Thursday, October 31, 2013

November Cooking Challenge


Welcome to the November Cooking Challenge! The whole point of this link up is to get us in the kitchen more, make us better cooks, and to cook something everyday whether it's for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

Rules:

1. Try to cook something everyday during the weekdays in November and showcase it on your blog. The weekends, you don't need to worry about! Be free! Go out to eat! So, that's 21 recipes for the month! But if you'd like to cook over the weekend, be by guest! 
2. If you don't cook that day, just post your favorite recipe. 
3. Only link up your blog once, no need to link up everyday.
4. Follow me on GFC. 
5. There are no co-hosts for the link up, so if you'd like to co-host, I'll be accepting co-hosts through the 8th. 

Here's what I'll be cooking this month. Over the weekends though, I will post my favorite recipes. By the way, this is in no particular order. 

1. Mac & Cheese with Cheese Crackers
2. Italian Stuffing (a family recipe)
3. Asian Chicken (a family recipe)
4. Creamy Stove Top Lemon Chicken
5. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
6. Lasagna Rollups
7. Baked Pork and Vegetable Eggrolls
8. Chicken Taco Chili
9. Zucchini Cakes
10. Chicken Tamale Pie
11. Jambalaya 
12. Chicken Taco Casserole
13. Mini Pot Pies
14. Spicy Black Bean Burgers
15. Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps
16. Chicken Parm Bake
17. Cajun Shrimp Casserole
18. Chicken and Bacon Chowder
19. Tuscan Pasta
20. Three Cheese White Pizza
21.Creamy Tortellini Soup 

Get ready! Set! Cook!

xx Courtney

October Sponsor Giveaway


Six fabulous ladies are giving away great prizes for the October Sponsor Giveaway!

What's up for grabs?

Large AD space from The Ranting Latina.
AD space from and Starbucks gift card from One Hot Southern Mess.
AD space from Jo, My Gosh.
AD space from Modern Commonplace Book.
2 months of medium AD space from Light and Sweet.
1 month of AD space from A Worker At Home.

Head below to enter the giveaway! It runs from today to November 14.

xx Courtney

a Rafflecopter giveaway

October Sponsor Highlight


This month I had the pleasure of sponsoring some wonderful and fabulous ladies. Please take a moment to visit their blogs and say hello to them! Tomorrow the October Sponsor giveaway will be up, so keep your eyes peeled. This month, I asked them what their favorite fall activity and what their favorite thing is about fall. 


Jo from Jo, My Gosh!
I'm Jo! He's John. He was in Afghanistan and I was here waiting but now we're together! Join me as I figure out married military life! What is your favorite thing about the fall?
The real question is, what don't I love about fall? I love the crisp weather, taking walks and shuffling my feet through the colored leaves, every fall holiday, and (of course) football! What is your favorite fall activity? Attending Penn State football games; no contest.
Kaeley from My Mind's Lens
My name is Kaeley and other than the important relationships in my life, photography is my greatest passion.  My Mind's Lens is my opportunity to share my love for taking pictures with the world, while building relationships with fellow bloggers. 
My TWO favorite things about fall are the beautiful leaves and chai lattes.  My favorite fall activity is definitely going to the pumpkin patch.
As you know, I'm Kelley and I am coming to you from the great state of North Carolina. I am a twenty- something blogger who loves everything about the South. Sweet tea, summer nights, anything monogrammed, front porches, ball games, my friends/family and my fur baby Mia and that is what I write about. 
My favorite thing about fall is the NC State Fair and also the comfy clothes and food!Fall activity would have to be corn mazes and hay rides.
Jessica from Living On Sweet Tea
I'm Jess! I'm currently living in sunny south Florida where I soak up as much sun and salt water as possible. In 2009 I was married; by the end of 2012 I was divorced. This is my story of dating shenanigans, happy hours, and living a life I never had the chance to. Let me tell you something, doing it as an adult is a whole nother' story.
My favorite thing about fall is no humidity! If you've ever lived or been to south Florida you know what I mean. Around here my favorite activity is coffee outside. Until fall it's way too hot outside to try that. 

Katie from A Worker At Home
I am a wife to my high school sweetheart, mama to a 1 year old boy & a baby girl due in March. Our life is an adventure non-stop thanks to my husband's careers in law enforcement and the military (yes, at the same time! :)) I am formerly a high school Spanish teacher, but now get to work at home full time and blog about my passions for fitness, my faith, and my family. 
My favorite thing about the weather is the cooler weather (as brief as it is here in CA) and the comfy clothes and delicious food & drinks that come with it. :) My favorite fall activity is hiking and being outside in general (visiting the pumpkin patch, going on long walks with my family, etc.)-- the weather is perfect and the leaves changing is absolutely beautiful. I love getting to be outside to enjoy it all! 
Filiz from Light And Sweet
What is your favorite thing about the fall? I love Autumn because all the delicious pumpkin beers come out! I especially love Pumking, it's my favorite fall brew... yum! Also I love that as it gets colder, I know my birthday is getting closer. 
What is your favorite fall activity?I love picking pumpkins and apples with friends and going to haunted houses!
A Modern Commonplace Book is a little site full of my favorite tips and tricks to make life easier!  I love to research - and pass all my favorites on to you!  I love to share my easiest recipes basics, wardrobe basics, and tips on blogging!  My favorite thing about fall is Hazelnut coffee, fall tv, and scarves and BOOTS!  My favorite fall activity is to go to apple picking in the mountains.  I love a cup of hot apple cider!
Rachael from Pretty In Pink
I'm Rachael, the blogger behind Pretty in Pink.  I laugh too much, talk too loud and believe there isn't anything wine and cheese can't cure.  I blog about my life, friends, and finding happiness.
Favorite thing about fall: the leaves! It's just so pretty!Favorite fall activity is pumpkin carving!
Annie from The Ranting Latina
I'm Annie, a Colombian-American currently getting her 2nd B.S. and aiming to get into grad school next year :). I'm also old-school traditional and love thinking against the norm. My blog, The Ranting Latina, covers all that, plus my adventures in school, love, friendships, and life in general.
Fave thing about the fall: I'd be lying if I said I LOVED the Fall, b/c I don't enjoy this cold! However, I do love anything and everything pumpkin. In fact, I could have pumpkin stuff all year round, but somehow it fits better during this season.Fave Fall activity: Ever since moving to the States w/my fam, I haven't done anything too Fall-y (like going apple-picking or to a corn maze or pumpkin patch), other than dating and going to school. Dating in the Fall is better, though :). But I'd really like to do ^those activities^ before it gets too cold.
Tiffany from d'Asti at Tiffany's
Hi! I'm Tiffany Khyla. I blog over at d'Asti at Tiffany's, which is a lifestyle blog that centers around my love for the following things: books, traveling, crafting, love in general, and the wonderful, beautiful life that I live. 
Favorite thing about fall:I love fall for so many reasons (it's the best season, duh), but my favorite things about fall are the fall flavors - pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, maple, orange...yum!
Favorite fall activity:My favorite fall activities center around Halloween. I love dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and cooking fun Halloween treats. I also love Halloween movies and going to haunted houses and corn mazes. 
Mal from Lazy Boleyn 
Hi, my name is Mal and I'm the blogger behind Lazy Boleyn. I am a French born newlywed and teacher always thirsty for knowledge and motivated to achieve my goals in life. Lazy Boleyn is a place where I like to share ideas and thoughts on various topics and anything that strikes my fancy, such as books, history, recipes, music, travel and fashion. I also enjoy writing some personal posts every once in a while. Come say hi anytime!
What is your favorite thing about the fall? My favorite thing about fall is definitely start wearing cozy sweaters again and the colors of the leaves.
What is your favorite fall activity?I would not say it's a favorite fall activity because I do it all year long… reading a good book with a cup of latte, but it's even better during fall. 
xx Courtney

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Happy Owl-day Giveaway & Wish List T4


With Halloween ending, many of us are now counting down the days to Thanksgiving and Christmas, making sure we have everything ready for these two major holidays. While some of us may not want to think of Christmas, it is important if we are planning on ordering personalized Christmas cards. Unlike the generic cards you find in the store, customized cards can sometimes take weeks to make and arrive, making it important we get our cards ordered before Thanksgiving if we want to send out adorable Christmas cards with pictures of our family or personalized sayings with each of our family members' names. If you haven't ordered your Christmas cards yet, don't worry, you still have time! Sometimes the hardest part is shopping for the right place to purchase your cards, especially if you want something unique and adorable. For those of you looking for memorable cards that will get your relatives talking, you should consider Night Owl Paper Goods.
What makes Night Owl Paper Good's cards so much better than their competition? Unlike other companies, each of their personalized cards are made by professional designers, not stock photos or cookie cutter programmers. This means that every one of their cards are laid out beautifully, making your personalized holiday card stand out to anyone who receives them. As well, Night Owl Paper Goods works hard to make the entire process personal, allowing you to see proofs and everything going on during the making of your cards, letting you feel like you are truly involved in the making of your cards.
As well, each of their cards are made to be as environmentally friendly as possible. All of their paper cards are made using earth-friendly recycled paper, allowing you to have beautiful cards that look amazing without harming the environment this Christmas season. If you want to add some extra wow to your cards, however, you can choose to have them made using eco-friendly, sustainable-harvested birch wood. While the wood is a bit pricier, it is worth it if you want to make your cards stand out or last if you are planning on sending cards that can also double as ornaments. If getting personalized cards isn't in your budget, don't worry, they also have adorable standardized Christmas cards that are perfect for nearly any family! To learn more about Night Owl Paper Goods holiday cards, make sure to check out Budget Earth & A Spectacled Owl's Holiday Card Reviews from Night Owl Paper Goods.
Want to order your own Christmas cards from Night Owl Paper Goods? Budget Earth & A Spectacled Owl are proud to announced that we are working with Night Owl to bring you this awesome giveaway, where four lucky winners have a chance to win a $25 Night Owl Gift Cards!  If you already have Christmas cards, don't worry, these gift cards can be used to purchase anything at their store! To learn more, make sure to read the rules below and enter the Rafflecopter!
Happy Owl-idays Giveaway
  • 4 Reader will receive a $25 Night Owl Paper Goods Gift Cards.
  • Open to US Only.
  • Winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter via Random.org.
  • Giveaway ends November 14th at 11:59pm.
  • Winner will be notified through email.
  • Winner will have 48 hours to respond before new winner is chosen.
  • Budget Earth & said blog are not responsible for prize fulfillment.
  • Must be 18 years or older to enter Rafflecopter.
  • Only one entry per household.
  • Entering the Rafflecopter means you agree to terms above.
  • Good Luck!
Disclosure: Chase All Your Dreams did not receive compensation for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Prize fulfillment and shipping will be handle by Night Owl Paper Goods.
Would you like to have your products featured in a similar giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure before the holiday season? See how Mom Powered Media can help! Contact susan.l.bewley@gmail.com to see what we can do for your company!

Please click on the follow button to follow each Twitter user. Then go back to the rafflecopter form to claim your entries. Thank you.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Ghosts & Goblins & Ghouls Oh My!


Would you buy your dream house if the price was right BUT you also were told it was inhabited by ghosts?

It depends. Are they nice and friendly? Or are they out to kill anyone who steps foot in the house and demonic? On second thought, probably not. I don't like hearing strange noises, especially at night. I don't even like it when the phone rings at night. Ghosts can be demonic you know! I've seen many episodes of Ghost Adventures! You don't want to mess with them. They're attracted to the living because of our energy. They use our energy to manifest. I do believe that if you get goosebumps, it's because of a ghost that went right through you or passed you. 

Anyway, if I really really really wanted the house, I'd have a ghost investigation team and a medium/psychic come and have them cleanse the house and see what kind of activity is going on. Especially if I had kids! Kids can see ghosts better than adults, so can dogs (they can sense them). I don't want my kid or dog freaking out because of some ghost in the house. 

Luckily, I've never encountered a ghost and I don't live in a haunted house. What would you do? Would you buy a haunted house? Have you encountered ghosts? 

xx Courtney 

Sponsor Chase All Your Dreams In November


So, you want to sponsor my blog, eh? Great! No problem! There are two ways to go about this. You can either pay a small fee of $1 or we can swap ads. Your ad needs to be 150x150 and will run for 30 days. Each ad starts on the 1st of the month. If you're interested in sponsoring me, go here

Stats: 

-241 followers via GFC and increasing everyday. 
-Bloglovin: 65 followers
-Twitter: 582 followers
-Pinterest: 401 followers
-Facebook: 1,821 followers
-As of October 2013: 3,124 pageviews. 
-23,109 views in total. 
-Klout score of 54.
-Alexa rank of 2,563,430.
-Google page rank of 2. 

xx Courtney 

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Last Minute Halloween Costumes

With Halloween just a few days away you may not be ready in the costume department. I know I'm not! I'm currently scrambling to find a simple/DIY/low cost costume. Party City's prices can be crazy. $40-50 for one costume that I'll be wearing for one night? No way Jose! (Pun intented and if you understand the pun, kudos to you. If not, my boyfriend's name is Jose). You can make a costume yourself using supplies at home or buying inexpensive supplies or you can go thrifting for your costume. But whatever you do, just be creative with it!

Here are some ideas for last minute costumes for you, your kids, and you know for those who procrastinate and wait till the week of to find one. Like me!

My fiance and I may go as this this year.







This is too cute! I love the sign!

I actually saw someone dressed up as this a number of years ago. She was walking down my block and her costume will always be stuck in my mind. It's very creative and I love it. 


You know from the early 2000's cartoon, Doug? 





Sheldon and Amy from The Big Bang Theory

Now this is creative!


How adorable is this?

How adorable is this?


Raggedy Anne was my favorite doll as a kid. I loved her and had a new one every year! I wish I had a daughter now so I could dress her up like this. 












Hope you enjoyed this creative costume ideas and you got some ideas for this year's (or next year's) Halloween!

xx Courtney
Happy Halloween!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...