sponsored post Archives - Two Twenty One

Hey America! What’s Your ID?

May 21, 2013

I became a somewhat frequent coffee drinker a couple years ago. I’m more of a weekend coffee person while Brad is a daily coffee drinker. One of my favorite things about being an occassional coffee drinker? The mugs.

You know how every coffee drinker takes their coffee a certain way? Black. Three sugars. Yada yada. I take mine with flavored creamer. Yep, you’ll always find some sort some of International Delight creamer in our fridge. My current favorite is French Vanilla.

Recently, International Delight launched a new campaign– “What’s Your ID?”. It’s a fun way to share and connect with other International Delight lovers. Head over to www.whatsyourid.com, choose your favorite International Delight flavor and pin it to the map. This was super simple to do, and took me less than a minute.

You can also enter to win some awesome prizes while you’re there. What are some of the prizes, you ask? A Magical Trip grand prize, Visa gift cards, Cold Stone gift cards, free ID for a year, ID coffee mugs, tumblers, and creamers, beach towels, and a baking kit which includes a KitchenAid mixer, apron, coupons, and more goodies.

A bunch of bloggers have been creating delicious recipes with International Delight creamers. I pinned some of my favorites that I’d like to try out in the future.

What’s Your ID? International Delight is looking for their most passionate flavor fans. Put your ID on the map to enter to win a Magical Trip, play games and discover more unexpected delight. Share your ID flavor at http://whatsyourid.com.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

6 Comments · Filed Under: BlogHer, sponsored post ·

Brightening Up the Front Porch + $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

May 14, 2013

Crystal Light Liquid wanted to know how I was adding vibrancy to my life so I decided to spruce up our front porch with some color. I mean, it is starting to look a little like spring here in central Indiana after all. And with spring comes new life and lots of color– something that was lacking on our front porch.

Now that you saw the after, let’s review the before. Our front porch looks so sad and lonely, no? And yes, we were those people rockin’ the Christmas welcome mat months past December 25th. Don’t judge me. At least our Christmas lights were taken down before the end of January.

I started with a trip to Target for some things– a welcome mat wasn’t on my list. But when I passed by this colorful little guy I knew I had to put him in my cart. It also helped that the mat was 20% off. It’s hard for me to pass up a sale.

And nothing says spring like pansies, so I headed to Lowes to pick up some pretty blooms.

I decided to try something different with our behemoth flower pot on our front porch by adding a smaller pot in the middle to give it a tiered look. I planted the purple pansies in the top tier and the yellow pansies in the bottom tier. I’m liking it so far.

Pansies are the perfect flower for spring. They add a great punch of color, and they’re tolerant of the crazy Indiana spring weather.

I also picked up a fern while at Lowes. I’ve been wanting to hang something on our front porch for a while, and I’ve never owned a fern so I figured, why not? The plant care card rated it “tolerant” so I’m hoping that translates to “hard to kill”.

Ta-dah! Our happier and more colorful front porch to welcome our guests and spring.

After all my hard work of planting flowers and hanging ferns, it was time for a nice refreshment.

Have you guys seen the new Crystal Light Liquid? I tried it out before I was even asked to review it, and I loved it.

You just squeeze some into a glass of water, stir a little, and voila– delicious beverage!

crystal light liquid strawberry lemonade

To check out all six delicious flavors go to Crystal Light Liquid’s website!

Want to enter for the chance to win a $100 Visa giftcard? Leave a comment that answers the question ‘What inspires you to jazz things up around the house?’

How to enter:

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the
following unique term in your tweet message: “”#SweepstakesEntry”"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post”
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/14 – 6/4.
Be sure to visit the Crystal Light page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

165 Comments · Filed Under: exterior, garden, giveaway, outdoor, sponsored post ·

Flip Flops with Duck Tape® Bows

April 17, 2013

This post brought to you by Duck® Brand. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s prom season, people. High schoolers across the country are spray tanning, debating their hairstyles, and crossing their fingers no one will show up in the same dress.

In preparation for prom, Duck Tape®, contacted me and asked if I wanted to participate in their Stuck at Prom® campaign to create a prom accessory, and I couldn’t turn it down.

I chose to create pretty Duck Tape® bows and attach them to some flip flops. I don’t know about you, but after walking in heels for a couple hours my feet start to hurt, which interferes with shaking my booty on the dance floor. These adorable flip flops are perfect for a young chick to bring to change into instead of going barefoot on the dance floor.

how to make Duck Tape bows

To make these bows you’ll need Duck Tape®, a ruler, and scissors.

Start by cutting a 3 inch piece of Duck Tape® in half. Set them aside.

Next, cut a strip of 18 inches of Duck Tape®.

Fold the strip of Duck Tape® in half (hamburger style– if you know what I mean), leaving about 1/2 inch of tape.

Create a circle by attaching the sticky side of the Duck Tape® to the other side.

Kind of fold the cuff-like shape, in the center start scrunching up the tape with your fingers. Grab a piece of tape from the first step.

Use your strip of tape to secure the center of the bow. Fluff the bow with your fingers or with a pencil.

How to make Duck Tape bows

Tadah! You have a bow!

I used hot glue to attach the bows to some cheap flip flops.

how to make bows with Duck Tape

If you have a teen or know of a teen 14 years old or older who is attending prom this year, they can enter the Stuck at Prom® scholarship contest. Enter your Duck Tape® prom creation for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship for the teen in your life and their school. Visit Stuck at Prom® for all the details.

Have you made anything cool out of Duck Tape®?
How were your prom experiences in high school?
Am I the only person who brings “dancing shoes” to events that involve dancing?

8 Comments · Filed Under: BlogHer, DIY, sponsored post ·

Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Totes & Cases + Giveaway

March 11, 2013

Hey, friends! I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was great, thanks for asking. How about them Hoosiers?!

You may remember back in November when I showed you the gift wrapping station I created with Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery items. Well, today I’m back to share some of their newer items available at Staples. Oh, and I’m also giving away a wristlet and $50 Staples gift card. Can I get a “woot!”?

I’m loving this large tote. And when I say large I mean massive. This puppy is 20in x 14in x 10in. I’m pretty sure I could carry Jack around in this bag. But I wouldn’t because his legs work fine and he weighs nearly 40 pounds.

Everyone needs a mamma jamma bag in their life, and this bad boy delivers. It would be a great carry-on, weekend, or even diaper bag. The tote features multiple interior pockets for organized storage, a side pocket that can hold a 10in tablet, and snaps on the sides to expand the size of the bag. (Pashmina not included with large tote.)

One of my favorite products is their convertible tablet case. First, I love the color. LOVE. Secondly, I love how it rotates so you can view the tablet horizontally or vertically. You can also detach the tablet from the case so it’s easier to carry around. Another cool feature? The elastic band converts to mount the case onto the back of a car headrest. Perfect for long car rides with the kiddies.

Another fun new item are their wristlets. The wristlet easily fits your phone, charge cards, keys, and lip gloss. Great for a night out with friends or running a quick errand.

Pretty awesome products, right? Check out more Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery products here.

Ready for the giveaway? Use the Rafflecopter to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Which Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery product would you buy with your $50 Staples gift card?

169 Comments · Filed Under: giveaway, sponsored post ·

In Stores Now: People Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue

March 4, 2013

A little over a week ago I told you how pumped I was for the People Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue to come out on March 1st. You may also remember how I gave away a $20 Target gift card so one lucky reader to score a copy for themselves (congrats, Libby U!). Well, I headed to Target Saturday afternoon with husband to do a little shopping and grab the issue, which is on newsstands until March 18th. It’s hard to miss with Jen Aniston’s beautiful mug taking up the majority of the front cover.

We spent the rest of the day running errands and doing stuff around the house so I didn’t get a chance to sit down and read the magazine until Sunday morning. Which was fine by me. It went perfectly with my morning coffee.

There are so many things to love about this issue. You want to hear my favorites, don’t ya? Okay. I loved the fold out page which featured nine of the most beautiful actresses in their gorgeous gowns. (My favorites were Jennifer Lawrence, Naomi Watts, and Jen Aniston.) My other fave? Channing Tatum. Although he didn’t wear a gown. Another thing I love about this issue is all the behind-the-scene photos of the celebs.

Make sure you test your PEOPLE Trivia skills for a chance to win! Enter each week for a chance to win one of hundreds of rewards cards.

Who were your best dressed picks from the 2013 Oscars?
Who were your worst dressed picks from the 2013 Oscars?

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and PEOPLE Magazine but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PEOPLEforOscars http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

1 Comment · Filed Under: sponsored post ·

DIY Wedding Card Box

February 28, 2013

Some of you know I DIY’ed the crap out of my June, 2011 wedding. I couldn’t help myself. So when my younger half-sister got engaged I knew I had to make her something for her upcoming October wedding. The first thing to come to mind was a card box. (Here’s the card box I did for our wedding.)

My decision was solidified when I received some items from the David Tutera Bridal Collection to try out. There are so many beautiful and budget-friendly items in this collection, which is available at Michael’s, and I knew a couple items would be perfect for my half-sister’s wedding card box.

Supplies needed:
paper mache box
paint
ribbon
card stock
David Tutera Bridal Collection flower hair comb
David Tutera Bridal Collection rhinestone table number frame
foam paint roller
double sided tape
hot glue and glue gun

Start by painting your paper mache box. I applied two coats of acrylic paint with a cheapo foam roller.

Next, cut the hole for the cards. I made mine 7 1/2 inches wide, and cut it out with an Xacto knife. Touch up your card slot with paint after you cut it. Or just cut your card slot first, and then paint.

Add your ribbon, securing it with double sided tape on the backside of the lid.

I hot glued the flower hair comb on top of the ribbon. Who says you can’t use items meant for your hair on your wedding card box? No one. That’s who.

Create a “Cards” sign– you can do this in Word or Photoshop. I used the font Lavenderia. The border was made by cutting up some of the ribbon and securing it to the edges of the card stock with double sided tape. I used a rhinestone table number frame to display the cards sign.

Seriously, this is one of the easiest and most inexpensive wedding projects you can take on. This DIY wedding card box took me less than an hour to make.

If you or someone you know is heading down the aisle soon I highly recommend heading to Michael’s and checking out the David Tutera Bridal Collection.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these awesome projects using items from the David Tutera Bridal Collection.

Become a fan of Darice on Facebook - @Darice_Crafts on Twitter - Follow @DavidTutera on Twitter – David Tutera DIY Wedding on Pinterest

Find my post disclosure here.

14 Comments · Filed Under: DIY, sponsored post, tutorial, wedding ·

PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue + $20 Target Gift Card Giveaway

February 22, 2013

I don’t know about you, but I love me some Oscars. Which is why I’m pumped for the 85th Academy Awards this Sunday. You better believe I’ll be watching the red carpet shows and tweeting about what everyone is wearing. Well, at least what the chicks are wearing because, let’s face it, the guys all look the same in black tuxes.

I’m as excited about the Oscars as the PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue, which is hitting newsstands on Friday, March 1st, and will be available until March 18th. I can’t wait to get my paws on an issue. It’ll be like reliving the red carpet shows all over again, but in much greater detail. And you have a chance to get in on the action too! I’m giving away a $20 Target gift card so you can score the PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue. Can I get a “woot!”?

Now, before we get all excited about the chance to win, let’s go over some notable fashion statements from last year.

You may remember Angeline Jolie’s never-ending leg poses in her black dress. We get it. Your dress has a slit in it and you want to show it off.

JOLIE_WEB
source

One of my idols, Tina Fey, rocked a navy peplum gown. Tina cannot be mentioned without a Liz Lemon-ism: “You are my heroine! And by heroine I mean lady hero. I don’t want to inject you and listen to jazz.”

source

Octavia Spencer looked smokin’ in this sparkly number. The pie scene in The Help was hilarious and gross and hilarious. Way to go, Minny.

source

I’m most excited to see what Jennifer Lawrence wears. I love her. She was great in Silver Linings Playbook, the only best picture nominee I saw. I also love her because she’s Katniss Everdeen. I’m halfway through Mockingjay– don’t say a word.

Make sure you test your PEOPLE Trivia skills for a chance to win! Enter each week for a chance to win one of hundreds of rewards cards. And don’t forget to enter the $20 Target gift card giveaway by using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and PEOPLE Magazine but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PEOPLEforOscars http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

88 Comments · Filed Under: giveaway, sponsored post ·

Easter Gift Giving with World Market

February 20, 2013

I don’t get to World Market as much as I’d like, but when I do I can easily spend an hour or more wandering around the store looking at all their awesome stuff. From furniture to wine, they have it all. One thing I love about the store is all the unique and colorful items they carry. Trust me, it’s not hard to spend an hour there.

I recently headed to World Market to wander around and grab some things to make Easter gift baskets for Brad and I’s parents and grandparents.

Holy smokes you guys. They have the cutest stuff for Easter. Check out these baskets for the kiddos. Ah-dorable. I wanted one for myself.

While browsing around, I came across these gift basket kits. A basket, raffia, gift tag, and excelsior for $5. Done. Sold. Put it in the cart.

I decided to go with a baking theme for the gift baskets for our parents and grandparents after seeing World Market’s bright spring themed baking section. So. Many. Cute. Things.

After spending well over an hour in the store, I loaded up my cart and headed home to put the baskets together.

Each basket contains a baking mix, baking utensils, jam, and some chocolates. The chocolates were a must because I wholeheartedly believe you can’t give someone an Easter basket without ready-to-eat chocolates.

The gift basket kits? Genius.

Doesn’t this gift basket look professionally made? Because I’m definitely not a professional. In fact, this is the first time I’ve made gift baskets.

I’m excited to give our parents and grandparents these baskets for Easter. I’m hoping they don’t read this post and spoil the surprise. Family members: if you’re reading this you must act surprised when Brad and I give you your basket. K, thanks.

Are you a World Market shopper?
Are you a professional gift basket maker?
Aren’t those kiddie Easter baskets the most adorable things you’ve ever seen?

Make sure you check out the OZ The Great and Powerful Sweepstakes presented by World Market!

Win wondrous prizes and celebrate a world of adventure.
Enter to win our grand prize package:
Private movie screening for you and 50 friends of OZ The Great and Powerful
Free IMAX Movie Tickets for a Year
$1,000 World Market gift card
Plus, 3 first prizes: $500 World Market gift card
Enter online at worldmarketsweepstakes.com!

Visit World Market
website • twitter • facebook • google+ • pinterest • instagram

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and World Market, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #WorldMarket. Disclosure

14 Comments · Filed Under: gifts, sponsored post, spring ·

Spice Up Your Home with World Market + Giveaway

December 12, 2012

I’ve been meaning to check out World Market since everyone and their sister in blogland raves about it, so I headed to World Market a couple weeks ago to check out their Life of Pi retail items.

World Market has teamed up with Life of Pi to help promote the book and movie. Life of Pi is the story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper’s son, who survives a disaster at sea and is thrown into an epic journey. While adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with a fearsome Bengal tiger. I’ve heard great things about both the book and movie.

The items in the Life of Pi line are Indian inspired– lots of bright colors, patterns, and textures. I loved these beautiful poufs and baskets.

They had great decorative pieces, like all of these intricately painted elephants.

I came home with a bag of goodies. One of my purchases was this pretty ikat lumbar pillow. Doesn’t it look great on my blue chair?

I also picked up this lotus flower bowl that I filled it with four decorative paper mache eggs.

Who can pass up a trinket box covered in sequins and glitter? Not this chick.

The trinket box is now home to the rubber bands and paper clips in my home office.

I had to bring home this colorful elephant tea towel for our kitchen.

Now, onto the giveaway. One lucky winner will win a limited edition Life of Pi tunic and a limited edition Life of Pi ornament. Please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Life of Pi Sweepstakes

Grand Prize package includes: a dream trip for 2 to India and a $1,000 World Market Gift card. There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $500 World Market gift card!
The Life of Pi Sweepstakes runs from 11/17 – 12/28.
If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.
If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.
Enter online at http://worldmarketsweepstakes.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/worldmarket/app_105852732878918?ref=ts

Visit World Market
website • twitter • facebook • google+ • pinterest • instagram

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™. As always, all my opinions are my own. http://cmp.ly/3/KqtZiE .

19 Comments · Filed Under: giveaway, sponsored post ·

BlogHer Gift Guides: Crafty E-Courses

December 6, 2012

Looking for the perfect gift for the person in your life who has everything? Check out some of the great crafty e-courses in this gift guide! Give your loved one the gift of learning how to crochet, starting his or her own blog, or learning to paint.

One featured website in the gift guide is Craftsy. Craftsy offers e-courses on all things crafts– cake decorating, jewelry, paper crafts, quilting, and more. They have some pretty awesome teachers too, like Colette Peters, cake decorator extraordinaire. There’s also a review section so you can see what people who purchased and took the class think of the skills they gained.

Another great e-course offering site mentioned in the gift guide is A Beautiful Mess. The talented chicks over at A Beautiful Mess offer some great e-courses. From how to start your own blog to styling your own space. And I’ve heard good things about their e-course ‘Dream Job’, which covers how to start your own e-business. Perfect for someone wanting to open their own Etsy shop.

Want more gift ideas? Check out more BlogHer gift guides here.

Do you have someone in your life who would enjoy the gift of e-learning? Have you taken an e-course? Isn’t it crazy what you can do and learn with technology these days?

This post is part of BlogHer’s Holiday Gift Guides editorial series, sponsored by Open Road Media. All opinions are my own.