Win a $25 Gift Card to Build a Bear Workshop

I hope you don't mind all the product reviews lately on this blog. It is just that I've been getting offered some great things to try out and I want to share them with you! I will never promote anything on this site that I don't believe in and I'm always honest with my opinions.

The latest thing to arrive at my house has an added little surprise for you. Eva got a Hugs for You Build a Bear monkey. You get the chance to win a $25 gift card to Build a Bear Workshop.

How to enter:

1. Follow this blog. See the little widget in my left sidebar? Click it to follow me. You can set it to follow me privately if you're worried about your street cred. I understand.

2. Already following me or subscribe via a reader? Great!

3. Leave your name and link to your blog, twitter, cnn.com, whatever via Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.

I'll pick a number on Friday with a winner. I actually have 4 other small prizes to give away as well so your chances are much improved. Good luck!

Win a $25 Gift Card to Build a Bear Workshop

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/win-25-gift-card-to-build-bear-workshop.html

Yanni Voices

Just after Christmas, I received a cd and dvd to preview. It's Yanni. I don't know whether you'll admit to loving Yanni or not, but I will. I'm sure you all saw Yanni: Live at the Acropolis back in the day and loved it! This new project has Yanni partnering with four talented young artists and they are going on tour this year.


Over the next month or so I'll be able to bring you some more Yanni information and host a giveaway here on my blog. So get ready to embrace your inner romantic and admit to loving Yanni.

In the meantime, I'll be singing along with Chloe and Ender. They sing my favorite song on the album: Until the Last Moment.

Yanni Voices

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/yanni-voices.html

My $12 Outfit

The past couple of weeks I've been bemoaning the fact that most of the staples in my wardrobe either don't fit or have holes in them. I decided to go and check out the mall to see what I could find. I found a crazy sale at Sears. I don't usually shop there because I hate the way it is organized but that is a post for another day. Anyway, the sales were so good that I sucked it up and shopped there anyway.

The shirt was $5.99. The skirt was $5.99. The shoes I've had for about 3 years now.

These earrings were free from Twisted Silver when I signed up for their newsletter.

Quite the bargain outfit. Even Carl was impressed.

My $12 Outfit

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-12-outfit.html

Finding My Personal Style

I went shopping today. I was in desperate need of some new shirts and a khaki skirt. Why is it so difficult to find a khaki skirt? Is it because it isn't 1995 anymore? Possibly. But in my world, a khaki skirt is a staple. A classic.

Instead of finding a khaki skirt, I came home with 7 shirts, 2 pair of pants, 1 skirt, 1 sweater, and 2 pairs of socks. I spent under $100. I'm too lazy to take a picture tonight but I'm sure you'll see them around the blog soon enough. I did a quick internet search for some khaki skirts. I found this one for $295, this one for the over 65 crowd, or this awesome jumper (available in a multitude of colors) from 1989.

I also splurged to get my eyebrows waxed. I rockin' a short bang now so I deemed it necessary. It's only the second time I've had it done and it hurt more than I remember. Beauty is pain.

Speaking of fashion and hair, I should mention that I did not wear my hair like the class clown picture on a daily basis. They suggested I do that for the photo. I was just taking direction from the cameraman. I should remember to put that on my application for ANTM---takes direction well. Oh, who am I kidding? They would never take me for that show. I still don't have a khaki skirt!

Finding My Personal Style

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/finding-my-personal-style.html

Humor Me

I guess I'm not as funny as I used to be. Hardly any of you guessed correctly!

I didn't know whether to be glad or disappointed that you chose me for Best Personality. I'm glad you all think I have a good personality---or did you think I wasn't awesome enough for Best All Around or Most Likely to Succeed?

I gave a really good hint in my last post for the people at knitting group--but you had to be pretty quick to catch it. I mentioned "beans".

At knitting group this week I told a story about how when I was a senior, I went on a blind date with a guy from a different school. It was a double date. We went out to eat Mexican food. I was talking about something and my date laughed so hard that beans came out of his nose. I'm pretty sure that put me over the edge in the senior voting process--because someone reminded everyone else about that incident. What can I say? Small school.

Were any of you voted class clown? Or something else?

Humor Me

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/humor-me.html

Best Looking

You know how most high schools let the seniors vote for the "best of" in the class? Here's your chance to guess which one I got. If you happen to have known me in high school and remember the answer, don't spill the beans.




I'll post the answer tomorrow.

Best Looking

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-looking.html

Eva's a Superstar

I've got a lot of video of Caleb playing the piano and Eva does her fair share of awesomeness around here, too.

Here are some videos of her. This first one is her copying me. It is one of her favorite games lately. You should know that she LOVES peanut butter.



Here's another one of her. I heard her singing and playing the piano. I got out the Flip and taped her without her knowing. She is doing "Mississippi Hotdog". If you've ever done the Suzuki method, you should be familiar with this one...although she seems to take some creative license.

Eva's a Superstar

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/evas-superstar.html

Oops...I Did It Again

I dropped Eva off at preschool today and my car went on automatic pilot and drove straight to Joann's.

I came home with this.

It's a business expense.

Right?

Oops...I Did It Again

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/oopsi-did-it-again.html

Virtual Stamp Workshop*

Stampin' Up's Sale-a-Bration is going on now through March 31st. With every $50 order, you can choose one item from the sale-a-bration catalog for free.

It is the BEST time of the year to buy products from Stampin' UP. You can order online at my website or contact me via email to place an order.

If you're interested in hosting a virtual stamp workshop, leave a comment with your contact information or email me at christy AT christynelson DOT net. I think it would be fun to do during this promotion.

What You Do:

• You "host" on your blog by inviting your readers to order from my Stampin' UP website.
  
• You don't have to clean your house, collect orders or money, or deliver product.

What I Do:

• I will post a special stamp project on your blog.
• I will send you a brand new Spring/Summer idea book and catalog
• I will give you 20% off anything you want to order regardless of whether or not anyone else orders.
• I will give you hostess benefits based on the sales generated from your blog.

*cross posted at christynelson.net

Virtual Stamp Workshop*

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/virtual-stamp-workshop.html

Rare Quiet Moment

My picture is one of the finalists in the January contest over at Picture My Camera. It is this picture of Caleb and Eva that I took on our trip to California over Thanksgiving and it is titled, Rare Quiet Moment. I really, really want to win first prize. It is for a 1 TB external hard drive that I could really use.

Can you take a second to vote for me? The voting is only open until Feb 4th.

VOTE HERE!

Rare Quiet Moment

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/rare-quiet-moment.html

For Rill

I've never lived in Utah, but apparently I can rock a Utah accent. Maybe I should blame my Utah heritage? Carl has been trying to teach me for years the "correct" pronunciation of certain words and now that I live in the accent neutral state of Nebraska, I'm feeling the pressure to change. Yes I can!

Whale and well are pronounced exactly the same in my world.

I read someone's tweet last night and it said, "I hate dealing with the bill after a big meal." If I say it, this is what it sounds like: I hate dilling with the bill after a big mill.

Just try and have me pronounce windshield.

Actually, I am getting better.

Maybe.

Now I overcompensate a bit and that confuses Carl even more. Sale and sell used to both be "sell". Now they have both become "sale" because I'm trying too hard.

Is being able to pronounce windshield all that important anyway?

For Rill

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/02/for-rill.html

Clutter Diet Update

Guess what? I have barely worked on my clutter diet for the past two weeks. It has been hard to keep up with since Carl has been out of town. I really shouldn't use that as an excuse, but too bad. I am. I've done a few decluttering things here and there but I haven't been following the plan and I can tell. I've got to get back on the wagon, big time.

Master Closet Before

I did get around to taking some master closet photos. I just haven't done anything else to it since then. My wardrobe is in major need of an overhaul. Probably 1/3 of what you see here needs to be donated. It is either too big, too small, too short, or too ugly. I've got a few staple shirts and pants but even those are getting ratty. My favorite t-shirts all have holes in them. I've been wearing them anyway. I did buy some fabric for me to make a couple of new things. Now I just have to do it.

Clutter Diet Update

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/clutter-diet-update.html

Craftiness

I just wrote and deleted a post about my rotten day. I got it out of my system and I feel better. Instead I'd rather talk about the craft challenge.

Voting took place all week. There is a winner. I also picked a winner from the blog posts.

If you want to participate in February's challenge, you need to purchase your packet at my etsy shop TONIGHT! If you don't have an etsy account but would still like to participate, email me at christy AT christynelson DOT net. I can hook you up.

I've got most of the supplies gathered to send out and it's going to be a great month! You won't want to miss it.

Craftiness

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/craftiness.html

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb turns six today. Because Carl is out of town, we celebrated his birthday on Monday night. I think Eva and I might go to school to have lunch with him today. Here are some pictures from the other night.

Caleb loved all his presents and had a great time eating pizza and cake! He is so happy to be six.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-birthday-caleb.html

Holy Cowl

I knit up this super toasty warm cowl and finished it yesterday. I used up the leftover (precious) Malabrigo (color-Taureg) from my Bird in Hand mittens.

Let me take this opportunity to sing the praises of cowls in general. Many of you know that I HATE to knit scarves. Sure, I've done it before and more than likely I'll do it again. Scarves just happen to be my least favorite thing to knit. It's not like they're difficult. I think that is one of their problems. By the time I'm halfway through it, I don't want to do it anymore. Then by the time I'm finished I'm so sick of it I don't ever want to see it again. Plus, I don't like wearing scarves much anyway. They get caught in things and get lost.

Enter: the cowl. These knit up super quickly. I made mine in simple stockinette but you can do pretty much any stitch combo you want. You can even make one that wraps around and add a spiffy button so you don't have to pull it over your head. Mine is long enough to pull up over my ears, mouth, and nose. It's not too bulky so if I scrunch it down around my neck, it is comfy. The yarn is soft and warm. I love it.

I'm knitting another cowl for my knitting school knit-a-long over at christynelson.net. If you wish to experience the joy of the cowl, head over there to learn how to make one yourself.

Beware: It has come to my attention that if you decrease the number of stitches in your cowl to make it fit a little more snugly around your neck, don't forget to increase again before casting off. This could prove to be very embarrassing when you go to put your cowl on and it won't go over your big head. If you frog back a few rows and then do some increases, it will be perfect and will go over your head--no problem!

Holy Cowl

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/holy-cowl.html

He's Just Not That Into You Soundtrack

It was a good mail day yesterday. I opened a package that contained my preview copy of the He's Just Not That Into You Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Also included is a box of promotional conversation hearts. I haven't decided if I'm going to open them or not.

The soundtrack will be released on February 3rd but you can pre-order it at Amazon.

This is my new favorite craft-a-long CD. With songs by Corinne Bailey Rae, Maroon 5, R.E.M., and The Replacements, it already looks a lot like my ultimate favorite playlist on my iPod. Throw in a couple of my favorite older songs, The Human League's "Don't You Want Me" and The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love", and you've got a seriously good mix of music. The last track, "Last Goodbye" is sung by Scarlett Johansson. It was a pleasant surprise and a good finish to a fun soundtrack.

New discovery: "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane. I don't know if I've heard this song before but I absolutely love it.

Caleb's favorite: "Love, Save the Empty" by Erin McCarley

Eva's favorite: "Fruit Machine" by The Ting Tings

If how much I love the soundtrack = how much I'll love the movie, I'll probably fork over the money to see it in the theaters. That, and I have a major girl crush on Drew Barrymore.

He's Just Not That Into You Soundtrack

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/hes-just-not-that-into-you-soundtrack.html

Yes YOU Can!

YOU can make a difference. Go and vote for your favorite at Christy's Craft Challenge. We've been waiting all month for this and it is finally here! If you signed up and haven't finished or submitted a picture yet, no worries. Get it to me ASAP and I'll include it in the voting.

What are you waiting for?????

Go and VOTE!

Yes YOU Can!

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/yes-you-can.html

For the Family

If you haven't been going over to my other site, you've been missing out on great pics like these!

Not to mention you're missing out on all of my great craftiness!

For the Family

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-family.html

Why Blogging is Bad News for Husbands

I've come to the conclusion that blogging is bad news for husbands.

Exhibit A: Deb's husband sends her flowers.

Exhibit B: Wendy's husband went to ballroom dancing camp for her.

Exhibit C: Maren's husband made her birthday the best ever.

I was starting to think that I'm not appreciated and that Carl doesn't really love me.

Then I remembered our date last week.



Any man willing to paint a little bear, in public, and be videotaped for my blog (okay, I don't think he knew I would really post this) has got to be a keeper.

Why Blogging is Bad News for Husbands

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/why-blogging-is-bad-news-for-husbands.html

Do These Things (pretty please?)

1. Put my button on your blog. I've made it simple enough. Just copy and past the code below and put it on your sidebar. Would you mind?

2. Be awesome. I'm sure all of you are already doing this. It is just a friendly reminder.

3. Win something. You know how I have been winning lots of great prizes? Well, you can too. You just have to enter!

• Refibered is having giveaways all week.
  
• Picture My Camera is a great site about photography and they are having a contest. There are 2 prizes (worth over $250 total) and only 4 entrants so far. One of them is me so just because I'm telling you about this is me being awesome. Especially since I really want that external hard drive. Pay it forward, share the love, and what not. If you don't want to enter that one, you can still vote for me right?
  
• Don't forget about the Crafty Nation giveaways too.

4. Have you checked out christynelson.net lately? I've been working hard over there and I hope you like it. The January craft challenge is well under way and you can purchase February's challenge (only $5!) until Jan 30th.

5. Go to bed early. I'm not talking about 8pm early. Just early enough that your body will thank you in the morning. I'm shooting for 10:30pm this evening. I'm getting sent an organic pillow to review for my blog so sleeping has been on my mind.

Have anything you'd like me to do for you? Leave me a comment and I'll do my best.

Do These Things (pretty please?)

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/do-these-things-pretty-please.html