Mompreneur Trio, Discount and Giveaway wrapped in one!

Happy Friday, ladies! You know how we love Mompreneurs on The Roof, and today, it is my privilege to introduce you to not one...not two...but THREE Mompreneurs. That's right~a team of three, and what a trio they are. I've recently had the privilege of meeting these three and I think you will find both their individual and collective heart for moms, creative energy and vision for teamwork infectious. They are a great example for us women of how much more you can accomplish when you work together!

Nidhie Dhiman, Sarah Masci and Dana Blake

Photo by Jamie Lea

Nidhie Dhiman is the owner of Belly Elan, a baby boutique in Charlotte's Blakeney area (formerly of Providence Promenade) and has recently launched an online one stop shop for moms everywhere. She loves meeting with parents, parents to be and friends of expecting mommies on a daily basis do help them determine little luxuries and special splurges while ensuring value and meeting Belly Elan's motto, "because having a baby doesn't mean losing your style!" Be sure to visit the website and "like" Belly Elan on Facebook here so you can stay posted on sales, new products and special events. That place is happenin' and there's always something going on!

Photo by Jamie Lea

Dana Blake is the CEO of BabyElan{Daily}, a website and online resource for new parents, parents-to-be, and gift-givers wading through the offerings of today's booming baby industry. BabyElan{Daily}  also offers expertise via personal "inbox" delivery to break down the must-have practical luxuries, simple pleasures, green products and fabulous deals for baby, child, and mother {daily}. Dana and Nidhie's individual knowledge of the industry is a huge asset as they collaborate together supporting one another's businesses. Be sure to "like" BabyElan{Daily} on Facebook here so you can be fully up to date with the latest and greatest!

Photo by Jamie Lea

 Sarah Masci is a graphic designer whose "creativity is inspired by the essence of childhood and life's little simplicities." She owns a drop of golden sun, a freelance graphic design service featuring paper goods, stationery, wall decor and more. Fellow bloggers, you may especially be interested that she offers web design and blog template services as well! If you like Belly Elan's and BabyElan{Daily}'s logos, look no further! This girl is the designer. Oh and if you visit her Etsy store, you may just find a creation by one of the Roof's original co-founders, Aundrea (aka Zerbert Baby)-smalllll world! Please "like" Sarah and a drop of golden sun on Facebook here so you can follow her many exciting projects--many of them in conjunction with both Nidhie and Dana.

So, one day last summer, these three were at the pool together and came up with a joint venture called the Elan Card. Basically, it is an exclusive card, currently local to the Charlotte area, giving women and mothers of all ages valuable discounts and promotions to restaurants, stores, social venues and places of entertainment. The card works everytime you shop and has no expiration date. You can see the fabulous list of vendors providing discounts and promotions exclusively for Elan Card holders here and you can purchase one for yourself here.  Also, be sure to like Elan Card on Facebook here because it is a great way to find out about giveways and promotions that aren't necessarily exclusive to the Elan Card but offered by Elan Card vendors. Isn't this idea so great? I think it should be in every city.

Here is where the fun begins! We have a discount AND a giveaway generously provided by these three.

Discount

• Sarah is offering the ladies of the Roof 15% off anything at a drop of golden sun's Etsy store. Simply enter RWAV15 upon checkout. There are some cuuuute things so get to shopping, ladies. Thank you, Sarah!

Giveaway

• These three are hosting a RWAV Giveaway and providing Elan Cards for FIVE lucky winners! To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post. For any of the four Facebook pages mentioned above that you "liked," you will get an additional entry, so be sure to let us know if you showed them some Facebook love. Winners will be randomly selected next Friday. Thank you, Elan Card ladies!

TGIF! Ya'll getting ready for your looong weekend? Be safe out there.

Love,
Hannah

Free-for-all Friday: Mompreneur~SoupKids' Custom Covers

We LOVE Mompreneurs here on the Roof and we love to support them. Today is devoted to an amazing Mompreneur and her cutie patootie creations.

Ladies, meet Kristin Campbell of SoupKids (get it? Campbell Soup. I tell you what~she's good!). Kristin is a dedicated, genuine, nurturing, determined, comical, infectious wife, mom of three and friend. In fact, she was the very first friend I met on my very first day of college waaaay back when we were 18 and her friendship has been a blessing to me ever since.

Kristin has always been creative and taken her ideas to "the next level" no matter what they are. When she taught herself to sew, I knew she wouldn't stop there...and she didn't. As she birthed her new talent alongside three beautiful children, she also began the venture of SoupKids- classic, customized creations for children. You can ask my college sisterhood just how delighted we've been-especially about her mad monogramming skillz. I don't think one single one of the sisterhood's collective 40 children ranging from birth to elementary age have gotten past infancy without a SoupKids monogram or creation. We Southern girls are thrilled for the legacy to continue as long as our children will allow!

Clearly, I could go on and on but I'm excited to share SoupKids' most unique custom item. I think this is definitely my fav of Kristin's brilliant ideas. It is also one I get asked about pretty much everywhere I go--her custom covers. Kristin has multiple fabrics that you can select to cover your car seat, bouncy seat or high chair OR you may send her your fabric of choice if you wish. She will make a cover to fit your item and finish that baby off with a coordinating monogram. Here are just a few examples:

These covers have a two in one benefit. They make your baby equipment more appealing to the eye AND keep them protected from stains leaving them virtually spotless which makes them PRIME Craigslist inventory later!

If you are interested in your own personal SoupKids creation or need a FABULOUS gift, email Kristin at kcampbell84(at)nc(dot)rr(dot)com. Her going rate for the car seat cover is $68.00 if she provides the fabric. However, Kristin wanted to show the ladies of the Roof some love and if you tell her we sent you, she will give you a 10% discount! She's sweet like that. :) So, order up and share your SoupKids creations with us!

Here's to MomPreneurs! Happy Friday!

TNT Tip

Here are a couple of unique ways to organize everyday items that seemt to be taking over your home.

1. Use a pretty teacup and saucer as a "catchall" on your bedroom dresser or nightstand to store loose change, jewelry and what-have-you.
2. Use a wine rack on your bathroom counter to hold towels, bubble bath, loofahs, shampoo and even pretty glass bottles as decoration.
3. If your reading material and remotes are taking over your living room, store them in a flat tray that you can conveniently slide under your couch or chair and pull out when needed.

(Courtesty of All You Magazine)

Savory Smackerel

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

A great lunch meal to place in the slow cooker before leaving for church. Easier still; shred the meat and put on a hamburger bun. Will serve our family of four two meals.

• 6 skinless chicken breast halves (boneless)
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce of your choice
• 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing (I use fat free)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce

*The ingredients give it a wonderful flavor. I recommend using a barbeque sauce that you really like to secure you get a great flavor

*Place chicken in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the barbeque sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worchestershire sauce. Pour over the chicken. Cover and let it cook 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 on low (if chicken breasts are frozen). If the chicken is not frozen I recommend 4 hours on low depending on your individual slow cooker. If you plan to serve it as barbeque about an hour before eating take out chicken and cut in small pieces or shred and return to the slow cooker.

(Courtesy of What's for Din Din?)

Mommy Marketing Moment
A BIG thank you to our reader, Ashlie M., for making today's MMM possible. She not only recommended this Mommy business but did an interview and put this all together for YOU. Thank you, Ashlie! Here's a BIG RWAV hug from us to you!

Mommy Marketing Moment comes to you courtesy of WhiMSy Love’s Nikki Mans. Nikki describes herself as a “wacky goofball” at times and a “girly romantic” at others (hence “WhiMSy Love”). One thing is for certain, she is definitely at all times “eclectic,” whether it is in her music tastes, various collections, or artsy aspirations! This mom of 2 adorable girls (Pazely age 5 & Zoey age 6 1/2) somehow manages time to design various fabulous pieces of dazzling love!
Check out her “FunkOlicios” vintage button rings (her daughters’ favorite hand made items that “mommy” makes) on Etsy.

Or how cute would these Pinwheel Cupcake Picks be for a summer time party?
A unique spin on the traditional table place card for a wedding reception could be these “Fork Easles” that Nikki creates (which could also be used to display a favorite photo, recipe, or poem)! Wouldn’t these “Writing on the Wall” be perfect for your favorite book-lover? They would look so nice in your home’s reading nook!

And these are but a FEW of the one-of-a-kind items this busy mom makes! But before you write her off as another “superwoman” whose powers are not of this planet, let me assure you, Nikki Mans is just a normal mom who has her priorities straight - Jesus, Family....and then Crafts! ;-)

Her daughters are in part responsible for inspiring Nikki and these “mini crafty versions” (as she puts it) of her are often found in their own art center (which Nikki says is often a “complete pigsty”...just like hers) or literally under mommy’s feet finding hidden trinkets in the desk drawers to feed their imagination as Nikki gets busy crafting. She says she’s loosened up over the years, neverminding the “messes” that seemed to get in the way of business. Now she views these messes as “too fun to pass up!”

“WhiMSy Love started out as a creative outlet to feed my passion to make, make, make stuff. It also makes me feel very proud to help pay the bills.” And Nikki may be getting more help paying the bills soon; WhiMSy love made it into Greece’s Glamour magazine’s June 2009 issue!

Her advice to other moms (or anyone) going into their own business: “I'm learning with my business this simple statement is true: ‘However much I put into it is how much I get in return.’ If I dedicate my time in creating nice, quality items & take really sharp, interesting pictures & list the items in my shop at a frequent cycle, than I see a definite return in all my hard work.” Just like most of us, she notes that it takes lots of work to be consistent; and the reality of a stay-at-home mom proves that you “can’t just make stuff” all day. There is a lot of juggling involved to keep the house clean, be present in your children’s lives, be a good wife, friend, etc., but “laughter and silliness” seem to help this Mommy get through it! Nikki has become “comfortable with who she is and who she is becoming.” Verses like Psalm 139: 14 “...I am fearfully and wonderfully made” and Nehemiah 8:10 “...the joy of the Lord is your strength” help to reach that state of heart and mind for her. “I would not have such a freedom, joy & surety of who I am if it were not for my relationship with Jesus.” A humble, content woman, Nikki says, “I’ve got my family, my heath, and crafty supplies. What more could I ask for?”

“Authentic” is another word to describe WhiMSy Love and Nikki Mans for the handmade items and for the person that she is. No wonder so many comment on her “enthusiasm”, “zest for life,” and see this wonderful woman as “inspiring”.

For more daily inspiration, great ideas for kids and crafting, or first dibs at cool sales and random specials, subscribe to her blog http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com//. To shop now, check out her Etsy shop as well!

Happy Saturday!

TNT Tip

Do you get tired of that onion smell on your hands after cutting onions and cooking? Try this.

To remove the strong odor of onions from your hands, hold a stainless steel spoon in your hand while running water and rub your hands as though the spoon were soap.

(courtesy of hints-n-tips)

Mommy Marketing Moment

For today's MMM, we are venturing out of our Motherland and all the way to Africa. That's right! Amani ya Juu (meaning “higher peace” in Swahili) is a sewing-marketing-training project for marginalized women in Africa.

The project serves a two-fold purpose. First, Amani gives African women the opportunity to improve their sewing and marketing skills. The women gain experience in purchasing, bookkeeping, skill training, quality control, management and design. Second, Amani aims to sow seeds of peace in the hearts of the women as they grow in community and in their faith together.

Amani is committed to fair trade, providing a just pay and holistic development, which contrasts dramatically with the unjust conditions these women are confronted with outside of Amani. Amani implements holistic development by meeting the physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs of those who participate. As the women learn practical skills to improve their quality of life, they also experience God’s healing, moving them beyond their traumatic and difficult pasts.

You can shop the Amani store from the comforts of your home by clicking here. Some things you may want to be sure to see are this Safari Set for your own child or as a gift....

...Or this cloth Play Ball.

This oven glove and spoon set would be great in your kitchen or also as a gift.

Also, be sure to check out the selection of stylish and reasonably priced bracelets!

If you aren't up to purchasing anything but want to support these special women, please go here. Please also lift this project up in prayer as you think about it. We can be a huge support to them even in our country.

Savory Smackerel

This easy recipe is great for gatherings, crowds, Sunday lunches. It will be a hit with everyone. Word to the wise: not the greatest, though, after frozen.

Hot Chicken Salad (a Paula Deen Recipe)

2 cups cooked chicken breast meat, cubed
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
2/3 cup crushed potato chips (I used Potato Sticks and put some slivered almonds on top to make it pretty)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl combine the chicken, celery, almonds, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and cheese. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread the crushed potato chips on top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly.

Happy Saturday!

Savory Smackerel

Hopefully, you aren't going to have to cook for Mother's Day lunch on Sunday so we are going to feature a baking delight....Banana Bread from What's for Din Din (by the way, check out the new look by none other than Jaime the bomb Beitler)!

1 C Sugar
1/2 C oil
3 ripe bananas
2 Eggs
2 C Flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 T milk
Chopped Pecans (optional)

* Beat sugar and oil. Add eggs and bananas. Beat.
* In separate bowl, add sifted flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
* Add flour mixture to wet mixture
* Add vanilla and milk. Beat.
* Pour into bread pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Tip: This bread is delish served with cream cheese on top!

TNT Tip
(Brought to us by our reader, Caroline G., who gets FIVE entries to our GIVEAWAY. Thank you, Caroline!)

Caroline says:

I read a tip online about baking banana bread in a 9 x 13 pan. The mommy indicated her kids were much more apt to each it when it looked like brownies (shaped like squares). This week I made some with the W4DD recipe and it came out great...baked at 350 for 30 minutes. I got 24 squares so the portions are smaller (lower in calories). I left some in a container and then put the rest in individual servings in sandwich bags and then in a freezer bag so pull out as desired. I never would have thought to bake it in a 9 x 13 pan before and was thrilled with the results.

Mommy Marketing Moment
We hope to feature this mom more in the future. In the meantime, check out www.timeoutmom.com. This site has ENDLESS resources for mothers. Also, be sure to check out the site store under "SHOP."

TNT Tip

As the weather warms up, so may the amount of visitors and drink consumption in your home. In case your guests (or children) forget to use a coaster and you happen to obtain of those pesky rings from condensation...fear not! To remove white rings left on furniture by water, rub the spot with petroleum jelly, let it stand 24 hours, and rub into the wood. Wipe off excess and polish as usual.

Savory Smackerel

This was a recipe that I made for a recent "Fix and Freeze." It was gobbled up by adults and children alike. It is great for freezing purposes but would also be a wonderful Sunday lunch. The leftovers (if there are any) make great meatball sandwiches. I found the recipe here and it's a nice variation from typical spaghetti.

Meatballs and Tomato Gravy

Serves 4

For tomato gravy:

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

1/2 cup red wine (I used cooking wine)

1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons crushed garlic

For meatballs:

1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs

1/3 cup evaporated milk

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Hot cooked pasta Grated

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation and freezing directions:

1. For tomato gravy, in a large straight-side skillet, combine marinara, wine, broth, oregano and garlic. Simmer, uncovered, on low to medium heat while you prepare meatballs.

2. For meatballs, in a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk and soak for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, mixing well. Wet your hands to keep mixture from sticking to them and roll into 1-1/2-inch meatballs (you should have about 30).

3. Raise heat under sauce to medium. When sauce is almost boiling, carefully drop meatballs into sauce. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove lid. Simmer for 5 minutes more.

4. Serve over hot cooked pasta or prepare to freeze.

If freezing, cool for 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to freezer container and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Cool completely in refrigerator. Once cool, remove foil and cover tightly with lid. Label and freeze.

Thawing and reheating instructions: Thaw meatballs completely in refrigerator. Transfer to a large skillet and bring to a boil. If necessary, thin sauce with beef broth. Serve with hot cooked pasta. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Mommy Marketing Moment

I ran across this article, And the mompreneurs shall lead us, and wanted to pass it along to ya'll. It's an interesting glimpse at Christian Mommy businesses in light of our country's economic crisis. If I was a momprenuer, this article would really encourage me. Go Mompreneurs! We support you. :)

Happy Saturday!

Mommy Marketing Moment

I am SOOOO excited about today's MMM, I can hardly stand it. Remember Donna's fav cleaning cloth from her post yesterday? Search no further because you, too, can have such a cloth!I've always been a believer that when you "doll up" your chores, they become a little more pleasant. For example: wearing an apron. I even used to make aprons for my brooms, (to make them feel pretty too, of course:).

Soooo...welcome, RWAVers, to my store's GRAND OPENING! I've been crocheting these cute dishcloths for years. They are tried and true! I've had some for 3-5 years and I'm still using them. They are simple and sweet, and BOY, do they get the JOB DONE! Their "knobbiness" helps cut through the caked on spots on your counters and tables. They are made out of 100% cotton, so they soak up water in a jiffy!

The cloths come in RWAV pink...a symbol of your fellow women "up on the roof" cleaning away (with a joyful heart, of course) reminding you that you are in good company and definitely not alone. :)

Click here to go to my new store and place your order!

Sidenote: I LOVE the story behind today's MMM. It started with something as simple as a dishcloth.

Donna's MIL got her a special kind of dishcloth thinking she "might" use it. Donna thought, "Hmmm. Interesting gift. I'll give it a try," and ended up finding it a cleaning staple-a tried and true (TNT) fav in her home maintenance. Who would think to bring that up in everyday, ordinary convo?

Donna ended up doing a post on her personal blog about that little cloth because she wanted another and couldn't find them anywhere. Turns out, our very own Angela has been making those exact same clothes for years (to everyone's surprise) but didn't necessarily have a reason to mention this hidden talent in everyday, ordinary convo.

As you consider today's MMM, I hope you will be encouraged at how this story IS Matthew 10:27 in action. Yes, because of something as simple as a dishcloth. THIS, my dear ladies, is precisely the heart of this blog and a prime example of WHY the Lord calls us to SHOUT FROM OUR HOUSETOPS--to build up one another (and maybe even make each others jobs a little easier while we are at it)!

TNT Tip

Tired of spending money on the moneymaker (aka your face)? One way you can save some nickels and dimes is this...instead of buying eye make up removers such as these:



Try a little of this on a cotton swab to remove your eye makeup. This trick will leave you some extra money to spend on your favorite, all important facial cleanser and moisturizing regimen from those same name brands above!
Disclaimer: I'm sure we have many readers that may sell particularly the #2 remover shown above. This tip is not to discourage your business. Perhaps it will even boost your business on cleansing and moisturizing areas of your skin care line. :)

Savory Smackerel

I think I mentioned in a previous post that a couple of us did a mini Fix and Freeze. This recipe was easy, perfect for freezing and a HIT at my house. I served it w/ some good ole Sister Schubert rolls and salad. Every last morsel was eaten. It would be perfect for a Sunday lunch after church.

Chicken Divan (Paula Deen recipe)

Ingredients
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli, chopped
6 cups shredded chicken, cooked
2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the outer wrappers from the boxes of broccoli. Open 1 end of each box. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes, until thawed. Drain the broccoli and put into a casserole dish. Add the shredded chicken.

In a medium bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cheddar, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper, to taste, and wine. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Mix well with a spatula.

Place the mixture into an 11 by 7-inch casserole dish or 2 (9-inch) square disposable aluminum foil pans that have been sprayed with vegetable oil cooking spray. Pat down evenly and smooth with a spatula. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Cook's Note: Try topping with Cheddar or Gruyere cheese.

TNT Tip: Goodbye Dry Cleaners!

Today's TNT Tip comes from our very own Dolly....

I DETEST ironing shirts! Since I've been married, I've always taken my husband's shirts to the dry cleaners. It's easier, saves time and they always do a great job of getting his shirts so nice and starched. My town has a $1.85 cleaners place that I take his shirts to but it's way on the other side of town. I usually save up a bunch of shirts and take them in when I'm headed that way. Recently, I decided that there is no reason why I can't start ironing during my day at home. (except it may take away some of my computer time). So, here was my project.


Looks fun huh?


My mom gave me this idea...everytime I iron a shirt, I'll put $1.85 into a jar and when I'm finished I'll see all the money I saved. Then, I'll have to go reward myself with a treat. (OK...I added the last part). Wanna join me??!?!

Mommy Marketing Moment

Today, we are excited to feature Ali and her business, Persnickety. Persnickety was created in 2004 out of a love for all things monogrammed and a desire to provide great products at reasonable prices. Ali is a stay at home mom with two children. She believes that moms should be afforded a fun shopping experience and the quality products they love at prices they can afford. Her desire is to provide excellent customer service, exceptional products and an experience you will love to come back to over and over again! The creation of Persnickety has been such a blessing in allowing her to stay home with her children, while contributing to her family in a practical way. If you are looking for something unique and monogrammed, an adornment for your home or the perfect gift, click straight on over to Persnickety and the answer will be at your fingertips!

Savory Smackerel

Thank you to our own Donna for today's Savory Smackerel (courtesy of What's for Din-Din). This would be a good recipe to prepare on Saturday evening and have the crockpot all ready to go. Then, all you'll need to do is hit "on" when you get up on Sunday morning and have your first cup of coffee.

Chicken and Carrots with Wine Sauce
This is a tried and true recipe in our house. When whole chickens are on sale at the grocery store, I stock up and make this recipe. It's easy, cooks all day and dinner is ready in a flash! It's good served with rice or mashed potatoes. This recipe is from the Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook.

2 Cups sliced carrots (I make mine more into chunks)

1 Whole Chicken

12 Garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 Cup White Cooking Wine

1 tsp. dried Thyme

1/4 tsp. pepper

3/4 tsp. salt

2 T. cornstarch

2 T. water*

Combine carrot, chicken and garlic in a slow cooker. Pour wine over mixture and sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper. Cover with lid; cook on high setting for 1 hour. Reduce to low-heat setting and cook for 6 hours.

*Remove carrots, chicken and garlic from slow cooker (chicken will be very soft). Keep warm. Reserve liquid in cooker and increase to high-heat setting.

*Combine cornstarch and water and stir until blended. Stir cornstarch mixture into cooking liquid. Cook 15 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently.

Print recipe here.

HAPPY FIRST SATURDAY OF SPRING!!!!

P.S. We haven't forgotten about our giveaway winner. We are still tallying and promise to have it to you by Monday. Just hold your breath a litttttle longer. :)

Mommy Marketing Moment

Mommy Marketing Moment:

Thank you to Jaime for sharing this week's Mommy Marketing Moment!!!! Have at it, Jaime girl...

This week’s Mommy Marketing Moment features the whimsical and unique clothing line, Poor Pitiful Pearl. Shauna Hursh, the creator of PPP, is a true “Mommy” businesswoman as she sews every piece of clothing herself, in addition to being a doting wife and a loving mommy to her adorable daughter, McCoy (who also happens to be PPP’s chief model).

What makes PPP so wonderfully unique is that each piece is made entirely from re-cycled, re-used, and re-purposed fabric. That’s right, not a stitch comes from new fabric, so the clothes are as earth conscious as they are fashionable. And fashionable they are! These one-of-a-kind looks will not let you down!

And neither will Shauna’s heart. She is a devoted Christian who never misses an opportunity to share her love for Jesus. In fact, many of her clothing pieces have verses sown right onto them. Plus, she is one of those women has a true sense of who God created her to be; and her very nature encourages others to be just as comfortable with themselves. Just like each piece in her clothing line, she understands that true beauty comes from the fact that we are all one-of-a-kind creations, fearfully and wonderfully made. Her business isn’t something that she does “on the side”, but it truly reflects the beauty in her heart. She also donates 10% of her profits to Casa Hogar, an orphanage in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

And as if all of that wasn’t wonderful enough, she has great news for RWAV readers! She is offering 10% off to all RWAVers! Her purchases are completed through Etsy, so send her a note in the “Message to Buyer” section and then wait for a revised invoice before paying.

You can find her...at her website or blog or her Etsy shop.

Enjoy!

Savory Smackerel:

This recipe was actually posted here by Amy V. and is a variation of one that my Bible Study leader recently shared with us. This is SOOOOOOOOO easy and the perfect thing to throw in the crock pot right before church. You'd come home to a house smelling great and a nice, hot meal waiting to melt in your mouth. :)

*3-4 Chicken breasts (I always cut each breast into thirds)
*1 jar of your favorite salsa
*1 can of black beans (undrained)
*Put your chicken in the crock pot and pour the salsa and undrained beans on top.

Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve over Spanish rice.
TIP: Leftovers poured over chips with melted cheese & sour cream make great nachos! Enjoy!

TNT Tip:

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those old wipe cases? If you are like me, it just seems like a waste to just throw that plastic tub out. So, this is what I have done with my wipe cases now that my boys are out of diapers.

The tub makes a perfect container for all of the markers, colored pencils, and crayons we have accumulated. And, if you are looking for a smaller case, for the car or church, try this one. Happy coloring!

Ladies, we want to hear from YOU. Be sure to help your sisters out and send us YOUR tried n' true household tips (TNT Tip). Email them to us at roofwithaview@gmail.com

Earlier this week, we experienced one of the great things about living in the South - when it snows school is cancelled!

Today, in Stay at Home Saturday I'd like to share with ya'll a business that also focuses on one of the things we girls in the south love - MONOGRAMS!! and of course two southern recipes.

Disclaimer: Monograms can be worn by people all over the country...not just in the South. :)

Mommy Marketing Moment

Today's Mommy Marketing Moment spotlights Jessica and her home based business Fancy Pants Boutique. Fancy Pants Boutique features an assortment of handmade items that include a monogram. Everything is handmade to your order.

Jessica is a very busy mom of a 3 1/2 year old and an 18 month old! She spends the majority of her day with them and finds time to sew during their nap time and in the evenings after they go to bed. Because she custom makes all of the items upon order she needs two weeks in turn around time prior to shipping.

One look at her site and you will be thinking of all of the things you could have monogrammed for your child (or yourself!) or use as gifts for special people.

Jessica shared that her most popular items are the personalized sippy cups (hello - where were these when my two used sippy cups? LOVE these!), reversible dresses (so cute and practical - you get two dresses for the price of one!!), burp cloths (can you ever have enough of these? GREAT gift idea) and wipes cases (yet another great gift idea).

I have to share with yall what I think is just the sweetest thing for a little boy or girls room: The monogrammed night light! For the little girl or boy in your life, these are adorable!!

Jessica can monogram most anything! And it is perfectly acceptable to monogram anything. The correct way to monogram is:

1.first letter of first name

2. first letter of last name

3. first letter of middle name

Example: Amy Marie Smith ASM

TNT Tip
Todays TNT Tip comes from the home of Hannah (HPS). Hannah learned this valuable tip from her grandmother.

Sharpie Marker Stain

+

Rubbing Alcohol=

Voila!

Savory Smackerel
Here are two yummy southern recipes given to me by my wonderful mother-in-law Patsy.

Chicken Divan (Sooo Easy!)

6-8 cooked, chopped chicken breasts
2-3 packages frozen broccoli (I think this means those small boxes of veggies, I use about 1 large bag)

Layer the above ingredients in a 9 X 13 Pyrex dish.
In a bowl combine:
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
8 ounces Sour Cream
3/4 Cup Cheddar Cheese
4 ounces Parmesan Cheese
2 T butter

In a pan over the stove, combine:
2 T butter
2 T flour
3/4 Cup Chicken Broth
1/4 Cup Milk

Let the pan mixture boil and thicken. Then combine both the bowl and the pan mixtures. Stir really well.Pour the combination over the layered chicken and broccoli mixture.

Cook at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Old Fashion Banana Pudding - My husband's favorite dessert!

2 C Milk
2 Eggs, separated
2/3 C Sugar
1/8 t (teaspoon) Salt
2 T (Tablespoon) Cornstarch
1 t Vanilla
Vanilla Wafers
4-5 Bananas
1/4 C Sugar

Scald milk. Combine beaten egg yolks, 2/3 C sugar, salt and cornstarch. Pour 1/2 C scalded milk over mixture. Blend.

Return to remaining milk. Cook until smooth and thickened. Add vanilla. Pour over bananas and wafers that have been arranged in alternating layers in a 1 1/2 quart container.

Beat egg whites, add 1/4 C Sugar and beat until thick peaks form.

Cover pudding and bake in a pre-heated 400 degree oven until slightly brown.