That’s right, your friendly neighborhood apron blog is moving to some new digs! Our blog will now be located at our brand spanking new address:
We’re going to invite as many of you along as possible, but just to make sure you keep receiving our updates, it ‘s a good idea to http://swankyapronsblog.com/ and click on the little “Follow” tab in the bottom right corner of the page.
We’ll be posting a new giveaway tomorrow there, so hurry!
See you soon!
Hello all!
As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve been taking a little hiatus from social media this summer, and August is one of the craziest months of the year in this household. Fortunately, with the kid’s return to school comes a welcome return to routine, and the opportunity to tackle that pile of to-dos that have recently been relegated to the “When I Get to It” pile.
One project that has been on my mind for several months now is a restructuring of the content and functionality of this blog. We’ll keep the giveaways, of course, but I’d like to add a couple of regular features back into our rotation. So, I’d like to get your input as to what you would like to see around here. In the past we’ve done lots of recipes, some features on neat women I know, and articles about aprons. I’d love to know what you think about what we’ve done in the past and what you’d like to see in the future. So to gather your feedback, we’ll ask you about this as part of the entry process. (Don’t worry it’s not one of those painful 30 minute quantitative pains in the rear.) It’s not required for entry, but is very much appreciated!
To reward you for your efforts, we’ll be giving away one of our Zebra Print Aprons, 
embroidered with the name of your choice, AND matching Pink Zebra Recipe Cards!
To enter, just visit the PunchTab box on our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons
(Look for the Giveaway tab.)
There are several ways to enter.
The contest ends 9/30.
Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.
Good luck!
I adore this gorgeous Fuchsia Damask Apron, especially when it’s embroidered in lime green! So this month we’re going to give one away, free embroidery included! The apron is approx 30″ X 30″ and 100% cotton with an adjustable neck strap and waist ties.
To enter, just visit the PunchTab box on our Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/swankyaprons?v=app_152045414852131
There are multiple ways to enter.
Thank you and good luck!
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):
Wine Koozies – Coming Soon!
comment there saying you invited them; you’ll get an extra entry for each friend.
Good luck!
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:
Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.
Good luck and give your mama a kiss today!
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.
Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US residents only.
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!
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!
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
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
Swanky Aprons Blog 