Blissfully Domestic

Crafty Modern Mobile for Your Nursery

ChocolateAndCarrots — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:52:38 +0000

I spotted this pin when I first got pregnant and knew that I wanted to make a mobile like it for our gender neutral nursery. We decorated our nursery to the theme of ‘You are my sunshine…when clouds are grey’, painting the walls grey and having yellow, black, and white accents.

We decided to hang this mobile over the glider, but it would have also looked great over the changing table or the crib!

Even though it’s a tedious and time consuming project, it was so fun to recreate a ‘pin’ from pinterest in real life. I think this mobile completes the room!

Luckily, I recruited an army of women (a.k.a. my mother and sisters) to help me out with this project. We knocked it out in one afternoon!

I hope you like it and find a fun place to hang your mobile for the nursery!

Crafty Modern Mobile

Materials

3 four or five inch foam balls
3-3.5 yards of yellow, black, and gray fabric
LOTS of quilting pins (I think I used around 1000.)
pencil
white wine glass or cup to trace about a 2.5″ inch circle
fabric scissors
1 round 8″-10″ foam wreath
10-14 yards of black satin ribbon
hook for ceiling

How-To

Trace circles from the wine glass on the fabric. Cut out and set aside.
Pin the circles into the foam balls, keeping them very close together. Sometimes, I even folded the circles in quarters after sticking the pin in, then stuck it to the ball.
Attach the ribbon to the top of the foam balls.
Attach the ribbon from the balls onto the foam wreath.
Cover the wreath with the ribbon.
Tie ribbon in three spots on the wreath, then tie the three strands in a knot at the top.
Then tie another strand of ribbon onto that knot, to hook it on the hook from the ceiling. You can also skip this step and just hang the mobile on the hook from step six.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting – The Movie

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:15:08 +0000

If you or someone you know is expecting a baby in the near future, chances are pretty good you’ve wondered what pregnancy, giving birth and parenthood is really like. But despite how much you prepare, how many classes you take and how many informative books you read, you probably won’t know what to expect unless you’ve gone through it before. And even if you’ve had one or more children, each pregnancy and birth is different.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

The highly anticipated film, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” follows the interconnected lives of five fictional couples and their challenging journey through pregnancy and parenthood. The all-star cast features Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Brooklyn Decker and Elizabeth Banks along with fictional baby daddies’ Chace Crawford, Matthew Morrison and Chris Rock.

The romantic comedy showcases the hilarious trials and tribulations and ups-and-downs of pregnancy. Expect the unexpected when it comes to raging hormones, mood swings, cravings, body changes and more. Holly (played by real life mama, J-Lo) even shares her feelings about the adoption process in an online blog. Be sure to check out the films’ Dude Group and the movie’s soundtrack.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting 4^th Edition Book

Based on the New York Times Best Seller pregnancy guide written by Sharon Mazel and Heidi Murkoff, the book was named #19 on the USA Today’s 25 Most Influential Books of the past 25 years! And with sales over 32 million worldwide, it is estimated that more than 90 percent of pregnant women have read it!

Rated PG-13, the film is “due” to hit theaters on May 18, 2012.

Image courtesy of Marcos Santos

Budgeting as a Couple

Miriam Caldwell — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:25 +0000

One of the most difficult aspects of marriage is budgeting as a couple. It can be a sore subject even if you and your spouse agree on most aspects of handling the finances. One of the reasons for this is that money affects almost every aspect of your life, from the neighborhood you can afford to live in to the types of things you can provide for your children. Each couple is going to need to find a way to communicate about finances or else it is going to negatively impact your finances. The New York Times reported on a study that showed a direct correlation between the number of money fights in comparison to an increase in the divorce rate. You can protect your marriage by creating a good solid way to communicate about money.

Stop Blaming and Forgive Each Other

The first thing you need to do is stop blaming each other or yourself for the financial situation that you are in right now. If you find that you are in a tight financial situation, because of poor money management it is best to let go of the past and begin to move forward with a plan together. When you got married you made a promise about being together for richer or for poorer. Difficult financial times definitely put that aspect of your vow to the test. If you made a mistake acknowledge it to your spouse, apologize and then move forward. Forgiveness is essential or you will not be able to find a way to work together financially.

Merge Your Finances

It is better to work together as a couple on all aspects of your finances when you are married. It does not make your marriage strong if you are hiding aspects of your financial situations from each other. My husband and I are both on all of the accounts that we have. When we talk about retirement savings, it’s our retirement savings. The loans we had in the past were in both of our names. This allows us to see the picture and it keeps us open about our financial situation. Honesty in this area helps us to stay honest in other areas of our marriage.

Budget Together

A budget is great financial tool because it outlines the spending for the month. Instead of asking permission to spend money you can simply refer to the budget to see if you have money left in the category. You can look at the budget as a contract that you make at the beginning of each month. Many couples will literally sign the budget after they set it up each month to show their commitment to keeping the budget. In addition to writing out your budget, you should have at least weekly budget meetings so you can track your progress and monitor your spending. Once you begin to stick your spending plan, these meetings will become much easier. The meetings also allow you to adjust the budget to account for emergency spending.

Get Outside Help

If money is a sore point or if you have had a serious case of financial infidelity (such as hiding debt or serious spending issues), you may need to seek outside help for your problem. A financial counselor may be able to help you work through the difficult money issues and help you create a financial plan. A marriage counselor can also help you to work on rebuilding the trust in your relationship. There are also classes you can take about money such as Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. This class is designed for couples, and it sets up guidelines to help you think about and discuss your money situation in a positive and effective way. These steps will help you set up a framework that greatly reduces the strain that money puts on your marriage.

Image 1: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image 2: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Springtime Movies

fourformom — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:13:41 +0000

Spring is in the air, love is in the air… I have packed away the Christmas movies (after prying them from the kids’ hands). Not quite ready for the hot lazy heat of Summer, I have compiled a list with some great Springtime scenes, that capture the hope and optimism associated with Spring. Here is a list of movies filled with scenes outdoors in the shimmering sun amidst fields of flowers and green grass.

Springtime Movies

A League of Their Own

Nothing says Springtime quite like baseball does and A League of Their Own is not just any old baseball movie. Tom Hanks, Madonna, Geena Davis and Rosie O’Donnell flourish under the skilled directing of Penny Marshall in this film that gives a heartwarming history of the first female professional baseball league.

Barefoot in the Park

This movie will always make my personal Top 100 list. Robert Redford and Jane Fonda play a newly married couple in the film written by Neil Simon. The shots of Greenwich Village and the rest of New York City are an excellent backdrop to the love and hope they feel at the beginning of their marriage (despite the often amusing struggles that come their way).

Getting Married? 5 Beauty Tips You Must Try Before You Say I Do

Selena — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:45:02 +0000

Believe it or not, between April and June, most weddings or wedding preparation takes place. Dresses, bridesmaids and color palettes are at the fore front of wedding details, while honeymoons, menus and table seating come in at a close second. Every wedding detail is carefully exacted. Just one question: what about the bride-to-be? What can she do to prepare for her wedding?

As the bride, all eyes are on you. In essence, you are the center of the universe, for the day anyway. From your hair to your makeup or from your hands to your feet, you want to look your best, feel your prettiest and bask in the glow of your special moment; and now you can. Ready for your wedding? Here are five beauty tips that will help you shine on your special day.

Dove® Clear Tone Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant is the first and only U.S. deodorant designed to reduce red and dark marks and even skin tone. The special ingredient? Calendula Sunflower Seed Extracts coupled with Dove® moisturizers help accelerate the natural skin renewal process. In other words, it evens out the skin under your arms. Strapless wedding dress, here you come!

Custom Nail Solutions Nail System is a swanky alternative to acrylic nails. Why? Because these nails are customized for your hands, are reusable and are very easy to remove. There is no drilling, filling, and these nails are virtually indestructible. No more fumes. No more weak nails. Just perfectly manicured hands every time.

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips are phenomenal! In as little as two hours, you can get a whiter, brighter looking smile that is sure to make any bride-to-be blush. The whitening strips are easy to apply and the best thing is the strips do not leak. The bonus? No heat sensitive teeth!

Neutrogena Body Clear® Body Wash is the product I must have if I plan to wear strapless, backless or halter tops or dresses. Its refreshing and clean-rinsing body wash that treats and even helps prevent body breakouts. Whether the acne is on your decollete or limited to your back, this gentle body wash can help get rid of the acne.

StriVectin-EV Even Skin Brightening Serum begins to transform your skin in as little as two weeks! Skin tone appears brighter and skin begins to feel softer. By eight weeks, you will notice that pigmentation normalizes as dark spots visibly fade. I used this product to get rid of the unsightly spots left on my nose from my metal-framed glasses. Four weeks and viola, no more dark spots.

Whether you’re getting married in 21 days or 6 months, with a little bit of planning and some great skin products, you can get the glow you want without all the hassle.

Biblical Perspective on Father’s Day: A Father’s Love

Shelly Faust — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:09:06 +0000

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

God knew He did not want to live eternity without His children. When sin entered and caused a separation, He already had a plan.

He loves us so much He gave His only Son. He offered Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins that we might know Him, have fellowship with Him, and be loved by Him forever.

Maybe you’ve never known the love of a father. Maybe you’ve been searching your whole life for a father’s love.

We were born with a deep desire and need to be loved. We long to be held, nurtured, and cared for. We want to know that no matter what happens or how bad we mess up, somebody loves us.

This inner longing we feel is not something that can be satisfied by any person on earth. It is a place created in the secret chambers of our heart, set aside for only One.

If we let Him, God alone fills this place and completes us.

He is madly, passionately, and completely in love with you, His child.

He has known you since before you were in your mother’s womb.

He knows the number of hairs on your head.

His thoughts for you outnumber the grains of sand.

This Father’s Day, God wants you to know He loves you. Your heavenly Father loves you with a perfect, everlasting love. A love that sees past mistakes and disappointments. A love that transends time and space.

There is no love that compares to the love our Father has for us. His love knows no boundaries and has no end. It cannot be duplicated or manufactured or earned.

This supernatural love can only be given by the Father and received by His children.

He is pursuing us, drawing us to Himself, inviting us to come.

Accept your Father’s love today. Crawl into your Daddy’s lap and lay your head on His shoulder. He is waiting for you, His daughter.

Photo Credits: 1-Flickr Creative Commons-Ihar, 2-Flickr Creative Commons-Lindsay

How To Make A Simple Household Binder

organizingguru — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:07:56 +0000

Having a household binder is a great way to keep everything that is going on in your home organized. You can keep whatever you like in your household binder. You should set up your binder to meet the needs of your household.

What You Will Need:

Binder

Dividers

Hole Punch

Plastic Pouch

Sharpie

Labels

Step 1:

Assemble your items together. On a separate sheet of paper write out the categories you want for your binder. Examples would be coupons, receipts, emergency phone numbers, babysitter info. etc. Once you have what you want for your categories you need to write them on the divider labels, or use a label maker to make the labels and adhere to the divider.

Step 2:

Print out your lists that you will be recording information on. I like to use free printables from MomAgenda or you can find every type of list you would ever want on ListPlanIt (affiliate link). Once you have your lists printed out you can hole punch them and then put them in your binder. If you don’t have a hole puncher you can use plastic sleeves that already has the hole punched in. This way your sheets are protected also.

Step 3:

The last step is to make a plan for clearing out the binder every month or every three months so that you don’t have a problem with a over stuffed binder. You also want to show the family the new binder and how it works and where you all will be keeping it. Make sure it has a home.

And that’s it! You have made yourself a stylish and simple household binder. You want to keep your binder where you keep your mail at or your “command center” I like to call it. The great thing about your household binder is that it is portable wherever you need it. But have a certain place that you always put it back so you will not be hunting around the house looking for it when you need it.

Do you keep a household binder? If so what do you keep in it? I would love to know in the comments below.

Easy Fix-Up Projects to Reduce Air Conditioning Bills This Summer

Amanda Wynant — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:02:09 +0000

Eight Home Improvements to Help you Save on Cooling Bills

Thinking of picking up a second job to cover your air conditioning bills this summer? Here are some simple projects you can tackle around the house that might help you avoid another W-2 and save you some green.

First, make sure there are no lamps near your thermostat. The heat generated by them will cause your air conditioning to run unnecessarily. And replace your incandescent bulbs with cooler, CFL bulbs to reduce the overall internal temperature of your home.

Install a programmable thermostat and use it.

Insulate your attic and consider installing an attic fan.

Plant shady plants or trees near your air conditioning unit, while making sure not to overcrowd it. Keep plants about 2 feet from the unit and clear weeds and grass from around the unit. Seal any ductwork around your system. Also, have your air conditioner serviced once a year to maintain optimal performance. If you have an older unit with a SEER rating of 8 or lower, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy efficient model.

Use heavy drapes, or install awnings, window tinting, or black out shades on the west-facing windows in your home. Use weatherstripping around drafty windows and doors.

The Home Office: Organizing The Shelves

organizingguru — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:46 +0000

When it comes to organizing your home office organizing your shelves can be one of the most important task that you can complete. When you organize your shelves you can utilize them to help with your productivity.

What Do I Really Want?

How do I want my shelves to function? Or better yet what needs to be the function of my shelves? When you know the answer to this question you are now ready to start organizing your shelves. Start by clearing everything off of the shelves. Sort like items together and get a handle on what you have and what you want to keep.

You also want to have on hand containers to corral like items together. Get creative with how you stack your books. Also realize that shelves are for more than just books. You can use shelves to hold your software CDs. You can use shelves to hold project files. Read on for a few great ways to organize your home office shelves.

Summer Pregnancy Woes: How to Cope With The Heat

Shawn Elyce — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:26 +0000

When I was apprenticing, one of the midwives I apprenticed with had a client who was always put together. You know, hair always just so, lips glossed, toes painted, clothes cute and fashionable. Towards the end of her pregnancy, she came in during one of her regular prenatal appointments and started asking us questions about normal end of pregnancy body changes, some of which are less than pleasant. When we continued to reassure her that everything she was describing was totally normal, she said in a huff, “There is NOTHING about this that is glamorous.”

A fan can make all the difference.

I still laugh about this, because it is oh so very true. Although I do appreciate the fact that my body is actually building a whole other person, which still continues to amaze and delight me, the fact that I’m due to have my second child any day now and it is getting hot is, well, frankly, miserable. There is NOTHING about this that is glamorous. My feet are swelling, I can’t sleep without a fan blowing directly on me, I sweat like I’ve been running just from cooking dinner, and…did you hear about the nickname Jessica Simpson gave herself toward the end of her pregnancy? Swamp A**? Yeah, that too. Apparently you don’t only need pads for postpartum.

However, there are some things you can do to help to a certain degree. Although I highly recommend just staying inside a 65 degree air conditioned house at all times, sometimes you do actually have to step outside, and when you do, here are some tips for you.

Stay hydrated. I know, I know. When you have to pee every 15 minutes anyway, drinking even MORE water just seems silly. However, it does make a big difference. Aim for 1/2 your body weight in ounces a day (so if you weigh 140, that would be 70 ounces).

Occasionally dumping a glass of ice water over your head will help with the heat too.

Embrace the fan. You know those pretty fans you can find in antique stores? Get one and stick it in your purse. A room that may seem comfortable to other people can still feel hot to a pregnant person, and a fan can be a great help.

Be mindful about what you wear. Skirts and dresses allow more airflow than pants. Avoid binding and close fitting clothes when it is hot. I have a beautiful muumuu that my grandmother gave me that she has had since she lived in Hawaii over 50 years ago. It has become my favorite thing to wear these last couple of weeks. Lots of airflow, no binding, and I still feel feminine and pretty. Perfect!

Many things about being pregnant are kind of magical. Feeling your baby move, the admiring looks you get from complete strangers, building a whole other person inside your own body. Just amazing. However, being pregnant in the summertime is hard. It’s best to maintain your sense of humor, carry a BIG water bottle with you at all times and remember that everything changes. Even the weather.

How to Make Stainless Steel Shine

Amanda Wynant — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:59:12 +0000

How to Clean Stainless Steel With Olive Oil & Vinegar

When you bought your beautiful stainless steel appliances, the helpful salesperson probably didn’t mention that within minutes of installation they would look like they’d been licked by a hound dog and wiped off with a piece of buttered toast. Well you can have bright and shiny stainless steel in your kitchen – without the overpriced stainless steel cleaner you’ll find in stores.

First, pour a little olive oil on a rag. Wipe the stainless steel surface all over with the oil. You’ll be amazed at how it effortlessly lifts fingerprints and shines your appliances. Then dampen another rag with white vinegar and rub over it again. This method not only cleans and shines your stainless steel, but it will keep it smudge free for days – even with little ones in the house!

Use the olive oil and vinegar technique a couple of times a month, or on heavy cleaning days.

For everyday maintenance and cleanup use one part white vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. Spray down your stainless steel surface and wipe off with a dry cloth. Zip zap zip! Your showroom kitchen will shine like never before.

Share your tips for keeping stainless steel clean here!

Image Credit: Jeda Villa Bali

Image Credit: Steve Snodgrass

Best Mother’s Day Gifts for the Foodie

Amanda Wynant — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:40:16 +0000

Mother’s Day is here and we’ve got the best gift ideas for a mother who’d rather be cooking. We tried several fantastic products and came up with a short list of treasures that any foodie mom would go bananas for.

Must Have Kitchen Tools

All kitchen gadgets aside, there are two motorized tools essential to a cook - a good blender, and a food processor.

1. Farberware has released a fantastic 10-speed blender with a sleek, stainless base and glass pitcher. We gave this blender the ultimate test with an apple, carrot, banana & mango smoothie. Toss in the ingredients and press the smoothie button – then walk away. It effortlessly purees the fruits & vegetables into a pleasant smooth drink without even one lump. Even the carrots were pulsed to a refreshing drink – no chewing required. Priced under $60, this machine rivals $400 models in ease of use and durability. The best part – when you’re finished, just fill the pitcher with hot water and one drop of dish soap. Then press the easy clean button and watch the blender clean itself.

2. The Farberware 12-cup food processor gave an amazing performance mixing up a batch of blueberry and oat banana muffins. The 4-cup nested work bowl made it easy to grind up the oats. Then in the main work bowl, the flour, bananas and other ingredients were blended with the dough blade. And unlike some other processors we tried, this one was easy to use right out of the box. For about $65 – its something from a baking mom’s dreams.

Gourmet Cookware

3. Looking for another way to spoil mom? Give her a set of Villeroy & Boch Ceramicplus baking dishes. They’re nonstick and safe for oven, microwave and dishwasher use. You barely have to dust the bottom of the bread pan with flour and your loaves will slide out easier than pork ribs off a greasy platter. All of the Ceramicplus patterns have a vintage look and feel to them, emitting a bit more charm than some modern pieces. Priced from around $40 – the posh bakeware isn’t likely to bust your budget either.

4. If your mom is still cooking on chipped teflon and needs a little upgrade, we’ve got a great gift idea for her. Mario Batali has a beautiful selection of cast iron cookware that’s coated with a hand-detailed enamel, giving it non-stick properties and eliminating the need to season the pans. All that and they come in bright bold colors to give the countertop a little panache.

Lazy Day Goodies

5. Nuts.com has a plethora of Mother’s Day goodies for the mom who deserves a treat. The Sugar Free Tin of Indulgent Treats for a mom who loves chocolate, but is watching her carb intake. For around $30, she’ll get a sturdy tin stocked with nearly three pounds of goodies – sugar free dark chocolate espresso beans, milk chocolate peanuts, dark chocolate almonds and yogurt raisins. This isn’t the kind of sugar free chocolate that tastes like artificial sweetener either. It’s the melt-in-your-mouth, I-can’t-believe-this-is-sugar-free kind. She’ll love this and you’ll love gifting her a decadent treat that she can enjoy guilt free.

6. They’ve also got a selection called, Box of Love, Mom. It’s a gorgeous box full of salted & shelled pistachios, honey cashews, pastel chocolate blueberries, mixed nuts, fruits and a truly mouthwatering butter crunch mix. It’s around $50 and sure to make your mother forget all the gray hairs you ever gave her.

Pamper the foodie mom in your life this year – and give her a Mother’s Day to remember.

Negotiating to Begin Telecommuting or Working Part-time

Miriam Caldwell — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:30:18 +0000

One of the biggest reasons that people consider telecommuting or shifting to a part-time schedule is because of family issues. If you have children at home or if you want to have more time available at home with your little ones, you may be considering your options. It’s not always possible for every family to have one parent stay home to care for the kids. Fortunately there are a lot of options you can consider if you want to be home more, but you still need to bring in an income. It may be easier to begin telecommuting than you think.

Is Telecommuting Possible With Your Job?

One of the best options is to consider telecommuting with your current company. Although you will still be working, you should be home when your kids get home from school, and you can check in on them from time to time. This may not be the best option if you still have little ones at home. You will still need to put in your eight hours. Depending on the type of work you do you may be more flexible about when you complete it and how quiet your home needs to be. First you should ask yourself if it is essential to be in the office to get your work done. If the answer is no then you can look into telecommuting. Some careers do require you to be at the office. If you work at a bank, you’ll need to be at your branch, and if you are a nurse, then telecommuting is not usually possible.

Can You Transition to Part-Time?

Another option is to decrease the amount of time you need to work. This is a good option if you want to keep your foot in the door of your current company. It allows you to keep your retirement account active, and depending on how much you cut back, you can maintain your benefits. One option is to see if there is another person who wants to share your position. Some teachers will share one slot or classroom with each other. Another option is to look for a position within your company that is part-time. With the current economic conditions, your employer may be willing to have you cut your hours back. Katherine Lewis from About.com offers some tips on working out a part-time schedule with your current job.

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Any Mom

Kat — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:56:27 +0000

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you could still be at a loss as to what to get your Mother. Whether it is a new Mom, a seasoned Mom or a new Mom-To-Be, this list will give you great ideas for any Mom in your life!

Moms-To-Be: Kindle offers educational books and apps as well as ideal entertainment to get all Moms-to-be through pregnancy.

Apps—BabyBump Pregnancy, Pandora

Books: “Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Jenny McCarthy , “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff or “15,000 Baby Names” by Bruce Lansky

Accessories—Verso Clip-On Reading light for Kindle

New Moms: Make sure Mom never misses a milestone with the Kodak Gallery app, help ease her mind with the best parenting books, and make meals in a flash with Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals.

Apps—Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals, Kodak Gallery

Books: “The Big Books of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries” by Michele Borba or “The Curious George Complete Adventures: 70^th Anniversary Edition” by H.A. Rey

Accessories—Decalgirl Kindle Fire Skin – Above the Clouds

Mother’s Day Recipes Kids Can Make

Sylvia — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:09:47 +0000

One of my favorite things about Mother’s Day is all of the homemade things my kids make. The cards, the ~~weeds~~ flowers, the breakfast in bed. What I love most about those things is the independence my children show when trying to ‘take care of Mommy’.

It always helps (them and your kitchen) to have a few kid-friendly recipes ready for them to choose from.

Here are some great options:

Eggs in a Mug

Ingredients:

1 T butter
1 T milk
1-2 eggs
Bacon bits
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper

Directions:

Place butter in a 12 oz. microwave-safe mug.
Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds or until butter is melted.
Add eggs, milk, salt and pepper and stir.
Microwave on high 35-45 seconds; two eggs 1 1/2 -2 minutes or until eggs begin to set. Stop and break eggs apart inside after half of the time.
Remove eggs and let stand about 2 minutes.
While standing, add bacon bits and shredded cheese.
Once firm, serve with a glass of orange juice and the morning paper.

Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Fashionistas

Shelly Faust — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:00:52 +0000

Is your mother a fashionista? A style icon and dabbler of all things trendy and fashionable? Help her to look her best and spring into this season with style by surprising her with the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Although no gift could ever repay her for all she has done for us (and if your mother is anything like mine, she wouldn’t let you anyway), Mother’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to shower her with tokens of love and appreciation (and other fine things).

Jewelry for the Fashionista

Classic Tagua Bracelet in Turquoise, The Andean Collection, $26.00. This beautiful bracelet made from natural materials in the Andean region of South America comes can be worn alone or stacked with any of the other various colors offered.
Multi-Colored Necklace, The Andean Collection, $55.00. The hand-dyed acai beads in this necklace make a bold statement with their vibrant colors. This is the perfect necklace for your new summer dress!
Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet, Pandora, $75.00. Add a personal touch to this bracelet with charms picked out specifically for your mom. She will love it!
Dangle Pearl Earrings, Pandora, $45.00. These earrings fit in perfectly with this season’s pearl trend! They are classic and elegant and can be worn for years to come.

Wardrobe Basics andMust Haves

Snap-to-bra-cami, Cleava, $19.95-$24.95. I love this simulated tank! It easily snaps to your bra to cover plunging necklines and cleavage. Remember all those cute shirts or dresses you couldn’t wear before because they were just a little too revealing? Problem solved!
Spring/Summer Pareo, Chicos, $49.00. This versatile ombre pareo can be used as a cover-up, head tie, shoulder wrap, or scarf.
Trendy Yellow Tote, Target, $34.99. Target offers affordable, stylish totes and bags to compliment your fashionista mother’s Spring/Summer wardrobe.
Wedge Sandal/Flip Flop, by Yellow Box, $44-$90. I love these wedge sandals found on Amazon. They are perfect for the warm weather, comfy and casual, and will add sparkle to any outfit.

Fun Makeup and Beauty Treats

Eye Shadow, Urban Decay, $38. Any girl would love to open this box full of decadent eye shadow colors and a vial of my favorite primer potion!
Lip Balm, Silly Girls, $12.50. This lip balm adds serious moisture and shine! Comes in a sexy little tin perfect for your purse and leaves lips feeling silky and smooth.
“Totally Happy” Mother’s Day fragrance gift set, Clinique, $58. Smells like citrus and flowers! Set includes spray, body cream, roller-ball, and cosmetics bag.
Massage gift card, Beauty Brands, $41. Every mother could use a massage! (If you don’t have a Beauty Brands close to you, visit the local spa for a gift card.)

Happy Mother’s Day and happy shopping, ladies!

**Writer received some products for review. Opinions are 100 percent my own.

Awesome Mother’s Day Gifts for the Mom Photographer

Christine — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:38:48 +0000

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, plans for breakfasts in bed and extra hugs and pampering are in the works for moms all over. But finding that right gift for the mom who insists, “Oh, I just want everyone to get along!” can be a challenge.

So with that in mind, I wanted to present a helpful guide to anyone out there looking for a gift for a mom who has a passion for photography (and let’s face it, most moms do love photography). This also makes a handy article to print out and leave “accidentally” on a kitchen counter or desk. *ahem*

Off-Camera Flash Flip Mount. I’ve had one like this for at least a decade, and it immediately boosts the quality of portraits by reducing shadows and red-eye…for a reasonable price, too!

iPhone Telephoto Lens. The first time I saw one of these I was like, “NO WAY.” Honestly, I say that every time I see one of these. First I need to upgrade my iPhone, then I’ll make this puppy mine!

Epiphanie Camera Bag. I’ve had my eyes on these gorgeous bags for ages (sorry, can’t grab a photo from their site)…they aren’t your father’s camera bag. You don’t need to settle for an ugly black boxy bag to tote around your gear; these bags are so pretty, I know women who use them for purses. But with their compartments and other accoutrements, they can do the heavy lifting.

Dog Groomer Tips: Getting Your Dog’s Hair Cut For Summer

Diana L Guerrero (Ark Lady) — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:43 +0000

Is getting your dog’s hair cut for the summer a good idea?

Dogs don’t sweat and so to cool themselves they rely on the insulating properties of their coats, panting, or licking their paws so that as the moisture evaporates, it helps cool them.

Since dog hair actually insulates pets from heat, especially in non-shedding breeds, shaving down a dog might not always be a good idea.

To Shave or Not to Shave?

Talk with your veterinarian or groomer about what might be best for your dog when it comes to the practices of shaving. In most cases, it isn’t necessary.

The good news is that if you are considering a summer cut for your pooch, there are several options to consider that might work for both you and your dog. The dog benefits from coat insulation against the heat, and you benefit from less coat maintenance and clean up!

Puppy Cuts

This type of cut will trim the coat down but doesn’t strip it entirely and so helps fight the shedding battle while still preserving coat insulation.

Tunnel the Belly

Known by groomers as, “tunneling the belly” this term refers to simply shaving the belly area of the dog. It allows the pet to cool down easier but keeps the insulation qualities of the coat elsewhere.

Shave Downs

Common for some heavy coated breeds such as the Chow-Chow, Golden Retrievers, or Huskies and Malamutes, this removes most of the coat all over the dog except the head. This practice is commonly used on severely matted pets.

Sunscreen & Shade

Shorter hair and outside activities make your pet more prone to sunburn. So, if you opt for that summer cut, don’t forget about the doggie sunscreen!

The secret to keeping your household clean and your pet happy and healthy is to keep pet hair under control especially during the summertime heat.

But no matter what grooming choices you make for your pet this summer, don’t forget that animals must have access to shade and cold water during the summer months to help them stay cool.

So do you have any summertime dog grooming tips? If so, share them in the comments!

Photo Credits

Summer Cut by Webb Zahn
Puppy Wash by Life Creations
Summer Heat by JSF539

Meaningful Mother’s Day Gifts

Kat — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:20:40 +0000

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, many kids and dads are wondering how to shower mom with their appreciation for everything she does. Mom might say she doesn’t want any gifts, but she’ll love receiving something given from the heart. So how do you let mom know she is the root of the family?

Here are a few unique and meaningful gifts and activities mom will treasure for a lifetime.

Plaster plaque – Make your own stepping stone kit. Create with special sayings or memories of fun times with mom. Handprints solidified in cement are cherished forever!
Pottery painting store – All kids can make dessert plates while dad makes the cake platter. Make her a new, favorite coffee mug. Design a special picture frame and then add your favorite photo of the kids and mom.
Tissue paper flower bouquet – Fairly simple. Pick mom’s favorite colors and fill an old sauce jar with tissue paper flowers. Pipe cleaners make excellent stems.
Mother’s Day coupon book – Make a small (or large) paper book and fill with coupons for time spent with kids. Ideas included will range with ages and abilities of kids: free hugs, five minute backrubs, breakfast in bed, emptying the dishwasher, ice cream with the kids.
Mother’s Day scrapbook – Have each child pick their favorite picture of them and mom. Give them an 8.5×11” (or bigger or smaller) sheet of paper and some stickers and glitter and let them design a page to go in mom’s scrapbook. Bind together with a three hole punch and ribbon for a wonderfully handmade book.
Homemade jewelry or keychain – Bracelets and necklaces say, “I love you”. Buy a beading kit or beads on their own. Anyone can make these!
“Queen for a Day” chair cover – Wrap her chair at the dinner table with her very own “Queen for a Day” chair cover. As queen she doesn’t have to cook the meal, serve the meal or clean up after the meal!
Photo gifts are always a welcome present. Order or create photo collages online, mugs with kids pictures, canvas totes with a picture of the whole family or wall calendars that she can smile at all year long. These are fun to create with your kids and for mom to receive.
Clean the house – A day off of cleaning the bathrooms and vacuuming the kids room can go a long way!
Fill a jar with “365 things we love about mom” – This gift will give her something to smile about all year long.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Tech Gifts

fourformom — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:54:21 +0000

Sure flowers and breakfast in bed are a great idea for Mother’s Day, but if any of the moms in your life are tech-loving women, then consider one of these tech products that are sure to please the geek in her.

Tech Products to Make Life Easier

Earphones, from Zipbuds. $19.99 It’s incredibly frustrating to deal with tangled headphones when I am trying to answer a call or go for a run without them catching on my watch or slapping me in the face – problem solved!
Grid-It Organizer, from Cocoon Innovations. $9.99 – $49.99. No more digging through your laptop bag or purse for the right power cord, flash drive, earbuds – this organizer will even corral your favorite pens. They come in different styles based on the tech product you need to organize (MacBook, eReader).

Tech Products for Her Viewing Pleasure

Apple TV, from Apple. $99. Mac lovers rejoice! Stream your music, home movies and photos on your TV AND your favorite shows from iTunes or Netflix with this tiny little indiscreet box of magic.
Roku Box, from Roku. $49 – $99. Stream video with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and more. With so many options, who needs cable?!

Tech Products for the Style Savvy

Bamboo iPhone Case, from Grove. $89+. These bamboo iPhone cases make a gorgeous statement to that workhorse of a phone Mom has on her at all times.
USB Tulip Hub, from FredFlare.com. $24. Don’t mess with the traditional bouquet of flowers that will wilt in a few days, give Mom these USB Hub Tulips to spruce up her desk (can’t plug a USB cord into a regular tulip, can ya’?).

So get shopping and impress the mother’s in your life with something snazzy to add to their gadget collections!

How Not to Lose Weight Before Your Wedding

Lisa Maloney — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:33:57 +0000

We live in such a quick-fix society that the pre-wedding feeding tube diet really isn’t that much of a surprise. Just in case you haven’t seen it in the news, that’s the diet where a prospective bride’s doctor snakes a feeding tube up her nose and down her throat to her stomach. The tube delivers a very low-calorie liquid diet–most media accounts cite a program run by Florida doctor Oliver R. Di Pietro, whose patients reportedly pay $1,500 for a 10-day diet of 800 calories per day.

The feeding tube diet is really just the latest in a string of crazy–even dangerous–diets that feed you far less than your basal metabolic rate, or the minimum number of calories you need to keep your internal organs operating. Witness the HCG diet, which pairs injections of human chorionic gonadotrophin (that’s the “HCG” in the diet) with a radical regimen of just 500 calories per day. (By the way, HCG isn’t FDA approved for over-the-counter use or for use as a weight loss supplement.) By contrast, a 120-pound woman needs an estimated 1,200 calories per day to keep her internal organs operating in a state of rest.)

So if a starvation diet (in any form) isn’t a good solution for pre-wedding weight loss, what’s a good alternative? For most people there’s no truly healthy way to drop 20 pounds in a week, but if you’re willing to plan ahead just a little bit, you can safely drop around 2 pounds a week by eating a healthy diet and upping your physical activity.

The key point is creating a caloric deficit, or burning more calories than you take in. That’s really what starvation diets do, but they take it to such an unhealthy extreme–by undernourishing you instead of upping physical activity–that side effects range from bad breath to constipation or even death. If you plan ahead and pair increased activity with a reduced-calorie–but still nourishing–diet, the only side effect you should have to worry about is looking great in your wedding dress.

So, what do you think about using radical diets to lose weight before your wedding? Would you try the feeding tube diet?

Celebrating National Tourism Week in the US

Jody Halsted — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:21:46 +0000

While not an official holiday, National Tourist Appreciation Day is celebrated across the US on May 6 this year. Some locations, not content with spoiling their tourists for only a day, will spread their celebration of tourism across the full week, May 5-13.

If you’re planning a getaway, here are some places rolling out the red carpet for their visitors.

The Quad Cities (Iowa & Illinios)

The Quad Cities are celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week with events and specials. Two new visitor centers are opening this week, one at the Largest Truck Stop in the World (which is incredible!). You can explore the cities with BOGO bicycle rentals or wander through antique and sidewalk sales.

The Quad Cities are located on the Mississippi River and include the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa; Rock Island and Moline/East Moline, Illinois; and the surrounding communities. You’ll find all the goings on at the Visit Quad Cities website.

Fort Worth, Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the city of Fort Worth is going all out to celebrate with her visitors. With daily freebies, Monday May 7 thru Friday may 11, for visitors at both the Downtown and Stockyards Visitors centers, a chance to win a pair of Justin Boots and the kick off to Frontier Forts Days, Fort Worth is the place to be.

Can’t visit in person? The great people at the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau invite you to test your Fort Worth knowledge and win “Only in Fort Worth” prizes and visit the Fort Worth Facebook page, where you can view iconic Fort Worth images- and even download them to use as your cover photo.

You can get all the information about National Tourism Week events at the Fort Worth website.

Harrodsburg, Kentucky

“Kentucky’s First Settlement” is kicking off National Travel & Tourism Week on May 4 with a community awareness celebration featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, Pepsi & cookies at the Diamond Point Welcome Center. Door prizes and giveaways will help begin a week-long promotion that includes trivia and prizes on local radio station WHBN 1420.

The “Arts N’ Eats Hop” on May 5 brings artisian showcases to downtown and May 12 honors all Mercer County residents with an “Appreciation Day”.

Harrodsburg, Kentucky was founded in 1774 as the first permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Harrodsburg website features a busy calendar of events.

How To Make A Kite: A Fun Spring Activity

MandyB — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:40:33 +0000

Spring is in the air and parents everywhere are trying to find fun, outdoor activities to do with their children. A great project idea for you to enjoy with your child is kite making. Making a kite is a fun, two- fold activity. First, there is the fun of making the kite. Then, there is the added bonus of flying the kite with your little one.

Click the links below for fun, kite making projects you can do with your child!

Make Your Own Kites

How To Make A Paper Kite

20 Kites In 20 Minutes

How To Make A Garbage Bag Kite

How To Make A Fast Kite With One Sheet of Paper

All of the above links contain awesome ideas for kite making fun. The 20 Kites in 20 Minutes article is a great project idea for room mothers or teachers looking for a spring activity to do with a classroom full of kids. The other project links are wonderful too. I never realized you could make a kite with a garbage bag or with just one piece of paper and two sticks. Kite making is also a fun Mother’s Day activity for mom and the kids to enjoy on her special day!

Photo Sources: Both pictures are from istock.

Bridal Makeup Tips: Look Great in Your Wedding Photos

Morgan Shuker — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:55:35 +0000

Photo by Flickr giena.It

Your wedding is a day you want to remember and you achieve this through photographs. Whether you’re hiring a makeup artist or you’re doing your own makeup for your wedding, there are some insider tips you need to know.

No glittery lotions

When choosing a moisturizer, lotion, or powder for your big day stay away from glitter. Stay away from shimmer. Anything that catches the light can actually make you look like you’re sweating when it appears in a photograph.

Carefully apply self tanner and bronzer

Self tanner and bronzer can make you look orange even with your best efforts. However, a photograph can amplify the color. Make sure that the color is even all over. The hardest part is to make sure that the face, neck, and chest are all blended together.

Apply makeup in natural light

Take the mirror out of the bathroom and set it up next to a window. Many couples take photographs outdoors. Doing your makeup in natural light will ensure that your makeup is strong enough without being too dark.

Use water resistant mascara

Water resistant mascara will ensure that your mascara stays on instead of smudging if you get teary or sweaty. Some women find that waterproof mascara stings their eyes. Water resistant will still get the job done, just don’t get caught in the rain.

Photo by Flickr Victor Bezrukov

Think hard about fake lashes

Many makeup artists promote fake lashes since they look great in photos, and they do. However, they can feel very heavy. If you’re not used to wearing fake lashes you will feel that your eyelids feel droopy. This may translate into your eyes looking sleepy in photos.

Check the ingredients in your foundation and powders

Check your foundation and powder for an ingredient called titanium dioxide. It’s an ingredient that’s commonly found in products that have sunscreen. In photos the flash will catch the makeup and it can make you look very pale.

Keep lipstick and powder on you during the day

Touchups are a necessity during the day. The most important pieces of makeup to keep with you during your wedding day are lipstick and powder.

Where to Find Green Cleansers for Spring Cleaning

Prerna Malik — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:51:09 +0000

Spring cleaning is all about clearing away the dust and the grime, freshening up our homes and breathing in the naturalness and newness of the season. However, using toxic, chemical laden cleaners can make spring cleaning quite the health hazard.

So, avoid running the risk of allergies, breathing disorders, skin conditions and more, and use green and eco-friendly cleaners to clean, shine and scrub.

Here are the top 3 places where you can find green cleaners for spring cleaning:

1. Your Kitchen Cabinet

Yes, that is right. Start by raiding the kitchen cabinets to put together an all-natural, eco-friendly, green cleaning kit. You can clean most of your home using simple combinations of vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, salt, lemons, and water. For a quick and effective eco all-purpose cleaner, simply mix together equal proportions of vinegar and water and use it to wipe clean countertops, mirrors, windows, the refrigerator, oven and pretty much anything where you need an all-purpose cleaner. Here are some more eco-friendly cleaner recipes to help you create your green clean kit.

2. The Grocery Store Aisles

Once you’re done making your own cleaners and need the heavy duty stuff, head to the store and check out eco-friendly cleaning products by brands such as Seventh Generation, GreenWorks and Method. These companies make cleaning products that are gentle on the skin and the planet. Method for instance, prides itself on using ingredients that come from plants and not animals while GreenWorks offers you cleaners made from naturally derived ingredients that wouldn’t burn your eyes and nose as you use them and leave chemical residues after you’re through with them.

3. In Your Closet

Yes, your closet is home to raggedy t-shirts and maybe, bed linen that really needs to go. Instead, of just throwing them away, turn old clothes into reusable cleaning cloths. Simply, wash and dry them in the sun, then cut them to size, serge the edges if you’d like or simply hem them neatly and you’ll have a stack of reusable cleaning cloths to green your spring clean season.

Spring cleaning shouldn’t mean donning face masks and getting the kids out of the house (unless, of course, that will speed things up!), it should be about cleaning your space and removing the clutter, the dirt and the grime, naturally and safely.

So, where do you find your green cleaners for spring cleaning season?

Photo Credit 1: Andrey

Photo Credit 2: Karyn Christner