My Kia, My Summer: Tailgating Traditions

My mister and I have a Saturday morning tradition, which started last summer, involving a visit to the local farmer's market for coffee and incredibly spicy sausages.

It all started after our favourite farmer's market fare began to be less and less tasty, and we discovered a new delicious breakfast food -- locally made sausages from a quirky vendor. So yummy, and maybe you wouldn't think that's a great idea for breakfast, especially when paired with coffee, but we LOVE it, and now it's become a Saturday morning tradition for the entire season.

Our tradition also involves us tailgating in the back of our Kia Soul.

Sometimes we bring a picnic blanket, but most weekends we sit together in the back hatch, munching away and chatting about our plans for the rest of the weekend. Sometimes my daughter is with us, and she climbs right into the back and sits cross-legged with her snack.

Last summer we even folded all the seats down and watched iPad movies outside at night. It was like a little mini campout in the driveway!

When my partner first bought the Soul I pretty much fell in love with it. It's such a different looking car, and if I were in the market for a new car myself, I really think I'd get one too. (Are matching cars too much??)

The Soul is adorable, roomy, and fun.

We've taken a lot of summertime road trips in this car, and have never once felt like we didn't have enough room for everything we needed. We also moved earlier this week and, excluding big furniture, we could fit everything into the back with the seats folded down.

I'm definitely looking forward to next weekend, for more morning tailgating... and later this month, another camping trip! We put our Kia to the test, and she's never let us down. (Time to inform my partner I just called his car a girl. But I don't think he'll mind.)

Hope you're enjoying your summer, friends! Time for one more GPO me eating a sausage. Peace!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

{Small Style} And A Bogs Giveaway!

Brrrrr. Where did our 22ºC degree weather go?? I'm frowning at our local weatherman right now, a bit frustrated that I can no longer ride my bike without mittens, and I've had to bring my wool coat back out of storage. I hear tale that snow might be back in the forecast for tomorrow (sigh) but I bet my little girl won't mind at all. The last time it snowed she told me Santa would be REALLY HAPPY. But please, bring those nice temps back for Easter.

Boots: c/o Bogs // Tights: H&M // Dress, Hoodie: Thrifted // Sweater: A gift from this gal // Snowsuit (last photo): Gagou Tagou

We've had about a month to test out our new Bogs boots and they've proved versatile enough to go from snow to rainy day mud puddles and back again, while my daughter smiles away. She LOVES them. Why? Well, maybe because they are purple. And maybe because she gets a kick out of the handles on each side of the boot. She can always get them on without my help, even when she's puffed up in her snowsuit. Bonus for mamas, for sure.

The boots are comfort rated for -30°F (or approx. -34°C if I can do math). This mean my little one is going to have cozy toes no matter what Ontario throws at us. Now, I've just got to grab up a pair of these babies for myself!

THE GIVEAWAY
The lovely folks at Bogs Footwear are offering up one pair of kids' boots (winner's choice!) to one lucky reader.

TO ENTER
Visit the Bogs website, then come back and let me know which pair is your fav! (I pretty much adore these McKenna boots.)

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Like Bogs Footwear on Facebook
• Follow @bogsfootwear on Twitter
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Tweet the following:
• I just entered the @bogsfootwear #giveaway on @sofawned's blog! http://sofawned.com

Giveaway open to US & Canada. Ends Wednesday April 4th at noon EST!

Note: If you're looking to purchase a pair of Bogs for your very own, in the US, visit their main website, and in Canada, shop at Tony Shoes to avoid those nasty over the boarder charges.

Best wishes! 

{Giveaway} Rose & Anchor

Hello, hello! My desktop computer is back in action *sings songs of happiness* so now I'm getting back into the swing of things. I've been going a little nutty without it, and my netbook just isn't at blogging friendly as it could be. Probably it could stand a little reload as well... c'mon technology. Work with me here!

So, to make up for lost time, tonight I've got a jewelry giveaway for you, from one of my lovely sponsors. Marie, the gal behind Rose & Anchor (formerly Bee & Balloon), creates gorgeous, vintage inspired pieces with a nostalgic feel about them. My favourite is this purdy little number that I bought last year, and I wear it all the time. So simple and sweet.

THE GIVEAWAY
Marie has offered one reader a $30 gift certificate to Rose & Anchor!

TO ENTER
Visit the shop, then come back and let me know which piece is your favourite.

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Like Rose & Anchor on Facebook
• Follow @rose_and_anchor on Twitter
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Tweet the following:
• I just entered the @rose_and_anchor #giveaway on @sofawned's blog! http://sofawned.com

Giveaway ends Sunday March 25th at 9pm EST! Open to everyone.

Best wishes, mes amis!


Update: Congrats to my lovely winner, Sécia! And thanks to everyone for entering!

{Giveaway} Ugglebo Clogs

Remember the purdy Swedish clogs I showed off in last week's edition of What Mama Wore? Well, if you happened to fall in love with them like I did, then you'll be totally psyched about today's giveaway!

The folks at Ugglebo, who have been making clogs for women since the 1960s, are offering up a beautiful pair of wood clogs for one of my lucky readers.

THE GIVEAWAY
One sexy pair of Chukka Shearling Clog Boots*!

TO ENTER
For your mandatory entry, please visit the Ugglebo Clogs site to sign up for their newsletter, then leave a comment here letting me know you did. Their fantastic newsletter is sent out appprox. 2x monthly and contains info on new styles, promotions, news, sales and more! Be sure to leave a way of contacting you should you win.

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Choose a favourite style of Ugglebo clog & tell me about the outfit you'd style around them
• Like Ugglebo Clogs on Facebook
• Follow @UggleboClogs on Twitter
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Tweet the following message:
• I just entered the @UggleboClogs #giveaway on @sofawned's blog! http://sofawned.com

Giveaway ends March 13th at noon! Open to Canada and the US!

PS. Be sure to check out the sale happening over on the Ugglebo site right now -- Shearling styles are 25% off until March 5th!
PPS. If any of you are fourtunate enough to have size 38 footsies, please snag these incredible Mustard Yellow Isio Clogs. Believe, if I could cram my feet inside (wicked stepsister style) they'd be mine.

*In the unlikely case that the lovely Chukka Shearling Boots (in either tan or black) become unavailable (size, etc.), our lucky winner will be offered a prize from Ugglebo's Urban collection. Either way, the winner of this swanky giveaway will have some very happy feet in the very near future!

February Sponsor Love!

Good morning! This month I've had the honour of working with some totally rad sponsors and so I'd like to take a moment to introduce them! Be sure to visit their shops, blogs & websites, and say "hello!" via Facebook or Twitter if you like what you see -- I bet you will!

Ugglebo Clogs was founded in 1965 as a small, family-run factory. In a charming Swedish town just off the coast of the Baltic Sea, our founder Sven Carlsson called upon his skills and passion from years of clog making at the largest clog maker in Sweden to transform leather and wood into elegant, fashionable and comfortable clogs for men, women and children alike. He called these clogs Ugglebo Toffeln, as “Ugglebo” means owl’s nest in Swedish, and “Toffeln” is the Swedish word for clogs.

Today, the same time-honored techniques are used to craft our superior clogs, which are created in the same factory where it all started over 45 years ago. Sven’s son Christer joined the team in 1969 and remains head clog master to this day. With Christer’s help Ugglebo has remained true both to the craftsmanship ideal we were founded upon as well as reinventing our classic styles with the addition of many new and trendy versions to our beautiful collections.

**To celebrate the launch of their newly designed website & Spring collection, the fine folks at Ugglebo are offering 25% off their Shearling boots. Click here to check out this awesome deal.

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

We think personal style is just another form of self-expression, and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There’s something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there’s something unexpected about every girl who wears them.

** Be sure to visit the left sidebar link to enter the current Blowfish giveaway! Enter to win before February 24th -- you won't be sorry!

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

I am a mama on an amazing journey which I share at Mothering with Mindfulness. I am learning, growing and changing on this journey and I invite you to follow along and share your journey as well. When I am not mothering and blogging, you can find me working with other mamas as a nutritionist, guiding them as they feed their babies and toddlers real food, and set a solid foundation for optimum well being now and in the future for their little ones. And when work is done and it's time to play, you can find me sewing, knitting, designing toys, hiking, running, cooking from scratch and searching our everything I can on raising chickens and making soap.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

Warm. Waterproof. Comfortable. All Bogs styles are 100% waterproof and built with durable rubber to seal out the elements. Neo-tech insulation provides unsurpassed warmth and Channel Air Technology keeps feet dry and comfortable. Our contoured fit lets you work harder and play longer. Add in a slip-resistant outsole for traction and you’re ready to take on any challenge in your Bogs. Because we believe you shouldn’t have to give up anything for great footwear.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

If you'd like to be a part of March's sponsor lineup, send an email to desireefawn at gmail dot com and we'll chat about a way for you to get involved with the blog. I'm in the process of revamping and finalizing my new sponsor opportunities, so now is the perfect time to chat with me about getting involved! Fabulous things are happening next month and I'd love to have you join the par-tay!

Woop, woop!

A Valentine's Day {Giveaway} From Blowfish Shoes!

Good morning, lovelies! Today I'm excited to offer up a chance for you to win a pair of snazzy new shoes from one of my fantastic sponsors -- Blowfish! 

If you've never browsed through their site, you're in for a treat! So many styles to swoon over. I'm currently in love with the Haylon boot, and I bet my toes would be especially happy inside these Bickers. Also be sure to take a look at their Spring preview! So good, so much colour. Heck yes.

THE GIVEAWAY

The fabulous folks at Blowfish are giving away one pair of shoes to one of my lovely readers -- winner's choice! Ooh la la!

TO ENTER

For your mandatory entry, please visit Blowfish, then come back and tell me your favourite shoe. Be sure to also leave a way of contacting you, should you win. Merci!

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Follow @BlowfishShoes on Twitter
• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Like Blowfish Shoes on Facebook
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Blowfish B.Log
• Tweet the following message: 
• I just entered the @BlowfishShoes #giveaway on @sofawned's blog! http://www.sofawned.com

The giveaway is open internationally and ends February 24th at noon. A winner will be chosen at random and announced here (and on Twitter, of course!) Best wishes, mes amis!

Update: Congrats to the lovely Miss Kait. You won!

January Sponsor Love

Today I want to give a little love to some fabulous sponsors who've been hanging out in my sidebar all month long. Be sure hop on over to their blogs, shops & sites to browse around and say howdy!

Also, keep an eye out for a great new giveaway that'll be up on the blog later today! Mamas, you're going to LOVE what I've got in store!

01. Mothering With Mindfulness
I am a mama on an amazing journey which I share at Mothering with Mindfulness. I am learning, growing and changing on this journey and I invite you to follow along and share your journey as well. When I am not mothering and blogging, you can find me working with other mamas as a nutritionist, guiding them as they feed their babies and toddlers real food, and set a solid foundation for optimum well being now and in the future for their little ones. And when work is done and it's time to play, you can find me sewing, knitting, designing toys, hiking, running, cooking from scratch and searching our everything I can on raising chickens and making soap.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

02. The Conscious Perspective
The Conscious Perspective focuses on educating and bringing awareness to conscious living, humanitarianism, personal growth, spirituality, and current events. The blog was founded by Heidi Oran, a work at home mom of two boys who is also working on her Permaculture Design certification and writing her first book focusing on personal growth.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook

03. Tea & Chickadees
Hello! I'm Caren and Tea & Chickadees is my blog: a blog about the little things. You'll find my dog & cat, tea & coffee, flora & fauna, vintage & thrifting, baking & art, Polaroids & photography at my little corner of the blogosphere. Pop on over to enter my Birthday Giveaway, featuring a few of my favourite things!

Blog :: Twitter :: Etsy

04. Lishyloo Vintage
Hi from Lishyloo! Mom of 3, vintage fanatic! I hand pick the best kids vintage clothing and toys just for you. My blog features ramblings about motherhood, thrifting, and whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.

Shop :: Twitter :: Blog :: Tulip's Blog

05. The Organic Heretic
The Organic Heretic is my place to share ideas, photographs, recipes, and crafts with an eye towards beauty, sustainability, and all things hand-made.

Blog :: Twitter

06. Lariats And Lavender
Hi, everyone! My name is Angie and I am a 22-year-old wife, fur and feather momma, gamer, geek and artist living in Utah with my gorgeous wife and soul mate Jen, our kitties Wedge and Mau and our cockatiel, Jango! Lariats and Lavender is my home sweet home on the web, where I share everything from honesty posts and gift guides to my weekly features: Vampirism Monday and Weekly Love List. I truly hope you stop by, say hi and stay awhile!

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Pinterest :: Polyvore

Interested in sponsoring So Fawned in February?

Just send me a note & we'll chat!

Community Love: Giving Back With Seventh Generation

Yesterday, thanks to my recent partnership with Seventh Generation and their new Diaper Donation program, I was able to bring four packs of their excellent diapers to a local charity of my choice.

Seventh Generation is aiming to give away up to 240K diapers to 40 shelters in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. This month, each pack of their diapers purchased in Canada will mean one pack donated to a shelter!

I chose to bring my diaper donation to our local YWCA, in support of Crossroads Shelter, a facility which offers emergency shelter services for women & their children who are leaving abusive situations. This is a charity I've done work for in the past, as far back as doing tag days in high school, and volunteering in their thrift shop. It was a complete pleasure to drop my donation off with the lovely gals who work the front desk at their downtown office. Our YWCA does some really phenomenal work in the community and it was an absolutely pleasure to chat with them.

If you happen to be a Peterborough local and would like to make a similar donation to Crossroads, feel free to check out their Wish List of items needed. You can also visit the YWCA website for more ways to help.

Interested in giving back with Seventh Generation? Click here to learn more about their BOGO campaign. Also, be sure to join the 7th Gen Nation for coupon deals, and to stay in the know about all things Seventh Generation.

How do you talk to your children about lending a hand to local charities? Have you ever talked to them about giving back in your community? How do they respond? I'd love to hear!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Seventh Generation program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. As always, the opinions on this blog are my own.

A Little Love For Fleck: Grow Your World

Maybe you guys know that I'm a bit of a geek, but perhaps you wouldn't take me to be a gamer. However, back in the day (circa 2005-2009) I had an addiction. That addiction, was World of Warcraft. I essentially quit after Gretchen was born, but still dabbled here and there when she was tiny. These days, there just aren't enough hours in the day, and the game has changed so much that I'm not especially interested anymore. That being said, I was recently given an opportunity to test out a new game (still in beta) which compare itself in some ways to WoW.

The game is called Fleck, and it can be played online or on an iPad. Since I don't own such a fancy device, I gave the online version a try. It's actually pretty cute. Still in it's beta form, it has its quirks, but the game has great potential. Basically, it's a social game which takes place on a map of the world (Google maps style), so you can actually walk through your own neighbourhood, place your home, tend your little garden (similar to Farmville) and even better -- counter zombie attacks. Yup. They had me at zombies. The whole idea is very sweet.

Click to continue reading >>
Read more...

August Sponsor Love

Good morning, pretties! I trust you're all getting your Sundays off to a delightful start? (With a cup of tea, perhaps?) While you sip, please take a wee moment to meet my fabulous August sponsors. I'm honoured to have these ladies by my side!

Hello, chickadees! My name is Caren and you can find me over at Tea & Chickadees, a blog about the little things. More often than not you'll see me with camera in hand, a dog (Grace, my partner in crime) at my side, and a bevy of cats (but only one is mine, Strongpaw the Mighty). I find great joy in seeing the small things that surround me, in nature, in my neighbourhood (where you'll find Désirée!), in vintage things, and the world around me. I like the simple things in life - friendship, tea, reading a book, collecting happy memories. I really dislike vacuuming.

I also own The Vintage Apartment, a little Etsy shop filled with vintage goodness.
I've been known to Tweet, Pin, and Flickr my way around the internet, too.

I'm thrilled to be a sponsor of So Fawned, my first blog crush and it's still going strong! I'm very lucky to live next door to this lovely fawn & her little fawn Gretchen. They often find their way onto my blog pages. :)

...

I am a stay at home, soon to be, homeschooling mama.
I am a wife. A daughter. A writer. A photographer. A dreamer. A star gazer. A homesteader wannabe.
Our little family has big plans of creating community and becoming self sustained in our 103 year old cabin in the woods of Gooderham, Ontario.
All items are handmade labours of love and my words are true and sincere.
I share bits and pieces of our days and journey at Apples With Honey.

To see more of my handmade fare be sure to stop by my booth at the Peterborough Folk Festival and say "hello."
Etsy shop {coming this autumn} and other local shows will be announced on the blog.

...

Kim Corrigan-Oliver is a first time mom. She is a certified holistic nutritionist specializing in nutrition for mom, baby and toddler. She loves good food. She loves to cook. And she loves to share her passion for all of the above with those interested in learning more about feeding their babies and raising healthy happy children.

You can find out more about Kim and the workshops and services she offers through her website, Your Green Baby.

And be sure to follow @YourGreenBaby for daily tips on raising happy healthy children.

...

Heidi is a work-at-home mom of two young boys, living on a farm in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. She began The Conscious Perspective with the hope of creating an inviting space where readers can learn, grow, question, and connect with others who have the desire to nourish their minds, bodies, and souls.

Follow Heidi on Twitter & Facebook.

...

She is powered by coffee and driven by passion. Her interests lie in all things related to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, natural parenting, frugal & green living, crafting and veganism. Take those categories of interest, and throw in some books, and endless internet hours, fellow friends and mentors, and you are left with Birth Routes.

Follow Amber on Twitter & Facebook.

...

I hope you've enjoyed getting to know these gals a little better. What sweet souls!

Interested in sponsoring So Fawned for September? Affordable rates available for indie biz owners, bloggers & all manner of excellent folk. Please email desireefawn at gmail dot com, or click here for more information. Peace.

Happy Sunday, Mes Amis

Oh my word, can you believe it's the last day of July already? Which means tomorrow is August 1st... which means that today is your last chance to grab up an August sponsor spot!

With BlogHer'11 just a few short days away, this is the perfect month to start advertising your rad indie biz, blog or site with So Fawned. Rates start at just $8/month. Click here for more info.

In other news, I'm looking forward to spending a soulful, sunny Sunday with my little Fawn. After two busy, fun-filled days at the shop, I'm excited to have a full day of snuggles & silliness ahead of me. I hope you're enjoying your weekend, dear hearts. Today shall be a day to relax before my week of conference prep and packing and so on... phew! Take care, friends.

July Sponsor Love

Please welcome me in saying a big hello and howdy to my fantastic July sponsors! I'm addicted to these gals, and you will be too. Be sure to pop on over to their sites for some seriously top shelf reads! Peace!


Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter


Blog :: Facebook


Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter


Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter ...  Now accepting August sponsors! Next month promises to be a fantastic one to hop on board as a So Fawned sponsor. With my BlogHer'11 trip coming up, August 4-7th, I'll be a busy posting bee! Click here for more info about rates or email desireefawn at gmail dot com.

June Sponsor Love

Just wanted to take a moment to say hello and merci to my lovely June sponsors. Be sure to visit their links below for a little sojourn to their delightful little corners of the internet. I'm so thrilled to be showing off these talented ladies!

She Loves Libraries ~ Birth Routes

 Moment Of Stars ~ B.Inspired Vintage

 Your Green Baby ~ Needle & Nest Design

And my lovely BlogHer roomie, Mama Loves Papa!

...

(If you'd like to sponsor So Fawned, just click here for more info... accepting July sponsors maintenant!)

May Sponsor Love

Bon soir! Good evening, dear bloggy friends! A big shout out tonight to my May sponsors -- super rad folks, all worth a visit. Some shops, some rather crafty folks & some seriously wicked blogs.

I've also got some neato sponsor giveaways coming up, including Your Green Baby's BRAND NEW book, Raising Happy Healthy Babies. I'm in awe of this book and you will be too. (You can also order by clicking here, or read a fabulous review here. Hooray!)

Anywhoodle, enjoy these fabulous chaps! I adore them, each and every one!

Your Green Baby ♥ Birth Routes ♥ Miss Teacups & Bubble Baths ♥ My Girl Thursday ♥ BabyEtte ♥ Mama Loves Papa ♥ Jackson Creek Press

Interested in sponsoring So Fawned for June? Click here for more info.

Sponsor So Fawned

Starting May 2011 I'll be opening So Fawned up to some very lovely sponsors. If you're interested in participating, see below for more info! Ads will be extra affordable for May/June/July so get them while they're hot! Check out the brand new SPONSOR page for more info about each of the three ad sizes. 

MAIN 200x200 @ $20/month

LARGE 200x100 @ $12/month

LITTLE 200x60 @ $8/month

If you would like to sponsor So Fawned, or if you have an questions, need help with ad design or wish to purchase multiple months, please contact me. Looking forward to working with and promoting some very rad businesses & blogs. What a delight!

Take care, mes amis!