Announcing the winner of the $40 giveaway from o&el

The winner is Rachel Roland. Congratulations Rachael!

Winning comment:
I am loving the giraffe backpack!

arizonarachel at hotmail dot com

Winner was selected using random.org.

you can contact me at radhikanavelkar@yahoo.com.

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Make professional looking cakes and cupcakes with Cricut for Cake by Provo Craft

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ProvoCraft for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Do you have a birthday or baby shower coming up? would you like to make adorable cupcakes for Easter?You don't have to spend money on buying expensive cakes from premiere cake shops. Now you can do it  yourself at a much lesser cost, and with little time, with the help of Cricut Cake.
Cricut Cake is made by Provo Craft, the little machine that can make ideas and visions come true for crafters and scrapbookers.
Cricut Cake lets you cut different shapes with fondant to make cupcake toppers. You can add monograms and words in elaborate fonts to your cake with the help of Cricut Cake. If you are anything like me,  who cannot handle a piping bag ( I have more icing on my hands then on the cake), the Cricut Cake is for you! The possibilities are endless!
I have a four year old daughter. If I had the  Cricut Cake, I would love to do cupcakes, cookies and cakes that looked like these.
  
 I would have loved to make these cupckakes for the Easter block party.  Aren't these adorable?




There are free online classes being held  on 3/30 and 3/31 for explaining the several features and uses of Cricut Cake on Cricut.com.  The classes are being held by Jinger Adams, an amazing crafter! Be sure to attend these.
Bon appetit!

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$20 store credit from My Carrie Creations to get kids favorite cartoon character backpacks and more

I am so happy to introduce to you this weeks giveaway sponsor. My Carrie Creations is owned by Paula who loves making adorable backpacks for kids!

The winner of this giveaway will receive  a $20 store credit + free shipping from My Carrie Creations to get any backpack/product of your choice.

If you are looking for a backpack with your kids favorite disney or any other cartoon character, look no further! She has everything from Disney princesses, Buzz light year, McQueen, Tinkerbell to Fancy Nancy, Angelina Ballerina and Dr. Seuss. Your kid will fall in love with these backpacks!

Don't you love these minnie mouse backpacks!

Made from all washable materials, this little backpack measures appx. 10" x 10" x 2" deep and has 15" straps. Just the right size for day trips of a night over with Grandma and Grandpa. Every product is made with attention to details and quality.

My Carrie creations also has aprons, purses, skirts and dresses for little girls. There is tons of stuff to choose from.

How do you get these adorable backpacks?

Buy it :

Win it:

Mandatory entry:

1: Visit My Carrie Creations and leave me a comment telling me which backpack you would like to get if you win the giveaway.

Additional optional entries:

1. Follow House on Ashwell lane on GFC/Facebook/Twitter. Leave a separate comment for each follow. This optional, but I love new readers.

If you are an existing follower on GFC/Facebook/Twitter leave a separate comment for each follow.

2. Share this giveaway on your facebook page.

3. Tweet this giveaway.

4. Post this giveaway on your blog.

Giveaway is for US residents only. Giveaway ends on 4/4/2011

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Best of luck!

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Amazing Easter crafts to do with your kids

Next week in spring break and I wanted to share some Easter crafts where the kids could get involved. Here are some of my favorites!

Photo Credits: Craft Jr.

These Easter finger puppets are make using colorful pipe cleaners and cotton pom pom balls. A simple craft that would be lots of fun to make an play with. These would also be a great addition to the Easter basket.

Photo Credits: Krafty Kat

Krafty Kat made this wreath out of egg carton. Who would have thought of that? Such a clever idea! I love the way it has been displayed within a frame. I bet the kids will have a great time painting those flowers.

Photo Credits: Marvelously messy

This one is from Marvelously messy. These little origami bunnies would make a lovely centerpiece for the kids table. She even has a you tube video on her post. I have made a couple of origami animals earlier. My 4 year old loves to watch me make the origami animals. I cannot wait to try out this one!

Photo Credits: Sweet and Lovely Crafts

Sweet and lovely crafts  made such a sweet and lovely banner. I love the different funny expressions on every bunny's face. Everytime I look at it I smile!

Photo Credits: Teaching-Tiny-Tots

Teaching Tiny tots added a  little twist to the tradition of painting Easter eggs. These are made of string. All you need to make these are wool/embroidery floss, balloons and glue. This can get a little messy but I can guarantee you it is a lot of fun.

visit the idea gallery.

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My post was featured on Favorite thing Friday link party

I am so thrilled to be featured for a third time of Favorite things Friday link party at the Hills are livin blog. Thank you so much for featuring me.

This is an old post, written when I just started out blogging. It's called the avian addict. I wanted to share it with you guys again as I had very few readers at that time and  it may just give you the inspiration you require for spring!

Here is the link to the post.
http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2010/11/avian-addict.html

I just received my Studio wall Easel from pottery barn and can't wait to hang some of the vintage bird prints I got from Ebay. I will post the pics very soon!

Hope you Enjoy reading the post as much as I did writing it.

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Announcing the winner of the Paige Holliday Designs backpack giveaway

The winner is Marcee.  Congratulations!

Winning comment: I Tweeted the giveaway
http://twitter.com/#!/MERodgers/status/50583534192164864

marcee/dot/rodgers/at/gmail/dot/com

Thank you everybody who entered this giveaway.

Note: The winner was selected using Random.org

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Adorable place card holders for your kids Easter table

Are you having an Easter party at your house? Here are some great ideas for place card holders for the kids Easter table.

Photo Credits: Holiday Crafts and Creations

These Teacups are the perfect place card holders for a kids table for an Easter brunch! I love how the name tag has been tied to the handle using a colorful ribbon and the little chocolate eggs spread in the cat grass that you can get at your local pet store. You can get inexpensive teacups from a Goodwill or a vintage store in your neighborhood.

 

Photo Credits: Kodak

I think these Chocolate bunny place card holders are just adorable! They can hold a card with the guests name or even better a picture of your little guest. You can download the bunny silhouette on the kodak site here. They even have step by step tutorial on how to make them.

Photo Credits: imeondesign
 

This is my favourite! Egg shaped pom pom ball place card holders. These can be purchased at imeondesign (An Etsy store). $11 for a set of 4 eggs. This will add such  a fun modern flare to your easter table.

Photo Credits: Paper-Source

These Easter Egg cup holders are made of paper and are super easy to make! Just add your guests initials on the eggs to use them as place card holders.

Photo Credits: It's a Gift

Dye eggs and white pebbles and place them in a nest. Write the kids name using a marker to make this place card holder.

Want more Easter ideas, click here.

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$40 store credit + free shipping from o&el to get a drawstring backpack and hair accessories - This giveaway has ended

This weeks sponsor is a cute etsy store called o&el. Carie is a stay at home mom of 2 lovely kids O and El, who love making backpacks and hair accessories. She is sponsoring $40 store credit and free shipping to get any product in her store.

 

Here is what is in her store. Adorable kid backpacks that are great for carrying on a trip to grandma's house, to the ballet or soccer class or to pack things for a sleepover at a friends place. Any kid would love to have one of these! They would make great gifts!

The backpacks come in a larger size too and are a great option for a hands-free diaper bag. Drapes easily on back of stroller and comfortable enough to fit on an adult’s back for one less thing to hang on to.

Every backpack is lined with a lovely coordinating fabric!

She also sells great hair accessories for little girls! Have a look. Aren't these perfect for spring?

Pair of hair clips  - $5

Flower hair bands- $12

Small backpacks  - $15

Large backpacks - $40

Buy it:

You can buy these adorable products at her etsy store O&El. Carie is offering a 10% discount to all the readers of House on Ashwell lane. Just add the promo code "HOAL" when you checkout. What you see in her store is just a small sample of her work.
 
Note: If you plan to buy the bag, she can customize it with any design that the recipient likes! You can add your name for an additional $5.00.

Win it:
1. Visit o&el and leave me a comment saying which product you would like to win.

Additional  optional entries
2. Follow House on Ashwell lane on GFC/Facebook/twitter. Leave a seperate comment for facebook, GFC and twitter. If your an existing follower on GFC/Facebook/twitter leave a separate comment for each saying you are already following.
3. Share this giveaway on your facebook page.
4. Share this giveaway on twitter.
5. Blog about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends  3/30

So what are you waiting for?  Go ahead and check out the store and leave me a comment!

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Horchow magazine online

I love Horchow (Not the prices)! They have come up with an online magazine. I just happened to come across it today and had to share it with you guys! It is filled with amazing ideas for every room!

It may be the inspiration you are looking for.

 Click here to view the magazine. 

Enjoy!

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Easter Centerpieces for your kids table

Are you having an Easter party? Need inspiration for decorating the kids table!  There is a lot of inspiration in blogoland and here are some of my favorites!

Photo Credits: Fiona Carter

Could it get more cuter than this? I don't think so. Six colorful chicks perched in an egg carton. What a lovely centerpiece.

Photo Credits: Hostess blog

This one is from the Hostess Blog. Colorful pails are available in CVS, Target and the dollar store for a buck each at this time of the year. I also saw some lovely pastel colored pails in Ikea too! Decorate the pails with Easter themed stickers and add spring blooms of your choice. Couldn't get simpler than this!

 Photo Credits: Creek Water Mommies

I have seen ribbon tree centerpieces for Christmas but never one that had been done for Easter. I love this unusual idea and the lovely colored ribbons that are used to create this centerpiece.

Photo Credits: Andrea Walford

Another dollar store craft! Create an envelope for the Easter lollipops using complementary  colors and decorate with a bow. Stick the lollipops in a Easter pail to finish your centerpiece.

Photo credits: Creating Couture parties

She used fake wheat grass, marshmallow peeps and a Styrofoam base to create these. Simple and adorable!

Photo Credits: Entertaining with ease

The eggs have been died in lovely shades of spring colors. Then use a brush dipped in paint to spray color on the eggs. Add your eggs in the nest and set it in the center of the table. 

Want more Easter ideas, click here.

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Celebrate Spring with Pier 1

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The days are getting warmer and it's time to set your patio and backyard for the next spring party!

Outdoor furniture and decor has arrived at Pier 1. I love the entire collection! It is so bright and cheerful!

The best part, a lot of Pier 1's outdoor furniture will look great inside the house too! I love the the outdoor garden stools and the outdoor crazy chair mocha. They will fit perfectly indoors!

 

Have old outdoor furniture that needs a makeover. Get these colorful cushions! Whether you like prints or solids, they have it all. The Suzani print is hot right now and you can get it at Pier 1 at prices that will not kill your budget.

 

Spruce up your outdoor with these colorful mosaic outdoor tables!

 

My favorite is the Outdoor Swingasan Chair! Buy it with the Swingasan chair stand to suspend it from, so it can be placed anywhere you wish.

      

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter to receive a special in store offer from March 18-20!

Be sure to check out Pier 1 Tweetups. There is one in  Dallas, Atlanta and NYC.

Dallas: March 22nd

Atlanta: April 15th

NYC: April 20th

Spring starts officially on 20th of March , so go to Pier 1 and celebrate spring!

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$35 store credit + Free shipping To get trendy kids backpacks from Paige Holliday Designs

I am happy to introduce my new sponsor to all my readers. The store is called Paige Holliday Designs owned by a stay at home mom  who enjoys creating one of, unique and trendy accessories for kids. She has some awsome backpacks in her store!

Every backpack is custom made to your order with the fabrics that you select.

Here is a glimpse of what you can find in her store. I am in love with all the fabrics that she uses!

Here is a detailed view of the backpack. Every backpack is made of upholstery fabric for easy washing and durability. It has padded shoulder straps, Zippered top, a hook for hanging and a quilted bottom. The picture below will give you an idea of the fine details that go into making this backpack.

The backpacks come in 3 sizes small, large and medium
- Small - 9 1/4" W at the middle by 11" H by 4" Deep (perfect for a toddler) $35

- Medium - 11" W at the middle by 14" H by 4" Deep (still a good size for a small kid plus it is tall enough you can fit a folder and notebooks in and all of their other items) $40

- Large - 13 1/14" W at the middle by 15" H by 5 1/4" Deep (full size backpack) $45

How do I get it?

Buy it: At Paige Holliday Designs Etsy store. The sponsor is providing a 10% promo code that you can use at checkout to the readers of House on Ashwell lane if you want to purchase a backpack. She is also offering free shipping for the month of March. The promo code is "ashwelllane".

Win it:
The winner gets a store credit of $35 from PaigeHolliday and free shipping. You can select any backpack design you like from the store. This backpack with be made custom for you. You can also create your own backpack by mixing and matching any of the fabric you like. Here is a link to the fabrics that are available.

1. Visit the store Paige Holliday Designs  and leave me a comment saying which item you would like to win.

Additional optional entries.
2. Follow me on GFC, facebook or twitter. Leave me a separate comment for each follow. If you are an existing follower, leave me a comment saying you are already a follower. 1 entry each for facebook, twitter and GFC.
3. Tweet about this giveaway.
4. Share this giveaway on your facebook page.
5. Blog about this giveaway.

The giveaway end on 03/23

Note:  If you want to get a medium or a  large size backpack you just have to pay the difference of $5/$10 to get it. What a great deal!
You can also add a sippy cup elastic loop for $2 and Monogramming for an additional $10.

Do not forget to checkout the other giveaway on my blog. $40 store credit + free shipping to get a drawstring backpack and spring hair accessories for little girls!
http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/40-store-credit-free-shipping-from-o-to.html

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Announcing the winner of the $38 + free shipping giveaway from Busy little Hands

And the winner is........ Angela. Winner was selected using Random.org

Winning comment: " Shared on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angelas-Heartwork/81223704225

Congratulations Angela! Aren't the backpacks adorable!

Here's another chance to win a trendy backpack for your tot from paige Holliday Designs
http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/35-store-credit-free-shipping-to-get.html

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Amazing paper woven Easter baskets and tutorials

Only a couple of weeks left for Easter! I wanted to share with you some great ideas to weave Easter baskets with paper. Beautiful baskets that are great for filling Easter goodies and to save eggs collected at the community egg hunt.

I have added a link to the detailed tutorial for every basket.

Photo Credit: Leslie Miller

This adorable basket is from Leslie miller and here is the tutorial for making the basket.

Photocredits: Craftzine

This is my favorite! I think the little flower used to embellish it makes it all the more cute! It might look difficult to make but believe me it's not. The design is by Diane Gilleland who writes a blog called CraftyPod. The basket and the tutorial was featured in Craftzine.

Photo Credit: CraftStylish

I found this one one on CraftStylish and the design is once again by Diane Gilleland. Such a talented lady. A great way to recycle old boxes in your pantry into an Easter basket! I love to recycle things, specially when the end product is so beautiful, and I don't know how many times I have said this on my blog.

Photo Credit: Space station for 2

This is made from interweaving 2 pinwheels. The patterns for pinwheels is available for download on the website. The larger the pinwheel the larger your basket will be. Here is the tutorial.

Have fun weaving your Easter basket.

Check out my current giveaway:
Add personality to a room without spending too much time and money using vinyl decals. A $40 store credit giveaway to get any vinyl decal from Urban Walls. They have great decals for every room in your house.
http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/04/40-store-credit-from-urban-walls-to-get.html

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Announcing the winner of the giveaway from hair candy for girls

The winner is: An Irish-Italian Blessing. Winner was selected using Random.org.

Winning comment:
Great Giveaway. I love everything I saw at Hair Candy but since I had to pick 1 thing, I would go for the personalized clip holder, Lavender/White/Black with sparkle circles. It would totally match my daughters Lavender and white room and allow me to stop picking up clips from the floor all day, lol.

Congratulations!

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$38 store credit + free shipping giveaway from Busy little hands to buy the most adorable backpacks - This giveaway is now closed

I am so excited to announce a giveaway from busy little hands. She has the most adorable backpacks you have seen! Every backpack is created with love and meticulous attention to detail! Each backpack is unique and one of a kind.

Janice has been generous enough to offer $38 store credit + free shipping to the winner and a 10% promocode to anyone who wants to purchace a backpack from her store.

Believe me I had the hardest time selecting which backpacks to display in this post. Kind of like a kid in a candy store, or as in this case a backpack store.

There are so many adorable designs, the hardest thing would be to choose what you would like to get. From a princess and a castle to a dragon in a tutu! There are rocket ships, dogs and robot designs for boys.

She also sells totes for moms and kids, backpacks for big kids, blankets, wall hangings  and organizers for kids.

How do you get these adorable products?

Buy it: Janice is offering a 10% discount to the all the readers. All you have do, to receive the promocode is visit her facebook page and  click the like button and leave her a comment saying "visiting from HOAL. Please send me the promo code". Here is the link to the facebook page. www.facebook.com/pages/Busy-Little-Hands/156311111060643

Win it:

1.Visit Busy little hands etsy store and leave me a comment saying which item you would like to receive if you win. This is the hardest part.

Additional optional entries: leave me one comment for each additional entry.

2. Follow me on GFC, facebook or twitter.  I have a lot more kids room decor ideas and giveaways coming up.

3. Tweet about this giveaway

4. Share this giveaway on your facebook page

5. Blog about this giveaway

Giveaway ends 03/15

Best of luck!

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Upcycle kids toys and games to create great room displays for a kids room - series 2

This is a continuation to series 1 of How to create art for kids rooms and nursery. If you have not seen it you might want to see some more great ideas featured in series 1.

In series 2 I am featuring art that has been created from things kids play with. I love repurposing and upcycling and I am so excited to share these wonderful ideas with you!

Frame little doll dresses or hang them using clothespins in shadow boxes. What a great way to repurpose little barbie dresses ! Another great way would be to hang vintage doll dresses on a clothes line above the bed.

Photo Credits: 1. jcomptongallery.com 2. Ohdeedoh.com 3. The lemon drop tree

I love flash cards displayed in the nursery or a playroom. You can buy great vintage flash cards on Etsy or on Ebay. 

Photo Credits: 1.HouseandHome 2.Sennazus  3.ForeverDasies

Repurpose old games to add some color to your wall. I love how games have been used to create a window valance in pic 3! Who could have thought of that?

Photo Credits: 1. Ohdeedoh.com 2.Laura Winslow photography 3. Sweet Love Vintage 4. Infarantly Creative 

Megan from Polish the stars created this lovely piece of art using Spirograph and fine point sharpies. How unique!

Hope you like it! If you like my blog, don't forget to follow. I love new readers!

I am having a giveaway on my blog. $20 store credit from My Carrie Creations to get a backpack for your kids with their favorite cartoon character (Disney/Nick Jr./Fancy Nancy/Dr Seuss and more) on it. check it out.
http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/20-store-credit-from-my-carrie.html

 

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$15 store credit Giveaway from Hair Candy for girls - giveaway now closed

Does your little girl like to dress up? You will love this store! It is called Hair Candy for girls and I am delighted to announce a giveaway from them. They have more than just hair accessories. Necklaces, pettiskirts and everything else a little girl desires.

The winner gets $15 store credit to select fabulous goodies from the store. The great news is the sponsor is also covering the shipping.

Aren't these bottle cap necklaces lovely?  She has tones of images you can select from.

Flower clips to add a perfect touch to any outfit.

Zipper flowers that come attached to a silver metal headband. I love these!

My daughter loves wearing her pettiskirt. I bet yours does too!

Personalized hair bow holders. She has a lots of darling designs for you to select.

Here is how you can win this giveaway.

Compulsory to enter the giveaway
1. Visit my Sponsor Hair Hair Candy for girls and leave me a comment saying what you would like to get if you win.

 Increase your chances of winning. Leave me a seperate comment for every entry.

2.If you like my blog follow me on GFC, twitter or facebook. I also have a couple of amazing giveaways and lot more kids room decor ideas coming next.
3. Share this giveaway on your facebook page
4. Share this giveaway on twitter
5. Blog about this giveaway on your blog.

Give away ends 03/11/2011

Note: Hair bows and necklaces retails for $4, pettiskirts for $17/$18, personalized hair bow holders retail for $32. If you like something in the store that is more than $15, you just have to pay the difference using Paypal / credit card. Shipping is still covered by the sponsor.

I have another giveaway currently on my blog. $38 store credit + free shipping to choose any kids backpack from busy little hands. The backpacks are really adorable. check it out.
http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/38-store-credit-free-shipping-giveaway.html

Best of luck,

Radhika

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