Are you the type of person who stays on top of the holidays?  Someone who coordinates well in advance your neighbor gifts, Christmas shopping, and family activities? I’d like to think I am as well, but this year has been an exception.  For some reason, Christmas and Thanksgiving have been the LAST events on my mind.  I’ve had other things to plan for (as in 5 days!)….and would like to think I’m justified in that.

However, there is one thing I’ve been able to cross off my list…Family Christmas Cards, thanks to Photo Cards Direct.  Amid all the coordinating, researching, and scheduling of details for my impending nuptials (this weekend!), Photo Cards Direct made my Christmas card ordering a piece of (wedding) cake!  The part that took the longest was browsing their large inventory of cards and trying to narrow down what I liked!  But they even made THAT part simple, with their advanced searching capabilities, allowing me to filter my search based on color, size, amount of photos, theme of design, etc.

Once I made my selection, it was just a matter of clicking buttons – uploading my photo, personalizing the names, then checking out.  Within 2 weeks, my order arrived on my doorstep, ready for envelopes to be addressed.  The picture was clear, colors vibrant, and quality of paper was great.  I will be sending Christmas cards with pride this year for the look of these great cards….but especially since it will be including an additional, very handsome, face!

Do you have your Christmas cards ordered yet?  Well, get on it! 

And Photo Cards Direct is offering a one-time Promo Code of $15 off your order of 25 cards. 

To enter, leave a comment here.

Extra entries:

• “Like” the Facebook Page of Photo Cards Direct
• “Follow” PCD on Twitter
• “Like” MIWM on Facebook

Giveaway will end Friday, November 11 at which point a winner will be selected and notified. 

Disclaimer: Photo Cards Direct offered me a package of 25 personalized Christmas cards in order to have the experience with their website in exchange for a review.  All opinions are solely mine and were not influenced by the product offer.

I think we’ve all had our share of “bad hair days”.  Believe me, I’ve had mine.  Only they weren’t bad hair DAYS, more like bad hair ERAS.  I wasn’t nicknamed “mushroom head” for no reason!  I think the only time of the year any of my hairstyles would ever be acceptable would be on Halloween. Wearing a witch costume, or space suit.Thank goodness for the lovely ladies at Sanctuary Day Spa who have recognized the problem and created a solution.  To encourage and celebrate the tame-haired woman in you, they’re offering a Trick-or-Treat bag of refreshing Redken hair products ($100 in value!) as an introduction to their GRAND PRIZE of a “scary hairy makeover”!

To enter to win this trick-or-treat bag, 
comment on this post with the reason WHY you (or someone you know) deserves the Scary Hairy Makeover!
(the “scarier” the better)

The winner of today’s giveaway will then be entered into a photo competition for the Scary Hairy Makeover GRAND PRIZE (60-minute massage, foot soak, and waxing of choice) on Sanctuary’s Facebook page. The photo with the most “likes” will win the grand prize!

Random.org has selected a winner:

Deadline for this giveaway is Monday, October 24th at 12:00pm noon.  At which point, the winner will be contacted with directions on how to pick up their hair care products and submit their photo for the grand prize makeover.

Had my sister Jill never introduced me to the techno beats of Biz Markee and the bright orange homemade jumpsuit of DJ Lance, I never would have known about Yo Gabba Gabba!   The complete opposite of other “children’s programs”, Yo Gabba Gabba teaches children rhythm, and creativity, as well as teaching messages of making friends, and eating healthy food!
Sam Schultz, owner of Sammy’s (located in Rexburg, ID, Pleasant Grove, and Provo and famous for their pieshakes!) has a brother who is one of the creators of Yo Gabba Gabba. Last year, Sam invited my girls and I to attend the concert. We did so willingly, and spent those couple of hours more stimulated than if we had downed a dozen cupcakes!

Did you miss it last year? You get a chance to go THIS YEAR! They’re returning to SLC, UT on November 9th at Kingsbury Hall.

And Sam has given me 2 tickets to give away to a lucky reader!
Just leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite part of Yo Gabba Gabba – a certain song? A guest celebrity? DJ Lance’s glasses?

For extra entries:
* “Like” Yo Gabba Gabba on Facebook
* “Like” Make It Work Mom on FB
* Tweet about the giveaway and link back to this post.

Giveaway is closed.  Random.org selected “Candice”, comment #4 as the lucky winner!

Giveaway will end October 20, 2011 at Midnight, MST, at which time the winner will be notified and given 24 hrs to claim their prize.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been self-conscious of my derriere.  I think it started ever since attending my first extended family reunion, observing the genetics of second-generation aunts with back ends that were so wide and perky they could have been used as coasters for the drinks!  I don’t feel it’s proportioned to the rest of my body and I swear I hear a faint beeping sound every time I walk backwards.

That self-consciousness started to diminish after I spent some time with Alicia Richmond, learning that it’s all in the jeans!  I loved the way the jeans fit, and slimmed down (or gave the illusion, at least) my wide load!  My eyes were open to a new wardrobe possibility! The only problem?  The price tag of these name brand jeans!  I felt I was doomed to the “mom jean” for the rest of my womanly career.

Enter The Jean Girl!  Stephanie is a young, married college student, with an eye for fashion, and a connection for discounts! She has started an online retail business, selling name brand designer jeans at affordable prices!  The quality of the thick denim fabric, decorative stitching, and large back pocket sizes all make for a pair of pants that accentuate and embellish the backside.  Finally, a pair of jeans that I can feel confident wearing!  Behold:

Each pair of designer jeans are sold for $65!! Compare that to the retail value of $340 and that’s quite the savings!   And they come in a variety of styles and stitching:

And just in time for summer, she also sells capri length for just $55 a pair!

Want your chance to own a pair? The Jean Girl is giving away

a pair of jeans (or Capri’s) of your choice

to a random Make It Work Mom reader!

To enter: Visit The Jean Girl’s website and tell me which pair of jeans/Capri’s you’d choose if you won.

This giveaway is now closed.  Random.org chose Brittany Davis as the lucky winner of the jeans!

Extra Entries:
*”Like” The Facebook page of The Jean Girl
*Update your Facebook status to share about this giveaway
*Tweet about this giveaway

Giveaway will close at midnight MST on July 16th, at which point a winner will be selected at random and notified.

Growing up, whenever we’d ask our mom what she wanted for Christmas, her birthday, or Mother’s Day (yeah, we probably should have just surprised her with something from our own heart), her response was always, “I just want everyone to get along”, or “peace and quiet”.  I always thought that was an odd request… until I became a mother myself and realized how much I would appreciate some of the same!

Santuary Day Spa granted my wishes with a 60 minute facial, foot soak, and complimentary foot and hand massage.

I was ushered to the back of the salon, where the lights were dimmed, soothing music played, and a warm, plush robe and slippers were waiting for me – in a locker reserved with my name!  Once “dressed” and ready for my hour of luxury, Stacy greeted me with a smile and a plate of chocolate chip brownie bites.  We were instant friends!

Then the pampering began! To be completely honest, I really don’t remember much except for dozing off and on while tangerine-scented hot cloths, muds, masks and exfoliators were applied and cleansed from my face.  Then creams and oils were massaged into my wind-chapped hands and feet.  Basically, it was an hour-long nap that gave new meaning to “beauty sleep”!

Treat your mom to the same luxury that SHE deserves (or for yourself) by taking advantage of Sanctuary’s special Mother’s Day promotions:

SANCTUARY DAY SPA & SALON ANNOUNCES 2011 MOTHER’S DAY PACKAGE

Sanctuary Celebrates Special Day with Discounted Package to Include Both Product and Service

SALT LAKE CITY (April 22, 2011) — Sanctuary Day Spa & Salon, a full-service wellness spa and salon serving the Salt Lake community for fifteen years, will be celebrating Utah moms by offering a special 2011 Mother’s Day package. The package will feature two of Sanctuary’s signature services, along with a special skincare kit that will leave moms feeling appreciated and rejuvenated.

2011 Mother’s Day Package

Signature Facial (60 minutes) — This refreshing facial caters to specific skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive, aging or acne-prone skin. This treatment also includes a foot soak and extremity massage.

Relaxation Massage (60 minutes) — This massage combines classic Swedish and modern-day techniques to relax the entire body by releasing tension and stress.

Image Skincare Starter Kit — Even after the pampering ends, moms can continue the spa experience at home with Image Skincare’s popular skin cleanser and SPF moisturizer.

This year’s Mother’s Day package, originally valued at $190, is available now until May 8 at the Gateway, Fashion Place and South Towne locations for a special price of $150. Package services are redeemable one year from the date purchased.

For more information, visit www.sanctuaryds.com or become our friend on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sanctuarydayspa.

**And just for kicks, Sanctuary is giving a Make It Work Mom reader the chance to pamper themselves for FREE:

GIVEAWAY: 60 MINUTE COMPLETE PEDICURE, with OPI nail polish

To Enter this giveaway, leave me a comment on how YOU pamper yourself!

Extra entries include tweeting, facebooking, or blogging about this giveaway. (Leave separate comments for each).

Giveaway will close Thursday, May 5 at midnight MST, at which time a winner will be selected and emailed.  If the winner fails to claim their prize within 24 hrs, another winner will be selected.

Random.org selected Comment #28 as the winner!  Congratulations!

Disclaimer: Sanctuary Day Spa provided me with a 60 minute facial, foot soak and hand/foot massages free of charge.  The excellent customer service comes with the package.

Spring is in the air!!   Well, the calendar shows it is, but the weather lately has NOT!  With the recent snowstorms, and frigid temperatures, it feels like the season has been postponed.  However, it doesn’t seem to have affected Thanksgiving Point’s tulips!  The girls and I paid a visit just the other day and those flowers are standing so proud and full of color! 

If you haven’t been to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens, or even experienced their tulip festival, you still have a chance!  They’ve extended it for another week!!  With over 55 acres of blossoms, manicured lawns, and man-made imitations of landmarks (including my favorite, the “secret garden”), it’s the perfect place to spend the day with your family, friends, or special loved one!

Thanksgiving Point is extending Utah’s only annual Tulip Festival through Saturday, May 7, adding an extra week for visitors to enjoy the 250,000-plus tulips sprawled across its 55-acre gardens. 
An added celebratory closing event will be held Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Tulip Princess Tea Party hosted by the winners of the April 15 Tulip Princess Pageant. The Tea Party will serve lemonade and cookies to visitors and is included with the gardens entry admission. The event will also feature a mini-fashion show with tulip-inspired outfits and kids games. RSVPs are appreciated at publicevents2@thanksgivingpoint.org or (801) 766-5018.
 
In addition to the colorful blooms, Thanksgiving Point’s Tulip Festival will include music from local bands, bagpipers and string quartets, craft vendors and food every Friday and Saturday including the extended weekend of May 6-7. Other family-fun activities will take place throughout the festival:
 
*Old Dutch Store’s Dutch Day will be held on Saturday, April 23, with Idlewild and the Accords performing authentic Dutch tunes and celebrating the Holland experience.
*Guest photo contest will be judged by Thanksgiving Point Facebook fans. The winning photo will be published in the Thanksgiving Point Gazette and the winner will receive an annual membership to Thanksgiving Point.
An exhibit featuring photo contest entries and winners from 2010 will be on display throughout the festival.
*Daily garden tours and demonstrations are included with admission.
 
Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival is included with regular Gardens admission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Saturday, through May 7. Entrance is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for children aged 3-12 and free for Thanksgiving Point members and children under 2 years. Tickets can be purchased at the Thanksgiving Point Gardens, over the phone at (801) 768-4900, or online at thanksgivingpoint.org.

The generous folks at Thanksgiving Point are GIVING AWAY a:

Family 4-pack of passes

for you to enjoy them for yourselves!!

To enter, leave a comment here and earn extra entries for tweeting, facebooking, or blogging about the giveaway.

Winner will be selected Sunday, May 1st (so you will have time to enjoy the last week of the festival)

This giveaway is now closed. Random.org chose # 18 as the winner.

Disclaimer: Thanksgiving Point also offered my family and I a 4-pack pass to gain the personal experience, so I could share my own opinions on this review.

I was excited when asked to review Utah Truffles! I had self-indulged multiple times before and was excited to be introduced to their entire line of chocolate products!  However, being a woman, and a connoisseur of comfort foods (as in chocolate!), I thought it would be more interesting to learn a different perspective.  So, I recruited the efforts of a “manly man”:

“At first glance, I noticed my attractive Utah Truffle wrapped snugly in some fashionable packaging.  When I think of truffles I think rich, high quality, decadent.  The Utah Truffle didn’t let me down. The smaller bite size truffles were wrapped in various colors and looked very attractive.  I found the larger truffles (size DOES matter) particularly attractive in gold packaging.  I must admit I’ve never seen a truffle that big in my life!!!  You have to see how big these are! What guy wouldn’t want a manly man size truffle packed in his lunch to take to work?  It would be perfect for stocking stuffers, camping trips, send to the missionaries in a care package, birthday gifts, or to throw at the neighbor’s cat pooping on your lawn.  This truffle is BIG and Utah Truffles isn’t messing around!!!! (pun intended)

It didn’t take long before I took a bite out of this morsel of love.  I tried the Raspberry Truffle first and found my mouth dancing as I took it all in.  I felt the flavor was not overpowering but super smooth and rich.  The dark orange truffle was next and ended up being my favorite flavor.  The orange flavor reminded me of those delicious orange bars my dad always loved and I found myself enjoying that flavor the most.  Of course Utah Truffles has many more flavors.   They are locally made and you will also notice on the wrappers that they have NO preservatives, hydrogenated oil, or trans fat!  Thank you Utah Truffles for allowing me to taste test these little precious truffles.  I’m going to put in an order just in time for Easter AND Mothers day!”

 
You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Aaaannddd….. Utah Truffles is giving you two chances to experience it for yourself!

1)  Utah Truffles is offering all my readers a promo for 30% off of Internet orders, good for 30 days from the time of this review.   Just enter the code “makeitworkmom” when checking out.

2) Enter to win this GIVEAWAY :
1 box of 24 assorted bars, 1 box 50 assorted pieces, 1 1lb box, 1 bag chocolate covered cinnamon bears, 1 bag chocolate covered candy oranges, 1 bag chocolate covered pretzels, and 1 back of chocolate covered Oreos.  Retail value $100!!

To enter, leave a comment on this post.

For extra entries:

*Become a fan of Utah Truffles on Facebook
*Become a fan of Make It Work Mom on Facebook
*Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook
(and leave a separate comment for each entry)

Giveaway will close Wednesday, April 20 at midnight MST, at which point a winner will be selected randomly, contacted, and will have 24 hrs to claim their prize!

This giveaway is now closed.  Winner is Amy, who said:

Holy cow what an awesome giveaway. I would totally keep the chocolate covered cinnamon bears for myself and maybe be able to share the rest. MAYBE.

Yes, home is where the heart is, but at times, staring at the same decor every time I enter gets a little boring and monotonous!  And especially since during the winter time I’m spending more time indoors than out.  I can’t think of anything more inviting or exciting than a new piece of decoration that just makes things *pop*. 

Some may have the knack to whip up a toss pillow out of an old sweater, or loom a fancy rug for the floor.  But for those of “us” (me) that are “knack-less”, or just don’t have the time for it, Tai Pan TradingWholesale Home Decor is my go-to store for the latest in home decor! They have locations in Sandy, Clearfield, Orem, and St. George, UT and Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

I’ll be honest, I’m immediately overwhelmed as soon as I walk in the store because I want EVERYTHING, and instantly want to re-decorate my entire house.  However, even something small and simple makes a huge difference! 

And guess what?  They now have their spring merchandise in stores!! For example:

Personally, anything in the shade of purple would fit nicely in my home…

Would you like an excuse to go shopping?

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Tai Pan Trading

Just leave a comment here telling me what you’d do to improve your home decor.

Extra entries:
* “Like” Tai Pan’s Facebook page
* Spread the word about the giveaway by tweeting, Facebook status update, or blogging

The giveaway is closed.  Winner was comment #25.

I’m a fair-weathered girl, which means when the air outdoors is frigid, I’m staying indoors where it’s toasty warm.  Combine the comfortable climate with a delicious cuisine and I would almost admit to enjoying the winter season.

This weekend, I’ve found just the place that has converted my winter mentality to something positive!  Although located in the heart of Provo’s downtown, picture a downtown New York City (or any big city for that matter)feel, corner shop, and large windows to watch the hustle of the outside world while you’re chillin indoors, chatting with a friend, or just enjoying the morning paper.  Seating is upholstered and plush.  Countertops concrete, and dining tables dark hardwood.  With your crisp, white linen napkin in your lap, you have nowhere to go but to just relax and take in the atmosphere of contemporary local art, and friendly, communal service from the staff.

And, I haven’t even started on the food!  Using only the freshest, locally grown produce, and a creative concoction of ingredients, the cooks produce fodder that stimulates the taste buds with explosions of flavor!  Where else can you find the following on a brunch menu?:

•Pork Chile Verde with Fried Eggs, Black Beans & Guacamole
•Chicken Fried Steak with Eggs
•Eggs Benedict with Housemade Canadian Bacon & Home fries
•Greek Yogurt Parfait with Citrus, Granola & Clifford Farms Honey
•Pastry- Pecan Sticky Buns

We partook of the pecan sticky bun (pastry of the day), and of course had to start off with what they refer to as “drinking chocolate”.  Then our mouths continued to salivate as one by one, on fine white china, our plates of food were placed before us:

French toast with spiced apples and real maple syrup, omelette with spinach, mushrooms, and bacon, and 2 egg special with home fries and homemade bacon and sausage with a flavor so unreal I couldn’t even begin to describe the freshness!

We’ll be returning.  I think every Saturday should begin this way.

If you haven’t visited Communal yet, GO! And let me give you an excuse:

Communal is offering a $25 Gift Certificate to a lucky reader!

To Enter: Just leave a comment here about Communal.

Extra entries:
* “Like” Communal Restaurant’s Facebook page.
* Spread the word about the giveaway by tweeting, Facebook status update, or blogging

This giveaway is closed.

I have to admit something.  I don’t set New Year’s Resolutions.  I always seem to set the expectation way too high, then I don’t achieve the goals, then I feel like a loser.  Instead, I just keep in mind some self-improvements I’d like to make.  Then if it happens, great! 

This year, however, once I learned about Fabulous Living, and the motivation they could provide in helping me with my personal goals, I’ve decided to change my opinion about setting goals.

Jana Casino, Event Coordinator and fashion designer for Fabulous Living desribes how she kicks the winter blues, and explains the idea behind Fabulous Living:

For me, the best way to kick the winter blues is to buy new shoes! Second is to hit the gym for a dance class. A close third would be to find a killer sale at an amazing store. BUT! I know that’s a huge problem if you don’t know where to shop, what to buy, what goes with what, OR if your budget doesn’t allow for getting what you think you want, which might include a gym membership or personal trainer. Sometimes it’s hard for me to workout ’cause I don’t wanna go by myself, I don’t really know what I’m doing, and I get bored with the same exercises over and over again.

So that’s where Fabulous Living comes in. We do inspiring, in-home classes for women in Utah County. We have female personal trainers who come to your home – which means you can workout in your PJs, the workout will be personalized just for you, and she’ll address any concerns you have. Our fashion consultants also come to your home: together you’ll go through your closet and choose the best and worst items for you and your body and your style, help you put together outfits with things you never knew how to wear, and take you shopping for things you need and want – all within your budget!

Also check us out on Facebook for fitness and fashion events in Utah County .

And to get you a head start on your personal improvement (fashion, fitness, make-up, hair),

Fabulous Living is offering a gift certificate of $50!

 To enter: Just leave a comment here

Extra entries:
* “Like” Fabulous Living’s Facebook page.
* Suggest the page to friends on Facebook
* Spread the word about the giveaway by tweeting, Facebook status update, or blogging

Giveaway will close Friday, January 21st at midnight MST.  The winner will then be selected randomly, and posted on this site.