What's in My Bag

That's my bag, it's big, floppy, trusty, durable and holds just about anything. I got this bag from my Mom about two years ago and it has held up incredibly well. I don't carry much in my purse and to be honest I could be the type of person who gets away with carrying a little bag, but for some reason I like the security of a large bag. Here's what's inside (warning: it isn't all that exciting). 

A. I've always got to have a pen in my bag. Isn't it frustrating being somewhere and needing to write something and being pen-less? I also have a Sharpie in my bag. Why? I don't know? I haven't been signing many autographs lately. 

B. That's my gym card, pretty self-explanatory on that one. 

C. I carry my business cards with me in a Hiya Luv wallet. My business cards currently have my old logo on them and my new business cards with my new logo were shipped on Friday! I can't wait until they get here. 

D. That's the corner of my wallet there. I have a tiny wallet. Sometimes I just carry my wallet inside places and it fits inside my pocket.

E. Every girl has to have the essential hair accessories and personally I always have my hair up. I'd love to be able to wear my hair down, but it just never happens. 

F. Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm is my favorite Lip Balm. I have a very strong addiction to it, the smell, the taste and the feel of it on my lips, I highly recommend it. I also always carry some elf (can be found at Target) mascara in my purse. 

G. Of course my cell phone is always in my bag.

H. I've got an assortment of receipts flying around the bottom of my purse (the usual Target and Hobby Lobby).

I. Yes, those are Pottery Barn gift cards and no they have not been spent. I've had them for about six months. I really like Pottery Barn but I struggle with decision making, it's a problem I've had as a child- mac and cheese or peanut butter and jelly? Just pick one for me and I'll be much happier. That's why I struggle with gift cards. I've been in Potter Barn every time I've been to the mall since I've had those gift cards but they remain at the bottom of my bag because I can't make a decision. 

J. Last week was my birthday so I also need to clear out the bag from a couple of birthday cards I've got floating around. 

That's it, I told you it wasn't that exciting. I'm linking up to Scatter Girl's "What's in your Bag" Linky Party. 

ShenanAgains

ShenanAgains is a beautiful shop on Etsy featuring items that once were old, that now are new! I love the idea of upcycling and ShenanAgains knows how to do that perfectly. There are countless amounts of beautiful re-invented items to choose from in this unique shop and that is why I love to shop at ShenanAgains. Here are just a few of my current favorite items for sale...

Colorful Bloom Wreath

Vintage Bingo Number Necklace

Amelia Spoon Keyring

If I were you I would head on over to ShenanAgains very quickly and get your hands on some of these one of a kind items before they are gone forever! 

Where you can find ShenanAgains:

Shop

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Keepin' It Thrifty

Are you looking for a blog for thrifty ideas in decorating, gifts, outfits, and more? Look no further then the fabulous blog written by Andrea, Keepin' it Thrifty. I love reading Andrea's blog to catch up on all of her fantastic thrifty ideas. These days people have a misconception that extraordinary has to come with an extraordinary price tag but Andrea reminds her readers daily that, that is not the case. I love reading Andrea's blog to specifically check out all her fabulously thrifted outfits like these...

So stop by Keepin' it Thrifty to receive lots of thrifty tips from Andrea! 

Where you can find Keepin' it Thrifty: 

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

My Hoot Designs

It is about that time of year where we start thinking about our Christmas gifts... Gasp! It seems so far away, the holiday seasons but before you know it we will be decorating cookies and drinking eggnog. Hoot Designs has the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your list, personalized embodied key chains.  

Aren't they adorable? They are perfect for a friend, family member, teacher, neighbor, you name it. 

If you are interested in giving a key chain to someone for the holidays Chrissy of Hoot Designs is running a special right now for just $10 a key chain! All you need to do is send Chrissy an e-mail at Chrissy (at) myhootdesigns (dot) com to receive the ribbon flyer to get started on personalizing your key chain. 

Set Up Shop

Set Up Shop is a great tool for those who have an indie business. Set Up Shop is a blog, weekly Twitter Chat and a community for those to go to gain information and support for running their indie business.  The genius behind Set Up Shop is Gina of Hiya Luv Handmade...

Participating in a weekly Set Up Shop Twitter Chat is so easy to do and very beneficial for an indie business owner. I myself have made so many connections through these chats and also learned countless information by participating. All you need to do to participate is have a Twitter account. If you have a Twitter account just log on to Twitter on Monday evenings at 9pm Eastern time and then go to www.tweetchat.com, that is the easiest way to follow along with the Twitter Chat. On the front page of Tweet Chat you will be instructed to enter a hash tag to follow and this is where you would type "setupshop". After you have typed in "setupshop" you will be taken to a chat screen where you can follow along with everyone that is participating in the Set Up Shop chat. Some people choose to follow along just by reading the chat and others choose to actively participate. If you have an indie business I encourage you to participate in the Set Up Shop Chat, learn a wealth of information, meet a supportive group of indie business owners and grow your business at the same time. 

Where you can find Set Up Shop:

Blog

Twitter

The Re-Giftables Giveaway

The Re-Giftables is a beautiful shop unlike any that you have seen before. The Re-Giftables is a great shop that upcycles items most people would throw away and turns them into beautiful pieces of wearable art. Elyse is the talented woman behind Re-Giftables and here is the story of Re-Giftables in her own words...

"After hours of staring at my computer monitor for my day job as a graphic designer, my eyes start to bug out and I have to step away. I suppose I could do laundry or bake banana bread, but lately I have been fascinated with the possibilities of upcycling. I lie awake at night dreaming up things to do with stuff that would otherwise go into the trash. 

This has been a lifetime obsession for me – I remember making furniture for my dollhouse out of egg cartons and sewing tiny pillows out of an old sock.

Recently I started making notebooks out of used gift cards. That evolved into Jewelry. Who knows what comes next? My craft table is covered in scraps of plastic waiting to be reborn. I’d love your feedback and ideas for new items!"

Elyse is offering you all a chance to win a Re-Giftables' spider necklace and earrings set (just in time for the Holiday season). Elyse likes to leave the backs untouched, as proof of where the piece began. She has had so many people not believe her when she has told them that a necklace or other Re-Giftable piece used to be a gift card (would you?). Elyse has to keeps the backs undecorated so she can turn over the piece to prove it! Here is the beautiful spider set you could win...

How to enter to win the Re-Giftable Spider Earrings & Necklace Set (please leave a separate comment for each entry):

1. Heart Re-Giftables on Etsy

2. Like Re-Giftables on Facebook

3. Tweet about this giveaway

4. Facebook about this giveaway

*Giveaway open to US Residents only and will close on Wednesday- Sep, 28th at 11:59 pm central time*

Kittens & Gumdrops

Vinyl is such a great invention! I love the countless ways in which you can be creative with vinyl and that's why I love the fun Etsy shop, Kittens and Gumdrops. Kittens and Gumdrops is a shop full of pre-made vinyl pieces but Lauren (the creative gal behind the shop) is always up for custom orders as well. I've had Lauren work on a few custom vinyl pieces for myself and I've been very satisfied with the product and the service! Here are some of my current favorite items for sale in the Kitten and Gumdrops' shop...

Personalized Mailbox Address

Kitchen Jar Labels

Personalized Family Name Tile

Now before you rush over to Kittens and Gumdrops to get your hands on some stellar vinyl, I want to make sure you leave here with a coupon code for 15% off! Use coupon code...
TRUNK15
at check out for 15% off your total purchase at Kittens and Gumdrops. 


Where you can find Kittens and Gumdrops:
Shop
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

Fall Wreath

The weather is finally cooling down a bit in South Texas and we even saw a little rain, could it be that Fall is really coming? 

I was so lucky this weekend to have my Mom in town and we had a blast shopping, hanging out and really doing a whole lot of nothing. We decided it would be fun to make some fall wreaths so we headed to Michaels' and picked up a few essential supplies. 

We each picked oval shaped twig wreaths, some berries and green moss for our wreaths. While on our shopping adventures of the weekend we were able to find some fantastic burlap ribbon at a farmer's market that we used to create big festive bows to dress up our wreaths. Both my Mom and myself used hot glue to keep the moss in the desired place, simple stuck in our berries and our burlap ribbon was rimmed with wire making it easy to bend to the desired bow shape. The whole wreath construction process only took about 30 minutes and we were both very pleased with how our wreaths turned out. Here is my Mom's...

I just love the bird burlap ribbon that she chose! The berries match perfectly. Here is my wreath...

Happy Fall everyone!

*See where I link up by clicking on my "Come Party With Me" Page*

Bubblewrapp'd



I adore the shop Bubblewrapp'd and the wonderful lady behind Bubblewrapp'd, miss Andrea. I personally have more than a couple pieces of Bubblewrapp'd in my house and receive constant compliments on them. Right now Andrea has some fantastic pieces in her shop for fall and you have to check them out!

{Happy Fall}

{Spooky}

{Trick or Treat}

How fun would one of these blocks be on a mantle to dress it up for Halloween or setting one of these blocks next to some pumpkins? I've been over the top satisfied with every product that I've received from Bubblewrapp'd and know that you will as well. Today Andrea is offering you all 10% off her already very LOW prices! Just use coupon code-

TRUNK10

Where you can find Bubblewrapp'd:

Shop

Blog

Twitter

The American Heart Association

Thanks to Walgreens for sponsoring my writing. Help Walgreens help others! Visit their Facebook page here to learn about their charitable partners and decide which cause Walgreens will donate to with a quick vote.

{via}

From a young age my parents instilled in my sister and myself a need to volunteer and give back. My parents successfully were able to teach the value of always giving back to the community you live in. I used to live in Denver and in Denver is where I began to get involved in an organization that was close to myself, my family and also gave back to my community, The American Heart Association. My family has a history of Heart disease and so the American Heart Association was a perfect organization for me to connect with. Brendan and I got involved helping with the Denver Heart Ball, a black tie fundraising event held once a year by the American Heart Association. It was a fun event and I had a great time being on the silent auction committee. 

Brendan and myself at the Denver Heart Ball 2010 

Once Brendan and I moved to San Antonio we were invited to attend the San Antonio Heart Ball. We had a great time attending as guests and since we knew absolutely no one in San Antonio it was a great way to get to know people.

Brendan and myself at the San Antonio Heart Ball 2011

 I instantly began asking people at the San Antonio Heart Ball how I could get involved with the American Heart Association in San Antonio. I was able to connect with some ladies and I get involved volunteering at the Go Red for Women Luncheon. 

That's me at the Go Red for Women Luncheon in San Antonio 2011

Giving back is not only fulfilling and rewarding for your community but it is rewarding for yourself. I experienced that first hand with my move from Denver to San Antonio. The American Heart Association allowed me to give back to the community I grew up in and allowed me to continue to give back in a new community. I will always hold a special place in my heart for the American Heart Association and for all the amazing things that they do for communities across the United States. To get involved in The American Heart Association in your community visit their website to locate the nearest American Heart Association group near you.

Don't forget to help Walgreens help others! Visit their Facebook page here to learn about their charitable partners and decide which cause Walgreens will donate to with a quick vote. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

$15 for $30 Worth at Delice Chocolatier & Patisserie

I have an incredible weakness for chocolate. It's bad, anything with chocolate in, around, near or on it...I've got to have it! I am so excited about today's deal from Juice in the City because it involves my sweet chocolate addiction.

Made in-house from Belgium chocolates, all Delice sweets are created by Chef Susana Mijares, a graduate of the famed Le Cordon Bleu Paris. One step into this magical shop and you’ll see why it’s been serving up cakes and confections for more than 11 years. This deal might not buy you a bare-chested Beckham, but it WILL get you $30 worth of Delice chocolates, candies, cake pops and coconut macaroons for just $15 - or use your 30 bucks toward a beautifully crafted 8” cake (normally a $27-$32 value). Grab this one today and get your chocolate groove on! Make sure you run over to Juice in the City to snap up this heavenly deal before it is gone!



Lean Mexican Burgers

I can take no credit for this recipe, I give it all to Brendan. He whipped up this filling, healthy, appetizing burger for dinner and it was delightful. Brendan and I love to come up with recipes that are healthy and also satisfying and this burger fell in that category perfectly. 

Lean Mexican Burgers

-1 pound 96% lean ground beef

-1/4 cup fat free sour cream

-1/4 cup minced onion

-1/2 of a Serrano chili  pepper. minced

-1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

-3/4 teaspoon chili power

-Pinch of cayenne pepper (more or less depending if you like it spicy) 

-1 teaspoon minced garlic

-1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

-1 egg

-Salt and Pepper

-low fat pepper jack cheese

Place beef in large mixing bowl, salt and pepper generously. Combine all other ingredients. Mix together but don't overwork your meat- you don't want it to get too tough. 

Form into desired burger patty size. Using your thumb, place a small divot on top of each patty to prevent swelling while they cook. 

Grill to desired temperature, top with pepper jack cheese & guacamole, serve and enjoy! 

Brendan's Homemade Guacamole:

-1/2 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced

-2 large Haas avocados

-1 teaspoon lime juice

-1/4 cup diced red onion

-1/2 of a Serrano chili pepper, diced

I'm linking up to the parties listed in my "link party" page.

Insta-Friday Graduation!

This week was fantastic! I graduated :) Finally. Brendan treated me to a fantastic week of celebration! Here is a peek into my week via Instagram...

A yummy salad I made.

 Melo found a stick log. 

 This is the, "take me for a walk face" and yes that is a headband of mine he stole under his chest. 

 The surprise I came home to after work on Monday!

 My new obsession :)

 Finally!

 The shop is beginning to receive new updates, have you checked them out?

 I started painting again, new and improved designs will make their way in the shop soon.

 I received this pretty packaged from Andrea of Bubblewrapp'd.

& this was what was inside! I love it! 

Happy Friday everyone :)