sponsor feature: kristine of jandmseyecandy

so this is a big day for cheers, bethani! it is our very first individual sponsor post.  i couldnt be more excited about the opportunity to have sponsors & really get to know the people who reside on my sidebar each month.

our first feature is a lady i have really enjoyed getting to know.  its actually quite funny how i met her.  i had gotten a gift card to her shop for christmas from another sponsor of mine & had the chance of creating my own pieces.  and then one thing let to another, she won a large ad space, and ta-da, here we are.  so without much further ado, here's kristine!

blog  //  twitter  //  ETSY  //  bloglovin  //  facebook

kristine resides in utah, with husband and adorable children.  she had originally decided to start this shop with her sister in law, but just recently taken over as operator of both the shoppe and her blog.  her shop is full of all things frilly and beautiful. from hair accessories to earrings, even a little jewelry as well, you can definitely find something for every taste. 

 i recently "sat down" with kristine to get her thoughts on why she started the shop, what she would be doing if she didn't own jandmseyecandy and a whole lot more.

1.) What made you decide to open a shop? Sell the items your selling? 

Kristine: I've always loved fashion, even tho I don't consider myself as very "fashionable" When I was preggers with my 1st baby girl I started experimenting with anything and everything girly I could make for her. With encouragement from family and friends, I started an Etsy Shoppe with my SIL.

2.) How did you come up with the name of your shop?
Kristine: Since I opened up the shoppe with my SIL we knew we wanted to incorporate our girls into everything we did. They truly are our inspiration. J&M = Jayden&Maggie for my niece and my daughter.

3.) If you weren't operating your shop, what would your dream job be?
Kristine:To open up an actual in store boutique, selling my handmade goodness :)

4.) Any advice to people thinking about opening a business?
Kristine: YOU CAN DO IT! My best advice would be to network! Put yourself out there and meet people who love doing the same things you do, and heck even step out of your comfort zone, it's good for you! The inspiration and lessons you'll learn from each other is simply amazing! I've only been doing this since May 2010, and some of my friends thru "bloggy" world are some of my best supporters in my every day life. I feel blessed to have met so many wonderful, amazing, inspiring women!

And not only did Kristine answer these questions and give some terrific advice she is offering one lucky lucky reader a wonderful gift:

 your very own lace bloom headband!

winner gets their choice of bloom color & headband size.



let me tell you, i got two of these of my very own

a black bloom with pearl center

&

a white bloom with black center (like above)

they are GORGEOUS & teriffically made!

i can't wait to rock these with an outfit soon

- definitely will be sharing photos of that!

entering is simple:

(leave a comment with each task you complete)

be a follower of my blog via GFC and her facebook page (mandatory)

for extra entries: (one entry for each)

follow kristines blog via GFC

follow kristine on bloglovin

follow kristine on twitter

heart jandmseyecandy on ETSY

tweet this giveaway - must include @cheersbethani @jandmseyecandy & #giveaway in the tweet

thats seven chances to win right there!!

deadline to enter is Tuesday, January 17, 2012 -

winner will be announced Wednesday morning, 1/18/2012

Thanks again to Kristine for being an awesome sponsor! Be sure to go visit her shoppe and blog and tell her Bethani sent you!

holiday parties - dessert style

Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There's no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.duncanhines.com&k4=3003&k5={banner_id}.

during the holiday season, i hear all my friends, family & co-workers talking about all the holiday parties they are attending. and i must admit, holiday parties make me excited.  everyone dressing up in the best holiday wear (sometimes its the worst christmas sweater contest) & finding that perfect bottle or wine or platter to accompany them to their events.  this season is no exception.  just last weekend, the husband and i attended a christmas party at one of the most extravagent & well decorated christmas parties i have ever been to in my whole life.  i dont think my jaw ever made it up off the floor.  but i've always had a few thoughts of my own on christmas parties i would like to a.) attend or b.) host myself.

a dessert party is at the top of my list! i'm not sure if my pancreas, or anyone's pancreas, is ready for it, but i'm putting on my things to do list. maybe not for christmas, but maybe new year's i can make it happen.

i can already imagine table after table of desserts lining my tiny one bedroom apartment. from cookies to pies to candies all happily waiting to be consumed by the hungry stomachs of their creators. but not only will we consume them. we will judge them, looking for the best dish out there.  and that special dish will not only be adored by all, it will win a special prize & maybe a special certificate.

but not only will desserts be guests at this party.  little shooters of milk will be in attendance to wash down all the sugary goodness. maybe even milk station can be arranged with fun syrups, such as chocolate and strawberry for milkshakes or just flavored milk too.

& for our adult guests, dessert wines & beers will be available.  bottles of Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout perhaps or maybe just a nice stout to curb some of the sugar that our bodies will enjoy. but for those that are looking for a lighter fare, maybe just a nice hot cup of coffee or tea. the choice is theirs.

the possibilities are truly endless with a dessert party, which i think makes them even more delightful to host or attend.

Remember to check out Duncan Hines' website http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.duncanhines.com&k4=3003&k5={banner_id} to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

portrait of splendor

if you have a blog, shop (etsy included!) or just a fun post,

whether its a recipe, craft or story

that you would like to have featured,

then this is for you.

best part - its free.

please contact me for details.

sugarbearbear@live.com

Wishful Wednesday (3)

Its Wednesday already??  Oh my goodness, this week has definetely flown by for me, but you know nothing is better than waking up and it being halfway done, so no complaints here. 

On to the wishes!




darling!



These bracelets are just too cute and darling!  I found them over at Annie Reh on ETSY and have really considered them as part of the bridesmaid's gifts..  And maybe one for myself ♥



play ball!



Baseball season!  I couldn't be more excited for the start of the season this year.  I love baseball.  And going to the games and sitting in the stands, eating crap for food, and cheering for your team is so nostalgic and American!  Let's go Rangers!



scrumdiddlyumptious!

 Candy!  This is something I've got to get busy on putting together for our wedding.  We are having what I like to call, "Our Love Is Sweet, Experience It!" Bar as part of our wedding reception.  If anyone is like me, candy is one of the best things ever, so why not feed it to those I love?  I've been looking at candy options, container ideas and bar setup ideas, so I'm excited to get started, started planning and buying and enjoying all the colors and flavors that can be imagined..  I mean after all Willy Wonka is one of  my favorite movies. ♥ 

Another bonus for this Wishful Wednesday, I'm being featured over at Scenic Glory, for Lindsay's weekly In Her Shoes feature.  My feature will be up this afternoon, so go check it out for some real life Bethaniness!

What are wishing for this Wednesday?

Cheers my friends,