Real Moms Are Counting on You

Hello, incredible readers! We have some incredibly exciting news we’re bursting to share with you all. Many of you might have already heard whispers, but we are absolutely thrilled to announce our participation in the highly anticipated Reynolds Real Moms contest! This isn’t just any competition; it’s a fantastic opportunity that resonates deeply with our core philosophy here at Shanty2Chic.

Now, for those who follow our journey, you know we’re not primarily a foodie blog. You won’t often find us sharing elaborate, gourmet recipes – our passion lies in transforming spaces and creating beautiful things with our hands. BUT, what you might not realize is that our approach to the kitchen mirrors our approach to crafting: we love things that are fast, simple, and cheap to create, yet yield stunning, high-impact results. We’re everyday moms, just like so many of you, who value efficiency and beauty in equal measure. We crave those ‘wow’ moments without the hours of toil. Just as we reach for our hot glue guns and power saws to bring our home decor visions to life, we confidently turn to Reynolds products in the kitchen. These trusted allies are our secret weapons for avoiding mountains of dirty dishes and spending endless hours chained to the stove. They embody the very essence of practical elegance – delivering fantastic outcomes with minimal fuss. So, when the opportunity arose to represent a brand that so perfectly aligns with our ‘work smarter, not harder’ ethos, we couldn’t sign up fast enough!

Your Support Makes All the Difference: Help Us Become a Reynolds Real Mom!

This is where our incredible community, our Shanty readers, come in! You have consistently shown up for us, rallied behind our crazy ideas, and supported us through every new venture, and we are hoping you’ll lend your amazing support once again for something truly special. Reynolds Kitchens is on a mission to select five truly authentic “Real Moms” to be brand representatives. These chosen moms will have the incredible platform to share their invaluable time-saving and money-saving tips with a wider audience, helping other busy families navigate the beautiful chaos of daily life. What’s truly refreshing is that Reynolds isn’t searching for professional chefs or culinary experts with Michelin stars. Instead, they are looking for genuine, relatable women – REAL moms, navigating REAL schedules, who cook REAL food for their families. Can we get a resounding “Amen!” from all the incredible mothers out there who perfectly fit that description? We know you understand the daily juggle!

We firmly believe that our unique blend of DIY ingenuity and practical kitchen solutions makes us ideal candidates, and with your help, we can make this dream a reality. Our SHANTY readers have always been our biggest cheerleaders, and now we need you to absolutely rock the vote! The voting process is straightforward, but it requires your consistent Wednesday dedication. Reynolds will be conducting their voting exclusively on their Facebook page, and it’s a weekly event. For the next six consecutive weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to cast your vote for your favorite moms – and we are earnestly hoping that includes us! Remember, your vote can only be cast on Wednesdays, so mark your calendars and set those weekly reminders!

How to Cast Your Vote: Simple Steps to Support Shanty2Chic

Getting started is easy! First, make sure you’re connected with Reynolds Kitchens on Facebook. This is the crucial first step to enable your vote and stay updated on the contest progress. Simply follow this link to Like Reynolds Kitchens on Facebook. By liking their page, you’ll ensure you receive all the important announcements and direct access to the voting platform each Wednesday.

Once you’ve liked their page and it’s a Wednesday, you’re all set to make your voice heard! Head directly to the official voting application to support us. We are truly hoping we’ve earned your vote, and we’d be incredibly grateful for your support. Click here to vote for your favorite Real Moms HERE! Just saying, a little Shanty magic in the Reynolds Kitchens would be pretty amazing. 😉

Behind the Scenes: Our Memorable Trip to Chicago for Filming

Our journey with the Reynolds Real Moms contest actually began a little while ago, back in January, when we had the incredible opportunity to travel to Chicago for a filming session. It was an experience unlike any other, full of excitement, new adventures, and a whole lot of fun! Stepping onto a professional set and being part of the production process was truly fascinating. We got to see firsthand the dedication and creativity that goes into these campaigns, and it only deepened our appreciation for the Reynolds brand. The team was fantastic, making us feel completely at ease, which allowed our genuine personalities and our practical approach to shine through. This trip wasn’t just about filming; it was about soaking in every moment of this incredible opportunity and gaining invaluable insight into the world behind the camera. It felt like a true milestone for Shanty2Chic, and we reveled in every second.

From the moment we arrived in the Windy City, we knew this trip was going to be special. There’s something undeniably magical about Chicago’s skyline and urban energy. Our hotel was perfectly situated, offering breathtaking views that made us feel like we’d landed in pure heaven. Imagine pulling up after a long journey and being greeted by this magnificent panorama, a vibrant tapestry of architectural marvels and the glistening expanse of Lake Michigan. It was an immediate sense of wonder and awe that set the perfect tone for our entire visit. Every morning, waking up to that view, and every evening, watching the city lights twinkle, was an unforgettable treat, reminding us just how incredible this journey was.

And speaking of unforgettable, if our travels ever take us back to Chicago – and we certainly hope they do! – we’ve already discovered our new favorite culinary destination: The Purple Pig. This place is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, and the menu is a delightful exploration of Mediterranean-inspired small plates designed for sharing. But let us tell you, there’s one dish that truly transcends all others: the Sicilian Iris. OMG. Seriously, it’s a revelation. A perfect harmony of savory and sweet, with textures that dance on your palate. It’s the kind of dish that stays with you long after the last bite, making you dream of your next visit. Trust us, ask for the Sicilian Iris – your taste buds will thank you profusely!

The trip also came with its own memorable, albeit chilly, twist! As two proud Texas girls, we left our comfortable 70-degree winter weather behind, only to land smack-dab in Chicago where the temperature had plummeted to a shocking 1 degree Fahrenheit. This was, without a doubt, a brand-new experience for us! Bundle-up was an understatement, and we quickly learned the true meaning of layering. Despite the bone-chilling cold, there was an exhilarating charm to it. The crisp air, the unique beauty of a winter city, and the sheer novelty of it all added an adventurous layer to our professional trip. We embraced every shiver and every warm cup of coffee, loving every single minute of this unforgettable, frosty Chicago adventure!

A Heartfelt Thank You & How You Can Help Us Win!

We simply cannot express how incredibly thankful we are for each and every one of you, our dedicated readers and supporters. This opportunity with Reynolds Kitchens is truly monumental for us, a significant step forward for Shanty2Chic, and it absolutely would not have been possible without your unwavering encouragement and loyalty. Your constant support fuels our passion and allows us to chase these exciting dreams. Thank you for always having our backs, for believing in what we do, and for being such an integral part of our journey. We truly value this community we’ve built together.

To maximize our chances and truly show Reynolds the strength of the Shanty community, we would love, love, LOVE for you to share this exciting news with your family and friends. A simple share on social media, an email, or even a quick text to spread the word about the contest and how to vote for us would make a world of difference. Every share amplifies our message and brings us closer to achieving this incredible goal. Let’s show Reynolds Kitchens what the power of the Shanty Sisterhood looks like!

So, please, take a moment to rally your networks. Now is the time to head on over to the Reynolds Real Moms voting page and give them a big, enthusiastic Shanty HELLO from all of us! Let’s make some noise and bring that Shanty style to kitchens nationwide!

Thanks again, from the bottom of our hearts, for everything!

~Ash & Whit

The Shanty Sisters