Blissful and Domestic

{From the Kitchen} 15 New Delish Recipes!

2012-02-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

I love new recipes. It is so fun trying out new things for my family to enjoy. Here are some awesome new recipes I have been trying lately.

Homemade Cream Puffs @ Butter Cream and a Sewing Machine

Stuffed Pizza Rolls @ Six Sister's Stuff

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs @ Three Scoops of Love

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies @ All in a Day

Fried Plantains @ Covered in Modge Podge

Upside Down Banana Fosters Cake @ Dixie Delights

Potato Skins @ Whats Cooking Love

Creamsicle in a Glass @ Don't Disturb This Groove

Rolo Cupcakes @ The Sasse Life

Beefy Texican Pasta @ Cheap Crafty Mama

Pudding Cookie @ The Pless Press

Super Soft Sugar Cookies @ Belle's Bazaar

Nutella Year Bread @ Treat & Trick

Spinach Dip @ Try to Keep Up

Sourdough Bread @ This Chick Cooks

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Hopefully you get a chance to make some of these yummy recipes.You won't be sorry! Have an awesome day!

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Do You have a Linky Party?

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

So do you?
If you have a linky party let me know.
I love linking up and need to redo my "Where I link up" Page.
If you are throwing a party I would love to join in the fun.
Even if I have linked up in the past, let me know.
Somehow I have lost a few buttons along the way and am missing out on some fun parties.
Drop me an e-mail or comment with your website address
and the day your party is.

Thanks a bunch!!
Lets help support one another and share the blogging love!

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{From Here to Eternity} Our Love Story Part 1

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Folks! I hope your day is seriously filled with lots of love and fun! Anyone have some great dates planned for tonight? I totally want to hear about them. The Hubbs and I do not do Valentine's. Well let me rephrase that, we don't do gifts and stuff. We are however having a fun night once the kids go to bed.

wait.....

I just realized how that sounds. I mean we have a movie date night planned. We are watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding. We watched it on our first Valentine's together and I can't wait to snuggle on the couch and watch it again.

We will most definitely be quoting it for days. Love that! We have plans of sharing many boxes of Reese's Pieces and probably sugaring ourselves up on other sweets. That's what movie nights are all about. A good movie, popcorn, candy, and the cutest guy next to you....

ok I am done gushing....

actually wait I am not. I got sidetracked talking about my night and I forgot the whole reason for this post. Yesterday I got to share how The Hubbs and I met. I shared it over at The Artsy Girl Connection. I thought since it was Valentine's Day I should share it here as well. I know you are just dying to know how I met that man of mine and all the funnies that went with it.

So you no longer have to wait....

Here is how I met that funny, hot man of mine:)

-------------------------------

Hi lovelies! I am Danielle and I am visiting from Blissful and Domestic.
I am so excited to be here today. I get to take a break from blogging about My Homemade Year and I get to gush about the greatest guy ever! Yep thats right I get to talk abotu the hubbs. M asked me to write a little post about my love story.

I was seriously tickled pink!
A whole post gushing about that man I love so much....
Sign me up!

So I know you probably don't want a whole post about how awesome
and gorgeous my Hubby is....

Really he is when he's not making pirate faces

See I told ya!

I will spare you from those lovey dovey details, but I will brighten your day with a few funnies from our early history together.

So I met my hubby 6months after I graduated high school.

Yep I was 18 and he was 22.
He had just come home from a two year mission in New Zealand.
Incase you haven't figured it out yet we are Mormon.

We were set up on a blind date.

See the red head in this picture?
Well she wanted to date the cutie next to her, but Chuck wouldn't go on a date unless his friend had one to....

that's where I came into the picture.

The hubbs called me up one night asking me out.....
I had never met him, but I was definitely liking him through the phone lines.

He's always been good at making me laugh

We decided to go bowling and he would pick me up.

if I remember right..
He described himself as being way over 6 foot and quite a buff guy,

In walks Chuck and this man who is definitely not 6 ft.

not even close, but he was buff

This basically set the tone for our relationship.

I never know what to expect, which is probably why I love that man so much.

When he first met my parents, my husband had quite a conversation with my mother.

She was fishing for information.

She knew I was head over heels for this man
She needed to know what kind of future he would provide.
Here is how their convo went......

Mom: Jason what are you wanting to do with your life?
You know what kind of job do you want to have?

Jason: I want to be a song writer

cue me looking quite stunned at the man sitting next to me
he didn't even play a guitar or anything.......no music background
Oh and never had he once mentioned this dream as a song writer

Mom: Oh that's interesting. Have you written anything?

Jason: Nope, but I am thinking of starting

cue me busting out laughing, while my Mom has this confused look on her face.

Looking back now I am sure she was thinking "really this is the man she wants to marry"

And yes that is exactly it.
I knew pretty soon into the relationship that he was the man
I wanted to laugh with forever.

6 months later we were engaged and 6 months after that we were married.

1 year later we had a sweet baby boy

We've been married 9 years
We have moved about 8 times
Driven through 7 states together
served 5 years in the army
(well he did...I was the support)
2 deployments
had 2 kids together
and have seriously had a blast!

through all the late night giggling
(I giggle he laughs)
Netflix marathons
Sing out loud to Toby Keith in the Car ride alongs

It has been THE BEST.

I am so blessed to be married to my best friend.
I can't imagine life being any sweeter, than when I am with him

Sorry had to gush a bit
but now it is over.....
promise

:)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Should I add more to the love story?
Let me know:)

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Are you on Pinterest?

2012-02-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

So silly question right? It seems that everyone is on pinterest right?
Well if you are not, you should totally get on there.
Ryan Gosling definitely understands how important "pinning time" is. It seriously rocks!

Oh and if you want to follow my pin boards
check me out here.

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I am over at The Artsy Girl Connection

2012-02-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you know I am over at The Artsy Girl Connection today. M asked me to hangout there today and share some funnies about how The Hubbs and I got together. Come over and join the fun. She also has a great linky party going on. so come one......We can't wait to see you there:)

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{Valentine's Day Countdown Party} Jutta from Creative Choas

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Can you believe tomorrow is Valentines Day? I can't believe how fast this month is going by. It is seriously crazy sometimes how fast the days go by. I am so excited for our last guest blogger in the Countdown to Valentines Party on Blissful and Domestic. Today we have Jutta from the always cute blog Creative Choas. She is sharing a super cute and creative project to help add a little more V-day love into our homes.
So let's check it out.....

Blog Meet Jutta
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Today I am going to show you another simple Valentine's project.
What I like about it is that you can use the basics and make a hundred different versions of it.
It is quite similar to an advent calendar, seeing that it has many different little boxes for your valentine to enjoy.

Mine will get 16 days of lovely little surprises :-)

Here is what you need:

Matchboxes (I used 16)
glue
anything to decorate your matchboxes with
little messages to fill into the matchboxes: love notes, invitations for dinner, offers of a massage, things you love about your valentine, or anything else you can come up with.

Here is what to do:

Empty the matchboxes and arrange them in heart form:

Glue the heart together:

Glue paper, fabric or stickers on the matchboxes, or paint them.
The recipient of mine is a journalist, which is why I used newspaper. I am making another one for my daughter that is painted with blackboard paint.
I won't show you because she visits my blog regularly :-):

Put other deco on. I kept it quite restraint and more masculine with this heart, but let your imagination run free:

Fill the boxes with your messages and you are done.
Have a wonderful Sunday!

Ps: Is there anybody who would like about a thousand matches?

----------------------------------------------------
Isn't she wonderful?
Make sure to show her some comment love:)
Hop over and say hi.

Also...
Remember come March most users, not on blogger, will loose GFC
I don't want to loose any of you lovelies.
Join the Blog Hop and follow me via Linky Followers on the left sidebar:)

Also I am thinking of starting a Sunday blog hop.
I think this would be a great way for us to all network and maybe gain some followers for our blog and for facebook. I am looking for some lovely bloggers to be a co-host.
I am going to have a different co-host each week so we get to meet all kinds of new friends.
If you are interested in co-hosting let me know:)

Can't wait for more Blissful and Domestic fun this week!

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{Getting to Know You Sunday} Tamika from No Time for Tea Parties

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Blissful and Domestic Readers!

My name is Tamika Rybinski. I am a SAHM to three lovely little ones. Our family is pretty diverse. We live in 3 cultures at once. My husband was born and raised in Poland, I was born and raised in Colorado. We met and married in Oklahoma and are now raising our family in Austria!

I am new to the blogging world. I started my blog No Time for Tea Parties to have a little something just for me. Creative activities calm and reenergize me. With 3 kids 8, 2 and 3 months, I keep pretty busy. On top of that it can be tiring to navigate through different cultures. I am always learning and adapting, so are me kids.

I blog about our life, adventures, cultural discoveries and everyday happenings. I enjoy painting, sewing, taking pictures, creating recipes, travel and spending time with my kids.

You might be interested to know that I am a cancer survivor, former Teacher, Mary Kay Director and Model.

I am have enjoyed sharing a little about my life. Thank you Danielle for the opportunity. Come on by and see what is keeping me so busy! Have a great day!

-Tamika

10k Love Giveaway

2012-02-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

I just got an awesome e-mail from my Sponsor Uptown Girls Bows Couture

Jamie at Uptown Girls let me know of a fantastic giveaway she is a part of. She is inviting all of us to join in the fun! The giveaway is running via Facebook. She is offering a $50 gift certificate + FREE Bowdacious Hair Bow and BLING bow ring. How cool is that!?

I also forgot the biggest part....The Giveaway is FREE to enter and with all the Vendors together, the GRAND Prize is $5,600 worth in products for FREE!!

It's HUGE so if you haven't entered yet, You should!! :)

So hop on over to Vintage Rose Wraps and enter to win in their 10K Love Giveaway.

I know I am heading over right now!!

You should to :>

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Linky Follower Blog Hop

2012-02-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

So I finally figured out the big difference between a linky party and a blog hop. Here is a blog hop that I found from The Hibiscus House who found it from It's So Very Cheri and so on... Basically you join in the hopping fun! Add your blog to the party and re-post the party if you want, then go and like some blogs and ask that they like you back... This is just sooooo much fun and a great way to rebuild followers from GFC.

Here's what Cheri writes:

Many of you have probably already heard that GOOGLE Friend Connect will go away on Feb 29 for any one that is not with blogspot, but rumor has it that it is being completely phased out for everyone soon.

There is good news

There is a NEW awesome tool–Linky Followers

It has so many amazing features (that GFC never had). If you have not signed up you should. (yes you can have both.) I love the new tool so much and want everyone to enjoy all the new features.

…and did I tell you its super easy and FREE!

What better way to celebrate a fun new blogging tool than to have a party so break out your poodle skirt and saddle back shoes cuz’ we’re having a LINKY FOLLOWER PARTY HOP~

RULES:
1. you MUST have the LINKY FOLLOWERS tool on your site to participate. {You can have both the LINKY FOLLOWERS & GFC on your site but you must have the LINKY FOLLOWERS to participate in this party hop.}

2. You MUST follow the person who has the party on their site as a thank you.

3.Just add your blog button to the LINKY PARTY below.

4.Then grab the BLOG HOP code

You will find the code right under the Linky Party where it says CLICK HERE TO ENTER– just under that it says: WHAT IS A BLOG HOP? GET THE CODE HERE. Click on "GET THE CODE HERE" and enter it into a post on your site.

You can grab the party button code in the FOOTER at Its So Very Cheri. You can grab info from my post if it helps you with your post.

5. Then you follow other bloggers–(as many as you want) –leave each one of the blogs that you follow a comment letting them know you are following them and ask them to follow you back.

If you want to add the BLOG HOP to your own site you will get lots of new followers–(see rule #2)

…So do ya want to go Cruisin’?

I plan on HOPPING from BLOG to BLOG to follow everyone who follows me.

The internet it seems, never gets old.

Welcome to the new world of
LINKY FOLLOWERS...
If you're a LINKY FOLLOWER subscriber, please follow me and I'll then follow you back so we don't lose contact on March 1st. Thanks!

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{Valentine's Day Countdown} Love Note Plate

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

This post was originally Published on Bowdabrablog.com

Hello lovelies! I am so exited to share my craft with you today. I love using my Bowdabra to help my Valentine's Day Decor be that much more special. I love decorating with plates for every holiday. There's just something about plates...You can really just do so much to make a boring, ugly plate that much cuter. I love it! Today I am going to show you how I made a Chalkboard Love Note Plate.

Here is what you will need:

1 glass plate

black chalkboard paint

chalk

Bowdabra Bow Wire

Mini Bowdabra

Hair Bow Tool and Ruler with Interactive Bow Making CD

5/8 inch wide Red Grosgrain Ribbon

hot glue gun

Instructions:

1. You can either purchase a plate on clearance or at the Dollar Store. I used a mismatched plate from a set of dishes my mother no longer wanted. I love when I can find a creative way to reuse something that would be on its way to the giveaway pile.

2. Use your chalkboard paint to paint on a few layers. I did two layers to make sure my plate a had a nice thick player on it. Let your paint dry COMPLETELY. This usually will take about 24 hours. The chalkboard paint needs to really set.

3. Now move onto your bow.

4. To create a Bowdabra Bow for your Chalkboard Love Note Plate, begin by placing the Hair Bow Tool and Ruler onto the Mini Bowdabra. Cut an 18″ piece of Bowdabra Bow Wire, fold it in half, and place it into the Mini Bowdabra.

5. Following the instructions on the Interactive Hair Bow Making CD create a Simple Boutique Style Bow.

6. Follow the CD’s instructions for finishing the bow. Once finished, tie a scrap piece of 5/8 inch wide red grosgrain ribbon onto the back of the bow. Using the 5/8″ wide red grosgrain as a finishing ribbon on the center of your bow to hide the Bowdabra Bow Wire. To keep the grosgrain ribbon tails from fraying run a lighter along the edges of ribbon to keep it from fraying. Another alternative to keep ribbon from fraying, is clear nail polish. Hot glue bow onto your plate.

7. To finish off your Love Note Plate, add your message.
I went with the my favorite of my initials with my Hubbys. It makes me think of us carving our names into a tree, which would totally be awesome, but we have no trees in our yard, so the plate will work just fine.

If you don't want to do initials, you can keep it simple with a one word. I made another one for my kitchen with the work "SIMPLE". It is a great reminder to me and really adds some extra cuteness to my kitchen.

Hope you get a chance to make this fun Love Note Plate.

For more Bowdabra Valentine's Day Projects Click HERE
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Don't forget to come back later today for more fun!
Grab a Button and spread the fun!

------------------------------------------------------

This Post Sponsored by my co-hosts ......

Check them out for more Valentine Day Goodness!

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{Feature Friday Linky Party}

2012-02-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

First things first....

We have a winner!

Rebecca from Somewhere in the Middle is our Whimsy Couture giveaway winner!
Winner was choosen via random.org

So congrad's Rebecca and thank you to all who entered!

Now onto Feature Friday!

Just incase you missed it
here is what was LIVE on Blissful and Domestic this week:

{15 Valentine Projects}

{Homemade Tips and Tricks}

{25 Wearable Refashions}

{15 Learning Tips for the Littles}

{Coffee Filter Wreath}

{Valentine Date Hair}

{Heart Attacking}

Alright now that you are all caught up now lets start the party!
I can't wait to see what you guys have been working on.

Follow Blissful and Domestic
(Grab a button or add a link.)
Link up YOUR recipes, crafts, ideas, projects or fun posts to share.
Please no etsy shops, giveaways or advertisements.
New or Old Post Work!
Link up to your post, not your main blog.
Visit some of the other links
and HAVE FUN!

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{15 Learning Tips for the Littles}

2012-02-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been reading since Blissful and Domestic started, you'll know that I originally started this blog out as a way to share what I was doing with my littles. I wanted an outlet to show all the fun homeschool stuff we were doing at the time.

I want to get back to that a bit. I love sharing all my recipes, crafts, tips, etc
but I do so love sharing the learning side of my life.

I love teaching those dang red heads and love finding new, fun ideas of things to do with them.

So here are 15 tips and tricks for those littles.

Check out all these fun blogs and all the cuteness they have for us.

Homemade Finger Paints @ Red Ted Art's Blog

Robot I Spy Bag @ Social Studies Momma

Hundreds, and Thousands, Millions of Sparrows @ At Number 29

Winter Sensory Bin @ The Iowa Farmer's Wife

Backyard Learning @ Jenny's Blessed Nest

Comb Painting @ Tutus and Tea Parties

Recycled Castle @ At Number 29

Penguin Footprint Keepsake @ Handprint and Footprint Art

Little Mathematics @ Raising the Cameron Clan

Valentine's Day Slime @ It's Gravy Baby

Valentine's Day Sensory Bin @ Teaching My Blessings

Oil & Water Art @ Duck Duck Octopus

Snow Week Themed Unit @ Teach Love Grow

Keeping the Playroom Clean with Toddlers @ Life With Both Hands Full

Chocolate Play-dough @ Heidi's Recipes

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For more Homeschool tips and tricks
check out my Blissful Learning Page

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{Valentine's Day Countdown} Coffee Filter Wreath

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

This post was originally published on Bowdabrablog.com

I am very excited about today's craft. I have wanted to make one of these for quite some time. Today I am going to show you how to make a coffee filter wreath. Perfect for Valentine's or for everyday cuteness in your home or on your door.

Here is What You Will Need:

1 Package of Coffee Filters
1 Wreath form
Hot glue gun

Bowdabra Bow Wire

Mini Bowdabra

Hair Bow Tool & Ruler with Interactive Bow Making CD

Scrap Piece of 5/8 inch wide Red Grosgrain Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Start out by folding your coffee filter in half

2. Put a line of glue on your wreath form and attach coffee filter

3. You will continue to do this all the way around the wreath.

This took me about 30 minutes to do. Thank goodness for a great playlist on my iPod :)

4. Once you have completed your wreath, it is time for a bow.

5. To create a Bowdabra Bow for your wreath, begin by placing the Hair Bow Tool and Ruler onto the Mini Bowdabra. Cut an 18″ piece of Bowdabra Bow Wire, fold it in half, and place it into the Mini Bowdabra.

6. Following the instructions on the Interactive Hair Bow Making CD create a Boutique Style Bow.

7. Follow the CD’s instructions for finishing the bow. Once finished, tie a scrap piece of 5/8 inch wide red grosgrain ribbon onto the back of the bow. Using the 5/8″ wide red grosgrain as a finishing ribbon on the center of your bow to hide the Bowdabra Bow Wire. To keep the grosgrain ribbon tails from fraying run a lighter along the edges of ribbon to keep it from fraying. An another alternative to keep ribbon from fraying is clear nail polish.

8. I hot glued my bow onto my extra red ribbon.

Then your finished. Hang and Enjoy!

For more great Bowdabra Valentine's Day Crafts Click HERE.
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Don't forget to come back later today for more fun!

Grab a Button and spread the fun!

------------------------------------------------------

This Post Sponsored by my co-hosts ......

Check them out for more Valentine Day Goodness!

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{ 15 Awesome Valentine Projects}

2012-02-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

I was at it again this morning. I should be knee deep in first grade English and Math, but instead I spent a little time blog hopping, while my littles were playing iron man and rolling derby. Oh what is rolling derby? Well they roll around the house, as fast as those little legs will push them, in a computer chair. We are in a one story house and those legs don't push them too far, so they're cool. They haven't hurt each other yet and they are getting along, which is my favorite time of day:)

Anyway while that fun madness went on around me, I found some great projects.
Here are 15 more Valentine Projects.

Aren't they just too cute?

Valentine Coupon Banner (with kids) @ Creatively Living

Love Bird Dress @ Sew Can Do

Valentine's Day Vignette @ Jenni Horne Studios

Valentine Fun Food With Kids @ Lifestyles of the Stay-at -Home Mom

Valentine Cupcake Wreath @ Alderberry Hill

Sewing in Red @ Rubie Jean

Valentine's Day Critters @ Mom on Time Out

Red and Aqua's Valentine Wreath @ Tattered and Inked

Book Shelve Redo @ Newlyweds on a Budget

My Ruffalicious Valentine @ Polkadots on Parade

Heart Pillow @ At Home in the Northwest

Striped Wreath @ A Bird and a Bean

A Pink Wreath @ Shabby, Chic, and Pink!

Valentine Day Mailboxes @ New Life Overnight

Bead Board Hearts@ Adventure of a DIY Mom

If you were featured, grab a button

Also did you see my Date Night Hair tutorial this morning?

Yes I know I am awkward when taking pictures of myself, but hey I have never claimed to be a model. I do think the hairstyle its self is pretty darn cute.
Check it out!

Also if you have some more Valentine Day Cuteness
Link it up HERE.

and of course I can't leave before reminding you about my giveaway this week.
It is from Whimsy Couture. Love that place!!

Come and enter the Whimsy Couture Giveaway
Click HERE or the picture to enter.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!!

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{Valentine's Day Countdown} Date Hair

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Part of being Homemade is doing everything yourself.
This also means if I want some fun, fancy hair for a Valentine's Day Date with the Hubbs
I have to do it myself. Because of this, I wanted to show all you lovelies a simple, fun, sassy way to do your hair for all those dates our Hubbys and Boyfriends will hopefully be taking us on this month.

So let's get started......

This hair is second day hair.
This means it is "dirty"

It doesn't smell.......promise.....
"dirty" just means I washed my hair the day before
I always feel it is the easiest to do a fun updo when you hair is "dirty"
The curls were left from the previous day
I did however add a few more curls where some of them had gone a little flat.

Once I had done that, I started scrunching my hair at the roots.
I do this to sort of fluff up my hair.

I do it a few times on each side.

I do have bangs so I pull those down to the front.
I then get ready to tease the crown of my head.

Pick up a section of hair.
Spray it with hairspray and then "rat" or "tease" your hair.
Teasing is also called back combing.
It is when you brush towards the scalp, instead of away.
Does that make sense?
I hope so

Now do that to both sides of your head and the back.

You will have some crazy hair going on after his step.

Once I am done teasing I gently go over the top of my head.
Very lightly...........just enough to calm it down a tad

Then I get out my trustee bobby pins.
These magnificent things are seriosuly my best friend.
My poor family finds them everywhere, but I love them
I literally use them every day.

Take a section of hair in the front and pin it to the side.
When I pin I push forward a bit
This will give your hair some more height
I may not live in Texas, but I definitely think bigger is better
when hair is involved at least:)

Pin a side back on the other side as well

Now start on the bottom section.
This time you will take a big section and twist it.

Pull it all the way around the back so it is meeting your other side.
This gives a side pony tail look

Secure with bobby pins
Crisscrossing pins in an "X" fashion is a great way to really secure that hair.

Once it is all scure with pins
Spray the heck out of your hair with Hair Spray
I forgot to mention I am very pro hair spray. I like my hair to be locked and loaded.
Ready for anything the weather may pin against it.

Add a cute flower or hair thingy and you're done

Dress it up with a cute pencil skirt and heels
Now you're ready for a night out with the Hubbs

For more Hair Tips and Tricks

Click HERE

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Don't forget to come back later today for more fun!
Grab a Button and spread the fun!

------------------------------------------------------

This Post Sponsored by my co-hosts ......

Check them out for more Valentine Day Goodness!

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Follow me with BlogLovin Send Me an E-mail Link up at My Party

{Homemade Tips & Tricks Features}

2012-02-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

While going through all the links from this weekends linky party, I saw some awesome homemade tips and tricks. Some of these were just too awesome not to share.
I also found more ideas while blog hopping. I love all the great ideas out there on how to clean and save money.

I will definitely be trying these out.

Homemade Window Cleaner @ Making it Feel like Home

Coupon Organization @ Laughter and Grace

Homemade applesauce @ Creative Carissa

How to Clean your Dishwasher @ Somewhere in the Middle

Stretching Your Dog Shampoo @ 4 You With Love

Homemade Fabric Softener @ Small Fine Print

If you were featured Grab a Button

Also don't forget our Whimsy Couture Pattern Giveaway.

Right now entries are LOW, so your chances of winning are pretty darn good.
come and enter to win!

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{Valentine's Day Countdown} Heart Attacking

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I have a fun activity to share with all you ladies and gents.
As most of you may know, in my family, we like to countdown and do all kinds of fun stuff for everything.
Since Valentine's day is just around the corner, the countdown has begun.

Hearts are everywhere and lots of activities for our Valentine's Day Countdown are under way

Last year during our Valentine's Day countdown we did an activity, which I thought was pretty stellar.

I am going to share that with all you lovelies today.

I call this activity "Heart Attacking". When I was 12 years old some girls, from church, did this to me and I have never forgotten it. It is seriously such a nice way to tell someone you LOVE them.

This is how you "Heart Attack" Someone.

Start out by getting those littles ready for some crafting.
Cut out a bunch of hearts and write love notes on them.

I wrote some key "love words" on a dry erase boards to help the littles with spelling.
This was a BIG help to them.

Let them use stickers, crayons, markers, etc.
Let them have fun with it.

Glitter is always a plus too!
I don't know a kid who doesn't love creating with glitter.
It is way too fun!

We put a few hearts on sticks as well.

Once you have made all your hearts
decide who you will be heart attacking and make them a treat.

We decided to "heart attack" my grandmother.
We made her some yummy sugar cookies
I will share the recipe at the end of this post.

Now that your hearts and treats are done
it is time to be sneaky.......

We quietly taped hearts to her door
well as quiet as two little kids can be when they're giggling and laughing

We also put the hearts on sticks in the ground near her walkway

We left her treat in a Valentine's Day tub I purchased at the dollar store
and left it by her door step.

(some of the hearts have Hershey Kisses taped to them)

Now is the time to knock on the door and dash to the car.

This is probably THE most fun part for my kids.

Seeing if they can make it to the car, before the door is opened is seriously a blast.

This is seriously the most fun for littles. It teaches them about serving and showing kindness to others. This is a tradition of ours we do each year. I can't wait for us to do it again.

Sharing some love with our family and friends is the greatest thing we can do
I hope you get a chance to do these for someone you love this Valentine's Day.

Oh and before I go,
Here is the reciepe we made for my Grandma. These are THE BEST Sugar Cookies EVER!
We use them for every holiday.

Bake up some goodness and enjoy!

Blissful and Domestic Sugar Cookies

1 cup of butter/margarine

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 large egg

2tbl baking powder

3 cups flour

Blend melted butter/margarine and sugar in a bowl until creamy. Add egg and vanilla. Blend well. Add your baking powder and blend. Last add your flour 1 cup at a time. The last cup may be hard for your beaters. Use your hands if you needs.

Now let me give you a few tips on doing cookie cutters with littles:

First off I use Margarine and my cookies tasted better

than when made with butter..

Second, let your littles do as much as they can.

Although it may be messy, they will so enjoy it!

I taped parchment paper onto my counter. This is where we rolled out the dough and used the cookie cutters. This makes for a very easy cleanup afterwards.

Also spray your hands and your littles hands with cooking spray before picking up the dough.
This prevents the dough from sticking to your hands.

And lastly sprinkle flour on the dough and the parchment paper

before flattening your dough.

All these tips helped me when making these. They made it so much easier.
I hope you get a chance to make them too!

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Don't forget to come back later today for more fun!
Grab a Button and spread the fun!

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This Post Sponsored by my co-hosts ......

Check them out for more Valentine Day Goodness!

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{25 Wearable Refashions}

2012-02-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Yep that's right here in one place are 25 of the cutest wearable refashions.
Man you guys are creative.
Take a look at all these fun ideas...........

The Saturday Blazer @ You and Mie

The Flirty Skirt @ Sew Cook Laugh Live

Paper Bag Skirt @ Sew Love it

Black and Grey Skirt @ For Lauren and Lauren

Lil' Sweater Dress @ Seven Alive

LOVE Shirt @ Craft Buds

Double Bubble Skirt @ Babblings and More

Sweater Hand- Muff Warmer @ Scattered Thoughts of a Stay at Home Mom

Love Letter Tee @ Sew Woodsy

Draped Shawl Cardigan @ Scattered Thoughts of a Stay at Home Mom

Felt Flower Scarf @ The Crafty Blog Stalker

Dino Hoodie @ Vixen Made

DIY Baby Bow Tie @ Dream Catcher Baby

Winter Skirt @ Red Buddy Notes

Argyle Sweater @ Melly Sews

Bleach Pen Shirt @ Sugar Bee Crafts

Glitter Shoes @ Want to Get Crafty

Little Man Lettermen @ Sew Bold

Christmas Dress Redo @ Creatively Living

Japanese Inspired Dress @ Counting Crickets

Fair Pendant Dress @ Sunny Tuesday

Purple Dress @ An Outfit a Day

Dandelion Dress @ Sew Country Chic

Retro Ruffled Apron @ My Craft Obsession

Cropped Top @ Suburbs Mama

Heart Shirt @ Southern Lovely

If you were featured snag a button:)
Have a fantastic day!!
---------------------------------------------
Also Don't forget Our Giveaway this week!

Win a Free Pattern from Whimsy Couture

Click HERE to Enter!

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{Sponsors} Crafts With Heart

2012-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

Alright today we are talking about my sponsor Crafts with Heart.

Remember Diane from Crafts with Heart?

She is the ever sweet lady behind the handmade doll clothes for Waldorf dolls.

Well she is offering a great discount to all Blissful and Domestic Readers. She is celebrating her 60th birthday this month and wants to celebrate.
In honor of her birthday she is offering all you lovelies %10 off all items in her shop. Use code 4Birthday when checking out.

Look at all the cute stuff she has in her shop......

Stinkin cute right?

Check out this Oatmeal Colored Coat for this little red headed doll.
It kills me. It is so cute!

Diane has added a bunch of new things to her shop
and she is also on facebook!

Like Crafts With Heart Dressler, on facebook,
to keep updated about all the cute things she adds to her shop each week.

So remember In honor of her birthday she is offering all you lovelies %10 off all items in her shop. Use code 4Birthday when checking out.

Be sure to check out all the cute things at Crafts With Heart.

Happy Shopping!

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Bird Houses and Flowers....

2012-02-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

This post was done as a guest post way before Christmas. I totally forgot about it and just stumbled upon it in my list of posts to be worked on. I figured I would post it today. HEre is how we fancied up my little Miss's bedroom on the cheap:>

This post was before Christmas, meaning I am still solid on my no Target, homemade Year rule:)
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Today I have a simple room revamp to share. Over the weekend my Little Miss and I found some vinyl wall decals on clearance at Target. They were 75% off and were marked from 14.99 to $3.48. We were beyond excited. Miss Priss's walls have been lacking in the love and cuteness department lately. We snagged those decals and came home to start on her walls. This was a perfect project for my little girl to help with as well.

The vinyl decal set had little flowers, birds, and bird cages.
Too cute!

We even had enough to put them all around her room and we decorated her toy box with them.

Wondering what the toy box is? It is a re-purposed cabinet. I painted it white and laid it on its back. Perfect for holding toys.

She was so proud of all her work.

So there you have. New cute walls for under $5
Thrifty spending at its best.
Hope you all have a fabulous week

{Valentine's Day Countdown Party} Decorative Orbs With Here Comes The Sun

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for today's guest. We have Kelly from Here Comes the Sun. She has a fun decorating tip today, which I can't wait to use. So let's get decorating and crafting with Kelly.

Blog Meet Kelly

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Hello! I'm Kelly and I blog over at Here Comes the Sun. It is filled with kid's crafts, DIY home decor ideas, sewing project and a little bit of photography. I also host a weekly link party called Fabulous Friday. I'm excited to be guest posting here at Blissful and Domestic's Valentine Party.

A little bit about me... I am a stay-at-home mom of 2 kids. My daughter is 5 and my son is 2 and they keep me VERY busy. To keep my sanity, I craft and blog during naptime and late into the night. My love for crafting goes way back. When I was young, I would cut out pictures from magazines and make collages. You could say that they were my first scrapbooks. I have recently ventured into the world of sewing and even though it takes me forever and a day to sew a few simple stitches, I am really enjoying it.

Today I am going to share something that takes a bit less time than my sewing projects. These are my decorative orbs that I recently made to complete my Valentine mantel.

I love all the different orbs that are for sale in the store but they can get pricey. I wanted some that I could use for my holiday decor, specifically Valentine's Day so I decided to make my own. They are super easy. All you need is a styrofoam ball, a glue gun, ribbon and scissors. I had all these supplies on hand which is always nice.

Start by attaching the ribbon to the styrofoam ball using hot glue. Glue the ribbon once all the way around the ball.

When you get back to the top, fold your ribbon over and repeat the process going around the other side of the ball. You should now have two circles of ribbon that cross each other at a 90 degree angle at the top and bottom of the ball.

Continue to fold your ribbon and wrap around the ball until none of the styrofoam is showing.

Glue the end of the ribbon in place on the top of the ball and you are done!

I have them displayed in a tall cylindrical vase but you could also put them in a bowl on a table for a centerpiece. I think they look great and you can customize them to any season or holiday.

Don't forget to stop on by Here Comes the Sun. I would love to meet you!

Thank you so much Danielle for having me today!

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Don't forget to come back later today for more fun!
Grab a Button and spread the fun!

------------------------------------------------------

This Post Sponsored by my co-hosts ......

Check them out for more Valentine Day Goodness!
---------------------------------
Don't forget our Giveaway this week

Now onto a fun giveaway from Whimsy Couture

Their patterns are just too stinkin cute!

Click HERE to Enter

Sunday Re-cap

2012-02-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today was full of goodness. I am nursing a cold right now, but man this day was good.
I woke up to find out I had a froggy voice. One where I was so croaky my children had no clue what had happened to their mother. My poor Hubby must have thought something awful had happened. What had happened to his poor sick wife you feel asleep the night before. She must have been replaced by some greasy hair, croaky voice monster. That is literally how I felt this morning. After about an hour or so my voice got back to semi-normal and I was no longer scaring littles (or the husband) with my raspy voice. I will say though that the Hubbs got quite a kick out of asking me to repeat myself this morning, just so he could hear the scary voice. Always glad to give him a laugh.

Anyways I got to sit on the couch and watch loads of movies with the littles.
Cinderella, Kicking and Screaing, and marathons of How it was Made were watched today.
Have I mentioned I love Netflix's for those marathons of shows we do.
Yep it pretty much rocks my socks!

Then a HUGE nap was instore. Hubby rigged the door so no redheads could enter. Naps during the day for me are unheard of in my house. I usually am to busy or when I do fall asleep I am suddenly awaken to a certain red headed child asking me what I am doing. I guess Mommy laying in bed, buddled, with eyes close was not a clue big enough for her. ..........Oh well. Hubby convinved her the door was locked and that I needed my sleep. Man I love that creative, devious mind of his.

Then of course that football game had to be watched. Bubba has BIG plans of being a football player some day. Scriptures were read, books read, and the Miss was put to bed.

Now I am watcing Johnny Test with my Bubba.

and awaiting for Donwton Abbey to come on. One more hour.
Hubby and I watch and entranced by this show every week. LOVE it way too much!

and we are going to enjoy some awesome homemade bread and jam.
A sweet friend brought some over tonight.

I think it is always amazing how God knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
He has given me a sweet new friend in my ward and I am so thankful.

I am thankful for this day.
This day when I could have felt very full on yuck, but after a shower and some rest I am feeling much better. I am thankful for good friends, who give you just what you need. A sweet hug and a sweet word really can change your day.

I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday.....

See you tomorrow...
I have some great posts instore for this week!

Can't wait!

Oh and P.S.
I am totally not spell checking this.
It is what it is...

so no judging and goodnight to you.....

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{Getting to Know You Sunday} Meredith from Yours, Mine, and Ours

2012-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hey!!

Meredith here from yours, mine and ours.

If I had to sum up my little fam in a few words I'd say: He's a future lawyer, I'm a chronic cheapskate, and our little boy is a sports fanatic.

I don't know why, we certainly don't encourage it (tv and physical exertion, right? )

I blog about freepiling, date nights, funny things my kid says and lots of other mind blowing topics.

Like food and Project Runway.

It's a crazy life but somebody has to do it.

Thanks for letting me stop in!!

-Meredith

{Make a Gift on the 25th} Features #1

2012-02-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have a moment where you start writing a post, but have the distinct feeling maybe you have already posted this EXACT THING? Well I am having that feeling now, so if I have already done features from Making a Gift on 25th I am sorry. My brain is not working. Full of WAY TOO many ideas and projects. Anywho so if you have or haven't seen the features you get to see them now OR AGAIN....----------------------------------
So last week or so I introduced a new series on Blissful and Domestic.I was so excited about all your comments.Everyone was excited for this new series.I didn't know if anyone would link up projects, but you came and you did.Have I mentioned Blissful and Domestic readers rock!Seriously you do.
We had 29 links!Way more than I thought.I wanted to feature some fo the ideas.So here we go.

Art Station by Mariah's Creations Animals on Parade by Bilingual Crafting and Sewing Play Make-up by Here Comes the Sun Annie's Afghan by 4 You With Love
If you were featured grab a button.

And if you missed my project....I shared how I made Miss Priss some Christmas Leg Warmers. Check them out!
We will be back here with a new linky partyand another gift idea from me on the 25th!

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{25 Valentine Projects + MORE!}

2012-02-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for Over 25 Valentines Projects?
I love all of the red, pink, and hearts I have been seeing lately and I had to share with you. Be inspired and visit some of these fantastic blogs.

Also if you were featured Grab a button:)

On with the Valentine's Day Goodness.................

Valentine's Day Landscape @ Dukes and Duchesses

Origami Heart @Moments with the Montanos

Valentine Crafts on Pinterest @ 5 Minutes Just for Me

Mini Stuffed French Toast @ Will Cook for Smiles

Faux Gum-ball Machine @ Love Sweet Love

Kissing Ball @ The Brown Eyes Have It

Crayon Valentine Art @ Kaydid Designs

Valentines Day Fortune Cookies @ Making it Feel Like Home

Frilly V-day Tablecloth@ Inspired by Family Magazine

Basket of Hearts @ Southern Scraps

2 Ingredient Fudge @ the Lady with the Red Rocker

Re-purposed Valentine's Day Frames @ One Day at a Time

Pink Chocolate Filled Kisses @ Simply Sweet n Savory

Valentine Bracelets @ Mom on Time Out

Box of chocolate Cupcakes @ The Weekly Sweet Experiment

Valentine Button Flowers @ Story Crafting With Joy

52 Reasons Why I Love You Book @ Lisa's Craft Blog

Strawberry Moscato Cupcakes @ The Kurtz Corner

Valentines Day Mantle @ One Orange Giraffe

Burlap Rosettes @ The Barefoot Seamstress

Valentines Decorating @ Alderberry Hill

Valentine Wreath @ Positively Splendid

LOVE Shirt @ All in a Day

Feathered Wreath @ The Diary of Dave's Wife

Heart Elephant Shirt @ Fancy Frugal Life

Love is All Around Wreath @ Nap Time Creations

Want more project ideas?
Check out the Valentine Linky Carnival

Also Don't forget our Giveaway this week:

Now onto a fun giveaway from Whimsy Couture

Click HERE to Enter!

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