Sponsor Love {Caroline Leemis Designs}

{Tell me something interesting about yourself.}

I’m Caroline and I’m the artist behind Flair Artwork. I’m originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, but am currently living in Columbia, Missouri where my husband is going to Mizzou. I’m an interior designer by profession and an artist on the side. I’ve been heavily involved in arts and music since a young age, whether it was piano, painting and drawing, or the oboe.

{What inspired you to start your shop?}

I’ve always loved to paint and I took several art classes throughout high school and college, but didn’t ever really consider selling artwork until I met a local artist back home. I really connected with her style and loved her studio, so I began to pursue the idea and started Flair in July of 2008. It’s been evolving over the past few years, and I’m looking forward to shifting gears this spring to offer new canvases and illustrations.

{Where do you find inspiration?}

In the past few years, I’ve found a lot of inspiration just through blogs. They’re such a great creative outlet, and by following several interiors blogs, I’ve found a ton of inspiration for color schemes and graphics ideas. Being an interior designer as well, I also find a lot of inspiration from things such as fabrics and textures.

{What is your idea of a romantic date?}

I’m pretty easy-going with the whole date thing… a nice dinner out or take-out and a movie at home both work for me!

{What is your favorite thing about February?}

Especially after this crazy winter, February means it’s a little closer to spring!

{Discount}

Good news! Caroline is generously offering readers of A Hasty Life  20% off now through Tuesday (3/15) in the Flair Artwork Etsy shop – www.flairartwork.etsy.com - with coupon code "AHASTYLIFE11". Follow Flair on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flairartwork to get the latest updates on new items this spring!

That means if my friends and family are reading this and you want to buy me that super cute set of 3 blue swirl canvases you could snag them for a mere $24! What a deal!

Sponsor Love + Giveaway

{Tell me something interesting about yourself.}

I have solo-driven all of Route 66, well, all of it that still exists under one name or another, west to east (from Los Angeles to Chicago). The total mileage is 2,249.1 mi and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever done. There are photos here if you are interested.

{What inspired you to start your shop?}

I love taking photos and I thought it would be fun to sell some that have had favorable responses on the blog and flickr. It is more of a hobby for me, though I would love to devote more time to it!

{Where do you find inspiration?}

I love taking pretty photos of ugly and tacky things. That's why Route 66 is so great for me, all the neon hotel signs? Yes, please! I also like broken down old cars, crumbling barns, and fair rides. You also can't go wrong with anything that is super colorful, like hot air balloons and flowers.

{What is your idea of a romantic date?}

My husband and I love to grab takeout and sneak it into the movies with some candy. We love movies and cool old movie theaters. I'm now an expert at eating a chipotle burrito in the dark. My favorite movie theater in town also has a wine bar in it. There's nothing like seeing a cool indie film with a glass of wine or a cold beer. We are more about fun than traditional romance. We like to laugh together.

{What is your favorite thing about February?}

We aren't big Valentine's Day people, but my husband and I started dating in February so we celebrate our dating anniversary every year. This one was 9 years! (I'd also like to add SweeTart Hearts to my last answer. Somehow, they taste better in heart form.)

{What could you win?}
I specially chose this lovely print just for you, my lovely readers. Isn't it the most whimsical and fun photograph you've ever seen? I'm just in awe over it. I imagine it in a little girl's room sparking her imagination to run wild, or in a craft room igniting creativity in all you crafty people out there, or in an entry way welcoming your guests into your home. This image, no matter where it is hung, will be sure to bring a much deserved whimsy so your life.

{To Enter This Giveaway}

Leave a separate comment for each entry.

1. MANDATORY: You must be a follower of A Hasty Life through GFC

2. Become a follower of A Hasty Life on Twitter.

3. Become a follower of Jen's blog, A Tale of Two Monkeys.

4. Follow Jen on Twitter.

5. Tweet about this giveaway.

Feel free to use this tweet:

@AHastyLife is hosting a fabulous GIVEAWAY sponsored by @jendeats! Enter to win a whimsical carousel photograph: http://www.ahastylife.com

That's 5 chances to win this fabulous print!

This Giveaway closes on March 6th at Midnight.

{The winner of The Starshaped Press Giveaway is...

Lola from The Life of Lola}

30 Days of Truth --> Day Sixteen

Join me every Sunday for my 30 days of truth. Feel free to join in by answering the prompts in a comment.

{30 Days of Truth}

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.

I could live without squirrels. My husband and I rent half of a duplex and we've been fighting the squirrles for living space! So far we've physically removed TWO squirrels. As in, we (and by we I mean by husband) picked up the squirrels with our hands and physically removed them from our home. We've ushered several others out of our attic and taken several measures to keep the squirrels from getting into our attic in the first place. There are many squirrels living in the other half of the duplex and our neighbors don't seem to care that they are sharing their home with them. We've complained incessantly to our landlord and are about to call pest/animal control to take care of the situation. I haven't rented for very long (although it seems long enough) but I'm pretty sure we have a right to live without squirrels!! Plus, I watched an episode of Hoarders and I've seen what can happen if you let animals live in your home...they end up taking over! So I could REALLY live without these darn squirrels!
  

Lovely Sponsor + Discount!! {Goose and Trisser}

{Tell me something interesting about yourself.}

I have a real love/hate relationship with my hair. I wear it both curly (natural) and straight. My hair gives me a real sense of pride and turmoil sometimes, in relation to society, ethnic background, personal beliefs, time management (its a real time suck!) and personal preference.

{What inspired you to start your shop?}

I've always been crafty in some way or another, but my love of embroidery and want to improve on my sewing skill,s coupled with my new found "free time" as a stay at home mom gave way to all the tiny treats I could think of.

{Where do you find inspiration?}

My inspiration comes from my everyday, my family, my little one, the situations we get into, all the calamity and fun of life.

{What is your idea of a romantic date?}

Me and my mister. Good conversation. Great wine. No sleep. Preferably no makeup. Probably sweatpants. Being real.

{What is your favorite thing about February?}

Winter is almost over! I'm a spring baby and I love all that it brings. A renewal of color, warmth, excitement, my birthday. February being short means that is all getting closer.

{Discount}

Rachel is offering all readers of A Hasty Life a 25% discount on your purchase through March 15th!

Just use the code AHL25 when you check out.

So if you are loving that adorable Sunny Sword Hoop Scene like I am, you can get it for a great deal!
Visit her shop here.

A Pink Dream

What do you think is in that cup that my Grandma is tempting me with? I'm guessing soda. My Grandma loves to tell me this story about a time I stayed with her and she offered me juice or soda and I, the perfect daughter that I was, told her that Mama and Daddy didn't let me have juice and soda after a certain time and that I could only have water. What child does that?? Any normal child would take the juice and not tell their parents! My parents had it so easy with me! But it looks like Grandma was winning me over this time...I look like I really want that soda. I'm wearing the cutest pink jumper with a yellow and pink flower on the chest. I layered the outfit with a super girly white top with puffy sleeves and a lacy collar. It doesn't get much girlier than this! I wish we could see my shoes. I imagine that I'm wearing crisp white Keds tennis shoes with lacy socks (of course!) And look at that platinum blond hair! I miss that blond hair, sometimes!

Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal Cookies

Original Recipe
There is nothing low-calorie about these cookies when it comes to taste. They are soft, chewy, chocolatey, and delicious. They are the perfect cookie to settle your craving for something sweet.
{Ingredients}

1/2 cup(s) (packed) brown sugar
1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar
1/2 cup(s) trans fat–free vegetable oil spread (60% to 70% oil)
          *I substituted 1/2 cup sugar-free applesauce
1 large egg
1 large egg white
2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
2 1/2 cup(s) quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats, uncooked
1 cup(s) bittersweet (62% cacao) or semisweet chocolate chips

{Directions}

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In large bowl, with mixer on medium-low speed, beat sugars and vegetable spread until well blended, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Add egg, egg white, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Beat in flour, baking soda, and salt until mixed.
3. With wooden spoon, stir in oats and chocolate chips until well combined.
4. Drop dough by rounded measuring tablespoons, 2 inches apart, on ungreased large cookie sheet. Bake cookies 12 to 13 minutes or until golden. With wide metal spatula, transfer cookies to wire rack to cool.
5. Repeat until all batter is used.
6. Store cooled cookies in tightly sealed containers up to 3 days.

{Nutritional Information}

80 Calories per cookies/makes 48 cookies

*Calories may be different with sugar-free applesauce substitution*

Sponsor Love + Giveaway

{Tell me something interesting about yourself.}

I come from a huge family! I have 3 brothers and 7 sisters and have learned so much from each of them. I hope to have a large family as well if I am so blessed.

{What inspired you to start your shop?}

I moved from a big city to a small town and thought it was a great opportunity for starting something new (since we were on a roll) and I signed up for my first craft fair. As an art major, I have tried all types of art, but one thing I knew was my dream job was designing accessories. So, I went for it and it has snowballed ever since!

{Where do you find inspiration?}

I find inspiration most of the time through books. Inspirational people and stories motivate me to reach higher:) I also find so much inspiration through the blogosphere! There are incredible color and them boards I come across that will help spark on idea.

{What is your idea of a romantic date?} 

I absolutely love when my husband cooks for me. I know how much love and effort he puts into preparing a meal and I find it very romantic:) Top that off with a good movie (and movie candy of course) and I would call it the best way to spend the evening with my hubby.

{What is your favorite thing about February?}

I actually love all the Valentine details that come with February. Hearts, handwritten notes, red and pink edibles....its all fun! I really enjoy making little Valentines with my son too :)

{What could you win?}

This super adorable, fun and trendy Beaded Bow Applique in Juicy Red attached to a soft and stretchy black headband. Is this not the cutest headband ever?? Someone is going to look mighty cute in this.

{To Enter This Giveaway}

Leave a separate comment for each entry!

1. MANDATORY: You must be a follower of A Hasty Life through GFC and leave a comment letting me know you are a follower.

2. Become a follower of A Hasty Life on Twitter.

3. Become a follower of In Honor of Design Blog.

4. Follow In Honor of Design on Twitter.

5. Tweet about this giveaway.

Feel free to use this tweet:

@AHastyLife is hosting a fabulous GIVEAWAY sponsored by @inhonorofdesign! Enter to win a fabulous red bow headband http://www.ahastylife.com

That's 5 chances to win this super cool headband!

This Giveaway closes on March 1st at Midnight.

{The winner of the Bloomin Boutique giveaway is... 

Jenna from A Home Away from Home!}

{The winner of the Pear Tree Greetings giveaway is...

Emily from Emerging Em!}

Red Hot Picnic Tables

Eric and I were best friends almost from the moment we met (depending on who's story you believe about when we met.) We really hit it off. He was so charming and charismatic (albeit a bit country and a potential guest on What Not to Wear.) He was so easy to get along with. Today, he is more than my husband...he's my partner in crime. Any wacky idea I come up with...he's totally game...and coming up with wackier ideas to make my original idea even better. He goes with the flow when it comes to my blog...obliging me by standing out in the cold taking pictures, making videos about capturing squirrels, and writing the occasional post. We both enjoy good food (much to the detriment of our bank account), we both enjoy going to Ragtag, the independent movie theater in town, we both love fine wine, and now (thankfully) we both love fashion. He spoils me. He'd do anything I asked him to and often does things just to make me happy. He lets me choose the brand of peanut butter. He showers me with compliments every day and makes me feel special on bad days. He truly is the best friend a girl could ask for.

His: He's wearing a red and green flannel shirt from Ralph Lauren, a gray sweatshirt and jeans both from J. Crew and brown Sperry Topsiders.
Hers: She's wearing a gray and white striped shirt from Gap, a gold puffy vest from Gap, gray leggings from New York & Company, yellow Ugg Boots, Ray Ban Wayfarers and a white scarf so old I can't remember where it is from.

Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers (Vegetarian Dish!)

Oh, man are you guys going to love this little recipe. A) It is super duper easy. B) It is healthy to boot. C) It is delicious! Now, I'm not a vegetarian but I'm quickly beginning to enjoy meatless dishes. Who knew that a meal didn't need to have meat? I'm a newbie at this so pardon my enthusiasm over my new found love for vegetarian dishes. I still haven't jumped on the tofu and vegetarian burgers, but I love Quinoa and I was really excited when I found this recipe for Quinoa Burgers. Delish!

{The Ingredients}

1. 1/2 cup rinsed quinoa
2. 1 medium carrot, cut in large chunks
3. 6 scallions, thinly sliced
4. 15 ounces great northern beans, drained and rinsed
5. 1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
6. 1 large egg, lightly beaten
7. 1 tablespoon ground cumin
8. Coarse salt
9. Ground pepper
10. 2 tablespoons olive oil
11. 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
12. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13. 4 pitas (each 6 inches)
14. 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced diagonally

{The Recipe}

Recipe adopted from Martha Stewart.

1. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil; add quiona, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until liquid is absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes; set aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse carrot until finely chopped. Add cooked quinoa, half the scallions, beans, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Form mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick paties (dip hands in water to prevent sticking). If too soft, refrigerate 10 minutes to firm. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium; cook burgers until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes per side. (see picture 1)
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, and the remaining scallions; season with salt and pepper. (see picture 3)
5. Serve burgers in pita topped with cucumber and yogurt sauce. Side note: clearly we did not serve our quinoa burgers with cucumbers or with a pita, we opted for sweet potato fries instead. Yum! (see picture 4)

Sponsor Love + Giveaway

{Tell me something interesting about yourself.}

Something folks probably wouldn't know about me is that I adore Bollywood films. I have a large collection of films and music, mostly from the last 10 years, and the guys at my favorite shop in the Indian part of town know me well. I often inflict Indian pop music and movie plots on my staff, and they're too nice to complain.

{What inspired you to start your shop?}

I started my shop in '99, after working at another letterpress shop for a few years during college. I knew right away it was what I wanted to do, so I started collecting type and presses and set up my own studio. I was completely inspired by the eccentric work that my previous employer had been doing, as well as some other printers that were salvaging type and printing great posters and music packaging. We do a lot of that still, as well as all other forms of social stationery and greeting cards, still using only antique type.

{Where do you find inspiration?}

I'd say inspiration today comes from the past. I love collecting old type specimen catalogs and books on vintage design. Most of our materials are 50-100 years old, so it's always a thrill to learn how the previous generations used them. I'm also inspired by the depth and talent of the Chicago printmaking community, and the other print friends we've met on etsy and through blogs.

{What is your idea of a romantic date?}

My idea of a perfect date is one in which my husband and I can do something like we did before having our daughter 4 years ago.... going to dinner and a movie, concert, getting a drink, etc. Anything that's not parental in nature! We love our girl, to be sure, but we have a great relationship that still needs a little polishing from time to time.

{What is your favorite thing about February?}

I was thinking about your question about my possible favorite thing about February, and really, it's my least favorite month! It's very dull and dark in Chicago in February, and very cold. I'm normally a pretty positive person, but my favorite thing about it is that it's short and Spring is on the way. If you need something more positive, I'd say it's the best time to order seeds for the garden, which is a little ray of light in the darkness!

{What could you win?}

A pack of 6 Spring-inspired cards in a variety of beautiful colors including my favorite, sunshine yellow! 

{To Enter This Giveaway}

Leave a separate comment for each entry!

1. MANDATORY: You must be a follower of A Hasty Life through GFC and leave a comment letting me know you are a follower.

2. Become a follower of A Hasty Life on Twitter.

3. Become a follower of Starshaped Press Blog.

4. Like Starshaped Press on Facebook.

5. Tweet about this giveaway.

Feel free to use this tweet:

@AHastyLife is hosting a fabulous GIVEAWAY sponsored by The Starshaped Press! Enter to win a set of Spring cards: http://www.ahastylife.com

That's 5 chances to win this awesome set of cards!

This Giveaway closes on February 27th at Midnight.


{Winner of the Jewel Kade Giveaway is...
Jen from A Tale of Two Monkeys!}

30 Days of Truth --> Day Fifteen

Join me every Sunday for my 30 days of truth. Feel free to join in by answering the prompts in a comment.

{30 Days of Truth}

 

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Sometimes there are days that I think I just couldn't live without my cell phone, or my computer, or my DSLR. But when it comes right down to it, I couldn't live without my family. My parents and my husband mean the world to me. Perhaps this is a little cliche but it is the truth. I could rebuild my life if my house were to burn down and all of my things were to turn to dust *knock on wood, I would really prefer this NOT to happen* but if a family member were to pass away I would never get over the loss. I lived 22 years without my husband and life is SO much better with him in my life. I spent a month overseas without my parents and I missed them terribly. So the one thing I couldn't live without is my family, because I've tried (although half-heartedly...I would never intentionally try to live without them.)

Sponsor Love {Cotton Lane}

{Tell me something interesting about yourself.}

Hello, friends! My name is Caroline and I am the face behind the blog Good Times Never Seem Sew Good and the little Etsy shop, Cotton Lane. I was born in California, lived in New Orleans for 3 years, and am now a proud Texan! I am a recent graduate of Texas A&M University (whoop!) and am working on getting my teacher's certification in my home town. Right now I'm student teaching and I am LOVING IT! I love all kinds of crafting...but especially sewing. I taught myself via books and YouTube about three years ago and love to learn new things everyday! I am recently engaged and love spending as much time as possible with my David!

{What inspired you to start your shop?}

My friend was in charge of an art auction to raise money for children in Haiti and asked me to create some things (she knew I liked to be crafty) that might attract other people who weren't into "art". So, I created some rosette headbands and a few covered-button earrings and they sold like crazy. SO I decided to take my craftiness to the interwebs and thus, Cotton Lane was created!

{Where do you find inspiration?}

I draw inspiration from just about everywhere. I love looking at magazines (especially wedding ones ;)) and flipping through craft books. When I begin designing things I usually start with color and go from there... Its all kind of random, and I usually have some sort of "Ah-Ha" moment, am inspired, and can't stop creating!

{What is your idea of a romantic date?}

I love sitting at an outdoor venue (preferably by a lake) with a yummy meal, talking for hours! That's pretty much it, I'm not super complicated and I don't love getting dressed up.. so the more casual the more fun! :)

{What is your favorite thing about February?}

I like that it finally gets cold in Texas around February. And then by the end of the month, I can be laying out at the pool. Weird, right?

{A Special Offer Just for Readers of A Hasty Life}

Caroline is generously offering 15% off your Cotton Lane Purchase with the discount code: HELLO15

So just in case you want to purchase that super adorable bunting pillow (perfect for Spring which is right around the corner) Caroline is helping you save a little mullah!

And for my family and friends reading this, I would love this pillow. :)

Pink Collar Job

This picture was taken during one of my first "gigs" working for Victoria's Bridal. During my early years with the store we would dress up when we had bridal shows. This was one of my favorites. I loved the shades of pink and it fit me like a glove! I got to wear my Cinderella shoes that I had purchased for a prom a couple years prior. Who ever gets to wear their prom shoes more than once? Not many! I was also super skinny back then (I was a avid ice-skater) so I love looking back on photos of me during this time. I was probably between 18 and 20 in this photo. The show was over when this photo was taken and I was hauling these two racks of dresses from the show room to the truck. I can't remember who stopped me but they thought I looked hilarious hauling those two large racks in my dress and heels. I look a little tired and sweaty so it was a good thing the show was over! :) We stopped dressing up after a few years and started to wear more professional clothing to the shows. It was a better image for the store but we didn't have quite as much fun without playing dress up! ;) I miss working for you, Ann!

For Sale & DIY ~ Crocheted Doilies on Canvas

{For Sale}

The yellow crocheted doily on a painted gray canvas is $30 + shipping.
The pink crocheted doily on a painted gray canvas is $25 + shipping.
Or, you may purchase both together for $50 + shipping.

{For you DIYers}

1. Choose your canvas and place it on newspaper or other surface that you don't mind getting paint on.
2. Spray paint your canvas with your chosen color. I chose a medium gray for my canvases.
3. Position your doilies on the canvas where you like them. I positioned the pink one on the corner so that the doily wrapped around the sides. I positioned the yellow one in the corner so that the entire surface was on the front of the canvas. You can also position your doilies in the center or on a side.
4. Hot glue your doily in place. I covered the more solid sections of the doily with hot glue first to secure the doily in place. Then I began working my way outward and around in a circle to secure the rest of the doily. Finishing with small dots of hot glue around the edges.
5. Display in a prominent position where you and your guests will enjoy daily.
6. Repeat. 

Lovely Sponsor + Giveaway

{Tell me something interesting about yourself}

I used to work "full time" with my husband doing the accounting for our business. We decided that having me home when the kids got home from school and during the summer months (because our business really picks up during the summer months) would be much more beneificial to our kids!

{What inspired you to start your shop?}

Since my kids are a bit older, and in school until 3pm, five days a week, I needed something to do between the grocery shopping and laundry to keep my "active" mind going. I have a group of friends who are so talented and sew lots of pretty things. I wanted to join in the club and so I started making these cute Bloomin Flowers!

{Where do you find inspiration?}

Inspiration comes from my 8 year old! She is crafty and talented and everything looks so darn cute in her hair! I always have her in mind as I am picking out fabric.

{What is your idea of a romantic date?}

I have to confess I am not much of a romantic myself.... BOO HOO... I know, but, romantic to me would be my husband actually planning a night out including the babysitting and totally surprising me! I dont think that has every happened before!

{What is your favorite thing about February?}

My favorite thing about February is that it means Spring is right around the corner! I love spring, and all of its blossoms on the trees. It is stunning in California.

{Product Review}
I am a HUGE fan of The Bloomin' Boutique. I won my first bloom on a giveaway and I've been hooked ever since. I was honored with the artist behind The Bloomin' Boutique sent me two more blooms for a product review. I was so thrilled I wore one of the blooms the day I got it in the mail!

A few of my favorite things about The Bloomin' Boutique:
1. The size is perfect for short hair and long hair. I recently got my hair cut short and I love them just as much (maybe more) with my short bob than I did with my longer hair.
2. I love how they lay on my head and don't stick out in odd places. Sometimes hair bows and headbands are taller than I'm comfortable with, but these are perfect.
3. The weight: they aren't too heavy or too light. They don't give me a headache because they are too heavy or bulky but they also don't blow around in the wind because they are too light.
4. Speaking of pain, you know how sometimes headbands can give you headaches and hair clips can stag your hair? These do neither!! The artist used a super nice clip and has cleverly covered the clip with ribbon so it isn't painful!
5. Last, but not least, my favorite thing about The Bloomin' Boutique is the variety and uniqueness of the designs. She has a fabulous mix of fabric that she uses, there is a bloom for every outfit and every occasion!

{What could you win?}

The fun, colorful Medium Bloom valued at $10.50!

{To Enter This Giveaway}

Leave a separate comment for each entry!
Please include a valid email address so I can contact you if you won!

1. MANDATORY: You must be a follower of A Hasty Life through GFC and leave a comment letting me know you are a follower.

2. Become a follower of A Hasty Life on Twitter.

3. Become a follower of The Bloomin' Boutique Blog.

4. Follow The Bloomin' Boutique on Twitter.

5. Tweet about this giveaway.

Feel free to use this tweet:

@AHastyLife is hosting a fabulous GIVEAWAY sponsored by @bloominboutique! Enter to win a pretty hair clip here: http://www.ahastylife.com

That's 5 chances to win this fun hair clip!

This Giveaway closes on February 22nd at Midnight.

{The winner of the Yes, Teacher Crafts "hello" card set is...

Leesh from The Blarkness Chronicles!}

Love is on the Chalk Board

I was so inspired by the engagement session by Ben Blood Photography that I just had to give it a shot. It was just perfect for Valentine's Day. I didn't have a professional photographer, but I think my Dad did a great job! I'm so lucky to have the best valentine for the past 5 years (yes, Eric and I have been together for 5 years now...married for 3.) On our first Valentine's Day we went to a nice restaurant in town and made a special reservation. When we arrived, we were really disappointed. The only table they had available was one pushed up against a piano (which was quite loud and wouldn't have been conducive to a decent conversation) or in their bar area which was just for walk-ins. We had made the effort to make this a nice evening and we felt we were shunned to the bar area where people were wearing jeans and sweatshirts...we were dressed up in a suit and dress! After that first Valentine's Day together, we agreed never to overpay for a silly Valentine's Day meal again. We started a new tradition of going to Buffalo Wild Wings, and let me tell you, we've never once been disappointed! Now, we are big foodies, so we haven't completely given up nice meals. We just don't save them for holidays when the prices are through the roof for a normal meal. We go to the nice restaurants "just because" and enjoy our "anti" Valentine's Day wings at home.


His: He is wearing a blue button-down shirt from Geoffrey Beene, a yellow knit tie from Brooks Brothers, a gray and blue cardigan from J. Crew, and gray suit pants from Express.
Hers: She is wearing a purple dress from Dillards, gray tights from Target, and a double zipper headband in yellow from Apostrophy.

Pear Tree Greetings Giveaway!

{If I was to get married again}

I'd save the date like this:

Pear Tree designers worked hard on their new save-the-date cards and save-the-date magnets this winter! Any bride-to-be will love their unique selection of Save the Date Photo cards, postcards, magnets and die-cut cards. We hope you love the designs as much as I do!

{Discounts and Promotions}
Visit Pear Tree Greetings Promotion page for fabulous discounts!


{What you could win}
Pear Tree Greetings is generously offering a $20 store credit toward any purchase from their site!

{To Enter This Giveaway}

Leave a separate comment for each entry!

Include a valid email address or your comments will be disqualified.

1. MANDATORY: You must be a follower of A Hasty Life through GFC and leave a comment letting me know you are a follower.

2. Become a follower of A Hasty Life on Twitter.
3. Visit Pear Tree Greetings and let me know how you would spend your $20!

4. Tweet about this giveaway.

Feel free to use this tweet:

@AHastyLife is hosting a fabulous GIVEAWAY sponsored by @PearTreeGrtngs! Enter to win a $20 store credit here: http://www.ahastylife.com

That's 4 chances to win a $20 store credit!

This Giveaway closes on February 22nd at Midnight.