3 Sun Kissed Boys

Blogging Frustrations and a Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:21:00 +0000

One of the the reason I started blogging was because I wanted to stay computer savvy. I wanted to learn new things and be challenged. However, lately, being "challenged" has been replaced with being "frustrated".

I have designed this here blog all by myself. I want to make some design changes buuuuut what is suppose to look somewhat like this...

...for some reason, all of the sudden looks like this!

I thought the easiest thing to do would be to start fresh with a new template. The problem? A lot of the things I've customized have been using tutorials I've found right here in blog land but, of course, I didn't save any of them. Yes, I could do another search and find them but I've used several tutorials to learn how to do one thing. It takes me a little bit for things to sink in sometimes so I have to read and reread one or more tutorials on one specific topic to catch on.

So here I sit, frustrated. Basically starting from scratch. Grrrrrr.

But let's move on to something else more pleasant. Thank you, ladies, for entering the giveaway. Let's have Random.org pick a winner for the Baby & Mommy gifts. Drum roll, please! The winner is...

#13 Monica!

Monica, I don't have your contact information. Please e-mail me right away to claim your goodies.

That's all I got for today. I'll try not to throw the laptop on the floor and stomp on it. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Dollar Store Trip Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

This weekend Sun Kissed Boy #1 & 2 earned some money by washing our neighbor's car. SKB #1 chose to save it, while SKB #2 couldn't wait to spend it! He knew exactly what he wanted. A checkers game.

After searching online and not being able to find one for less than what he had to spend, I decided to take him to the Dollar Store. This was his first trip to the store. Getting the concept that everything in the store was a dollar was a little hard for him to grasp. Our conversation went something like this:

SKB #2: Mommy, wait. EVERYTHING in this store is 1 dollar?

Me: Yes.

SKB #2: [Picks up a random item.] This is a dollar?

Me: Yes.

SKB #2: [Picks up another random item.] THIS is a dollar?

Me: Yep. [I point to several random items.] This is a dollar, this is a dollar, and this is a dollar. This here is a dollar too!

SKB #2: Um, mommy, I can by something for the brothers AND you!

Me: You sure can, baby.

Sun Kissed Boy #3 got a hot pink monkey he now call Funbrain that he loves to play with AND wear.

I got a whole package of bendy straws for guess how much? A DOLLAH!

For Sun Kissed Boy #1, he picked trading cards.

But here's the twist, that night at dinner when we were discussing our favorite part of the day, I expected the Dollar Store trip to be his favorite. But instead, this is what he said:

SKB #2: My favorite part of the day was meeting that little girl at Ms. Adeline's office.

He was referring to a five-minute conversation I had at the PTA's office where the PTA president had her 5-year-old daughter with her and they played for the short time that Ms. Adeline and I spoke.

Me: Really? Not the Dollar Store trip?

SKB #2: That was only my third favorite.

Me: So what was your second?

SKB #2: Having enough dollars to buy something for the brothers.

Chips & Dip

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Put out a bowl of chips and some dip to go with it and I am sure not to move from where you set it. Some people have a sweet tooth, mine is salty. I found a recipe for Chili's copycat skillet queso dip over at Six Sisters' Stuff that I couldn't wait to make for me us.

This is a great recipe to make with the kids since they can throw in all the ingredients in a pan, then the grown-ups can put it on the stove to cook up.

Keep in mind that the recipe calls for cayenne pepper. If your little ones don't like spicy food, you might put less or omit it all together. But we can handle hot around here!

While it's not the exact taste as Chili's, it's pretty darn delicious! Give it a try, you might just love it!

Today's the last day to enter the Mommy & Baby Giveaway. Be sure to throw your name in the hat!

Waking Up

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Now that the two youngest Sun Kissed Boys are getting a little older (4 & 5) our morning routine is starting to change on the weekends. No longer do they come running in our bedroom at the crack of dawn asking for milk. If I make them a sippy cup of chocolate milk the night before, they will go to the fridge and get it themselves. Big brother, who's nine, loves to help and entertain them, buying Sun Kissed Husband and me at least another half hour of snooze time.

Even though I'll be half asleep, I'll still overhear them play and giggle. When they're bellies will start to rumble, they will come running into our room. I never know what I will see when I open my eyes which is why I am always just a stretch away from a camera. I want to remember these moments forever!

Of course they're still little enough to want to sneak in mommy's & daddy's bed in the middle of the night.

How can I not wake up with a smile on my face?!

Who/what puts a smile on your face in the mornings?

If you already haven't, there's still time to enter the Mommy & Baby Giveaway!

DOs & DON'Ts When Appearing on TV

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

After the segment about the baby shower gift suggestions aired on Friday, I knew I had to put together a post to help future television guests in the hopes that things go smoother for you. Here's a list of DOs & DON'Ts when getting ready to be on live TV.

DO allow yourself double the time you normally take to get ready just in case there are, um, snags along the way.

DON'T assume because you buy new, it'll look new. I thought it'd be fun to wear dark, argyle stockings so I didn't bother shaving my legs. The problem came in when I saw the hole as I was taking it out of the package.

DON'T plan on wearing anything you haven't worn for a year without inspecting it before hand.

DON'T panic at the thought of stepping outside looking like this.

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DO try to find ANY stockings in the bottom of your drawer, even if you haven't worn them in 10 years.

DON'T freak out when those said stockings have holes on the toes. Clear nail polish stops runs. Dab some on, let dry and move on.

DO try to not be self-conscious when, after seeing you in stockings, your 9-year old asks, "What wrong with your legs?"

DO ALWAYS shave your legs! No matter what you're thinking of wearing!

DO pump up your makeup. If your everyday makeup routine consists of light and natural, then bump it up to dark and gothic. (Trust me, if you're a light makeup wearer, whatever you might perceive as looking gothic on you, probably won't be.) TV lights tend to wash you out so what might look like "too much" makeup for a day time setting will probably be "just right" for television. Last thing you need is looking like you've got no lashes. As you can see, I should have applied more mascara on my 9 lashes.

DON'T cry when the mannequin you're taking to display the diaper bag/baby carrier breaks as you're loading her in the car. You will smear your overly-done makeup or, in my case, my already under-done 9 eyelashes.

DO smile at the camera. DON'T look like you just saw a ghost. DO express your thoughts with your mouth, not your body. DON'T mouth the teleprompter. DO loose some flipping weight!

DON'T be overly critical when watching yourself on the playback.

Three main recommendations:
DO PLAN AHEAD.
DO ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B.
DO REMEMBER TO BREATH THROUGH OUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS.

Thank you Shiri Spear for putting me a little more at ease and not smacking me across the face when my nerves were on edge.

Here's the 4-minute segment of the show. Remember to enter the giveaway for a chance to win all of the items I speak about in the segment!

A HUGE Giveaway for Baby & Mommy

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:58:00 +0000

Today I will be making an appearance at Live Miami, a local NBC show. I will be talking about the blog as well as introducing some terrific products for mommies and babies.

I thought it'd be fun to host a BIG giveaway of all of the items I'll be discussing on the show. So kick back and read about all these great items, find out where to get them, and find out how one lucky winner can win them ALL!

Sidekick Child Carrier Diaper Bag (gogobabyz.com)

Sidekick is the first and only full-size diaper bag with a built in child carrier. Adjustable strap allows you to carry baby at either hip. Includes spacious compartments and pockets for all of baby's and mom's things, such as cell phone and baby bottle pockets, bottle/snack pouch, changing pad sleeve (w/included changing pad), and more.

Baby-friendly fabric easily wipes clean. All in a very stylish, hip design. Multiple colors to choose from. The Sidekick is designed for infants and toddlers up to 35 pounds and between 6 months and 3 years of age. Sidekick retails for $120 and can be purchased online at gogobabyz.com and at retail stores nationwide.

LegRuffles (smittenstyle.com)

Legruffles are a ruffle-themed legwarmer and armwarmer knitted with a beautiful cotton blend yarn giving a soft, flowing feel. Comes in a wide selection of solids and stripes with various trims, including a stylish Vintage Lace and cute Cha-Cha with ball fringe.

Sizes include "Nubies" for newborns to 6 months, "Regular" for older babies and young children and "Longes" for tweens and adults. Priced between $12.50-$17.50, LegRuffles can be found at smittenstyle.com

Peekaru Hoodie Togetherbe.com

Like your favorite hoodie, made for two. The Peekaru Hoodie is cozy soft and fits over you and your baby, keeping you close and warm even as the temperature drops. The Peekaru Hoodie fits over any soft baby carrier, including Baby Bjorn and Ergo, as well as a variety of mei tais, ring slings, and wraps.

The Peekaru Hoodie is comfortable for temperatures from 45–65 F, and is perfect for everyday outings like a trip to the zoo or an evening sunset walk. When the temperature drops further, bundle up with your own coat over the hoodie and you’ll both stay toasty warm. The Peekaru Hoodie can be worn on your front or your back; just flip the hood into a chic cowl neck if you decide to wear your baby on your back.

You can find the Peekaru Hoodie for $64.95 at togetherbe.com

Baby B'Air Flight Vest babybair.com

The FAA-approved Baby B'Air Flight Vest is the only safety solution for lap held infants while traveling in an airplane, securing them safely to their parent so that both baby and parent are comfortable and there is no squirming or potential for baby falling. The Baby B'Air is worn by the infant like a vest.

Constructed of 100% cotton and comfortable to wear for baby, the Baby B'Air is used by simply connecting it to the seat belt of the adult. The baby can then be held, fed and even changed while both parent and child remain securely fastened in their seat.

Retails for $34.95 at babybair.com

Zach & Chloe Baby Footwear http://zachandchloe.com/

Zach & Chloe Baby Footwear lets little ones take their first steps in style, coming in styles like "City High Tops", "Mary Janes", "Ballerinas" and "Oxfords". Zach & Chloe Baby Footwear is as healthy for baby as it is stylish, made of certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes.

Each pair of Zach & Chloe Baby Footwear has anti-slide soles to stabilize babies' little feet and elastic ankle bands to keep them on. Retail for $4.99 per 2-pair box, zachandchloe.com and at Walgreens stores throughout North America.

Emily Diaper Skin Soother emilyskinsoothers.com

Emily Diaper Skin Soother is the most natural diaper rash cream on the market as well as the most effective. Made of just 6 ingredients: organic sunflower oil, natural beeswax and 4 natural wildcrafted herbs - frankincense, red peony root, dictamnus root and phellodendron bark. No fragrance, no chemicals, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients of any kind.

It is designed to soothe and heal any type of diaper rash or irritation, whether caused by heat, fungus, moisture, bacteria or allergen.

Retails for $14.00 per 1.8 oz jar. Available online at emilyskinsoothers.com or at retailers throughout North America.

BabyBriefcase babybriefcase.com

BabyBriefcase is a document organizer designed specifically for parents and their babies and toddlers, particularly useful and important for health-related documents. Stylish and charming, the mom-invented BabyBriefcase stores all the documents and information relating to a new baby in a way that makes everything easily accessible whether at a hospital, doctor's office, on vacation or anywhere else.

Every document that deals with the new baby has a special place for it in the BabyBriefcase so that if an emergency arises, parents don't have to sort through to find what they need.

BabyBriefcase retails for $29.95 and can be purchased online at babybriefcase.com or at retail stores throughout North America.

Giveaway includes:

One (1) Sidekick Child Carrier Diaper Bag
Two (2) Pairs LegRuffles
One (1) Gray Peekaru Hoodie
One (1) Baby B'Air Flight Vest
Three (3) Boxes of Zach & Chloe Baby Footwear
One (1) Jar of Emily Diaper Skin Soother
One (1) BabyBriefcase

To enter to win simply leave a comment by clicking "Post a Comment" below. If you're Anonymous, please be sure to leave an e-mail address where you can be contacted.

You have until Wednesday, January 25th to enter. I'll be announcing the winner Friday, January 27th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Good luck!!

For the behind-the-scenes and a clip of the segment, click here.

A Mother's Hand

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

~~Sometimes~~ Many times I am blown away with what my kids say. Sometimes they have me in stitches, others, almost in tears. This is one of the 'sniff-sniff' moments.

I took a picture of my finger nails to text to Sun Kissed Husband to show him my newly painted nails. (I'm goofy that way and he humors me.) Looking at the picture, I noticed how much my hands look like my mom's.

I mentioned to Sun Kissed Boy #1 how my hands remind me of my mom's. My mom passed away last year so he asked, "Does that make you sad?" I told him that it did a little but it was also a reminder of her and that wasn't a sad thing. To which he said,

"It's like she's holding your hand."

Sniff-sniff.

Pen Pals Post: Behind-The-Scenes

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I don't think I write very many behind-the-scenes type of posts. I feel like I would come off as whiny and complain-y and who wants to hear that, right? But I saw this sign at Beckie's Infarrantly Creative Facebook page recently and I thought that a lot of my posts are pretty much the highlight reel. I'm here to remind you that, for the most part, you definitely get the highlights of my life.

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With that in mind here is my behind-the-scenes from yesterday's post, Pen Pals.

It has been a while since the boys crafted so that part went well. The problem began when Sun Kissed Boy #1 started writing the letter.

Me: Use your good handwriting. Make sure you capitalize at the beginning of the sentence and put a period at the end.

SKB #1: Yes, mom. [Annoyed sigh, already]

Me: Tell the cousins what your favorite things are, books, movies, foods, TV Shows. Then ask your brothers their favorites and write those.

[SKB #1 writes silently for a little bit. Then talks as he writes.]

SKB #1: My favorite TV show is "Curb Your Enthusiasm".

Me: Really. Curb Your Enthusiasm, really? You know you're not allowed to watch that show. You've never seen the show. You've seen a preview, what, once?

SKB #1: But it IS my favorite!

Me: Why don't you write your real favorite show. Phineas and Ferb, Wizards of Waverly Place, one of those.

SKB #1: But Curb Your Enthusiasm is my very favorite.

Me: [Frustration quickly invading my body] Fine! You know what? Why don't you write the cousins this, "Hi, I'm your cousin from Florida. I'm a liar! I'm a big, fat, liar!" You might as well say that because you don't watch Curb Your Enthusiasm and you're telling them you do.

SKB #1: [Defeated and frustrated all at once] Ok. My favorite TV show is Phineas and Ferb.

SKB #1 to SKB #2: Who's your favorite singer?

SKB #2: Justin Bieber.

SKB #1: Ok, I'm not gonna write that. They'll think he's gay.

Me: What?! They will not?! That does not! What are you talking about?!

SKB #1: Boys don't like Justin Bieber.

SKB #2: Yes, I do! I'm a boy!

Me: [Not wanting to get into a "gay" discussion in front of my 4 and 5 year olds.] I will talk to you about that later. For now HE likes Justin, NOW WRITE IT!

SKB #1: But Justin Bieber sucks.

Me in my head: He sings better than you!
Me to SKB #1: Give me the letter. I'll finish it.

SKB #1: Ok, ok. I'll write it.

Here's the best thing I did that afternoon, I walked away. Sometimes that's the best choice instead of getting frustrated and letting my 9-year-old push my buttons. I'm hoping he didn't tell the cousins he invented the Internet.

See? Isn't seeing the highlight reel a lot better?

Pen Pals

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:13:00 +0000

When I wrote last week about cousins that the Sun Kissed Boys haven't met I felt a little sad for them. But then I remembered I have blog friends that I haven't met face to face that I keep in touch with via e-mails. The boys are too young to have e-mail accounts but how could I have not remembered the Pony Express?! Just because they haven't met in person doesn't mean that they can't get to know one another via snail mail.

I took advantage an afternoon this weekend that the boys were specially cooperative and I had them draw pictures and write letters. Well, one letter.

Sun Kissed Boy #3 got frustrated that he couldn't draw Mickey Mouse Club House so he asked big brother for help. However he supervised every step of the way.

Two of the cousins are girls and the boys thought that it would be a good idea to include some "girly" things. The project got more involved when they started crafting.

Since Sun Kissed Boy #1 is the only one that can write, he was in charge of the letter. As he was writing, the littler brothers decorated the envelop.

In the mail it went to surprise four little ones thousand of miles away.

In the meantime, they are eagerly awaiting a reply from their cousins. I have a feeling they will soon be driving our mailman a little crazy.

Shiny Happy People

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

This past Christmas most of our family took turns with a terrible stomach virus. The sickness had a domino effect that interrupted our last minute Christmas shopping schedule and also led to the cancellation of a dinner party we had planned, putting my husband and mother-in-law in a funk. It was a 24-hour virus but for Sun Kissed Husband it lasted for several days. That left me scrambling Christmas shopping for the boys on Christmas Eve and changing our dinner plans to Christmas dinner instead of Christmas Eve dinner. But that was fairly easy in comparison to the effort it took to keep everyone "happy". Don't get me wrong, Sun Kissed Husband and his mom are the funnest people to be around. It was the circumstances that had them gloomy.

I didn't want the grown ups in our household to be down in the mouth. First of all, that would have made the boys feel blah. Second of all, IT WAS CHRISTMAS!! Who wants to be sour at a birthday party? So I took it upon myself to be jolly enough for everybody. Most days I am an upbeat person. But I didn't realize that having a cheerful family makes this a lot easier.

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By the time Christmas was over, I was emotionally exhausted. I never knew how mentally draining it is having to be optimistic when everyone around you is blue. I'm thankful that's not my everyday.

Every night, during dinner, we play a game called "Favorite Part of the Day". The main purpose of this is not only for us to find something good in our day (no matter how crappy it might have been) but I also want to teach the boys how important it is to find something good in everyday.

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It's important to me that they are happy kids, turning into happy adults, with a positive outlook on life. Practicing that for them to emulate has made my life happier in the process.

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That isn't to say I walk around with a grin on my face on a daily basis. There are days that the kids are driving me crazy and I just want to lock myself in the bathroom and cry. Or days when I am down on myself for not accomplishing more. On those kind of days I find myself saying lot of silent prayers. Jamming (is it terribly unhip to say "jamming" anymore?) to my favorite tunes also helps. I believe that playing music that you know the lyrics to works a lot better. Sending me into American-Idol-Wanna-Be mode.

What about you? What works for you when you're down?

Christmas Cards Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:24:00 +0000

It was a productive weekend in our household. I took Christmas decorations down and Sun Kissed Husband put the boxes away in the garage. I wasn't ready for everything to be put away so I left some things out that look more winter-y.

As I was taking down decorations from the tree, Sun Kissed Boy #2 offered to help. I didn't want him handling my delicate ornaments so I gave him the task of taking down the Christmas cards from the display.

Every year I save picture cards that we get and display them along with the new ones. I usually place the current year's card on top. It was so fun to look through the cards with pictures of friends and family and seeing how the kids change year to year.

Sun Kissed Boy #2 is fascinated by the fact that his has cousins. Sadly, they live out of state and he has not met them all which makes these cards all the more precious.

As soon as he finished, it didn't take long for a Lego friend to join the party.

Revisiting all the Christmas cards slowed down our progress a little bit. But sometimes we just have to enjoy the moments.

Super Easy White Bean Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:34:00 +0000

Cold weather is such a novelty in my neighborhood. We actually get phone calls from the boys' school advising parents to bundle up our kids. Somehow I think if we lived in Indiana we wouldn't be getting those type of calls.

Most Floridians do enjoy the dip in the barometer and I am no exception. I love bringing out the winter grabs, snuggling under cozy blankets, and making a stick-to-the-ribs type of meals. Delicious meals like tonight's white bean soup which I made in the crock pot.

White Bean Soup

1/4 c Onion
1 Package of Bacon
4 large cans Cannelli Beans
6 c Chicken Stock
2 c Ham (cubed)
1/4 c Celery
1/2 c Corn
1/2 c Green Beans
1/2 c Carrots
Leftover chicken or pork meat (optional)

Saute onion and bacon until onions are translucent. Pour contents of saute pan in pot along with all other ingredients.

In Crock Pot:
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.

On Stove Top:
Bring all ingredients to a boil then simmer in medium/low heat for about an hour, stirring often.

Serve with a thick slice of garlic toast. Easy comfort food, yum!

Linking to:

MY HGTV Dream Home 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:07:00 +0000

Today Sun Kissed Husband and I watched HGTV Dream Home 2012. To my surprise, the boys were glued to the TV right along with us.

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We have it all figured out. This gorgeously decorated home, on the Provo River near scenic Park City, UT, will be our vacation home. We'll rent it out when we're not using it just so we can afford taxes.

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While we watched we talked about our favorite rooms and the boys called bids on which room would be theirs. Sun Kissed Boy #1 pointed out that this should be his room because the flag and the TV was "all him".

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I was disappointed that this year's house didn't have a kids room as previous years. But the little boys didn't care. After I pointed out that this little alcove off of the family room was like a little Harry-Potter-under-the-stairs kind of space, they are super excited to make it their own.

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My mother-in-law, Marilyn, lives with us so the boys found this sunny room perfect for her.

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Marilyn is wheelchair-bound so we decided that certain adjustments will need to be made. Such as making the shower accessible for her.

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Sun Kissed Husband loves to BBQ so this fully equipped outdoor kitchen with a TV and a fireplace is his favorite.

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I'm in love with the Great Room because of all the french doors flooding it with natural sunlight. Boy, the photos I can take here!

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Of course, we all are in love with the majestic views of this house.

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Boy, the photos I can take HERE!!

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All right, so it's not ours... YET! But it's sure fun to dream, isn't it?! If you want to dream right along with us, click here for a 3D tour. For a chance to make your dreams a reality, click here to enter to win it!

Good luck to us all!!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:33:00 +0000

I wanted to do a recap of the boys' year as I did in 2010 but I'm running out of time and I'm not sure if I'll be able to. So, just in case, I thought I'd pop in and wish yall the Happiest of New Years!

It's Always Hard to Say Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:07:00 +0000

Some time soon-ish (hopefully before Valentines Day) I'll be taking down Christmas decorations. I don't like this not only because it's a painful and time-consuming task but the house seems to look so bare afterwards. I will miss my little Christmas pretties.

When do you say goodbye to your Christmas decorations?

Believing

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

What a difference a year makes. Last year I was concerned when Sun Kissed Boy #1 was questioning whether Santa was real. In my eyes, it was a slap in the face sign that he was no longer my little baby boy. This year he's trying so hard to believe. He WANTS to still hear the bell.

He is looking forward to presents from Santa from the list he wrote. But there was something different this year. A belief that was very apparent.

This year I overheard him telling his brothers what Christmas is all about. He read a book to them about the miraculous birth of a baby that changed our world. He explained that we celebrate HIS birth every year by gathering with family and exchanging presents to bring joy to all.

This year I'm amazed at not only his physical growth, but also his mental development. It's hard to notice on a day to day basis since the mind of a typical 9-year old takes over. He acts so grown up sometimes that I forget he is only 9. But when I reflect on his actions through out the year, I do believe he's turning into a fine young man.

I hope you all spend this holiday season with the ones you love and hold dear to your hearts. Merry Christmas, everybody!!!

Sand Dollar Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:38:00 +0000

It's a past time of mine to collect sea treasures whenever we go to the beach. It's something now the boys enjoy doing with me which makes it even more special. Sand dollars are a favorite because they can be turned into Christmas decorations. Here's how I turned our sea treasures into tree treasures.

Spray the sand dollars with Elmer's Spray Adhesive and sprinkle with a generous amount of glitter. Let dry, flip the sand dollars and repeat in the opposite side.

Tip: The type of spray adhesive used is very important. I used a different one in the past and, after a while, the sand dollars turned yellow.

After both sides have dried, shake off excess glitter. It is not unusual for the glue and glitter to be trapped in the little holes. Use a knife to open up the space in one of them to be able to loop the ribbon.

That's all there's to it! Your beautiful and sparkly sand dollars are ready to be displayed.

If sand dollars are not readily available in your area, there are several companies that sell them. I did not include a link to any because since I've never bought any, I can not vouch for their quality. If you know of a company that sells top-notch shells and such, feel free to share it in the Sunny Notes.

Sausage Egg Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

I originally posted this over at Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM this past summer. With Christmas around the corner, I thought it'd be appropriate to repost. You see this is my go-to breakfast recipe for Christmas morning. It works out great because it's prepped the night before. I pop it in the oven Christmas morning and then we go open up gifts. By the time unwrapping is done, so is breakfast!

Here are the ingredients and directions.

Cooking is not my favorite thing. But I do love making meals that involve togetherness. The type of meals where you can gather up the kids to help while you chat along. Plus, it's a pretty fool-proof recipe that happens to be delicious!

My little assistants and I made this casserole while we were on vacation this summer. My family and my BFF's family rented a beach house for a week this summer. Here are the steps in pictures.

Brown, drain, and set sausage aside.

In a large mixing bowl, tear up bread into bite size pieces.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, mustard, salt, and half & half.

Pour over the bread, add sausage, cheese and mix well.

Pour mixture in a greased 9x13 baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, bake at 350 for 45 to 60 minutes or until top is golden brown.

I had visions of taking at least one really nice picture of the served dish with a glass of juice, some fruit and a pretty little vase with a flower but.... The kids ate like if they hadn't been fed in a year!

I hope yall enjoy, not only the casserole, but also the fellowship that comes with working together with family and friends.

How to Open a Link in a New Window

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Am I the last blogger to now that there's a quick and easier way to have links open up in a separate window without having to mess around with HTML codes?

Just check the box the reads "Open this link in a new window" in the Edit Link pop-up box and it takes care of it for you!

I can't believe I've never noticed this before.

Have you found any easy tips you'd like to share?

Christmas Card Photo & Outtakes 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Ah, Christmas photos! Probably the only time of year when I make a conscious effort to take family photos. There usually is some kind of theme and coordinated outfits. I set up my tripod and run back and forth behind and in front of the camera. This year I decided to save on some of the running and sought out help from Chloe Gerena Photography. I wanted a beach locale but the weather was not cooperating on the days we had set up and time was running short so we ended up at the lake instead.

I ran to the mall and, in what must have been a record time for the Christmas season, walked out with a shirt for Sun Kissed Boy #1 from The Children's Place in ten minutes flat! Once again, I turned to Shutterfly for my Christmas cards printing needs. Chloe took care of our photos and as it turns out, the outtakes are some of my favorites.

Some of the photos are perfect for gifts...

... or just cute for cards for a any time of the year.

This year's cards are a little late. They might arrive to their destination after Christmas day. But hopefully they will still deliver the joy and happiness intended to pass along.

Boys' outfits: The Children's Place
Cards: Shutterfly
Photos: Chloe Gerena Photography

Still Not Too Late for a Personalized Gift!

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:45:00 +0000

Are you stuck trying to find something unique to give this Christmas? Then I have the answer for you! Personalized "Floating" Ornaments. It's not just an ornament, it's a keepsake.

Choose between a photograph or an initial image layered on a hymnal music sheet.

With their pretty, glittery, and "snowy" backgrounds, they make great gifts for teachers or even clients with company logos.

Each ornament is carefully packaged in a gift box ready to delight
family, friends, clients, or even yourself!

Photograph/Logo ornaments are $20 and initials are $15.

How do you get yours? Simply send me an e-mail letting me know what kind of ornament you want. Pictures can be in JPG, TIFF, GIF, or PNG formats. Full body photos work better than close-ups. Logos are considered photographs.

For initial ornaments, let me know if you have a font or color preference. Otherwise, I will gladly pick one for you.

Shipping is $8 per ornament, per individual address. Combination shipping is available.

Payment is accepted via PayPal. All ornaments are custom-made, therefore payment is required before orders are executed.

Don't delay, e-mail me now! Christmas is in just 9 days!! I look forward to sending a stunning ornament your way.

Our Christmas Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:22:00 +0000

At one time, I worked for someone that owned several restaurant franchises. When the restaurants were sold, I was given the opportunity to take some of their Christmas decorations. That's how I acquired a 4-foot, artificial, pre-lit tree.

The artificial tree became the solution to my the-kids-want-their-own-decorations dilemma. The little tree is now the kids dedicated tree. They display Christmas ornaments they have picked. They can also show off their handmade Christmas-themed creations they've collected through the years.

Even though the artificial tree is fun and easier to set up, I am a sucker for gathering up the family to buy a fresh tree. It's become something the boys look forward to every year. Plus, I love the way it makes the house smell like Christmas.

This tree is known in our home as "mommy's tree". It holds pretty decorations that I've made. Along with lovely ones that I've snatched on the-day-after-Christmas-sales.

I have to admit putting up two trees can be a little time consuming. Even more so when I'm putting them away! But it's the perfect solutions for creative mommies and little ones alike.

Linking to:

Floor, Paint Color, and Holiday Home Reveal!

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:53:00 +0000

How's that for an unusual (and unimaginative) tittle?

I had originally planned to do a more informational post on the terrazzo floors. But I am finding to be less motivated to write one since it's not as fun as a post with pictures of rooms with furniture in them. I'll tell you more details about the floors next month. My time is also very limited this time of year so I figured I would roll all my reveals in one post. So let's dive right in, shall we?!

The living, dining, and family rooms have a new wall color. I had Home Depot color match Glidden's White Lagoon (GLC 29) to Behr Premium Ultra paint because it has the primer in it. It's a very chameleon-like color. Depending on the lighting, sometimes it looks grey, other times more blue, and sometimes even green.

The loveseat lived in the master bedroom for a little while but after I found the matching sofa on Craigslist, back out to the living room it came. I switched the dark denim cover that came with the couch for a white one from IKEA.

It hasn't escaped me that the cushions on the couch are not lined up correctly. Even though I've fixed them, I was too lazy to reshoot the pictures.

I am big on collecting things that make me smile. I brought back the driftwood from our summer vacation in Ft. Meyers Beach. Every time I see it, I think back of that fun week and it makes me happy.

Even though I love my "fancy" tree, I do like having a second tree for the kids to decorate with all of their own ornaments and creations we've collected through the years.

There you have it. Shiny floors, new wall color, and most of our Christmas decor. The new colors on the walls and floors give the house a sense of calm. That is, until you hear and see the boys scream and play.

Linking to:

Snowflake-Themed Centerpieces

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:54:00 +0000

It's the time of year where things get busier than usual. One of the courses on my plate that kept me running last week was organizing the boys' swim team holiday picnic.

My friend, Ruth, and I spent hours working on the decorations for the party. The centerpieces were my favorite because they were so simple and inexpensive. Which made it a perfect project to share with you all!

Here is what you will need:
-Mason jars
-Pine cones
-Fake snow or Epsom Salt
-Pine tree trimmings
-Garden scissors
-White construction paper
-Snowflake punch
-Glue gun
-Paper doilies (optional)

If you're fortunate enough to live where there are pine cones on the ground, then bundle up and go for a walk. Breath the fresh air and enjoy nature as you collect supplies for your project. If you're not as lucky, then you will have to do as I did and run to JoAnn's for a bag or two of pine cones. (Bright side: they are 50% off AND they have a cinnamon scent)

Put the pine cones in the jars. We used two pine cones per jar. Then sprinkle the fake snow or Epsom salt over them.

When we bought our family Christmas tree, I took several of the trimmings with me for this project. Even if you're not buying a fresh tree, I am sure the places that sell them would not mind if you ask to take a few of the leftover trimmings.

Cut them to fit into jars.

Use a snowflake paper punch to make the snowflakes and hot glue them to the pine tree trimmings. We did about 7 per centerpiece.

I like using as much of my supplies as possible. I cut the paper we used for the snowflakes into strips and hot glued them around the jar. Also the little pieces of paper that came from the snowflake punch, I sprinkled in the jars like snow.

The tables were dark in color so placing doilies under the jars made the centerpieces stand out. Plus they looked like a big snowflake fitting in with the theme perfectly. Here's how they looked once done.

At the party, we sprinkled more of the snow on top of the pine branches. I forgot to take pictures then.

Using or playing off of "natural" elements was very fitting for this outdoor party. But they are equally nice for your indoor functions as well. If you want to glam them up for an evening indoor party, you can always sprinkle some glitter on them. :)

Our Thanksgiving 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:09:00 +0000

The thing about my family knowing that cooking isn't my strong suit is that they come to my rescue (or theirs). After all, Thanksgiving can be a big undertaking for a non-cook. My sister and mother in law did most of the cooking. Let me rephrase, they DID the cooking. Actually, everyone in the family gave a helping hand.

Even though I cut up a couple of potatoes, my main jobs were to keep the sink clean, to make sure the football game stayed on, to keep the wine flowing, and to keep hoodlums off the turkey.

I think the perfect recipe for our laid-back Thanksgiving day was keeping everything simple. We didn't have a big crowd but everyone had a task, we didn't go crazy making tons of side dishes, and I kept the wine flowing.

Up next, Christmas! I'm so ahead of the game this year. Most of our decorations are already up!!

How are your coming along getting ready for the upcoming holidays?