Are You Ready For a Safari?

I'm teaming up with The Craft Monkey and The Funky Polkadot Giraffe to host a Summer Safari Link up! This will be my very first time hosting a link party so I'll hope you will join me June 20th and show me what your front porch looks like! I want to see your plants, or a wreath you've been working on or maybe a door mat- all things front porch I want to see linked up to the party! Since moving into my very first house I'm pleasantly surprised by how much fun I'm having decorating my front porch and that's why I chose that as my theme for the Safari Summer Party.  

So mark your calenders and I hope you will join myself, The Crafty Monkey and The Funky PolkaDot Giraffe as we take you on a Summer Safari! 

Tickle Me Tuesday: Words

This Tuesday for Yes, Teacher's Tickle Me Tuesday I'm linking up some favorite words/sayings/phrases I've found recently via Pinterest... enjoy. 

Juice in the City Winner!

I am so excited that Juice in the City will be launching in San Antonio! For those who missed the giveaway you are not out of luck you can still sign up to receive the deal of the day in your inbox and trust me you don't want to miss out on these fantastic deals that are coming to San Antonio! These Tuesday (May 31th) will be the official launch day date for Juice in the City: San Antonio. You do want to make sure that you sign up for the deal of the day before Tuesday so that you don't miss out on the first deal of the day- a fantastic deal for Pizza at Fralo's! 

Now for the winner of the Juice in the City $25 Juice bucks giveaway:

#6 Tara! Congrats Tara, an e-mail is on it's way to you. 

If you noticed by Tara's comment she mentioned she is from Portland, that's right Juice in the City isn't just in San Antonio. If you'd like to see if Juice in the City deals are available in your city click here and click the drop down menu of available cities and if you're lucky enough to have Juice in the City in your area I encourage you to sign up for the daily juice e-mail.

Daily Deals on Juice in the City

Grow Your Small Business

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Are you looking to grow your small business? Advertising on blogs is a fantastic way to get your name out there. I love promoting others and if you think advertising at The Elephant's Trunk might be something you are interested in please e-mail me....

elephantstrunk42@gmail.com

Tickle Me Tuesdays: Food

Lately Brendan and I have been on a cooking kick. He's the cook and I'm the baker. This week I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle Me Tuesday a link party dedicated to things that are tickling your fancy. I'm posting this week about some recipes that I've been dying to try (or have Brendan make for me- ha ha).

Artichoke Bread

Oreo Cupcakes

Carne Asada Tacos

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

I am drooling. I really need to try these out! I'm thinking this weekend is going to involve a lot of baking and cooking.

Juice in the City: San Antonio

San Antonio, get excited because May 26th Juice in the City is coming to San Antonio! Haven't heard of Juice in the City? 

Juice in the City is a deal of the day website that features a local deal personally approved by moms from the San Antonio area. Juice in the City works with moms who live in San Antonio to figure out exactly what deals they want and exactly what deals they need! You don't have to be a mom to appreciate these deals (I'm not a mom but I am so excited that Juice in the City is coming to San Antonio). 

To make sure you are prepared to receive the Juice in the City deals you can  sign up to have the deal delivered to your e-mail inbox daily starting May 26th. 

Want to win $25 in Juice Bucks (credit towards a deal of the day)? 

Here is how you can enter to win:

1. Sign up to receive the daily deal e-mails

2. Like Juice in the City on Facebook 

*Make sure you leave a comment for each of the entries you complete*

If you don't live in San Antonio you aren't out of luck for this giveaway! Juice in the City is located in: Denver, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Angeles, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis-St.Paul, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix-Scottsdale, Portland, Raleigh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington D.C!

If you live in one of these areas, near one of these areas or know someone who lives in one of these areas you can enter (you are more than welcome to gift the Juice Bucks to a friend if you are the winner)! 

Giveaway will close Thursday, May 26th at 11:59 central time. 

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies

Nothing like hot peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk, except maybe hot peanut butter cookies with chocolate chunks and a cold glass of milk. 

-2 1/2 cups of all purpose-flour

-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

-1/2 teaspoon of baking powder 

-1/2 teaspoon of salt

-1 1/2 cups of butter (softened)

-1 cup of lightly packed light brown sugar

-1 cup of white sugar

-1 cup of extra crunchy peanut butter

-2 eggs

-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

-1 cup of chocolate chunks

1. Stir together in a medium mixing bowl the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 

2. In a large bowl, cream butter (I like to mix my butter on slow for at least ten minutes in my mixer- to really get the butter extra soft). Add brown sugar and white sugar until contents are smooth. Slowly stir in peanut butter until everything has a nice consistency. 

3. Add the eggs to the large bowl one at a time, mix, then add the vanilla and mix again.

4. Gently mix in the dry ingredients from the small bowl and mix well.

5. Fold in chocolate chunks. 

6. Place dough in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.  

7. Roll dough onto desired sized cookies and place on pre-greased baking sheet.

8. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!

Winey Wednesday #12

Due to a surprise date night from Brendan (the boyfriend) Winey Wendesday will take a break until next week. 
Cheers to you all! 

Bloggers who Inspire

Thanks to Trop50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 Fabulous Wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous!

I'm writing today to let you know about a few fabulous ladies that have inspired me. Before I was a blogger I was a reader and I was a reader for quite awhile before I finally became brave enough to become a blogger. The following five fabulous ladies are the reason I was inspired to myself be a blogger. 

1.

Heather of WhipperBerry

Heather creates daily eye candy through the WhipperBerry blog and this blog is one that really capture my interest into the world of blogging. Googling of a recipe led me to WhipperBerry and the rest is blogging history. Heather and her fellow WhipperChicks post fantastic tutorials on style, photos, recipes, weddings, home decor and much more. WhipperBerry and Heather inspired me into the blogging and continue to inspire me on a daily basis.

2.

Allison of House of Hepworths

One of my favorite parts about Allison's blog is that you feel as though she is talking right to you and I dare you to get through just one of her posts without laughing. The women is hilarious and her voice screams out loud through the words on her blog. I'm not sure if I visit House of Hepworths for Allison's home decorating tips or just a little bit of Allison's humor. 

3.

Jen of Tatertots & Jello

Jen has a heart of gold and this woman would do anything for anyone else and it is through that philosophy that she has become a success herself. Jen constantly uses her large audience of followers through her blog, Facebook and Twitter to promote others. Jen's blog is full of fantastic ideas from herself and many other bloggers. Through kindness Jen has become a talented and acknowledged blogger.

4.

Shelley of House of Smiths 

If there was one stranger's house I could just move into and hope they wouldn't notice it would be Shelley's. This women has talent, incredible decorating talent that makes me want to tear down my whole house and start from scratch. I also love Shelley's blog because she is honest, real and confident and all of that shines through in each of her posts.

5.

Stephanie of Somewhat Simple

Stephanie's blog is creativity central. The countless ideas available on her blog could keep a girl busy for hours (not that I know from experience- ha). If you're looking for a teacher's appreciation gift, party idea, kids' craft, or anything else Stephanie's blog is a go to location for creative inspiration. I've had so many times were I've been in that rut, that rut where I have absolutely no ideas and it just takes a few clicks at Somewhat Simple to get those creative juices flowing again.  

What bloggers inspires you? I'd love to hear who keeps your writing!

Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

Sponsor Highlight: Squirmy Worm Studio

Squirmy Worm Studio is an adorable Etsy shop filled with market totes, PDF patterns, coffee burlap bags, diaper pods and much more. "Everything is made with love and created with thread" is the motto that Squirmy Worm Studio stands behind and you can certainly tell that each and every product has a little bit of love in them. If you're looking for a great gift for a friend or a great gift for yourself I encourage you to check out Squirmy Worm Studio. Here are a few of the fabulous items available in the shop now. 

Coffee Burlap Tote Bag Bob-o-Link Coffee

Market Tote

Where you can find Squirmy Worm Studio:

Shop

Facebook

Blog

Sponsor Highlight: Keepin' It Thrifty

One of my favorite parts about blogging has been how one blog can lead you to another and another and so on and so on. Today I want to introduce you to a great blog, Keepin' it Thrifty. This blog is dedicated to all things thrifty and fabulous and the blog's author, Andrea certainly achieves that! Andrea is currently planning her wedding right now so here are a few of my favorite DIY pieces she has done for her wedding...

DIY Dollar Store Cupcake Stand Tutorial

DIY Birch Wood Centerpieces

Where you can find Keepin' it Thrifty:

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Sponsor Highlight: Anne Franklin Designs

Anne Franklin Designs stands out among handmade jewelry designers for many reasons but the most obvious of those being that the pieces from Anne Franklin Designs are made from such items like Scrabble pieces and Domino Pieces. One of my favorite things about Anne Franklin Designs is that you can pick a pre-made piece or you can customize your own piece. Here are a few of my current favorite pieces available in the AFD shop right now...

Dotty Domino Necklace

Monogram Scrabble Necklace

Where to find Anne Franklin Designs: 

Shop

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Sponsor Highlight: Hoot Designs

My Hoot Designs is a fun and unique Etsy shop that carries a little of this and a little of that. One of the most popular items that can be found in the Hoot Design shop are the personalized embroidered key chains:

Everything about these key chains are customizable- the ribbon, the colors, and the words. I gave one of these key chains as a thank you gift to a neighbor and she loved it!

My Hoot Designs also sells another great gift idea, gift card mini stack notepad spirals like this one...

If you're looking for a great shop for gifts at a reasonable price, look no further than My Hoot Designs. 

Use code: SUMMERHOOT20 to receive 20% off your total purchase

Where you can find My Hoot Designs: 

Etsy

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

Hoot Photography

Sponsor Highlight: Hiya Luv

"Be stylish, be confident, be you"- That's the motto that {Hiya Luv} stands behind and designs products around. {Hiya Luv} is an accessory shop on Etsy that is filled with beautiful clutches, brooches, earrings, pouches and more all made from colorful fabrics. If you were to peek inside my duffel bag of a purse right now you would find not one, not two, but there {Hiya Luv} pouches. One pouch holds my camera, one holds my business card and the last holds my lip glosses. Want to get your hands on your own {Hiya Luv} accessory? 


Use code: TRUNKLUV25 to receive 25% off your purchase. 


Here are a few examples of what you could use your coupon code for... 

Spring Has Sprung Button Earrings

Bubble Pop Electric Luv Blossom Clutch

Where you can find {Hiya Luv}:

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Sponsor Highlight: Two Lilies Boutique

Two Lilies Boutique is a beautiful hair accessory store on Etsy. I personally own 2 pieces from Two Lilies and have given some pieces away as gifts. When I wear a piece from Two Lilies I constantly receive compliments and I owe it all to Two Lilies. Haven't checked out Two Lilies yet for yourself? Here are two brand new headbands listed just yesterday...

Double Ribbon Rosette with Berry Pink

Double Ribbon Rosette with 2 Shades of Purple Accents

You can get 15% off your order from Two Lilies by entering the code TRUNK at checkout. 

Where you can find Two Lilies:

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Studio/Creative Space

One of my favorite things about this move to the new home is that I get a room dedicated as my creative space. I can't wait to start decorating this room and really bring out myself through decorating this room. Here is what the room looks like right now (I apologize for the pictures- my camera was still packed at the time and unable to be located when I was trying to get these pictures and all that was available was my cell phone)...

Look how organized all my stuff is (yes, I am being highly sarcastic). So the room itself doesn't have much character but after some paint, wall art, organization tools, and furniture I'm hoping it might turn out something like one of these spaces...

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Winey Wednesday #11

I'm so thrilled that Miss. Nelly from the fabulous blog, Cooking with Books is here today to share a glass of wine with all of us for Winey Wednesday #11! Nelly is a beautiful writer and a full of fantastic information so after you check out her post her I encourage you to take a peek at her blog. Enough chatter from me and now I will let Nelly introduce you to a fabulous Merlot...

Hello Elephant's Trunk readers! I'm Nelly over from Cooking with Books and today Lauren invited me to share a glass of wine with her on her Winey Wednesday!  I'm glad to be here, sharing one of my newly discovered and favorite wine right now made from the Merlot grapes!

Whoever said that a good wine had to be expensive?! They were wrong! Sure, some of the best wines in the world cost more than $1,000.00 a bottle, but for us blogger folks that’s not a realistic budget. I just finished a basic Wine Course in which we tasted this wine. You will see in this link that it’s inexpensive. Some might even say cheap, but don’t be fooled! We’d normally assume that an inexpensive wine is never good, but with this Woodbridge Merlot Robert Mondavi 2009 from California, I can assure you, we’d be wrong!

 From the Mondavi site this wine is composed of  "76% Merlot, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah, 2% Zinfandel, and 12% small amounts of other complementary varieties."

What I love most about this wine is that it was easy to drink and after a while of being aerated, it developed notes of molasses and sweet, dark coffee. The first impressions were of cloves and red berries, which made me a happy baker! This Merlot is aged in oak barrels, so you will also get lovely tastes of toast and vanilla, and the tannins, although present, are not too strong. They recommend you pairing this with "barbecued chicken, spaghetti Bolognese, wild mushroom risotto, or a perfectly grilled burger."

Now go on, relax because it's the middle of the week and it's almost Friday! Grab a glass of wine and be grateful for where you are right now. Where you are right now, is exactly where you're supposed to be.

Did you know...the most expensive Merlot is from Chateau Petrus in France. 250 ml cost $1,200.00 a bottle. 

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