Stay home and play

Christmas gifts: A little Late :)

2012-01-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

I had such luck finding awesome Christmas Gifts this year: but I did manage to make a couple and I love how they turned out :)

I decorated this cute bucket for my brother and filled it up with a bunch of treats. He loved it. The bucket I got from a thrift store for $1 and the paper I already hand on hand from something I did previously.....so this whole project cost me $1.

dont you just love the looks of these tiles. They are just plain white tiles that each cost about .39 cents and pictures from walmart! take a little modge podge and viola you got yourself some drink coasters. The project costs about $5. and I love this gift for grandparents and aunts and uncles :)

Khloe and Lamar

2012-01-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Guest Post from: Denver Stephens

If you have ever read any of my blog entries then you will know about my affinity for the Kardashian family. This goes the same with the Kardashian-Odom family as well. I have recently started watching Khloe and Lamar on E! Network and I think it is really funny. For only having dated for a few short weeks when they decided to get married Khloe and Lamar seem to have a really awesome relationship. I like how they allow the cameras to be there at all different points in their relationship even when they are fighting. It kind of makes you realize that no matter how perfect a relationship can look from the outside there can still be fights and misunderstandings on the inside. Khloe and Lamar live in a gorgeous home which is not too far away from where the rest of the Kardashians live but word in the news is that Lamar was recently traded to another team and they are having to move to another state. That should make for some good reality TV. Check here www.Expertsatellite.com to find out when Khloe and Lamar airs in your area.

Merry Christmas.....

2011-12-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours:)

Its not too late to get your cards out yet. Here's what you do.....

-JOIN snapfish.com
-get 50 free prints
- when you go to have them printed send them to your local walmart or walgreens to have them picked up.
-THEN when you go to pick up your prints....you only pay tax. in other words for 50 4x6 pictures you are paying like $5.99 and you get them immediately.
-You address the back like a postcard (no need for an envelope) and Viola, you are set to go!

Vintage Boys Baby Shower Part 2: THE INVITATION

2011-11-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

Posting the Safari baby shower invitation made me realize I had another fun invitation I never shared, I know how dare I right... Well remember the vintage boys baby shower I threw with my friend a while back? Well you can see it here. Here is the invitation for the shower. I just loved how it turned out.....as usual any feedback is always welcome:

What do you think?

Safari Baby Shower Part 1

2011-11-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

One thing that is always up in the air for me is what theme to do for a baby boy baby shower. Girls I got down, for some reason they are easy for me, but boys are a lot harder. This weekend I am throwing a shower for my neighbor. I am so excited for her to have her second son and it has taken me weeks of thinking to come up with a theme. Then I remembered........I have the cutest baby safari themed paper, I have been DYING to use for something. So the safari themed baby shower is born. Because the event isnt until this weekend and I want to post every detail all at once, I a, just going to give you a little preview of what is in the works, by showing you part of the invitation :

Intrigued? Check back next week for full details on the party :)

Also next week: Ward Christmas Party HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, you are not going to want to miss that post!

Aeropastle: Dress your man right this holiday season

2011-11-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

I wandered into this place yesterday. I think it may be my new favorite place:) You have probably heard of it, its
called Aeropastale. They have some seriously cute stuff. I wanted to buy up there entire inventory, seriously. You should check them out. They have the most handsome line of mens outwear have seen in a long time, really I am not joking. This is how I want my man to dress. ( i am working on that). Have you seen there line on Aero NY mens t-shirts. Love. I especially like the striped one, green and white are my favorite combination for my main man to wear. Oh and did mention I also love their polos! With Christmas Coming up this is the perfect oppurtunity to get your guy something he will love to wear!

Back in Shape

2011-11-12T21:09:00.001-08:00

Posted By Hyman Weeks

Posted by Hyman Weeks

Lately I’ve gotten really into getting back in shape but it’s harder than you’d imagine to get back on track. I love my family to death but ever since we got www.Cabletvadvisor.com satellite TV all they want to do is sit down and watch TV on the weekends. I used to be a lot more outdoorsy before we had kids but my husband is understandably really tired when he gets home from work and I don’t want him to think I’m trying to drive him crazy making him exercise. So I’ve been going for long walks in the mornings by myself and I’ve actually been doing a lot in the way of getting the whole family’s food situation back on track. We’d really gotten lax about letting the kids eat whatever they wanted so I started preparing meals five nights a week like before because at the end of the day I know it’s better for everyone. I feel better and I’ve lost about 5 pounds so I know it’s working which is encouraging!

Super Tucker to the rescue!

2011-11-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

When I asked my little guy what he wanted to be for Halloween this year he didnt hesitate to tell me....Super Tucker! So being the crazy ambitious mom I am I decided to make him a costume. Since Super Tucker is completely made up in my little mans head, the costume and design got to come completely from MY head!

SO here is the finished product :)

Here I made the mask......the boot covers.....and the cape. The gloves I bought off ebay for $5. The whole costume cost me around $8. Not bad for a custom made costume.

and here is his super "fly" Halloween cape!

Halloween Mart: For all your Costuming Needs!

2011-11-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween. I always enjoy dressing my kids up every year in their cute costumes. I even have 3 years planned out in advance of what I want them to wear. Yes, I am that kind of mom.

So on that note, I have been checking out Halloween Mart. Right now they are having a 30% off sale when you enter the code: BARGAIN at checkout. So why not score some costumes for next year, or if you want, the have seasonal costumes you can get those there too. Why not dress up as a turkey or cute elf and bring some punk to the holiday parties. Check them out now, they have Adult Halloween Costumes, Kids costumes and more. Check them out now!

Tanda Skincare: Light Lead Acne-Treatment

2011-11-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is a topic that hits home for me. Skincare. My husband grew up with horrible acne and although treated now, has horrible scars on his body.

I wish they had something like Tanda when my husband was growing up. This is a new affordable concep is an acne removal system that uses light to treat skin, fight anti-aging and, kill acne. Its a small handheld device that allows you to take it anywhere.There is even a hair Removal System that is pain free and allows you to see a difference within days.

I predict that this is going to hit big. I know it would have helped my husband, and I am gald there is a system out there that t is going to help thousands of people who have acne issues, or even those that just want to get rid of unwanted hair. Check it out and get on board today.

Guess what?

2011-10-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

Guess what, guess what guess what? done guessing? Okay I'll tell you. I finally did it, oh yes I did. I started up my business that I have been meaning to do forever. Yay, I know claps please :)

so here it is, for your viewing pleasure :) oh and check out the website too: thanks for your love and support. We have a great deal going for those who put this button on their blog, but you have to check out the website to see the deal :)

the website is : www.beautifulbloomsbyaubrie.weebly.com

Back to School with Top Test Prep and scholarships.com

2011-10-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Its back to school. Well actually school is in full swing! So here is some info on some school goodies you might like, taka a look:

Enter, Top Test Prep. They provide private tutoring to help you get ready for test. You will recieve a private tutor that will customize a plan to help you every step of the way. This is a great place to go to help boost your test scores and help you get admitted to schools. Check them out now and get some help on much needed test.

The we have scholarships.com they have an easy website that allows you to find all kinds of scholarships in all different categories. Check them out. It will surprise you what they have on their sight, and how may different catergories you acutally qualify for a scholarship in.

Project Organization Coming Soon!

2011-10-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

We are in full swing her. Project organization is in full swing. Within the next couple of days I will be launching my game plan, as well as areas we are going to be organizing. We will also be having a linky party and quite possibly a giveaway....so check back later for more details. Good luck organizing~

Mormon Messages: What Matters Most

2011-10-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

BlueSky Scrubs Cool Company, check them out:)

2011-09-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

Need some comfy scrubs? Check these guys out :)
http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/

These guys have some good looking stuff. I am honored to write a review about their website. Right now they are running a deal where every pink ribbon scrub that is purchased they are donating $1 to breast cancer. How great is that!

They feature all kinds of styles, scrubs for men, scrubs for women. Nursing uniforms, lab coats. They even have adorable scrubs for kids. They look so comfy, I want to get some for my little ones to wear around the house.

Go check out this site and get your scrubs now!

Life's a Beach!

2011-09-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for good beach sign for quite sometime. Nothing fit the picture I had in my head. So one day my hubbie and I were out getting some firewood for a recent trip to the sand dunes and I came accross some old planks of wood in the pile. SO I broke a piece off and took it home with me. This is what I created from a free piece of wood and paints I already had in the house.

Love Me Some Fall!

2011-09-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have to admit. I got fall on the mind. I have been wanting to bring fall to my house decor for a while now, but seeing that it has been 98 here and didnt really feel like fall, I felt bad shooing summer out and bringing in the autumn before it's time. I have a lot of projects going on for fall right now and one is officially completed. Since it is now Sept. and considerably cooler....its time to make my first change. So good bye Summer nights, warmth, hours on the playground and...Hello crisp autmun air. Halloween and wreaths......ah wreaths. Yes to welcome fall, I hung this:

I love how this looks against my green door. The fall colors really pop...

This wreath is super cheap to make. Everything here is from the dollar store. The whole wreath cost me about $10. Not a bad deal for a festive fall wreath.

Top Choice Electronics: Samsung 59" Ultraslim TV

2011-09-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today I want to talk to you about Top Choice Electronics. I was checking out there Samsung 59" Ultraslim Plasma. The review on their website makes it sound incredible, its HD ( as everything is now days) and I just can't get over some of the features of this TV. Not to mention 59" 's, that my friend is huge. HUGE, that some serious High Def. right there. No more fighting to find the best set for optimal viewing, everyon seat near this baby is the prime spot. Not to mention its ultraslim. No bulky entertainment set needed, in fact the design of this makes mounting it to the wall extra easy and convient. Almost like a picture frame.

You can get yours now here.

This website Top Choice is fairly new to me, but glancing around, I think this might be a new chocolate. Chocolate is what I call my addictions. I think its so much nicer then calling it an addiction. They have some AWESOME stuff on this blog, and there prices seem fairly reasonable. Being the mom I am...you know always looking for the best bargain, this is one website I decided to add to my list of places I buy from. Or at least window shop and drool over.

Staying Healthy

2011-09-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Staying Healthy
Guest written by our friend Donnie Donovan
I try my hardest to stay really healthy – I eat all the foods I’m supposed to and I take myvitamins every day but when I do get sick it really seems to knock me out. Last month I had the summer flu and boy, I thought I was going to die. My husband even had to take a couple of days off work to stay home with me, I was so sick. Anyway, he got me direc tvso I could watch movies while I recovered and he even read to me from some novels when my eyes were tired but I’m sure hoping I don’t ever get that sick again. I can’t believe I let him see me in that shape – we’ve only been married for a year so he hadn’t seen Sick Sandy yet! I guess I’ll just keep up my routine and continue to exercise and eat right in hopes it will stave off any other illnesses that want to come in and knock me on my butt, whatever they are.

Baby Shower Gift Carrier!

2011-07-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

I saw the cutest baby shower gift carrier made out of a glass soda bottle container....

Here is the one I copied here is my version!

Boys Vintage Baby shower!

2011-07-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

My friend and I recently threw a baby shower for one of our other friends who is having a boy, we chose a vintage baby theme. Here is a picture of the table, we made everything ourselves :)

Here is a close up of the candy we picked for the table....yummy!

it was so fun getting to throw this baby shower. I loved the vintage theme. I wish our apartments were big enough to do more decorating!

Boys Splash Park Party!

2011-07-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

My little man turned 3 this last week. I debated in my head and debated out loud what theme I wanted to do this year for his birthday. You see we live in a small apartment and I knew my son really wanted to have friends to his party....so...we went to the park! The splash park! He LOVED it! We ate delicious food, we had an amazing cake made by a wonderful friend of mine and played and played and played in the splash park! So I give you a Splash Park themed birthday!

The cake was a beach ball splashing in water with yummy cupcakes to match. My little man LOVED it!

One of my favorite things was the cups of layered jello for the kids, they were a big hit.

Silverware on the wall?

2011-07-02T22:41:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite new pieces in my house. I got the fabric, frames and silverware at the thrift store. I already had black spray paint. All in all this project cost me $5.

( please excuse the photo quality...my camera is broken at the moment so these are taken with my phone, I just couldnt wait to share!)

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

2011-07-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Back in March Dr. Seuss had a birthday. I love Dr. Seuss. His books and rhyming skills makes me happy. My kids are learning to love him too...Big T's favorite book right now is Green and Eggs and Ham. So in honor of his birthday ( and because it was read across america day) we decided to throw a little impromtu reading party. Everyone brought a pillow and their favorite book. We took turns reading our books, while we munched on delicious snacks. What a fun day. We are going to do this again next year, but this time we are gonna go all out and do some decorations. Can't wait.

A little Baby Banner!

2011-07-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

One of my dear friends had a baby back in March two months after my little P was born. SO naturally when one of her friends offered to throw the baby shower, i had to pitch in and help. I offered to make the banner for the party. It was so fun, I almost became addicted.....almost :)

Everything I needed to make this, I already had on hand. The decorations the hostess did where red and purple, I think its a perfect compliment to a great party.

I'm Back and Ambitious as Ever!

2011-07-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hi. How are you? Its been a while. Life has seem to have gotten away from me for a while. A new baby graced us with her prescence and the world wind of 2 kids has kept us in an upward tizzy. But, I'm back and I have all kinds of fun projects to show you! I have been busy :)

First up:

This wreath that is just about cute enough to stay up all year around. I bought the wicker wreath at the dollar store for the white flowers I cut up an old curtain panel. The whole project cost me a total of about $3. viola.

Oreo Suckers...Yum!

2010-11-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

This year for Halloween we started a new tradition... we made oreo suckers....boy were they delicious!

Quiet Book pages 1 &2...

2010-10-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

My friend and I took on a industrious task of making a quiet book for our little boys for Christmas...so far we have 2 pages done...all I have to do is add the words at the top and binding around the edge, yay! I will try and post more pages as we make them...


Sort the apples

String the Fruit Loops

tutus for a little tutu!

2010-10-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ive got baby fever. Probably because the impending birth of my little girl is only a few months away. A friend of mine the other day wanted to make a tutu for her little ladybug for Halloween. I decided that while my little bundl of joy has yet to make her arrival there was no harm in whipping one of these babies up for her anyway. I wanted it to be newborn size so she can wear it when she super little. Here is what I came up with.

2 year old Birthday Party on the cheap!

2010-07-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

My little baby is turning 2. I guess its best to say he is not a baby anymore. A toddler, a kid, a child, not a baby. Even so, it was time to bring out the party planning guns and throw my not so little munchkin an awesome birthday party. This year we dedcided we would go with a Fishy theme. We wanted to do everything cost effective since we are poo college students so the whole party was done in under $20. Here's a walk through of what we did :

Invitations:
The little guy and I cut out some fish and attached a peice of yarn, on the front was there name, on the back was the invitaiton. All the kids invited were 3 or under ( expect one 7 year old) and they loved the invitaitons and having something to play with at the same time. I already had the scrapbook paper and the yarn, so the invitations cost me, $0. I am all about using things that I already have around the house.

Since these were little 2 year olds I wanted to have a simple, but super fun game for them to have. I decided to make a fish curtain that I could hand up and the kids could fish over for candy and little prizes attached to fish. The whole thing was pretty hilarious to watch and the kids had a great time fishing.

I purchased a light blue plastic table cloth from the Dollar store and painted on ocean creatures with some water colors. Here it is on the table, still drying.

Here is the birthday boy taking his turn at fishing. ( he really liked it I promise.)

The cake was realy easy. Funfetti cake mix $3.

Frosting I dyed blue $2.

Sweedish fish, large size and Aquamarina Sweedish sea animals. $10.

Yummy!

For the decorations I put up green streamers ( seaweed) and blue, white and orange balloons floating around. $3 for both.

Total: $20= One Happy Birthday Boy!

Baby Shower Part 2

2010-07-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the table I designed for my "what are little girls made of...sugar and spice and everything nice" party!

and here is the cutie onesie I made for the mom to be. I used stuff I already had on hand, including and unused onseie. So this gift literally came from the heart and didnt cost me a penny!

Its Party Mania...

2010-07-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have two big parties being thrown at my place next week. First is my little guys 2nd birthday party. We are doing a fishy theme. Details and pictures to come next week I promise.

The second party is going to be for one of my dear friends who is having a baby girl. We are throwing her a killer baby shower. Here are some sneak peeks of the invitations.

FHE Board Reveal

2010-05-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

A little organization is in order around here these days. We are busy cleaning and decluttering. Its amazing how much you can accumulate. So anyway, besides the vaccuming, trying no to breath in as I am dusting and getting rid of piles of junky junk I felt the need to get my craft on and make a few things for our house.

Enter...the Family Home Evening Board. I love how this turned out. Its such a great compliment to the room.

Isnt it About time family board

2010-05-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

Our house has been hopping with all kind of busyness these last couple if weeks. I have a few projects up my sleeve, I am going to be showing you all in the next couple of days, along with the big reveal of my dining room table and chairs redo. ( SO EXCITED) !
For Today. Here is a sign I made for my cousin who was getting married. She loved it!

It was so fun and so inexpensive to make this project, here is the breakdown
Board : $2.99
Vinyl letters precut $5.99
red and burgundy paint 99 cents each
so for $10 I have this really great Wedding gift

Total: $10

My Inspiration Blog :)

2010-04-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Okay so this is my first time spolighting another blog, its about time. This is a blog that I have drooled over and dreamed I could be just like for a while. This girl is amazing and creative. You can check her out her blog here. Not only does she do the most adorable things, but she has the cutest family. She is one you definetely want to follow :). check out some of her work below!:

She threw her daugther the cutest graduation party!

I love the banner, wood letters one paper background, love the idea. AND the

GIANT marshmellows man, I think i am in love.

Passin on the love :)

2010-03-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I am ever doing this...giving away an award. I dont know the rules or the protocol or anything, so I am going to learn as I go....I have a few favorite blogs out there though that I have been wanting to give an award to for a while. These have been thought out and planned, not just randomly picked.

So here is the Award:

AND here are the fabulous bloggers who one the award :)

Thrifty Decor Chic- Because her style is everything I want my style to be

The Shabby Nest- I idolaize her blog, I love her blog, her blog, I think she has a great sense of style

Jordan Ferney:Oh Happy Day She takes beautiful photos and is a queen in arranging things, not to mention she is from my home state, and area :)

Okay so wonderful ladies, pass this award on, to three ladies who have inspired you or whose blog is just plain fun

PB book wreath remake

2010-03-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

So I saw this cool wreath in a pottery barn catalog:

So cute huh? So the wheels in my head started turning, why not make one myself? Bigger, better, one to put in my living room as a testament to my love of reading.

So here, is my version of the Book Wreath from PB:

Okay so the book I used was bought at a thrift store for 50 cents.

I used a cardboard back and modge podge already on hand.

So the amount for this project:

50 cents

( unless you dont have modge podge then its like $3)

a little springy easter wreath!

2010-03-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Okay so as promised...here is the reveal of my easter egg wreath. I really love how it turned out. I think it makes my home really feel like spring and easter now.

This was such an EASY project to make.

All you need are the following items:

( I got all mine from the dollar store)

woven wreath

moss

plastic easter eggs

and paint ( i just used what I already had)

sticks ( from right outside my door)

glad my ceramic birdie now has a place to live :)
Total: under $5

A little Friday Inspiration

2010-03-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

So my hubbie is in school right now. We live in a townhouse that cannot be painted or wallpapered or anything. I can put pictures on the wall, though so they are not completely bare.

My kitchen needs a little help. It just doesnt have enough style and is looking a little white washed. So I decided to spruce it up.

Its going to be a work in process, but for now, here is some inspiration to help me get inspired. I wanted to share beause I love every single one of these. Ah, now lets see what I can do ;)

( thank you to bhg.com for the pictures)

Easter egg wreath coming soon!

2010-03-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Check in on Monday to see how I turn these eggs....into a fun robin egg wreath.

All I need is the girl...

2010-03-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

So at an activity at my church on Saturday.....I learned how to make bows. Too bad all I have a is a little man and I dont think the hubbie would appreciate me putting them on his head :). They were still fun to make though and if I ever do have a little girl, you can bet there will be more where these came from.

There is one more, but it is going to be uploaded later since my photoshop forgot to keep working. Come back later for the jewled flower!

Garage Sale Finds: Redone!

2010-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

I love yard sale finds ( lets count how many times I have said that in a post). The possiblities are endless. Up here in idaho, its still cold, pretty freezing cold. At least as far as yard sales are concerned. So for now I have to change up the things I have gotten from previous yard sales. Here's one.

I like the shape of the frame, but thats about it.

And after, I love this so much better.

I got two of the golden frames, SO I have one more to go!

My goal as always is to use things I already have around the house.

So Total for the frames 2/$5

I had everything else so

Total: $5.

YAY, for two new pictures for under $10.

Friday Follow!

2010-03-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

I am participating in Friday follow. All you have to do is go to one of the three websites below and follow the instructions.

Friday Follow is a celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!

No Sew Star Wall Hanging !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

I am by no stretch of the imgination a good sewer. I want to be and if the pattern is simple and invoves straigh lines only. I'll give it a try. I like this little creation though because, guess what? No SEWING is involved whatsoever. I used fusible iron on paper, the heavy duty stuff and I love how this wall hanging turned out.

The theme we are doing for his room is stars so that was the inspiration for this peice. I am all about using fabric that I have already lying around. I got a bunch of fabric on clearance for under $30 in which I have plans for 4 more prjects with it. The fusible iron on paper for $5. I used it for this project and still have tons left over. I would say the total amount for this project would be broken down something like this.

Half of the fusible web $2.50. 1/4 of the fabric $7.50. The total: $9.50 under $10 for this project and I coud custom make it to exactly how I wanted it to look!

Total project time: 2 HOURS
Total Price: $9.50

A little bit of my passion!

2010-03-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

I have to say I never thought I could know such happiness from a not so simple computer program. My hubbie finally took pity onto me and gave in to helping my go after my passion. Desiging. Invitations, announcements, etc. Thats right, he bought me photoshop. While this may seem like no great feat for most, if you understand the program I was using before lets just say this is like upgrading from a '98 Oldsmobile in Rusty tan to a bright red shiny ferrari. So I am back to desgining full scale instead of the semi professional I was doing with my mesely little program before. Here is my latest Graduation announcements. I made up 6 different one for my client to choose from and she love how they turned out. The first one is the one she picked, but I wanted to show you all of them. As always any comments or suggestions are always welcome.

T-Shirt Lounge Pants!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to do this project for quite some time and I finally got the chance last night, I stayed up late finishing this things for him and he is wearing them this morning as I am typing this. So here is my little Sunday Morning Reveal.

I made these beautiful pants out of one of Tucker's daddye old shirt. I am sort of loving how they turned out. The braided drawstring on the side makes them oh so cute. I cant wait to make more. Oh and some shorts for summer.

Total Cost: $0

Use and old t-shirt and some thread you already have and badda bing.

That is so WICKED!

2010-02-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year my parents pulled out the big dogs. They gave me and my sister and my sister in law tickets to go see wicked. We were so excited, no wait, excited doesn't begin to cover it....we were the kind of excited where you cant sleep thinking what it will be like, the kind of excited where you have butterflies in your stomach because you wonder what it will be like. We were beyond that, we were estatic. Well okay, at least I wasm, but since the others aren't here to contest they were just as estatic as me. What a great gift. We had a blast and I am pretty sure we talked through the whole thing and drooled over the really cute boys. We even snuck in puppy chow to the theatre (shh? dont tell!) and munched and watched and throughly enjoyed. Ahh, a great way to begin the Christmas season!

You wont want to miss this...

2010-02-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

My first book review...
There is nothing better then cheap entertainment. While TV provide some sense of hour passing pleasure, a good book seems to really do the trick..enter my first Book Review. I have wanted to this for sometime and I finally found a book worthy of the blogpost. So here we go.

Book: The Measure of a Heart
Author: Janetter Oke

The Adventures of Anna Trent ( Barker) keep you on your toes in suspense. Anna Trent marries a young pastor and their life is filled with wild and crazy adventures trying to be a new minister and his wife. Neither feel worthy of the calling, but they prove themselves and everyone else that they are, by quick thinking,humor and patientence they turn the tiny town upside down. This is a good book for the soul, making us realize that if God calls us we ARE worthy and ALL things are possible. It is about making due when you have nothing and Anna's skills in creating something for nothing makes you want to cut up your sheet and make a new wardrobe out of old clothes. What a uplifitng book. Read it.

If this book is not yet part of your collection. Check it out of your library, your local or your friends. This is a good soulful book.

Provides a day or so of free entertainment.

Total Cost: $0

It doesnt get any better then that.

Smooth Away Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

My hubbie in his desperate need to spoil me just a little stayed up way too late one night. Bad for the bank account as any late night infomerical watcher knows. Good for the wife who works hard all day! So what did his midnight spending binge earn me. Smooth Away. Thats right hair removal that uses the process of rubbing away the hair instead of shaving or nairing. And you know what, this stuff actually works!!!!! Because my hubbie doesnt think too straight at night, he order me 2 sets of smooth away instead of one. So, I got my little brain wheels turning and decided I would share his faua paux. I am giving away one box of Smooth Away! It comes with everything you need, why not try it for free :)

So to enter this giveaway ( which is going to go until January 23rd) all you have to do is link this giveaway to a post on your blog. Then leave a comment tell me you did that! And your in.

Good Luck!!!

New to my ETSY SHOP!

2010-01-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

To ring in the New Year, I decided to reinvent my blog...and make a few new things for my etsy shop. So here are some goodies you can go snap up now, because they are yummy yummy!

Oh so cute dessert stand! I am so in love with these plates, I had to snatch a few up to share with my wonderful customers!

The Shabby Nest: Welcome Back Etsy~

2010-01-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

She has some cute cute stuff. I might have to buy me a few of these. Check it out!

The Shabby Nest: Welcome Back Etsy~

Time to Settle Down!

2010-01-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hey. I am here! Our huge move to Idaho was successful, despite a blown transmisson, shredded tire and broken winsheild wiper. The below fresaing weather made the weather a little bitter, but we are here and getting slowly unpacked ( which is what I should be doing now instead of posting my blog) Being here has inspired a few fun projects stay tune, once I get settled these projects are going to be flying!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care!

2009-12-24T01:39:00.000-08:00

Its defintely Christmas at our house. This year for the first time in a way to long time all of us five kids and our spouses ( and one kid) are here at my parents house for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a GOOD NIGHT!

Heavier then Brick

2009-12-24T01:29:00.000-08:00

Back to focusing on Christmas. I had a few more gifts to finish up and i wanted to share with you the results. I love homemade gifts, Its so easy to customize the gift to the person recieving it.

Take a gander...

I made this for my in laws. The process its self is simple. You just have to buy the lettering and mold kit. ( my amazing mother got one at a yard sale for a$1)

I have already decided where I would put mine when I make one for my little family. LOVE THESE!

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere!

2009-12-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

This past weekend it finally came.....my brothers much anicipated wedidng. I got to flaunt my mad flowery skills and got to do all the flowers for the wedding. It was a long day, but I am pretty happy with the results. The bride was estatic and that is all that matters.

Here is the finish product ( You can also check out the other flowers that are mighty mighty by me. Click your mouse over this link!)

I spent last Saturday turning this....
into this....

This is a side/top shot of the brides boquet and because I know you want to ask...

yes, the roses are real.

Side view. Take a lookesy and that gorgie criss cross. Love it.

Bridesmaids Boquet. These were so cute, I wanted to keep one. It almost made me want to get married again. Almost.

This was the only arrangement I had to do in a base. I love the loose and casual feeling of flower arrangements like these. This was for the guest book table.

My gift to you!

2009-12-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

Okay so as a little Christmas gift to all my awesome readers. Click here to get free Einstein Bagel Poppers. Treat yourself to a little tasty treat this busy busy week.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Freebie Friday!

2009-12-11T23:28:00.000-08:00

I totally dropped the ball on my freebie Friday thing. Crazy week, but I still have 30 minutes until midnight ( why am I still up?) so here we are!
Thanks to Freebies4Mom for supplying these. If you havent checked out this blog yet, go right now!

Still here? Yeah? Okay I was hoping you would all go visit Freebie for mom's blog and that would be my post...but since you like me enough to want to hear what my cranium is going to spew out next I guess we will continue forward.

1st in the lineup.
Get two free tacos from Del Taco....(click here to view offer).

2nd
Free Quench Body Lotion from Oil of Olay. Expires Jan 29, 2010 and you have to send your orginial recipt. ( read about it here.)

Okay I think two is going to be my limit for this week. My eyes feel like a million weights are tied to them and being forced to shut close by some invisble force ( or the better known force called gravity.)

Good Night, enjoy your offers!

Yay, My first Award!

2009-12-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

Yay I got my 1st award.......thanks to moon star mommy. Okay so here it is.

Okay and for this award I have to be honest about ten things in my life. This should be good.

1. When I was little I was always afraid I was going to die in the middle of the night. I use to pray that I wouldnt die and that I could wake up in the morning.

2. I use to want red hair more then anything in the world, but I was always afraid to dye it red, I wanted au nautral.

3. I love cereal. anything will work, but honestly the sugarie goodness the better. I would eat cereal 3 times a day if I wasnt an adult and knew it wasnt good for me.

4. I sometimes watch shows on the Disney Channel. What can I say...family quality entertainment.

5. I think being famous and having my picture taken all the time would be fun.

6. One time I wanted to go water skiing with my family. It was my first time and i was so excited. I couldnt ever get up on the skies and after one really hard round I came up out of the water and let off the loudest most obnoixous belch I have ever heard in my life. No one said anything after that. They all stared. NOW I hate belching.

7. I love(d) the reality show John and Kate Plus 8. I googled their website more then once. Even considered having my hair cute like Kate.

8. I think that Emmett Cullen should exist in really life. I think he should be in love with me in real life too.

9. Yesterday I attempted to make my own soap and bath fizzie from a kit I got at a yard sale. The soap ended up looking like an green oatmeal cookie and to the bath fizzie I add to much water, the thing started growing on me and wouldn't stop growing.

10. I Love SAN FRANSISCO and should be hired as a tour guide.

A little Pink Eye Perspective

2009-12-11T00:49:00.000-08:00

For the past week my dear readers, I have had pink eye. Yes, Pink eye. Somehow I was under the misconception that Pink Eye was for elementary students and that adults like me who doesnt even have a kid in school yet, was virtually immune. Hmm, wrong. Somehow my baby picked it up first and despite my efforts to wash my hands a million times a day, I did indeed get it. Our spirits were not dampened though, just dry since we couldnt go our in public for the last week. We did make it to Target for some Christmas shopping with my dear husband on Tuesday, but thats it. Nothing cut off from civilization and going a little stir crazy around the house. So this pink eye stuff, yeah apparently it is a bacterial infection and if you get it with a cold and cough it gets yucky for a long time. So what did I do. I sat and I stewed and I decided today to take my little baby to the park right around the corner. He is down to just a cough, so I bundled him up with all my bundling power and strapped him in his stroller. We went to the park and had a wonderful time, until we got cold. Very cold. We left to walk back home and it started raining. Yes, the two people in the world who should not be out in the rain right now...are caught in it, but at least we got out and got some fresh air!

So happy JUST to be outside.

Pull your hair out...

2009-12-11T00:15:00.000-08:00

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Okay now that is out of my system. That is how I have been feeling lately with everything that is on my plate ( my big china non dishwasher safe plate) and everything I have to do. But I feel better now, thanks for letting me get that out. I compeleted another Christmas gift today. Rather I made it, ordered it and sat by the mailbox until it finally arrived today. I think it turned out cute and I hope my sweet sister in law will enjoy it for years to come. Thats one check off my checklist, now I just have to wrap it up and send it to her ( along with her cute ornament I made her). I can only share this because she has not joined my wonderful world of blogging yet so I know I am safe from her peeping at it before Christmas. Here is a little sneak peek just for you.

There last name is Harris, I think it makes the H on the front quite appropriate.

Okay the next item of business is my brothers wedding happening in 8 days. Not that its my wedding, but I get to work my magic with the flowers again, and its gonna be big. My brother is having 8 groomsemen (8, I dont think I had that many people that liked me enough to be in mine) so ther is a lot of little boutineers to make, of course along with the boquets and such. I am gearing up for it now, rest up for it, saving my energy up for it. Awesome. One week before Christmas. Awesome.

Gift Basket in Giantsville

2009-12-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

So I posted a while back about the Bridal Shower I thru for my future sis in law. I wanted to give her an unforgettable gift while giving her something that both her and my brother can use. So I came up with this.

A Honeymoon Kit. Now before you go and get your minds into the gutter, I made this a completely clean basket o goodies stocked full of stuff I thought maybe the could use.

This house sized basket includes:

One map to Monterey and Caramel ( where they will be honeymooning)
A list with fun things to do, places to eat, and things to see in Caramel

Mugs with their intitals on it for hot cocoa

Of course hot cocoa, with mini marshmellows and peppermint candies

Lots of snack foods in case they get the munchies

Microwave soups for fast and easy cooking

two ADORABLE flannel blankets with handles for snuggling

Two lovey dovey movies ( aka Princess Bride and My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

Microwave popcorn with two popcorn tins

Martinellis apple cider

of course water bottles

a big thermos

chocolates

IBC Rootbeer

My brother and sis in laws favorite candy of course

I have to say, I think the Bride to be about had a heart attack when she saw it, but it was oh so fun to make. I just couldnt help myself. I got my other sis to go in with me on it so it kept the price relatively low! I love gift baskets, I love seeing how they all come together.

Leafing and Loving

2009-12-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas gift, custome made. Check. Now it just has to be wrapped and sent on its little way. I love how it turned out, I think I might have to make a few more just to have for myself ( wait, I tell myself that is not the point...sigh)This is made with gold leafing ( about $10 at Micheals, or your favorite craft store) and transparency( transparency can be expensive, but if you have a peice lying around or can use it in another project like our ornament project seen here then its well worth it.)

okay so breakdown

Gold Leafing: $10

transparency: already had

Frame $3.99 ( we use a document size frame for this)

printer: had :)

Total Cost: $13.99

Free Whataburger thru Dec. 24

2009-12-03T23:09:00.000-08:00

One more for freebie friday... Whataburger is celebrating the yuletides by offering copons every other day for a free shake, fries, or whataburger. Click here for details and to register!Offer goes until Dec. 24th

Free Pillsbury 2010 Calendar

2009-12-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

We all love little freebies. They can make our Fridays, so for you Friday lovers, here is a freebie.
Click here to get an awesome Pillsbury 2010 Calendar. Its coming, are you ready?

Bridal Shower Decorating

2009-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

I recently had a Bridal Shower at my mothers house for my future Sister in Law! Yay ( another wedding to do flowers for!) . I wanted to share with all of you some the deocrating ideas we came up with . Keep in mind we wanted to use a)stuff we already had and b) we wanted a classic look. Let me know what you think, I appreciate feedback :)

This is the chandilear above the table... We used all fresh greenery and flowers from our yard...beautiful..

Cost so far: $0

This is the food table. Simple yet elegant. The only thing we bought was a few candles for the table.

Total Cost: about $10 ( not including cost of food)

This was the drink table. The tall glasses and punch bowl we already had. The little cups we bought at a thrift store for a $1 a peice.

Cost: $6

Okay so all the stuff you see here, we already had. YAY, we reused the bowls from my sis in laws wedding and put floating glass candle bowls with tealights in them. The candleabra we already had as welll as the candles. they burned the entire time and it brought a nice touch into the room.
Total Cost not including the price of food: $16 for decorating! Not to bad!

Giveaway Winner!

2009-11-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

Another giveaway came to a close. Boah, my second one. I only had 5 comments and 4 enteries. While that is nice for those entering.....I hope my next giveaway will consist of a few more chicas. At least then I know people are reading my silly blog :) okay so the winner is Tracy from the Faerie Castle. Tracy email me at make_me_smile2@juno.com with your address so I can send you your fun magnets....thanks for participating!

A little Christmas a Little early!

2009-11-20T23:35:00.000-08:00

There is something I LOVE about the holidays. Not just the decor and the giving moods everyone is in, this year there is something more. As I said in my previous post I am attempting to make as many gifts as possible this year in hopes to a)make something meaningful and b) save some moola. So here is my latest gift making creation. This is for my sis in law and her husband out in Alabama. Its an Ornament, and I quite like how it turned out. Quite like it alot!

I love the fake snow at the bottom..that is my favorite. OH and there is still an hour an 20 minutes left into which to enter my magnet giveaway. Check it out!

A little Giveaway!!!!!

2009-11-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hey there. I have been busy as a bee trying to get some early holiday gifts done. My little bro decided he wanted to have his nupitals the week before the yuletides and I get to do the flowers...for yet another wedding. While I am excited, I think I might be a little beyond stressed about it....I keep having nightmares that the flowers are not working out. Crazy, stupid cold weather is not good for my subconcious ( yeah thats it.) Okay so onto why you are all reading this blog. I have been staying home and playing lately. Litterally. My Goal this year is to make as many of the gifts as I possibly can. I will give you all a pick early when they are totally completed, but in the mean time. I have made some cute cute magnets for some people ( I will tlell you who after they get them) and I made a few I thought it would be fun to share. So without further ado, here they are.

They are a little blurry in the photo because they are fabric under glass, but they are so vintagy, and so cutesy. If you want to snag these up you have until Next Saturday the 21st to enter.

Here's what you have to do. Brace Yourself...

1. If you are not a follower become one.... :) -1 entry

2. If you are a follower.... post on your blog that you are participating in this giveaway and link your blog back to the comments page...1 entry

3. You get one entry just for leaving a comment

4. If you tell a friend and they become a follower you get one more entry.

Yay for giveaways!!!!! Good Luck!

Hug a tree and eat a beaver!

2009-11-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

Hi All my amazing and beuatiful readers. I am still here...still inhaling oxygen, sniffing my kids necks and rocking out with my hubbie. Life has just been a little more then busy lately. Alas, I have a few projects up my sleeve and I cant wait to show you, I just need to do the finishing touches, plus I have a giveaway coming up, so tune in! MWAH for now!

Baby Toy Bag for Car

2009-10-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

So....I came to a conclusion. I decided after a year of scrambling to find a toy in the car to apease a screaming baby, that I had enough. So I came up with this little beauty left over from some fabric that I got at a yard sale and used to make the travel pillow.

Here is my oh so simple, anyone can do it design.

Its just your average run of the mill square hand sewn pocket.

1- sew the pocket.

2- sew on straps to tie around the back of the seat.

3- sew on the velcro on either side of the pocket.

4- Tie the straps around the seat and load up your bag with toys.

Total Cost :

Fabric $2.00 from yard sale

Thread already had...free

velcro already had free

no more headaches and screaming babies....pricesless!

Total Cost for this project: $2.00

A wedding or Two.

2009-09-18T09:53:00.001-07:00

My Little Bro. is getting married. This is the second family memeber to get married...this year. CrazY! So I being the party girl that I am offered to throw the bride a bridal shower. Now this shower is not until Nov. but I finished ( almost I just need to add the diamond sticker above the ring) the invitations early so I wanted to show you what I have so far. Color me proud. I love how these turned out. I want to have a blue and black bridal shower for her since these are her colors. Anyone have any ideas?

From Golden Gates, to Very Brown Potatoes

2009-09-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love big cities. Probably not to live in. Defintely to visit. Its even better if I can live near them that I can go anytime I want. Enter...San Fransisco. What a beautiful and diverse city. There is so much to do there. Weither you want to spend a lot of money or a little. San Fransisco is always hopping and bumping. Go.Visit. Love it.

So, on that note. We just found out that my hubbie got into a school in Idaho. Yeah, not so much with the big cities there. We are excited nottheless as new adventures are always fun..and yellowstone is only an hour away. So I think that is going to be my new job, I am going to be a yellowstone guide. Too bad I look horrible in hats:)

Lets chat. Dicuss with me if you will. How do I get my big city fix in a state known only for producing delicious potatoes. Keep in mind we are officially college students with no money to book airfare at a moments travel!

Keep on clunking Old Faithful car, we need you now more then ever!

Half off picaboo books!

2009-09-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been into making those photobooks you can design online and have sent to you. I am so obsessed with them that I am thinking ( seriously considering) inflicting these stunning finds on everyone for the yuletides. Maybe even you? Send your pictures on over! Okay so on that night, being the thrifty gal that I am. I am always looking for a steal or two. Photobooks can be pretty pricey depending on how many pictures you add and how many pages you create ( once you start you cant stop) so...I found a coupon code for picaboo that gives you half off a photo book. I tried it, it really works. So now is the time, get your creative on and make yourself a pretty little keepsake.

The Code is: 2PAKFY you just type it in when you go to purchase the book and viola! Beauiful!

Thank you picaboo!

Awesome Garage Sale Finds: Before and After!

2009-09-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

I think its about time I posted what I have been up to lately. We are currently looking for new residence for our new brood and I have been collecting things and ideas for how I want to decorate. I love projects that have a before and a beautiful after.

Here is one of my garage sale finds. I purchased this for $1

Before:

And the After:

Here is another one of my garage sale finds.... Its in the works, but I am loving the way it is turning out, so here is a sneak peek!

The frame....$1

The shells cost me a total of $3 with tons to spare.

Total amount for both these products combine?

about $5. It doesnt get any sweeter then that.

All I want is a little culture!

2009-08-23T21:36:00.001-07:00

One thing I love about living in the Bay Area is the oppurtunies and expirences me and my child can have. Oh the places will go... and the things we'll see. My newest endeavor right now is to find muesuem and parks that have free days so my little one and I can go get culturized. So here, here is the one I am going to see first.

Exploratorium

3601 Lyon St.

San Fransisco, CA

(415)561-0399

FREE first wedensday of every month

How great is it that places still offer free places to go. I think it is fun that my little one and I can take a field trip and not have to worry about how much it is going to cost. us.

Exploring at the Exploratrium here I come!

Busy Little Beaver.

2009-08-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

I have been busy this last week. I have finally got my baby announcement business up and running, posted on ebay and made it it's own blog. I think I may be nuts. At least I am keeping myself busy until more DYI projects come my way. For now it feels nice not to have paint stuck under my fingernails. Heres the link to what I have been up to lately

Professional looking baby photos at home!

2009-08-07T09:52:00.001-07:00

I havent posted in a week. Sorry about that. I am giving myself a slap a the hand. okay so now thats over. I promise you all to post more, but I am hoping that when you read this post, it will more then a little make up for my lack of bloggness for a whole week.

Professional looking baby photos at home in 8 easy steps:

1- The first thing to do is scour your house for props. Fuzzy pillows, cute baskets, maybe a favorite toy or two. Anything that you think will a) look good in a picture and b) your kid will be entertained by so you can take his picture.

2- Then you need to set up your scene. You can use whatever color sheet you want, but a white sheet gives you the most contrast. In this case I chose to leave the sheet a little wrinkly because I liked the effect behind it. Drap your sheet over some furniture and tape down the top so it makes a backdrop.

3- Put your baby in his cute little outtfit. Do this right before you take the photos. If you want some just him in his diaper shots nows a good time to take them too.

4- The best looking photos are the ones that are him naturally playing and being himself. Then when he looks up at you and smiles, its genuine.

5- Try different angles, turn your baby backwards and take some shots that way, try standing up or sitting or try getting him to look up.

6- Try different lighting techniques. Since you are in your own home you can experiment a little and really get the look you want. I perfer to use natural sunlight with a flash, but you can use, the light in your room or even a flashlight for spotlight and shadow effect.

7- The most important thing to remember is for you and your baby to have fun. Let him play and be himself. You will be amazed with the photos you can come up with.

8- Lastly you want to edit your photos. There are so many good free programs out there. Picknik.com. I uses Picasa because I like the effects it allows me to do!

Happy picture taking!

The Winner is....

2009-08-07T09:38:00.001-07:00

Yay, my first giveaway is coming to an end, now comes the fun part. Picking the winner. So I turned to random. org. Can I get a drumroll please?...........the winner is #6 garciagirl82. Congrats garciagirl, thanks for become a follower. Send me an email and I will get you in touch with Dining Rooms Direct.

GIVEWAY cute count piggy!

2009-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day. Can you see the smile on my face. You should be able to its about a mile long! My teeth are binging in the sunlight. So why such a big smile? Because I am hosting first giveaway. Dun dun dun. Thats right. Suzanne from Dining Rooms Direct contacted me and asked if I wanted to host a giveway. Of course I do, I replied, and boy do I have a cute cute produt for you. I am in love! I know there are a lot of bloggers out there who love numbers so here it is....

Its count piggy. And he is oh so cute!

So....how....to enter...the contest...

There are lots of ways to win:

1st- become a follower and leave a comment on my blog.

2nd- I will give another entry for posting about this giveaway on your blog, make sure you leave me a comment to let me know.

3rd.- You can recieve a third entry by getting a friend to become a follower. Leave a comment with their name. and I will enter you a third time. ( your friend will then also recieve an entry)

This giveaway will end on 8/07/09

Baby Travel Pillow

2009-07-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

I got the cuteset airplane fabric at a yard sale a few weeks back. It was like $1.00 for a the whole yard and a half. I picked it up and started imagining all the wonderful things I could do with it. Well here is the first of many projects with this material. I made my little munchkin a travel pillow. his had always falls forward in his carseat while we are driving and I am hoping that this will help his little neck.

Front:
Back:

I wanted to had a little extra something to this pillow to add a little personal touch. So I added some super soft felt that I cut in the shap of a plane and I hand sewed some sprials coming out the back.

I decided to handsew the whole thing because I wanted to be able to do it in my down time without dragging out my monster of a sewing machine.

I love how it turned out! I can't wait for my little munchkin to get to try this out. No more neck busters for us!

Total Cost: $1.00 for material ( already had felt, thread)

Up Next: Hanging toy bag for car

sometimes little is best!

2009-07-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Clocks. They do more then tell time. They add a little quip of style and sense of comfort. Here is my newest project. You guessed it, a clock. I got this clock for 25 cents at a yard sale.

Here is how it looked before:

( I brigthened the photo a little to emphaize the scratches and flaws!)

and the after:

Total Cost:

25 cents for clock

1.99 for red and brown paint

fabulous frugal first birthday!

2009-07-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

My little munchkin turned one back in July. And while the thought of this monumental event makes me feel extemely old ( and maybe only a little bitter) I knew we had to celebrate in a big way. I knew I was going to have to be creative this year since my hubbie at the time was out of a job and we had to be frugal. So here's what I did:

I made the invitations on my computer ( thank you photoshop!):

( sorry I am not sure why it is blurry)

We had the party in my parents beautiful backyard. It was the prefect Calinornia Afternoon. I ran with the whole Tucker is One come join the Fun theme and had the party on the 11th at one o'clock. I made some big number ones on my computer onto thick paper with munchkins photos on them and posted them up around the yard. I had a bunch of different ones. People had fun looking at them and now he also has a keepsake for his scrapbook.

I debated what to do for the cake for a long time. He loves dogs, but my limited cake decorating skills would not allow for a canine friend this year. I thought maybe a number one would be cute and while that fit the theme.....its been done. So I decided to do balloon cupcakes. Here was the result.
I threw up some streamers and balloons last minute, but it was pretty windy. Munchkin had fun eating his cupcakes. He had one color in each hand ( blue and red) and would not mix the too. What a cutie.

For Favors, I couldnt find anything in the one department so here is what tey ended up being. Oh and as a side night. Love the dollar store. It is amazing the treasures you can find there. The Suckers said Happy Birthday and Party on them!

As a final hurrah, I had everyone sign a matted picture for munchkin when they came in, I plan on framing it and putting it up in his room.

What a fun time for the birthday boy. He loved it. I am already thinking about next year!

Total Cost: $30 ( includes decorations and food of a cheese and cracker bar)

Fabulous Friday GIVEAWAY

2009-07-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have my very first giveaway coming up this Friday ( click on at 8 am and you can enter to win). Yay, I am so excited....( insert clapping for myself here.) I am going to leave what it is a surprise until then, but I can tell you it is going to make you say aahhh or maybe it will just get you excited period. Okay so tell your friends and anybody you think might be interested. There arethree ways to win and I really need support on this one ( sounds like I am in a AA meeting.lol)

Phun with Photos

2009-07-28T10:13:00.001-07:00

I love photogaphy. I love expirementing with different angles and various edits. Expirementation is a good thing. I dont have a fancy camera, or a fancy editing system, but I do have what matters the most. Fun. Yup I have fun taking photos. All I can say is my poor kid, he has to sit there while I try all different angles on him. Thank goodness he is so good nature. So on that note, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite photos. I have the most basic equiptment and I wanted to show you what kind of amazing things you can do with a little creativity.

Camera: Canon Powershot A20 ( $200 Best Buy)

Editing Program: Picasa ( free)

Enter photos.

* Please note that all pictures on this website are copyrighted. If you would like to use these photo for any reason, please contact me.

Flower Power!

2009-07-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

I did a post of this on my other blog, but I wanted to make sure it made it on here as well. My brother got married a few months back and I had the oppurtunity to do flowers for his wedding. It was so much fun and thankfully I had a wonderful and crazy friend who was willing to spend 8 hours with me doing these flowers. EiGHT HoUrS! Was it worth it?

The Centerpieces.

The Brides boquet ( ignore the fact that it is in the garage,the had to be stored someplace cool.)

The Bridemaids Boquets. There are four put together here.

The Flowers Girls mini boquets. They loved them and would not set them down the whole day.

Here are the beautiful flowers in action...

Banana Boat Bonanza

2009-07-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

My family and I went on a camping trip lately. ( see my other blog for fun pictures of our adventure.) and I got to introduce them to banana boats. THEY were such a huge hit with my family, I though t I would share them with you, my fellow bloggers. These things are delish. This is what I call a " Camp Special" as in, the stove would be easy enough to use, but cooking them over a camp fire is really where its at.

Ingredients:

Bananas

Mini marshmellows

Chocolate chips

Tin foil

and a fire that has died down to ashes

Instructions:

1. Cut open the banana peel lengthwise. cut the top part of the banana off lengthwise and save it ( this will be used later) scoop out banana to desired amount ( more if you want more banana less if you want less and more marshmellows anc cc's)2. Stuff in as many mini marshmellows and chocolate chips as you want or until the banana is full.

3. Put the top of the banana back on. Put the peel back over it.

4. Wrap the banana in tin foil

5. Cook onto ashes until marhsmellows and chocolate chips are melted. ( About 12 minutes)

6. ENJOY!

Tasty Treats!

2009-07-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

My Hubbie works the night shift at his job. While this sucks deeply because it cuts into " our" time. A job is a job, and with the economy the way it is, I am in no position to complain. So to stay awake on his break he decided to start reading the magazines they had on had in the break room. I am proud to say he has become a Martha Stewart magazine reader. And with that has come wonderful mounds of recipes that he wants to try ( or me to try) and cook. So far so good. I am one for one. Here you are. I only have pictures right now, but soon I will take the time and transcribe the recipe. For now, dont be ashamed to drool a little.

Strawberry Freeze.

Roadside Finds

2009-07-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

My first blog to kick my new and exciting blogging adventure is to talk about my renovated hutch that I got from the side of the road for free. Thats right free. It doesnt get any more frugal then that folks. check it out the post on my personal blog. .

This gave me a great idea for a weekly post. Why not have a Roadside Finds Party. Every Sunday. Yeah that sounds good. Any item that was found, dumpster diving, walking by, driving past, that was free, I want to hear about. And dont forget the oh so before and after photos.