Star Sponsor Feature: A Happy Girl

Hi there! I am Tahnie and I blog over at A Happy Girl. I believe in seeing the joy in all things and practicing gratitude. Like you all, I am a work in progress! ;) I was born with Cystinosis, a disease that affects 500 in the United States, and only about 5 in my home state of Utah. Doctors told my parents I wouldn't not live past 9 years old, however I had a life saving kidney transplant when I was 11. Only a few other women with Cystinosis have been blessed with the impossible of giving life, and I am beyond thankful to be in that small group. Come read more about my story and celebrate life with me! xo.

I love working with Stella & Dot! Our jewelry is full of fresh and fun designs and we have something for everyone, from personalized charm necklaces, to every day earrings, to big bold cocktail rings, to pearls for little girls and handbags. Stella & Dot is all about empowering women to look their best, to wear joy. Every single dollar earned from my Stella & Dot business goes toward my overwhelming medical costs.

Star Sponsor Giveaway: Along for the Ride *CLOSED*

If you don't already know her and love her, let me introduce you to Laura from Along for the Ride!

Hi there! I'm Laura and I'm along for the ride. No really, I am.

Along For the Ride isn't just the name of my handmade shop and my blog, but it's how I see my walk with the Lord. I am along for the ride He has planned for me, and what a glorious ride it is!

During the day (and lots of times at night) I spend my time running a residence hall on a college campus. My husband and I live in the hall and our neighbors are 400 loud, silly, messy, wonderful college students. We have a kitty baby named Jupiter that shares our little apartment.

When I'm not working in the hall, I spend my time with a glue gun in hand, making lovely things for my shop. My motto is "keep is simple" and I try to make simple accessories that aren't too dramatic or fussy, but add just a pretty touch of whimsy to an already beautiful you.

"Keep it simple" is my motto for my life as well and I blog a lot about the simple, little, imperfect things that make life sweet.

Laura creates delicate, whimsical and beautiful accessories in her cute shop. Here's a peek at a few of my favorites:

***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***

Guess what? It's your lucky day! Laura is giving away a rosette ring in your choice of color!!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Hop on over to Laura's shop and leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional):

+1 Follow her blog

+1 Like her on Facebook

+1 Follow her on Twitter

+1 Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter

(Sample tweet: Sweet! You can win a rosette ring in your choice of color from @aftr_laura ! Enter here  http://tiny.cc/arpf5 via @yes_teacher )

Good luck! Giveaway ends 9/28 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified and announced here!

Star Sponsor: Cilla from Tell Your Girlfriends

Tell Your Girlfriends is a collection of jewelry inspired by antiques and modern design. The designs are made with rare vintage finds or gem stones or  one of a kind handmade Art Beads.

(Art beads are made by individual artisans in independently owned studios. They work either alone or in very small studios, making one of a kind beads by hand or in small batches. Art beads are not made in factories or sweatshops in mass quantities. When you buy art beads, you support the people who make them directly.) 

I search the world via the internet and travel to find the most beautiful and unique findings. My jewelry is wearable and made to last. The jewelry you will find at Tell Your Girlfriends is most importantly handmade one at a time, no two pieces will ever be identical given the nature of the beads and findings. The jewelry can be described as versatile wearing it from work, to dinner, to play group. Timeless and affordable. These designs appeal to women who like uniqueness, quality and design. When you find something great...Tell Your Girlfriends.

Isn't Cilla fabulous? She creates some really pretty jewelry! Take a peek:

Lucky you! Cilla is offering a discount code for 15% off your order at Tell Your Girlfriends! Just enter YESTEACHER at checkout!

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Lauren from Seek First - *CLOSED*

Hello there.  My name is Lauren and I blog over at Seek First. I am a Jesus lover, newlywed, and nurse to-be.  I love crafting and creating things as a creative outlet, and a way to pay for my school!

My shop consists of rosette accessories. I started my etsy shop as a creative outlet to cancer research. It started as a dream, a thought. I wondered if I could, how it would go. And then, the day came that instead of wondering IF, I just opened it. It wasn't grand. It had one item for a long time. But it has grown and changed. I have learned a lot and still have a long way to go! Now my shop is the way that I am helping to pay for nursing school.     

Isn't she so talented? Lots of her headbands are on sale for only $6.00 right now (!!!) AND... she has a special coupon code for you: enter YESTEACHER for 25% off your order!

***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***

Lucky you! Lauren is giving away one necklace of your choice!!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Seek First and leave a comment here with your favorite item. Make sure you include some way for me to contact you!

OPTIONAL:

+1 Follow Lauren's blog

+1 Heart her etsy shop

+1 Follow her on Twitter

+1 Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook (once daily) 

(Sample tweet: Pretty up your wardrobe with your choice of rosette necklace from @runninglauren ! Enter here http://tiny.cc/7a95t via @yes_teacher)

Good luck! Giveaway ends 9/28 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified and announced here!

Tickle Me Tuesdays, 36th edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Tickle Me Tuesdays, where we all share what's been tickling our fancy!

If you'd like to participate (and you know you do!!), here are the rules:
  

1. Write a short post with anywhere from one to five items that have been tickling your fancy recently. Please include pictures and links :)

2. Make sure to link back to the party in your blog post (you can grab the button or include a text link)

3. Come back here and link up your blog post!  

4. Visit some other links and HAVE FUN!

Lavender Vine Pillow from Anna Joyce

Chalkboard Heart Signs from Coincidence or Fate

Organic Cocktail Napkins from Down Home Amy

Now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy?

<a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: x-large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=106782" type="text/javascript"></script></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Screaming Meat

I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a fan of eating anything that you've just heard scream as you put it into boiling water.

I'm talking about lobster, bien sur.

This summer when we were in Maine, we had the opportunity to go to a fish market right on the water:

It was fun to look around! I loved the variety of seafood they offered, plus they had eye-catching displays like this one:

But when I saw an employee fetching a fresh lobster for a customer....

... my husband turned to me and said: "Can you imagine if we bought all of our meat like that? Chicken? Pork? Beef?"

Gulp! So.... know of any good meatless recipes out there? {wink!}

Wall of Love

It only took me TWO years of living in this house, but I've finally hung the hallway pictures!

The framed print is from Livy Love Designs. I love the chevron background!

I have lots more little home decor projects I'm trying to find time for.... But this weekend I'm working on Christmas inventory! What are you up to?