Enjoying

Thought I'd share a few things that I really dig.  Let me know if you dig them too -- maybe we are kindred spirits (speaking of which, i really dig Anne of Green Gables... but I digress).  In no particular order, I enjoy: 

Coffee.  I enjoy coffee... a lot!  Before i was pregnant i would go in spurts and then during pregnancy i for the most part stayed away from it -- now?... 2 cups every morning.  I think I could have decaf and like it just the same (i don't think i'm a caffeine addict) -- to me coffee is about the ritual of making it and then holding the warm mug in both hands right under your nose and then sipping it for so long your last sip is cold.  Add in some flavored creamers and you'll really make me happy.  Currently we have amaretto as well as peppermint mocha creamers in the fridge.  I sometime will mix it up and mix in honey, cinnamon, and heavy whipping cream into my jo.  What do I enjoy at starbucks? Great question!! I'm currently kinda obsessed with carmel americanos.  They are the bomb! And... surprisingly cheap (well, cheap as far as starbucks is concerned).  Sometimes, when I get in bed at night, i'm already excited about having coffee in the morning.  mmmm coffee!  If you are sipping some coffee as you read this, leave me some love!  What's your coffee poison?

Parenthood.  I enjoy Parenthood... and while I do of couse love being a mommy, I'm talking this time about the tv show.  Have you seen it?  It is the one show that D and I make a point to watch every week.  And it is safe to say that at least one of us probably cries every other episode or so.  I love how real this show is.  Its about a real family without being over inflated with politics & trying to be pc.  Not to be cheesy -- but it for real inspires & challenges me as a parent.  Plus added bonus... the music!  I have been introduced to so many great artists through the songs played on this show.  To the peeps in charge of this show -- well done & keep up the good work!!

Pinning.  I enjoy pinning... 'nough said am I right? Ok -- I'll say one more thing - my favorite board is my DIY/Recipe "to do one day" board. and i WILL do it ALL one day... (are their crafts in heaven, cause that might end up being the day I actually get to these).  I also may or may not have pinned a Christmas list to santa...

Okey dokey -- those are just a couple of the things I am enjoying these days.  Want to know anything else specific I am enjoying? -- feel free to ask away.

{Enjoy the last day of November!}

Post Turkey Miscellanies

{1} I kind of failed at using the real camera (as in, not the ever-present-iphone) over M's first thanksgiving.  So here we are with photos a-la instagram & befunky.  We had a wonderful time in bham with the mcleod clan.  Fried turkey is yum yum & Auburn's loss was no fun fun.  I did go out on blackfriday sorta kinda & made it out no worse for the wear & crossed 2 Christmas presents off the list.  

{2} I (re)started guitar lessons yesterday.  I had not played in forrrrrrrr-evvvvvvvv-eeerrrr & figured it was as good as time as any to jump back in the proverbial saddle.  Lesson 1 - remembering cords, remembering how much it makes my fingers hurt, and tackling the hymn "the churches one foundation."  My goal for next week is to master Dave Matthew's Satelite... psych!!! My goal by next week is to master the transition from an Eminor cord to D/F#.  (I feel like i'm kinda cool when I say those cords -- but trust me, I actually have NO idea what I'm talking about).  I should also mention that my mistro is no other than Doug -- the ever cute (and single) model from Man week!  Which speaking of...

{3}Winner Winner Chicken Turkey Dinner -- Man Week el fin!

Justin Boots from @langstons...  "broken won"

2 bars soap from @drKsoapcompany... "theBirdsSay"

graphic t from @fulspecclothing... "polos pearls & pacifiers"

beer cupcakes from @cacaobakery...  Jen M. from WI

shaving essentials from @the man cave... "hudi's world"

$20shop credit from @simply honest...  Jaclyn from IN

his&hear shoes from @punchdrunkinc... "all kinds of complicated"

diana camera & film from @uncommongoods... "prettiesbyMeg"

$65 shop credit from @apliiq... Jessica S. from TN

Think you see yourself in the winner's club? Shoot me an email & I'll get you the hook up! 

{as always, all winner's were chosen with random.org generator}


...linking up today with carissa of lowercase letters...

Thankful for (in no particular order):

David  |  Magnolia  |  coffee  |  my computer  |  my job  |  jogging  |  my parents  |  my twin  |  SEC football  |  blogging  |  my women's small group at church  |  nursery workers  |  my OB  |  Jesus  |  health  |  my in laws  |  my future brother-in-law  |  cheese  |  j.crew sale rack  |  David's art  |  my house  |  the Bibile  |  cardigans  |  my car  |  Nashville  |  every single one of my kids at church  |  friends  |  feeling loved  |  music  |  Oscar  |  Americanos  |  my memory foam bed  |  my blog sponsors  |  that my parents don't live too far away  |  my college education  |  my hands & feet  |  my extended family  |  david's extended family  |  my trip to California this year  |  David's cooking  |  God's grace  |  our sectional sofa  |  my camera  |  healthy friends' babies  |  presents  |  my healthy pregnancy & labor  |  my thursday morning coffee/prayer pals  |  RUF hymns  |  breastfeeding  |  my boss  |  my last boss  |  Siloam  |  safety  |  David's clients  |  watching friday night lights with david on netflix  |  camp vesper point  |  camp friends  |  blankets  |  my iPhone  |  the fact that I have so much to be thankful for that i couldn't possibly complete this list  |  salvation

Got into "the ham" for Thanksgiving yesterday.  Taking it easy and enjoying family (and eating too much already).  Will be back on the blog next week.  I know it can be hard to step away from the keyboard & mouse of the blogworld sometimes - but I challenge you to take a break this week and really spend time absorbing all that is around you that you can be truly thankful! We'll all be here when you get back!

Miscellany Monday

{one} not 1, 2, or 3... but FOUR months!
Seriously? For real? How has it possibly already been 4 months?!  Look at this giant baby love!

{two} Dear Santa, I want to win this ring:

Mara of M loves M is giving away this tacori ring... $2k! Cross your fingers for me! {please}

{three} Man Week giveaways still open! Over $600 in giveaways people!


Ending tonight: Justin Boots from Langstons & 2 bars natural man soap from Dr. Soap Company
Ending Tuesday night: dozen beer cupcakes from cacoa & graphic t from full spectrum
Ending Wed. night: shaving essentials from The Man Cave
Ending Thurs: Manly stationary from Simply Honest & His&Her shoes from Punchdrunk Panda
Ending Friday: diana camera from Uncommon Goods & design your own apparel from apliiq

{four} Had a lot of fun with dress a hipster game...

{five} if you are a teacher or have ever had a teacher - you need to watch this video!

{six} chloe has a shabby apple giveaway going on! and... So does behold the metatron!

{linking up today with Carissa}

Man Week :: Design your own apparel review & giveaway from Apliiq

Ever wish you could be a fashion designer?  Now you can with Apliiq- a new media fashion company that collects rare, deadstock and recognizable fabrics and applies them to everyday garments.  You pick the apparel  fabric, and other accents to suit your individual taste.  So often I'm with David and he'll say something like "I would like it, if it didn't have..."  But with Apliiq, you can make it exactly the way you like it.  In addition to men's attire and accessories they also have women and children too!  

Doug created a heather gray hoodie with old data patches on the kangroo patch and two head piece accents.  He choose to spice it up with a kelly green cord pull. easy peasy lemon squeezy - he's a fashion designer!  Say's Doug -

"love this hoodie.  if i could hang it on the fridge i would -- pretty proud of my design." 

Where to find Apliiq

shop  |  facebook  |  twitter

--Up for Grabs--

$65 shop credit to design your own apparel 

How to Win:

Visit apliiq and come back and tell me how you would use apliiq to spice up your man's wardrobe.

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. "like" apliiq on facebook

3. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway. {must contain @ tags & link, 1 entry per day}

#ManWeek! Design your own apparel w/ @apliiq via @blairita $65 shop credit #giveaway http://ow.ly/7ytvx

5. follow me @blairita & @apliiq  on twitter {1 entry each}

five BONUS ENTRIES -- really want to win?!

Get FIVE entries -- Design your own apliiq apparel and save it to the Wild&Precious store!  Just click HERE, follow the leads to create your design, then click SAVE.

{make sure to leave 5 separate comments - just copy & paste the link to your design 5 times in the comment section}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Friday night 11/25 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Man Week :: Diana Camera Review & Giveaway from UnCommon Goods

Want to know a really cool place to find your dude some unique holiday gifts?  Check out featured Man Week Sponsor, Uncommon Goods! They've got gear, they've got gadgets, they've got accessories... they've got it all.  They have some of the best gifts for men including the sometimes hard to shop for gifts for dad!  Doug & David were excited to get their hands on this Diana camera c/o UnCommon Goods.  Taking non-digital pictures has become so foreign that it feels like a magical surprise every time you pull the trigger.  Especially with the way this camera works -- you never know what you are going to get!

I totally failed at getting the dudes' film developed this week (i'll share in another post when i get the film back), so above are some examples of the cool things to expect from a diana camera.  {these images are from ken munk}

Want to win one?

--up for grabs--

Diana Camera plus 3 pack of black&white Film

How to Win:

Visit Uncommon Goods & come tell me what you might like to put under the tree for your man!

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. sign up for the Uncommon email list

3. Tweet about the giveaway. {1 entry per day}

#ManWeek #giveaway! WIN a Diana Camera! via @blairita @uncommongoods http://ow.ly/7y8Hw {more gift ideas: http://ow.ly/7y7YD}

4. Vote on a product on uncommon's site (no need to tell them I sent you)

5. follow me @blairita on twitter 

6. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

7. "like" uncommon goods on facebook

7. blog about the giveaway or link to it on your side bar {2 entries}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Friday night 11/25 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Man Week :: His & Her Shoes Giveaway from PunchDrunk Panda

T-rex with a mustache & bowler hat? -- hello, perfect conversation starters!  These shoes, provided by Man Week featured sponsor Punchdrunk Panda, are heck-a-fun.  In the popular chucka style, your dude can pop these one with just about anything.  PDP is full of fun hipster apparel, accessories, and gear (oh - and they have girl stuff too)! Say's the dude:

"they are really light and comfortable...rad design - i mean who else has t-rex chuckas!?"

where to find Punchdrunk Panda

web  |  twitter  |  etsy  |  facebook

up for grabs

His & Her Shoes

 {thats right - TWO pairs. one for him & one for you of the same design of your choice}

How to Win:

Visit Punchdrunk Panda and come back and leave a comment.

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. "like" Punchdrunk Panda on Facebook

3. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway. {must contain @ tags & link, 1 entry per day}

#ManWeek #giveaway! WIN 2 pairs of shoes - one for him one for you! from @punchdrunkinc via @blairita http://ow.ly/7xor2

5. follow me @blairita & @punchdrunkinc  on twitter {1 entry each}

6. add PDP as a favorite on etsy

7. follow PDP's blog

8. blog about the giveaway or link to it on your side bar {2 entries}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Thursday night 11/24 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Man Week :: Manly Stationery giveaway from Simply Honest

"Gratitude is a virtue every man should cultivate. Yet gratitude means nothing if you haven’t mastered the art of expressing it. A man should use every opportunity to express to those around him how much he appreciates their love, support, and generosity. One of the key ways of expressing gratitude is the thank you note. Unfortunately, many men today completely overlook this aspect of etiquette and consequently, break the hearts of sweet little grandmas everywhere. Every gentlemen should be knowledgeable of the when’s and how’s of writing thank you notes. Being a frequent and skillful writer of them will set you apart from your uncouth peers."

-the art of manliness

Is your man a note writer?  Perhaps with stationery like this he would feel a little more inclined to sit down and jot down his thoughts of thanks and affection.  Aren't these so cute?  I'm thrilled to introduce you to Simply Honest - an etsy shop full of unique personalized greeting cards, invitations, and stationery.  Say's Kelsey, the gal behind the shop: 

"The goal of SimplyHonest is to create short, sweet and simply designed cards that allow you to say whatever you feel inside! For anyone who's had a tough time finding a card for that special man in their life, these "Working Man" notecards can help ease the hunt. After all, men like simple, and SimplyHonest is here to help. Have a question, idea, or other design request? Just ask!"

where to find Simply Honest

etsy  |  facebook

------

up for grabs

$20 Shop Credit to Simply Honest

How to Win:

Visit Simply Honest and come back and leave a comment.

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. "like" Simply Honest on facebook

3. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway. {must contain @ tag & link, 1 entry per day}

#ManWeek #giveaway! WIN $20 shop credit - Simply Honest man stationery! your dude will love it! @blairita http://ow.ly/7wNtN

5. follow me @blairita  on twitter 

6. add Simply Honest as a favorite on etsy

7. blog about the giveaway or link to it on your side bar {2 entries}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Thursday night 11/24 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Man Week :: Shaving Essentials giveaway from the Man Cave

I'm excited to introduce y'all to The Mancave -- an etsy shop full of shaving and higiene essentials for your burly men.  High quality handcrafted bath & body -- sounds like the perfect stocking stuffers right?!  And check out the names of their products...so clever & fun!

where to find Man Cave

etsy  |  facebook  |  blog

{also found in several stores across the country & canada}

------

up for grabs

soap in a jar, aftershave, and body soap

 {winner' choice of scents, $29 value}

How to Win:

Visit the Man Cave and come back and leave a comment.

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. "like" Man Cave on Facebook

3. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway. {must contain @ tags & link, 1 entry per day}

#ManWeek #giveaway! WIN bath & body essentials for your burly man! your dude will love it! @blairita http://ow.ly/7wcz8

5. follow me @blairita  on twitter 

6. add Man Cave as a favorite on etsy

7. follow Man Cave's blog

8. blog about the giveaway or link to it on your side bar {2 entries}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Wednesday night 11/23 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Man Week :: Pflum Thumb's scarf review + coupon code

David is wearing a hand knit scarf c/o Pflum Thumb's - an etsy shop that sells unique knitted and crocheted items.  Here he has it paired with an Urban Outfitters vneck t, gap trausers, Nau jacket, and Urban Outfitters oxfords.  I love it when my man accessorizes & this scarf is perfect.  That's one cool dude! Says David: 

"I can tell this scarf is really well made.  I like the dimensions of it... good size.  I also like that it doesn't itch like some scarves. I hope [Blair] doesn't steal it from me."

Laura of Pflum Thumb's says: I knitted this scarf with the gentleman in mind who doesn't want a long scarf that needs to be wrapped but rather a shorter one that can just be overlapped under a coat. It would work just as easily for a lady, though, who wants as shorter scarf with less bulk. I used two strands of soft, cushy yarn that will keep you nice and warm in the cold winter, though. The color is blue with reddish heather.  This would be a great gift for anyone on your list. {Hand knit by me in a smoke-free, dog-friendly home. Measurements: Width: 6" Length: 54"}

Coupon Code:

Now through December 31 use coupon code "WILDFREESHIPPING" for free shipping on your order from Pflum Thumb's

Man Week :: tshirt Review & Giveaway from Full Spectrum Clothing

Hipster alert! We are loving this mustache and wayfarer glasses tshirt from Man Week featured sponsor, Full Spectrum Clothing.  You know your guy is always throwing on a tshirt & jeans -- why not spice it up a bit with an orignal graphic t silk screened by hand?!  Printed on an American Apparel T, this shirt is soft & doesn't fit boxy like a lot of mens shirts.  It also comes in several colors. Doug is wearing a size medium and has paired it with a pair of Lucky jeans, suede oxfords, and thrifted bandana & sunglasses.  Says Doug:

"pretty cool! reminds me of Drew Carey meets Tom Sellek... shirt feels good too, perfectly worn feeling like I've had it for years - but not worn out looking."

where to find full spectrum

etsy  |  facebook  |  twitter

--up for grabs--

tshirt of winner's choice!

How to Win:

Visit Full Spectrum Clothing and come back and leave a link of your favorite item.

{This is a mandatory entry & must be done prior to any other entries}

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. "like" Full Spectrum on Facebook

3. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway. {must contain @ tags & link, 1 entry per day}

More #ManWeek giveaways! WIN a graphic t of your choice from @fulspecclothing ! your dude will love it! @blairita http://ow.ly/7uAMS

5. follow me (@blairita) and @fulSpecClothing on twitter {1entry each}

6. add Full Spectrum as a favorite on etsy

7. blog about the giveaway or link to it on your side bar {2 entries}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Monday night 11/21 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Added Bonus:

Now through 11/18 use coupon code "WP2011" for 15% off your purchase!

Man Week :: CaCao Beer Cupcakes Review & Giveaway

Everyone loves cupcakes!  Even your man admits he can't pass up a yummy frosted pastry.  Now he's really gonna gobble them up.  Treat your guy to beer cupcakes with his cerveza! Cacao Sweets & Treats really got it right with these.  Me & the guys were super impressed from the moment they arrived.  Cacao's shipping was speedy.  The cupcakes arrived in a beautifully wrapped box and were wrapped to retain maximum moistness.  I thought it was so clever how she sent them un frosted & included ready to pipe bags. Cacao makes it super easy to serve your man (or guests) fresh, gourmet, cupcakes! What the guys say:

"forget the peanuts - give me a beer cupcake!"

"i could eat this blue moon frosting with a spoon... I can't believe it is possible to get cupcakes like this in  the mail. perfect!" 

Where to find CaCoa

web  |  facebook  |  blog  |  twitter  |  etsy

--up for grabs--

6 Blue Moon Cupcakes + 6 Guinness Cupcakes

How to Win:

Visit CaCao and come back and tell me what makes you drool most! ;)

{This is a mandatory entry & must be done prior to any other entries}

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. "like" CaCao on Facebook

3. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway. {must contain @ tags & link, 1 entry per day}

#ManWeek giveaways! WIN super yummy bluemoon & guinness cupcakes from @cacaobakery for your man via @blairita http://ow.ly/7u0fn

5. follow me (@blairita) and @cacaobakery on twitter {1entry each}

6. add CaCao as a favorite on etsy

7. follow CaCao's blog

8. blog about the giveaway or link to it on your side bar {2 entries}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Monday night 11/21 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Man Week :: Dr. K Handmade Soap Review & Giveaway

Men aren't always known for their cleanliness... as my husband sometimes says, "I'm building my immunities!" Ha!  Well this rugid handmade soap from Ireland might just be the answer to our occasionally stinky/messy boys!  As a featured sponsor of Man Week, Dr. K Soap Company send David & Doug a bar of their "Man Soap."  This soap is natural & detergent free which means it doesn't leave that oily-sticky build up on your skin.  Also cool -- none of Dr. K's products are tested on animals.  Say's Doug about the Man Soap:

"As far as soap goes, it's legit!  I like the fragrance - it's not girly smelling and I feel clean. About time there was a soap for us dudes."

Where to find Dr. K

web |  facebook  |  twitter  |  etsy

--up for grabs--

A bar of Man Soap + a bar of Irish Stout & Charcoal Soap
{hello! perfect stocking stuffers!}

How to Win:

Visit DrKSoap.com and come back and leave a link of your favorite item.

{This is a mandatory entry & must be done prior to any other entries}

additional ways to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each entry}

1. Be a follower of Wild & Precious

2. "like" Dr. K Soap Company on Facebook

3. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway. {must contain @ tags & link, 1 entry per day}

#ManWeek giveaways! WIN handmade man & beer soap from Ireland's @drksoapcompany! via @blairita http://ow.ly/7tifH

5. follow me (@blairita) and @drksoapcompany on twitter {1entry each}

6. add Dr. K as a favorite on etsy

7. blog about the giveaway or link to it on your side bar {2 entries}

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted. All comments must be left on this post. Comments left on facebook cannot be counted as entries. You must leave your email address. Giveaway closes late Sunday night 11/20 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Added Bonus:

Now through 11/18 use coupon code "WildWeek" for 10% off your purchase!
{if purchasing from the website versus etsy, put coupon code in notes to seller and you will be sent 10% refund}