it's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

okay, okay. i know, halloween hasn't even happened yet & i'm talking about christmas. but i'm just so dang excited! we're already celebrating the holidays over at just spotted. i don't want to spill the beans, you'll have to go THERE yourself to find out all the details. but, i will give you a few hints... it involves a "giveaway" & "the happiest place on earth ." have i piqued your interest yet?

super fantastic, totally awesome giveaway.

do you live in or near orange county? even if you don't - if you are willing to jump on a jet plane, ride the train, travel by car, run, hop or skip your way to the OC.... then, boy! do i have a giveaway for you.


one lucky person is going to win an on-location orange county portrait sitting & a complimentary 8x10 portrait (a package worth a whopping $320) from michelle photography. so how do YOU win? simply go HERE & leave a comment. how easy is that? so what are you still doing here? now go enter NOW! (& just because you aren't local to the OC doesn't mean you can't enter... if you happen to win, you could always just "gift" your session to me as a baby present. i'm totally okay with that.) good luck... & may the force be with you.

it's a giveaway.

holy cow! THIS is one awesome giveaway! with summer on it's way, i definitely wish i could win. but since i can't, maybe YOU can. try your luck HERE.

& the winner is...

thanks everyone who participated in my little game. you have no idea how excited i am to try out all of these new recipes. if you haven't had a chance to peruse the recipes posted by everyone, i highly recommend it. i'm almost positive you'll find a new favorite or two. now, on to what you've all been waiting for - this week's randomly chosen, lucky winner is falls in the dead center of the pack: KRISTEN... i told you it would pay off to post multiple recipes.

i'm definitely looking forward to trying her chicken & broccoli casserole, the mini pizzas are sure to be a hit (& so easy!), & those club quesadillas sound delicious. &, her recipe organization idea is brilliant: "i also set up a blank recipe form that i copy & paste everything into so i always have a copy of the recipes that we all love or are willing to try. they are printed into a binder so i don't have to search through cookbooks." she also has created a cookbook binder of all the recipes that her family "know & love", then she gives it away for wedding presents. what a great gift! i know i would really appreciate an entire binder of some one's favorite recipes.

again, congratulations KRISTEN, & be sure to email me at accordingtokelly@gmail.com so i can hook you up! & thank you, thank you, thank you to EVERYONE who played along!

hey good looking, what YOU got cooking? giveaway

lately, cooking dinner has become a bit of a chore. i've never professed to being a gourmet chef, but i do have a few favorite recipes, that have feed my family well over the years. but these days, even my old "tried & trues" just seem, well... boring. i'm definitely in need of a new recipe or two, but you know me - i've got this weird cook book phobia. so that's where YOU come in.

so here's the deal... i'm asking YOU to share YOUR favorite recipe(s). you know, your "tried & true", the one your family asks for, that special meal that you look forward to eating. how easy is that? just cut & paste your favorite recipe. it doesn't have to be fancy, it doesn't have to be gourmet (in fact, the easier, the better), it just has to be yummy (but, if it's YOUR favorite, i bet it's delicious).

so, by now, i'm sure you're asking, "what's in it for me?" well, one lucky person is going to win one of my (self-proclaimed) fabulous & custom, apron creations. yep! yep! the winner of this giveaway will have an apron created just for her (or him).

so here are the rules of the game:
* you have until midnight PST on tuesday, february 17th to enter.
* simply post your recipe as a comment, on this post to enter.
* multiple entries ARE allowed. post multiple recipes & you will have multiple chances to win the apron.
* anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* the winner will be randomly picked & announced wednesday.

bon appetit!

& the winner is...

and the lucky gal is number 17, kristin who said:

i'd love to share an organizational tip with you, but truth is, i have none. there isn't a single label in my house. and i'm constantly talking about how much easier our lives would be if could find stuff, but just don't know where to start. moving twice in the last five months doesn't help, but 2009 is a new kristin! organization here i come!

i'm hoping your new p-touch labeler will help you get a bit more organized, it did wonders for me! be sure to email me all your particulars, so we can get that p-touch labeler out to you as quick as quick can be. please, please, please contact me by wednesday, february 4th, otherwise i'll be picking a new winner. thanks again everyone for playing, & congratulations kristin.

p-touch labeler giveaway.

i don't know... maybe it's just the typical new year clean & purge, or maybe it's the typical pregnancy nesting. whatever the reason, i've definitely been on an organizational kick. my pantry is organized, the pots & pans are neatly stacked, i've cleaned out all of the closets & organized them all by color. toys have been sorted, the fabric stash is now neatly folded, even the hubby's tools in the garage have been labeled & put away. & let me tell you, this isn't normal "kelly" behavior. sure i'm tidy, but i've never been an organizational queen. but i have to admit, it's actually rather fun. & as mary poppins says:

in ev'ry job that must be done
there is an element of fun
you find the fun & snap!
the job's a game.

so how does a non-ocd girl like myself, find herself addicted to organizing, you ask? it's all thanks to the latest addition to our household... a p-touch labeler. who knew this tiny, hand-held device would change my life? although, i'm the first to admit that i've probably gone a bit overboard (do you think labeling the "toilet paper" shelf is too much?), but it's so much fun watching those little labels print out.

so are you jealous yet? wishing you had your own p-touch labeler? well, you are going to LOVE me... this week, one lucky person is going to win their very own p-touch 1010. how about that?

so here are the rules of the game:
* you have until midnight PST on thursday, january 29th to enter.
* simply make a comment on this post to enter... i'd love to hear your favorite organizing tip, or how you'd use your very own p-touch labeler.
* anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* please, just one entry per person.
* the winner will be randomly picked & announced friday.

just spotted.

holey moley... just spotted is having a giveaway! & we've pulled out all the stops! i promise, this is one giveaway you don't want to miss! that's right, we are giving away some of my favorite things... & you know how much i love anything from TOO FACED! it's such a great prize, i really kinda wanted to keep it for myself. but seeing how that isn't possible, maybe one of you lucky people will win!

good luck, may the force be with you, & be sure to read up on all of the ways to get some extra entries! check out the details regarding the giveaway HERE. but, hurry, the contest ends tuesday, august 5th.

as they say... why be pretty when you can be gorgeous?

& the winner is...

our randomly chosen winners of the giveaway featuring amy, too faced & me is...

joyce who said:

This has been such an amazing Birthday month for you! Thanks for being so generous! You are AWESOME!!

P.S. This giveaway is sweet!!

but, with so many entries, i thought i'd pick two additional lucky people to receive a tube of lash injection. those randomly chosen winners are...

tina who said:

Happy birthday! This one is so fun! I would love to get a pattern for the apron since I LOVE IT!! You are very kind to "Give". Hopefully you receive a lot too!

& nancy who said:

Your month is almost over! I hope it as been a good one. I never win these things, but I still keep trying.

congratulations to all, & be sure to email me at accordingtokelly@gmail.com so i can hook you up!

thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for participating this past month! it truly is better to give than receive! thanks for helping to usher me into a new decade. turning 30 has been so much fun! if this is any indication, then my 30's are going to be awesome! thanks for playing & helping me celebrate my birthday!

birthday giveaway featuring amy, too faced & me.

maybe you missed the news, but it's my birthday. hip hip hooray! presents, balloons, and 30 candles on the cake... oh my! it's going to be great. but, i've always been taught that it is better to give than to receive. so, with that in mind, i've been throwing a month-long birthday celebration, here on the blog. each week i have hosted a giveaway featuring some of my favorite things, & i have loved every minute of it. this week's giveaway is a collection of some of my daily essentials & must-haves (click on the picture for a more detailed look)... a cute & sassy apron (one of my most requested patterns) in amy butler, of course (if you haven't noticed, i have a slight crush on her). my greatest & latest beauty find... a little something i like to call "lash extensions in a tube", lash injection by too faced cosmetics. a little reminder of my life's motto to "keep calm & carry on". & a bit of encouragement to wear around your neck... follow your dreams. crafted from sterling silver & gold (fill), so it's sure to match everything.

so here are the rules of the game:
* you have until midnight PST on tuesday, july 1st to enter.
* simply make a comment on this post to enter.
* anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* please, just one entry per person.
* the winner will be randomly picked & announced wednesday.

& the winners are...

our randomly chosen winners of the this is me journal are...
tonya , who said:

oh me, me, me. Pick me. I love it, I want it, one of my kids neeeeds it.

natalie jane, who said:

I love your birthday.

& stephanie, who said:

my mabel would LOVE this!

congratulations to all, & be sure to email me at accordingtokelly@gmail.com so we can hook you up!

for those of you who didn't win this time around... never fear, the next birthday giveaway is just around the corner. stay tuned for more details! thanks for playing & helping me celebrate my birthday!

p.s.

don't forget to enter the giveaway... entries close tonight (monday) at midnight! this time around there is going to be 3 lucky winners. good luck!

birthday giveaway featuring this is me journal.

i'm sure it's old news by now, but just in case your a newbie, here's the situation... it's almost my birthday & you're invited to the party. my mom & dad have always taught me that it is better to give than to receive, so with that in mind, i'm throwing a month-long celebration, here on the blog. each week i will be hosting a giveaway featuring some of my favorite things. over the last two weeks, we've had some incredible giveaways, & i can guarantee this one will be just as fabulous.
if you've read my blog for any time at all, you'll already know how much i love, no adore, this week's giveaway. i've already raved & raved about the this is me journal - a kid's first keepsake journal. but, i'll gladly tell you all about it again! carrie (the visionary, creator, & entrepreneur extraordinaire of the this is me journal) spent forever searching high & low for the perfect "first journal." she really wanted something similar to what she had as a kid... something for her "little ones" to record their thoughts & drawings. having no success in locating said journal, she created one & then decided to self-publish (wow!). resulting in the this is me journal... the perfect combination of "drawing, writing, creativity & simple scrap booking to capture the years memories through your child's eyes". check out her shop HERE, be sure to check out all the wonderful details & features of the journal, read up on carrie's journaling tips & hints, & be sure to check out my favorite... the kids' self-portrait gallery.

so have i piqued your interest? have you realized that you want, no NEED your own copy (either for your own little ones, or for that perfect "where did you get this?" present)? well, this might just be your lucky week. why you ask? because this week, THREE lucky winners will receive their very own copy of the this is me journal & a set of acid-free colored pencils. yep! you read that right... this week you have THREE opportunities to win. good luck!

so here are the rules of the game:
* you have until midnight PST on monday, june 23rd to enter.
* simply make a comment on this post to enter.
* anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* please, just one entry per person.
* the winners will be randomly picked & announced tuesday.

& the winner is...

our randomly chosen winner of our lost button studio package is... sylvia who said:

very cool, hope i win!

congratulations & be sure to email me at accordingtokelly@gmail.com so we can hook you up!

for those of you who didn't win this time around... never fear, the next birthday giveaway is just around the corner. stay tuned for more details! thanks for playing & helping me celebrate my birthday!

p.s.

don't forget to enter the giveaway... entries close monday! the winner is definitely going to receive a pair of these, & probably these too. as well as some other little beauties that i haven't decided on yet. good luck!

birthday giveaway featuring lost button studio.

so have you heard the news? it's almost my birthday & you're invited to the party. my mom & dad have always taught me that it is better to give than to receive, so with that in mind, i'm throwing a month-long celebration, here on the blog. each week i will be hosting a giveaway featuring some of my favorite things. last week we started things off with a bang... but, i know you are going to love what i have to offer this week, because i love it - after all, it is one of my favorite things.

as you may or may not know, when it comes to shiny, pretty baubles, i pretty much go weak in the knees. it's my opinion that accessories can add the extra little umph! that any & every ensemble needs. so you can only imagine how excited i am that this week's giveaway is featuring a package filled with some of my (& more than likely your) favorite pieces from lost button studio. i can't believe i'm giving this away, i really should be keeping it for myself, because i am in LOVE with everything in jessica's shop. each & every piece of jewelry is unique & handmade... you gotta love that! my personal favorite? her simple hoops, i pretty much wear them every single day. but, i also have my eye on these, these, these & this. (perfect gifts for a birthday, don't you think?) so, jump on over to jessica's shop, & check out all her beauties, you'll be glad you did, everything is so lovely, you'll definitely be thanking me for making the introductions. oh! & i almost forgot!  be sure to check out her blog... it's full of crafts, recipes & tons of brilliant ideas.

so here are the rules of the game:
* you have until midnight PST on monday, june 16th to enter.
* simply make a comment on this post to enter.
* anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* please, just one entry per person.
* the winner will be randomly picked & announced tuesday.

& the winner is...

our randomly chosen winner of our swanky paper grab bag is lucky number 35... jen who said:

happy birthday! what a fun "goody bag" way to share your grand day! i hope your candle wished come true. cheers!

congratulations & be sure to email me at accordingtokelly@gmail.com so we can hook you up!

for those of you who didn't win this time around... never fear, the next birthday giveaway is just around the corner. stay tuned for more details! thanks for playing & helping me celebrate my birthday!

birthday giveaway featuring swanky paper.

maybe you missed the news, but it's almost my birthday. hip hip hooray! presents, balloons, another candle on the cake... it's going to be great. but, i've always been taught that it is better to give than to receive. so, with that in mind, i'm throwing a month-long birthday celebration, here on the blog. each week i will be hosting a giveaway featuring some of my favorite things. & at the very tip top of that list is personalized stationary. let's face it... in this day & age, the art of a handwritten note is quickly fading away - it's so much easier to send an email or text message. but nothing gives me a bigger thrill than spying an envelope in the pile of mail, with my name addressed on the front, in an actual, real, live person's handwriting, instead the usual computer generated bills i get. that being said, this week's giveaway is featuring a grab bag chock full of some of my favorite designs from swanky paper, personalized just for you! i'll be the first to admit that i'm a bit biased, because the designer, heather, is a good friend of mine. but seriously, i LOVE all of her designs. they are fun, vibrant & actually make me want to sit down & write someone a card. but, i guess i better pick out a couple of favorites, otherwise, i may be shipping one lucky winner a truckload of personalized stationary... so take a gander at heather's cute shop & check out all of her designs. seriously, you'll be ready to order cards for yourself, your mom, your neighbor & even your aunt mabel - they are that cute!

so here are the rules of the game:
* you have until midnight PST on monday, june 9th to enter.
* simply make a comment on this post to enter.
* anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* please, just one entry per person.
* the winner will be randomly picked & announced tuesday.

break out the balloons & birthday candles.

happy happy birthday!
it's my special day.
happy happy birthday,
that's all i have to say.

except, it's not actually my birthday. not for a couple weeks at least. but this year's a big one. i'm turning the big 3-Oh! it's amazing. as a kid, 30 seemed soooo old. i thought for sure, i'd have a pack of kids, live in the house i would retire in, & pretty much have it "all together". but life is sure different than i ever imagined it would be, but i love it. although, turning 30 means i'm looking forward to gray hairs, mid-life crisis', & the terrifying thought that i am no longer in my twenties. yikes! anyway... my parents always taught me that it was better to give than receive. with that in mind, i'm throwing a month-long birthday celebration, here on the blog. each week i will be hosting a giveaway featuring some of my favorite things. so stay tuned... details coming soon. i can't wait to get this party started!

image via flickr.

tales from the crib giveaway.

oh heavens! where has my mind gone? i almost forgot to tell you about a fabulous giveaway featuring moi. so clickety-click your way over to tales from the crib for all the wonderful details. but hurry though, it ends tonight! many many thanks to all the lovely ladies over at tales for hosting, i'm much obliged... merci!