May Giveaway… Back in (Sassy) Black!

Women’s Sassy Black Apron

The Sassy Black Apron is consistently a best seller for us. Fully lined, with extra-long straps that can be worn tied in the back or wrapped around and tired in the front, it looks fabulous on almost any body type. I have to say it is also one of the most durable aprons I’ve ever owned, and that’s saying a lot coming from someone with an apron fetish as big as mine!

And, we’ll even sweeten the deal with one of our new personalized Wine Koozies, coming next week!

OK, in case you don’t know the drill already, here’s how to enter (and a couple of new ways):

1. Follow Swanky Aprons on Twitter and tweet the following: May apron and wine koozie #giveaway! RT & follow @swanky_aprons for a chance to win! For more info go to http://wp.me/pNk6l-9A Ends 05/31. – Worth one entry per tweet (up to one per day)
2. Become a fan of Swanky Aprons on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons
3. Suggest our Facebook pageto your friends (1 entry), if they “like” us and post a
   

   Wine Koozies – Coming Soon!

   comment there saying you invited them; you’ll get an extra entry for each friend.

4. Subscribe to this blog (see the right side of the home page under Recent Tweets) – 1 entry
5. Sign up for our mailing list (go to http://www.swankyaprons.com/ and look under the left navigation) – 1 entry
6. NEW: For an extra 5 entries, comment on the giveaway post on our Facebook wall and tag your friends!
7. NEW: Follow us on Pinterest!

Good luck!

April Giveaway! Happy Mothers Day to all the Divas!

As you may have figured out by now, we here at Swanky Aprons are all about helping women find their inner domestic diva, whether they can bake bread from scratch, or just order a pizza and look pretty. That philosophy is especially true when it comes to moms. If you have little satellites orbiting you all day, sometimes it is all you can do to squeeze in a shower, let alone look glamorous.  We think aprons are an easy way to feel more beautiful and confident, and we want to share that with a special mom.

In honor of the one person who loves you the most, we’re giving away a set of mama/daughter diva aprons. The grown up Domestic Diva Apron, and the Diva in Training apron. Both will come gift wrapped and shipped in time for Mother’s Day.

In case you’re new, here’s how to enter:

Here’s how to enter:

1. Follow Swanky Aprons on Twitter and tweet the following: Mother’s Day #giveaway! RT & follow @swanky_aprons for a chance to win! http://wp.me/pNk6l-9o Ends 04/30. – Worth one entry per tweet (up to one per day)
2. Become a fan of Swanky Aprons on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons
3. Suggest our Facebook page to your friends (1 entry), if they “like” us and post a comment there saying you invited them; you’ll get an extra entry for each friend
4. Subscribe to this blog (see the right side of the home page under Recent Tweets) – 1 entry
5. Sign up for our mailing list (go to http://www.swankyaprons.com/ and look under the left navigation) – 1 entry
6. NEW: For an extra 5 entries, comment on why your mama is the best mama in the world.

Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.

Good luck and give your mama a kiss today!

March Giveaway: Springing Forward

Spring has definitely come early this year. The windows are open, the birds are singing and we’re almost living in the backyard. So to celebrate the longer warmer days, we’re giving away our new Meadow Green Bib Courtney Apron.

Imagine hosting your garden party in this little number!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Follow Swanky Aprons on Twitter and tweet the following: March Apron #giveaway! RT & follow @swanky_aprons for a chance to win! http://wp.me/pNk6l-9h Ends 03/31. – Worth one entry per tweet (up to one per day)
2. Become a fan of Swanky Aprons on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons
3. Suggest our Facebook page to your friends (1 entry), if they “like” us and post a comment there saying you invited them; you’ll get an extra entry for each friend
4. Subscribe to this blog (see the right side of the home page under Recent Tweets) – 1 entry
5. Sign up for our mailing list (go to http://www.swankyaprons.com/ and look under the left navigation) – 1 entry

Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.

February Giveaway: Spring is in the Air!

Punxsutawney Phil may be predicting six more weeks of winter, but with these mild temperatures it’s a little difficult to believe that spring has been delayed.  On the other hand, a part of me keeps looking for the other shoe to drop, that last great arctic blast before old man winter at last gives up the ghost. Spring fever has definitely spread like a welcome virus in our home. My children are begging to play outside every afternoon. I’ve started cleaning and rearranging, inspired by the sunlight streaming through the windows and the lengthening days.  We find ourselves discussing vacation plans more often, looking forward to some adventure at a favorite theme park or some relaxation at the beach.

The apron styles are turning light and springy too. That’s why I thought I would be appropriate to offer our Marilyn Country Chic Apron this month as our giveaway.  For me the subdued colors and contrasting stripes and floral patterns invoke feelings of springtime and cooking in a light airy kitchen with the windows open.

OK, enough of my daydreaming, here’s how to enter.

1. Follow Swanky Aprons on Twitter and tweet the following: February Apron #giveaway! RT & follow @swanky_aprons for a chance to win! http://wp.me/pNk6l-8Y Ends 02/29. – Worth one entry per tweet (up to one per day)

2. Become a fan of Swanky Aprons on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons

3. Suggest our Facebook page to your friends (1 entry), if they “like” us and post a comment there saying you invited them; you’ll get an extra entry for each friend

4. Subscribe to this blog (see the right side of the home page under Recent Tweets) – 1 entry

5. Sign up for our mailing list (go to http://www.swankyaprons.com/ and look under the left navigation) – 1 entry

Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.

January Giveaway: Happy New Year!

My New Year’s resolution this year is simple. Really simple. In fact, it’s all about simple. I’m on a mission to organize and simplify every area of my life. Work, home, kids’ schedules; nothing shall be spared! I refuse to stop until everything that is not necessary or does not bring joy to my family or others is cleared out, and everything else is put in its place.

In fact, I’ve already started. When I find a 15 minute block of time I grab a drawer, dump it out, and toss everything I’ve been holding onto that hasn’t seen the light of day in a year or more. It is an amazingly freeing feeling.

With spring cleaning just around the corner, the organizational bug is bound to bite a few more of you as well.  So this month we’re giving away our Black and White Polka Dot Apron, embroidered with the name of your choice. And to sweeten the deal even more, we’ll also personalize our matching Black and White Circle Recipe Cards!

Many of you know the drill by now. If not, here’s how to enter:

1) Follow Swanky Aprons on Twitter and tweet the following: New Year Apron #giveaway! RT & follow @swanky_aprons for a chance to win! Ends 01/31. http://wp.me/pNk6l-8T – Worth one entry per tweet (up to one per day)

2) Become a fan of Swanky Aprons on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons

3) Suggest our Facebook page to your friends (1 entry), if they “like” us and post a comment there saying you invited them; you’ll get an extra entry for each friend

4) Subscribe to this blog (see the right side of the screen under Recent Tweets) – 1 entry

5) Sign up for our mailing list (go to http://www.swankyaprons.com/ and look under the left navigation) – 1 entry

Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.

Good luck!

Holiday Giveaway: It Feels Better to Give AND to Receive!

Red Paisley Damask Gigi Apron with Towel

While we believe that giving IS better than receiving, this month we want to help one lucky fan do both!  That’s why the prize this month is not one, but two aprons!  One apron will be for the winner, and the other will be gift wrapped and shipped (with a personal note) to the winner’s recipient of choice in time for Christmas!

OK, so here is how to enter:

1) Follow Swanky Aprons on Twitter and tweet the following: Holiday #giveaway! RT & follow @swanky_aprons for a chance to win! http://wp.me/pNk6l-8M Ends 11/33.– Worth one entry per tweet (up to one per day)

2) Become a fan of Swanky Aprons on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons

3) Suggest our Facebook page to your friends (1 entry), if they “like” us and post a comment there saying you invited them; you’ll get an extra entry for each friend

4) Subscribe to this blog (see the right side of the screen under Recent Tweets) – 1 entry

5) In the comments section of this blog, post which apron you would like to send to someone else, and which apron you would like for yourself – 1 entry

5) Sign up for our mailing list (go to http://www.swankyaprons.com/ and look under the left navigation) – 1 entry

Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.

Good luck!

Favorite Recipes: Vegetable Pot Pie

We all have those friends who just make us happy by being themselves.  Crystal is like that. Her creative and fun Facebook posts and emails often bring a smile to my face during an otherwise stressful day.  Oh, and she’s an awesome photographer. My kids love how she gets down on their level and plays with them. They forget all about having their picture taken, which actually results in some of the coolest shots of them I’ve ever seen.

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By Crystal Courtney

This recipe is a big hit all fall and winter long around our house. (As well as at potlucks, and as gifts for new parents, or anyone who needs a hot meal delivered.) It is so delicious, you don’t even miss the meat. But if you just can’t live without meat in your pie, you can use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to bulk it up. You can make this recipe ahead of time, too. I really like to double the recipe and freeze one pie for another day. Just be sure to freeze before you bake it. Then remove from the freezer and place in the fridge at least 24 hours before you want to bake it!

Vegetable Pot Pie

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup red potatoes, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 refrigerated pie crusts

Preheat oven to 400.
In a large non-stick pot, melt butter.
Saute onions and celery for 2 minutes; season with salt & pepper.
Add the flour to the mixture, stirring constantly to form a blond roux.
Gradually add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 4-6 minutes, or until sauce thickens.
Stir in the milk and cook, stirring for 4 more minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and peas. Mix thoroughly with filling.
Cook until tender, 10-12 minutes.
Place 1 pie crust in 8×8 square or round casserole dish. Pour filling into crust and top with second crust.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

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For  more about Crystal, check out her website, http://crystalchickphoto.com/ and her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/crystalchickphotography

Favorite Recipes: Ghetto Pie…Tamale Pie…Yummy Pie

Kim is honestly one of the coolest women I’ve ever known. She has a positive attitude that nothing seems to touch, and is always conjuring up some new way to help those around her.  In fact, she just wrapped up her annual Zumbathon to benefit the Susan G. Komen Fountation.  Oh, and she also sells homes, runs gratitude workshops, and knits!  Check her out. You will be glad you did.

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Ghetto Pie

By Kim Jenkins

One of my family’s favorite thing to eat is a little embarrassing..I always call it ghetto pie, but I think my mother called it Tamale Pie. Whether Ghetto or Tamale, the kids LOVE IT….so whatever works and gets them eating, right?

It’s a combination of ground beef (I use the better quality), tomato sauce, canned corn, olives & cheddar cheese.

That’s it. Seriously.

I brown the meat, mix in a few cans of tomato sauce (you want it to be a little runny or juicy), add some salt, pepper and garlic to taste, then mix in the corn and olives.

It’s also really good after you mix it all together to throw it in the oven at 325 and bake it maybe for 20-25 minutes with some melted cheese on top.

Easy. Economical. Kids love it.

Serve with cornbread and yummmm yummmm….it’s dinnertime!

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Here’s how to find out more about Kim (I feel like we need a search engine for this part!).

Kim the Zumba Instructor
http://www.followkimtozumba.com/
http://www.facebook.com/followkimtozumba

Kim the Realtor
http://www.facebook.com/KimJenkinsSellsHomes

Kim the Knitter
http://www.facebook.com/JoyfulKnits

Kim the Gratitude Workshop Facilitator
http://www.facebook.com/GratitudeJournalWorkshop

Kim the Encourager
http://findyourjoy.weebly.com/
http://www.facebook.com/findyourjoy

Favorite Recipes: Baked Potato Soup

My sweet little cousin Maggie is always posting what she’s whipping up for dinner on Facebook. Her descriptions never cease to make me hungry, especially when she’s baking some yummy homemade cookies.

However, her confections are not just limited to the edible kind. Her multi-tiered diaper cakes are stunning as well.

Let’s curl up by the fire with a bowl of homemade soup.

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By Maggie Gardner

This is a recipe from the Gooseberry Farms Comfort Foods Cookbook (the recipe can also be viewed on their website here).  I made it for my brothers and their friends and they all loved it!  My brother now starts requesting this soup when the weather starts to get a little cold (and sometimes he doesn’t even wait that long).

Baked Potato Soup

4 to 6 baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup green onion, chopped and divided
12 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled and divided
1 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
8-oz. container sour cream

Bake potatoes at 400 degrees for one hour, until tender. Cut potatoes lengthwise; scoop out pulp and set aside. Melt butter in a large pot over low heat. Add flour, stirring constantly until smooth, about one minute. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly. Stir in potato pulp, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons green onion, 1/2 cup bacon and one cup cheese. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Garnish with remaining green onion, bacon and cheese. Serves 6 to 8.

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For more about Diaper Cakes by Maggie, check out her Facebook Page.

Favorite Recipes: Italian “Crockpot” Chicken

Tanya has been a blessing in my life for over a year now. As a fellow business owner, we occasionally bounce ideas off of each other and share potential opportunities. I’ve learned so much from her patience and persistence. Her company, M.A.H. Creations, is more than just a business, they seek to help mothers stay at home by providing a marketing and sales outlet for their handmade goods.

I know I’m always a sucker for a good crockpot recipe! Enjoy!

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Italian “Crockpot” Chicken

By Tanya Franks

4-6 frozen chicken breasts

8oz block cream cheese

1 pkg dry Italian dressing mix

1 can cream chicken soup

1 can cream mushroom soup

½ cup water

Spray crockpot with cooking spray.  Arrange frozen chicken in pot.  Cut cream cheese and put over chicken.  Pour soups and dressing mix on top.  Add water.  Cover and cook on low 8 hours.  After cooking, remove chicken and whisk together soup mixture and serve over chicken.  Serve over cooked rice or pasta

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What is M.A.H. Creations?

It’s more than a business, it’s a mission! All of our products are made by Moms At Home (M.A.H.). What does that mean as a customer? That means each and every time you shop you are guaranteed that your product has been hand crafted with love and special attention to detail. These talented moms have a passion for what they do and love to express their creativity in the products they offer. That also means that you will receive excellent customer service and personal attention. We appreciate you, our customers, and want you to be thrilled with every purchase.