today’s giveaway is from the gorgeous designer and jewelry store, lisa leonard designs. lisa and her team design all the jewelry along with a few other fun things including my beautiful twig necklace shown above. today they are offering one of you lovely readers the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to her store.

to enter: head on over to lisa leonard designs and sign up for their newsletter, then come back here and leave a comment below to let us know you did. you may receive an extra entry for liking them on their facebook page, just be sure to leave a comment for each. this contest is open only to chalk white arrow readers so double check you follow along here as well. the contest ends one week from today, good luck!

today’s giveaway is brought to you by tukula. tukula is a cause-driven business invested in giving local ugandan artisans the opportunity to grow above poverty. each artisan is given above average wages for their quality handmade products plus medical care, access to saving programs, and pride themselves on providing an encouraging work environment. this gives them the ability to provide for themselves and their families with homes, food, and education.

today tukula is giving one lucky reader (sorry, u.s.a. residing only) the chance to win a mint green foldover clutch as well as the purple rain shami bag just like mine pictured above. i love to use my mint green foldover clutch for holding my “on the go” makeup and it fits perfectly inside my purple rain shami bag. to enter, head on over to their facebook by clicking here and become their newest friend. you may also receive an extra entry for following them on twitter as well, just be sure to leave a comment for each. as always, this giveaway is only open to chalk white arrow readers, so be sure to double check you follow along and do so if you don’t already. the winner will be chosen one week from today, good luck!

today is kramer’s fourth birthday. i can’t believe he is already four, it seems like just yesterday we brought him home for the first time as a wee little pup. we celebrated by going on an extra long walk and letting him unwrap a few toys we found on major discount at the pet store. oh how kramer loves unwrapping new toys, something we found out this past christmas as he went around attempting to open everyones else’s presents in hope they were all for him. kramer opened some new mini bouncy balls for fetch, a few furry friends to replace his old torn and grungy ones, and a new fur for lounging upon, mostly on account that his old one was starting to get a bit on the dingy side. he’s currently taking a big long birthday nap completely worn out from all the day’s excitement. happy birthday kramer, we love you!

i always have the hardest time cooking for myself when camden is working late. i feel like i most often find myself getting takeout (once again) and have recently been looking for options that are healthy yet still easy and delicious. this dinner is one i’ve recently been obsessed with. it’s so beautifully simple; asparagus splashed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper and baked at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes, then drizzled with reduced balsamic vinegar. i paired them with sliced gouda cheese and grapes with skins so tight they are bursting from the seams. seriously i’ve made this more than a few times recently and plan to make it just a few more (at least).