Style for a Song: Swim!

Anyone else been looking for some new swimwear for the summer? I am heading out on a week-long cruise to the Caribbean (can't. wait!) so naturally I had a new swimsuit on my wishlist. I found some super cute, modest options and the price tag just makes them even better! All four of these Tankinis are $15. Shipping costs $6 making the grand total $21 for a new suit!
I think the gingham is my favorite, but I can't decide which color. Pink or blue?

 Gingham Print Ruffle Trim Tankini
The polka dots are super cute too though... decisions decisions.  Have you guys found any great deals on swimwear? Let me know in the comments!

Polka Dot Ruffle Trim Tankini

Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Coupons!

Craving a cold treat? I know it's not just me. Maggie Moo's and Marble Slab Creamery are both offering Buy One Get One Free coupons right now through Facebook, and Red Mango (best frozen yogurt. i'm serious.) has a coupon for $2 off any $5 purchase! I'm thinking a very affordable date night or girls night is in store...

 Click here, click "Like" and print your coupon!

 Click here, click "Like" and print your coupon!

 Click here, enter zip code 30030 in the top left corner, and print your coupon!

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

You will love this recipe! As you guys know by now I am all about simple and affordable recipes that taste like they aren't either. Well, this sweet and sour chicken is one of my favorites. For a quick weeknight meal I serve it as pictured above with just rice and veggies. For a special occasion, it is fun to make with fried rice and some pot stickers for a healthier, homemade Chinese night!

Without further ado, the super easy recipe:

Refashion: Wire Clothes Hanger to Wreath Hanger

This project is actually not mine, but my innovative husband Jacob's. For some reason regular over-the-door wreath hangers do not fit under our door frames. It is confusing. So when I couldn't hang my wreaths I was a little bummed, but then one day I came home and they were hanging on the door...with wire hangers. Why didn't I think of that?! Here's how he did it:

Happy Memorial Day

Rather than posting about deals or sales today (even though they are plentiful) I really wanted to take a moment to recognize the true reason we celebrate Memorial Day.

 

Bryce and his cousins as pallbearers at his grandfather's military funeral. 

I am so grateful to live in this free country, where I can worship as I choose, express myself politically and otherwise, obtain an education, am treated with respect and most especially can raise a family in peace.

I am so grateful for the men and women who have died defending this country I love. I'm so grateful for all those who have served, or are currently serving in the military of this country, they make my life of peace possible. I am thankful for their families and the sacrifices they make as well.

I am thankful for all three of my grandpa's, who all served in the armed forces.

I am thankful for my ancestors, family and friends who have passed on before me. I doubt I will ever truly recognize what I owe them, what they have built for me. I cannot wait to see them again.

I am feeling so blessed this Memorial Day, and I hope that you all have a lovely day off remembering those you love and looking ahead to a wonderful future.

Memorial Weekend Sales!

Memorial Day Weekend is here guys! Anyone doing any bbq-ing? I have a busy weekend full of birthday parties! It's going to be a blast. Anyway, I thought I would just post a list of the best sales I know of going on right now.

Old Navy:

$2 Tanks in-store only.  

If you print this coupon, you can get 10% off your entire purchase, making the $2 tank tops only $1.80. There are also other sweet deals to be found. Last but not least, I guess this new app, SnapAppy and earns you points for taking pictures of their logo! Then you can get prizes. I went this morning and I got a $5 off coupon, no minimum purchase! A pair of polka dot swim bottoms for $3.50? Yes please. Check it out.

Forever 21

If you shop online you can get an extra 15% off sale items. This should make for some cheap new clothes! Also they offer free shipping if you order $50+. (Get with a friend and order together?!)

J. Crew

30% off spring sale items with code LOVEIT. Online only. These sales the only time I actually purchase things from J.Crew. There are some great deals to be found, especially the swimwear!

American Eagle:

40% off + free shipping on ALL orders

To get the 40% off enter code  54018251

No code required to get free shipping.

Happy shopping friends!

 

Advertising Opportunities

Would you like to advertise here at Pretty Providence? Here's the info: 

We launched on March 1, 2012. In less than five months our little blog has exploded! We have grown both in page views and revenue consistently each month. 

Current stats via Google Analytics: 

418,583+ Monthly Pageviews
1,860+ Pinterest followers
1,161+ Facebook followers
691+ GFC followers
158+ Twitter followers

Roughly 90% of our daily traffic comes from unique visitors. Pretty Providence readers are primarily women, and 95% live in the United States of America.

Pretty Providence abides by the FCC 2009 regulations for blogs. All sponsors are marked as such.  


Pretty Providence's advertising structure includes three size options:

Pricing: Small $10 per month Medium $15 per month Large $20 per month

INTERESTED? HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Send us an email expressing your interest in advertising on the blog.

2. Send us a sample of your ad. Once it is approved we will direct you further on how to pay for your ad.

3. Your ad will run as soon as payment is received or at the beginning of the month you have chosen.

Shabby Apple Giveaway!!!

Okay lovely ladies, today we are teaming up with Shabby Apple to give you a chance to 

win $75 to spend on their cute and modest apparel! They are known for their dresses, believing that a dress should be a one-piece outfit.

 

Um, hello adorable!!! And these pictures are just scratching the surface of what they have to offer... trust us! 

The Details: 

The contest will run from now until next Friday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

You must have a USA shipping address to be eligible for entry. 

Winner must contact us within 48 hours of posted announcement or a new winner will be chosen. 

Mandatory Entries: 

1) Follow this blog (see right side bar)

2) Like Shabby Apple on Facebook

Bonus Entries: 

3) Like Pretty Providence on Facebook

4) Go to Shabby Apple's Website and let us know which dress or item is your favorite

5) Follow Pretty Providence on Pinterest

6) Follow Pretty Providence on Twitter

Then, comment on this post, letting us know what you have done to enter the giveaway. 

{Please leave a separate comment for each entry because we will be using a random number   generator to determine the winner, and you want to make sure all your entries count!}

What are you waiting for??? 

-Jessica & Sarah 

YNAB Giveaway WINNER!!!!

True Random Number Generator

 

Min: Max: Result: 44  

 

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

 

Congratulations Megs!!!  

We hope you will love your new You Need A Budget Software! 

Email us within 48 hours so we can set you up with your prize. 

Loves, 

Jessica & Sarah

P.S. Heads up for everybody, we have another awesome giveaway starting tomorrow!

Fabric Banner Tutorial

Some exciting occurrences have been happening in my family life one of which being that my little brother Cameron proposed to the lovely Kumiko on Sunday and they will be getting married in August! I am so excited. So, since he was going to propose I enlisted myself to make a fabric banner that could be hanging up in the general area for a little extra "pretty." Kumi's sister Mari happens to be a photographer, so while I decorated, she got her camera ready, and when the time came we dove into the bushes to watch the magical moment! The above is my favorite shot Mari took of the banner after she did indeed say yes. Check out more of Mari's amazing photos at Mariko Kay Photography. You will love them. So now on to making the fabric banner:

Spaghetti Pie

 

I don't like spaghetti that much. I don't really like pie either. But, I LOVE spaghetti pie! Go figure, eh? I had spaghetti pie for the first time when my wonderful mother-in-law brought it for me after my son Luke was born. This is her recipe and I promise you, you'll love it. 

(expired) Free Target Beauty Bag!

Target is once again offering their free beauty bag, this time it's a summer edition! They are filled with free samples and coupons. Head over to the Target Style facebook page and request yours now!

Green Grilled Cheese- A Divine Twist!

Okay, so I had another post planned for you all today, but then I hadn't put it up yet, and I decided to make myself a sandwich real quick before I did. I wanted grilled cheese but we didn't have any cheddar around. I did have mozzarella, so I decided I'd try it. Then just for kicks I thought I would add a couple of extras to it, since I was already going non-traditional. Best. Sandwich. Ever.

Scrabble Fridge Magnets

I have wanted magnetic fridge letters forever! The ones you buy at the store are such poor quality though, they always fall off and they take up so much space. Then inspiration hit me... Scrabble magnets!! I was so excited, I literally went to the thrift store at least once a week looking specifically for Scrabble with no luck. Then, lo and behold, I found one last weekend at a garage sale for .25c! Forgive all the exclamation marks, I'm a little bit stoked over this still. 

Here's what you will need: 

YNAB Software Giveaway!!!

YOU NEED A BUDGET. 

 

I'm telling the truth, you do.

This giveaway will help you do just that. In fact, it could change your life.

YNAB's (aka: you need a budget) website boasts: 
"Gain Total Control of Your Money. Stop living paycheck to paycheck, get out of debt, and save money faster with YNAB."

 Not only is YNAB a budgeting software designed to help you keep track of your finances, bills, etc. It is also a budgeting philosophy that focuses on four rules: 

1. Give every dollar a job
2. Save for a rainy day
3. Roll with the punches
4. Stop living paycheck to paycheck


Today YNAB is giving away a software package to one lucky reader.

Here's the details:
This giveaway is active starting now and ending next Thursday the 24th at 5:00 Mountain Standard Time. The winner will have 42 hours to contact us to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory entries: 
1. Follow Pretty Providence (see right sidebar)
2.  Like YNAB on Facebook


Bonus entries: 
3. Like Pretty Providence on Facebook and post a link to this giveaway in your status
4. Follow Pretty Providence on Pinterest
5. Follow Pretty Providence on Twitter and tweet a link to this giveaway
6. Follow YNAB on Twitter

Then, comment on this post, letting us know what you have done to enter the giveaway.

{Please leave a separate comment for each entry because we will be using a random number generator to determine the winner, and you want to make sure all your entries count!}

Don't wait, enter now and start saving for your future!
Good luck.

-Jessica and Sarah

My favorite thing to thrift shop for.

Happy Weekend everyone! I am off to the yard sales again. It's going to be a good Saturday. I just wanted to share today that when thrift shopping the first place I always head to is the games section. We are big game players and I have bought almost all of mine at our local secondhand store for $1 or less. Not only that but most of them are in perfect condition and have never been used! The boxes can deceive you. They might look old and worn out and you could guess that half the pieces inside will be missing. More often than not though, I'll open it up to check and surprisingly everything is untouched or at least in good condition, and it's all there. This week I bought Canasta Caliente. Have any of you ever played it? I had heard it was fun so I took the chance and husband was pleased because he used to play it all the time I guess. I can't wait to try it at family dinner on Sunday. I have also bought four or five Rook decks there. We play a game called Pounce (very similar to Nertz) with them so we can't get enough of the cards. Every deck has been between .50 cents and .09 cents! Another fun thing about these games is that they are often "vintage" looking which kind of adds to their cool factor if you ask me. Anyway, when hitting the games section, don't judge a book by it's cover. You might find your new favorite game!

(expired) Free $2 Amazon MP3 Credit!

I love Amazon forever for giving out these $2 credits. All you have to do in order to get this one is go here, enter your favorite song right now and share it on FB! Go get it, and enjoy your free music!

Oh and a little fine print: these must be redeemed by 11:50 pm May 24, so don't wait too long to use them or they will be gone and that would be so sad.

How to Find Free Samples

I love real mail. By real, I mean anything that isn't a bill or junk. I remember signing up for my first batch of free samples and then completely forgetting about it. I then proceeded to get super excited every time something came in the mail. Now, I have quite a little collection built up.

Besides the perk of getting something fun in the mail, free samples are typically accompanied by an awesome coupon so that if you like the product you can buy it at a pretty good discount.

20 x 20 Instagram Canvas for $24 & free shipping!

Eversave (similar to Groupon) has an awesome photo deal today. It's $34 for a 20 x 20 Instagram canvas print, and free shipping. If this is your first time signing up for Eversave you will get a free $10 credit added to your account making this deal only $24! (If you don't want the canvas you can still sign up, get the $10 and wait for a deal you like!) It's super cool, once you buy the voucher you will get a redemption code, so you can head over to the PixWraps website and enter your code as well as your Instagram share URL for the picture you choose, and they will make sure the pixel standards are correct and print it onto canvas for you!

Show and Tell

For Mother's Day Bryce got me this:

I am so excited! I have wanted a "vintage" picnic basket forever and this one is seriously adorable! I am so impressed that he remembered and found this one all by himself. If you have been dying for a picnic basket too, here are a few other (cheaper) options I like.

(expired) Two Free Photobooks from Shutterfly -Just Pay Shipping!

 Click read more to see how to. It's so easy- you're gonna love it.

Update: NEW Panache Giveaway Winner Chosen!

We did not hear from our first winner within the 72-hour period and had no way of contacting her so we have chosen another winner using Random.Org. CONGRATULATIONS to Stephanie from Couponing Momma! You are our new winner- please get in touch with us within 72 hours so we can e-mail you your code and you can get shopping!

Fabric Scrap Wreath

This wreath was inspired by this fifteen minute wreath. Yes, it took only fifteen minutes to put together. I totally winged this and I was surprised how well it turned out for how little effort I made!

Ice Cream & Cake & Cake

What I am about to share with you is my very favorite dessert. Seriously. I have it every single year on my birthday, and since yesterday was Mother's Day and I am a mother now, we had it for dessert. It is the best ice cream cake ever. I totally meant to take a picture of it piled up in my bowl too, but I think my subconscious was two embarrassed to show you all how much I ate.

 

It is so simple, I die over it. 

The Mothers We Love

Happy Mother's Day to you all! We thought today we would do a little tribute to our (incredible!) Moms. They have all nurtured and inspired us in so many ways and we just really love them.

City Deals is my fave.

 

Have ya'll heard of City Deals? If not- prepare to fall in love. If you have, but haven't used it yet... get on it. This website is honestly my favorite and I don't know why I waited so long to post about it. Forgive me! SO what is it? Well it's a lovely place where you can buy gift certificates for a huge discount. Sometimes they come in the mail, very classy looking I might add. Great for gifting. Or sometimes you can print them from home and use them the same day. I personally like the restaurant gift certificates best but they have all kinds. Here are few wonderful examples...

$100 Gift Certificate to Danielle's Bridal & Prom in Holladay, UT for $39
$10 Gift Certificate to Pizza Factory for $5 -Provo, Lindon, Spanish Fork, Syracuse or Bountiful, UT
$20 Gift Certificate to Johanna's Kitchen in Sandy, UT for $10 -this is literally my favorite breakfast restaurant.
$10 for two tickets to The Wizard of Oz Musical at Scera Shell Outdoor Theater in Orem, UT (tickets are normally $12 each)

and so many more. Go to the site and browse around. It's going to be your new favorite too! If you don't live in Utah, there are some similar sites you can check out. One is Plastic Jungle and you can often find cheap gift cards on Ebay. If you have a site like City Deals for your town, we'd love to feature it here on Pretty Providence so let us know!

Panache Giveaway Winner!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

KRISTEL!

Please email us A.S.A.P. to claim your prize! 

To the rest of you, thanks for entering! Don't forget that Panache has offered you all 20% off through 5/21/2012, using the code "PRETTY"- don't miss out on this great discount, their clothes are amazing and at great prices already.

-Jessica and Sarah

Stay-At-Home Date Night

When I was growing up my parents went on a date at least once a week. In fact, they still do. Often when I talk to my dad he asks me if we are following suit. It is basically his one piece of marital advice, and I think it is a good bit at that. 

Unfortunately, since Luke came around and we moved, date nights have been a bit harder for us. Primarily because we no longer have free babysitting. Also, I am a bit of a control freak, so it is hard for me to trust just anyone with my muffin.

The combination of these two means that we have been lazy about going out. Well, I decided that it was time that changed. Wednesday night has become our date night (we like doing them on a week day, since week ends are already exciting), and even if we can't find a babysitter or there isn't much room in the budget we still have to have a planned, no cell phones, no baby, fun night together. 

We have been taking turns planning which is fun. If date nights are rough for you too, here is an idea of one I planned recently. 

We started out with a BBQ in the back yard, which was not only delicious, but it is out of the house, which is a big perk for me :). 

After dinner we went BOWLING...in the garage! I found the kids bowling set at Walmart for about $8.00, but this bowling set is even cheaper and looks like real bowling balls and pins which is fun. 

(expired) Something free.

Walgreens is doing it again ladies! They are offering a free 8 x 10 photo print when you use code FREE4ME at checkout through Saturday May 12th. Opt for in-store pick-up so it's truly free and you don't have to pay for shipping. Go there!

I've also been busy getting some new layout details done around the blog. What do you guys think? Do you like the new look? Being a beginner at blog design means it's more time consuming than it probably should be but I am very much enjoying the learning process!

Also, just a couple of reminders: Mother's Day is Sunday! If you haven't thought about what to get her yet, you can use the freebie above to print something nice (idea 1) (idea 2) and frame it for her.

You could also sign up for Recycle Bank and get her a Magazine subscription for free! More about that here, it's. so. easy.

And here are our favorite gift ideas. Amazon has very quick shipping options!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST! Tomorrow morning the Panache giveaway ends. Get your entries in! (I totally want this, and they just added mint skinnies to their collection!) Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

-SARAH

His to Hers Re-Fashion #2

Here is shirt #2 that I made from my husband's cast-offs. I am super excited about this one because I don't have any other shirts this color. 

 

Here is his shirt originally, with my shirt I used as a pattern on top. 

To get his shirt (above) to this point (below) see the tutorial I did on how to take in a shirt that's too big.

Ten Dollar Dates: Bees Game!

 image via

So, if you live in the Salt Lake area you are going to love this. (For those who don't live in Utah, look into your local sports programs promotions!) Smiths Tix is offering a "family night" deal for Bees baseball games where if you buy at least three tickets you can get them for $5 and a hot dog is included with each ticket! I love going to Bees games. You just have to go to a Smiths store and buy the tickets in person.  Round up some friends and make it a double date. Below is the schedule for which nights you can get this price for.

Panache Giveaway!!!

Okay people today is your lucky day because Panache is sponsoring a $50.00 giveaway starting right now! 


Haven't heard of Panache? Here are a few of my favorite items: 

Miranda Dress $29.00

Tomato Skinnies $34.50

 Back Button Blouse $23.50

Tulle Skirt $37.50

 

Classic Skinny Belt $7.50

Aren't all those adorable?? I have been dying for a Tulle skirt like that!

So here are the details: 

The giveaway will run from now until Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. 

Mandatory entries:

1.) Like Panache on Facebook

2.) Follow this blog (see right sidebar)

Bonus entries: 

3.) Like Pretty Providence on Facebook and post the link to this giveaway on your status

4.) Follow Pretty Providence on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway

5.) Follow Pretty Providence on Pinterest

6.) Follow Panache on Twitter

{Please leave a separate comment for each entry because we will be using a random number generator to determine the winner, and you want to make sure all your entries count!}

On Friday we will announce the winner and they will have 72 hours to contact us to get their promo code so they can shop with their $50!

Also, because you are all wonderful,  

Panache is giving all Pretty Providence readers 20% off 

of their orders from now until 5/21/2012 using the code "PRETTY"!

What are you waiting for? Enter & win! 

-Jessica & Sarah

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

If you forgot Cinco De Mayo was today, have no fear! You can still celebrate. Throw together a last minute fiesta or just make some Tres Leches, which is a party in your mouth. You guys this recipe will blow you away! It's so good. I made it a few months ago just for kicks and I loved the recipe so much that I made it today in cupcake form. They worked out just as well, I served them at a fiesta baby shower that I threw! Give them a go. You won't be sorry. Anyway, que tenga un buen día!

xoxo, olé!

Luke's Nursery Reveal Part 3 (The End)

Here's part's 1 and 2 of Luke's Nursery Reveal if you missed them.

I think it's about time to be wrapping up my little tour of Luke's nursery, so here are the last two projects from his room that I'm going to share with you all. 

4. ABC Bulletin Board:

What is a babies room without ABC's?