Life... It happens.

I will admit that the last couple of weeks I haven't been blogging as much as I would like to. I don't know about you, but the end of May/ beginning of June is always CRAZZZY for me. (Queen Cari Day is next week!) 

I have been super busy with all of my projects and have some really amazing things lined up for you guys- including the relaunch of NighLon.com (YAY!) 

I have some giveaways and guest posts lined up. There will also be all kinds of fun things going on in my neck of the woods, and I promise to share lots and lots of photos. (How can I resist the little guy is just so gosh darn cute). 

I also took the time to finally finish reading my mom's book. It is truly amazing! She is such a talented woman. She will be stopping by sometime soon to share some art tips for kids. 

I will also be doing another vlog soon and showcasing my new blonde hair. It actually looks pretty great! 

The winner of the business cards will be chosen to tomorrow, so be sure to enter. 

Its going to be a fabulous summer here at The Palmetto Queen, so be sure to follow along. 

Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter so you never miss anything exciting (on the sidebar). 

 

Graduation and A Giveaway

With graduation season here already and school being out for the summer, its time too look back and reflect. I realized today that it was 10 years ago today that I received my own diploma. A lot of changes have come in the past 10 years, and I am a different person. I still have the same values, but I see the world differently. I see it in a way that only someone who has lived on their own and faced the world head on can possibly see it. I love the place that I am now and wouldn't trade it for anything, but I could tell my younger self a few things. 

Graduation is more than the end of an era, it is the beginning of a lifetime of surprises. You have no idea where you will be in 10 years. It's all about the ride. To celebrate the beginning of adulthood for so many people (whether it is graduating from high school or college) I have partnered with UPrinting to bring you a fantastic giveaway. No, you don't have to be a recent graduate to enter. Everyone needs business cards!

Uprinting is a great way to acquire unique business cards that will show off your personality and business style. You can upload a business card design, or design your cards on their site. They also offer many other forms of custom printing. 

One winner will receive the following from UPrinting:

250pcs Customizable Die-cut Business Cards 

6 Business Days Turnaround time 

Free US shipping only

You can choose from the following shapes:

2x3.5" Rounded Corners, 2x2" Rounded Corners, 1.75x3.5" Rounded Corners, 

2x3.5" Leaf, 2x3.5 Rounded one corner, 2x3.5" Half Circle Side, 2x3.5" Oval, 2.5" Circle 

14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated

Rules for the giveaway: 

1. This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18 years old and above. 

2. No prize substitutions allowed. 

3. Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period. 

4. Only email addresses used for the giveaway will be eligible to claim the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: You should assume that the owner of this blog will receive free print products in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions. Interested to hold a giveaway like this? Please sign up here.

Yes, I AM Mom Enough!

The issue of Time magazine pictured here was recently released in response to a "popular" parenting trend that is "attachment parenting." I am not going into my thoughts on this trend. I'm not quite ready to tell the world how I feel about THAT! I do however want to share with you how it made me feel. I am a mom and I love my son more than anything. I am not an "attachment parent," does that make me a bad mom? No, I DON'T THINK SO! The internet has yielded great responses to this cover. I think more than anything else, Time Magazine has caused a strong unity between moms. A unity that screams "I raise my children the best I know how, that makes me mom enough!" I have seen many visual reminders that we are "mom enough," and will share some below. 

Well Time Magazine, here is my response to you! 

10 reasons why I AM MOM ENOUGH!!!

1. I am mom enough to not judge other parents on their parenting style. 

2. I am mom enough to do what I believe is best for MY child and know that not all children are the same. 

3. I am mom enough to nurture my relationship with my husband and ensure that we have alone time so that my son grows up in a happy, healthy home. This may mean being a "bad parent" in your eyes, but my son sleeps in his own bed. 

4. I am mom enough to sit in the floor and color with my son- even if I do look childish doing it- it makes him happy. 

5. I am mom enough to know which lullaby calms my little prince down in the first two words. 

6. I am mom enough to remember that my family is who matters, not magazine editors.

7. I am mom enough to stay up all night with a screaming baby, and still smile with him the next day. 

8. I am mom enough to know in my very core when something is wrong. 

9. I am mom enough to stand up for my child and my abilities as a mother to ANYONE, even huge magazines. 

10 I am mom enough to feed my child the way that it needed to be done. I was not able to continue nursing after my son was a week old. I made a choice between my life and my pride. I chose life so that I could see him grow up and kiss his bumps and bruises. I chose formula because it was what he needed. It was the hardest decision I have EVER made, but it was the right one. 

Time Magazine, the way we feed our children and the way we arrange our beds is not how good parents are defined. The love we have inside of us for our children is what makes us good parents. The next time you want to publish something controversial, don't question our abilities as parents- you will get this reaction once again. 

Life Gets Crazy

Life around here has been super busy lately, but that's part of being a busy lady! 

I'm finally getting caught up and can get to blogging regularly. I wanted to let you amazing readers know what is in store for the future of The Palmetto Queen. 

• I will be sharing some history lessons on South Carolina. Every where I go, I get asked about certain things involving South Carolina; especially about the flag. I'm going to tell you the story of the flag and more. 
• I have some amazing Southern Charm Sundays lined up
• I'm blonde now, I will post a vlog showing you guys my blondeness
• I'm discussing some guest posts with some of my favorite bloggers, YAY!
• I'm hoping to have some printables I have been working on ready for you soon. 

There are many more things I have lined up, really too many to list. 

Today, I want to share with you a beautiful party that Gretchen from Three Little Monkeys Studios did. 

(It even matches my blog!)

 

Gretchen threw this party for her Grandmother's 90th Birthday. "Having a Ball" was a perfect theme. This party is absolutely beautiful. It is the perfect mix of country, vintage, and elegance. You are FABulous Gretchen. I want this party when I turn 90 (or sooner!) You can see more photos on her Facebook page and read about it on Amy Atlas. 

Gretchen, Thank you so much for letting me share your talents on The Palmetto Queen! 

You can see all of her designs in her Etsy shop here! 

Get More Out Of Your Day With Crayola!

I know that the one wish of all Mothers is for more time in the day. 

I am definitely among those moms. 

It is so hard to get everything done (in all areas of life) in one day. 

One of my goals when I started the Palmetto queen was to share my organizing tips with some FABulous ladies. I have a crazy/ busy/ beautiful life, and it is more full than ever. Part of organizing is time management. I'll be honest, lately time management is not one of my strong points. I need more time in the day. 

The other day my little prince and I got a special package in the mail from MyBlogSpark, Cheerios, and Crayola. We sat down to color together and time stood still. So, my question to you is this: can Crayola give you more time in your day? No, probably not. However, Crayola can help you get more out of your time. 

I would like to point out that we used the packaging paper to color on- perfect for toddlers who are learning!

I will share with you each product we received and how we used it for our family! 

The My First Crayola Dry Erase Activity Mat is perfect for visiting with Nana and Poppy. We will also be using this a lot during the summer. It is quick to grab and everything he needs is packaged together. We will take it along for camping and on trips. What I did: I took a piece of paper and wrote his name on it. I hope that as his scribbling develops, he will start tracing his name- can't hurt! This will also be handy when I take the little guy along to meetings and to the library. Heads up: The dry erase crayons wash off super easy. He colored on the recliner (on accident of course) and it came off really easily.  

 

My little guy likes watching the colors appear with the Mess-Free Paper, Fingerpaint, and Marker. These are great for when I am working and he wants to color. Use the fingerpaint for handprints- really fun! 

The My First Crayola Washable Crayons, Markers, and Stampers are perfect for little hands. They also look like toys, so they definitely keep my little man entertained for quite a while.


I cannot say enough great things about the My First Crayola Washable Musical Rub-Art Station. It kind of reminds me of doing rubbings of grave stones with my mother when i was a little girl. Kids love animal sounds, what a great combination. The size of the art it creates is the perfect size to insert into greeting cards. We put his rubbings inside of Mother's Day cards. What a great way for your kiddos to help personalize a gift.


Look for these specialty marked boxes of Cheerios for exclusive coupons!

We love Cheerios in our house!

Does Crayola have magical powers? Probably not.
Can Crayola give you super powers? No, not really.
What does Crayola do? Crayola gives you the tools to make your time with the kiddos more special. Take the time to stop and enjoy art together. As the daughter of an artist, this was always important in our house, now I get to make my own memories of teaching my little prince art. I can't think of a better way to spend my time.

You can also view Crayola's commercial!


For more information, visit Crayola:
Website
Twitter
Facebook

What art do you do in your house?

Disclosure:  The information, products, coupon, video and additional My First Crayola™ gift pack was provided by Crayola® and Cheerios through MyBlogSpark. 
(The additional gift pack is being given to a very special and outstanding lady in my community)

Happy Mother's Day and Southern Charm Sunday

Before this week's Southern Charm Sunday, I want to share a little about my weekend. 

I received this amazing (sweetest card EVER!) card in the mail on Friday- I don't know how he managed this without me finding out, but it really was a nice surprise. He is the BEST at picking out cards. My knight in shining armor always knows what I need to hear. He is a true gentleman. 

Saturday morning I received my copy of my Mother's book. (buy it here) I didn't expect it so soon and am honored enough to have received the second print!  In case you don't know anything about it, she has been working on the book for at least 20 years. It was officially released on Saturday, and I couldn't be more proud of her. She even did the cover art. Read more about this talented lady here. 

Mommy's favorite gift at the Cracker Barrel! 

On Saturday, we went to lunch with the Prince's Grandparents and Great-Grandparents. Even though he wasn't feeling well, we all had fun. I love spending time with family and am so blessed to be surrounded by this family's love- especially with my own Mother in Florida. As I'm sure you can guess,we couldn't walk by anyone without them oohing and aahing over my little guy- he is handsome (he takes after his Daddy!)

Sunday, we had a lazy day around the house- the little man is feeling better and it was quite rejuvenating to just spend time as a family, not worry about anything, and finger paint with my little guy. 

Now for....

Southern Charm Sunday

To honor the special Mothers in my life, I want to just talk about Mothers today, and share some Southern Mama quotes! 

• Southern Commandment #1:  Y'all shalt always remember your manners.
• Southern Commandment #3: Y'all shalt not sass your mama.
• “Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.” -Stevie Wonder
• “My mother, Southern to the bone, once told me, "All Southern literature can be summed up in these words: 'On the night the hogs ate Willie, Mama died when she heard what Daddy did to sister” - Pat Conroy
• "Do not ever give a Queen a home appliance as a gift. Period. The End."----Jill Conner Brown
• "All her life my mother told me, "No matter how poor you are, you can always be clean."----Andrew Hudgins
• Southern women have a distinct way with fond expressions : "Y'all come back!" "Well, bless your heart." "Drop by when you can." "How's your Momma?"
• “Southern Mamas are known for being subtle, like a freight train.” 
― Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy: The Belle of All Things Southern Dishes on Men, Money, and Not Losing Your Midlife Mind

Last, but not least, here is what my own Mother shared with me today:

My Wish for YOU- by Phyllis C. Michael.

Little daughter of mine, I'd give you the world if it were mine to give; 

I'd give you it's sunbeams, its roses, its dew to keep as long as you live. 

But since its not mine to give you these things, there's a wish I'd wish instead- 

May you have for your own, some bright golden day, a sweet little curly head.

A daughter as fine as you've always been, a sweet little girl of you own;

Then you'll be as happy as I am today- you'll be a queen on her throne.

Of course, under it, she wrote "Of course.....Mac works just fine too"

In case you are wondering, she calls my prince Mac (short for McCoy!)

So, my lesson for you today is: never forget to hug your mama and tell her that you love her. 

Happy Mother's Day, I hope yours was as FABulous as mine!

So Honored: The Kreativ Blogger Award

I was so shocked last week to open my email to find something special from my friend Kristin at 30-Something and Fabulous. She nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award! I feel so honored to have received this nomination. Thank you Kristin!

Here are the rules to the award:

• Thank the blogger who gave me the award and provide a link.
• List 7 interesting things about myself that readers might find interesting.
• Nominate 7 other bloggers, provide links and let them know.

Here are 7 interesting things about me:

1. I am only 4'10"
2. I have lived in 4 different states- all before I was 5
3. I am addicted to coffee
4. I am married to a gamer
5. My little boy learned how to shake his head "no" when he was 6 months old. He told the nurse "no" when she went to give him his 6 month shots. 
6. I am the case manager for a paranormal investigations team (CSPRI)
7. I am the assistant office manager for a construction company. 

I am a crazy busy lady who loves her crazy beautiful life!

It has been really hard to choose just 7 bloggers. I decided to present the award to 7 of my most supportive blogging friends. These ladies have encouraged me so much, and never cease to amaze me. (But at least I could choose more than one)

1. April Mobley
2. Lady M Pixels
3. The Air Force Wife
4. Life, Love, Derby
5. GiGi Rena
6. Sylver Blaque
7. UFued

I hope you guys decide to check out these FABulous ladies- they all have such an amazing view of the world you will definitely take something away from your visit. Again, thank you Kristin for this amazing honor!

Southern Charm Sunday

Since I was a little girl, my Momma has taught etiquette. She taught kids and was amazing at it. She held the etiquette rules up in our home. I once even got grounded for saying "yeah." I love that because she taught me these lessons, I can successfully host any event without having to really pay attention to how I speak or how I carry myself. When I became a teenager, I had the privileged of helping her teach the classes. 

My friend Patricia at The Dolls Are Alright really had me thinking about this, and has encouraged me to start Southern Charm Sundays. One thing about this amazing lady is that she shares the wisdom of her high school Mother Superior with me. I really enjoy talking with her about these nuggets of wisdom. 

I feel that I am honored to have had the amazing experiences in my 28 years, they really have made me the person I am. I have a lot of interesting stories. One of the things that define me is my "good manners." I once received an award in Elementary School for "best manners," I was even in the newspaper. 

Without further hesitation, my Southern Charm Sundays tip this week is:

Send Thank You Notes!

It sounds simple enough, but it surprises me how many people don't do this simple act of gratitude. I'm sure you send thank you notes for gifts, after a wedding, and for baby showers. Do you send them when your child receives a random gift? When someone helps with a project? When your child receives clothing another child has outgrown? A simple thank you will make someones day, why not make it even more special by sending a card? You don't have to draft a long letter, something simple will do. 

I suggest you buy a pack of pretty thank you notes (you can even get them from a dollar store) that you will want to use. If you have something pretty, you will be more likely to use them. 

I have these with a C on them. 

I hope you enjoyed my very first Southern Charm Sunday! 

Do you send thank you notes? 

The Hidden Recycler Plus a Giveaway! (With The Air Force Wife)

 

In the spirit of organizing, I am using the washing machine as my desk today! 

(Of course my little man is potty training, so the washer helped)

Today, I am showcasing an amazing product by Rubbermaid. A few weeks ago, I received a Hidden Recycler to test out. I am truly amazed. This product will be the answer to many of my organizing problems. I accumulate an insane amount of paper, but I don't like the clutter of recycling bins in the house. Call me strange, but I don't want that to be what everyone sees. I would much rather show off my collection of bees in the kitchen. It also helps that even though it is housed in a cabinet, it is a beautiful product. The great part about this is that although you would have to mount it with screws, you could place it somewhere other than a cabinet. 

Time to install: It is a lot simpler than it would seem. There are directions included. No tools required (which is handy because my husband gets nervous when I use power tools). 

What I love about the Hidden Recycler: 

• It is compact, yet roomy (The 5 gallon bag is large enough for a milk jug and will hold 36 12-ounce cans)
• The bag and packaging are made from recycled materials. You can even recycle it when you no longer have a need for it- but is that really going to happen?
• The bag is washable and leak proof
• The bag and handle can be removed for carrying to a larger recycling location.
• It is versatile- it can be used anywhere, not just in a cabinet

What is inconvenient about it

• There is only one thing that was inconvenient for me is that the lid is large. We have narrow cabinets. I have to fidget with it to get the doors to close. However, that is okay because the other factors outweigh this one drawback. 

I am truly impressed with this Hidden Recycler. At a srp of $15.99, I will be buying more. I have a couple of other purposes I would like to use it for. 

• A hamper for my bathroom counter
• A recycler for my mobile office launch pad
• Possibly even a trash can for my vanity. 

Every home could benefit from several of these. 

Need more organizing tips? Visit Rubbermaid's Adventures in Organizing Blog. 

The best part: Rubbermaid is giving one of these amazing Hidden Recyclers to one of my lucky readers.
My friend Rachel at The Air Force Wife also has one to give away!