The only thing worse than finding a pair of filthy, fermented sports socks under my boys’ beds is cleaning out my oven.

Truly.

At times it seems I would rather scrub my face with those foul socks than get down on my knees and approach the square abyss to scrap off (with a butter knife ,mind you) my misfired creole casserole. Or worse, it’s easier to remember my gynecologist appointment than to remember to clean my oven when it’s cold. But when my nostrils flair with scorched sugar and black smoke is puffing out my oven door like a peace pipe,I am pathetically reminded of my folly.

Cleaning my oven just seems to take too much time and energy, literally.  If I use the self-cleaning furnace version, my kitchen temperature and electric bill sky rocket!  Or the Armageddon- worthy gas mask I must use with any oven-cleaner product on the market is ridiculous or maybe it’s just me who looks ridiculous; clad in gloves to my shoulders, clothed by a radon proof apron, wearing a mask to securely close any open orifices on my face.

 I scare myself.

With all this oven drama in my world, I’ve avoided baking some of my favorite recipes for fear of the inevitable “obnoxious  oven cleaning” scenario previously described; however, with the LG EasyClean™ Double Oven Range, all of this mayhem in my kitchen could have been avoided! If I had one of these,  I would just spray a little water, turn on the self -cleaning function of the oven and 20 minutes later I’m chanting, “ bling, bling, my oven is clean.”

Impressive.

I could have more time with my family, more time to bake in the oven and more time to find those stinkin’ socks!

Now, could LG just invent a machine that will deep clean my house that fast as well?

Baked Sweet Yams with Jalapeño Butter and Maple Bacon

This is an incredibly easy recipe to bake in the oven, but also one of the messiest which I why I stopped making it for my family.  I just couldn’t take any more singed yam sugar or bacon grease splattered indefinitely on my oven walls and floor.  Even when I took the necessary precautions using aluminum foil, somehow a drip of sugar or smattering of bacon grease would escape my carefully crafted plan. Since the new LG EasyClean oven can clean up in 20 minutes any foiled plans of mine to keep my oven clean, I can bake yams , bacon and brimful casseroles with reckless- ladylike abandon.

Ingredients

4-6 yams, 1 per person

2 Tablespoons oil

1 Tablespoon red vinegar

2 avocados, sliced

1 medium red onion, diced or thinly sliced

3 stalks green onion, thinly sliced on 45° angle

4-6 radishes, finely diced

Maple Bacon

1 pkg. of thick-cut bacon

2  Tablespoons maple syrup

Jalapeño Butter

4- 6 Tablespoons butter, softened –  you’re call on how much per yam…

2 Jalapeños , minced

1 small red pepper, minced

Handful of fresh cilantro, loosely diced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash and scrub the yams. Rub the skin with a light coating of oil and prick with a fork. Place on a piece of aluminum foil on the lower 2/3 rack in the oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until soft when squeezed with an oven mitt.

In the meantime, line a jelly roll pan (a sheet pan with a lip) with aluminum foil, place the bacon strips on the pan to bake during the last 20 minutes of the yam’s cooking time on the upper 1/3 rack in the oven. When the bacon is almost done (2 minutes  remaining), remove the pan from the oven and lightly spread maple syrup on the bacon pieces, (one side is sufficient). Place the bacon pan back in the oven to caramelize the maple syrup for a couple of minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to rest and cool slightly, then with kitchen scissors, cut into pieces.

Slice, dice and mince the remaining ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the butter, jalapeño, red pepper and a little cilantro together. Drizzle the avocado, radishes and red onions with a splash of red vinegar.

Pulling it all together is a delicious snap.  Make a slice in the yam, push up the flesh, add a dollop of jalapeño butter for a little heat to balance the natural sweetness of the yams. Then mound on green and red onions for subtle flavor, radishes for a piquant crunch and avocados for a smooth, cooling essence. Finally bring it back around -full circle now- to sweet, with shards of savory, sugary maple bacon and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Ya, BABY! Like I said, one of our favorites. Enjoy.

What is one of your favorite recipe that leaves your oven messy? Let me know in the comments for a chance to win your very own LG EasyClean™ Double Oven Range! 

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from5/22/13 – 7/15/13.

It was love at first site really. I was casually walking through IKEA, and BAM, it stopped me in my tracks.  After catching my breath, I ran, (in slow motion), to make it mine.  ALL MINE.

I mean who wouldn’t fall in love with this blanket?  LOOK AT ALL THOSE ROUCHED RUFFLES!!!!!!!!  I purchased two and was beaming the rest of the day.

—

After getting these beauties home and using them as throws for my twins’ beds, I realized I should have bought ten more!  What was I thinking only getting two?!

While admiring the throws one day, I looked up and saw this:

Does anyone else notice the plain white surface that is screaming, “I NEED RUFFLES!!”?

Yes, these plain ‘ole lampshades were practically begging for a makeover.  

A glue gun and twenty minutes later, they were spruced up into something much more beautiful.

I literally just cut the fabric to the size of the shade, and glued around the top and bottom of the shade.  Easy peasy.

I just love how they turned out.  My twins’ Big Girl room is continually a work in progress, but these shades added a much needed element.  I just love the visual texture it added to the space. 

I can’t wait to reveal the rest of my twins’ Big Girl Room.  A few more projects to go and I’ll be finished.  In the meantime, feel free to take a peek at their old nursery.  {Sniffle. Wasn’t that just yesterday?}

—

 I still had the itch to use the rouched ruffle throw again.  I busted out my sewing machine and started to make a baby blanket for an upcoming baby shower.  If you remember, I am queen of sewing SQUARE projects.  Burp clothes, pillows, small blankets, and bean bags.  That about sums up my sewing talent.  You can find my easy Designer Baby Blanket with Trim tutorial HERE.

I’m a bit obsessed with trim.  It adds the special WOW factor to easy projects.  Your friends will never guess if you are a ‘square sewer’ like me. 

Okay, let me take a moment to gush about my iron.  Do you see a cord?!  One that I would usually awkwardly dance with while ironing?  I think NOT!!  I recently discovered the Panasonic Cordless Iron I will never go back. Give it a try and it will rock your world too.

Hopefully this helps get your wheels turning on how to repurpose your favorite blankets and fabric. 

  The possibilities are endless.  Curtains? Shower Curtain? Bed Skirt?  All on my list of to do’s.

Now if you are dying to get your hands on this exact throw, run to your nearest IKEA and ask for the Ofelia Rouched Throw.  I wish you could buy it online, but it doesn’t look like that’s an option.  Booo.  If you don’t have an IKEA near you, call a friend who does and BEG.

That moment when you are talking to someone and all of the sudden their voice strangely sounds like it’s fading into a tunnel-like echo because all you can focus on is their teeth that appear to be the shade of an overcooked cob of corn.

Unfortunately, all through my teenage years, I was that person qho was putting you into a dry-heaving, trance-like state because of the mustard stained shade of my pearly-not-so-whites.  I know mustard yellow is what is hip to the hop right now, but on teeth, that color should be drop kicked out of existence.

(*slight* dramatization to illustrate the color of my teeth for many years)

(this picture was taken after a cheese ball contest, but it may as well have been my senior picture)

In my defense, and in the defense of all those who have suffered along with me, the color of enamel varies from person to person because of genetics and other factors. Some people are just annoyingly blessed with fairy white enamel, while others of us suffer from the corn disease (I made that disease up, don’t look it up in the dental dictionary, it’s not there even though it should be).

My sister was in the dental hygiene program my first year of college, and she introduced me to the world of TEETH WHITENING.  She took impressions of my teeth and made me custom bleach trays.  It wasn’t until after I saw the results that I realized I had been living with jaundice of the teeth all those years. Why didn’t someone tell me?! I had no idea how yellow my teeth actually were, and how easy it was to improve them. The results were amazing, and I can honestly say I felt like it lit up my whole face .  Whether or not it actually did, I don’t know, but it made me feel that way. And what else matters, right? This little experience is just one of many that solidified that dental hygiene was the right profession for me as well!

Well, my friends, get ready to do some barney jumps, or crab crawls, which ever you prefer. Because I’m going to let you in on

4 WAYS  YOU CAN GET YOUR PEARLIES WHITER.

I’m positive at least one of them will be suitable for you; whether it be cost, convenience, comfort, and/or all of the above.

**ONE:

{Whitening Toothpaste} (over the counter)

Pro’s: inexpensive and over-the-counter, EASY (don’t have to alter your regime at all-just brush as normal), very minimal sensitivity

Biggest Con: not fantastically noticeable results, only removes extrinsic stains

Does it work? Yes! Although, the results are very subtle.  Whitening toothpaste is only  effective on extrinsic stains (coffee, tea, tobacco staining).  If you are wanting blinding white pearlies, whitening toothpaste isn’t the rodeo for you, but if it’s all that fits in your budget, it will make *some* difference.

There are a gazillion (literally that many) whitening toothpastes. They are all pretty similar because they all usually contain hydrogen peroxide as the whitening ingredient. BUT my favorite is Colgate White Optic (about $4 a tube). After I haven’t used it in a while, I will notice that it slightly brightens things up a bit.

All toothpastes help remove surface stain from your teeth through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not change the intrinsic color of teeth.

**TWO:

{WHITE STRIPS}

Pro’s: SO EASY. Open the package, apply one of the stripes to the top of your teeth and one to the bottom, go about your ‘bidness for 30 minutes, take them off and you’re good to go.  GREAT results, variety of level’s/power’s to choose from to cater to your wants/needs.

Con’s: Causes sensitivity, so many choices it’s almost over whelming

Like whitening toothpastes, there are as many brands of whitening strips as there are shoes in Kim Kardashians closet.. How do you even begin to decide?

Personal preference.. do some reading and read reviews to feel more comfortable with your choice. If you want to ease yourself into whitening, choose a lower “power” or “level”. The power will be shown right on the box, for example: the power of the white strips on the box in the picture below is the maximum strength of 5. If you want to dive in head first, choose the maximum power.

I personally have tried several different types of Crest white stripes, and have never been disappointed. They get two thumbs up from me! My husband is currently using them  and loves them also.

BUT my FAVORITE Whitestripes I’ve ever tired are the CREST 3D White Intensive Professional Effects Whitestrips     (amazon seems to ALWAYS have the best deals on white stripes in my experience, PLUS they have a $10 rebate!).  The results are amazing and QUICK!

The Crest website says:

“Crest 3D White Intensive Professional Effects Whitestrips of Advanced Seal Technology delivers our best professional-level whitening results in just 7 days.”

**THREE:

In office, one time bleach: {CHAIRSIDE BLEACH} – IMMEDIATE BLEACH

During chairside bleaching, a protective gel is applied to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

Pro’s: Immediate results, don’t have to do any of the work yourself

Con’s: sensitivity, expensive,  (if I were going to spend this much money on bleaching, I would personally put it toward bleach trays, (which I will talk about next), because you can touch up at home without having to pay for a whole new procedure to re-whiten.

Chair side whitening is ideal for “I gotta have white teeth YESTERDAY!” events. Weddings, senior pictures, family Pictures, first dates with that possible future hub-a-lish, etc..

To learn more about the process and pro’s and con’s, HERE is a great article.

 **FOUR : SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST

{Customized Bleach Trays} from the dental office.

These products contain peroxide(s) which actually bleach the tooth enamel. Carbamide peroxide is the bleaching agent and comes in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, and 22%). Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard/tray. Some products are used once or twice a day for two weeks, while others are intended for overnight use for one to two weeks.

The process is simple; Your dentist’s office takes impressions of your teeth, they make a mold of your teeth, they make a soft/plastic tray for your top and bottom teeth, they give you tubes of bleach. Take the trays home, apply a tiny dot of bleach in each tooth slot of the tray, put trays on, wear for instructed amount of time. You’ll be blinding the world in no time!

Pro’s: FANTASTIC results, customized trays can/will last YEARS, so if you ever want to re-bleach, you just buy more bleach from your dentist and get to de-yellowing time after time after time.

Con’s: Sensitivity, takes time to get bleach trays made, more expensive than over the counter whitening options

These nuggets will CHANGE your life. If you want optimal results, there is no debate in my opinion, custom bleach trays are the bee’s knee’s!!

(results of a patient from a previous dental office I worked at.  ALL from using custom bleach trays)

A lil tip for you:

TONS of dental offices offer free whitening trays and bleach to new patients. I see billboards/commercials/advertisements similar to this one below all the time. And 2 of the offices I have worked at in the past have offered similar incentives.

Ask around for recommendations for a good dentist in your area, and then call them and ask what new patient specials they have, and if they provide any specials for any kind of bleach system.  Even if you have to pay for them, believe me you, the investment is a gift that keeps giving!

 Precaution:

The biggest precaution I can give you for ANY kind of whitening is that it can and most likely WILL cause some sensitivity. The sensitivity is temporary, and let’s be honest..beauty is pain, right? My teeth get SUPER DUPER sensitive when I whiten, but I use fluoride in my bleach trays in between bleaching, which helps heaps!  We aren’t wearing our 5 inch heels because they’re comfy are we? And the sensitivity is temporary and usually is completely gone after a few days after the bleaching process is complete.  Although it does cause some discomfort, bleaching your teeth is NOT harmful to the enamel if you follow the correct instructions/regime for each particular bleaching procedures.. The biggest harm that can be done is leaving those chompers yella.

Lastly, it’s crucial to remember to brush and floss regularly and avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, as this will help extend your brighter smile and ensure an overall healthier mouth. And if you want to just put a pin in it and think about what kind of whitening is right for you, HERE are a few ideas of foods that whiten teeth naturally.

VERY ROUGH APPROXIMATE PRICE BREAKDOWN:

Whitening toothpastes: $3-$8

Whitening stripes: $20-$75 (depending on the “power” or “level” you decide on, and the amount of stripes in the package)

Chairside whitening: $100-$300 (every dental office’s prices are SO different depending on which procedure they use)

Bleach Trays: $100-$200 (again, it drastically varies from dentist to dentist)

I don’t have any actual before and after pictures of my results from whitening, but this pretty much sums up the drastic difference from what I can remember.

Don’t suffer from corn disease as long as I did, your banana teeth years are behind you!

Have a BRIGHT & SHINY week my friends!!

We’ve been having some great discussions on our Facebook page on how to get rid of these cold sores fast, and we always get SO MANY great ideas!

Have you ever woken up to a very important day, just to feel a pesky cold sore forming? Oh NOOO!

They always show up at the worst times, don’t they?! If you’ve ever had a cold sore you know that they can be very painful, embarrassing, and downright annoying!

{Please excuse my ridiculous cold sore face impression.}

It was brought to our attention that we should make actual posts with these suggestions for readers to be able to locate and reference easily in case of emergency.

Take a look at just a few of our FB friends’ suggestions!

Thanks to these tips, I’ve tried Abreva and LOVE it, and I even gave yogurt a try! {I’m not sure if the yogurt actually worked or if it was a combination of things.} Thanks for coming to my rescue gals!

You can get Tea Tree oil (another name: Melaleuka oil), here.

Have more suggestions to add or agree with the ideas already mentioned? PLEASE add in the comment section below. We’d love to have a great list handy, right here on the site!

–

Thanks for your help ladies!! I love that we can help make eachother’s lives just a bit easier by sharing our idea’s with one another.

Hopefully we’ll all be cold sore free in no time!

If you’re not a HDS FB friend, you should be! We have great discussions like this all the time! Next up to post, Shelley had an emergency involving permanent markers and a leather couch! Ouch! Luckily our FB pals came to her rescue and she was able to get the stain out! How? Stay tuned…

So…let’s do a bit of a recap on that last post.  Remember the streaky brown room?  We used the Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer to make orange walls, but then decided on the color SW 7070 Gray Screen in SuperPaint.

Well…feast your eyes on the new room.  Oh boy.  It’s light and bright and BEAUTIFUL.  I’m loving it.  

For this to give a more open room, we had to play around with the furniture…so I first started by moving the future around. I was not happy with the setup before we started this room makeover. I knew there was a better way to have the furniture in the room. I moved the TV and couch on every wall until I found the perfect setup. By putting the TV in the corner and the couch on the opposite wall I felt like the room double in size. It totally did….

Remember the ghost frame picture?  (see to the left of the curtains).  That is what we termed this picture.  We’ve shown a picture of the brown wall…we will show you the other wall in just a bit.  But the room is open and wide now and

…wait…did we mention bright!?!

Wanna know a secret?  Do you see that clock?  I got it at a craft store and guess what color it was??  Brown.  I went ahead and bought spray paint while in the paint aisle to add a bit of pizzazz.  I like it.

Before wall

After wall…be still my heart. Okay so wait…let’s back up a bit.  Once I got the furniture in the right place, I started buying accessories. I bought my gray pillows and lamp at the local Gornmans store.  I searched for drapes with the perfect pattern and found them online at Overstock. I also had the mirror above the couch just sitting in a closet.  It was just like finding a $5 bill in your coat pocket!  Wahoo.   It too was also a brown color, so I though why not paint it? I bought the frames next to the mirror at the craft store.

So here is the ghost wall again…and are you ready for the “after”?

Oh lovely, lovely, lovely day.  Yes…the ghost has gone and angels have arrived.  It’s so airy and light.

So after that room was done we had a bit of paint left over…we rolled it on in to the dining room.

I didn’t have time to decorate it, but you can see the difference.  That paint makes it look amazing! Thanks Sherwin-Williams.  I’m loving this make over!!

For a chance to win a $100 Sherwin-Williams gift card, share in the comments below what room you would like to makeover in your home?

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/20/2013-6/10/2013.

Be sure to visit the Sherwin-Williams brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

This adorable little girl and I have a very special bond. She is my first born niece and we share a birthday. Only one problem, we are never together to celebrate! {We live 1,000 miles away. Two thumbs down for dental school. Boooo!}

Well this lucky birthday girl had a fairy birthday party. One fairy cute party!

Let’s start with my favorite detail. These fairy cupcakes are to die for.

{Sheesh, you literally might after eating all that icing }.

I’m not sure if I love the stacked pink icing, or the silhouette fairy toppers more.

Each guest received a fairy halo, a fairy tutu, a fairy wand, fairy wings, a flower fairy pen, and of course,…pixie dust. Talk about a little girl’s HEAVEN!

Really. Isn’t this pixie dust about the cutest thing you have ever seen? Perfect for a fairy party.

I love the pun on the favors. “Thank you FAIRY much for coming!”  -Party puns are the best.

One of these years I am going to be a part of OUR birthday celebration.

I would have made a cute fairy, don’t ya think?

Fairy Birthday Party Games:

1. The fairies played musical chairs with flowers.

2. The mother fairy put all of her fairies to sleep with a magic wand. If they moved, they were ‘out’. The last sleeping fairy won.

—

Oooo! Sis, I just noticed that butterfly garland. Where did you get that?!

This fairy birthday party was budgeted at $100. She might have gone slightly over, but hey, we all do that every once in a while, right? Most of the decorations came from the dollar store. Grand total $130. Not too shabby!

Thanks for sharing this fairy cute party inspiration with us.

*All pictures were taken and edited by my little sister at Kara Jo Photography.

Today I have Erika Astrid Hendrix, Fashion photographer, designer, and owner of  her very own clothing and accessory line Asuyeta.

Hi How Does She ladies!

I just love the process of creating my own jewelry and wanted to share a simple- yet- intricate looking design that you can wear for any occasion.

You will need:

-1 mm waxed irish linen cord (5 strands of  about 45 inches long)

-lots of small beads of your choice of color

First, tie the five strands together and tape to a table.

Then follow this pattern to braid. Watch carefully as the outside strand goes over and under. Do this for about 14 1/2 inches.

Once you have braided it- your braid should look similar to this. Once you have done this to about 14 1/2 inches- tie a knot.

Now using the same braiding pattern used before- braid the remainder of the waxed irish linen.

(Click on the link to take you to IShare Printables – then click on the picture on IShare to take you to the free download! Enjoy!)

1. “Extraordinary Teacher” mini bag labels from “Sweet Metel Moments”

2. Bus Driver Appreciation from  “Like A Pretty Petunia”

3.  Hand Sanitizer Gift from “My LDS Projects”

4.  Teacher Appreciation Bookmarks from Cristina Marie

5. Teachersavers labels from “One Creative Mommy”

6.  Water Bottle Labels from “A-Manda Creation”

7. Teacher Take Out Box from “Peonies and Poppyseeds”

8. “Write” Teacher for me gift tags from “Itsy Bitsy Paper”

I hope this has got the gears turning in your brain, and inspired you to do something special for the teacher(s) in your life! Remember that new printables are being uploaded daily, shared by brilliant people like YOU! Pop by the IShare sites for daily inspiration and freebies!

IShare Printables

IShare Crafts

IShare Fun Food

With my baby brother graduating this year, I was stumped for gift ideas.  I tried to remember my favorite graduation gifts and let’s just say my memory was a bit rusty.  Plus, my one of my favorite gifts was a camera that took actual film (ah, the good old days)!  Times have definitely changed.

So I turned to YOU!  We {heart} our Facebook fans; you are a plethora of creativity!  I asked for the best graduation gifts you’ve ever given or received, and boy did you respond.  So with your help, here are 40 fabulous graduation gift ideas that are gender neutral and perfect for every grad in your life!

Money/Gift Cards

Although impersonal, money and gift cards can be exactly what a poor new grad needs to tackle the big world.  However, if you’d like to be a little more creative than just a bill tucked in a card, check out these creative ideas!

1. Money rolled in a tissue box:  take out the tissues in a tissue box and roll up bills instead.  Add a cute saying and you will quickly alleviate any homesickness.

2. Write a check for their graduation year: A check written for $20.13 might get an initial quizzical look, followed by a good laugh.  You definitely get points for being creative.  Bonus points if the check is for $2013.00.

3. Dave Ramsey’s “Graduate’s Survival Guide”: So many of you raved about this gift set that I am tempted to get it for myself!  In a world ruled by credit and over-spending, new grads can find themselves drowning quick.  Give them a head start by learning about credit cards, part-time jobs, and student loans.

4. Shell Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree” with surprise inside:  Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy.  If you’re tearing up already, this poem turned book about friendship, sacrifice, and generosity is the perfect gift for your special grad.  Stick a few surprise bills inside and they have a gift to treasure forever.

5. Gift cards to local restaurants:  One of a mother’s significant worries, among many, are “Will my child starve?”  Give your grad a few gift cards to local eateries where they will be going to college or settling down.

6. Grocery store gift cards: Just enter any college town grocery store and they are milling with malnourished students hovering around the ramen noodles.  When living on a tight budget, a grocery store gift card can be a lifesaver.

7. Gas cards: Again, a necessity for every new grad.  Give them a gas card with the expectations that they are to visit home often!

8. Gift card to the college store: If you know where they are going to college, help a new grad buy those over-priced textbooks, or get some fresh new collegiate gear to wear on game day.

9. Movie tickets: the post-high school dating scene can be tough when you have about $5 to your name.  Give your grad a slight advantage with two movie tickets for a special date night.

10. Stock shares: A creative and smart investment, buy your new grad shares in a company of their choice.  They will love having ownership and watching their money grow.

Practical Gifts

They may not be the most exciting or glamorous gifts, but guaranteed your grad will appreciate those gifts looong after  the tassels are turned and the caps tossed in the air.

11. Luggage: Our Facebook fans’ number top gift recommendation, many of you share the tradition of gifting luggage for graduation.

12. Tool set: This gift was one of my personal favorites and many of you agreed.  Getting a tool set, although lackluster at first, has come in “handy” throughout life.

13. Car kit with jumper cables: This gift, plus a free lesson in basic car maintenance, is perfect for both guys and girls headed out on their own.

14. First aid kit with medicine: We all want our mommies when the slightest sign of the sniffles hit.  But when mom’s not there, what better than a first aid kit loaded with medicine to treat every ailment.

15. Cookbooks: Don’t let them use “I don’t know how to cook” as an excuse for fast food three meals a day.

16. Cooking lessons: Combine this gift with #15 above and they will {hopefully} avoid that freshman fifteen.

17. The Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker: Many of you raved about this little cooking beauty that made dorm cooking so much easier.  For $20, a novice chef can cook a gourmet meal right in the microwave.

18. Scentsy warmer and scent packs: Dorm rooms literally stink.  Mask the musk with a plug-in warmer filled with delicious fragrances that will smell like home sweet home.

19. A nice set of clothes: for job interviews, work, or formal engagements that require a professional look.

20.  A quality backpack: A person could count toting around college books as their daily workout.  Those things can be heavy!  A quality backpack is a must for any college-bound grad.

21. Global Positioning System (GPS): Many smartphones already have them, but a GPS is a great idea for anyone heading out for adventures of their own.

Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are fun to give and fun to receive.  Plus they are loaded with really useful stuff!

22. Laundry gift basket with quarters: There is a reason why this is one of the most popular grad gifts.  It is packed with every laundry supply you could imagine–towels, detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, bleach, stain removal, and especially rolls of quarters for those laundry machines.  (Many schools now use student cards as payment, so check with the school first.  You could also load money on the card for laundry.

23. Food essentials kit: moving out on your own can be overwhelming.  Make the transition easier by stocking that new grad up with all of the food essentials he or she may need.

24. Kitchen essentials kit: dish towels, dish cloths, scrub brushes, dish detergent, utensils, plastic plates, bowls, glasses, etc., and maybe the caution: don’t put dish soap in the dishwasher (not that anyone ever does that!).

25. Bathroom essentials kit: towels, wash cloths, bathroom cleaners, *shower sandals (for those nasty dorm showers), shaving gear, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toilet paper, tooth brush, toothpaste, makeup for girls, etc.

26. College supplies kit: notebooks, a planner, pens, gum, study snacks, energy bars/drinks (for procrastinating studiers), stapler, three-hole punch, calculator, white-out, etc.

27. Themed gift baskets: “Things that stick” (3M hangers, super glue, gum, etc.), sports themed baskets (golf, basketball, football, wrestling, track, motocross, swimming, tennis, dance, etc.), state themed baskets (based on where they are moving to or going to college), beach themed baskets (flip flops, beach towel, sunscreen, frisbee, sunglasses, etc.), candy bar basket with sayings (“You are a real Starburst!”, etc.), fan themed baskets (favorite professional or college teams), fruit themed basket (everything strawberry: soap, lotion, drinks, treats, etc.), Starbucks themed basket, Movie themed basket (favorite dvds, popcorn, soda, movie treats), hair themed basket (great if going to Cosmetology school), picnic themed basket, and much, much more.  The possibilities are endless!

College themed basket: includes apparel and gear from their new school

Sentimental Gifts

These gifts come from the heart and are treasured forever.

28. Special quilt or afghan: everyone needs something to snuggle in while they are far from home.  Many of you agreed that a handmade quilt was and is one of your greatest graduation treasures.

My dear grandma made this for my graduation.  She cut out blocks from some of the shirts my dad wore when he was a boy.  It is one of my prized possessions.

Even if you don’t have the time or know-how to make a quilt, a nice, comfy blanket is a gift everyone can appreciate.

29. Photo books: include pictures and personal messages that document just how far they’ve come.

30. Keepsake boxes: If you are the sentimental type that saves everything from their first kindergarten water color painting to newspaper clippings that even mention their name, give them a keepsake box.  We LOVE these memory boxes.

31. “The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Suess: Congratulations!  Today is your day.  You’re off to great places!  You’re off and away!  Best graduation book.  Ever.

32. Monogrammed gifts: towels, pillow cases, money clips, etc.

33. Digital picture frames or memory books:  load them with pictures that will remind them of friends, family, and all of the great times.

34. Letters from friends and family: have close friends and family write a special letter to the graduate that he or she can read throughout life.  Put them in a special book or memory box.

35. Postcards addressed to you, redeemable for homemade cookies: When I went off to college, I dearly missed my grandma’s homemade cookies.  Send your grad off with postcards that they can mail back to you anytime they need a little home baked goodness.

Splurge Gifts

Life is too short not to spoil them just a little, right?

36. Travel: Take them on a special trip to Europe, DC, or a destination of their choice.  The memories made will last a lot longer than any physical gift will.

37. iPad/laptop

38. A nice watch

39. Special lessons: Maybe there is something they have always wanted to try…flying lessons, culinary arts classes, professional golf lessons, etc.

40. A special valuable coin: One reader’s grandfather gave him a special gold coin that has multiplied in value today.  However, he will never spend it because it is too special.

Hopefully, you’ll find something on this list perfect for your special grad.  And feel free to share any other brilliant ideas for the perfect graduation gift!

I love repurposing things..especially old things. One of my favorite magazines is Real Simple and I love their New Uses for Old Things articles. I am always amazed at the creative things people come up with. I have tried my hand at a few new uses for old things with old windows and doors being my definite weakness. I have told you many times about how I buy a LOT of my home decor from the Fancy Farm Girls sale (coming up soon…info at bottom of post!), so I decided to share a few things I did with my finds! First off…

Old Window

I have actually turned this old window into a few different things, but currently I was in need of a frame for my new pictures I took of my kids. You could buy glass to fit inside and frame them as you would any frame, but I like to have it be easily changed for new pictures. I first thought of backing it in metal so I could use it as a magnet board, but then I had a different idea…
…clothespins and washi tape!

Washi Tape is so easy and fun to work with. It took me about 10 minutes to cover these boring clothespins, glue them to the frame (I actually used scrapbook glue dots) and turn it  into this…

Here is a close up of the washi tape covered clothespins. The fun part is there are so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can make it match any decor and add a splash of color to about anything!

Next up…

Old Door

I first had this upright leaning against my wall with a cute wreath on it. I liked it there, but what I really needed was something BIG above my couch. So I flipped it sideways and now it takes up the space perfectly! I love the comments I get from kids – they all want to know where it will take them if they open it. I have had fun coming up with stories to answer them. (note: door and clock purchased from Fancy Farm Girl Sale)

I love it just plain, but it has also been a fun backdrop for holiday banners.

Remember this spooky banner? It displays all my holiday banners and makes them really POP! By the way, you can get all our FREE printables, here.

I even tried it with my new window frame…

Thrift Store find

This old wire store display I picked up at a thrift store is my new favorite picture display. It is easily changeable (perfectly fits 8x10s) so I can put new pictures in as I take them. This is one of the first things people see when they come in my house and I have received so many compliments on it, I think because it is being used as something unexpected. I have also used it as a magazine rack in the past.

(note: table in picture purchased from Fancy Farm Girls)

The No Photo sign I added because it is what my kids usually tell me when I break out the camera. I guess they are tired of my camera in their face.

Old Window #2

My last example is still a work in progress. I have it resting on a temporary table in my living room to be sure I like it in this space. I had another big wall I needed something on and I think this might be just the thing…I just need to decide how I like it better.

Plain

Or surrounded with color

Which way do you like better?

Either way I think it will take up the space on my wall just right. Now to figure out how to hang it best.

Those were a few things I have done with purchases from the Fancy Farm Girls sale. They are the PROS at making old things BEAUTIFUL and useful again! I think even I would have passed up this…

Old Dresser

And this,

Old Painting

But just look at this!!!

Isn’t it amazing what some stain, paint and vision can do? I love the numbered drawers from an old dresser used under this table for extra organized storage. And the collage of frames…with NO pictures! So creative.

Old Entry Table, Frames, and Drawers

I guess you want to hit their sale now? Me too! Here is the low down from the Fancy Farm girls…

“It’s here!  Our Annual Spring Barn Sale.  The barn is full and the painting and sanding are well underway!  If you haven’t made it out to the sale yet, you’re in for a treat!   For those who have been out, you know the drill, bring your girlfriends and bring your trucks!  We hope to see you all there!”

 May 24th-25th

Friday doors open promptly at 10-6, Saturday 9-1

We are located @ 9901 W. Lake Hazel rd.   Boise, Id. 83709

If you aren’t lucky enough to live in Boise, go hit a garage sale or thrift store and let your imagination run…I am sure you can find a treasure to decorate with!

Do you want more inspiration? Check out these posts to see more.

A Fancy Farm Girl Wedding

7 Creative Projects for displaying your Photos

This Vehicle Stops at All Garage Sales

Yard Sale tips from the PROS

Style on the Cheap!

4 steps to bring new life to old furniture

Peas and carrots, carrots and peas –put this together with a baked honey ham and you’ve created classic American goodness.  For this week, I wanted to take these traditional flavors, put an elegant spin on them and create a new side dish that is daring and full of American swank.

I began with purple carrots and shallots from my farmer’s market.

They taste just like regular orange carrots, but contain more antioxidants than typical orange carrots due to its color.

Stopped at the deli counter for a package of prosciutto from Italy; which is a dry-cured ham that tastes salty and sweet, usually served uncooked, but I’m going to crisp up the edges a bit for some texture.

Jaunt over to the spice counter and purchase a few ounces of ground cardamom spice.  It’s one of my favorite spices to cook and bake with because of its rich, complex aroma.  It’s warm and earthy like cinnamon, floral and citrusy like coriander and finishes clean and fresh like mint. Since all these flavors are good friends with peas, carrots and ham, I think we have the makings of a delicious dish. Let’s get started!

Makes about 4 cups

Serves about 4 people

Time: 10- 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon coconut oil

4 slices Prosciutto ham, cut into small-ish size pieces

1 shallot, a good size, but sliced thin

- about ¼ cup of shallot

3-4 purple carrots, peeled long and thin with a vegetable peeler or cut thinly 1/8” on the diagonal

–about 1 ½ cup of carrots

2 ½ cups peas, can be frozen or fresh – thaw the frozen peas, first please.

 *If you don’t have time, see the note below.

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom spice, add a little more at a time if you desire, but taste as you go

- a little bit of this spice goes the distance

1-2 Tablespoons water

Black pepper, to taste

– a few turns on the pepper mill is nice

Salt, to taste

– the prosciutto is salty and the overall dish may not need more salt- I only used a pinch at the end

Directions

Thankfully this side dish comes together in a snap once the ingredients are sliced and prepped.

In a sauté pan over medium-high heat melt the coconut oil,

add the Prosciutto pieces until lightly crispy on the edges. Remove from the pan to a plate for safe keeping.

Return pan to the heat and add the shallots for 1 minute. Add the carrots and peas to the pan. Dust the vegetables with cardamom spice.

Reduce your heat to Medium and add 1-2 Tablespoons of water to the pan.  Put on the lid to allow the vegetables to be steamed slightly until softened with their shape and vibrant colors intact.

- To check for doneness: pierce a fork through the carrot, it should meet with a little resistance, while still being cooked through. This should take about 3 -4 minutes.

Once the vegetables are steamed to perfection, remove the pan from the heat, and add the prosciutto back to the pan.

Grab your pepper mill and give your dish a few fresh turns of pepper. Stir everything together.

Taste before you serve so you can adjust if it needs more salt or a dash more cardamom. It should taste like freshly sautéed peas and carrots, salty from the prosciutto, a little heat from the pepper and a subtle clean warmth from the cardamom.  Try to find a good balance of these flavors where nothing is overpowering the other.  The vegetables should shine.  Enjoy!

*If you are using straight-out-of-the-freezer frozen peas, add them to the pan first to steam for 3 minutes before adding the thinly peeled or sliced raw carrots, then steam/cook them together for the 3-4 minutes in the recipe.

What family goals do you set for the Summertime?

When school is out for the summer, we take a break from pretty much everything.  No music lessons, dance practice, and very little homework. If I am being honest with you, we are all pretty burned out from our daily routine.

This year we are going to try some different activities.  My kids are getting older and I feel like I can handle more outings with or without my husband.

SUMMER GOALS

-Swim Lessons and swim team

-Rock climbing once a week

-Eating healthy (Except on Saturday.  Hee hee.)

-Tennis lessons for everyone

-Bike riding

-Live in the moment

-Get more involved in our community

I know there are a lot of Summer Activity lists out there, but here are some you can do and lose some calories at the same time while getting your whole family involved.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is new for us.  We wanted to see how our kids did before we bought a monthly pass.  They loved it.  They cannot wait to go back.  We had Ian at Nevada Climbing Centers give us a private lesson and teach my husband and me how to belay for our kids.  They were a little nervous at the beginning but quickly caught on and wanted to try the hardest walls.  Even our 3 year old could climb on the kiddie wall and the big wall with a little help.  We want to get better so we can try at the Red Rocks here in Las Vegas.  This is a great summer activity and we can’t wait to get better.

Live strong says that rock climbing is a lot like solving a puzzle, giving your brain a mental workout as you figure out the best way to reach the top.  Depending on your weight climbing a rock wall burns 660-976 calories an hour

PLAYING IN THE SAND

It’s okay to act like a child.  My kids love to bury us in the sand.  It is actually relaxing to me.  Forget about the day spa.  Being buried in the sand is free.

Whether you are at the beach, your backyard or the park your kids are going to love the sand.  Building a sand castle can burn 100 calories an hour.  If you build the castle further away from water you can burn 2-3 times more calories.  Read more here.

HULA HOOPING

Hula hooping is a really fun way to lose calories and have fun with your family at the same time.  You don’t have to be a kid to do this work out.  Newer hula hoops are larger and weigh more.  This makes it easier to to twirl.  We even turned it into a game to see who could hula longer.

You can burn 200 calories by hula hooping for 30 minutes based on your weight.

Biking

Biking on the sand can burn more than 380-760 calories an hour, depending on your weight and speed.  According to Live Strong a 130-pound person burns about 175 calories in 45 minutes of biking at a leisure pace on the street.

TENNIS

We may not be the best tennis players, but we love tennis.  It is a sport I grew up playing and now our whole family enjoys it.

You can lose up to 544 calories an hour playing singles tennis.  Women’s doubles tennis will burn 289 calories (for a 30 year old -  20 calories less for 50 year olds) Read more here.

LOVE THE CITY YOU LIVE IN

Enjoy your summer by getting involved in your community.  My Husband is really good at knowing what is happening in our City.  He knows about the summer plays, concerts, movies in the park, farmers markets and much more.  I am trying to keep up with him by using a new free app called TABESO.  Tabeso allows you to discover. share, create and attend events.  This app helps me be in the know so I don’t miss out on anything.  I can look up what is going on in Las Vegas or any city I am visiting on vacation.

If you are not loving where you live get involved in your community and I know you will grow to like it and so will your family.

SUMMER TIPS

-Get discounts for anything and everything.  I even ask if there is a deal of the day.  Most of the time they give me a discount just for asking. (groupon, entertainment book, and google offers have great deals)

-Take sunscreen if you are going to be outside.  A child with a sun burn is no fun.

-Don’t over plan.  Enjoy your summer break with your kids by staying sane.

-Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

 My goal every summer is to make sure I keep my family eating healthy, getting daily exercise and keeping them happy.

What activities will you be doing this Summer to stay fit and fabulous?

Ashley was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and now lives in Henderson, Nevada.  She studied in Germany and created a hand knit hat business in 1998–Mutze by Ashley (meaning hat in German).  She is obsessed with her Husband, three daughters, fashion, coconut desserts, and garden gnomes.

Read all of Ashley’s posts

I keep a mix of regular craft foam sheets and scraps on hand, as well as adhesive backed craft foam.  I like that my kids can stick pieces together if they want to, and I don’t have to worry about the gluey mess to clean!  Now, how about a few project ideas that you can make with craft foam?

Puppets

After watching a mermaid cartoon one afternoon, my daughter went to the craft foam box and started cutting out mermaid tails.  She asked for help cutting some torsos.  Of course, she had to make a mer-man for her brother at school because she didn’t want him to miss out on the fun .  Lots of colder days were spent incorporating the mermaids into play scenarios with her other dolls, or in their own little puppet shows.

Now that the weather is nice, the mermaids are having more adventures than ever…

And they’re often found indoors hiding in various houseplants… er…. seaweed.

When my son came home from school on the day we made the mermaids, he “dove” right in (excuse the pun!) and started making his own characters.  He kindly informed me that this one is the video game character, Sonic.

We stuck all of the characters onto paper straws.  The ones my son created either “chase” each other, or do battle with his other action figures.  No mermaid play for him!

Since we have other random things around the house, we try and see how we can incorporate those into our craft foam projects.

Maracas

For Cinco de Mayo, we made some maracas with left-over plastic eggs from Easter.  We used painters tape to wrap around the center seam of the egg and around a plastic spoon once we had filled the egg with some dried beans or rice (details here).  Craft foam sticker shapes complete most of our fun projects.   We used a paper punch to cut little circles out of the various stickers.

When you incorporate random objects with the craft foam (like we did with our plastic egg maracas), imaginations really unfold!  Here’s a random “extra” that practically every home has: toilet paper tubes.  They can become many things, but a super simple way to put one to use is by turning it into…

A Rocket

Just cut a piece of foam large enough to wrap around and cover the tube, and then cut a circle shape out of the foam (after tracing a lid onto the foam to get the shape).  Cut the circle in half, and use one semi circle for the cone shaped top.

Take one semi-circle, peel off adhesive backing, and fold into a cone shape, overlapping slightly so one end sticks to the other.

Press the bottom of the cone to one end of the foam-covered TP tube.

Once again, decorate with foam stickers.

For the rocket ship, we had some pre-cut sunburst shapes, which got cut in half for the “fire” that comes out of the bottom.  Circles and hearts became the tops for mermaids.  The sticker shapes are also useful for decorating water bottles and …

Book Marks

The re-usable wrap for the water bottle (secured at the back with self-adhesive velcro tabs) can become a cuff bracelet for a princess, or cuff for a little super hero when snack time is over.  (Get details on making the water bottle wrap here).  The options for switching up the design to go with any holiday or theme are endless!

Water Bottle Wraps

You can add craft foam to a straw to make a

Silly Sipper

(mustache template here)….

Or follow the basic directions for the rocket and get a jump on making some holiday decorations for the 4th of July!  Here I have them on the wall on either side of a picture:

And here they are in an outdoor plant:

No matter how you put it to use, there are hours of fun to be had with Craft Foam!

Have ideas to share?  What kind of “Imagination Stations” do you have around the home or classroom for children?  Please share in the comments below!

Here’s to many hours of imaginative, crafting fun!

“Mom, can I watch a show?” were the first words my three-year-old uttered in the morning when he woke up. No “Good morning mommy” or even “What’s for breakfast”– instead, “I wonder what is on Disney Jr. today?” His obsession with watching morning cartoons began as a convenience for ME to distract him in exchange for a moment of solitude and peace while I got ready and cleaned up the house. Although I was careful about this not becoming excessive, I noticed his cravings for more screen time began to generalize to the ipad, phone, and computer- pretty much anything with a screen.  Soon,  I also began to notice his over-stimulated mind seemed unsatisfied with our mundane yet three-dimensional world. But what was even more alarming to me as a parent and as a child counselor was his decrease in desire for creative play sessions.

He seemed distracted.

But is he to blame?

I was the person who fed this habit in the first place… perhaps he was watching me? Perhaps I was the one who had the problem?

Case in point:

But I realized I wasn’t alone. Did you know that on average there are more screens in a home than members of the family? Definitely true in our home. Sadly, I counted 16 screens of some sort! Studies are showing that the average young person will have had more screen time than they will have had hours in the classroom by the time they graduate!

 Don’t get me wrong- technology is brilliant! We can hop on and instantly learn anything we want with just a swipe of a screen or click of a button.

But with a world surrounded by screens and stimulation- should I be worried for my young child whose brain is forming and developing at such a rapid pace?

 According to American Academy of Pediatrics, an excessive amount of TV, movies, video and/or computer games can be linked to obesity, disruption in sleep, behavioral problems, impaired academic performance, violence, and less time for creative play. Studies are also showing that children under the age of 3 who engage in several hours a day of fast paced programs will have shorter attention spans throughout their life. In short, media appetites begin early on and can have a direct impact on their ability to maintain attention throughout their life.

With all the good that our technology can provide for our children- how do I create a healthy balanced media diet that enriches and enhances my child’s life instead of replacing or distracting it?

MY EXPERIMENT:

Something had to change…and fast. We needed an intervention for every member in our family (myself included) and I was willing to try out a little experiment. After a week of preparation, discussion, and planning- we all unplugged.

This sign was placed on all the screens in our home.

 I knew that I couldn’t ask my family to do something that I wasn’t willing to do myself- so, I too unplugged. Obviously, I knew that my husband and I needed to be available to take phone calls and check emails for work throughout the day, so we came up with a limit for the evenings when the phone was to be off for a duration of time.

We called it the “Media Jail.”

I purchased a clear plastic container large enough to fit whatever item we wanted to lock up. It could be anything such as gameboys, controllers, phones, etc.

Then we cut paper and adhered it with two-sided tape to the container- and it is as simple as that. Out of sight- out of mind. We ate dinner and spent time together without any distractions or temptations- what a beautiful thing.

The hard part was coming up with a limit that worked in our home.  We decided that from the time dad walked in the door for dinner to 9:30- the phone and computer should remain off. That gave us over an hour of  time as a couple to spend together after kids were asleep.

WHAT I LEARNED:

I was nervous at first on how I would manage with deadlines and tasks I had to get done. How would I shower? But planning ahead and rearranging my schedule to create more time for picnicis in park and trips to the zoo somehow seemed to free up more time to get those things done. I felt like we accomplished a lot more. Yes, there were tears and protests from my three-year-old. But after a day or two he seemed to forget about it. I noticed a change in his mood. He was happier. His attention span increased. He was capable of entertaining himself! I learned that it was me who assumed he couldn’t do those things without the aid of an electronic device. And do you want to know the best part… NO MELTDOWNS!! I am not sure if it was because of all the extra attention and outdoor time he was getting but- our home was so peaceful.

 I found that the real key was to REPLACE his old habit with a new one like… house work! Why was I doing all the house chores myself while he watched TV? What was I teaching him? Instead we now begin our mornings working side by side. Check out this post here where I talk about encouraging your child to work and our new chore method.

Even after the experiment was over- I noticed he no longer asked for TV or an ipad. In fact, we drove a total of 10 hours in a car and he never made mention of wanting to play a game or watch a movie…I am not kidding. 10 hours!! I was in shock…I don’t think I even went that long without checking in on my email! I had them ready for when he asked but to my surprise, he talked to us, sang songs, and noticed the world outside of his window. I always wondered how we did it as kids…and then realized that when you don’t have it- you don’t need it!

My favorite part of this experiment was the impact it had on our daily connections. We were experiencing being present and the moment with one another…with out distractions.

FINDING BALANCE:

Okay, so realistically we are in the 21st century. I know- I get it. And I do really want my child to learn how to self-regulate himself and have a healthy balance that  can enrich his life. So, after several weeks- I knew it was time to introduce some media back into the family. The good kind. So, after a month of replacing morning cartoons with doing household jobs without any external reward- (note: he is three and still LOVES to help!) I decided to introduce a limited amount of approved games back into the house.

Growing up, my dad used to say: “You have to pay to play” and as much as I hated hearing those words as a teenager,  I decided to create a system similar to an arcade where in order to play a a game (parent approved) on the computer one must complete his or her jobs and daily responsibilities first. That way I knew that for 30 minutes of games there was an hour of work that had to occur first. I also set a limit on how many coins could be used on a daily basis. So far, we have been good with one- but I am still playing with that one.

So to make our “Media Money” and banks we bought wooden circles and cardboard boxes.

Then we both painted them.

And glued some paper on the coins…

and on the boxes.

With our guidelines in place- we began this system.

So, far it has worked out real well- it’s a win-win! I actually am happy about the things he is learning on the computer and he really enjoys his time.

Eliminate Background TV Keep TV and computers out of your child’s bedroom Don’t eat in front of TV Set boundaries and limits Be a good example Make watching TV and playing games a family event Monitor what programs and your games they watch and play Encourage other activities such as books and outdoor play   What other ideas do you have in creating a media balance in your home? xo   For more information about the affects on children from too much screen time- visit this post along with others on www.weedstowishes.com

We continue to be mothers because we love and we desire to serve those whom we love. Mothers live a life of unselfishness and devotion. Lives that deserve to be applauded daily and not just on a specified holiday.

We are so grateful for our own moms, and the opportunity we have to now be moms of our own littles.
There is no greater gift.

Some of our favorite kids have a few words to say about Mother’s Day. We hope you enjoy celebrating motherhood with us and hope these sweet babes make you smile as much as they made us!

Awww. Did you love it? We hope so. There will be more features like this to come, so be sure to subscribe to our HowDoesShe YouTube channel. Will you share this video with the women in your life and help them to remember how important they are? It’s a great reminder how appreciated we are for simple, little things which do not go unnoticed by little eyes and ears.

And when you’ve done that,  be sure to take a look at our guest post on Deseret Book’s, Time Out For Women . You’ll find a HUGE list of meaningful gift ideas with tutorials for the women in YOUR life! And don’t worry, they are simple enough to be ready by Mother’s Day.

So I figured we should start compiling the BEST ice cream recipes to prepare for summer and all of it’s amazing goodness!

Here are some of our favorites:

>> Click on the title to get the full recipe! 

OOEY GOOEY MUD PIE

EASY COOKIES N’ CREME ICE CREAM CAKE

TOASTED MARSHMALLOW MILKSHAKE

STRAWBERRY, BASIL, BURNT SUGAR ICE CREAM

SUMMER ICE CREAM DELIGHT

LEMON BLUEBERRY PIE ICE CREAM

Snicker Caramel Apple Pie

Mint Oreo Ice Cream Shake

Frozen Grasshopper Squares

Frosty Orange Creme Ice Creme Dessert

Have you tried any of our favorite recipes? If so, tell us which one is your favorite!

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!!

We would love it if you would share some of your other favorite ice cream recipes in the comments below! We would love to make this the hottest place for the VERY BEST ice cream recipes! We can’t wait to try out your favorites and add them to our list!

1. Coconut Oil

It is not really a secret that we LOVE coconut oil around here. It is our go-to ingredient for cooking, skin care, beauty and health,  hair care – and so much more!

The best part is, we know how you can get a $10 credit to Vitacost, where you can get your own jar of our favorite brand of coconut oil! Hollah! You will not regret getting this stuff. Give it a try!

2. DoTerra

Find out what has turned us from SKEPTICS into big time BELIEVERS! We share why doterra has helped in our health and wellness, and given us all natural cleaning solutions that really, really work. We don’t know where we would be without these amazing essential oils!

3.FREE Baby Stuff!

Whether you are an expectant mother, or you know one, getting the perfect baby accessory has never been easier – or cheaper!! Now you can get these 3 adorable baby products for FREE (just pay shipping) when you use our special code at checkout! Click on the pictures to take you to our code, and get yours for FREE today!!

4. Pick Your Plum

We love to craft and create, but sometimes the hobby can get pricey. We want the very BEST deals to be found, and we always find the best deals on Pick Your Plum. Every morning they post a new product at HUGE discounts and with limited quantities. You need to act fast because when the items are gone – they are gone! Seriously great stuff. Easily the best deal site on the web!

5. Scentsy

We love filling our homes with beautiful aromas, but with small children running around – an open candle flame isn’t the safest idea. That is why we are such big fans of Scentsy. We get the feeling and scent of a candle, without the wick and flame! We love how they are always innovating and coming out with new and gorgeous scentsy warmers, too. There is something for everyone, and every style.

 Do you have a go-to product that you just can’t live without? We would love to hear about it! Leave a comment and share YOUR favorite products with us and our readers!

We all have a little man in our lives. Whether it’s your son, your nephew, or the neighbor, you probably know a little boy. Dressing little boys is sometimes a challenge. As the mother of three young boys, I feel like sometimes I go to the store and the girl’s clothes and accessories are fun and inexpensive, and everything I like in the boys department is overpriced or has puppies or words all over the front. Not my thing.

During Easter, I set out to find bow ties for my little guys. I wanted something that looked good but was inexpensive and easy to put on. To my dismay, everything I found was out of my price range, looked cheesy, or I didn’t like the way it clipped on. That’s when I took matters into my own hands. For the price of one men’s necktie I can make two bow ties! This is how I did it.

What you’ll need: One men’s necktie, scissors, pins, needle and thread, and velcro. A sewing machine is handy in this project but you can do it without as well.

First, measure out 10-12 inches on the thicker end of the necktie. I like a large, fairly fat bow tie, but if you have a toddler or you like a slimmer bow tie, you can adjust accordingly. 

Cut the tie straight across. This might give you a little heart attack, but I promise it’s ok.

Now you’ll fold the cut portion into thirds, cut side under the finished side.

Pinch the bow tie with your fingers to create the look you’re going for. Take your needle and thread and push the needle up through the middle of the bow tie. Once you pull the thread all the way to the knot in the end of your thread, wrap the thread around the middle of the tie, cinching it tightly. Then, run the needle back through the middle and tie off.

Now measure and cut about 4-5 inches on the tail end of your men’s necktie. You’ll use this to cover the middle portion.

Take the small portion of the tie you just cut and rough stitch the cut side to the back portion of your bow tie. This doesn’t have to be pretty because you’re just going to cover it up, but make sure it’s secure.

Now wrap that portion around the middle of the bow tie and really pull it tight. This can be a little tricky, so get a good grip and turn the bow tie to make sure you like the way it looks. Fold under the excess tie and whip stitch it into place. Again, this doesn’t have to look pretty because no one will see it.

At this point you have a few options. For the part that goes around the neck you can either use pieces of the actual necktie, or some grosgrain ribbon. Since I was making two bow ties from one necktie, I used ribbon. I measured my son’s neck and decided 16 inches was good for a four-year-old. I cut long pieces of velcro so I had wiggle room with how tight I wanted the tie around his neck, and sewed the strips on using my machine. If you don’t have a sewing machine you can hand sew these pretty easily, or maybe even use some fabric glue. After the velcro was all sewn, I attached the ribbon to the center portion of the bow tie with four quick stitches in the middle of the bow tie.

Easy and quick and done in a flash. The boy can even put the bow tie on himself! The other good news is that  if someone yanks on it, it comes right off and isn’t a choking hazard for your little buddy.

One necktie plus a little bit of time equals two bow ties for the little men in your life!

(Click on the link below the picture to go to IShare, then click on the photo to go to the site for the tutorial!)

1. Paperclip Bracelet (Homework)

2. Pretty Stack Rings (JTHQ)

3. Safety Pin Bracelet (Redfly Creations)

4. Inspiration Bracelet (Sometimes-Homemade)

5. Braided Statement Necklace (Nelle Creations)

6. Formal 3-Row Necklace (Bowdabra Blog)

7. Fork Bracelet (Stars For Streetlights)

8. Eclectic Braided Bracelet (The Scrap Shoppe)

 Time to get crafting! I know you will love creating these amazing pieces of jewelry as much as SHE will love receiving them! Check out even more inspiration on the IShare sites:

IShare Crafts

IShare Printables

IShare Fun Food