There are some great giveaways out there in blogland right now!
One I'd absolutely love to win would be this Oreck vacuum cleaner! Remember... the fleas...
To enter, go here.
Also, here is a great giveaway of Rubbermaid storage containers!
And if you win, I know you'll thank me kindly :) Good luck!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
WFMW - Reusing Cards
I used to be crafty and hand stamped many of my own cards that I would give with gifts. However, two kids later and not near as much time in a day as I need... I no longer seem to do that. Also, if you look at the price on many of the cards, I find it crazy to spend $3,4,5 on a card that oftentimes will end up in the trash can of the recipient.
So, my solution.
On cards that I receive, I simply cut off the front half of the card at the fold. Then I store it away for future use of my own. When it's time to give a gift, I simply look through my stash and find the perfect "new baby" card, or "congratulations" card, or "wedding" card, etc. Then I write a message on the blank back of the card, punch a hole in the top left corner, and tie it onto the gift bag with some pretty ribbon.
Voila!
It's an easy way to send the very best!
Check out other WFMW tips at We are THAT Family.
So, my solution.
On cards that I receive, I simply cut off the front half of the card at the fold. Then I store it away for future use of my own. When it's time to give a gift, I simply look through my stash and find the perfect "new baby" card, or "congratulations" card, or "wedding" card, etc. Then I write a message on the blank back of the card, punch a hole in the top left corner, and tie it onto the gift bag with some pretty ribbon.
Voila!
It's an easy way to send the very best!
Check out other WFMW tips at We are THAT Family.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
WFMW - The first garage sale of the season
Lo and behold it's finally a sunny day in April. And what does that bring?
Garage sales.
I'm a fan of garage sales, though I often wonder if I'm buying items that I wouldn't normally, or that I'm wasting money... though it's not near as much as I'd be spending if I purchased new!
Today I decided to check out Craigslist and see if there were any garage sales in my area this week. Was I excited to see there was a sale just down the street from me, and they had kids items!
Woo hoo!
Jackpot!
I could walk, take the girls outside on such a nice day, get a little exercise, and hopefully find a bargain or two! Sounds like the day is off to a great start.
So once my Little Miss woke up, I was ready to go. I'd been waiting patiently for her, she decided to sleep in this morning, which I know her tired little body needed. It was worth the wait, though I was worried what great bargains I'd be missing out on. Thankfully the day is gorgeous, and the sales were good.
I snagged a couple of educational games for her. One being a Discovery Toys jigsaw puzzle, and the other a Usborne books Alphabet game. Both in perfect, like new condition and each for a few bucks each. Much better than the original price tags! The other item, a Speedo brand swimsuit for Little Miss, for a dollar. Not the colors I would buy off the store shelf (neon orange and yellow), but it will do the job and the pricetag sealed the deal.
There were a couple of other items I had in hand, but put them back as I tried not to overbuy another person's "junk". I am very happy with what I came home with and plan to make garage sale shopping a part of our every week. You never know what bargains you may find and I'm excited to have already saved at least $15 on a swimsuit for my Little Miss today!
Garage sale shopping works for me! Have you found any great deals this year?
For my WFMW posts, check out We Are That Family.
Garage sales.
I'm a fan of garage sales, though I often wonder if I'm buying items that I wouldn't normally, or that I'm wasting money... though it's not near as much as I'd be spending if I purchased new!
Today I decided to check out Craigslist and see if there were any garage sales in my area this week. Was I excited to see there was a sale just down the street from me, and they had kids items!
Woo hoo!
Jackpot!
I could walk, take the girls outside on such a nice day, get a little exercise, and hopefully find a bargain or two! Sounds like the day is off to a great start.
So once my Little Miss woke up, I was ready to go. I'd been waiting patiently for her, she decided to sleep in this morning, which I know her tired little body needed. It was worth the wait, though I was worried what great bargains I'd be missing out on. Thankfully the day is gorgeous, and the sales were good.
I snagged a couple of educational games for her. One being a Discovery Toys jigsaw puzzle, and the other a Usborne books Alphabet game. Both in perfect, like new condition and each for a few bucks each. Much better than the original price tags! The other item, a Speedo brand swimsuit for Little Miss, for a dollar. Not the colors I would buy off the store shelf (neon orange and yellow), but it will do the job and the pricetag sealed the deal.
There were a couple of other items I had in hand, but put them back as I tried not to overbuy another person's "junk". I am very happy with what I came home with and plan to make garage sale shopping a part of our every week. You never know what bargains you may find and I'm excited to have already saved at least $15 on a swimsuit for my Little Miss today!
Garage sale shopping works for me! Have you found any great deals this year?
For my WFMW posts, check out We Are That Family.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
WFMW - Easter Story Cookies
I received an email from a friend for these incredible sounding cookies. Incredible in the sense that it will invite the story of Jesus into your home on Easter morning. Amidst the excitement of Easter baskets and egg hunts, this may be another great tradition to include in your home year after year. Let me first say, I have not yet tried these, but plan to this coming Easter Sunday.
I invite you to share the story of Jesus Christ with your little ones this Easter too!
Easter Story Cookies
To be made the evening before Easter (right before bed)
1cup whole pecans
1tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was Beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9
For other great WFMW posts visit We Are That Family.
I invite you to share the story of Jesus Christ with your little ones this Easter too!
Easter Story Cookies
To be made the evening before Easter (right before bed)
1cup whole pecans
1tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was Beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9
For other great WFMW posts visit We Are That Family.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
ARGH!!!
So my Little Miss threw a fit last night because we had to take her away from "Elmo" in order to eat dinner. When she came home from school, I was busy with a project and Daddy was cooking dinner so I put a DVD in for her to watch. If she hadn't been at school all day and used up tons of energy there, it wouldn't have been an option for our evening together. But I figured she could lounge around, sing and dance with Elmo and life would be fine.
I was wrong!
I have created a TV addict and have to get her out of this cycle.
Barney and Elmo are two of her most infamous words that she uses consistently throughout each and every day. We're even to the point that I am taking TV away as punishment... ugh, she's only 22 months and shouldn't have such an attachment to TV.
Unfortunately with a new baby in the house it's become an easy babysitter while mommy breastfeeds and finds spare moments to get housework accomplished. I've got to break the cycle now!
We have an entire playroom of toys, away from the television and within eyesight of me if I can keep her attention focused in there. She colors, she plays with her toys, she reads books, but then she finds her way to the TV - where she knows what buttons to push to turn it on!
Any "new" project ideas I can do to capture her attention? I would prefer to stay away from messy activities since she can't always be under my supervision if I'm up and about. Or any suggestions for this Momma on how you make TV time work in your house...
I'd love to hear them!!!
I was wrong!
I have created a TV addict and have to get her out of this cycle.
Barney and Elmo are two of her most infamous words that she uses consistently throughout each and every day. We're even to the point that I am taking TV away as punishment... ugh, she's only 22 months and shouldn't have such an attachment to TV.
Unfortunately with a new baby in the house it's become an easy babysitter while mommy breastfeeds and finds spare moments to get housework accomplished. I've got to break the cycle now!
We have an entire playroom of toys, away from the television and within eyesight of me if I can keep her attention focused in there. She colors, she plays with her toys, she reads books, but then she finds her way to the TV - where she knows what buttons to push to turn it on!
Any "new" project ideas I can do to capture her attention? I would prefer to stay away from messy activities since she can't always be under my supervision if I'm up and about. Or any suggestions for this Momma on how you make TV time work in your house...
I'd love to hear them!!!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Backwards WFMW - Toddler hitting
Well, we're just over a week into bringing a new baby into our family. Overall, it's been a smooth transition and everybody is doing well with the change. Big sister (22 months old) loves on her little sister every time she sees her, whether she's sleeping, or eating, or sleeping. She's a big fan already and wants to give her kisses and hugs constantly.
Last night, however, we encountered a small problem.
In the midst of me nursing the baby, big sister was giving kisses and I was talking to her... telling her how nice she was being, that she's such a good big sister, etc. etc. Then she goes and bonks the baby on her head. My first reaction was to bonk her back - obviously the baby couldn't defend herself the way I could defend her, right? This reaction brought me to tears, and left me feeling awful. I know you can't teach a child not to hit by hitting - one reason I'm not a fan of spanking. My second reaction was to yell NO and let daddy take over the discipline from there.
She has had past history of hitting and biting on occasion, but these instances are few and far between and have only been directed toward her daddy or I. We have been fortunate enough to not have to discipline too often. On the occasion that we do, we use time out. Daddy set her into time out last night and she cried and wailed and screamed and cried some more. Daddy repeated to her that we do not hit and she eventually was released from time out coming back to see me and the baby. I too reiterated that we do not hit and we must be gentle with the baby...
All just in time for her to bonk her on the head again after a few more kisses (a tad more gently this time, but still!)
So daddy fetched her up and took her straight to bed. She screamed in bed and she wailed and when she finally settled down we went in and told her that hitting was not nice, we do not hit. And basically turned out the light for her to fall asleep in her clothes and without a bedtime routine. Thankfully she was tired and doesn't need a routine on a consistent basis to sleep well. She slept all night.
So, after all of that... I need suggestions. I need help! How do I keep my toddler from hitting, especially her baby sister. Thanks in advance for your knowledge!!!
More backwards WFMW posts can be found at We are that Family
Last night, however, we encountered a small problem.
In the midst of me nursing the baby, big sister was giving kisses and I was talking to her... telling her how nice she was being, that she's such a good big sister, etc. etc. Then she goes and bonks the baby on her head. My first reaction was to bonk her back - obviously the baby couldn't defend herself the way I could defend her, right? This reaction brought me to tears, and left me feeling awful. I know you can't teach a child not to hit by hitting - one reason I'm not a fan of spanking. My second reaction was to yell NO and let daddy take over the discipline from there.
She has had past history of hitting and biting on occasion, but these instances are few and far between and have only been directed toward her daddy or I. We have been fortunate enough to not have to discipline too often. On the occasion that we do, we use time out. Daddy set her into time out last night and she cried and wailed and screamed and cried some more. Daddy repeated to her that we do not hit and she eventually was released from time out coming back to see me and the baby. I too reiterated that we do not hit and we must be gentle with the baby...
All just in time for her to bonk her on the head again after a few more kisses (a tad more gently this time, but still!)
So daddy fetched her up and took her straight to bed. She screamed in bed and she wailed and when she finally settled down we went in and told her that hitting was not nice, we do not hit. And basically turned out the light for her to fall asleep in her clothes and without a bedtime routine. Thankfully she was tired and doesn't need a routine on a consistent basis to sleep well. She slept all night.
So, after all of that... I need suggestions. I need help! How do I keep my toddler from hitting, especially her baby sister. Thanks in advance for your knowledge!!!
More backwards WFMW posts can be found at We are that Family
Friday, March 20, 2009
Cheers!!!
Welcome to my personal 2009 blog party!
I'd like to share a little bit about myself with all of you and hope to meet some interesting people along the way! Sit back, enjoy a nice hot cup of tea and let me know you've stopped by for a visit along your journey. Here are the top 10 facts about me:
1. First and foremost I am a Christian
2. Me and my other half, married 6.5 years
3. My Little Miss, 22 months old
4. Countdown to baby: currently 3 days!!!
5. My part-time job
6. Kansas girl, born and raised
7. My favorite hobby, though not enough time to ever do it
8. I wish I was better at tending to my home. I'm learning!!!
9. My dream vacation: Italy and the Mediterranean, land of my forefathers
10. My favorite blogs are all about frugal living, pinching pennies and the like
To meet other bloggers or to join the party visit the gals over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Oh, and don't forget there are so many cool prizes to be won at this year’s Ultimate Blog Party, but my top three picks would be:
1. Ergo Baby Carrier by: A Giveaway Addicted Mommy
2. Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer by: Moms Who Think
3. $100 gift card to HomeGoods by: HG Openhouse
And if my top three picks are already chosen, I’d love any of the following (in order of preference): 41, 45, 19, 21, 22
I'd like to share a little bit about myself with all of you and hope to meet some interesting people along the way! Sit back, enjoy a nice hot cup of tea and let me know you've stopped by for a visit along your journey. Here are the top 10 facts about me:
1. First and foremost I am a Christian
2. Me and my other half, married 6.5 years
3. My Little Miss, 22 months old
4. Countdown to baby: currently 3 days!!!
5. My part-time job
6. Kansas girl, born and raised
7. My favorite hobby, though not enough time to ever do it
8. I wish I was better at tending to my home. I'm learning!!!
9. My dream vacation: Italy and the Mediterranean, land of my forefathers
10. My favorite blogs are all about frugal living, pinching pennies and the like
To meet other bloggers or to join the party visit the gals over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Oh, and don't forget there are so many cool prizes to be won at this year’s Ultimate Blog Party, but my top three picks would be:
1. Ergo Baby Carrier by: A Giveaway Addicted Mommy
2. Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer by: Moms Who Think
3. $100 gift card to HomeGoods by: HG Openhouse
And if my top three picks are already chosen, I’d love any of the following (in order of preference): 41, 45, 19, 21, 22
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
