My First Giveaway with Mirror Mirror Accessories

May is a special month to me. My husband and I started dating the first week of May. We renewed our vows in front of family and friends in May. I found out I was pregnant in May.

May is special to me.

And I am so excited (and honored!) to be hosting giveaways for the next few weeks to help celebrate my awesome followers and readers.

My first giveaway is coming from wonderful Sandy at Mirror Mirror Accessories.

When my Poppy was passing away a few months ago, I felt a sudden deep connection with the Tree of Life. I researched the various meanings online and I was determined to find the perfect pendant to wear during my hard time. It needed to be something that helped keep me rooted here on Earth but symbolic and in touch with the afterlife my grandfather was venturing to. It had to be perfect.

So I began my search. And if you ever do a search for the Tree of Life, you'll know that there are a million different variations. Mine had to be perfect.

So after a few days of searching I finally thought to check my favorite addiction crafty site, Etsy, to see if I could find anything. I was a little hesitant at first since I have sensitive skin when it comes to jewelry but since I love supporting other small shops, I figured this was the way for me to go and I would have to be 100% on board with what I bought.

Almost immediately I found Sandy's shop, Mirror Mirror Accessories, and was sold. The Tree of Life necklace was exactly what I pictured in my mind. The Tree reminded me of my Poppy's beloved Persimmon tree in full bloom and the many memories my family had of his prized fruit. A beautiful memory.

It was perfect and the small charm that adorned the necklace complimented it perfectly.

My only problem was that while I was looking around on her shop, I loved all the OTHER jewelry as well! Her earrings were timeless. I could see myself wearing them in not only ballgowns but in my day to day outfits as well. The necklaces were unique and so chic. I couldn't decide what I wanted.

So I took a day and noted all the items I loved. 

And when I came back I was still in love with everything. So I decided on the Tree of Life necklace and the Golden Bubble Emerald Necklace, placed my order and waited anxiously for my order to arrive.

And without even knowing how much I needed it in my time of grieving, due to Sandy's prompt shipping, it did arrive. The day my grandfather passed away. The day I needed it most.

Sandy's jewelry is amazing and I get compliments every time I accessorize with them. The necklaces add the perfect amount of chic and flair to my wardrobe whether I'm dressed up for a night out on the town or just a trip to the grocery store. And I love that her necklaces have personal meaning to me. Which makes them the first two necklaces of choice when accessorizing.

So you can imagine how excited I was when Sandy offered to give one lucky Mama Heada reader a Gold Bird Bracelet, listed in her shop!!

Sandy's listing states, "This bracelet features a little bird nestled on a bough which rests perfectly on your wrist. Etched texture, this charm is double sided so you can face your birdie in either direction. 

A dainty, matte gold rolo chain is used and measures 7" (17.8cm) and I have added a 2" ext. (22.9cm) which will take it from a small/medium to a medium/large. Perfect for everyone!"

Isn't it darling? It reminds me of the perfect mother's day gift with a baby bird sitting on it's bough waiting for mama. 

Perfect for you or any mama in your life!

Here's 5 easy ways to enter:

1. "Heart" Mirror Mirror Accessories on Etsy, check out some of Sandy's other beautiful pieces and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

2. Follow Mama Heada: The Story of the Unfinished Woman via Google Friend Connect and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

3. Visit and "like" Mirror Mirror Accessories on Facebook: on.fb.me/glvEdF and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

4. Visit and "like" Mama Heada: The Story of the Unfinished Woman" on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/fQyWBG and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

5. Follow Mirror Mirror Accessories (@ShopMMirror) and Heather (@HEADA) on Twitter and tweet the following: 

'I want to #win a beautiful gold bird bracelet from Mama Heada's #Mothersday #giveaway! via @HEADA & @ShopMMirror http://bit.ly/icvVcS'

Make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry to maximize your chances of winning. Winner will be announced on Mother's Day, May 8th.  

Good luck!!!

Friday Foodie Favorites: Pinterest Style

A few weeks ago, I got an invite in my inbox to join a new social site, Pinterest. I had been seeing lots of adorable "pins" in my friend Alana's twitter stream and even though it feels like I'm on almost every social networking site there is out there...I had to join.

And I've been hooked obsessed.

Seriously where else do you find amazing ideas like this rug?

Or this:

Or this:

I could go ON and ON.

This site is amazing and the ideas I get from it. Have my brain constantly turning.

So when Johnna at Domesticated Delight mentioned doing a Friday Favorites with our favorite Pinterest pins, I was quick to jump onboard.

And what we agreed on?

Food.

Nom Nom Nom.

How yummy do these look?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15629182/

 I seriously cannot wait for the zucchini's to finish up in the garden to make these stuffed Zucchini boats. 

Or maybe these Grilled Zucchini Pizzas.

http://pinterest.com/pin/13148175/

I cannot wait to make these little pizzas. A great vegetarian alternative. 

Our family LOVES zucchini.

And the mama in me MUST make these little sandwich sushis ASAP

for little Miss B, especially since she is obsessed with chopsticks right now.

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627996/

I can imagine us eating it now with this Mint Blueberry Lemonade on our patio this summer

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627783/

With these chocolate covered Kiwis

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422896/

I'm salivating just thinking about it.

And speaking of summer, how awesome would these wine jello shots be to make when the weather warms up and all we can use is a drink?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15628449/

Or these jello fruits:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627105/
And don't even get me STARTED on the sweets...Homemade ding dongs?
Ummm, yes please

with Hot chocolate and marshmallow macaroons:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422353/

and Nutella cupcakes:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15421763/

I think it's time to go make myself a snack before I drool on myself.

Iif you wanna see more yummy Pinned goodies, go visit Alana at Life on the Mom List,  Lindsay at TidbitsParenting, Alyson at EisleyRae Clothing and Johnna at Domesticated Delight.

Happy Friday!  And if you are interested in joining Pinterest, let me know and I'll email you an invite!

Happy Friday!!

 A few weeks ago, I got an invite in my inbox to join a new social site, Pinterest. I had been seeing lots of adorable "pins" in my friend Alana's twitter stream and even though it feels like I'm on almost every social networking site there is out there...I had to join.

And I've been hooked obsessed.

Seriously where else do you find amazing ideas like this rug?

Or this:

Or this:

I could go ON and ON.

This site is amazing and the ideas I get from it. Have my brain constantly turning.

So when Johnna at Domesticated Delight mentioned doing a Friday Favorites with our favorite Pinterest pins, I was quick to jump onboard.

And what we agreed on?

Food.

Nom Nom Nom.

How yummy do these look?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15629182/

 I seriously cannot wait for the zucchini's to finish up in the garden to make these stuffed Zucchini boats. 

Or maybe these Grilled Zucchini Pizzas.

http://pinterest.com/pin/13148175/

I cannot wait to make these little pizzas. A great vegetarian alternative. 

Our family LOVES zucchini.

Or how about this frappucino in the mason jar?

I am obsessed with mason jars!!!

It looks so refreshing!

And the mama in me MUST make these little sandwich sushis ASAP

for little Miss B, especially since she is obsessed with chopsticks right now.

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627996/

I can imagine us eating it now with this Mint Blueberry Lemonade on our patio this summer

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627783/

With these chocolate covered Kiwis

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422896/

I'm salivating just thinking about it.

And speaking of summer, how awesome would these wine jello shots be to make when the weather warms up and all we can use is a drink?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15628449/

Or these jello fruits:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627105/
And don't even get me STARTED on the sweets...Homemade ding dongs?
Ummm, yes please

with Hot chocolate and marshmallow macaroons:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422353/

and Nutella cupcakes:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15421763/

I think it's time to go make myself a snack.

Have 

I'm an Etsy Mama!!

So late October, I got home from Hawaii feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world. 

I was ready to do anything.

So I opened an Etsy shop.

And it sat.

Empty.

All by it's lonesome.

Life flew by.

Thanksgiving, Our anniversary, Christmas, B's 2nd birthday, M's new job, Poppy going into the hospital, my 27th birthday, Poppy passing away, taking care of his arrangements and then his funeral, Valentine's Day, School, Poppy's Birthday...

Everything just threw itself at me.

And it just wasn't stopping.

But life does that.

It goes on and doesn't stop for anyone or anything.

And as a way of keeping me distracted and busy, I started crocheting every free minute I had in a day. I started scrapbooking with a beautiful Silhouette I bought and named Dolly. I used crafts as a coping mechanism. 

And it's paid off.

I started listing things on my personal Facebook page for friends to see and I started getting custom orders.

And the last week of March, I finally listed and launched my Etsy shop. And I could not be happier.

Mama Heada : Crafty Mama is another chapter in this crazy story of my life. An outlet. Something to keep me busy doing something I love. Everything listed on there is handcrafted by me and me only and anything can be custom ordered as well.

I envision adding cards and some other paper crafts soon. Like, how adorable are these rhinestoned princess cards?

 Totally adorbs right?

But we'll see. I have tons of ideas. It's just finding all the time to get everything done, shot and listed while being the best mama and wife I can be.

So tell your friends. Spread the word. Stock up on gifts for everyone in your family.

Mama Heada is on Etsy!

<center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamaheada/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mama Heada" src="http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af134/mamaheada/etsybutton.jpg"/></a></center>

I'll never forget

I don't know what else to say other than, I miss you. Every day. Every minute. Every second. I just miss you.

I want to treat you to dinner. Maybe a nice big bowl of ramen. Your favorite. Or maybe just cut up some fruit for you and snack, like you always would for me. Or even just to make you a cup of coffee like I would when we lived together.

Everytime I eat an ice cream cone I think about how you would share an ice cream cone with B every night after dinner. She sure is a sucker for ice cream now.

I want to talk to you. I want to hear your voice. I want to tell you about school and what I've been up to. About M's job and all the work he has been doing. To hear how proud you would be of him. I want to tell you about B. To hear you laugh at all the crazy things she does and says. It's been about 12 wks since that day we came to visit you in the hospital and she played with you. You wouldn't believe how her speech and personality has thrived and blossomed.

Everything reminds me of you.

I planted a garden this year. M says I went a little overboard but I don't care. It all reminds me of you. And how we were so happy to plant that cucumber and tomato plant last year. I can't believe it was only a year ago. We were out back and you were shoveling and doing manual labor. I think back and can't believe the pulmonary fibrosis took you away so quickly.

I bought a strawberry topsy turvy today. I remember when I bought it last year and you were so in awe of it. We sat in the yard at your house and filled it up. And you helped remind me to water and take care of it. The strawberries were so good. You loved them.

We went to eat at one of your favorite breakfast joints last weekend. I saw your friend the owner and wondered if he knew you passed away. If he would remember you. I looked longingly into the corner where we last enjoyed breakfast for Bo's birthday. And it was like I could see you there, sipping your coffee. I thought about how a couple days before you passed away you said you wrote that you craved eggs and hashbrowns. You were so happy that I could figure out what you were saying since you could no longer talk.

Everytime eat a fruit, I think of you. Everytime I peel an orange or banana. Everytime I cut up grapefruit or exotic fruit. You loved your fruits. And I think of all the times you would cut up fruit for me, put it in a baggy with a smiley face on it and leave it for me to take to school or work. You were always thinking of me.

I think of you everytime I cook meals I know you would enjoy or meals I would cook for you that you enjoy. You were always so happy when I cooked for you.

I remember the lazy days of summer last year. When you would walk my 1.5 year old down to the corner liquor store, buy her a pushup and sit on the curb eating it. She loved that time with you.

I cry everytime she asks me to see you. Or everytime she wakes up from a night's sleep or a nap and tells me that she dreamt of you. She asked about you every day. Asking to see her Poppy and her Gammy. I never know what to say other than that you love her and that we can't see you right now. But oh, how I wish you could see her.

Going to your house is painful but makes me feel close to you. We haven't cleaned your stuff out and I don't know if we ever will. Sometimes I walk the house just tracing my fingers along all your belongings. Sometimes I open your bottle of cologne just to smell you again. Or hug your shirts just to feel close to you. Your pillow still smells like you and everytime I'm in yours and Gramma's room, I remember great memories of growing up and spending the night.

I'm suffering from insomnia. I always was a nightowl but now everything is centered around 1:45A, the time you passed away. Every early Wednesday morning, I wake up or look at the clock at the exact time you passed away. Gramma is the same way. It's eerie but strangely comforting.

I think about so many times last year when you were trying to tell us you weren't ok. You were suffering. You were trying to get better. I wish your doctor hadn't been so blase about your condition and care, writing you off as an elderly man without much time to spend on you. I wish were had known. But you were a man of honor. And I respect that as well. No one could foresee this coming, especially with how strong it came on.

There are so many signs you are near. Watching over us. Making sure we are ok. Giving us your opinion. It amazes me daily and I wish even though it's comforting, I still selfishly wish you were here.

I remember how much of a family man you were. Always focusing on the 11 of us. Worrying about us. Making sure we were ok. Taking care of us. We were your life. And every day I try to make you proud. We're taking care of Gramma the best we can. She's trying to be strong but she misses you. Oh, does she miss you. Your 49th anniversary is coming up. We joke that you wouldn't have remembered it anyway, but it's still hard. Just like your birthday was. Every day is different for her but she's ok. BMW chose not to move out and lives with her now. And Mom is being so strong and independent and boy, would you be proud of her. She's a rock and without her, I'm not sure how the rest of us would survive all this. The two of them are a daily key to keeping Gramma going. And Uncle has been around a lot too lately which helps. It's nice to all be together, laughing and spending time. We all miss you so much.

Gramma told me the other night that a beautiful red daisy popped up in her yard. It's beautiful and your favorite color and she told me how you used to plant daisies for her in the yard of your first house. It's a beautiful way to show her you are still here. She thrives on that and it's what keeps her going. So don't stop. We all need little reminders that you are still with us.

B told me that you come play with her sometimes. I hope you see her smile and laugh. And see how happy she is. Because she is. And she makes us all so happy too. I'll never forget the day Gramma told you I was pregnant. You called and told me "I know this was unplanned and you are probably scared, but Congratulations. You are going to be a great mommy." And you told M the same thing.

We had an incredible bond and every day memories just flood back to me. I hope I never forget them because I am who I am because of you. I love you and miss you so much Poppy. 10.5 wks feels like yesterday but at the same time like it was months ago. I wish time would stand still and let me mourn. But it doesn't. And life goes on and people forget.

But I'll never forget Poppy. I'll never forget.