Happy Nurses Week to Me: Dansko Nursing Shoes Review and GIVEAWAY!

Next week is Nurses Week 2013, and it's always a fun week for us nurses.  It's one week where we tend to get a few extra thank you's and depending on how generous our employers are (mine is very!), sometimes we even get a little gift or treat!

Speaking of treats, Dansko surprised me for Nurses Week this year!  I was delighted to receive an email from them asking if I'd like to participate in their Nurse Week celebration, and of course I was glad to!

First things first, a little announcement for all you nurses out there who love Dansko product! Dansko is sponsoring an enter-to-win contest for anyone who visits a Dansko retailer during Nurses Week (5/6-5/12) and tries on Dansko apparel or footwear. Five lucky nurses will win a Dansko prize pack! To find a Dansko retailer near you, check out their find-a-retailer page.

Dansko didn't stop there, though!  They also offered my some brand new shoes to replace my very loved pair that I've been wearing every single day for nearly two years. 

Dansko gave me a few options and I settled on the Sedona Elise in White Smooth Leather.  The shoes arrived pearly white on my doorstep and I couldn't wait to try them out at work!

But first, a photo shoot:

I've been wearing the Elise shoes at work for a few weeks now, and they are great!  They have a little bit of a heel on them, so it's been great to give my dragging scrub pants a break from hanging out under my shoes!  I was a little nervous wearing the shoes to work for the first time, afraid they might hurt as they got broken in.  I was very happy to find out that there was no pinching, no hurting, no nothing!  The shoes felt as if I had been wearing them for months, except for that they were sparkling white!

Dansko couldn't forget all my nurse readers, too!  They were kind enough to offer a pair of the Sedona Elise shoes to one lucky Stress Case reader!  Enter via Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given 1 pair of Dansko shoes by Dansko for review, and offered one to giveaway to one of my readers.  All opinions are my own.

Tandem Stills and Motion Phone Cases

Last month, my Handsome Husband surprised the heck out of me with a new iPhone 5 for my birthday!  It was an especially sweet surprise because we had vowed not to get each other presents as we went on a big vacation just weeks before both of our birthdays!

 

After the man surprised me, I spent a few days stalking Etsy in hopes of finding the cutest new phone case, but my tendency to overthink had me carrying around a naked phone for a few weeks. 

 

And then, the blogging/social media angels stepped in and I got an email regarding Tandem Stills and Motion Phone Cases, asking if I would like to try one out and possibly host a giveaway for one lucky reader to win a new case also!

 

After checking out their online shop, I was overwhelmed again, but for good reason!  They had so many gorgeous phone cases to choose from!

 

      

    

 

I mean, seriously?!  I die over the puppy underwater - Cute Apartment needs to get an iPhone so I can get her that case!

 

In the end, I decided on one that was very me:

{The Road Ahead}

 

I like to think of this case as representing looking ahead and I love that message.  It was fun to pick something a bit out of the ordinary for me - normally my phone would be covered in hot pink, chevron, glitter or rhinestones (or all four at once), so it's been nice to go for a completely different look!

 

The colors in the case are gorgeous, and it has held up quite well for the few weeks since I covered up my naked phone with it.  I've managed to drop it a few times, and there are no scuffs or scratches on the case, and my phone has been very resilient!  The image does not seem to be printed in a way that it is peeling or will begin to peel in time on this case - a problem I have had with other similar cases from other brands.



 

HH, my permanent hand model

 

This is by no means a "tough" case, and if you are very rough with your phone or have small children who you let use it, this is probably not the right case for you.  But for those of you who are relatively gentle with your iPhone, this will work just perfectly to protect the back of your phone and give you something gorg to look at, too!

 

Tandem Stills Motion, Inc was kind enough to offer one lucky Stress Case reader a phone case of their choosing as well!  Enter via Rafflecopter below!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



 

I was given an iPhone 5 phone case from Tandem Stills Motion, Inc. for review, and offered a credit for one case for a Stress Case reader.  All words and opinions are my own.

Current Obsession: Chevron and Camera Wrist Strap GIVEAWAY

My name is Casey, and I am addicted to Chevron.

I know I am about 46 years too late for this trend, but dammit, I don't care!  I just cannot get enough of the cute little zig zags all over my ish.  Handsome Hubs should thank his lucky stars that I've got about zero patience, or our house might be covered in the chev.

 

 

I have seriously accumulated quite the chevron collection. 

 

 

My former phone case was the most adorable chevron from Abigail Lee.  FYI It's only a former case because my sweet generous Handsome Hubs got me the iPhone 5 for my birthday, and I had to retire it.  I had my Abigail Lee case for over a year, and it was in amazing shape.  Highly recommend her Etsy shop if you're in the market for a cute monogrammed case!

{Mine was similar to this one, but way cuter}

My planner (yes, I still use a paper planner, though I also use Cozi, which is amazing!) rocks the zig zags also:

{Maybooks}

My clothes are no exception either. I've got chevron undies, yoga pants and even shirts!

My yoga pants actually have pink chevron trim (go figure).  Both from VS PINK collection.

Clearly enthused about my chevron top from Francesca's on Christmas morning.

My latest chevron purchase, however, just might be my favorite.  What is it you ask?

This little beauty, turning my camera from a boring ole DSLR to the cutest lil camera you ever did see:

You can find these straps at SewTamz Etsy Shop HERE.

I'm also addicted to monograms, as you can see.

The strap is from SewTamz Designs and I, for one, think it is adorable.  I'll be honest and admit that HH thinks its a wee bit ridiculous, but then again, he thinks a lot things I do are ridiculous, so what's one more?

Tammy from SewTamz was gracious enough to throw in a little wrist camera strap for one of my readers with my camera strap order, and I am pretty jealous I don't get to keep this little guy for myself. 

You can see this strap and other adorable versions for sale HERE.

This wrist strap would be so perfect for a small point and shoot and great for outings to theme parks, at recitals or events for children, and even a night out with your girlfriends.  Everyone deserves a cute accessory for their camera, and a trust way to tote your memory saver.

Enter below via Rafflecopter to camera-match me win this darling wrist strap, and make your camera cute as can be!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 on Friday

1. I have been super nasty sick this week, and it has been no fun!  Every once in a while, I think "wow it's been a long time since I've gotten sick" and inevitably, days later, I am hit with a nasty bug. 

2. Tutor Girl and I have got something fun planned for you coming next month - spoiler alert: we've done it once before, and it was sweet!

3. I can't believe this time next week I will be running around like a chicken with her head cut off to finish packing and head out for our week long East Coast Vacation!

4. I have a super awesome giveaway coming up (that was actually supposed to happen this week, but this little sickness of mine threw a wrench in my plans), that involves the following: chevron, hot pink, and fabulousness.

5. Can we just talk about how I am turning 21 for the fourth time in exactly one month?  Depressing.

Being sassy on my 21st birthday. 

My actual 21st, that is.

From Mrs to Mama GIVEAWAY!

Y'all need to stop what you're doing right now and head to From Mrs to Mama, where the newly promoted to Mama of TWO is hosting a big giveaway.  I contributed a lil somethin' somethin' from the Starbs - so get over there and enter!

 

If you're coming by from Becky's blog, I hope you'll take a little looksie around!

Welcome!

 

Christmas Came Early: Giveaway WINNERS!

I hope you all enjoyed the wonderful giveaways I had for you last week!  I'm very excited to announce the winners of the six fabulous prizes that were offered up last week!  Winners, check your email - you've got 48 hours to respond after I've sent them off to claim your prize!

Sponsorship Bundle Winner:

Provided by Stress Case, Blonde Undercover Blonde, They Call Her Meghan, and Messy Dirty Hair.

 

Christie from Satisfaction Through Christ

 
Stand Mixer Decal Winner:
Provided by Lil Punkin Creations

This one is great, the winner is none other than Sister Swimmer!!

PROOF that I'm not cheating for good ole SS:

 

Gorgeous Earrings Winner:
Provided by Brunch With Amber

The wonderful Tara from Fabulous But Evil
 

 

Graphic Design Etsy Shop Credit Winner:

Provided by Frog Prince Occasions

Amanda from Life Accoding to Amanda
 

 

State Print Winner:

Provided by DaisyKate's

Jenna from Step by Step
 

  and finally,  

Scentsy Warmer and Bar Winner:

Provided by Amber

Jennifer!
Be sure to check your email if that's your name to see if you're THE Jennifer!

Thanks again for reading this blog, and for entering these super fun giveaways!

Christmas Came Early: SCENTSY GIVEAWAY!

 

Can I just tell you how jealous I am about all the super cool stuff y'all are getting the chance to win?!  So cute!  And today is no exception - I've got every blogger's favorite...Scentsy up for grabs today!

 

Amber is very generously giving away a Snowman plug-in Scentsy warmer and 1 Scensty bar to a lucky winner from Stress Case!

 

 

Shop for these and other items on Amber's Scentsy Website HERE!

 

I can't believe these giveaways are coming to an end - crossing my fingers for all of you, don't forget you've got all next week to keep tweeting and enter-ing any of the giveaways you've not gotten a chance to yet!  See below for a list from the whole week!

 

Enter to win the Scenty package from Amber below via Rafflecopter!

Enter to win the Sponsorship Bundle HERE.
Enter to win the Vinyl Decals for Stand Mixer HERE. Enter to win Amber's Elyse earrings HERE. Enter to win the $10 Graphic Design Etsy Shop Credit HERE. Enter to win Daisy Kate's Customized 16x20 State Print HERE.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Came Early: DARLING STATE PRINT GIVEAWAY!

 

I have to admit I'm a little overly excited for today's giveaway, but that's only because it's from none other than my blonde bestie for life - Cute Apartment!  That's right, the CA herself has opened up the most adorable Etsy shop to sell these darling state prints!

Today, DaisyKate's Etsy Shop is giving away a 16x20 state print - your choice of color and state!

And how to prove I'm a real, die-hard fan of her work?

MY LIVING ROOM WALL!

So, if you want to be just like me and support DaisyKate's new venture by getting an awesome state print, enter via Rafflecopter below!

If you're looking for something that smells delightful, come back tomorrow for another giveaway!

Enter to win the Sponsorship Bundle HERE.
Enter to win the Vinyl Decals for Stand Mixer HERE. Enter to win Amber's Elyse earrings HERE. Enter to win the $10 Graphic Design Etsy Shop Credit HERE.    a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Came Early: $10 GRAPHIC DESIGN ETSY STORE CREDIT!

 

Back with another fantastic giveaway for you all today!  Paula and Gillian from Frog Prince Occasions are here to give away a $10 credit to their adorable Etsy store!  Paula and Gillian design printables for adult and children's birthday parties including invitations, favor tags, decor, and more!  They also happened to design the invitations for my own personal Housewarming Party!

Check of some of the darling invitations and goods Frog Prince Occasions has to offer the winner of this giveaway!

  Enter to win your $10 credit to Frog Prince Occasions below via Rafflecopter!  Check back tomorrow for a chance to win a state print by the one and only Cute Apartment! Enter to win the Sponsorship Bundle HERE. Enter to win the Vinyl Decals for Stand Mixer HERE. Enter to win Amber's Elyse earrings HERE.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Came Early: GORGEOUS EARRINGS GIVEAWAY!

 

Amber from Brunch With Amber and I have got something sparkly for your ears today!  Amber recently opened an online jewelry boutique, and she was kind enough to offer to give away a pair of earrings to one lucky reader!

 

 

These stunners are the Elyse earrings, as seen in June's issue of Glamour!

 

You can find them and other beautiful pieces of jewlery at Amber's new online jewelry boutique HERE!

  Enter via Rafflecopter below! Tune in tomorrow when I've got a fantastic graphic designer from Etsy giving away a credit to their shop! Enter to win the Sponsorship Bundle HERE. Enter to win the Vinyl Decals for Stand Mixer HERE.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Came Early: STAND MIXER DECAL GIVEAWAY!

 

Today, I have a fantastic giveaway for the baker in your life, or a great little add-on gift if you're gifting anyone a stand mixer this year for Christmas!  Or if you've got a mixer of your own, this is the perfect addition to take it from functional to functional and adorable!

 

Julie from the Etsy shop, Lil Punkin Creations is giving away the Swirls Vinyl Decal set for Stand Mixers!

 

 

Adorable, right?!  And look at all the gorgeous colors you can get your decal set made in:

 

 

Enter below via Rafflecopter!

And come back tomorrow for a chance to win something sparkly!

And fellow bloggers, don't forget to enter yesterday's Sponsorship Bundle Giveaway!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Came Early: SPONSORSHIP BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the first day of my weeklong giveaway celebration here at Stress Case to kick off the holiday season!

Today, I've got a great giveaway for the blogger readers who are looking to get their blog out there next year!  A sponsorship bundle!

The winner of this giveaway will get one month of sponsorship for January 2013 at the following fabulous blogs:

      and even this little ole blog here,     For inquiring minds, I have no immediate plans of opening up to paid sponsors, but will happily be taking on the winner of this giveaway on as my sponsor in January - promise I'm a great host!   Please enter using below via Rafflecopter! And come back tomorrow where I'll be giving away a little something glam for your stand mixer! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scrubs GIVEAWAY!

When Dansko contacted me asking if I'd like to review a pair of their scrubs, I just about spit out my wine (what else would I be drinking?) in excitement!  Of course I emailed back, overly excited for my new work outfit.  I even got to choose between a few styles and colors - so much fun!

I finally settled on the Geri top in navy, with matching Gina pants in the matching navy color.  I chose navy because I don't have any navy scrubs, and I am a long time believer in the whole navy is a neutral debate (is this actually a debate?), and thought it would be a lovely addition to my ever-growing scrub collection!  I'm also a little boring, and love a good solid colored scrub set, so this was perfect!

In my hustle and bustle of moving, unpacking, planning a housewarming, and then trying to recover from the craziness that was August-October, these cute little scrubs just sat there waiting for me to try them on!

And finally I did - and I'm so glad!

 

These Dansko scrubs are so soft and comfortable (I may or may not be wearing them as I type this).  They are like wearing your most comfortable pair of pajamas (and everyone's second reason behind the whole saving lives and helping the world thing for becoming a nurse is wearing pajamas to work).  The navy is a really pretty dark shade, and will look adorbs with some of the print tops I have.

 

One thing to keep in mind:  these run a bit big.  I ordered both the pants and the top in a medium and I'm sort of swimming in the top (not usually a problem for me in tops if you know what I mean...who am I kidding, not usually a problem for me in clothes).  I did wash and heat dry the top, so I'm thinking it's just going to be a big comfy one - which is fine, but had I known, I may have ordered a Small, which would have been good for the fit and also for my self confidence cause God knows I don't get to wear a size small very often!

 

You can see Dansko's entire line of scrubs at Dansko.com/atwork if you or someone you know is lucky enough to get to wear pajamas scrubs to work on the daily!

 

Speaking of lucky, Dansko was kind enough to offer to give away a pair of their fantastic scrubs to one of my readers as well!  Enter below via Rafflecopter to grab a pair of these, and you know, with the holidays coming up, maybe there's someone you know who would love a pair of Dansko scrubs!  The winner will be able to select their own style and color of choice from Dansko.com/atwork.  Good luck!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Nail Files, or The One Where I Win a Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, the most awesome thing happened - 

I won a giveaway! 

Aimee from Chronicles of a Dime was giving away the most fun little package of goodies, and I was lucky enough to be the winner!

Pretty sweet, huh?

Go check out Aimee's blog and maybe you'll get lucky enough to see something wonderful up for grabs again sometime!  Even if you don't, you can read her fun blog anyways! 

And did you notice that little nail polish goodie up there?  Essie!  This is my first ever Essie polish, and I was so excited to use it for the first time!  
Here is the gorgeous color that I rocked on my nails this week:

The high-def camera I used is not doing me any favors in hiding my hideous nail painting technique!