eighteen25

wallpaper... for your phone

2012-02-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

sure. why not.

and an encouraging word to help you through the day too!

(since i'm sure most of us spend a lot of time on these little gadgets)

all you have to do is save the wallpaper you want (below)
email it to yourself
open the email on your phone
click on the photo and SAVE IMAGE
then go to your PHOTOS and select USE AS WALLPAPER

BE AWESOME... PLAN AHEAD... SPECIAL OCCASION... GOOD DAY

so what do you think? will you be wallpapering your phone?
. . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

{we have a winner} DownEast Basics

2012-02-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

congratulations!

Elyssa

who said: "I pinned the Frosted Flowers Cardigan! Darling feminine pieces!"

you are the winner of a new piece from....

happy shopping!

(please contact us within 48hrs. at eighteen25@live.com)

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

this valentine round-up has been amazing. and today we have even more for you. and because the 14th is just days away, these are all QUICK & EASY ideas. enjoy!

#1) Shower Love Notes {HowDoesShe} - Getting a little dirty, while getting clean... A fun love note tradition. A fabulous *gift* that only costs $5! :)

#2) Tied To You {The Dating Divas} - A fun way to prepare the house before your sweetheart gets home! All you need is string and the free printable!

#3) Love Notes & Balloons {Somewhat Simple} - Surprise your sweetheart with a dozen balloons over his bed, each containing a reason you love him.

#4) Valentine Prints {Sweet Rose Studio} - For some easy peasy Valentine decor that couldn't be any quicker, simply print one {or all!} of these prints out and put it in an 8x10 frame. Done in no time flat!

#5) Now That I've Kissed The Ground... {The Dating Divas} - A SUPER fast & clever V-Day idea. Items needed: Hershey's Hugs & Kisses, rose petals, & the super cute FREE printable included in this post. "Now that I've kissed the ground you walk on...."

#6) i {heart} u Blocks {iCandy Handmade} - Stencil these 4x4x4x blocks for a quick and easy stack-able home decor.

#7) You Make My Heart Bounce {The Crafting Chicks} - A fun and easy Valentine for the boys (or girls) to share with their friends! Free Printable!

#8) Easy Love Notes {Little Birdie Secrets} - Quick and easy love notes to give as Valentines (or to show your love any time of year!).

#9) Basket of Snacks with Printable Poem {My Insanity} - This candy gram style gift snack basket is easy to replicate since its contents come from the grocery store (or dollar store) and the Printable Poem is provided!

#10) DIY Valentine Candy Labels {Lil' Luna} - Doll up your Valentine candy with these quick, easy and cute V-Day Labels.

#11) Candy Heart Bracelets {Brown Paper Packages} - A fun activity and a yummy treat all-in-one--your girls will love these darling bracelets!

#12) Stitched Heart Bookmarks {Thirty Handmade Days} - Heart stitched bookmarks with cute printable card. For both your spouse and your kids.

make sure to use the printables that are already available for you through the various links....to make YOUR valentine's day prep work THAT much faster!

we hope you all enjoyed this valentine's series as much as we did. thanks to the dating divas for putting it all together.

. . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

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

if you are stuck on your food this valentine's season, BOY have we got you covered! today we've got a ton of yummy treats and ideas to share...

#1) Love Potion Drink Labels {The Dating Divas} - Add "love potion" to the menu for your upcoming Valentine's Day party. Adorable & free Love Potion Printables that you can put on any bottled beverage.

#2) Cookie Valentine's {Eighteen25} - Hand out Cookie Valentines this year. Make some yummy Peanut Butter and M&M cookies (or your own favorite cookies) and package them into fun cd sleeves!

#3) Strawberry Heart Homemade Oreos {Thirty Handmade Days} - Fun Valentine cookies- PINK strawberry oreo hearts! Plus a free "I heart you" printable!

#4) Valentine Tea Bags {FunkyTime} - A fabulous "how to" make your very own heart shaped tea bags. Relax and soak up the love!

#5) G, PG, Pg-13 Cookies {HowDoesShe?} - Three exciting ways to decorate a heart shaped sugar cookie. Rate them G, PG, or even PG-13! You do NOT want to miss out on this one!

#6) Hearts on a Stick {HowDoesShe?} - This is a very fast and easy treat for kids and adults. Plus it tastes soooo yummy!!

#7) Anniversary, In the Kitchen {The Dating Divas} - Love fruit tarts?? This is a very cute and unique way to show your love for someone special! ....plus...a lot MORE fun ideas that you could use for Valentine's Day OR another special occasion...say....your anniversary! :)

#8) Valentine's Twinkies {Somewhat Simple} - Quick and easy strawberry shortcake ala heart shaped twinkies! Dessert NO ONE will forget!

#9) Valentine's Day Peanut Butter Blossoms {Eighteen 25} - Can't get any cuter than these!! A favorite combination...peanut butter and chocolate! A crowd pleaser every time!

#10) Stained Glass Heart Cookies {Brown Paper Packages} - Fun to make, yummy to eat--these cookies are perfect for home, classroom, parties, and giving away to a special someone!

#11) Evil Treats for the Sweetest Sweet {The Crafting Chicks} - Deliciously "evil" brownie recipe with a Valentine's Day twist.

#12) Heart-Shaped Pizzas {My Insanity} - Check out how to make your own heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day! Remember that red peppers can make great red hearts too!

#13) Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies & Tin {Little Birdie Secrets} - Chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies are absolutely addictive! Make a batch and package them in an altered tin for an unforgettable gift!

#14) Chocolate Themed Dinner {My Insanity} - If a little chocolate is the recipe for romance, think what an entire meal featuring chocolate could do for your love life! Sweet and savory chocolate recipes and presentation ideas.

#15) Red Oreo Pudding Pole Cake {Lil' Luna} - Quick, easy and delicious oreo pudding poke cake that is red and perfect for Valentine's Day!

#16) No Bake Berry Oreo Cheesecake { Lil' Luna} - Pink and heart-shaped, these no bake berry oreo cheesecakes are perfect for your Valentine's dinner dessert!

#17) Easy Valentine's Day Dessert {The Polkadot Chair} - Simplify your Valentine's Day dessert by using a heart shaped cookie cutter to dress up a tray of brownies! Don't forget the irresistible strawberries too!

don't forget to check back tomorrow for even more great ideas during this love season!!

. . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

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

flowers, hearts & pillows. . .Ooh La La!!! It's time to warm-up your home in way of valentine decor!! if you're like us and are in need of a little. . .or A LOT of inspiration, then this is the post that you've been waiting for!!

#1) Be Mine Valentine Banner {HowDoesShe} - Add a festive touch to your home every year with this simple "Be Mine" Valentine's banner!

#2) Valentine Garland {Somewhat Simple} - Spend a night talking with the people you love, about all the things you love, while making this fun Valentine garland!

#3) Love Story Print {Eighteen25} - Are you looking for an easy addition to your holiday decor? All you need is an 8x10 frame and this fabulous website provide the rest!

#4) Valentine's Day Countdown {iCandy Handmade} - Using some heart-shaped wedding favors, a cookie sheet and some magnets, create this fun Valentine Advent. Fill it with goodies or love notes!

#5) Pretty Polkadot Valentine Pillow {Sweet Rose Studio} - Create this pillow cover to sweeten up your couch (or your bed!) just in time for Valentine's Day!

#6) Conversation Blocks {Brown Paper Packages} - These adorable conversation blocks are so easy to make and easy on your budget too!

#7) Love Tree Centerpiece {The Crafting Chicks} - A personalized "Love Tree" centerpiece featuring photos and love notes about your family members!

#8) Heart Bunting Countdown {Brown Paper Packages} - Looking for a fun way to count down the days to Valentine's Day and create darling decor at the same time? This heart bunting is the perfect way to do both!

#9) Heart-Shaped Flower Arrangement {My Insanity} - Find out how to use fresh flowers in making a heart-shaped floral centerpiece!

#10) Doily Heart Banner w/Advent Inserts {My Insanity} - This banner doubles as a countdown to Valentine's Day. Each insert has a rhyme with a love challenge for the day!

#11) "LOVE" Banner {Little Birdie Secrets} - This vintage-inspired "LOVE" banner is made with sheet music and a little glitter glue!

#12) Family V-Day Mailboxes {The Dating Divas} - An adorable way to decorate AND keep the love alive during this month of appreciation!

#13) Burlap Valentine's Bunting {Little Birdie Secrets} - Create a darling burlap bunting out of jute webbing. It's quick, cheap, and cute!

#14) Valentine Wreath & Frame {Lil' Luna} - Cute, fun and easy way to doll up your door for Valentine's Day!

tune in tomorrow for something sweet to eat this valentine's day!

. . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

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

for the next few days, we'll be partnering up with the gals at the dating divas and a handful of other fabulous bloggers to show off our most popular valentine's day ideas!

today's theme is DIY GIFTS. and there are plenty of amazing gifts here that you can whip up for that special someone this coming valentine's day!

here we go.....

#1) Lucky In Love Scratch-Off Cards {The Dating Divas} - Show your spouse how lucky you are to have them this Valentine's Day! Follow this simple tutorial to create scratch off cards to reveal your love for them.

#2) Love Story Pallet Art {Sweet Rose Studio} - Create a special piece of rustic art for your special someone using pallet boards, paint, vinyl, and one amazing quote!

#3) Hate Ironing? I Do! {HowDoesShe?} - Perfect gift for him (and you)! Ironed shirts. You'll love it as much as he does.

#4) Felt Valentine Fortune Cookies {Somewhat Simple} - Give your sweetheart some love coupons in a new, creative way!

#5) "How Do I Love Thee?" Countdown {The Dating Divas} - If you can think of 24 reasons why you love your sweetheart, you are already halfway done with this project! An adorable way to show your love by using a muffin tin and FREE printables!

#6) Made With Love {Eighteen25} - Giving the gift of a homemade treat is a great way to show someone you love them. And we're sharing a cute little tag to help you prove it.

#7) Frayed Cut-Out Applique Valentine's Shirt {iCandy Handmade} - We love to make Valentine's Day shirts for our kids to wear on the big day. Whip one of these up and gift it to them on V-day morning!

#8) ABC's of What I Love About You {Somewhat Simple} - Think of characteristics you love about your spouse for every letter of the alphabet and find photos that illustrate the qualities on your list. I'll show you how to put them together to create a fun mini book printed and bound professionally for less than $5!

#9) Love Buckets {Brown Paper Packages} - Give the gift of love with these darling love buckets! Each day the members of your family can leave each other little love notes, making the countdown from February 1st to the 14th extra special!

#10) Thumbprint Valentine's {Brown Paper Packages} - Put a personal "touch" on Valentines for friends and family this year---perfect for parents, grandparents, and more!

#11) Be Mine Banner {Polkadot Chair} - What better way to surprise your sweetheart on V-Day than by "spelling it out" for him! Recycle an old book into a fun banner perfect for Valentine's Day!

#12) Valentine Button Necklace {Blue Robin Cottage} - Create a darling Valentine's gift by making this unique and charming embroidered fabric button heart necklace.

#13) Valentine's On The Hour {Thirty Handmade Days} - A genius idea for your loved one - give a gift throughout the day on the hour....includes sticker templates!

#14) "Hooked On You" Pail {Lil' Luna} - Easy and cute, these pails are perfect for anyone you're "hooked on!"

#15) Magnetic Heart-Shaped Shoe Clips {Polkadot Chair} - Have any fashionistas in your life? Use some might magnets to make some fun interchangeable shoe clips for a present! Great for lovey dovey day :)

#16) DIY Felt Valentine Envelopes - Pottery Barn Style {The Crafting Chicks} - Make your own felt Valentine envelopes to fill with treats and love notes for your kids! FREE love mail printable, too!

#17) Chair-Back Valentine Envelope Knock-off {iCandy Handmade} - The perfect stash for your child's little Valentine goodies!

#18) Pocket Kiss Flip Book {Brassy Apple} - Blow a kiss to your sweetheart wherever they may be!

#19) Valentine's Kit {Blue Robin Cottage} - Looking for the perfect Valentine's gift for your hubby? Make him a Valentine's kit with all the things in it he loves! This tutorial even includes a Free kit card printable!

#20) "Cross My Heart" Pillow {Polkadot Chair} - Looking for a present for a holiday decor queen? Here is a fun tutorial for a quick and easy pillow to make for that fabulous friend to display on Valentine's Day!

#21) Big Hunk Candy Bar Bouquets {My Insanity} - With some bamboo skewers and a little hot glue, you can make Big Hunk bouquets to give to your husbands. This post also features a FUN "Amazing Race" date you can do on Valentine's Day!!

...and there you have it! A BUNCH of fun gift ideas to try out this coming Valentine's Day! Check back tomorrow for even MORE ideas!

. . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

{giveaway} DownEast Basics

2012-02-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

when you are on the hunt for new clothing for yourself,

where do you start your search?

(besides good ol' target)

i have been on the hunt for a new dress.

for a very long time...

every time i head somewhere to look,

i get frustrated because they are SO expensive, too short, sleeveless and just not what i'm looking for.

(so, i shop for my kids instead.)

then, i took my search to...

i'm sure you have heard of them.

and if you haven't, you'll thank me for introducing you.

look what i found...

(yes, that is me, jodie...i look quite a bit different than i do on the sidebar.)

i fell in love with the dress when i saw it here,

but was still a little uneasy about how much i would like it after i saw it in person.

to be honest...i think i liked it even more.

it has pockets, little ties on the arms and the skirt is so full.

the quality is top notch

and i have gotten so many compliments!

(bonus!)

this is not the only cute thing DownEast is making....

and because swim suit season is right around the corner (oh dear)...

here are a few of my favorites...

want to hear something exciting?

DownEast wants to give one of you... something new!

{any (one) item of your choice.}

here's how to enter:

(you MUST be an eighteen25 follower to win.)

1. "pin" your one favorite item from DownEast Basics (on pinterest) and comment here telling us which item you picked.

and for an additional entry:

2. "like" DownEast Basics on facebook.

good luck!

we will announce the winner on sunday.

{we have a winner} Landee on Etsy

2012-02-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

congratulations to....

michelle who said.... i LOVE your Dream Big Family Rules Subway Art - wooden sign...but then again..i LOVE everything that you are offering in your etsy shop!

you are the winner of a $50.00 gift certificate to

have so much fun shopping & drooling over all the goods!

(please contact us within 48hrs. to eighteen25@live.com)

kids valentine round-up

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

so are you making valentines this year?

we are. because it's just too fun not to.... and really it's kinda sad when you think about it... but there's only about 5-6 good years for kid's valentines and then they start to think they're way too old for them.

last year i talked my son into a mustache valentine. i just love a good photo valentine and it's a plus when you get to give your friends a fuzzy mustache to rock.

we are still working on the final "design" for this year's valentines. (that means we have no clue what we are doing) but there are plenty of great ideas around the web to get you inspired and lots of awesome printables that will make your job a lot easier!!

take a look at what we found...

valentine faces | blonde

blowing kisses your way... | the mother huddle

lego star wars valentine | stitch / craft

love bug valentines | dandee designs

DIY peg doll valentines | crossing the bugger-dixon line

superstar valentines | the crafting chicks

you are a-MAZE-ing | no time to be bored

don't forget about our custom valentine photo cards

for instructions on how to add a fun dip go HERE

or really... does it get sweeter than this??

(who's cutie is this? i'm sad i can't get to your blog anymore)

we also shared these fun custom candy bar wrappers last year

look how cute these mini ones are that shaela from yellow umbrella designs made

wanna see more? check out

these, these and these!!

click HERE to check out last years collection of great valentines

. . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

meet our fabulous sponsors

2012-02-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Typography Word Art ~ Signs to decorate your life! Barn Owl Primitives designs and hand paints signs and distresses each one for a weather worn, vintage finish. We specialize in family rules and signs to celebrate love, life and laughter.

come visit us here: our shop : our facebook : our twitter : our pinterest

Stay ladylike while protecting your equipment with vintage-inspired camera bags. Jo Totes are perfect for carrying your camera and an extra lens or two along with your purse items.
Not sure which bag or color would be the perfect gift? Grab a gift certificate HERE!

come visit us here: our website : our facebook : our twitter

I'm Karli, a FREE health coach, and owner of Health Confessions. I struggled with weight for years before finding the program that helped me lose {and keep off} 30+ pounds! Now, I help my clients lose weight, get off medications, adopt healthy habits for life, and find optimal health for them. I help keep you accountable in reaching your goals & I LOVE sharing the gift of health with my amazing clients. If one of your goals for the New Year is to finally do something about your health, call me!

All Eighteen25 readers who become first time clients this month will receive $50 off their first order! Contact Karli to receive your discount. [expires 2-29-2012]

come visit me here: my website : my blog : my facebook : my twitter : my pinterest
Email me at: zkyoufit@hotmail.com or take the Client Profile

Pocket Full of Posies offers a unique meal planning system that organizes life in the kitchen. If you want to save TIME, save MONEY, and keep your family consistently FED, then our Pocket Meal Planner is perfect for you!

Our pockets come in a variety of designs and can be paired with a variety of recipe choices, here are a few options:
Dinner Planning Packages: perfect for those who like to plan for dinners only.
Weekly Planning Packages: for those who like to plan breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course dessert!
Under 300 Calorie Recipe Pack: for those who are watching their weight.
Do It Yourself Recipe Pack: use these pre-formatted cards and customize with the recipes you love!

Let us do the planning and the work, all you have to do is shop and cook!

save 15% of any order with the code 15OFF [expires 2-29-2012]

come visit us here: our website : our facebook : our twitter : our pinterest

Hey eighteen25 fans! Our names are Shauna and Courtney and we are Orange Blossom Shop! Courtney and I started off selling magnet boards and chalkboards. We found that we wanted to make something a little more unique, and something with a little more of a "Wow" factor. We came across this idea and instantly fell in love! Our first frame that we designed was the Aly frame. When we saw the prototype for it we instantly fell in love! Then we painted it and fell even more in love... And that's why we decided to name all of our frames after our children. Our kids love that they have a frame named after them! Hopefully we can squeak out at least 4 more styles so all the kids will get a chance to have their own frame named after them.

come visit us here: our shop : our blog : our facebook

Shelly, owner of Say Anything Expressions and Landee, author of the creative blog Landee See, Landee Do are coming together to form the amazing new Etsy shop Landee On Etsy! It is your source for all the latest in vinyl designs, boards and home décor. We are always looking for new and creative ways to use vinyl (such as our quatrefoil backsplash!). Completely customized orders can be designed and ordered through the website www.sayanythingexpressions.com.

Gift with purchase - 12x12 Monogram vinyl

Enter the promo code “Eighteen25” and the last name you’d like on your monogram vinyl at checkout. For any purchase of $25 or more! Good through 2/29/12.

come visit us here: website : shop : blog : facebook : pinterest

We have been creating monthly papercrafting kits for over almost 6 years and have been loving every minute of it. We enjoy the creative challenge of designing fresh monthly kits with thoughtfully selected paper and embellishments. We also include a custom Scrapbook Circle printable with each kit.

Our kits are available to anyone without a monthly commitment. If you would like to receive a discount on our kits, then you have the option to sign up for our 2+ month subscription.

We love sharing and creating with others who love preserving memories as much as we do.

Eighteen25 readers will get 15% off your order with code: eighteen25 [expires 2-29-2012]

come visit us here: our shop : our facebook : our twitter : our pinterest : our blog

SPACE: A Journey to our Future launches YOU into the future of space exploration. It’s an out-of-this-world, interactive experience . . .and it’s exclusively at the Springs Preserve January 29-May 13.

SPACE has thrilled visitors at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and many of the nation’s premiere science centers. Inspire the explorer within you and dream of the possibilities that lie ahead…in space!

SPACE: A Journey to our Future is made possible by GM and Lockheed Martin.

come visit us here : springs preserve website : located in Las Vegas, NV

Hello! My name is Kari Machal and I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 from Nebraska. I have a BFA in graphics and worked in the advertising industry for over 10 years. I also made wedding cakes for 14 years.... Most recently I have dusted off my graphics skills and opened Kari Machal Designs. I love making special family trees, wedding prints and subway art to hang in people's homes. Thanks so much for taking the time to look at my shop - I so appreciate all of my customers!!

Enter SAVE15 to save 15% on your order. [expires 2-29-2012]

come visit me here: my shop : my facebook : my pinterest

You Gotta See This

2012-02-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

11 days until valentine's day and we've got some more great ideas to share with you...

instagram matchbook valentine | my sister's suitcase

valentine's tree | simple as that

i'm "fond"ue of you party | bridgey widgey

february calendar (it's not too late) | kiki creates

DIY valentine chocolate boxes | mel's kitchen cafe

vanilla bean heart doughnuts | whipperberry

check back on sunday for a fun kid's valentine round-up!!

. . . . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

bottled up love

2012-02-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

we made a sweet jar of bottled up love...

but love is meant to be shared with our families and those we care about

so we plan to take a heart and do something nice for someone in our family.

then leave a heart and that person will know they are loved.

then that person will take the heart and do something nice for someone else.

and hopefully in no time... we'll be spreading the love all through our home.

supplies:
wide mouth mason jar
spray paint
twine
doily
3-4 coordinating fabrics
batting

steps:
- spray paint your mason jar with the color of your choice and let dry
- make your hearts by drawing a template and then cut out a front, back and a piece of batting for each heart
- use a sewing machine or hand stitch around each heart
- print out "bottled up love" and trim to just a small strip
- notch out both ends of your strip
- glue your strip to a heart and your heart to your doily and your doily to your jar
- wrap some twine around the top of the jar and fill your jar with your hearts

but don't keep all that love bottled up for too long...

start spreading the love as soon as you can.

. . . . . . . .

this post is sponsored by:

super bowl round-up

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

are you gathering with friends and family to watch the big game this weekend?

you may want to check out our round-up of great ideas....

hot corn dip | our best bites

nacho cheese dip | eighteen25 - image

individual 7-layer dips | the girl who ate everything

football pizza | babble

peanut butter cheeseball | buns in my oven

football oreo truffles | bakerella

football cocoa rice crispy treat | jeanne benedict

free super bowl party printables | the celebration shoppe

free football party printables | hostess with the mostess

game day noise makers | under the table and dreaming

super bowl bingo | studio diy

and rate the super bowl commercials | also from studio diy

today's guest: blushing basics

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

hello eighteen25 readers! my name is Kristie Burnett, and when i am not running around with my three kiddos, you can find me here: www.blushingbasics.com. i am a makeup artist whose passion for all things artistic extends to blogging.

creating this post for eighteen25 has been a lot of fun. i racked my brain trying to think of a new DIY project that you all might enjoy (beauty related of course!) and came up with DIY Nail Appliques.

if you're anything like me, you have been on board the crafting train for a while. rub-on decals hit the scene a few years ago and they were a hit! since then, i have found myself looking at my stash of rub-on decals wondering, now what do i do with you?

recently we have seen a spike in the nail art trend and i realized rub-on decals make a perfect, inexpensive, and easy alternative to the $8-15 options found in stores. to DIY your own Nail Appliques, begin with a basecoat, topcoat, and polish color of your choice.

begin by applying your basecoat, followed by nail polish color:

choose your rub-on decal. my nails are pretty tiny so i stuck with some smaller designs. apply decal of your choice to nail:

rub decal with a popsicle stick to adhere to nail. after doing this a few times, i realized your polished nailbed is so smooth that just pressing firmly with your finger works just as well:

finish with a top coat to smooth the surface and add shine:

enjoy your easy, DIY Nail Appliques!

for more information, tips, tricks and trends on all things beauty related, please come check out my blog Blushing Basics.

thanks eighteen25!

xo,

kristie

. . . . . . . . . .

thank you so much kristie for sharing this fun nail art tutorial with us today. i'm going to go dig out all my old rub-ons i have stashed away. i know my daughter is going to LOVE this!!

{giveaway} Landee on Etsy

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

we have a fun little giveaway for you today!

let us introduce you to

we have had so much fun getting to know these two sisters (in-law)...

and man do they have so many cute signs in their shop:

not just signs though, if you are the organized type (i'm jealous), they have some vinyl canister labels:

and i really wish i would've seen their vinyl backsplash before i stenciled my.whole.entire.kitchen:

(doesn't that look so cute?!)

i'm sure it would've made my life that week so.much.easier.

if you are shopping for valentine's day

or for your valentine (good job)

take a look at these cute signs:

so much fun stuff i tell ya!

they are giving one of you a

$50.00 gift certificate to Landee on Etsy!

for whatever you choose!

to enter:

1. head to Landee on Etsy and pick out your favorite item.

then, come back here and tell us what you chose.

for an additional entry:

2. "pin" your favorite item from their shop and label it "Landee on Etsy".

good luck!

we will announce the winner on sunday!

cookie valentines

2012-01-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

are you looking for something yummy for your kids to pass out to their classmates this valentine's?

SUPPLIES:

red, pink and white cardstock
white cd sleeves
twine
valentine peanut butter and M&M cookies recipe (below)
2.5" circle punch
3.5" scallop punch (or the silhouette)
a heart punch (i used the silhouette and cut the heart at about 1 3/4")
hole punch

. . . . .

Valentine Peanut Butter and M&M Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups Valentine M&Ms

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the corn syrup, water, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chunks. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

have a birthday coming up? we've shared this birthday version too!

[project life] weeks two + three

2012-01-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

[PROJECT LIFE] WEEK TWO

SUPPLIES USED: clementine edition project life kit... washi tape... paper doily... alpha stickers... paper smash tabs... smash pad

[PROJECT LIFE] WEEK THREE

SUPPLIES USED: clementine edition project life kit... washi tape... number stickers... paper smash tabs... yellow paper... floral paper

this just pinned...

2012-01-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

[past projects] The Love Notes Box

2012-01-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

This project is too fun not to share again for Valentine's Day. About a year ago, we had to come up with a gift for under $10. We managed to stay under budget and were very pleased with the outcome.

The Love Notes Box

What You'll Need:

an unfinished wood box (got ours at Hobby Lobby $4.99 but on sale for 50% off. about $2.50)
metal handle (from Hobby Lobby too $5.99 used a 40% off coupon. about $3.60)
spray paint (we used Krylon Blue Ocean Breeze about $3.00)
the following free downloads...
  Download Lovenotes
  Download Lovenotescards
  Download Lovenotestags
ribbon (from our stash)
3" circle punch (or you could trace the top of a cup)
3 3/4 " white scalloped circle (cut with the Silhouette)

STEP ONE: Gather all of your supplies and print off all the downloads. Cut or punch out the 3" tag and back with the scalloped circle.

STEP TWO: Spray a few coats of paint on the box.

STEP THREE: Once dry, attach the handle to the top of the box. (We used E6000 glue)

STEP FOUR: Attach the 3" round tag to the front of the box. (We used glue dots)

STEP FIVE: Tie the instructions tag onto the handle with ribbon.

STEP SIX: Fill the box with blank love notes cards.

STEP SEVEN: Make one for yourself. Your family will have so much fun leaving each other random love notes throughout the holidays and every day after.

eta: the font used on the tag is mr. and mrs. popsicle found here

[project life] week one

2012-01-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

[PROJECT LIFE] WEEK ONE
i'm trying to get caught up ;)

PRODUCTS USED: clementine edition project life kit... date smash stamp... washi tape... paper smash tabs... silhouette cameo

this week we welcomed the new year, welcomed a new baby girl (not ours). had stomachaches, an orthodontist appointment and cafe rio.

i fit the entire week in one page protector and as soon as the 6x12 protectors are back in stock, i will be typing up the details of the week and putting it in there.

i'm pretty sure the majority of my album will be filled with instagram photos taken with my iphone. i made a 4x6 file in photoshop where i can just drop my photos in, flatten and save to print at costco. then when i trim them, i'll leave a white border to keep the instagram-ish look. (instead of getting all of the different borders that the instagram app has)

here's a quick tutorial for putting your instagram photos onto the 4x6 psd file (found HERE)...

alright... i'm off to get weeks two + three finished.

[free download] made with love

2012-01-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

valentine's day isn't just for celebrating your sweetheart.

let others know you love them too.

a jar of chocolate chip cookies should do the trick. ;)

and let them know those cookies were

made with love

SUPPLIES: wide mouth jar (found this one at target)... white paper heart doilies... twine... patterned paper... 3" circle punch... small hole punch... tags (download HERE)

go show your friends... neighbors... family... teachers some love.

[project life] title page

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

this is my first attempt at project life.

and i realize we're three weeks into january already, but here is my title page.

i'm hoping to share my pages with you every week.

(and maybe some free downloads once i get the hang of it)

[PROJECT LIFE] TITLE PAGE

SUPPLIES USED: clementine edition project life kit... silhouette cameo... washi tape... copied the cute idea for the 2012 card from here

i think my silhouette and washi tape are going to be my two best of friends during this project. it's been YEARS since i've done an actual paper scrapbook page and i'm really having fun getting back into the groove.

ETA: the large photo was an 8x10 and i trimmed it down to a 6x8 (using a pencil and ruler to mark my lines). then i cut it in half and then cut the bottom half in half again. did i lose you there? ;)

for the smaller photos, i shrank them down to 3x4's in photoshop and then put them on a new 4x6 photo and printed them that way. the 4x6 prints are only 13 cents each at costco, so i will be printing off a bunch for this album.

You Gotta See This

2012-01-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

we've gathered some more fun Valentine ideas from around the web for you today...

hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

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love you more printable from the sweetest occasion

. . . . .

send a hug to those far away from roots and wings co.

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DIY valentine arrows from two shades of pink

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googly eyes valentines from armommy

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snow globe valentines from dandee

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and just because they look too delicious not to share...

double chocolate brownies with caramel frosting from Today's Mama

just off the bookshelf

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

geez... it has been a long time since we've had a book post around here. if you can't tell... when my life gets crazy busy, reading is the first thing i have to give up. sad. but true.

but now we are into my most favorite month of the year. january. [my favorite because there is absolutely nothing going on. thank goodness.] so i have been back to reading and enjoying some really great books!

ROOM

by Emma Donoghue

i'd give ROOM 4 1/2 gold stars.

it's written from the perspective of 5 year old jack and that in itself made the book different and unique for me. i didn't want to put this book down because i needed to know how everything was going to turn out for him and his ma.

Winter Garden

by Kristin Hannah

i've read quite a few of Kristin Hannah's books and i always seem to really enjoy them. i'd say this book (and most of her others) would get 4 1/2 stars. it's a good easy read that kept me interested and curious through the whole story.

Moloka'i

by Alan Brennert

i absolutely loved this book. it's a 5 star book for me. i just couldn't put it down. it was one of those books that i had to go straight to the computer and google the subject to see if it really happened. it's about a young girl, rachel who is diagnosed with leprosy and sent to the hawaiian island moloka'i to a quarantined leprosy settlement. i found it to be interesting, inspiring and heartbreaking. the perfect combination for a great book!

. . . . .

[i do this at target :)]

i tried to narrow down my top 3 favorite books from last year.

it wasn't easy, but i think i've decided on...

1. the book thief

2. these is my words, sarah's quilt, and the star garden (3 books but count as 1 right?)

3. sarah's key

what were your top 3 favorite books you read last year??

. . .

**come visit us at Less Cake {more frosting} today for lara's one word - one goal series!!**

Today's Guest: What the Teacher Wants

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

we are big fans of school teachers... and appreciate all the time and energy they put into teaching our kids and making learning fun for them. so we are super excited to have natalie and rachelle here from what the teacher wants today!

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Hi friends! Natalie and I {Rachelle} are from What the Teacher Wants! We offer tips for teachers, parents, and anyone in between. We are so excited to be guest posting today! We're basically neighbors with the eighteen25 gals. Well, we're in Utah and they're in Nevada, but it's pretty close! :)

That's Natalie on the left. She teaches 5th grade!

I'm on the right and I teach 1st grade!

Click {here} to read more about us!

Today we really wanted to share some fun {and educational} ideas that you can do with your little kiddos at home. We are calling them "Mommy and Me Activities". This is a great way to integrate literature into your daily routine and have fun celebrating reading with your little ones. These fun Mommy and Me Activities involve crafts, food ideas, math games, activities, and free printables!!

Book #1: Where the Wild Things Are

We made a mini-packet to go along with "Where the Wild Things Are" just for you! Click {here} to download this {FREE} packet that has a writing activity, math game, and a cute art project.

{if you are having difficulties downloading, just refresh your web browser and it should pull up}

Book #2: The Kissing Hand

Click {here} to download the raccoon masks!

Book #3: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

We made an ABC practice book for you to do with your kiddo to go along with "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" {or just for fun}. When entering kindergarten, it's important that your child has awareness of the alphabet and the alphabet sounds. Here's a fun way to practice with your child! All you need to do is click {here} to download this 27-page ABC book freebie! Just print it out, place it in page protectors, and use a dry-erase marker to practice!

{if you're having difficulties downloading, just hit refresh on your web browser and it should pop up}

We are so happy we could share our ideas with you today! Thanks to the gals at eighteen25 for

having us! For more fun teaching ideas, come stop by our blog {What the Teacher Wants} for tips on helping your child at home with reading, math, and MUCH more!

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thanks so much rachelle and natalie! these are fantastic ideas that any child would love... i think it's great that they'll be having so much fun they won't even know that they are learning. :)

if you are a parent or especially all you teachers... i promise you... you'll want to check out what the teacher wants for great ideas on pretty much everything that has to do with school and teaching our children!!