Mother/Daughter Revelation-ships

It started young, as it usually does with a mother-daughter relationships.

My mom imposed her healthy habits on us, never having too much sugar in the house and always pushing encouraging vitamins.  The well rounded meals she cooked were never too heavy on the starches, and rice-a-roni was a rare treat.  And Lucky Charms or Entiments's Cheese Crumb Coffee Cake? The most prized treat in the pantry!

But as I grew up, and continued to take those vitamins, we butted-heads like two rams on a high cliff.  My teenage years, riddled with emotions, caused much strife between my mom and me.  The only things we had in common anymore was shopping.  (Which obviously is not a bad thing to share, unless you argue about the clothes).

Moving away to college allowed me my freedom I strove to obtain, and a break from vitamins. I started to realize I needed my mom more than I wanted to admit.  However recently, with wedding planning, I've found my mom's support to be the utmost calming factor.   Only recently can I accept that she means well, wants the best for me, and strives to support me, amidst all the emotions. 

I know many of my mommy-friends say having their children allowed them to see their mom as she always wanted to be seen.  I can imagine that precious moment when you as a daughter-now-mother, strive to be that mother your mom was to you. 

Yesterday, as I struggled with a particular moment on the roller coaster of emotions from wedding planning, I called my mom.  I simply wanted to let her know the latest and she simply listened.  Her ease in handling the situation calmed me.  Then she said the best thing I ever heard her say, "Do whatever you want. It's your wedding. Do whatever makes you happiest." She didn't question my motive. She didn't remind me of any moral to be learned. She was there for me.

As I took my vitamins this morning, all six of them out of the daily pill dispenser, this post started writing itself in my head.  Not only have I started to become my mother, but I found that beautiful balance in our relationship.

Me. Vitamins. Silly face.


Shameless plug: Don't forget, you have until 3/3 at 11p EST to enter  my SIX Blogiversary Giveaways!!!

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Giveaways & Discount Codes!

WOW!  Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary is really rocking with Vicki's Favorite Things!

I love all the support and comment love I'm seeing! Thanks everyone!

The giveaways are up!
Be sure to visit our sponsors, show them some love, and take advantage of our discount codes:

Uptown Avenue - Coffee Cozy! (10% off code in post!)
After Nine to Five Design - Camera Necklace! (20% off code in post!)
Josiah's Nest - customized headband! (15% off code in post!)
Cotton Lane - Ivory Bloom Necklace!  (15% off code in post!)
Twenty Five Design - headband of choice!  (10% off code in post!)
Jockey - $50 shopping spree!



All giveaways end March 3 - so hurry over and enter!!!!!!

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Jockey!

Wrapping up Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you

Jockey!

"Jockey.com® offers the largest assortment of Jockey® products!"  I love my Jockey products.  They wear well, last long, and are very comfortable.  I own their yoga pants, PJ pants, and underwear and love 'em.  And now we are talking about my underwear. fabulous!

    Check it:

Workout/Yoga Shirts!

Activewear pants! 

Favorites. All. of. them.
(Sorry I just couldn't post an underwear pic!)

"Enjoy risk-free shopping on Jockey.com®. Your 100% satisfaction is guaranteed with every order. If you need to return your purchase for any reason, use the Printable Return form found on our Return Policy page and complete the following steps."  I LOVE that in a company!

You can purchase your clothing from Jockey today, 10% off with checkout code: TENOFF!

(When I googled the company that came up from their site page!)

Jockey is offering one lucky winner this a $50 shopping spree + FREE shipping!!

As you know, I love my yoga and my clothes, so this is a perfect giveaway!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite way to workout!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Jockey and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @Jockey!  #giveaway http://ow.ly/45a1z  "

5. Like Jockey on Facebook! (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid USA ONLY! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Jockey}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome, favorite Jockey wear and proudly wear them (even the underwear).  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. For 'rizzle.

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Josiah's Nest

Next in Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you Josiah's Nest.




Josiah's Nest features some of the most unique fabric necklaces and headbands I ever laid eyes on!  Moriah, the brains and beauty behind this shop, has an adorable baby boy, Josiah, and is expecting a baby girl, Lucia Rose!  This momma is amazing!


    Check it:

Fabric Knot Necklace in Vintage Ginger

Peony Headband - Customized!

I absolutely love them all!

You can purchase your accessories from  Josiah's Nest now, 15% off with checkout code: VICTORIA15!

Josiah's Nest is offering one lucky winner a customized headband of their choice!! 

As you may know,  I'm a fan of having things done my way.  Some might call this being a "control-freak."  I call it having preferences.  Customized orders? A clear favorite!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling something that MUST be done your way!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Josiah's Nest and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @JosiahsNest! #giveaway http://ow.ly/453Gz "

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid in the USA only! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Josiah's Nest}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome, favorite fabric necklaces and love them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own.  Moriah is awesome!

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Cotton Lane!

Continuing in Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you Cotton Lane.

Caroline creates unique jewelry, headbands, clips, pouches, and home goods!  They are all beautiful pieces!

I proudly wear the headband and necklace I own, sported the necklace in an SOS post, and love reading her blog (love the URL!!).

    Check it:

Blue Bird Bow Headband

Button Clip In Bloom-in-Red

Dontcha just LOVE them?

You can purchase your accessories from Cotton Lane now, 15% off with checkout code: HAPPYBIRTHDAY!

Cotton Lane is offering one lucky world-wide winner this Fresh Bloom Necklace in Ivory!!

As you may know, flowers are one of my favorite things!

This necklace is a beaaautiful flower (and I LOVE mine in yellow)!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite flower!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Cotton Lane and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @CottonLane!  #giveaway http://ow.ly/45042 "

5. Heart CottonLane on Etsy (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid worldwide! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Cotton Lane}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I have my own awesome, favorite accessories from Caroline and  proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. Scout's honor!

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Uptown Avenue

Next up in Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you Uptown Avenue.



Uptown Avenue features funky jewelry, coffee cozies, "geekery cases" and other fun home decor items!

Taken from their shop info: "We are two fun-loving chicks - a mother and daughter team, Lex and Theresa. A portion of each purchase is donated to charities that we love. Some of our favorite charities include Orphan Cry {which was originally just Russia and has expanded to include Liberia}, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Autism Speaks."

I love all of their fun items and their charitable support!

    Check it:

Mustache Button Pendant Necklace, in Red

Vintage Inspired Diamond Weave Post Earrings

Sock Monkey E-Reader Cozy

But my ultimate favorite item in their shop?
COFFEE COZY!!

Get this: they are REVERSABLE!
Double the fun!

 (No more harming the environment with wasteful cardboard! I own the one pictured and love it!)

Mushroom Love Reversible Coffee Cozy

You can purchase your fun stuff from Uptown Avenue now, 10% off with checkout code: UPTOWNLUV!

Uptown Avenue is offering one lucky winner a (favorite) coffee cozy of their choosing!!

As you may know, coffee and tea are one of my favorite pick-me-ups! Instant Happiness.

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite pick-me-up!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Uptown Avenue and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  " There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @UptownAvenue!  #giveaway  http://ow.ly/44Tt8 "

5. Heart Uptown Avenue on Etsy (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid in the USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Uptown Avenue}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome coffee cuff and wanted to share Uptown Avenue with you.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. No pants on fire.

{Vicki's Favorite Things} After Nine to Five Designs

Continuing with Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you After Nine to Five Designs.



After Nine to Five features beautiful, unique jewelry made by the lovely and talented Ashley.

Taken from her shop info: "After Nine To Five mainly specializes in jewelry, but plans are already in place to expand the A9T5 Designs line in the future. Soon to be included: photobooks, journals, greeting cards, luggage tags, and much more."

This chica writing this here post is wayyyy excited to see what's in store for After Nine to Five! Bee tee dubs, the hodge-podge button for Vicki's Favorite Things was created by Ashley!!!
I totally luuurve her work, her blog, and the lady behind it all is a new favorite of mine.

    Check it:

Brass Heart with Lock and Key Necklace

Be Free Unlocked Bracelet

Favorites. All. of. them.

You can purchase your accessories from After Nine to Five Designs now, 20% off with checkout code: CROWNDVICTORIA!

(by the by, this is the largest discount code Ashley has ever offered! WOOT! Go show her some LOVE!)

After Nine to Five Designs is offering one lucky world-wide winner this Silver Toned Camera Necklace!!

3/4 wide x 1/2 long camera necklace on a 19" silver tone chain with lobster clasp

As you may know, photography is one of my favorite hobbies.  This necklace is perfect!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite hobby!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to After Nine to Five Designs and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @AfterNinetoFive!  #giveaway http://ow.ly/44Kme "

5. Heart After Nine to Five on Etsy (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid worldwide! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by After Nine to Five}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome, favorite accessories and  proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. Cross my heart. And Ashley is favorite-tastic.