Saturday, June 8, 2013

Daily Deal Sites Review

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite daily deal sites. What are daily deal sites you ask? These sites are a place for vendors to sell their merchandise for huge discounts. They have a large fan base, which gives the vendors products a lot of exposure. Sales typically run for 2 or 3 days, so there isn't a lot of time to grab these great deals!

ToAdorn

ToAdorn is a brand new site that just launched last month. Because they are so new and trying to expand their client base, they have some AMAZING deals! They are very quick with their responses and so helpful! I've had one feature with them already and look forward to working with them in the future!

PinkEPromise

PinkEpromise is such a great site not just because of their great products, but also because of what they stand for. Not only do they have great deals and ADORABLE products, but they donate a portion of their profits to help those fighting cancer.  Customers can receive fantastic products AND help out a great cause, what's better than that?!

Sassy Steals

What sets Sassy Steals apart from the other daily deal sites is the giveaways that they offer! If you like their Facebook page you will receive updates on all of their trendy items and also be in the loop for any giveaways they have going on. For the month of June they have "30 Days of Giveaway" going on, check it out!

Very Jane

Very Jane is the largest of all of the sites on my list, but that doesn't take away from the service they provide. They are quick with responses and super friendly. Plus, they have some of the trendiest products at rock-bottom prices! 

Which site is your favorite? Do you have a favorite I didn't list? Let me know! :)

Friday, June 7, 2013

H54F!

Today, I am linking up with Lauren for High five for Friday!

 photo H54Fbutton-1_zpsa7aaa665.png



1) I  celebrated my 5 year anniversary with Mr. Nelson. We went to Chili's and to see "Now You See Me". Even though my night was partially ruined by Chili's who took the onion strings AND chicken fajitas off the two for $20 menu, (am i the only one upset about this!?!) I still had a good time :)



2) I got to enjoy some much needed time at the pool!

3) My best friend Geo finally started packing her stuff! Shes moving-in 7 short days from now!

4) Mr. Nelson is free and clear to go to summer school. Three cheers for him shaving another semester off of his time at UNLV!

5) I made lots of super cute items for my shop this week! I know I've already posted pictures of them, but I'm doing it again ;)




I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

New Items on Etsy

This is going to be a quick post to share some of the new items I have on Etsy!

Gaga For Glitter Faceplates:

These faceplates will definitely stand out! I only have flat switches in my home, so I have yet to see how these look on a wall. I'm going to make some for my room soon and find out!


Polka-Dot Bonanza Button Magnets

These button magnets add a great pop of color to any boring fridge or office!

Felt Flower Button Magnets 

These magnets are so cute! My new favorite!!
I have even more items coming soon! I am so happy with my items so far! Check out these, and all my other items here. :)

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Top 5 Favorite Apps

First off, I am going to admit that I am an app JUNKIE! I download SO many apps, most of which I only use once or twice and then wait to delete off my phone for months and months. However, I do have a few favorites that I use all the time. They may seem a little random, but being the student teacher, cleaning company owner, Etsy shop owner that I am, each one is very useful for me.

1) Common Core:

This app was my saving grace this last semester! In the field of education, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are the basis of pretty much everything. These standards have been adopted by almost every state in the US. I believe there is only one state left who hasn't adopted them. (Texas?) The standards are broken up into grade level and subject. Here is an example of one of the standards

1.RL.2 Retell stories including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

The 1 stands for the grade level, RL = Reading: Literature and the 2 is the specific standard number.

The app itself is so handy because it lists every math and language arts standard by grade level. All the user needs to do is select either math or language arts, their grade level, and voila! Every subject standard for that grade level is at their finger tips!

2) Etsy

I love the Etsy app because it allows me to keep tabs on my shop at all times! I have definitely become obsessed with tracking my views, and adding/editing shop items. This app allows me to do that anywhere I go. It's an obsessed girls dream!

3) ANY Flashlight App

I opened my cleaning business (Double-Take Cleaning) with my twin back in 2010. We clean residential, commercial, and post-construction buildings. One of our past clients was a flipper, so we cleaned during or post construction. A lot of the time these houses didn't have power or adequate light, which made cleaning very difficult. I can't even count the number of time my handy dandy flash light app helped me out!

4) US Bank

Being able to check my money situation at all times is an absolute must at this stage of life. This app lets that happen!

5) Facebook

As much as I hate to include Facebook on this list, it is one of my favorites by default. I use it daily, multiple times daily, more times than I can count per day. I use it to connect with virtually everyone I know, and I get REALLY cranky when it stops working. ;)

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Picture Frame DIY!

After my first feature on a Daily Deals site, I realized that my product photos were definitely lacking compared to other vendors. I decided to try and spice up my photos for Simply Cute as a Button with the help of staging. Being the poor college student that I am, I don't exactly have stuff laying around the house to stage my photos. I didn't want to spend very much money but I figured I would look around. I was pleasantly surprised by my finds so I thought I would share!

*I would like to apologize for the poor pictures. This was a night time project AND my first DIY. :)

I found this picture frame at Michaels for $1.99. They had cheaper ones, but I liked that this one had a sturdy back and a glass cover.



These Flur de Lis wood cut-outs were a whopping $0.29 each and the glitter cost $1.99. I already had the Mod Podge and black paint laying around.



I started off by removing the glass and backing and painting the frame black. If I did it again, I would be sure to sand the frame first, it's a little rough.



While letting the paint dry, I set the frame aside and moved on to the wood cut-outs. First, I painted those white. I applied a thin coat so it dried very quickly. Next, I brushed on some Mod Podge. Quickly after applying the Mod Podge, I doused poured glitter over the top. After allowing the glitter-podge time to dry, I picked up the cut-outs to shake off any extra glitter. Then I brushed on a generous coat of Mod Podge. This last step seals in the glitter, making it less likely to end up all over the house!

The last step was to glue on the Flur de Lis cut-outs to the frame!

and here you have it!



Monday, June 3, 2013

Playing Catch Up!

Today I have been HARD at work trying to get caught up on my listings for Simply Cute as a Button. When I first started this little venture, I had no idea how many hours I was going to have to put into it just to get up and running! Between creating the items, taking and editing the photos, publishing the listings, and promoting the items online, there never seem to be enough hours in the day! However, Since I've been so busy my summer has been FLYING by! Yipee!

Here are some of the items I posted today:
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/153035067/polka-dot-button-magnets?ref=shop_home_active

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/153031597/bananas-for-buttons-faceplate?ref=shop_home_feat
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/153032061/girly-chic-faceplate?ref=v1_other_1
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/153026994/button-magnets-black-and-white?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/153032571/black-and-pink-outlet-cover?ref=shop_home_active

I have even more great items to add tomorrow. I also have so great promotional opportunities coming up which I'm very excited for! Now I think its time for a little break so my mind can rest. After Game of Thrones last night, I'm mentally exhausted.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Somewhat Short and Sweet

Today has just been one of those days where nothing went as planned. I had originally planned a different post today, but I have anniversary festivities to attend to so I thought I would switch it up a little.

Since we are the poor college students that we are, dinner and a movie are all we can afford. Being in Las Vegas though, even such an average night can seem special! There are so many great aspects of this city that are often over-looked due to the casino's and night life.I thought I would share some of my favorite things from this great city. All of these are kid friendly! Here are a couple of my all-time favorites.

The Rainbow: This is a casino mind you, but it has a very special place on the list. The restaurant inside the casino is an absolute icon of Henderson (which is right next to Las Vegas), because it has the best-priced food in town! Monday  through Friday, before 11am, they serve the casino special. It consists of two eggs, two pieces of sausage or bacon, hash browns, and either toast or biscuits and gravy all for $1.89. Yes, you read that right! Their average menu price anytime is around $5-$6, which means you can easily feed a family of 4 for under $30! My twin and I are frequent customers ;)

The Wetlands Park: The wetlands is a park on the boarder of Henderson and Las Vegas. It is Vegas' best attempt at a swamp, so people from anywhere green or swampy most likely won't be impressed. But for us desert folk it is AWESOME! The best part; it's totally free! The other similar parks, like the Springs Preserve or Tully Springs, charge to get in.

Mystic Falls: This is a water and light show inside Sam's Town casino, which is near the boarder of Henderson and Las Vegas. In case you haven't caught on yet, I'm a 'Hendersoian', through and through. The show runs several times a day and is also totally free! I don't know if I would recommend going way out of your way for this one, but if you are nearby, its a gem!

There you have it! Affordable, family fun in Las Vegas!

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Blogathon 2013!

Today is the first day of Blogathon 2013 and I am very excited! I am hoping within the next 30 day I will be able to develop a focus for my blog and improve as a blogger in general. Honestly, I'm not sure where to begin, so I will just start with the top 3 things I am excited for in the month of June (Blogathon related and otherwise)

3) Being Featured on Daily Deal sites: I just recently opened an Etsy shop, Simply Cute as a Button, and I have become slightly obsessed. I originally thought it was just going to be a fun little thing to do over summer vacation. Now, I find myself completely consumed with it! I am constantly thinking of new ideas and looking up daily deal sites online. Starting today, I am featured on a brand new daily deal site called ToAdorn. I am beyond excited to have this opportunity! Later on this month my products will be featured on a different site, PinkEpromise, which I am also ecstatic about!

Here is a link to my feature on ToAdorn!


Here are a few pictures of some of my products. I have so many more ideas. My stuff is going to get better and better! 









2) Blogging for 30 days straight: I have always wanted to blog but I never made an effort to actually start. I always used lack of time as a reason not to. Now that I'm on my first break from school since the summer of 2011, it's the perfect time to start! I LOVE challenges, so I know that the Blogathon will be just the push I need to get my blog up and running! I am also super excited to get to know some of the other bloggers in the blogathon. I know this is going to be a great experience!


1) My 5 year anniversary: I celebrate 5 years with Mr. Nelson on June 5th! We don't have much money this year, similar to our first 4 years together. We have been together since we were 17, which means we have been in college almost as long as we have been together. College > no money. We will be going to dinner and a movie this weekend and I can't wait!

Here is the first picture we ever took together!
And here is a recent photo. 5 years later and we STILL get carded to see movies...


Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sunday Social!

Sunday Social


Happy Sunday Everyone! This is my first Sunday Social, so here goes!

1) What is your best summer memory as a kid?

That would definitely be going to grandmas house every summer. My twin and I would always go down there, sometimes for literally the entire summer. We would help her take care of the horses and dogs, pick sweet juicy apricots and eat them right off the tree, and watch Jeopardy every night with a huge bowl of popcorn. Now that we are older and have jobs ( it's mostly the jobs ) we can't get down there as often as we would like. Fortunately now she can come stay with us, like she did this week!

2) What is your favorite summer drink?

Coke Slupees are my fav during the summer! I usually get sick after I drink them ( probably due to all of the natural, healthy ingredients ) but i drink them every summer regardless!

3) What is your favorite summer TV show?

Well I haven't seen any of the episodes yet, ( I'm lame and can't stay up past midnight!) but this summer's show will be Arrested Development Season 4!!!!! I am beyond excited!!!



4) What is the best outdoor summer activity?

Swimming swimming swimming! I get hives and I can't get water in my ears, but for some reason it's my favorite thing!

5) What are your summer vacation essentials? 

Tooth brush and Pajamas: The two items that are always first on my pack list, and yet I somehow ALWAYS leave them behind.



Friday, May 24, 2013

High Five For Friday!

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but I'm definitely excited for the weekend!

I have been looking or ways to meet other bloggers since I'm so new to blogging.I haven't had much luck with some of the other links I've tried, but I have a good feeling about this one! This week I'm linking up with Lauren for H54F!

Here goes!

My top 5 of this week, in no particular order...

1) My grandma is here visiting from California! I love my grandma tremendously, so spending time with her is one of my favorite things! All throughout my childhood I would go visit my Grandma (with my twin of course) and I would always sleep on her couch. This time, she came to visit me and got to sleep on my couch...things have come full circle!

2) One of my best friends from high school graduated from UNLV with a degree in nursing! I am so Incredibly proud of her!
 
 3) I went swimming for the first time this summer! Not only did I get a super cute swimsuit, but I finally got some MUCH NEEDED vitamin D ;)

4) I was able to spend some time with my twin, which is always my favorite!

5) I found out some of my products from my Etsy shop will be featured on a daily deals site June 1st! More details will be coming later!

I would love to hear about everyone's week! 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Saturday Success!

      Today is the first day I have promoted my Etsy shop and I have just been blown away by the response thus far! I thought I might get to 50 likes today, but I passed the 100 mark and I am thrilled! I can't wait to see what's to come with my little shop. Hopefully lots of creating and orders are in my future!

     As far as Saturday's go, this was a pretty great one for me. My best childhood friend (Christy) is expecting her first child and she came here from Fallon to have a baby shower with her Las Vegas family! Since I've only ever been to one babyshower, I had a great time playing all the games. It is so great being able to see Christy at this stage in her life!

     Speaking of Saturday, I've got another great cat video! This one doesn't have actual cats, but they absolutely nail a cat's personality. I know so many people have seen this one, but I LOVE it! Enjoy!






Saturday, May 11, 2013

Cat Lady Saturday!

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE my cats! I think they are hilarious and incredibly adorable! I thought it would be fun to post a cute or funny cat video every week for those cat lovers out there. Here is the video I found this week, its unbelievable!


Have a favorite cat video? Leave me a comment and share it, I would love to watch it!

It's Official!

As of today, Simply Cute as a Button is officially up and running! I am so excited to start making products for others and hopefully receiving some great feedback! Here are just a few of the items I will be selling in my shop:



I have so many great ideas and a LOT of creating is going on! Stay tuned for even more super cute items coming soon!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday!

Since I am so new to the blogging world, I thought participating in Top Ten Tuesday would be a fun way for me to get to know some bloggers! As soon as I discovered TTT, I knew instantly what my first list would be, and here it is!

Top 10 Questions I've Been Asked as a Twin.

1) If I punch her, can you feel it?
I don't know, let me punch you and I'll ask her if she felt that. 

2) Do you share a brain? (This was a serious inquiry)
You must have half a brain for even asking this question.


3) Can your mom tell you apart? 
 As far as we know, we' re the right people.

4) Are you the same age? 
...Yes...

5) Have you ever thought she was you?
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought you were someone else? LOL

6) Which one is smarter?
Trying to convince some people that we both excel in different areas is darn near impossible. 

7) Can you tell each other things telepathically? 
If we could, I feel like we'd be rich. ;)

8) You sister likes this, why don't you? 
The next time I get asked this question I'm going to respond with "My sister likes this, why don't YOU?"

9) Do you like being a twin?
Let me just stop being a twin for a day so I have some basis for comparison, then I'll get back to you.

and my ALL TIME FAVORITE .....

10) Do you ever dream about selling gum?
I can't even remember who asked us this, but we dressed up as the Double-mint twins for Halloween one year just for them!


Here are a few photos of us as babies! 

I really enjoyed this first Top Ten Tuesday. I can't wait until next week!



Monday, May 6, 2013

My Very First Post!

Where do I begin?!

I suppose I should start off with a little about myself. My name is Suzanna and I am 22 years old. I am currently in the teacher preparation program at UNLV ( University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and will be graduating in the spring of next year! I seriously cannot wait to be a teacher! I have so much fun in the classroom and I know I will love my job!

I am the owner of a small cleaning company that I opened in 2010. I clean private homes and office buildings. Being a full-time student, this job was a great fit for me and I am so appreciative to have had this opportunity to support mysel
f through college. Now that I am approaching my final semesters in college however, this job is becoming more and more difficult to juggle with my school schedule. I know that one day I will have to stop cleaning all together, and I know that day is going to come much too soon. Knowing that my income will soon cease to exist, I will need to find a way to make some extra money, hopefully that is where Etsy comes in!

I have always loved being crafty and creating things, so I thought this might be a good opportunity for me. I am currently in the process of opening my shop, Simply Cute as a Button, and I am beyond thrilled with how everything is turning out! If you look at the items in my shop, you will notice there is a little of this,and a little of that! That definitely reflects my personality, and you will see that in this blog as well! Some posts will be about my shop, some about my trials and tribulations in the classroom, and some just about life in general. If I can't make up my mind about what I would like to try, I just try it all! I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for me!