And The Winner IS...

With the closing of our current book giveaway from our generous sponsor, June Barthos at Dorothy's Aprons it is time again to do the random number generator to get a winner! Thank you, June, for donating this beautiful book that holds 20 vintage apron patterns! The recipient will make a little trip to the past to create a vintage apron thanks to your compilation.

If you look on the very, very, very bottom of the right hand column I have added a new gadget, a random number generator, I am calling "Drawing From The Hat!" I ran the numbers and came up with number 59 which bumped the drawing into bonus entries where........

Terri at Clay Hill Farm was positioned for a victory with her extra credit blog post and photo entries! (Her photos of hand made aprons will be up next week!)

Since Terri has just recently set up a sewing station I am certain she will be using this book very soon to make a new retro apron for herself or her daughter.

Congratulations Terri!

Are you taking orders now?

I almost forgot! Monday brings an apron giveaway that beacons for spring and flowers and sunshine and fun! Come back for sign ups then!

Gitya Self a Gadget

Today I want to show you TAG ladies another indispensable member of my cooking staff.

It is tall, dark, and digital with some bling-bling to dazzle your star-struck eyes.

Now, what could this be?

OK. I give...It's my kitchen thermometer, which by the way, I use at least three times a week, while wearing an apron of course.

This thermometer is such a simple little device, but it makes cooking decisions much easier and gives me indescribable peace of mind. When cooking meats I check temperatures. ESPECIALLY CHICKEN or TURKEY. This simple extra step allows me to sleep peacefully at night knowing I have not exposed my kids to salmonella or any other bacterial scourge that can be carried on undercooked fowl. The thermometer is really a cheap safety device to prevent some common food poisoning from meats. My thermometer has meat "doneness" temperature ranges printed on it so I never have to go an look it up!

Other uses I employ the thermometer for include checking the temperature of water and milk for baking, since I make bread a couple times a week. To properly activate the yeasts I make sure to have my water temperature between 120 and 130 degrees. This warm bath makes for happy little yeast cells and get them to party in my flour. (That's what the thermometer in the photo above was showing.)

There are many models to choose from, and here are a few I found on line at Amazon. However, they are found anywhere kitchen supplies are sold. I really like the digital read out instead of the dial since it seems quicker and easier to read.

The simplest thermometer below is like the one I have in my arsenal of kitchen gadgetry:



I kind of like this one too since it is water proof. I'm always worried that I will ruin my "non-water proof" one so I am seriously considering the upgrade here:



Finally, this thermometer is for the ultra kitchen gadget geek who must have the state of the art for everything. A hand held infra red sensor to just aim and shoot for an exterior temperature and a probe are found on this model. Maybe when I have some extra change I'll pony up for this one.



Now go and "Gitya self a gadget" and sleep better at night, but take your apron off first. I think it would twist under the covers... Hee hee.

Apron History

I was interested in the "ancient history" of the apron and did some research through antiquity. I found an interesting article featuring an Apron Goddess, Judy Vetrovec, from Fairview district in Oakland, California, which I have provided below. I found a few representative pictures to accompany the text!

Here's a brief rundown of the "Age of Aprons," as compiled by Vetrovec.

Origin:
The English word "apron" came from "naperon," the old French word for napkin or small tablecloth.

Twelfth century:
Guess who wore aprons first? Men, as hygienic, protective wear.

Fourteenth century:
Dark-colored aprons started to be worn tied at the waist.

Sixteenth and seventeenth centuries:
Colors denoted the trade of the wearer. English barbers wore a checked pattern; butchers and porters, green; and masons, white.


Seventeenth century:
Romantic notions began to blossom. Your beau is thinking of you if the apron becomes untied and drops off.

Eighteenth century:
The pinafore apron was "pinned" to clothing.



Nineteenth century: Cooks began turning the apron only once before washing. Any more, and the stains aren't hidden.

1900-1920:
Long aprons cover and protect clothing.

1920:
Straight-line aprons are the style.

1930:
Beautiful prints with bright sashes, along with crocheted aprons, make an appearance.

1940:
Printed half-aprons tied around the waist, and aprons made of handkerchiefs, are popular. Picture credit to The Apron Queen.


1950:
Full-skirted plastic aprons, and ones with cross-stitch designs, gain U.S. popularity.

1960:
Half-aprons with attached hand towels are sure-fire hits, along with aprons sewn with plastic hoops or valance material. Picture from Fabrics.net

1970 to present:
Barbecue, anyone? Grilling is a popular design or theme for modern-day aprons.

For Fairview's Judy Vetrovec, the history of aprons is as important as their beauty and practicality.

Article courtesy of c2007 ANG Newspapers.

Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Wordful Wednesday: Only in Europe!!

Personnel of Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics walk in the center of Amsterdam wearing only an apron with the text "Ask me why I am naked," September 13, 2007. The campaign calls upon people to buy products without packaging.

So, this is not exactly what I have in mind when I wear my apron, but I thought this picture was too funny to pass up.

Apron Goddess Karen at Winding Threads

Enter the book giveaway from Dorothy's Aprons here.

Chatbug Karen at Winding Threads is Apron Goddess for the day! She is showing one of her creations for us to observe her fine sewing skills. However, she really devotes her time to quilting,...too bad for apron seeking ladies out there.

I love the green and white striped fabric Karen used here and the wrap around style of apron she created. The lace trim is also a lovely accent.

Karen also hand crafts ladies hand bags like these pictured right. This is a whole set she made for her son's bride and her bridesmaids. (What a wonderful mother-in-law!!!) If you want to own one of Karen's beautiful bag creations you can find her at Etsy, too.

Thanks for being the Apron Goddess for today Karen!!!!

Apron Goddess-"Suzi the Chicken Lady"

Good Monday TAG ladies. I hope that Aprons were in your weekend at some point or another. I baked bread with my two kids and we all wore our aprons. It was a contest to see who could clash the loudest with the other, since Ella was wearing her green apple-polka dotted apron and Wyatt was wearing his construction orange Home Depot apron. It was a total eye-sore... However, I melded the two with a purple hibiscus print apron...but on to business.

Since I am running a second week of sign ups for the sewing pattern book: Early 20th Century Vintage Apron Collection by June Bartos at Dorothy's Aprons, please sign up for the giveaway here.

Today, I present another Apron Goddess from California who chases chickens around in her spare time. Suzi manages a flock of hens composed of pesky Danish leghorns, Rhode Island reds, and black and golden sex-links. And did I not mention, there are also two unruly roosters for her to contend with?

While beating off Rhodie the Rhode Island red rooster, Suzi gathers eggs from the hen's nesting boxes. All the while Mr. Studley waits to attack her again with his two inch long spurs of steel. Since Suzi is not the type to really fight with a poor defenseless chicken, she gently kicks back the pesky rooster with her foot and abducts the future generation of Jr. Studley's so she can make some omelette's.

Suzi is holding a hen affectionately known as "Penny" since she has a copper colored ring around her neck. The kids have "gentled" this one so she does not object too much to being held. This hen lets out a few disgruntled squawks before succumbing to the football hold, accepting her fate to be photographed.

You can check on Suzi at Savy Suzi where her adventures with kids, cooking and family round out the fun.

Friday is For Fiesta-Rosted Tomatillo Guacamole

Enter the current Giveaway from Dorothy's Aprons Here. I am extending this giveaway for an additional week too!!! So more time for folks to get on the sewing wagon for this one.

So, I was abducted by my husband and children at 8 am yesterday morning for a "daycation" to Pismo Beach, California. We packed up the tents, sleeping bags, dump trucks, motorcycle, and all the other junk, and then drove until we hit clam town. Here's the proof:

A spectacular sunset!

We arrived home Thursday evening and getting back on track I have the following recipe for you to drool over. Go ahead and make it this weekend. I totally give you permission.

Admittedly, this recipe comes from Sunset magazine, but I make it ALL THE TIME, so I feel like I own it. I make it frequently because it is insanely good.

I could eat an entire bowl but my jeans shout at me, "NO, DON'T DO IT! I listen for the most part, but I have to pass this on to all you ladies out there anyway. And for the record...I have altered the recipe to suit my tastes better, so maybe I'm not cheating as much as you think. Basically less avocado by proportions.

Ingredients
3 fresh Jalapeños, stems removed, and chiles halved and seeded
1 medium white onion, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch sections (like you would for hamburgers)
2-3 garlic clove, peeled
3-4 large tomatillos, papery skin removed, cut in half
2-3 avocados, peeled and cut into chunks
At least 1 tablespoon lime juice (1 or 2 limes)
1/3 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, chopped finely
At least 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

In a large, un-oiled frying pan over medium heat, pan-roast the Jalapeños, onion, garlic, and tomatillo on all sides, 20 to 25 minutes total. Basically until softened and pierced easily with a fork.

In a blender or food processor, whirl the vegetables until blended but still chunky.

Add avocado and lime juice; pulse until blended.

Add cilantro and salt, pulse to combine, and add more salt and/or lime juice to taste.

Nutritional Information

I am just not going to tell you since you don't really want to know...Just grab a chip and dip it!

Chef Bliss is an Apron Goddess

Enter the current Giveaway from Dorothy's Aprons Here.

Tiersa is our featured Apron Goddess and is truly a goddess of cooking at her blog Chef Bliss where she writes about everything "kitchen." She has provided a whopping FOUR apron pictures for this feature. Fortunately, we have a play by play explanation for each of these aprons, since I could not make up a story for each. I'm good but not that good... Thanks T!

1. My Nordstrom apron was given to me by my college roommate in 1986. She worked at Nordstrom and we used to save our money to buy special things. She was so proud of this gift...but it doesn't quite cover in all the right places so I don't wear it often.


2. My lovely plastic thing was given to me by my mother in 1985. I think I need to donate it. But it's great for working around wet stuff.

3. My lovely embroidered Heineken apron was another Christmas gift, from my brother in 1983, doesn't fit well but it does have a handy pocket, which none of the others do. But do I really want Goodwill selling an apron with my name on it?

4. My favorite, the cat, I got for my tenth birthday in 1975, along with a cookbook, a recipe card box (with matching cards of course), and a very cute measuring spoon set. And yes, it says "bite they little headies off, and nibble on they tiny feet." I keep it for many reasons.

"Thanks for letting me share my funny and sad aprons!!"-Tiersa

Indeed! We need to thank you for providing such a history for each apron in your collection. Nice story and you told it well.

Tiersa also indicated, "I am a firm believer that we bring things into our lives when we need them. I am having a blast with my blogs and I have been dreaming of a new apron since Christmas and have moved it to the top of my wish list. And then I found you! I have always wanted a new apron, but have never found one I really truly loved and I always felt bad buying a new one since I have 4 -- even though I can't wear them! There always seemed to be something I needed more than an another apron. I think often of the apron I would love to wear, the color I want it to be, how I want it to fit. It's a little thing, but oh so fun! I think it's time."

Be sure to check her out at Chef Bliss for recipes and a lot more...

That Was Then, This is Now III

Enter the current Giveaway from Dorothy's Aprons Here.

It looks like they were pretty much messin' with women's body image back in the 50's as well as today. Apparently the impossibly small waste, larger upper body and disproportionately long leg was not a new invention through the use of the model "Twiggy." As I was born in the 70's I have only my personal experience with fashion trends to look back on. However, after looking at these patterns of womens aprons from the 50's I see that skinny body image indoctrination has been going on for a long, long, long time.

Left: Ruffle-trimmed bib aprons in two styles; half apron too. Advance 5884 size medium. From 1951.



Right: Contrast fabric used to highlight shaping of hems and pockets. Advance 5883 in size medium. From 1957.

While these images of women on the patterns are pretty, they are not realistic in any world I know. These impossibly small waists are what get me the most. I realize exaggeration occurs in fashion but really...

So I wanted to take a moment and celebrate some beautiful ladies showing off their aprons minus the artifice of fashion.

Here is Simply Vintagegirl wearing a home crafted creation.



Then I found these awesome aprons from Stitch Thru Time where they make old fashioned retro aprons all made in the USA. They feature normal figured models in their beautifully styled adult and child sized aprons.


This picture was featured on The Quilterhood and shows a great mom and daughter set of aprons! Kid need to have positive images to model from and I think this one is great!


As always, if you would like to be featured on this site in your apron just send me an email with your picture and story. Plus get extra credit for any future drawing!

Apron Pattern Book Giveaway from Dorothy's Aprons!

Note: June's original website has changed during this giveaway, but she offers this book for sale via email.

I have a new type of giveaway for all you TAG ladies this week! It's a pattern book written and compiled by June Bartos, which provides vintage apron styles as shown at Dorothy's Aprons and Handmade Memories. For all you ladies who sew this weeks giveaway is right up your apron...hee, hee!

This book contains 20 practical patterns in the style of the early 20th century (1900's) which you can sew yourself. The patterns must be enlarged prior to sewing and directions are provided in the book explaining how to instruct the photocopy center where you do your enlargements. Also, this is not a "beginners" book for a total rookie seamstress.

The book primarily features adult aprons but has a few youth or children's patterns too. The apron styles vary between causal to formal and are mostly from the 1920's and 1930's. What is old is new and the styles shown are perfect for 2010! The patterns in this lovely book include a darling "Flapper" style apron. I can also admit to being very fond of the Ladies Tea Frock.

With these patterns you can completely customize your apron to fit you perfectly construct it from a fabric of your exacting taste.

To enter the drawing for a copy of this book visit Dorothy's site and look a the apron styles in the book. Come back and leave a comment on your favorite one. Please remember to leave an email address if you do not have a blog site.

Get an additional five entries into the drawing by posting on your blog about this book giveaway at your site.

For 10 additional entries in the book drawing send a photo of you in your favorite apron and a few lines about your "Apron Goddess" attitude, what you like to cook wearing your apron, or any other story you have about wearing your apron.

The entries for this contest close on February 27, 2009, 12:00 midnight.

Happy Valentine's Day to all the women in the universe!

I hope your honey has thought to get you something you like.

It's cold and rainy in California. And it's about time!!!! We're loving the weather since it has been so dreadfully dry here for months. But you really don't care about the weather do you...?

So I'll get right to the point.

The random number generator gave me lucky number: 3

Yes, the number three! So that means that DiPaola Momma who gives us Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom has won the apron from Over The Top Aprons! Let's give her a big "Woo hoo!"

Not loud enough...one more time, "WOO HOO!" OK, that's better.

Now she can be even sexier for dinner than normal!

Lets send our a huge Thank You to Corline at Over The Top Aprons for donating the gold and orange damask apron for this weeks giveaway. Also, thank you TAG ladies for visiting and please if you're in the market for an apron visit our sponsors and tell them you came from The Apron Goddesses!

Monday will dawn bright and early with a giveaway from Dorothy's Aprons so come back and check it out. You will be sew, sew happy!

Secrets about "Our Friend" Aluminum Foil

Enter the giveaway from Over The Top Aprons HERE.

I received an email about aluminum foil and cling wrap a few weeks ago and have to share it with you ladies. I am probably way, way, way late to this party, but maybe there are some other oblivious losers out there like me. I have been using these products for at least 27 years and never noticed this marvel of modern technology.

You know when you try to pull some saran wrap or aluminum foil out and the roll comes out of the box? You've had this happen...don't deny it. Then you have to put the roll back in the box and start over. The darn roll always comes out at the wrong time.

Look at the end of the roll of foil or wrap.



Right there on the end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place.

Question: How long has this little locking tab been there?

Answer: An eternity and then some...

I can't count the number of times the Saran wrap roll has jumped out when I was trying to cover something up. Now I have seen the light and can function like a normal human, not like a dork trying to wrap leftovers...

Our First Apron God

Enter the giveaway from Over The Top Aprons HERE.

The Apron God for today is Mr. Cox, husband of Mrs. Cox from Mrs. Cox's Slice O' Heaven. Erin writes a little of this and a little of that and it all makes for her heaven on earth!

Last week Erin submitted this picture for extra credit and won the giveaway. She says, "It's a picture of my husband, Mat, wearing my apron {um and he is wearing shorts, I promise}. He was stir frying and I feared he'd get burned, so of course I shared my apron with him. It's nothing fancy, just something I made {my sewing skills are lacking} but it works! I love wearing aprons while I'm in the kitchen though, it just makes me a little bit happier!"

My only comment is, "Can I borrow your husband for a few days?" Really, the best I can get out of my spouse in the kitchen is dish washing, but I guess I should be thankful for that which I already have...Right?

Erin's has a beautiful baby girl to take care of, but if that was not enough she runs two other blogs: Frugal Fashion and Savvy Shopping and Snafood. So if you are looking for new shoes or the next fashionable clothing trend and need to cook something yummy like Slow Cooker Artichoke Chicken or Corn Chowder check her sites out!

Watch Out! Apron Goddess Gena's in the Kitchen

Enter the giveaway from Over The Top Aprons HERE.

Hey TAG ladies. Today brings us Apron Goddesses, Gena and her mom, Sherry, from We Are Family where they review products and get into trouble with their adventures in life.

Gena sent us this picture since she said, and I quote, "Okay, so now I am ready to kill for this apron (she was referring to the red sweetheart apron)...just kiddin' so don't call the cops..." I was sorry that she did not win the giveaway, since now I am probably on her hit list. Maybe I need to start cooking the books...ha ha not really.


My first comment to Gena was, "You look like you could do some serious damage with that there frying pan!"

Her response was, "Hmmmm I am married now, but at the time I may have been showing my fiancée who was boss."

Well, I bet there's no doubt who wears the pants in her family... Gena's wearing a cute bistro style apron here and paired it perfectly with her wide leg pants and short sleeved blouse. Let's give it up for Gena, another serious Apron Goddess.

Ella's Green Apron from Over the Top Aprons (Also Mama Kat's Bonus Apron Giveaway)

Enter current apron giveaway HERE.

I bought this green apron with white polka dots for my daughter a few weeks ago and she loves it. It fits her perfectly. Over The Top Aprons made this "baby" apron and others like this can be found in the 2 to 5 yr old sizes.


I am battling Ella's desire to put her hands in everything in the kitchen. Give her a whisk or spoon and she'll stand at the counter stirring for 10 minutes. I don't want to squash her enthusiasm but she is trying her best to maim herself by grabbing knives and cutting using the dull side. Then riffling through the utensil drawer she wrangles the can opener and screams in frustration when it does not work. Finally, when she dives into the fridge like a rugby player in a championship game, I must muscle her out.

Ella's stool is a 20 pounder which she scrapes across the kitchen floor like a bull dozer, raising the hackles down my spine. She slams the stool against the cabinets with authority when she wants to get involved with my cooking projects. Then cries like a banshee when I pry her from the counter top. I love her dearly!

Also, check out the other apron giveaway at Mama Kat's! It's for a frilly number, really girly and sweet made by Leslie's MyModern Shop on Etsy. (pictured to the right). Hustle over and sign up there too!

Over The Top Apron's Golden Giveaway

This week on TAG, I can offer a giveaway of a Gold and Orange Damask Print Apron by Over The Top Aprons. It's rich and elegant and will make you feel sophisticated whether cooking for special event or a normal dinner at home. Regardless you know you need to add this one to your apron collection TAG ladies.

Over The Top Aprons offers gorgeous half and full aprons in a wide variety of color schemes and styles so there is something for everybody at the store. Also, there is lovely line of children's aprons which are perfectly sized for little girls.

Corline, owner of OTTA says, "Aprons are back and what fun to be able to wear a cute, stylish, apron whatever the occasion. My goal is to create aprons using the finest of designer fabrics and ribbons; creating aprons that you can be proud to wear."

This half apron is one of my favorites at Corline's store. It is so sassy and cute with a fancy flair that it appeals to me on a basic girl level!

Here's the really important stuff:

To enter this drawing for a the gold damask apron pictured above right, click over to Over The Top Aprons and come back and make a comment about your favorite apron. (Leave your email if you don't have a blog contact)

For five additional entries in the drawing post about this TAG giveaway on your blog.

To earn ten bonus entries in the drawing send me a photo of you in an apron and a few lines about your TAG philosophy.

Entry close on Friday the 13th of February!!! So be sure to make a comment and get a chance to win.

Winner of the TAYGA Gift Certificate

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday! Yes, it is actually the weekend if you were not already keeping track of these things. The days just run together for me so basically one day is just like the next. So sad.

It was a slow week on TAG, but I am attributing this to give away blogger burnout from everybody who attended the "Carnival." Thank you ladies for coming to visit and signing up for the give aways!

BUT I ran the random number generator and came up with lucky 61, which extrapolated out counting into the extra entries means that ............. ERIN at Mrs. Cox's Slice O' Heaven won the $30.00 gift certificate toward a TAYGA apron. Erin sent in a photo of her husband in "her" apron and the rest of you ladies can see what's cooking at her house next week. So extra credit pays off now doesn't it...

Come back on Monday for a give away from OVER THE TOP APRONS!!

Irresistible Alphabet Pasta and Butternut Squash Medley

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for TAYGA HERE. Entries close at midnight tonight!

Here is another one of my kids favorite meals. I love it too, by the way. It has just enough appeal to make it interesting for adults and the basics which kids wolf down like ravenous beasts.

There are really only five ingredients for this one:

Pasta
Butternut Squash
Parmesan Cheese
Butter or Margarine
An Orange
Salt and Pepper to taste

Adorned with your favorite apron, boil water and cook your pasta until done. (You know how to do this already...) I tend to cook a touch longer than it says on the package for kid chewability... Thick type pasta like bow ties or spirals or shells would do here. I especially like the Trader Joe's brand multi-colored alphabet pasta.

On proportions: Adjust proportions of all ingredients to fit your households size...

Meanwhile, cut skin off butternut squash and slice the orange colored flesh into one inch or bigger sized cubes. I tend to cook about 3-4 cups of squash for this recipe, but adjust to your family size. I place the cubes in a 4 cup measuring cup. Then fill cup with water until squash is submerged. Then with a plate over the top (to keep in steam) I pop the squash into the microwave on high for 9-11 minutes (or until soft enough that a fork easily passes through it). But you can cook by boiling in a pot on the stove top just as well.

After draining pasta and cooked butternut squash, I put them both in a large mixing bowl and add about a tablespoon of butter. Then I gently mix letting the butter melt.

Now here's where you can go wild or not. I tend to put a lot of Parmesan cheese into the mix, gently folding it into the pasta and butternut squash.

Finally, cut an orange in half and squeeze the juice into the medley giving every thing one last gentle toss. For some reason the sweet, fresh squeezed orange brightens the flavor of the pasta and squash. Salt and Pepper and eat up!!!

News Flash

The Halton Mom received her pink damask apron from Gift an Apron!!!
Read her story HERE.

Apron Goddess Aisha

Enter the giveaway for TAYGA HERE.

Today I would like to present Aisha, an Apron Goddess who is new in the United States.

Aisha revealed, "I am from the Philippines and I've been here in the US for 5 months now. Steven and I were separated for a year after getting married in the Philippines because of my visa. So I am just really learning on being a wife to him. My most favorite part of being a wife is cooking and baking. I feel really fulfilled when I get to do those for him. LOL!"

I'm thinking in a few more years and maybe with a kid or two, Aisha might not be quite so gun-ho in the kitchen. Well see. For now I really appreciate her enthusiasm, honesty, and sincerity. Then most of all her apron wearing attitude!!!!!

Aisha runs four amazing blogs, while I have trouble keeping up with just two. Her sites are called The Holly Herald, I'm In Culture Shock, Scenic Sunday, and Aisha's Memorabilia.

That she is busy bloggin' is undeniable. I was blown away by the header picture on Scenic Sunday. Simply stated, it is spectacular. I love nature and incredible photos like she postings. You can join her and sign up with Mr. Linky and post your own "scenic" pictures too.

Aisha says, "Here are photos of me in my apron. This was a Christmas gift to me from a good friend. Ever since I saw your sight I got more interested in aprons. I am planning to make my own."

Thanks for sharing your photos Aisha! You have an Apron Goddess in you.

Tinder Boutique's Family Portrait is "Apron Attired"

Enter the giveaway for TAYGA HERE.

First of all this picture is inspiring! It shows an impressive four generations of Apron Goddesses from Jennifer Tinder's family. Jennifer, owner of Tinder Boutique, sponsored a giveaway a few weeks ago and we are still awaiting a photo from the winner in her "Cupcake" apron. Hint, hint Arielle. I'll be checking on you...

But, back to this great photo. The spirit and love of aprons spans the generations with these ladies.


Jennifer says, "I'm so addicted to aprons its not funny...Well, attached is a pic of myself in one of my many aprons. I'm the one in red with my daughter in red too. The rest of the gang is my family. 4 generations! I figured you might like this one since you have been posting groups of apron groupies...lol."

Thanks Jennifer for giving us a great example of how it's done Apron Goddess style.

So all of you other TAG ladies step up and send in some evidence of your love of aprons. And as a bonus get extra entries in to the weekly drawings too.

What About a Purse?

Enter the giveaway for TAYGA HERE.

So being as this is a "Fashion" type blog I thought this tag would fit. DiPaola Momma at Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom "Bagged" me with this one. Or rather smacked me across the head with her duffle bag she calls a purse...

Here goes with Rule No. 1:

1) "Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you cannot go up to your closet and pull out that cute little purse you used back before you had kids (Ha! Good try...). Show what you carried today or the last time you left the house."


This should tell you: pragmatic, boring, simple, unfashionable...shall I go on??

Then Rule No. 2 is post a picture of the contents inside your bag. The theory here is that you can learn a lot about someone from what is in the bag... oh, and you can steal mommy secrets...


Go ahead you voyeurs. Get your jollies here. This is VERY exciting. The junk inside consists of a little plaid wallet, leather checkbook, stamps, phone, sun glasses... All again practical items. I actually had cleaned out the receipts from the past two weeks about two days ago. And NO I did not cheat.

Finally, the real reason I own this purse: STRONG TODDLER TOTER. Ella can sit on the purse while I walk anywhere without breaking my back. Wide nylon shoulder strap distributes her weight very well and her butt can't ruin the purse itself!!!

I am passing this onto the last five followers who signed up as An Apron Addict:

Corline at Over the Top Aprons
Abigial at Abigial and Jake
Amelia at AmeliaBedelia
Joanna at Now with Baby
Mandy at Beads Me

And if you get this far down in the text here's a secret. Today is my birthday. Lucky me. And, yes I am only 28 today...he he he ha ha ha...check my profile for my real age.

TAYGA's $30 Gift Certificate Giveaway

The Apron Goddesses is excited to offer an awesome gift certificate for $30.00 at TAYGA where creator Debbie Olson offers an incredible collection of chic, savvy and simply irresistible aprons. TAYGA's figure flattering patterns have exceptional detail to quality, vibrant prints and fully reversible designs. I simply LOVE her color schemes. With 100% high quality cotton fabrics, these aprons can be tossed in the washer for easy care.

Debbie's wish is that her stylish and flirty aprons will heighten your interest in cooking and entertaining, since dinner parties are the perfect way to enjoy conversation between friends and of course talk about your apron!!!!

TAYGA has a collection of children’s aprons too. These adorable mommy and me designs will have you creating priceless memories with your children. Families that cook and eat together eat healthier and stay connected.

Peg Mischler, co- owner of TAYGA aprons comments, “Selecting exceptional fabrics, creating feminine designs and the quality of workmanship is important to us. All of our aprons are made in the USA, designed by women for women.”

To enter this drawing for a $30.00 gift certificate click over to TAYGA and come back and make a comment about your favorite apron. P.S. Check out their red and white patterned apron. It's perfect for Valentine's Day!

For five additional entries in the drawing post about this TAG giveaway on your blog.

To earn ten bonus entries in the drawing send me a photo of you in an apron and a few lines about your TAG philosophy.