Sweet Harper Welcomes New Sponsor: Miss C. Alexandria

Sound familiar?  You met Cire' months ago when her beautiful workspace was featured here on Sweet Harper.  Check it out, it's so chic!  Today, however, I want to welcome Miss C. Alexandria as the newest Sweet Harper sponsor and encourage you to take a peek at this fabulous Etsy shop.  Cire' mixes vintage with new, and makes some amazing jewelry!  I am really loving her earring collection, but I am a huge sucker for earrings.


As always, thank you for supporting the Sweet Harper sponsors.  Be sure to let them know you found them from Sweet Harper (I always like to know how my customers find me ;-)!

FREE Shipping This Weekend

It has been a while since I've treated my favorite Sweet Harper friends with a little something, huh?  Let's do FREE shipping all weekend!  Just mention "August" when you checkout at my Etsy shop and you will receive your shipping refund within 24 hours.  Shop away and pick up some fun clips for your Sweet Girl to wear to the last few parties of the summer!  Does she have these yet?

Have you entered the Westmama Designs Giveaway yet?


Oh, and I am super excited to be teaming up with another blogger for a Back to School series!  Starts on Monday, so be here or be square.  Want to make sure you get see Monday's post?  Add your e-mail address to the subscriber box over in my sidebar and get Sweet Harper posts to your inbox!

I haven't been doing a great job of keeping up with what you have all been up to on weekends for a while...so what are you up to this weekend?  We are celebrating three birthdays, which of course means CAKE!!!

Win Sweet Harper @ Getting All My Ducks in a Row

Mellisa at Getting All my Ducks in a Row is celebrating her blog anniversary!  In honor of her 1 Year Blogging Anniversary, she is offering some great giveaways.  Since she (and her Miss Maddie) and kind of big Sweet Harper fans (that's a lie, she's addicted), Mellisa wanted to offer a Sweet Harper set to her readers.  A Bicycle Built for YOU has been one of my most favorited (is that a word? is now!) sets and always gets a lot of attention.  

 You can win your own set from Mellisa, so hop on over to Getting All My Ducks in a Row and enter today!  Plus, you can't miss out on the SWEET pics of Maddie.

Sweet [Etsy] Shop & Giveaway: Westmama Designs

Westmama Designs offers a great line of organic shirts made with non-toxic ink, and unique stationary.  Both of which feature original designs.  As soon as I found this shop, I knew I wanted to get a shirt for Jack because it's not too often that I come across something that I can get for him from Etsy.  He chose the T-Rex with a Lollipop shirt in red, and was so excited to do his "own" shopping.  Kimberly, the mama behind Westmama also sent along one of her 'slightly' imperfect shirts for Harper-so sweet!  My first reaction about the shirts was how soft the fabric was, always important for my little ones with sensitive skin. 

Also, I have to tell you that my husband thinks the shirts are awesome too.  He loves to dress the kids in them! 

 These are real everyday pics of my kids...Harper hanging out with her kitty, Nora.  And, Jack, with half of a tattoo still stuck on his arm, is counting for me.  This is a great representation of this Etsy shop-everyday wear.


I think part of the appeal of Westmama Design's shirts for children is that they look like KIDS when wearing them.  I mean, they already grow up too fast, right?  Westmama shirts are comfortable, easy, and fun to wear.

Westmama Designs has offered an exclusive discount for Sweet Harper's readers!  Just mention "sweetharper" at checkout and receive 15% off your shirt order. (Refunded via PayPal.)  What a great deal!

Westmama Designs also has a unique line of stationary, which are again all original designs (printed on recycled cardstock, of course).  I especially love the Hello and You Make Me Happy set.

 

There is a great giveaway going on too...Westmama Designs has offered a set of cards to one Sweet Harper reader-YOUR choice! 

Maybe you're looking for some Thank You Postcards...

Don't forget to check out WestmamaDesigns on Facebook too.  They love new fb fans!


Mandatory Entry: Visit Westmama's Etsy shop and leave a comment with what item you just LOVE, and don't forget to check out their adult tees too!

1. Follow/subscribe to Sweet Harper's Blog (or tell me you already do)
2. Follow/Subscribe to Westmama's Blog (or tell me you already do)
3. Follow @sweetharper and @WestmamaDesigns on twitter (or tell me you already do)
4. Tweet about this giveaway, and be sure to include @sweetharper so I can verify your tweet.
5. For Fun-tell me about your FAVORITE old t-shirt...you know the one that is all ragged, but you still held onto after all these years.

Giveaway starts on July 28th, 2010 and ends on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 10:00 pm CST.  This giveaway is open to worldwide entries!  Jack's shirt was purchased by me, and Harper's was sent for review from Westmama Designs.

Getting Lost at the Beach

Sunday was a perfect day to get lost at the beach, not literally...but we were playing and having such a great time that all of the sudden we realized it was 1:30 and we hadn't grilled lunch yet.  We took the kids to a regional park near our house to swim at the beach, and brought along some hot dogs to grill for lunch.  It's a very gradual beach, so we could relax a bit, and let Jack wander a few extra feet farther than usual.


And he did wander...he found some older boys that were trying to "catch" the small sunfish in the swimming area.  Probably wasn't going to happen since they were using their bare hands and a bucket, but who was I to spoil their efforts? 


I was hanging out right at the edge of the water where Harper was sitting and throwing scooping sand, and my hubby came over to inform me that he "had been ditched."  Jack was too busy keeping up with his new found pals, helping them by scouting new fish to "catch", and didn't want to hang with his dad.  

We sat there together, watching our Sweet Boy, and saw a new little man emerging. (I am tearing up just writing this.)  We have many important milestones coming our way in the near future...turning 4, starting preschool, first airplane ride.  But, sometimes it's the quiet milestones that sneak up on us as parents.  That day at the beach is one we will always remember, even though he may not.  

The day we saw a glimpse of a big kid in our first born baby.


Here are a couple of pics (sorry, just had my phone along), and no they did not just eat chips the whole time.  Would have if we let them though!  BTW, Harper is looking pretty big herself these days, isn't she?

When did a quiet milestone sneak up on you?

Struck by Sweetness! (and 10 things about ME)

Recently, TWO different bloggers awarded Sweet Harper with blog awards.  Gina at Hiya Luv awarded Sweet Harper with the Sugar Doll Blogger Award, and Lindsey, from TidbitsParenting, awarded Sweet Harper with a Beautiful Blogger award.  What an honor to be recognized by these two awesome blogging women.  So the rules are the same for both, so I thought I would combine them into a single post...

Rules are as follows: (1) Thank whoever gave you the award (2) Tell 10 things about yourself that your readers might now know and (3) pay it forward by nominating some awesome bloggers you've recently discovered.


So, THANK YOU kind blogging friends, Gina and Lindsey!

1. My favorite drink this summer has been {Peach} Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade.  In fact, I am enjoying one right now as I write ;-)
2. I have never actually had real, authentic Sweet Tea...I know, I can hear the collective gasp from my southern readers.  Who's going to make me a batch using their secret recipe?
3. I have a major Sweet Tooth! On Twitter? Search #sweettootholympics and you'll see!
4. Although, I have a major Sweet Tooth, my ultimate treat is ice cream.  The really, really, really good stuff, like from Grand Ole Creamery.
5. I am really starting to enjoy taking pictures and toying with the idea of investing in a nice camera, but nothing too crazy...we'll see.
6. I am visiting San Diego for the first time next month (family and all) and so excited because I have never been there!
7. I use ( ! ) waaaaay too much.  Someone stop me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8. Previously, I taught full day kindergarten...be sure to look for some helpful back to school blogs in the near future. Oh, and I am teaming up with another super cool blogger for the series.
9. I don't really like to shop for clothes.  I am more of a necessity shopper...when a staple wears out, I replace it. 
10. All that nonsense about not being a shopper in #9, well, it's only half true because I shop online for my kids ALL the time!

Pay it forward! I can't possibly list all of my favorite blogs, but I will share a few...


Mellisa (yes, that's how you spell her name) @ Getting All my Ducks in a Row
Jen @ Bullfrogs and Butterflies Baby
Jenny @ Monkey-Toes
Dan and Karin @ DnK Photography
Metta @ Mommyhood at Thirty (Check out her news DIGS!)

Message to my recipients: whether or not you wish to participate is up to you (no pressure), I know it can be stressful to have one more thing added to your plate.  However, please know your blog rocks and I am thankful that you are part of the Sweet Harper community!


Hope you all have a wonderful week!

UrbanHalo Giveaway Ends Tonight

Just a friendly reminder to get your entries in for the UrbanHalo giveaway...you could look as cool as me and win two headbands of your choice! 


Hurry, ends tonight at 10 pm CST!

Sweet [Etsy] Shop & Giveaway: UrbanHalo

So far I have worn my UrbanHalo to Target, preschool drop off, out to dinner with the kids, and to the gym.  Uhhmmm, I'll take one in every color please!  

These headbands are so comfortable, and yet fit tightly, so they will keep the hair out of your face.  I also love that UrbanHalo Headbands are versatile; you can wear them wide or scrunched.  Plus, have you seen all of the great patterns to choose from?  Here are a few of the ones I love...

I chose City Slicker for my UrbanHalo Headband, what do you think?

Jen is also a local shop from Minnesota!  I would definitely would suggest you get at least two UrbanHalo headbands so that you will always have one to match any outfit.  These would also make a great accessory for going back to school for girls of all ages.  I bet your daughter could find a favorite with so many awesome styles to choose from.


Want to choose two of your own?  
 Since she's so Sweet, Jen has offered one lucky Sweet Harper reader two UrbanHalo Headbands of their choice! Get your entry in now!


Mandatory Entry: Visit Jen's Etsy shop or her website (even more selection) and comment on your favorite UrbanHalo (or two if you must)!


Ready to increase your odds? You can go for these additional entries (please leave a comment for each one).

1. Subscribe/Follow the Sweet Harper Blog (or tell me you already do).
2. Follow @sweetharper and @myurbanhalo and Tweet! Please include @sweetharper so I can verify your tweet.
3. Just for fun: UrbanHalos could make just about any head of hair look fabulous...leave a comment about your WORST hairstyle or cut.

***Although Sweet Harper can no longer use Facebook pages as an entry for contests, you can find and Like UrbanHalo here.***


Contest begins on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 and ends Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 10:00 PM CST.  Giveaway will ship worldwide!

Note: I obtained my UrbanHalo as a product swap with Jen, and she kindly sent along another as a Thank You for this awesome feature.  My opinions are strictly my own, and thank you for reading all the way to the fine print at the bottom.

Win Sweet Harper @ Hiya Luv!

Gina at Hiya Luv, is one of the sweetest!  Stop on over to her blog Hiya Luv to enter to win some great handmade items for her Birthday Bash.  You can win a set of the Baseball Clips (Daddy's Girl Pair) from Sweet Harper just for leaving a quick comment!  

Gina is so excited to be giving away this set because she's a HUGE baseball fan, but she doesn't cheer for the Twins...you can read more about her at her blog to find out who she does cheer for though ;-)

In case you hadn't heard, the Minnesota Twins have a new stadium, Target Field, and it is an amazing place to watch baseball.  

Are you a baseball fan?

{Salty & Sweet} & {Give Peace a Chance} Treasury Love

Over the weekend, Sweet Harper was featured in two new Etsy Treasuries.  (If you aren't sure what an Etsy Treasury is, or want to learn how to make one...see one of my most popular posts here.)  

A big thank you to TrashCat Paper Products, who featured Sweet Harper in another Treasury, for featuring the Dixie Pair in her Salty & Sweet Treasury.

Also, thanks to Rush Artistry for including Sweet Harper's One World hair clip in the Give Peace a Chance Treasury.  

Don't forget, if you make a Treasury, be sure to leave a comment with a link so I can check it out!

A Weekend Down South

That is a pretty strange thing to say here in Minnesota.  But, that is what we did this weekend...we went south.  The southwestern corner of the state to be more precise.  

The reason is is so strange, is that Minnesota is split in half geographically.  If you were to draw a line across the state right about where the Twin Cities is, you would have the green forest (north) and the rolling plains (south).  

Northern Minnesota is know for it's lakes and quaint cabin towns.  Southern Minnesota is know for it's rolling farmland, and, well, that's about all I can think of right now.  So it is kind of strange to go south for a long weekend in Minnesota.  Nonetheless, we were accompanied by two other couples for a fun weekend at the cabin!

Yes, that is me tubing behind the boat.  I am like a kid when it comes to water!  I love to swim and tube.  The "cabin-culture" is big here in Minnesota for summer getaways.  What do you do for your family's summer getaway?

Minnesota Favorites & Two Little Tots Winner

I added a "Just for FUN" additional entry to the last giveaway for Two Little Tots.  Since Two Little Tots is a local (MN) shop, I asked you to tell me your favorite Minnesota landmark.  A lot of you said the Mall of America [surprise, surprise], now I know how much you all love to shop!!!

I wish I could share them all, but I just chose a few of my favorites that cracked me up. 

Yep, TWO people want to visit the SPAM museum!  Personally, I have never been.  And the World's Largest Ball of Twine? Too funny, even I had to Google that one!

I would definitely have to agree with the 'lakes' comments.  The lakes are one of the best parts of Minnesota.  So many great memories have included a story about boating, swimming [or perhaps skinny dipping], tubing, floating, or fishing.  In fact, come back tomorrow and I will share about our weekend getaway that included lots of lake fun!


Okay, okay...is the suspense killing you?  The winner of the Two Little Tots Giveaway is Kim.  Congrats and enjoy!!!


Would you rather get Sweet Harper in your inbox instead of remembering to check back everyday?  It's super easy...just add your e-mail address in the box below, click the link on your confirmation e-mail.  No SPAM (the edible kind included), just Sweet Harper posts!

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I am so excited to welcome so many new subscribers, Twitter followers, and Facebook fans.  Thank you for all of your interest and support, I really do appreciate it!  If you're new...feel free to jump in and leave comments, I love to hear from you.

Two Little Tots Giveaway Ends Tonight

Just a reminder to make sure to get all of your entries in because the Two Little Tots Giveaway ends tonight!  The winner will receive a $25 shop credit to use towards anything in the shop.  I personally could have used a crayon roll up for this weekend's road trip, better plan ahead next time!

Hope you are having a great weekend so far!  After a weekend away, I am not looking forward to the laundry...

Sweet Harper Welcomes New Sponsor: Jeneri Jewelry

Jeneri Jewelry makes the most beautiful and unique jewelry.  I should know, I have a necklace from Jeneri Jewelry, and I have also given a personalized Jeneri necklace as a gift (my sister in law wears hers all the time too).  Here's a picture of the personalized necklace I have, instead of having my initial stamped in the middle, I asked Jen to do a cross.  I love the way it turned out! (Sorry for the dark pic, but it was one I just snapped quick with my phone.)

 Jeneri Jewelry was also featured as the very FIRST Sweet [Etsy] Shop on Sweet Harper...ahhh, back in the days when my blog was just a baby.  If you want to read all of the lovely things I had to say back in January too, then click here.  Whether you're buying a gift or shopping for yourself, you will definitely find something to fall in love with at Jeneri Jewelry! (Oh, and super cute handbags too!)

As always, thank you for supporting the Sweet Harper sponsors.  Be sure to let them know you found them from Sweet Harper (I always like to know how my customers find me ;-)!


Also, have you entered to win $25 from Two Little Tots yet?



PS-I know that I am personally responsible for getting Jenny from Monkey Toes Shoes addicted too, she usually tweets all about her latest Jeneri purchases!

Sweet [Etsy] Shop: Modern Bean

Modern Bean makes the most amazing felt hair clips.  These clips are simple, modern, and unique.  I really had a difficult time choosing only a few favorites for you.  

 Are you back to school shopping yet?  Be sure to grab a couple of new clips from Modern Bean to complete your Sweet Girl's new outfits!

Modern Bean uses snap clips and come in two different sizes so you can get what will work best for your Sweet Girl.  I am just loving these adorable clips and can think of so many little girls that these clips would make the perfect gift for.  Shop Modern Bean and choose your favorites!

Don't forget that you can catch all of the featured Sweet Shops here!