“If You Don’t Like My Cooking, Lower Your Standards.” – Unknown… For most of my adult life, I lived alone. And preparing meals for one doesn’t exactly lead to gourmet cooking skills, know what I mean? Add in that I was a vegetarian for 5 years {so I didn’t learn to cook meat until a couple years ago, and am still learning} – and that I have pretty simple tastes, and you get a chick with solid basic cooking skills, but nothing especially impressive. Flash forward…. 3 years ago, within a 2 month time frame, I found out I was pregnant, extended family moved in with me, my boyfriend moved in, pets moved in – and I was suddenly managing an extremely full house! Since I was in charge of most of the cooking, I had to give myself a crash course in cooking for a crowd 101. Well, I’m proud to say that I’ve learned a LOT in the past couple of years. And can I tell you my best secret for success in the kitchen? It’s not cookbooks or classes, it’s not marinades or sauces…..

Fun Retro Aprons are my Secret Weapon

Nope – my secret weapon to kitchen success is a super cute apron and accessories. Sound silly? Hear me out… Think of how clothes or uniforms totally change your mindset. A pretty cocktail dress can totally boost your confidence. Putting on your business suit puts you in a take charge mood. Heck, just getting up and fully dressed – and out of the “Frump Mom” look of pony tail and sweats can help you get more motivated to tackle your day, am I right? Well for me, throwing on a super pretty, retro styled apron makes me feel more at home in the kitchen. A bit of a domestic goddess even. I’m a big fan of making everyday challenges a little more fun by using cool products and gear – so things like zebra print cleaning gloves, polka dot pot holders, and aprons with ruffles and bows make me enjoy chores around the house a lot more. Try it – you’ll see what I mean.

Retro Aprons and accessories from Flirty Aprons

I have several styles and accessories from Flirty Apron… I’ve bought gear from other sites too, but these are always my favorite. I buy TONS of gifts here too – my girlfriends love ’em. This one above is my all-time fave – it’s called the Marilyn Sugar n’ Spice, and there’s a matching little girls size too. Love it, right? It’s pretty enough that when we’re throwing parties {which is like, all the time…} I can wear this even after guests arrive. It looks trendy over a cute black party dress – and ensures that when I take it off and scoot on out of the kitchen, my dress isn’t a mess. {Do I sound sooooo 1950’s? Maybe a little. But I do kind of enjoy the whole homemaking thing…} If you want to check these out too, there is an uh-MAY-zing deal right now I wanted to share… One of the best buys I’ve seen on Flirty Apron in a long time:

$30 of Aprons, Kitchen Gloves and More at FlirtyAprons.com for Only $15!

All you have to do to snag these sweet savings is to head to Spotted Fox, a new favorite site of mine. Take 1 minute to log in,  click “Today’s Deal” – then scroll down the side a bit to find the Flirty Aprons deal. Once you purchase it {and hurry – it ends in 4 days!} – you’ll get a coupon code to use on their site. And – if you’re joining as a new member from this special Sunshine and Sippy Cups referral link, you’ll get a bonus $5 in credit too! Easy peasy – and you’re getting half off. You can even use this on any sale items on their site too. Awesomesauce.

A little bit about Flirty Aprons…

First off, let me tell you this from my own experience – these aprons rock. I’ve had one of mine for over a year, and wear it a TON. It’s been through so much wash and wear, but honestly you can’t tell at all. These have great details, are well made, and are sturdy enough that you don’t have to worry about spilling on them. Because that would kind of defeat the point, right? Lol.

• Flirty Aprons has been featured on dozens of publications and TV programs including Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Daytime, The Bonnie Hunt Show, Best Desserts and many more!
• So many colors and prints to choose including mint, red and chocolate, cherry, zebra, florals and more.
• 30-day money back guarantee on all purchases.
• Over 50 different apron styles to choose from, and all orders ship in one business day.

There is no limit to how many vouchers you can purchase – but you can only use ONE voucher per purchase at Flirty Aprons. That means that this could be an uh-MAY-zing way to start stocking up on super affordable holiday gifts. Buy an apron to go with a plate of homemade cookies, and you’ve got a super sweet gift for your favorite neighbors. Add an apron to a gift basket with a fun cookbook like Hostess with the Mostess: A Galaxy of Retro Recipes or Vintage Cocktails: Retro Recipes for the Home Mixologist – and a few super cute kitchen gadgets like these faves of mine: Animal House Monkey Peeler, Head Chefs Spatula Man, or Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters – and you’ve got a perfect gift for just about any woman in your life. {It’s ok if they’re not usually a cooking or kitchen-lovin’ type. I’m telling ya, fun stuff like this motivates anyone to have more fun with meals.} Or you could even send an apron and a spa gift card to your best girlfriend – so she can enjoy her days more inside AND outside of the house. Love it.

Friend don’t let friends pay full price – share this sweet deal too!

Learn a Suprising Secret Weapon for Kitchen Success…. {Hint: It’s pretty….}sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/09/my-sup… #Homemaking #Cooking

— SunandSipCups (@SunandSipCups) September 3, 2012