary, Joseph, and Jesus   These Christmas ornaments are made using old-fashioned clothespins from Crafts Re-Designed, this Popsicle-stick Nativity from What to Expect, and one other one I'm designing myself are all planned for January.

February: Angels  This hilarious angel ornament made from a tampon comes from Fave Crafts, possibly the cutest pasta angel I've ever seen from Craftily Ever After, and again, one I'm working on designing.

March: Stars  This simple paper star comes from Good Housekeeping, this German paper star (we made these in my 7th grade class and I'm German, so these are a must) is from With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart, and a variation of this glittery star from The Robin and the Sparrow.

So stay tuned in and make sure you check back tomorrow for more on the ornaments I will be working on in April, May, and June!

Review and Giveaway: 'Night of the Living Dead Christian' by Matt Mikalatos

I'm sure all of my readers would love to own a copy of Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos, and one lucky reader will own it if they are chosen in the giveaway.  But, I will get to the giveaway details after the review.

Matt Mikalatos is also the author of Imaginary Jesus, which won rave reviews from professional critics and everyday readers alike.  Although I haven't read Imaginary Jesus, I was excited to be able to have the opportunity to review - and give a copy away thanks to Tyndale House Publishers - Night of the Living Dead Christian (NOTLDC). 

NOTLDC is the story of an average neighborhood that is being overrun by zombies, werewolves, and vampires.  The main character, Matt, is introduced when he is out taking his nightly walk as Chief Officer of the Neighborhood Watch program.  He meets a mad scientist (er, eccentric genius) named Dr. Culbetron and his robot HIBBS 3000 just as they are about to test a new invention.  When it is tested, hundreds of zombies show up, determined to get at Matt and Dr. Culbetron.  The story continues as Matt, the doctor, and the robot encounter a vampire Matt went to high school with and a werewolf who lives down the street.  It becomes the mission of all five to cure the werewolf and the vampire of their monster tendencies without becoming zombies in the process.

Watch a video of author Matt Mikalatos discussing Night of the Living Dead Christian!
This is a hilarious story that had me laughing out loud several times at the characters' antics.  When the werewolf is introduced, the reader learns his name is Luther Martin.  His father is a Lutheran pastor and is almost fanatical about the influence reformer Martin Luther had on the modern church.  As a result, the poor werewolf's name is Luther Ann Martin. 

The funniest character, however, is Matt.  His delusions of self-grandeur aside, he is quite witty and incredibly perceptive.  In a review for Imaginary Jesus, the DC Christian Fiction Examiner had this to say about author Matt Mikalatos:

If Mikalatos’s wry wit doesn’t pull you into the book within a couple pages, his action-packed chase of imaginary Jesus will soon have you flipping pages. But be warned. Beneath the excitement of the adventurous chase and the humor of his comic wit, Mikalatos packs some heavy, biblical punches 

This reader whole-heartedly agrees that the author has created a novel that is just as compelling with NOTLDC.  While laughing at the situations the characters find themselves in, the reader is confronted with their own beliefs about what real Christianity looks like.  Is it blind devotion to a particular religious leader that only allows followers to use one translation of the Bible, certain songs at worship, and certain styles of dress?  Those are zombies.  What about those that feel they are never really forgiven and their sinful man must be 'killed' again and again, having a stake driven through their heart on an almost daily basis?  Vampires!  And what about those that just can't seem to control their animalistic tendencies to hurt and tear apart those they love?  The ones that try to fix themselves through therapies, church attendance, and any other means possible?  Werewolves!

In the end, all the characters make some kind of change and the truth of Christianity and Christ's love is revealed.  Mikalatos has been called the 21st century's C.S. Lewis because he exposes the hypocrisy of the modern church.  His style has been called a cross between Monty Python and C.S. Lewis.  Whatever words are used to describe author Matt Mikalatos, one thing is certain.  He has a long writing career ahead of him and this reader wants to devour everything he writes.

NOW TO THE GIVEAWAY!

• Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a free copy of Night of the Living Dead Christian.

• The publishers of this book have also given me a certificate good for ONE FREE COPY of Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos to be won by a lucky reader of Tally's Place.

Here are the MANY ways you can enter this giveaway. 

1. Leave a comment on this post. Just say, 'Hey, I want to win this book' or 'Enter me!' Just make sure I have a way to contact you should I choose you. (Email or a link to your blog is perfect.)
2. Blog about this giveaway! Leave the link to your blog in the comments section.
3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link that shows you did.
4. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment that tells me so.
5. Visit my San Francisco Christian Fiction Examiner column, leave a comment on one of the articles, then leave a comment HERE telling me which article you commented on.
6. Stumble one of my Christian Fiction Examiner articles and let me know which one.  
7. Follow Tally's Place and leave a comment telling me you are a new follower. If you already follow, tell me that too!

That is seven (7) ways to enter and seven (7) chances if you do them all!

Rules and Stuff

1. The contest will close on Friday, December 23 at 8 a.m.  The winner will be announced no later than Saturday, December 24, at 1 p.m.
2. If you enter this contest and I have no way to contact you, I will choose another winner. I must be able to reach you by email in order to obtain your physical mailing address so I can mail the certificate to you.
3. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator. I will mail the certificate within ONE WEEK of choosing a winner.
4. The certificate will be sent by CERTIFIED MAIL with a RETURN RECEIPT. This helps both the winner and me track the certificate to its destination. It helps me know it was received since a signature is required for delivery.

UPDATE ON GIVEAWAY! 'Night of the Living Dead Christian' by Matt Mikalatos

UPDATE ON GIVEAWAY!

The final deadline to enter this giveaway has been changed.  New deadline is Thursday, December 15 at 11 p.m. with the winner announced on December 16.  Review of this book will be posted on Saturday, December 10.  All other rules and conditions still apply.


Did you read that right?  Is Tally's Place actually hosting a giveaway?  Yep!  And I'm really excited about this one.  If you are a book lover and or fan of Christian fiction, this chance to win Matt Mikalatos' newest book is just for you.  Here are the basics:

• Next week I will be posting a review of Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos.  This is the same author that wrote Imaginary Jesus.
• Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a free copy of Night of the Living Dead Christian.
• The publishers of this book have also given me a certificate good for ONE FREE COPY of Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos to be won by a lucky reader of Tally's Place.

Exciting, huh?  So you may be asking how you get a chance at winning a fantastic new book, but have no worries.  Here are the MANY ways you can enter this giveaway.

1. Leave a comment on this post.  Just say, 'Hey, I want to win this book' or 'Enter me!'  Just make sure I have a way to contact you should I choose you.  (Email or a link to your blog is perfect.)
2. When I post the review, YOU MUST leave a comment there as well.  You can say something like 'Wow, can't wait to read this book' or 'I know someone that would love to get this book from me as a gift.'
3. Blog about this giveaway!  Leave the link to your blog in the comments section.
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link that shows you did.
5. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment that tells me so.
6. Visit my San Francisco Christian Fiction Examiner column, leave a comment on one of the articles, then leave a comment HERE telling me which article you commented on.
7. Stumble one of my Christian Fiction Examiner articles and let me know which one.
8. Follow Tally's Place and leave a comment telling me you are a new follower.  If you already follow, tell me that too!

Okay.  That is 8 (EIGHT) ways you can get a chance to win Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos from Tyndale Publishers and Tally's Place.

The Official Rules and Stuff

1. Contest will end on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 11 p.m.  The winner will be announced no later than 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Friday, December 16, 2011 at 8 a.m.
2. If you enter this contest and I have no way to contact you, I will choose another winner.  I must be able to reach you by email in order to obtain your physical mailing address so I can mail the certificate to you.
3. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator.  I will mail the certificate within ONE WEEK of choosing a winner.
4. The certificate will be sent by CERTIFIED MAIL with a RETURN RECEIPT.  This helps both the winner and me track the certificate to its destination.  It helps me know it was received since a signature is required for delivery.

So what are you waiting for?  Get going and make sure you leave a comment so you can win this book.

Betty Crocker & Safeway Giveaway

I recently received a Betty Crocker prize pack and Safeway gift card in the amount of $25 from MyBlogSpark.com.  Included in the prize pack were the following items:

• VIP coupon for one Betty Crocker Brownie Mix
• Red Oven Mitt
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
• Silicone Baking Pan
• Betty Crocker Mixing Spoon
• $25 Safeway Gift Card

What a great parcel to get in the mail!  I quickly used the coupon for the brownie mix and the $25 gift card.  I have stashed away the other items to use as a gift.  What I really liked about the Betty Crocker Brownie Mix was that it was made with Hershey's chocolate; I chose the dark chocolate mix....Yum!

Want to download some great coupons directly to your Safeway Card?  Go to Bake Sweet Memories and get started!  The website also has

• yummy recipes (Lemonade Party Cake in my fave)
• great gift ideas (Breakfast in bed is always a winner)
• sweet and funny e-cards (right now, featuring Mom)

Would you like to receive your own Betty Crocker/Safeway Prize Pack?  You can go directly to MyBlogSpark.com to become a member of their program.  It's really easy to sign up.  Or you can enter the giveaway going on right here on my blog for a chance to win a prize pack.  The prize pack DOES NOT include a VIP coupon for a Betty Crocker Brownie Mix.

Here are the rules:

1. This first entry is mandatory.  Leave a comment telling me your favorite Betty Crocker product.
2. Become a follower of my blog or let me know you already are a follower.
3. Subscribe to this blog in the reader of your choice or let me know you already do.
4. If you do ALL THREE of the above entries, I will automatically double your chances.  In other words, if you do ALL THREE ENTRY METHODS I will put your name into "the hat" 6 times!
5. Winner will be randomly chosen @ 8 PM (pdt) on Saturday, May 8.  Winner will have 24 hours to confirm with me in a comment on the WINNER POST.  I will then forward your info to My Blog Spark, who is responsible for sending your prize.

A Sweet & Spring-y Giveaway

I want to introduce to you one of the sweetest people I have met in the Blogsphere.  Her name is Miss V and she is the creativity and hard work behind Sweet Vees Tees.  She also writes a blog, The Adventures of Miss V, where she writes about her daily adventures of being a young wife and a mother to a busy little boy.  I love how Miss V lets you see a bit of herself on her blog.  She writes honestly and openly and I admire that.  I have gotten to know this beautiful lady a little bit through our conversations in email and comments and I'm so blessed to have gotten to meet her.  She is a strong Christian woman and I know she will pray for me when I ask her. 

Now to the giveaway.  Miss V has agreed to give one of my readers any shirt from her sweet little etsy shop!  Let me tell you a little about what the winner will be receiving. 

All of Miss V's shirts are:

*long or short sleeved plain white cotton tee

*exclusive designed applique
*zigzag stitching in a coordinating thread
*available in onesies sized 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos.
*available in toddler t-shirt sizes 18-24 mos and 2T-4T
*available in adult sizes S, M, L, XL

The winner will get to choose long or short sleeves, any size, and any design customizable for you!

My two current favorites are the Psalm 139 tee and the Handmade by God tee.  Just too stinkin' adorable!

All of Miss V's shirts have an $18 value so this would be a great gift for a baby shower, first birthday, or tucked inside an Easter basket.  (Remember they come in adult sizes too!)

So how can you win one of these adorable shirts? 

MANDATORY ENTRY

Go to Sweet Vees Tees and tell me which is your favorite design.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (only count if mandatory entry is done)

*Tell me who is going to get a new tee if you win

*Become a subscriber to Tally's Place in a reader or tell me you already are

*Blog or tweet this giveaway and leave me the link

*Become a follower of Tally's Place or tell me you already are

EACH ENTRY REQUIRES A SEPARATE COMMENT. 

Winner will be chosen on Tuesday, March 23 at 9 AM pdt and will be notified by email.  Winner will have 24 hours to confirm by email and info will then be forwarded to Miss V.

Good Luck!  Now go check out Sweet Vees Tees.

                                                                                   

Oooops...Another Giveaway

As some of you already know, I'm a participant in MyBlogSpark; a program that sends me items to review and then I have the opportunity to offer an identical item to my readers.  Somehow, in the confusion of what is generally called my life, I forgot to review one of the items sent to me and offer it to you- my faithful readers.  What product am I talking about?  None other than Old El Paso Green Chiles.  I received the following items from Old El Paso and  MyBlogSpark:

*two free cans of Green Chiles
*a football-shaped ceramic serving platter
*two sets of football-themed plates
*cocktail napkins
*a themed table runner

BunBun and I each cooked a meal that we incorporated a can of green chiles into.  His meal was his fried rice (which is to die for) and one night I made Sloppy Joes.  The green chiles added an extra somethin' somethin' to each of the meals. These are not scalding hot jalapeno-type chiles, but they add a zing to recipes and meals that could be a little boring other-wise.  What I really like about these chiles is that they are available in two different sizes, 4.5 ounces or 7 ounces.  I have used them in the past in bean dips and nachos and have always been pleased with the results.  If you would like to try Old El Paso Green Chiles for yourself, you can get a $0.55 off coupon by going here.

We have not used the football-themed items yet.  In August my son will be playing his last year of high school football for one of the best teams in the area (I'm not a proud mom or anything).  It will be a bittersweet season and so the football items will definitely get used then. 

Do you have a family member involved in football?  Or is your family considered football fanatics?  Here is your opportunity to win the football items I was sent.  The winner will receive the following:

*a football-shaped ceramic serving platter

*two sets of football-themed plates

*cocktail napkins

*a themed table runner

To enter do one or all of the following, the first option is mandatory. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Mandatory: What's your favorite way to use green chiles?

*Does a family member play football?

*Become a follower of Tally's Place or tell me you already are.

*Blog about this giveaway and provide the link.

The winner will be chosen randomly on February 24 @ 2 pm pst and will have 24 hours to respond to my email.  The prize will be sent directly to the winner from MyBlogSpark.

I also have a giveaway going on for a $50 gift card to any of the Safeway Corporation of stores.  Click here to enter that giveaway.

I received two free cans of Green Chiles, a football-shaped ceramic serving platter, two sets of football-themed plates, cocktail napkins,and a themed table runner from MyBlogSpark.  I was not compensated in any other way.  The opinions given ere are 100% my own.

About the Giveaway....and Kim's Giveaway

I was feeling a little sorry for myself earlier....but the pity party is over!!!  So I didn't reach 50 comments....I have lots of new followers(Thanks and Welcome new friends), I have friends and family that think I'm kinda cool, and I have the most wonerfullest, loving, sexy (if I do say so myself) husband in the world.  So...do I give it away or not?!?  Well.....I don't want to back down from the 50 comment thing, so...If you really wanna win it...go leave me ANOTHER comment there if you already left one...and if you still haven't entered, here is your chance.  As soon as I notice there are 50 comments, I'll choose a winner from the
random-o-matic.


Go visit my dear sweet friend Kim, from Save That Pickle Jar!  She is giving away an adorable, gotta-have-it, Valentine's Day bunting mae from Moda fabric.  Too stinkin' cute!

Love ya all!

All Kinds of Fun

I have many things to talk about today....in no particular order.  None of them really warrant their own post, (ok, who am I kidding?  I could write a whole post on one of these people/issues but...never mind) and so I thought I would just sort of lump them together.

~~I'd like you to meet Mabel.  She has recently started an online shop with her very dear friend Millie.  Their little shop is called Millie and Mabel's Fantastic Finds.  They specialize in vintage items and one-of-a-kind creations made from repurposed materials.  If you happen to stop by their little shop on the corner, please let them know I sent you.

~~Johnny Depp has just signed on to make a Pirates 4 movie...alas, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly feel it is beneath them to appear in another Pirate movie.  Oh well, more of Capt. Jack Sparrow on the screen I say.  Johnny also recently announced he will appear in a Lone Ranger movie as Tonto.  Up next though is Alice in Wonderland in which Johnny portrays the Mad Hatter.  It opens March 5....yippppeeeee!  What is your favorite Johnny Depp role?  I can't really say I have a fave...although I can tell you, Willy Wonka is my least fave.  It does grow on me the more I watch it, but I think Gene Wilder will always be my favorite Willy Wonka. For a slide show of Johnny (swoon) you can go here.

Beyond cool.

~~For a great run down of all the ways to eat hot dogs, head over to Starla's and read Hot Diggity.  I promise you will laugh.

~~And if you haven't yet entered my giveaway for an adorable, on-of-a-kind, out of this world, bra purse...Whatcha' waitin' for?

A Giveaway... Finally

I am finally hosting a giveaway....I have wanted to do one for a while.  Either the timing wasn't right or what I wanted to give away didn't work out....anyway, it's finally here. Here is the item followed by the rules of this giveaway.

This is a one-of -a-kind vanity bag made by me.  Yes, it is made from a bra.  The colors are true; its aqua accented with hot pink.  There is a rhinestone button that attaches the handle to each side and a pink bow that accents the top of the handle.  This is just the right size for your cell phone, keys, and lipstick.  Now for the rules.

*If you leave a comment below, you are entered to win...it's that easy.

*There is a catch...I'm taking a clue from Lavender and Limes and putting a condition on this giveaway.  I realize that I don't have nearly as wonderful a prize as Christine did...but like she said, "It's my blog, so I guess I'm allowed to do this.

*Here is the catch:  In order for someone to win, I must have 50 comments.  Let me explain. I want to boost my readership.  I want to get more people reading what I write and supporting what I'm trying to accomplish with recycling/repurposing/reusing.

*Each person can enter up to 3 times.  Here is how...(1)leave a comment (2)subscribe to this blog in a reader and leave me a comment telling me (3) tweet it, face book it, blog it and leave me the link.

*I really appreciate all my readers and I know you are out there.  Now is the time for your voice to be heard and for you to spread the word.

*Will I give this away if I get 49 comments? Nope...so you know what to do.

*A winner will be chosen by random.org on Monday, January 25, @ 8 PM (PST) when there are at least 50 comments.

XXOO,

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

Sunday Scriptures...and Some Other Stuff

+ +One of the things I really want to accomplish this year is to draw closer to GOD.  Many of you are making the same commitment.  I don't like to use the word "resolutions" because even though I am "resolving" to change something, I think of it as something that may or may not happen.  If I tell myself I am going to do it, then I feel better about it. 

Being in the center of GOD's will is part of drawing closer to Him.  I would like to share a few points of my pastor's sermon from this morning.  His sermon was titled "Thy Will Be Done in 2K10."  The scripture for this sermon is The Lord's Prayer.  Many of us have said this prayer many times, but have we really thought about the words we are saying.  "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven."  We all know that GOD is the final authority in heaven.  HE should also be the final authority in our lives.  By seeking to be in GOD's will we are asking to be molded and shaped into what He wants us to be.  We are saying, "Lord, regardless of any pain and suffering, I want to follow the plan you have for me."  We are also saying, " Father, no matter where you lead me, I will follow."  As we pray these things, we can rest assured that we will be blessed and we will glorify the name of Christ.  Sometimes we have to go through things that are no fun and require sleepless nights.  But we can rest assured that as we follow His plan and speak His words, He will be glorified and we will be lifted up to the Father. 

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void,

But it shall accomplish what I please,

And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

~Isaiah 55:11

 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted"

~Luke 18:10-14

A quote from Oswald Chambers that I think goes well with finding and doing GOD's will :

A saint's life is in the hands of God as a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see; He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says, I cannot stand any more. But God does not heed; He goes on stretching until His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly.

+ + Over at ReFashioned Threads, Starla is hosting a terrific giveaway!  It is for one of her t-shirt throws and each of her followers will contribute the shirts.  Go check it out and if you aren't already a follower, become one so you can get in on this fantastic chance for a one-of-a-kind blanket/throw!

+ + If you haven't noticed, there is a poll to the right of this post.  I would really appreciate it if you would take a minute and answer it for me.  I really want to accomplish more with this blog and I need your help to do so.  So take a sec and answer it, k?

Happy New Year & Giveaway Update

Happy 2010!  How is it possible that it is 2010 already?  Weren't we all just worrying about the Y2K bug not too long ago?  Time marches on, I guess.

Last night BunBun and I hosted the appetizer portion of our church's progressive dinner.  It was a wet and stormy night, but there were still plenty of people who stopped by to taste the goodies.  (Thanks Lee's and Dunker's for your help!)  Then it was off to the Teasley's (Starla and Garry's) for all kinds of yummy soups.  We sampled Clam Chowder, Split Pea, Hearty Hamburger Soup, and Arron Lee provided a Seafood and Tomato Bisque.  We all piled into our cars as all the kids went whooping it up into the empty streets (aren't other people's kids hilarious?) and headed off to the Walters' home.  Imagine BunBun and my surprise when we pulled up in front of the house my best friend lived in during high school?  (Cue Wayne's World do-do-do- do music and Garth and Wayne doing the squiggly line dream sequence thingy)

Many, many, many nights and days were spent here hanging out with my friend and her boyfriend.  Anyway, we had delicious spaghetti and french bread in Jim and Kathy's lovely home before heading off to the church for dessert.
We finished off the night eating dessert and laughing with friends.  Then we gathered together and prayed out the old year and prayed in the new.  It was a great time.  As a side note, coffee, sparkling cider chocolate, and other gooey desserts CAN give you some sort of hangover.  I'm definitely feeling icky today.

Before I get to the giveaway, I just want to mention a little bit of fame that came our way a couple days ago.  Starla is the director of an outreach program at our church called Ruth's Room.  Our local NBC affiliate, KIEM TV has a weekly spot on the newscast called Spirit of the Northcoast.  It highlights local people that help others,provide services, etc. for the county.  Well, Ruth's Room was blessed to be chosen as this past week's spot.  A lovely new reporter named Ramona came down and interviewed Starla and some other volunteers (yours truly included) for the spot.  It was fun and we hope it will help us reach more people.  We have saved approximately 60 tons of clothing and household items from the landfill in the nearly 3 years we have been open.  Here is the link to the broadcast.

And now.....for the giveaway.  I will be posting it in a couple days, but I wanted to give you a little preview of what it will include.  There will be a couple's devotional book written by James Dobson, some candles, and a large monogram of the winning person's choice.  I'm going to make one of my initial to demonstrate before I post it.  Hope you will all enter and spread the word to your friends and readers as well. 

On this day, 147 years ago, President Abraham Lincold signedthe Emancipation Proclamation.

Now I'm off to help BunBun take down the Christmas tree and get started on that monogram.

Artfire Vintage Goodies

As I recently wrote, I just became a member of the Artfire.com community.  I have been lurking around at other sellers' studios and have found quite a bit that I *heart* sooo much.  I though I would share a few of my recent finds with you.  I hope you enjoy.

Enchanted Vintage  Who remembers Sarah Coventry jewelry?  I remember my mom, aunties, and Nana going to these home parties when I was a little girl.  It was a mark of being a "lady" to wear a piece of Sarah Coventry jewelry.  I remember getting a necklace for some special occasion and being so excited that it was a Sarah piece.  This jewelry company is still in business!  (Who knew?)  But if you are like me, it is the older, vintage pieces of this jewelry line that catch your eye. Nellie of Enchanted Vintage has a wonderful offering of vintage accessories.  These are high end pieces, but well worth the asking price.  My current favorite in her studio is the Vintage 1968 Sarah Coventry Fashion Petals Brooch and Earring Set.  It's a gorgeous peach color that is to die for.  Go check it out if you love vintage!

B. Inspired Vintage  Krissy's studio is filled with all sorts of 70's and earlier fun items.  What first caught my eye was an "O is for Owl" page she rescued from a 1930's alphabet book.  We all know how trendy owls are right now.  It's adorable!  What else did I see?  Those snap together animal parts from Tupperware.  Cool!  Golden Atomic Starburst Glasses that are clearly from the Cold War/atomic age.  Perfect for the bomb shelter in your back yard.  Go see if Krissy's studio brings back some childhood memories!

Art Deco Luxe  Va va va voom!  Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day....all these chic ladies wore kitten heels.  Who wouldn't want a pair of black sparkly kitten heels lined in 1950's pink?  Gorgeous!  This studio owner from Mesa, Arizona may not have lots and lots of items up for sale, but boy oh boy!  I would kill for some of this stuff.   Mostly these shoes. But alas, they are too small for my old feet. If Art Deco Luxe ever comes across a larger pair though, step back, they're mine! 

 
 

Carymeover  is a studio that carries new and vintage items.  I found this lovely little pin cushion made fom a lace doily and a custard tin.  (No plastic pudding cps yet!)  How clever and I love that someone was being crafty with items they had on hand way back when.  Some of the newer items include soap-making supplies and a Black Bamboo Blended Shawl  made from bamboo yarn by Lauren herself.  Carymeover is worth a look and see.

 
 

old bag vintage Love that name!  Not pages and pages of items here, but what is available are real treasures.  I immediately fell in love with this 1960s Pretty in Pink Poie de Soie Clutch Evening Bag Purse.  How Doris and Audrey is that?!?  I might have to buy this if I ever have a sale of my own. Haha.  I really like the pink earrings in this studio as well.  Check out this New Jersey-based seller soon.

And now in other news....

This is my 99th post!  My next post will be the big 100!  In my 101st post I will be hosting a truly fabulous giveaway perfect for the holidays.  Most likely that will take place tomorrow or the next day.  Stay tuned!

I've Really Done it Now...

That's right.  I have finally done it.  I made the big plunge and totally put myself out there.  Will I soar or sink?  I don't know, but I had to do it.  "What exactly did I do?" you ask.  Go look here and see for yourself.  Yep. It's all me.  My very own little shop...say what you will...PLEASE.  I need some feed back.
So let me know what you think.  Even if you hate it.  I'm a big girl...I checked and I'm wearin' my big girl panties today.


And as a little side note...this is post 98! Can you believe it?  That means the big 100 is coming soon. I will be doing a totally fabulous giveaway to celebrate so make sure you stay tuned this week for all the excitement.

Thanksgiving Roll Giveaway

I'm pleased to announce the opportunity for my readers to win a 16 x 20 rolled canvas from LargeFormatPosters.com.  This custom rolled canvas would be perfect to have in front of your business to announce a sale, take to trade shows and display your business name, or make a part of your family traditions by using as a birthday or holiday announcement that all the neighborhood can see.  You could even use it to display a breath-taking photo of some place you have visited.

These canvas prints have lots of options.Go check out the canvas prints to see for yourself.  I love that when ordering one of these you have the option to choose a 2-inch border or not. 
You can use any digital file or image on your artist quality canvas.   

You can read reviews of satisfied customers or you can take my word for it.   This is a great company.  Yes, I will be receiving one of these awesome custom rolled canvases of my very own.  However, even if I wasn't, I would encourage you to enter this giveaway.  I know the quality will be top of the line and that I will receive my poster shortly after proofing the final image.

This giveaway is open to all residents of the United States.  I will be using random.org to choose a winner on Thursday, November 26 at 8 AM pst.

So how can you win one of these?

* Go to LargeFormatPosters.com and take a look around.  Tell me another product you are interested in.  (This entry is mandatory.)

Extra Entries

Each requires a separate comment.

*Subscribe to Tally's Place in a reader or let me know you already do.

*Become a follower or let me know you already are.

*Add my button to your blog and leave me the link.

*Tweet this giveaway and leave me the link.

*Leave a comment on a different post and let me know which one.

That is 6 different ways you can enter!  You have until

Thursday,November 26 at 8 AM pst. 

Yes that's Thanksgiving Day.  Don't miss the parade, but do enter to win! 

Recent Giveaway Finds

• Over at The Buzz you have until Wednesday, November 18 to enter a giveawy from  Ally's Attic.  You can win a great "winter" wooden letter shelf sitter.  It's absolutely adorable!
• Courtesy of JDaniel4sMom you can win some delicious Pumpkin Maple Scones from Exquisite Desserts.  Contest ends Tuesday, November 17.
• At Spots On My Apples (*heart* that name) you can win a fabulous Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil and Creamy Body Wash.  You have until  Wednesday, December 2 to leave comments for this giveaway.

Wow... I Hope It Doesn't Stop

I'm not sure what is going on lately, but I sure hope it continues. GOD is really blessing me lately and all I can say is To GOD Be The Glory.  Look what I just won!  It's one less Christmas present I have to worry about.

 This adorable bib, blanket, burp cloth set in vintage-inspired cowgirl print is available at

Rockabilly Baby Design over at Etsy.com.  I won this cute little gift for The Bean courtesy of a giveaway hosted by the beautiful Priscilla over at Little Miss Heirlooms.  If you haven't stopped by Priscilla's blog yet, you really must.  Her blog is filled with gorgeous vintage-style baby nursery pics and all other sorts of goodies.  Thanks so much for hosting the giveaway Priscilla.  I can't wait to get my gift!

Not Whiners, Not Weiners, WINNERS

Using random.org the following people have won 3 of the UPrinting.com giveaways I am hosting.  The flyer/brochure giveaway is going on for one more week, so if you haven't entered yet there is still time.
Congrats to the winners and good luck to all who have entered the flyer/brochure giveaway.  Even if you didn't win you can still get some great deals from UPrinting.com.  Their prices are reasonable and the quality is fantastic.  Check out their postcards here, their stickers here, and their business cards here. 

Postcard winner:

Jaime said...


I am a follower

Sticker winner:

Ammi said...

I would use the stickers to put a Mockingbird Place Logo on the bags I put my pre-made scrapbook pages in.


Business card winner:

 Coupon Clippin' Mommy said...


I follow

I Won!...again

Wow!  GOD is truly blessing me lately.  I recently entered a giveaway at MiMi's Babies and won these lovely wash cloths.  Charissa also has an Etsy shop with all kinds of lovlies in it.  Who can resist these owls?  ( I love owls!)  Or what about this as a shower gift?  Go check out Charissa's blog and shop.    I can't wait to get my gift.  Thanks Charissa!

Giving Away My Sister

There were times I would have liked to give my sister away.  She is younger than me by about 8 years and it has not always been easy to get along.  I moved out of our parents' home shortly after I turned 18, leaving my 14 year old brother, Aaron, and my 10 year old sister, Ammi behind.  I remember her begging me not to move out and, me being the  wise older sister, thinking everything would be fine and I would always adore my baby sis.  Oh how we grow up so fast when we are out on our own.  There have been some rough and tumble, down and drag out screaming matches between us over the years.  If you know our family, you know we don't do anything quietly.  So when I say screaming, I mean...

 SCREAMING!

As we have gotten older, and hopefully, matured, we have come to discuss our differences calmly and a little more quietly.  We may have tears streaming down our faces, but we have learned something important in the last year or so.  Those that we love and cherish can be taken from us at a moment's notice without any warning.  Time is short and even if we don't always agree with someone nothing is worth losing a relationship with someone you love. 

So even though there may still be times Iwould like to give my sister away, I never would.  (Where would I find a sister that knows exactly what I mean when I say "The Convincers," "Mom's Coke Bottle," or  "The Patteren Store?")  Give away my sister? NO  My sister hosting a giveaway? YES  Little Sis is now a Close to My Heart  consultant.  She is hosting a giveaway on her blog, Mockingbird Place, where you can win a stamp pad of your choice from Close to My Heart.  So go check it out, leave her some comment love, and tell her how much I love her.

The top pic is obviously Ammi and the other pic is my bubby, Aaron and um...some biker ho motorcycle women.

Doing the Winner's Happy Dance From My Sickbed

Oh. My. Goodness.  I'm still in shock...for real!  I just won one the most wonderful-fantastic-super-duper- terrific thing!  I won muvee Reveal from Patty Reiser at This Digital Life.  I cannot wait to use this fantastic editing tool.  Pics, video, music.  I see a whole new world of scrapping opening up to me.  Also, I will be able to use this to create info for crafts Starla and I make and sell.  I'm absolutely giddy with excitement!  (Ok, as giddy as one can get while running a temp, aching from head to toe and sneezing every five seconds.)   

I found McLinky"s Friday Blog Hops only a little more than a week ago and after entering I-lost-track-how-many giveaways, I have won twice.  Last week I won 250 custom greeting cards from Uprinting courtesy of Jerri at Simply Sweet Home.  So if you are keeping track, that's two wins in two weeks.  "Big deal" you might be thinking.  Well to the girl in the blue faded bathrobe with tissues hanging out of the pocket, it's a very big deal.  It's confirmation from GOD that I'm on the right track and doing what He wants.  Wow is all I can say.  God chooses to bless us in ways we can never imagine. 

If you want my advice, you need to get in on this blog hopping giveaway stuff right away.  I've never had so much fun sitting at my desk.