Guest Post: Advocare {with} Avery & A Giveaway

Good Morning!  So, yesterday I was talking about how I'm trying to stay active and make smart choices as far as eating and cooking for my family.  I also mentioned that I drink Spark, an energy drink by Advocare, to help me cut back on coffee drinking in the afternoon.  

Today I have my friend Avery here to tell you about Advocare and two of the products that I use... and she's going to share some with a lucky reader, too!  


Keep reading...


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Hello SoChick fans,


My name is Avery Quinn and I'm here to share AdvoCare with yall! I'm just going to share a few of my favorite products, a few comments from happy customers and wrap up with a give away!
AdvoCare is a premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products along with a rewarding business opportunity.

I want to introduce you to a few great products AdvoCare has to offer for weight loss,keeping the weight off and working out!

{Photo by Laura Oldfather Photography}

Spark is a sugar free energy drink that is full of vitamins and minerals. It's available in many flavors, jitter free and no crash. My husband and I use this daily!

{Photography by www.leahsaree.com}

Next is Catalyst, this product is a must-have if you're trying to trim down, or keep fat away! Catalyst peels fat off of muscle while protecting your lean muscle mass. Also helps endurance during work outs! I take this daily (especially before a run!)

These are some staples for myself thanks to AdvoCare & some of the best sellers. Here's what some happy customers have to say:

"Spark Energy was the only thing that kept me going my first trimester of pregnancy. My husband was away and I had two toddlers to take care of, and all I wanted to do was sleep.. until I ordered me some spark, of course! "
-Laura

"The Carb stuff (CarbEase plus) I got really took away that "bloaty woman feeling". I always felt as if I was bloated and carrying around extra weight. .... Not anymore! " 
-Kristi

"Catalyst is a winner for me!! Helps boost energy and with my runs"
-Lydia

"Spark was the only thing that kept me non jittery yet awake during our cross country move from North Carolina to California, especially having to run our two large dogs at the hotels after driving 13 hours a day!"
-Lisa

& that's just a few! 

{Photography by www.leahsaree.com}

Thank you for letting me take a minute to share some great products with yall. There is something for everyone so feel free to contact me and we can find something that fits your needs!

Stay Healthy!
Avery Quinn
www.advocareimpact.us
www.facebook.com/advocareimpact


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Avery is a super sweet and inspiring gal, she recently did the Run For The Warriors Half Marathon and finished with an awesome time! Go girl!!

She is also very kindly giving away two packages of Spark Energy for a lucky reader to try!

Giveaway Details


Visit Avery's Site and leave a comment here telling me what product you'd most likely use.


Additional entries:
~"Like" AdvocareImpact on Facebook HERE
"Like" SoChick Handbags on Facebook HERE
Leave a comment for each.


Giveaway ends May 29 at 11:59pmEST;  I'll randomly draw a winner on May 30th.


Good luck and I hope you have a safe Memorial Day weekend!
XxOo~ Melissa

Gust Posting for Bubblewrapp'd [Chalkboard-Makeover DIY]

I'm visiting my friend Andrea's Blog today [Bubblewrapp'd] and telling you all about my Chalkboard-Makeover DIY Project... go check it out.

Also worth checking out is the celebratory GiveAway that I'm having over on my SoChick! Facebook Page!  


Happy Wednesday!!


XxOo~ Melissa

Last Minute Tips for Decorating your Workplace Work-space {A Guest Post with Maire of Eat, Breathe, Blog}

The darling, Maire, is guest posting for me again today with some last minute tips for decorating your workplace work space. 

If you missed the last Guest Post from Maire, you'll want to check it out when you're done with this one!  It's all about caring for your Handmade Items. 

{Via}

Holiday cheer for your office!

Now that Christmas is but days away and Hanukkah has already begun, your office is likely aglow in holiday cheer. If you're still putting up decorations or looking for ideas about how to make your workplace festive, read on for some design ideas for office and cubicle decorations.

The rules:

• Know about office etiquette so that you don't misstep when it's time to decorate. There's little sense in being disciplined for something that can easily be avoided. If management has banned blinking holiday lights or noisemaking decorations, take their directives to heart.
• If you think something you're about to display might offend someone, think twice about putting it up. All sorts of holidays are celebrated at this time of year, including Hanukkah, Winter Solstice/Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and even Festivus.
• Keep your work area clean. Don't let decorations impede your progress at work. You don't want to regret decking your cube or get in trouble with management.

Let's decorate!

• Wrap the Whirlpool refrigerators in the break room like a present. Cover the front of the fridge in gift wrap, add a ribbon and an oversized bow.
• Display a miniature Christmas tree on a table or filing cabinet. Invite your coworkers to bring in ornaments.
• Put out fake plants like poinsettias, which provide color and seasonal cheer but require no work to maintain.
• Offer holiday treats for your coworkers to enjoy, such as snowman-shaped cookies or a selection of hard candy. Keep in mind people who might be dieting or diabetic and consider including some sugar-free treats, which are widely available at most retailers.
• Display a menorah and blue-and-white items (Hanukkah), set out a decorative bowl of earth elements like pinecones and evergreen (Yule) or dried ears of corn and decorations in red, black, and green (Kwanzaa). Consider hosting a Festivus party.

In your cubicle:

• Choose one of your cubicle walls to be 'holiday central.' Display cards you've received, 'wrap' the wall with gift paper much like you did with the fridge, hang a small wreath, or string lights around the top of your cube. Be careful not to overdo it; a small decorated space can easily become cluttered.
• Be careful about burning candles. You might be in violation of a fire code and scents like pine, cinnamon, or sugar cookie can overpower your coworkers easily.
• Gift wrap your office supplies, like the pencil cup or stapler. Don't gift wrap items you need to use every day unless you're careful to maintain their functionality.
• Align bows atop your monitor.
• Change your computer's screen saver. Burn a Yule log, sit under the stockings by the hearth, watch harmless candlelight flicker, or write a holiday message that coworkers and clients can see as they pass by your workspace.
• Decorate with winter elements like snowmen and snowflakes.
• Hang candy canes from your cubicle wall and invite people to take them.

The most important thing to remember with decorating is to have fun. Adding holiday cheer to your office should be carefree and enjoyable and an activity that everyone in your office can enjoy. Happy Holidays!

Maire blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality products. She also enjoys crafting, treadmill running, and eating peanut butter out of the jar with a spoon.

XxOo~ Melissa

Caring for your Handmade Items [A Guest Post]

Today's guest post is from Maire, of EatBreatheBlog.com.  Maire is going to share some tips for caring for the handmade gifts you are giving and/or receiving this Holiday Season and beyond... enjoy!


How to care for your new creations!

Crafting hits a peak in the holiday season. Whether you are making creations for yourself or others, many DIY opportunities arise. However, being able to make someone a homemade gift doesn't mean you necessarily should.

{via}

Luckily, I haven't received any true crafting disasters and I don't think it happens that often. The more common mistake, I feel, is improper use of homemade items once they are gifted. Personally made gifts don't often come with care instructions; little details like "not dishwasher safe" or "dry clean only" don't always get translated when they should. This leads to people accidently ruining the presents. Follow these steps on how to care for your homemade garments so that you can better protect your precious creations and spread the word to others.

The Right Stuff

Pay attention to your fabric selection. Go for items that are stain resistant or can go in washers. Avoid mixing easy care fabrics with difficult ones. The next owner is likely to not notice the difference and care for it incorrectly. If you do use a variety of fabrics in a project, then include specific (and realistic) care instructions. My grandmother used to write instructions on a scrap of fabric with a felt pen and sew it in the garment.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

When it comes to caring for homemade garments, construction is half the battle. Sometimes projects can take longer than anticipated and it's tempting to begin using shortcuts. This is a bad idea. Shortcuts in stitching and assembling will show in time and you don't want to be the one caught with her apron down. Don't get lazy when you're making something--you'll only have to repair it later.

The Devil in the Details

Items that have delicate bead or embroidery work can be difficult to care for especially if they are antique. The best first step for intricate/antique items is vacuuming. Cover the hose of your vacuum with mesh or a piece of nylon stocking. Begin with the nozzle an inch or two away from the object and then move closer. This should be able to remove a surprising amount of dust, especially with a strong vacuum. Before washing, figure out the type of fabric and check for color fastness. Dab a wet white cloth (or cotton swab for small areas) on to a section of the colored fabric. As you dab, look for any color transfer. If dye appears on the white cloth then the object is not colorfast. If an item is of particular value and you cannot determine the type of fabric it is made of then consult your local art museum.  Most museums have a textiles curator that can certainly help you out.

Maire blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality brands and is mildly obsessed with crafting. She can also be found constantly baking red velvet cupcakes and walking her dachshund puppy. *Read more of Maire's work here.


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Here is some info on Caring for your SoChick! Handbags and Accessories:
TheSoChick Chick's Guide to Caring for your SoChick! Items

XxOo~ Melissa

Halloween Craft w/ Jen of Sunny Vanilla [A Blog Swap!]

Today I have swapped spaces with Jen from Sunny Vanilla.  I'm blogging over there while she hangs over here and shows you a sweet little Halloween tutorial... Enjoy, and be sure to check out her blog when you're done!  

XxOo~ Melissa

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Hello So Chick Readers!  I'm stopping by to hang out with you all today and share a fun and "ghoulish" kids tutorial with you.  My name is Jen and I'm the gal behind Sunny Vanilla.  I'm a lover of  hamburgers, sewing, hangin' with my fam, and of course crafting.  This little project was inspired by an archived Martha Stewart Halloween project.  I hope you and your kids have fun with this one.  And if you don't have kids, try it anyway.  It will make you feel 20 years younger!  

Here's what you'll need:

needle and thread or white yarn

parchment paper

Elmer's glue

black sharpie

Start by drawing {I just used the freehand method} a ghost with your glue.

 Draw as many "ghouls" as you want to.  I made three big ones for me and three little ones for my little nugget.

 Let the outline dry for a couple of minutes and then fill in the body with glue.

 You will end up with something that looks like this.  Now lay the parchment paper on a flat surface and allow it to dry for at least one day.

 Once it's dry {I waited about 24 hours}, very carefully peel off the ghoul like this.

 You'll end up with a bunch of these guys.  Feel free to trim off any edges so you have smooth lines throughout {or leave them there for a rugged ghost look}.

 Now give your ghoul a face. 

Gently thread your needle through the top of the ghost.  Add as many or as little as you'd like.

Now you have a ghoulish necklace!!!

Thanks for letting me hang out with you all today.  Hope you have a chance to come check out Sunny Vanilla.  Happy Halloween!

Guest Post: Garden Organization [Gardening/DIY]

I don't have a huge yard, but I love the gardens I do have! I was super happy when Tina from OutdoorLiving.com contacted me about doing a Garden Organizing Guest Post... um, yes, please!

Here are some tips from Tina:

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Keeping Your Plants Organized

It’s a dilemma every gardener has come across at some point. You purchase a new plant, get it planted where you want, and then one day you look and realize you’ve lost the name marker that came with it! It’s really not that surprising, since they’re often made of light plastic or paper and can easily blow away if they’re not in the soil securely. If you don’t have a marker for your plant and you don’t have the name of it committed to memory, you can be in for some problems. Today, we’re going to look at an easy way to keep your plants organized by using homemade plant markers.

When you make your own plant markers, the only limit really is your creativity. Whether they’re small or large, old fashioned or modern, the choice is up to you. Here’s a look at a few of the most popular ways to make your own:

Wood Fence Board – Have an old board from your fence that’s taking up space in the garage? Then this is a perfect project to put it to use. First, take your old board and remove any nails. Cut it down to an appropriate size for your garden – something that won’t take away from the plants but still makes it easy to see what they are. When it’s cut and the edges are sanded down, give it a fresh coat of paint and then paint the name of the plant over that. Make sure you use a paint that can hold up through constant outdoor exposure so you don’t have to repaint it regularly.

Source: twobluehouses.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Tongue Depressors – Essentially a scaled down version of the wood fence board, the tongue depressor makes a quick and easy way to have a plant marker. You can get a box full for cheap at any arts and crafts store, and from there it’s just up to you to decorate them. Some prefer to leave them plain, just writing the plant name on them, while others prefer a more colorful look. These are a great choice if you have a small garden with only a few of each plant or a set of planters on your patio that you want to keep organized.

Source: curiousbird.typepad.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Aluminum – For a sleeker look, try using some aluminum for your plant marker. Look for aluminum that’s about the same gauge as what you’d get in a soda can or a baking sheet, something malleable enough to be embossed. Once you’ve got your material, decide the shape you want your markers to be and cut them out. To get the plant name on the aluminum, start by writing the name on a piece of paper with a marker. Turn your paper over and trace the name with a pen or pencil so you have it written backwards. Now, use this as a guide to emboss the name backwards on the backside of your aluminum material. When done, you’ll have a plant marker with a name that pops out on the front and will hold up well through all sorts of weather.

Source: pinandpaper.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: auntpeaches.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Keeping your plants organized is paramount for having a great garden. You’ve got to know what’s what so you know which needs more sunlight, which needs special nutrients, and other things like that. With a set of homemade plant markers, you’ll never have to worry about losing those paper markers that come with your plants again!

About The Author – Tina Foreman is a writer with Outdoor Living and a green living enthusiast. She enjoys outdoor decorating, running, and reading. For more on products like patio heaters, planters, rain barrels, and wind chimes, visit OutdoorLiving.com.

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Super info!  Thank you Tina!! 

I went a little pin-crazy and added these ideas as well for DIY Garden Markers:

{Wine Corks}

Source: greenupgrader.com via Melissa on Pinterest

{Old Silverware}

Source: mossymossy.com via Melissa on Pinterest

{Paint Stirrers}

Source: eabdesigns.typepad.com via Melissa on Pinterest

{Twigs}

Source: marthastewart.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Okie Dokie... I think that'll do....

So, now that the weather is cooler, get out and mark some plants!  *wink*


P.S.~ Did you notice that all of the items for these ideas are probably things your have around your home/yard?  Yep... free!




XxOo~ Melissa

Real Tips for Balancing your Handmade Business & Family [Shop Anniversary Celebration Week]

Today I have Andrea here to share how she balances her handmade business, Bubblewrapp'd, with her family and home life... after reading her post you will understand why I adore Andrea's real-ness... she's so fun to follow on Twitter for that very reason!


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Hola SoChick readers!

Melissa was so sweet to ask me to guest post! I'm thrilled to be here to be a part of her {Shop Anniversary Celebration Week}!

I'm Andrea from Bubblewrapp'd!

I have an awesome hubby {who also happens to build me super awesome things!}, two little {stinker} boys. They are 5 and 4. Although now they are closer to being 6 and 5...

 They are 12 months and 2 weeks apart.

 Yes. They keep me very very very busy.

 I started Bubblewrapp'd late last year thanks {mostly, and really, completely} to my husband's encouragement.

 I've loved creating things for as far back as I can remember, and so, with his encouragement, "Bubblewrapp'd" came to be.

 My shop includes wood blocks with bright, fun colors, and motivational, inspirational, or just fun sayings to decorate your life!

 Melissa mentioned that she would like for me to talk about how I balance running Bubblewrapp'd while managing my family.

 I've thought about my "balancing" for a couple of days, and here's what I've got for you.

 A few definitions of the word "balance" are:
So, if we go with definition #2, "balance" is a means of judging or deciding".

 Which is the exact definition I would use for the "balance" I have with running Bubblewrapp'd while managing my family. 

I judge and decide each day where my priorities for that particular day need to be.

 Something wins every day, and something doesn't quite win {although I wouldn't exactly say it looses either}. It's a fact. It's how it has to be.

  I cannot do everything in every day.

 Some days, my priority is on getting my boy's situated with school, and with being at school with them. Volunteering, etc.

 Some days, my priority is a order from my shop. Completing, and shipping that order or orders.

 Some days, my priority is on my house. Cleaning, organizing, or CLEANING.

 Some days, my priority is on grocery shopping for my family.

 Some days, my priority is on MY SANITY. Which usually means a trip to Target at 8 am with Starbucks in hand, on a weekday.

 Some days, my priority is laundry.

 Not all of these can be a priority together on the same day.
 It's just not possible.
 It's insane to think that's possible.

Because, in between a particular day's "priority", is still the normal routine....

 Drop off's, pick-ups, phone calls, emails, bills, the unexpectedness of life, you know, the stuff that you don't "plan" on.

 Some days, the dishes get done in my house.
 Some days they don't. Some days the laundry gets done {and put away}.
 Some days it doesn't.
Some days I make a {mostly} from-scratch dinner.
Some weeks I order pizza delivery twice in one week.
Some days I remember the papers that need to be signed for school.
Some days they get signed one day later.

 Some days I respond to emails the moment I get them.
Some days, they have to wait.

 Some days I have to deal with the unexpected.
 Some days I don't.

 Some days the coffee works for me.
 Some days it doesn't.

 My points are these...

 You cannot win everything every day.
You cannot do everything every day.
You cannot be everything every day.

 You just can't.
 Accept it, deal with it. Move on.

 Some days you do some things great, while other things that you do suck.

 Some days you suck at several things, but you do some things very well.

 That's the balance, friends.
 Accept it.
 You cannot be great at all things everyday.
 Do your best.
 Try your hardest.
 Strive for excellence in every area of your life.

 BUT.
 Accept your weaknesses.
 Accept that you are not perfect.
 Accept that you need people to help you.
 That's the balance I try to have.
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Thanks, Andrea!  

Come by tomorrow as I close out my Celebration week with a GiveAway  from another Handmade shop I "♥"!!

XxOo~ Melissa

Q & A with an Inspiring Chick [Shop Anniversary Celebration Week]

I hope you are enjoying the Party this week!  I am so glad you are following along while I celebrate my SoChick Shop's 1 Year Anniversary!

If you've missed anything so far, be sure to check here, here, and here, to get in the loop!

Today I'm sharing a sweet gal with a super inspiring blog.  She wears her heart on her sleeve and is beautiful all around... if you've not yet 'met' Casey Wiegand, you need to hop over to her space and check out what she's got going on at TheWiegand's.

I love her style, creativity and of course her adorable family; I applaud her and her husband for taking a risk and re-opening their Art Studio 'A Little Artsy'.  She is doing with Art what I dream of one day doing with fabric and sewing... teaching, and encouraging a younger generation, as well as her peers, to embrace their creativity.

After reading her Leap of Faith post, I took my own leap of faith and e-mailed Casey asking if she'd be interested in participating in my Celebration week... I was completely honored when she said "Yes" and was willing to do a quickie Q & A...

SoChick: Since starting your blog in January (2011), it has seen a lot of growth.  How has blogging helped you to also grow as an artist?
Casey Weigand: It has! I have met so many inspiring and encouraging people and it truly has helped my inspiration for paintings as well! The blogging community has been such a sweet blessing in my life!

SC: Your family business, A Little Artsy, helps children discover their creativity through art... What words of encouragement do you have for Everyday Chicks out there who want to explore their creative side, through art, sewing, crafting, etc., but don't really know where to start?
CW: I think people think that art needs to look a certain way sometimes. We are all artists though and all have something to offer the world! Don't be afraid to do so!

SC: What is a fun "Bet you didn't know" fact about yourself?
CW: Ohhh I love these! Um let's see I am terrified of roller coasters and love hershey bars :).

Thank you, Casey!  And thank you to all of you who are reading and following... I am working hard today, my Birthday, so that I may have new items to share at the Art Walk in Downtown New Bern, NC this Friday (from 5-8pm) and also so that I may re-stock my shop for you!  You are going to love the new fabrics I'm using for fall!

Come back tomorrow for Guest Post from another awesome chick who's going to give us her perspective on running a handmade business with kids... See you tomorrow!

XxOo~ Melissa

Try-It Tuesday w/ Abbie from {Five Days... 5 Ways!} [Shop Anniversary Celebration Week]

Continuing the Celebration!

Today I have the lovely Abbie here to share a fun Tutorial from "Try-It Tuesday" over at her blog Five Days... 5 Ways.  Every Tuesday Abbie posts something great for you to try... um, that's why she calls it "Try-It Tuesday"... *wink*  She has everything from yummy recipes to fun tutorials for you, be sure to check her out!

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Hey there, SoChick! readers. I’m Abbie from Five days…5 ways, and it is such a fun treat to get to visit and share in Melissa’s big shop-anniversary celebration. Congrats, girl!

Today, I’m going to show you how to make a super-easy ruffled ribbon flower clip. These turn out so cute and are incredibly versatile (think bags, belts, shoes, sweaters…anything that would be better with a flower clipped to it…which is pretty much everything, as far I’m concerned).

In fact, I’m giving away a pair of these cuties—along with everything else you see below (including one of Melissa’s fabulous clutches)in my September Giveaway, so if you haven’t already, make sure you enter to win you some prettiness.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Ribbon of your choice: I used patterned 1.5” grosgrain ribbon (50% off at Hobby Lobby right now)
• Coordinating thread
• Glue-gun
• 1.5” (or smaller) alligator clips
• Felt (I just used craft felt for this project)

1. Cut a 30” length of your ribbon. Once you’ve gathered your ruffle, this much ribbon should give you about a 2” flower.

2. Fold your ribbon in half, wrong sides together:

3. Starting with one end, back-stitch just a bit to secure your tip. Set your machine stitch to its longest length (you want your stitch fairly loose) and sew your edges together. Do NOT backstitch at the end of your ribbon. **You could definitely hand-stitch this as well:

4. Make a knot in the backstitched end of your ribbon:

5. Grab one of your free threads at the opposite end and begin to pull and “scrunch”…

…until you have a ruffle that runs the length of your ribbon.

6. Wrap the excess thread around the non-knotted end to keep your ruffle from…well…unruffling.

7. Starting with your knot, begin to wrap your ruffle clockwise (with the folded rather than the stitched edge facing up) around it, securing it with dabs of hot glue every 1/2” or so.

8. Once you’ve achieved the shape you want (oh yeah, and run out of ribbon), tuck the tail underneath the flower and secure with another dot of glue:

9. Cut a small felt square

10. Glue your felt square to the bottom of your flower:

11. Glue your alligator clip to the felt square, making sure to separate the clips prongs so that you don’t glue them together. (You could also hand-sew the clip to the felt square before attaching it to the flower, but I went with the lazybones version this time).

12. Find something (or in my case someone) cute to clip it on, and stand back to admire your handiwork:

I couldn’t choose a favorite shot, so I just included them all.

You’re welcome.

And there you have it! A high impact, low time-commitment little accessory that will have people asking you, “Where’d you get that adorable flower?” everywhere you go (and yes, I’m speaking from personal experience, but I did have it clipped to my daughter, so I think I cheated).

If you’ve never stopped by for a visit, I’d love to have you by Five days…5 ways to say howdy! I’ve got lots more tutorials, thrifting advice, fitness ideas, a house tour—basically a little bit of everything—waiting for you.

Oh, and don’t forget about The September Giveaway (I’m still trying to figure out a sneaky way to win it myself)!

See you soon!

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Great tutorial; isn't Abbie's little chickie the most adorable model?! Thanks for sharing with us!

Hop on over to enter that GiveAway... and while your at it, check out and enter THIS ONE, too!

If you missed yesterday's Social Media tips from Gina of #SetUpShop, check it out HERE.

Come back tomorrow for another fabulous Guest Post from a beautiful gal who is such an inspiration!

XxOo~ Melissa