***The Giveaway is now closed and the winner is #12 Dawn***
When I was contacted by Etsylo Jewelry to do a review, I was a little hesitant because I usually don’t do reviews that have nothing to do with food, family or kids. But when I checked out her collection I was instantly drawn in by the sophisticated, whimsical designs that speak of elegance with every piece. Created by Sandra Callaú, Estylo Jewelry is based in San Francisco and offers a wide range of handmade designs with high quality materials, including Sterling Silver, Gold filled, Genuine Swarovski Crystallized Elements, Czech Crystals and Pearls among others. From the exotic modern, to bridal, to the everyday, Etsylo Jewelry specializes in jewelry for every type of woman and even designer cufflinks for men.  It’s this attention to quality and Sandra’s amazing talent that drew me in. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique piece for yourself or a gift this Valentine’s Day, you really should stop by Etsylo Jewelry.

You can find the Etsylo Jewelry collection at their website: www.estylojewelry.com or on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/estylojewelry and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/estylojewelry. From now until February 9th receive free shipping on everything plus additional 5% OFF for all Facebook Fans.

Red Siam Crystal Drop

It’s your lucky day! Estylo Jewelry is generously giving you a chance to win your own piece from their elegant and unique collection for a very special Valentine! All you have to do is tell me what your favorite Valentine’s Day memory is or what you are planing to do this Valentine’s Day and don’t forget to mention which gorgeous piece, the Wire Wrapped Red Swarovski Heart Necklace, or the Red Siam Crystal Drop Swarovski Necklace you would like to wear this Valentine’s Day!

And because there’s still snow on the ground here in Texas and I finally heard from my brother serving in Afghanistan, I’m in a good mood and I’m going to give you extra chances to win:
leave a seperate comment for each following your initial entry:

1. become a fan of In Sock Monkey Slippers on Facebook*
2. follow In Sock Monkey Slippers on Twitter: SMonkeySlippers*
3. On Twitter: tweet… I want to win one of these beautiful necklaces from Estylo Jewelry at @SMonkeySlippers http://bit.ly/dMZeXo
4. become a fan of Estylo Jewelry on Facebook*

*If you already are a fan on facebook or follow on twitter please leave a comment that you do so for extra entries

That’s a total of 5 chances to win! I’ve never done that before but like I said I’m in a good mood. Giveaway will end Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 2pm central time. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified be e-mail. Please United States residents only. Good Luck!

Today is the last day of our Santa Wears Sock Monkey Slippers Week! Honestly, it’s been a little exhausting and I’ve have no clue how the fat man does it but I have had a great time featuring some of the most unique and wonderful gifts that would be great under the tree this year! Today we are featuring Gifts for your favorite dog and cat. Ho, Ho, Ho and Happy Holidays from Mia and I! The Giveaway is now closed. The lucky winners are Raven and Stephanie! E-mails have been sent out.

Going Places 2 {inspirational dog print}

Ok, so this isn’t really for your dog but if you are or know someone who is a dog lover these inspirational dog prints by Going Places 2 are strikingly beautiful and perfect for a gift under the tree! Going Places 2′s line of Inspirational Dog Art Prints features dog breeds paired with an inspirational or motivational quote. I love the bold patterns, texture and the message that these prints convey. There is a print for almost every breed! This is really a special gift for any dog lover! Stop by Going Places 2′s Etsy shop to search for your favorite piece, get a custom print, and even find other fabulous artworks!

Thanks to GoingPlaces2, you have a chance to win a beautiful 8×10 Inspirational Dog print (shown above), the perfect gift for your favorite dog lover in your life. To enter, visit Going Places 2 and find the 8×10 Inspirational Dog Print that you would like to have under the tree, then leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name and who you think deserves this wonderful gift. Giveaway is open from Friday {12.10} till Sunday night {12.12}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

Meg’s Creations {gourmet dog biscuit mix}

Your dog will adore you after you give him a freshly baked right out of the oven dog biscuit! Created by Meg’s Creations, a specialty gourmet foods company, this Gourmet Dog Biscuit In A Jar is a great and unique gift to give this year! Including gourmet dog biscuit mix, Meg’s Creations‘ shop is full of specialty slow food, gourmet baking and cooking mixes in mason jars and bags for us too! Everything is made from scratch with love in a licensed commercial kitchen. And if you stop by her shop and find this amazing creation (pies in a jar) send me some because they look beyond delicious! Visit Meg’s Creations today for a special gift for your favorite dog (or yourself)!

Thanks to Meg’s Creations, you have a chance to win a Gourmet Dog Biscuit Mix (shown above), the perfect gift for your favorite dog! To enter, leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name and who you think deserves this wonderful gift. Giveaway is open from Friday {12.10} till Sunday night {12.12}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

The Upstairs Room {Mad Hatter Catnip Toy}

Well, unfortunately this is not going for a giveaway but I thought it was so unique that I had to feature it. What cat wouldn’t want a bag full of catnip with our favorite mad hatter on it? Check out this Mad Hatter catnip toy by the Upstairs Room and send your cat on a little trip with the Cheshire Cat this holiday season!

Grab one of these wonderful gifts for your little furry friends today!

If you would like to enter in both giveaways (Going Places 2 and Meg’s Creations) please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be chosen at random using Random.org.

**Thanks to all of our vendors who choose to make this week at In Sock Monkey Slippers very special by donating their fabulous creations! We think they are wonderful and very talented. Please keep them in mind all year round for unique gift ideas!

It’s day four of five of fabulous holiday giveaways and gift ideas! Today we are highlighting some unique gifts for Dad or the favorite men in your life! The Giveaway is now closed. The lucky winners are Jenna and Melissa (e-mails have been sent). Thanks to Jamie Riley and Dirty Deeds Soaps for theses wonderful gifts!

Cufflinks by The Cufflink Maker Jamie Riley

These aren’t your average cufflinks. Unique, one of a kind, and extremely fashionable, cufflinks by The Cufflink Maker – Jamie Riley, are the perfect gift this season for the favorite men in your life. Abundant in designs to fit every personality, Riley has a unique talent to mix a little humor with incredible style. From the Ramones and Beatles, to rock climbers and vintage maps, scroll through his amazing deigns at TheCufflinkMaker.com, and find a pair that suits your man the most. He doesn’t know it yet, but the husband is most likely finding these under the tree this year.

Thanks to The Cufflink Maker, you have a chance to win a pair of the Chicago Map Silver Cufflinks (shown above), the perfect gift for the favorite man in your life. To enter, just leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name and who you think deserves this wonderful gift. Giveaway is open from Wednesday {12.9} till Saturday night {12.11}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

Dirty Deeds Soaps {Art of the Manly Shave gift set}

If your husband is anything like mine he loves a good shave and this shave set by Dirty Deeds Soaps is the best he can get! Made with natural materials with no preservatives Dirty Deeds Soaps leave the skin softer and in great condition compared to commercial soaps. Their kits includes a modern wooden soap dish, handmade beer soap, brush, and shave card with instructions on how to have a classic shave. Dirty Deeds Soaps also has a whole line of delectable handmade soaps such as Kona Coffee, Butt Naked Goats Milk, West Texas Cotton, and Lemongrass, for example, that are perfect for daily use or a special occasion such as bridal shower gifts! Check out Dirty Deeds Soap’s Esty Shop for their entire line for a fantastic gift this season or find them on Facebook!

Thanks to Dirty Deeds Soaps, you have a chance to win an Art of The Manly Shave gift set (shown above) with your choice of Lavender Beer Soap, Vanilla Sandalwood or Clove. The perfect gift for the favorite man in your life who loves a good shave! To enter, just leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name, who you think deserves this wonderful gift and what choice of soap you would like. Giveaway is open from Wednesday {12.9} till Saturday night {12.11}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

Grab one of these wonderful gifts for your yourself or loved ones today! And make sure to come back tomorrow for Gifts for Dad!

If you would like to enter in both giveaways please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be chosen at random using Random.org.

It’s day three of five of fabulous holiday giveaways and gift ideas! Today we are highlighting some unique gifts for the home chef! Giveaway is now closed.

Whole Foods Market {gift cards}

Ever since I can remember I loved going to Whole Foods. I remember begging my parents to take me and my best friend down to Lower Greenville in Dallas (where I grew up) so we could hang out and eat in their in store restaurant. I should have known then that I was destined to always be a foodie. The Austin based natural and organic market first started in the 1980′s and is now nation wide providing fresh, high quality, least processed, natural foods for your family. The Whole Foods of the 80′s that I remember might have grown up in the years but still holds the high standards I remember. Whenever I’m in Dallas visiting my family that is the first place I go because the selection and quality is amazing! I’m almost overwhelmed with all of the fresh produce I see when I walk in the door and my mind races with recipes to feed my family. Grab a Whole Foods gift card online or at your local Whole Foods Market for your favorite chef’s stocking this holiday. Trust me they will love it!

Giveaway is now closed. The lucky winner is Sarah V! Thanks to the wonderful people of my favorite Whole Foods Market on Park Lane in Dallas, you have a chance to win two $25 gift certificates a (total of $50) to Whole Foods from us In Sock Monkey Slippers! A perfect gift for your favorite foodie or yourself! To enter, just leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name and who you know that deserves this wonderful gift. Giveaway is open from Tuesday {12.8} till Friday night {12.10}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

Una bella vita {designer aprons}

Una bella vita! One beautiful life! Specializes in handmade aprons made with new and up-cycled fabrics. I love these aprons and as I am always in the kitchen like to have a little flair while I’m cooking. Una bella vita offers full, half and child size designer aprons at great prices. My favorite gift to give my friends and family members that love to cook is my favorite cookbook that year and an unique apron and these are perfect! If you are or know a gardener, painter, cook, a chef, a vendor at Farmer’s Market, a teacher or a multi- tasker these aprons will be a great gift this year! Check out Una bella vita’s Etsy shop for all of their styles and designs.

The Giveaway is now closed. The lucky winner is Altaira! Thanks to Una bella vita, you have a chance to win your own half apron or child size apron! To enter, visit Una bella vita and pick out your favorite half or child size apron and just leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name and which apron you would like to win. Giveaway is open from Tuesday {12.8} till Friday night {12.10}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

Mia Mallows {gourmet marshmallows}

Who doesn’t love gourmet marshmallows? Get your favorite home chef a unique and delightfully tasty treat for the holidays this year from Mia Mallows, a specialty gourmet marshmallow shop. Pick from many different flavors and varieties and give a wonderful gift this year! Orders ship fresh so visit Mia Mallows Etsy Shop or Mia Mallows website to get yours today!

The Giveaway is now closed. The lucky winner is Regina E! Thanks to Mia Mallows, you have a chance to win an assortment of 18 gourmet marshmallows, perfect gift for the gourmet lover! To enter, just leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name and who you think deserves this wonderful gift (yes, it can be you). Giveaway is open from Tuesday {12.8} till Friday night {12.10}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

Bloom and Barnacle {holiday wine gift bag}

Walk into your holiday parties this year or give your favorite person a bottle of wine beautifully wrapped in handmade wine bag from Bloom and Barnacle! I absolutely adore this wine bag and think it’s the perfect addition to a good bottle of wine! Bloom and Barnacle is a unique shop full of beautiful handmade items. They also offer unique stockings, adorable stocking ornaments, and beautiful home decor. Check out Bloom and Barnacle today for a great gift this season.

The giveaway is now closed. The lucky winner is Regina! Thanks to Bloom and Barnacle, you have a chance to win this beautiful Joy Wine Gift Bag, perfect gift for a holiday party or your favorite wine enthusiast! To enter, just leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your name and who you think deserves this wonderful gift (yes, it can be you). Giveaway is open from Tuesday {12.8} till Friday night {12.10}. The lucky winner will be notified by e-mail. Please, U.S. and Canada residents only.

Grab one of these wonderful gifts for your yourself or loved ones today! And make sure to come back tomorrow for Gifts for Dad!

If you would like to enter in all four giveaways please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be chosen at random using Random.org.

I’ve got my sock monkey slippers on (because it’s finally cold in Texas) and I’m ready to play Santa! Next week starting Monday morning we will be highlighting some of the best and most unique gifts for the holiday season and the best part….each day will have amazing giveaways, just in time for Christmas! Custom Gifts for Mom on Monday, great gifts for baby and toddler on Tuesday, gifts for the home chef on Wednesday, unique gifts for the man in your life on Thursday and we can’t forget gifts for your favorite pet on Friday. You won’t want to miss out next week because theses gifts and giveaways are awesome. See you Monday!

Recently I have had the opportunity to receive a copy of Dar Williams‘ new album Many Great Companions (Razor&Tie). Not really familiar with her music I was looking forward to adding some new music to my library and I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. I threw it on the iPod while I was in the kitchen (no surprise there) cooking some butternut squash soup on a cold day. Outside the rain was tapping on the window, the little bear was asleep in her crib, the kitchen was warm and inviting, and the sounds of this new CD was the perfect soundtrack to the moment!

Many Great Compainions is a two disc album. The first, Songs Revisited With Guitar and a Few Friends, is an acoustic album full of her classic songs. She’s joined by several fellow musicians and friends on the new versions, including Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Larkin, Motherlode, and Gary Louris of the Jayhawks who also produced the album. The bonus disc, Best of Dar Williams, is a compilation of Dar Williams’ entire career. If you are not familiar with Dar Williams I would best describe her music as folk, singer/songwriter.

I found Many Great Companions to be a beautifully written and produced album full of melodic storytelling that will keep you listening till the end. I love singer/songwriters and acoustic music so it fit in well with my tastes. Even the second disc, Best of Dar Williams, with full accompaniment was a great contrast to the first. Out of the two discs I have to say the first, Songs Revisited With Guitar and a Few Friends, was my favorite. If you are drawn to acoustic singer/songwriters with a folk side like I, I highly recommend the two-disc release, Many Great Companions and if you are a long time Dar Williams fan this is a “must have” for your collection.

Free Download: The Babysitter’s Here from Many Great Companions

Preview Many Great Companions

GIVEAWAY! closed 11.23.2010

Thanks to Sneak Attack Media you will have your chance to own your own copy of Dar Williams’ newest release, Many Great Companions. We are giving away TWO copies to TWO winners! All you have to do is leave a comment below. Tell me what your favorite music is, or best show/concert you’ve ever gone to, or just say HI, I WANT THIS ALBUM!

The two winners will be chosen using Random.org a week from today on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, and will be notified by e-mail. Please only U.S. and Canadian residences. Good Luck!

Winners…

The winners are Blair and Maggie Trice! Thanks for entering and e-mails have been sent to you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Sneak Attack Media. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

There’s no better story about a boy and his dog but when that dog transforms a boy’s debilitating fight with autism it is a story of amazing inspiration. Monica Holloway’s book, Cowboy & Wills is a remarkable story about one special dog that breaks down the walls of autism and melts the hearts of an entire family.

The story begins the day Monica receives the news that her son, Wills, is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. After taking a trip to the pet store for an aquarium leaves her coming home with a brand new golden retriever puppy, she watches in amazement as her once contained boy breaks into the world. As time passes Wills breaks down his walls and conquers day to day battles that were once thought to be near impossible with his dog by his side.

This story of inspiration, faith, love and salvation will leave you encouraged and a heaping ball of tears at the end.

Our Review Panel of awesome sock monkey slipper wear’n moms teamed up together to bring you our thoughts on Cowboy & Wills by Monica Holloway. Here’s what we had to say:

Meredith Steele {yours truly}: I love a good inspirational story! This story will have you intrigued till the end and rooting for both Cowboy and Wills. I would recommend this book to anyone because it’s just a good read but especially to those who are affected by autism. But I have to warn you….you will need the entire box of tissues.

Ashley Bass: It was inspiring and moving, and proves the strength of the human spirit and how love is an amazing and powerful tool in healing!

Ashley Capellini:Cowboy and Wills is an uplifting book that really connects with its readers by presenting a serious subject in an accessible manner.  Written by a mother who must navigate through the treacherous waters of autism after her son is diagnosed at age 3, this book provides a detailed account of her experience packed by her sharp wit and humorous nature.  I recommend this book for anybody who has had to cope with the disease or for anybody who is just curious about it, as Cowboy and Wills provides a fresh perspective on the topic.

GIVEAWAY!

All in all a good review I would say and to top it off we are giving you a chance to win a copy! There will be TWO chances to win Cowboy & Willis by Monica Holloway! Just leave a comment here at the end of this post. Say whatever you want, hello, what your favorite color is, why you want a copy, what’s your kids favorite toy, what has your child or husband destroyed lately….WHATEVER YOU WANT! Two winners will be chosen at random a week from today on November 4, 2010. The winners will be notified by e-mail and upon response will receive their copy of Cowboy & Willis. Sorry, U.S. residents only. Good Luck!!!

Posted: November 5, 2010

The Winners….

Thank you all for participating. Wish I could have more copies to giveaway. Our two winners, chosen by random.org, are…

1. Altaira

2. Amy Cottingham

I’ll be contacting you by e-mail to get these copies to you right away. Hope you enjoy!

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Sneak Attack Media. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinionsexpressed are our own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:

Throw on you tie-dye, grab your Phish and Grateful Dead cds, and get those arms ready for your biggest tree hug – it’s Earth Day! It not just any Earth Day it’s the 4oth anniversary and although the concerns have changed from environmental education to sustainability and climate control, the meaning is still the same. Earth Day is a day to remind us all to celebrate and take care of our “Mother Earth.”

What are some ways to embrace your inner hippie today and everyday? It’s Simple. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Reduce

• save water & electricity by installing low flow toilets, turn off lights when not in a room, use cold water in laundry cycles, and go a little redneck by watering your grass and washing your car on the lawn at the same time (just tell your neighbors your saving the earth).
• Make a conscious effort to reduce your environmental footprint by going organic and choosing sustainable food. Learn more about sustainable food and grab a wonderful sustainable recipe by Mario Batali!

Reuse

• donate your old clothing and appliances to charities like Goodwill and Habitat For Humanity
• Grass clippings, food scraps and yard waste are all ideal materials to add to a compost pile. Here’s a cheat sheet for composting

Recycle

• By now we all know how to recycle. Continue using your curbside recycle service and if you don’t have one talk to your city council. It makes life much easier!
• Not only can you recycle plastic, aluminum and paper but did you know there are programs out there to recycle your hair, yoga mat, and surfboard? Find out more things you didn’t know you could recycle here.

Want to know more about what you can do today? Here are some of our favorite links. Nature.org, EarthDay, Earth911, and the best one yet – with lots of tips and a funny project: Find Your Inner Burt!

the greatest thing since recycled paper

Earth Day is a perfect day for everyone to make a conscious effort to create a healthy environment for our future generations to live. Which makes today a perfect day to tell all of you about one of my favorite products that encompasses all three of the Earth Day categories! My favorite reuseable tote bag. Not long ago I stopped using plastic bags and started to use tote bags. Unfortunately, I found that some would break and tear easily which totally negates the point of a reusable bag. So, it was with delight that I found a stylish, fun, environmentally friendly bag from Boards2Bags.

Boards 2 Bags has created a durable tote bag out of used billboards! You heard me, used billboards and they are fantastic. As an ex-graphic designer, I thought this was a fabulous idea and I had to have one. Once I received it I couldn’t put it down and have practically used it everyday. I have the “Bolsa Mercado” their large tote bag and have used it as a grocery bag, park bag, and even used it at an Earth Day celebration this past weekend to hold all of the plants I bought. It holds more than the average grocery tote (which is great when you have a baby on your arm), is easily cleaned, and when not in use folds up nicely! There is no comparison to the cloth bags you usually find in the grocery store. My favorite thing about this bag is that it is everything that a mom could need in a bag, a wipeable surface, durable, recycled, and cute! Not to mention the look of surprise that you get when you tell everyone that it used to be a billboard. Not only are you a mom but now you’re a trendy “Super Eco Mom.”

Boards 2 Bags is the inspiration of the Ralston family who are the founders of Ralston Advertizing in Dallas, Texas. Who with a warehouse full of  vinals started to convert their old billboards into bags to keep them out of the landfills. They make a wide variety of bags including beach bags, market bags, tote bags and wine / beverage  bags. Each one is unique, reuseable and a must have for the mom on the go!  You can find Boards2Bags online,  Twitter, and Facebook.

It’s a Giveaway!!!

Boards2Bags Giveaway is now closed. Thanks for participating!

Here’s the best part of today’s post - Boards2Bags is giving one lucky In Sock Monkey Slippers reader one of their “Everyday Bags!” You can win this great bag not 1 but 5 ways. Leave a separate comment for each.

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell us an Earth Day tip or just say hi!
2. Become a fan of In Sock Monkey Slippers on Facebook.
3. Become a fan of Boards2Bags on Facebook .
4. Follow In Sock Monkey Slippers on Twitter (@SMonkeySlippers)and retweet this post: http://wp.me/pLjUD-jz
5. Follow Boards2Bags on Twitter (@boards2bags)

That’s 5 chances! The most we’ve ever given! The contest will end Thursday, April 29, at 11pm central time. The winner will be randomly chosen from the comments and will be  notified the next morning. Sorry, entries limited to residents of Canada or the U.S. Good luck!

It’s March 2 2010, also know as Texas Independence Day! The date in 1836 “when 59 signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence gathered in a blacksmith shop at Washington-on-the-Brazos and formally split from Mexico to form the Republic of Texas.” (The Statesman) It is also the day six years ago that an adventurous love struck college girl agreed to go on a date with a Texas musician. Leading to a marriage, a baby girl and a blog. {Happy anniversary babe.}

So, why do Texans obsess about our state? The answer is in every rock, stream, hill, flower and eye of every Texan. It’s simple, 174 years ago our forefathers fought an impossible battle for freedom. The freedom to be it’s own nation, and carry it’s own independence. Sound familiar America? It shapes our identity till this day and it’s that identity and past we are so proud of.

Texas is truly a unique and inspiring state. Here are some facts about the Lone Star state:

• The Battle of the Alamo, lasting nearly two weeks, ended on March 6, 1836, with the deaths of all its defenders – about 190. The Mexican army numbered 4,000-5,000 during its final charge.
• When Texas was annexed in 1845 it retained the right to fly its flag at the same height as the national flag.
• Due to my father-in-law’s post in the marines, my husband was born in North Carolina. His grandfather sent a box of Texas dirt for his grandson’s feet to be placed in the moment he was born! Steve Earle’s grandfather did the same for him–his father was also in the military, causing Earle to be born out-of-state.
• Rodeo is the official state sport of Texas, though High School Football is more popular.
• The song, The Yellow Rose of TX, is about a woman who seduced General Santa Anna, the president of Mexico, lowering the guard of the Mexican army and facilitating the Texan victory in the battle of San Jacinto. This plays on my daughter’s Leap Frog music table and makes me smile.
• Seventy-five percent of the world’s Snickers bars are made in Waco at the M&M/Mars plant.
• In Texas, it’s illegal to put graffiti on someone else’s cow.
• There’s a Texas law that forbids people from carrying around a fence cutter or a pair of pliers that could cut a fence.
• It is illegal to spit on the sidewalk. A couple of century-old imprints in Fredericksburg’s sidewalks remind you of this.
• In 1893 Amarillo’s population was listed as “between 500-600 humans and 50,000 head of cattle.”
• It is illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.
• The King Ranch in Texas is bigger than the state of Rhode Island
• Texas today is also home for about 2.5 million deer and 200,000 alligators.
• The first word spoken from the moon on July 20, 1969 was “Houston”.
• In the South Texas Brush Country, the ghost of a Headless Horseman, referred to as El Muerto, is said to continue to roam.
• The world’s largest collection of beer bottles can be seen at Wurstfest in New Braunfels.
• The second largest rock in the nation is Enchanted Rock which has an exposed surface area of 130 square miles, and lies on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties.
• Texas has a total of 6,300 square miles of inland lakes and streams, second only to Alaska.
• Texas has 90 mountains a mile or more high, with Guadalupe Peak in West Texas at 8,751 feet being the tallest.
• More wool comes from Texas than any other state.
• Is the only state to enter into the U.S. by treaty instead of territorial annexation.
• Austin is the live music capital of the world.
• Dr Pepper was invented in Waco.
• Texas has its own genre of music, Texas Country.
• Texas is home to the best brewing company in the world. Shiner. Don’t argue with me. There’s just no point.
• Some Famous Texans include: ZZ Top, Dan Rather,Tex Ritter, Nolan Ryan, Stevie Ray Vauhgn, Bob Wills, Roy Orbison, Don Meredith, Lyle Lovett, Janis Joplin, Jack Johnson the boxer, Stephen F Austin, Joan Crawford, Buddy Holly, Sam Houston, and Robert Earl Keen Jr.

In honor of Texas Independence Day we are having a GIVEAWAY! Win one of two great prizes:

One of Willie Nelson’s best CD’s: Greatest Hits and Some That Will Be or

Follow The Smoke: 14,783 Miles of Great Texas Barbecue by John DeMers

All you have to do is leave a comment about any Texas facts, thoughts, or favorites (What is the best Texas bar, restaurant, music venue, state park, scenic drive, swimming hole, recipe…?) Leave a comment and let everyone know what a Texan truly is!

There will be two winners, one for each prize, and chosen randomly (We will put all entries in a hat and Mia will pick the two winners.) All prizes to be shipped by Amazon. The giveaway will end Tuesday night, March 2nd, at 11:00 pm central. The winner will be notified by e-mail Wednesday morning. Good Luck.

Well it wouldn’t be a “In Sock Monkey Slippers” post without a recipe. As well as a giveaway in honor of Texas Independence Day and mine and my husband’s anniversary, I am right now fixing Texas’ state dish, chili. Not just any chili. Pure Texas chili with the main ingredients from our family’s ranch that’s–you guessed it– in Texas. This chili is my recipe that I have babied for four years and have finally reached the right proportions. It is a venison and beef recipe all from right here in the hill country of Texas. Now, I know some of you don’t have access to venison. If need be use all beef just leave out the brown sugar.

I am also making Chewy Chocolate Cherry Cayenne Cookies. With, of course, pecans from Texas. This recipe will be posted tomorrow. Come on back and pick it up.

Venison Chili

Regardless of how much or how little experience you have in the kitchen, this awesome tome will become your go-to guide for years to come.

Edible Aria.com is giving away one of the best culinary gides / encyclopedia of all time. What’s the catch? Make a monetary donation (of any amount) to any non-political, non-profit organization whose primary purposes include providing food to people in need. Simple and worth it on both ends. To enter and for more info, go to : http://wp.me/pjS8J-1uP .