My swingset story

I was a young'un - maybe 9 or 10. My brother (we'll call him "T") and I were playing in the backyard of my Aunt M's and Uncle J's house. They lived in a quiet little suburban neighborhood on a cul-de-sac. Compared to the north side of Chicago (where we lived), this area was beautiful and clean.

Aside from the odd apple-producing tree in the backyard, there was a metal swing set that, I believe, came with the house. It was basic - two swings (interchangeable with a pull-up bar), monkey bars, and a slide. That was how you rolled back in the day - no tree houses, ramps or rock-climbing walls like they have now.

One afternoon, T and I were running around when we heard a loud, deep dog bark. We knew immediately who's dog this was - the corner neighbor owned a Rottweiler that would bark and snap at us when we passed on our bikes heading to the park. But something wasn't right about this bark. It was too close.

That's when we saw the dog on the street. We panicked. We knew the dog was on its way to get us. T was closest to the house, so he immediately ran indoors. I was on the other side of the yard...and knew there was no way I'd make it inside before the dog entered the backyard. So, I hastily made my way to the top of the slide...hoping he didn't know how to climb up.

I remember a lot of screaming and crying atop the slide, with the dog barking and snarling at the base (he made it pretty far up the slide just by standing on his hind legs). I remember seeing my brother, horror-stricken and helpless, watching me from the door.

I don't remember what made the dog go away - was it the owner's call? Who knows. But I will always be grateful for that metal swing set.

I am sharing this story with you for two reasons:
1. I plan on sharing little bits and pieces about my memories of this house and my aunt and uncle (and their kids). This is a good place to start - get the bad memory out of the way.

2. There is a big spring contest over at Dad Blogs. You write a blog post and reference their giveaway and you can possibly win this:



A fully-loaded wooden swingset from Kid's Creations. Valued at $5,000!
And if that wasn't enough, they are throwing in a Canon PowerShot SD 1100.

Though this swingset won't protect Peanut from big, scary dogs (that wall would certainly do her in), it would still be a blast for us her to play on.

So, If you happen to check this giveaway out, please mention my name.

Duct Tape

Today's post was inspired by receiving an "honorable mention" prize at Suburban Scrawl - a blue, green and white duct tape wallet, handcrafted by Melisa's son.

Funny that I would win this when just this past weekend, ShankRabbit's silver duct tape wallet (from Uncommon Goods, as seen here in all its new glory) bit the dust.



August 2005 - April 2009

Well, I wanted to see what things people have made with duct tape. You can purchase fashionable purses, guitar straps...or make your own dress/suit and submit it to a contest called "Stuck at Prom," sponsored by Duck brand duct tape.
You and your date make your prom attire out of duct tape and you could win a $5,000 scholarship (wow...where was this when I was in high school?!). If you click on the link you will see past entries - some basic, some super-intricate.

I'm thoroughly impressed...though I wonder how you'd manage in an outfit that has no ventilation whatsoever. Maybe they brought a change of clothes.

Want a song written about YOU?

ShankRabbit, a.k.a. The Code Monkey Daddy, has a contest going on right now on his blog. Your comments are entries for a chance to win a song about YOU. He'll write it, record it, and send it along in a nifty MP3 format for your listening pleasure.

This part is specifically for Call Me Cate - finally, a contest where you don't have to reveal your name or address! WOO HOO!

No need to mention my name over there - since I'm married to the fella, I can't win the contest. I just thought this was too cool not to share with my readers.

So, go to his site, read the rules and get commenting. Good luck!

Crafts from me to you!

This came from Liz's blog, who got it from Momza's blog (and so on and so forth I'm sure). I can't believe I'm doing this. Just when I think I have more than enough craft projects to keep me busy...I...I can't help myself.

But don't worry about my serious crack craft addiction. All you need to know is that I'm offering you a chance to get something - HANDMADE - by yours truly. No real catch...just leave a comment. This will be for the first 5 comments (yes, even you international folks...though I can guarantee it will fit in an envelope if that's the case).
Here are the rules (original text in red, my additions in blue) -

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you (no sweatshop mass-produced products here. I save my young workers for more menial tasks).

3. It'll be done this next month (As in, by the end of April. Peanut is turning 1...gotta allow time for me to lose my mind planning a party first).

4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or something sewn. I may draw or paint something. I may bake something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5.The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog. (This is not necessary for entry. I know a lot of you that read as lurkers don't have a blog...so just leave a comment. I'd *heart* you if you promoted my blog in some way, though - blog, twitter, facebook, a passing conversation with your dentist)

Ok...and go!

See Isabella Write.

My baby needs SHOES, people!

Ok, maybe "need" is a little strong.

Peanut is not walking yet, but her unassisted standing has increased exponentially over the past couple weeks. Walking is so close I can taste it - "it tastes like FEET!" (one of the best "Friends" episodes ever). And why shouldn't she be able to do that in style?

I'm not willing to donate a kidney to afford some of the other children's shoes on the market (I won't name names, but it starts with a Stride and ends in Rite). I also don't want to put cardboard cutouts on her feet, either...they just don't go with anything.

Look What Mom Found's giveaways keep getting better and better. I'm coveting a pair of See Kai Run shoes (visit their website here).

I bet most of you are thinking, "Would you just quit it with your giveaway posts already?"

If making a simple blog post means I get an extra entry...then you are out of luck for now.

* * * * *
On the docket for tomorrow - a serious post (for once). Titled - Engagement: The Prequel.

Methinks this is not an appropriate "serious" sounding title for the subject matter...but it will have to do.

C. Beth giveaway

As you know, I'm all about the free stuff on my blog. Would I be the proper coupon-clippin', deal-seekin' gal if I wasn't?

There is a beautiful handmade giveaway at C. Beth's blog right now.

Her mother makes these gorgeous animal blankets:



You can choose "girl" or "boy" colors and the animal that you want. Hey, even if you don't have kids, this would make a great gift!


All you have to do is leave a comment - how easy is that?!

Please be sure to write that I referred you (because if you win, I win too!).

Link-a-rific...and Giveaways!

This time, I'm not doing the giveaway...I'm promoting giveaways.

"Wait, wait, wait. I'm sure you meant 'giveaway' in its singular form, no?"

No, giveaways - PLURAL!

You just have to stop by Look What Mom Found (it can be done by clicking the link or using the button on the left of my blog). Her spring blog party is in full swing and she's giving away some awesome stuff -

Like a pair of Pedoodles shoes...

Or a RuffleButts diaper cover...

How about some Baby Rock Apparel?

There are other items offered in the giveaway for all those who don't have kids - so everyone, GO CHECK IT OUT!

(A big thank you to Peanut Butter and Smelly's Dad for leading me over there through his blog)

A Winner!

And there we have it, folks...a random number has been chosen. After making sure everyone was assigned a proper number (had to exclude any posts that didn't count...like ShankRabbit's and mine), I consulted random.org for a number...and it was...

8

Congratulations, beckiwithani!

And since she was referred by C. Beth, she wins as well!

So ladies, please email me at jenniferisabella [at] gmail [dot] com to discuss fabrics and such.

To everyone else, thank you for your comments. It's always nice to feel the love every once in a while (even if it was solicited by free things).

Elephants on parade...and a giveaway!

So, here they are. Handmade stuffed animals!
(forgive the picture quality - our camera battery is dead and I can't find the charger)




the one on the left is actually light purple, not blue

These turned out pretty darn cute, I think. I had to do embroidered eyes (instead of buttons) as these are gifts for newborns. Don't want to give a choking hazard as a gift, now do I?


And because I had so much fun making these, I want to make you one, too. So I'm diving into my first giveaway:


1. Leave a comment on this post to enter.

B. Encourage other people you know to post a comment as well (but don't let them forget to say that you referred them). If your referral wins, you win, too!

III. I will pick a winner on Saturday, February 20th.

Once a winner is chosen (oh, US and Canada mailing addresses only, please), I will contact you to discuss fabrics and colors.

Any questions? Let me know.

Giveaway

There is a giveaway on C. Beth's blog right now. A really pretty bird necklace.

Please stop over there, tell her I sent you, and leave a comment.

You could be a winner!

So, go here.

Or click on the link to the left.

Either way...go leave a comment!

Please and thank you.

I won!

I never win contests. Really, I don't. Sometimes I get lucky at a large raffle drawing where nearly everyone gets a prize, but other than that...nada. Until today.

One of my favorite online people / blogger, C. Beth (this lady rocks...check it out), had a giveaway on her blog. Thanks to a random number generator, I won!

I just had to share my excitement. She could have been giving away a rusty spoon and a ball of lint and I'd be just as happy.

Thank you Beth!