Funky Polkadot Giraffe: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Holiday Giveaway: The Handprint Lady

I've got another fabulous giveaway today!
It comes from the fabulous Handprint Lady.
She does AMAZING things with ceramics and handprints
and makes them into beautiful keepsakes.

She has plates and platters . . .

Plaques and stepping stones

Vases and Mugs

Custom Ornaments

And so much more!
She is wonderful to work with
and is an expert at planning and creating
beautiful keepsakes.
And what's even more awesome
is that it can all be done via mail.

Because Monica loves you all so much she
has offered a 10% discount off any handprint
order with the code "HANDPRINT".

Today she is also giving away a custom ornament!!
You can personalize it with a wedding date,
anniversary, baby's first Christmas,
family names - the options are endless!

Want it?

Well, you can WIN IT!
If you want to win
then here is what you to do!

MANDATORY ENTRY

(this MUST be completed for any other extra entries to count)

Visit The Handprint Lady and have a look around.
The come back here and tell me the names of some
of your favorites items.

Extra Entries:
(You MUST complete the mandatory entry before completing any extra entries.)

1 Extra Entry: {LIKE} The Handprint Lady on Facebook and leave a comment on the wall saying I sent you! (leave 1 additional comment)

1 Extra Entry: {TWEET} about the giveaway with a link back here and mention @funkyPDgiraffe (leave 1 additional comment)
1 Extra Entry: {FACEBOOK} about the giveaway with a link back here and mention Funky PolkaDot Giraffe in the update. (leave 1 additional comment)

As always, giveaways are only open to
FPG Google Friends Connect PUBLIC followers.
Open to US residents only.
This GIVEAWAY will end on December 7th at midnight PST.

1 lucky reader will be selected using Random.org and will have 72 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU,
IF YOU DON'T LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS, I WILL
PICK A NEW WINNER.

Note:
Delivery by Christmas is not guaranteed.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #59

Happy ThankYouGivings Day!!!!
I know, I know.
I'm like a week too late :)
But I was having too much fun enjoying
the holiday with the family.
And of course doing some serious Black Friday shopping!

Speaking of shopping . . .
My cute friend Sarah of Little Penelope Lane is having an
open house on Thursday!!!

We love us some Little Penelope Lane up in here!
They are so darling and so perfectly priced.
If you're an LA/OC local - I definitely recommend checking it out!

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??

Come link up!

Rules:

Must be made by you.
Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!

TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!

This post brought to you by:

I changed the linky party so that the most recently uploaded project will show up as number one. This way everyone gets a chance on top. So, look in the first spot for your project, not at the end. Thanks!!!

Holiday Giveaway: iMo Camera Strap

Are you ready for another giveaway???
Well, it's time!!!

iMo makes the coolest camera straps.
They are so stylish and functional.
Some of them even have a quick release option,
which makes changing straps as easy
as changing your socks.
I love it!

Today iMo is giving away one camera strap
of your choosing to one lucky winner!!!!

Want it?

Well, you can WIN IT!
If you want to win
then here is what you to do!

MANDATORY ENTRY

(this MUST be completed for any other extra entries to count)

Visit iMo, look around,
and come back here and tell me the names of your favorite camera straps.

Extra Entries:
(You MUST complete the mandatory entry before completing any extra entries.)

1 Extra Entry: {LIKE} iMo on Facebook and leave a comment on the wall saying I sent you! (leave 1 additional comment)

As always, giveaways are only open to
FPG Google Friends Connect PUBLIC followers.
This GIVEAWAY will end on December 6th at midnight PST.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Nutrisystem: November Update

Hello everyone!
I'm sorry that I've been lax at reporting my
Nutrisystem progress.

It has been a good month
and I feel like I finally got my head in the game.
Does that make sense?
I feel like I finally found the fire I've been
searching for the past two years
and I'm ready to go.
That's exciting for me.
I'm starting boot camp with friends this week
and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Are you nervous about heading into the holidays
and all the food that seems to pop up?
I swear - when I was teaching -
there were treats in the lounge every day.
That can make it hard.

Here are some tips from Nutrisystem to help you stay on track:

Nutrisystem Holiday Survival Smarts

10 Diet-friendly Strategies for Thanksgiving and Beyond

The holiday season is a dreaded time for many people on a weight loss program, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 10 easy ways you can enjoy the celebration days without feeling punished or sacrificing your Nutrisystem progress.

1. Have a plan. Think things through before you get to the actual holiday meals and parties. Maybe your strategy is to take tiny portions of different dishes; that’s okay. If you’re cooking, you might want to have your bottle of water with you in the kitchen, so you’re less tempted to snack. Do what you can to stay away from the appetizer table. Plan to avoid anything that’s not homemade. The point is that if you go in with a plan, you’ll be less likely to get caught off-guard.

Utilize “The Low GI Cookbook – Nutrisystem Edition,” for cooking up some delicious holiday meals such as the Roasted Pumpkin and Mushroom Lasagna or Pork With Honey Glazed Apples, while staying on track and not depriving yourself of the holiday festivities. The cookbook is available for purchase over the phone or on nutrisystem.com.

2. Stay on track. Holidays are not the time to skip meals in an attempt to “bank” calories. That’s a strategy that can backfire miserably. Instead, eat everything on your meal plan leading up to the holiday event, and make sure you’re drinking all your water. You’ll be less likely to overindulge at the big event.

3. Set a goal. There’s something about holidays that makes people forget what they do the rest of the year. Do you already have weight loss goals set up for November, December and January? If not you can start today. Once you’ve set a short-term goal, decide on a way to reward yourself once the goal has been reached.

4. Drink smart. Face it, overindulging during holiday events—whether it’s an office party, a family gathering or a neighborhood open house—can add a lot of extra calories to your day. In addition, when you’ve had too much to drink, it tends to weaken your previous resolve and derail any strategies and plans you might have had. Besides, you don’t want to end up as that karaoke-singing family member or neighbor everyone will be talking about for the next month.

5. Trim the calories. This tip is especially useful if you happen to be the primary cook for an event. In baked items, replace the fat with an equal amount of applesauce and the sugar with a sugar substitute; substitute a quarter cup of egg substitute for every egg called for in the recipe; replace butter with low fat margarine; replace whole milk with 1% milk and sour cream with yogurt; reduce the amount of nuts called for by half. And don’t forget both veggies and salad.

6. Enlist support. Trying to maintain your Nutrisystem program can be hard at the holidays, but there’s no reason you have to go it alone. Ask for your family’s understanding or even their help, so nobody’s trying to foist “seconds” on you. Nutrisystem counselors can help you strategize, based on your individual circumstances. Or you can go to the Nutrisystem Discussion Boards, where you’ll find people who definitely understand what you’re trying to do. Discuss your concerns; share tips of your own, or join one of the many weight loss challenges. Some of them are specifically geared to the holidays. Introduce yourself well before the event, so you have that support already in place.

7. Keep moving. Instead of just sitting around after dinner, suggest a family walk, or organize a touch-football game. Most people will be grateful for the chance to move around, and it can keep you on-track with your exercise plan.

8. Quality not Quantity. If you do plan to indulge in some of the traditional Thanksgiving favorites, use these portions as a guideline:

Turkey—3 oz. white meat, no skin (about the size of a deck of cards)
Mashed potatoes—1/3 cup (about the size of half of a baseball)
Gravy—1 Tbsp. (just drizzle it)
Relish made with sugar—1 Tbsp.
Stuffing—2 Tbsp.
Dinner Roll—if not homemade, skip it
Pie—1/12 of a 9” pie

9. Eat Before You Go. Whether you are hosting or just attending a holiday function, be sure to eat your Nutrisystem entrée before the festivities begin -- that way you won’t be tempted to overeat during the meal and will be able to stay on track.

10. Embrace the holiday spirit. This last tip may just be the most important: You can get so caught up in all the planning and hoopla that you lose the whole meaning of the holiday season—coming together with friends and loved ones. It’s the time that’s really valuable, not the food and drink.

CURRENT STATS:
Week One: -6 lbs
Week Two: -3 lbs
Week Three: -.5
Week Four: -2
Week Five: -0
Week Six: -1
Week Seven: -1
Week Eight: -.5
Week Nine: -1
Week Ten: -1.5
Week Eleven: +3
Week Twelve: +2
Week Thirteen: -2
Week Fourteen: -1
Week Fifteen: -0
Week Sixteen: -1
Week Seventeen: -1
Week Eighteen: -0
Week Nineteen: -0
Week Twenty: -.5

TOTAL: 17

Nutrisystem is providing their food and program to me free of charge in exchange for blogging about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The opinions above are my own.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling tel:1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

Holiday Giveaway: Shabby Apple Jewelry

Holla!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!
So I'm going to be a little unorthodox and do
giveaways whenever I feel like it this month!
Woohoo!!!

My first giveaway comes from Shabby Apple!
They have gorgeous vintage jewelry, women's dresses,
and little girls dresses.
I love everything about their style and products.

Today I'm giving away
The White Rabbit's Time Keeper!!!!

It is a gorgeous piece of vintage jewelry and
a wonderful addition to any collection.

If you can't wait to see if you've won,
or if there are lots of other things at Shabby Apple you'd like,
use the code "giraffe10off" for 10% off your purchase.
(expires 12/16/11)

Want it?

Well, you can WIN IT!
If you want to win
then here is what you need to do!

MANDATORY ENTRY

(this MUST be completed for any other extra entries to count)

{LIKE} Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave
a comment on their wall saying I sent you.
Then come back and comment here!

Extra Entries:
(You MUST complete the mandatory entry before completing any extra entries.)

As always, giveaways are only open to
FPG Google Friends Connect PUBLIC followers.
This giveaway is open to USA residents only.

This GIVEAWAY will end on December 5th at midnight PST.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #58

Did you have a fabulous weekend?
I spent my {EARLY} Saturday morning helping
a friend get her booth for the CUW Boutique
up and running.
I didn't sell this year, but it was fun
to still be part of the action.

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??

Come link up!

Rules:

Must be made by you.
Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!

TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!

This post brought to you by:

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Want It? Win It! Wednesday: My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software

I shared with you before that I'm a digital scrapbooker.

It's such a less cluttered way to scrapbook
and I was totally smitten with it once my friend Mandy
introduced me to almost 6 years ago.
I have to admit that I don't do it as often as I'd like,
but it's still fun to use to make printables and other
fun things!

So I'm excited to be able to offer a giveaway
of Amazon's #1 rated digital scrapbook software -
My Memories Suite!!!

It's a totally affordable and user-friendly option
for digital scrapbooking.
You can make scrapbook pages, edit and
embellish your photos, and create printables!

Jaime and I recently took our kids out to the
the mountains to enjoy some Fall apple fun.
I used My Memory to make a quick album
page and a funny printable of a sign then had up
at the cider mill :)

I was impressed with how user friendly My Memories Suite
was for digital scrapbooking.
I opened the program and started right in with no problem.

Today one winner will win My Memory Suite
Digital Scrapbooking Software!

BUT!
If you can't wait to see if you win,
you can purchase My Memories Suite
right HERE and use the code

STMMMS24096

for a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!

Want it?
Well, you can WIN IT!
If you want to win
then here is what you need to do!

MANDATORY ENTRY

(this MUST be completed for any other extra entries to count)

Visit www.MyMemories.com
and tell me which digital scrapbook kit you'd
like to use for your first album.

Extra Entries:
(You MUST complete the mandatory entry before completing any extra entries.)

1 Extra Entry: {LIKE} My Memories on Facebook. (leave 1 additional comment)
1 Extra Entry: {FOLLOW} the My Memories Blog. (leave 1 additional comment)
1 Extra Entry: {FOLLOW} My Memories on Twitter. (leave 1 additional comment)
1 Extra Entry: {SHARE} about the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook. Be sure to mention or tag Funky PolkaDot Giraffe so I know you did it!. (leave 1 additional comment)

As always, giveaways are only open to
FPG Google Friends Connect PUBLIC followers.
This giveaway is open to USA residents only.

This GIVEAWAY will end on November 23rd at midnight PST.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy of My Memories Suite software to try and use. I am also a My Memories affiliate and receive compensation only when someone purchases using the referral code above. All the thoughts & opinions are mine.

Free Printable: Winter Bucket List

We had so much fun with our Summer Bucket List
and Fall Bucket List . . .

That now it's time for a Winter Bucket List!!!!

I made one for you too!!!
(DOWNLOAD HERE)
There is a version with text and a BLANK version,
in case you have no idea what a beach sandman is:)
ENJOY!

As always - please adhere to the rules:
- Funky PolkaDot Giraffe printables are for PERSONAL use only.
-Please do not remove the watermark.
- Please link back to this site if you post anywhere on the internet.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #57

This weekend we took the kids to the Universal City Walk.
It was a lot of fun and one of my favorite places
was It's Sugar.
Think real life Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Look at this rad festive candy!

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??

Come link up!

Rules:

Must be made by you.
Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!

TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!

This post brought to you by: