lizard & ladybug

Fab Finds Friday (Valentine cards)

2012-02-10T07:43:00.000-05:00

Today's finds are perfect if you're still looking for something for your kiddos to take to school..or if you're looking for something to give the kiddos..or if you're just looking for something fun!

Love Bug Valentines from dandee

iPad Valentine's Box from Living Locurto

Gumball Machine Valentine from living with threemoonbabies

Sucker for You from Shindig Parties TO GO

and here are my Robot Valentine's from last year - memory game too :)

Have a great weekend!

7 Days of Love (tutorial)

2012-02-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks to RoseMarie of Home Confetti for sharing this idea!

Valentine's is typically 'kid time' in our house & I love all the fun projects to do with them.

This year, I decided to give the husband a little....attention :)

Here's what I used:

pill organizer from Dollar Tree ($1)

red & pink card stock (from my stash)

heart stickers (from the lizard & ladybug's stash)

candy (from my stash)

I cut the red cardstock to cover the top of each little spot.

I added the heart sticker.

I cut slips of pink cardstock to use each day for little notes of loooovvveeee :)

Add a little piece of candy and voila'

Super simple, Super versatile & Super cheap (I spent $1)

Obviously you can use this idea for the kids, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, friend and/or family.

It's an easy way to remind your special person just how much you care!

40th Fiesta & Superbowl

2012-02-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

Finally, here are a few pictures of my big 40th Fiesta. I will apologize now for the lack of pictures. I tried my best to take some decent pictures...but after a few beer margaritas (which are delicious, btw), I couldn't remember where the camera was :)

So here goes..

A little of the decor. I used the great Fiesta printable collection from paper & cake and Jo Ann of Oh goodie designs sent me a box of fiesta goodies.

I made a few tissue paper flowers that I put in clean frap bottles

No pictures of actual food..but we had grilled chicken, black beans, cilantro/lime rice & all the fixin's. I even made some cute salt & pepper shakers using empty beer bottles.

Notice my festive 3-tiered stand?? It was used to hold 3 levels of chips - worked perfectly!

Maria of Love & Sugar Kisses did an OUTSTANDING job with the cupcake toppers. I got so many compliments about them & they were quite tasty too!!

My mom always makes me a chocolate birthday cake. Awww :)

I got a pinata..filled it with tattoos, gum and little maracas for the kids.

I also made sure they had a few extras to keep busy

I couldn't pass up the chance for a "40 Sucks" display

(made the holder from a yellow box from Costco)

I also wanted everyone to know that I appreciated them celebrating with me.

I made little fortunes that said

"I'm fortunate to share my birthday with you.

Thank you for making it special"

Cupcake liners from Hey Yo Yo made cute fortune cookies.

And because I really wanted to help raise a little money for a family in need,

I put out a 'tip jar'...

I collected ~$100 :)

We had lots of food left over & lots of beer too..so the party continues :)

It was a great birthday party/Super Bowl party

(even though, I didn't care who won)!!

I'm hoping 40 is the best yet!!

Fab Finds Friday (Superbowl freebies)

2012-02-03T07:57:00.000-05:00

You know there's a big game this weekend, right?

If you are having a party or just watching the game with the family...

or not even watching the game but just want to decorate :), you'll love today's finds!

First up..these fun printables shared on Hostess with the Mostess designed by Little Sprout Creations

Click here to download

Here's a great collection from Kim at The Celebration Shoppe

Click here to download

Catch My Party shared this fun collection from 9 to 5 Mom

Click here to download

Have a great Friday & weekend!
I'll be celebrating my 40th (and the Superbowl) this Sunday with a Fiesta..ole'

Happy Groundhog's Day & a little love

2012-02-02T07:38:00.000-05:00

I slacked on sending Groundhog's Day treats

with the lizard this year

(here's what I sent last year)

but I do have a few goodies for all of you!

I found this fun font (hearland regular)

last year and whipped up a few 5x7 prints.

This year, I added the turquoise color I can't get enough of.

{both are available in pink and light pink also}

Click to download

red XOXO, red LOVE,

pink XOXO, pink LOVE,

light pink XOXO, light pink LOVE,

turquoise XOXO, turquoise LOVE

I'd love to hear if you like them..

and if you use them, I'd love to see a picture!!

(post it on Facebook)

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Valentine Countdown fun (& freebies)

2012-02-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

This is a project I used last Valentine's Day..basically a hide and seek with a Valentine's twist.

For 14 days, I would hide a little treat for the kids to find.

They had a good time with this last year.

It's that time again :)

This is part of my post from last February...

I've included the heart numbers for you!

Enjoy!

________________________________

Here's what I used:

pipe cleaners (cut in half), clear treat bags and numbered heart tags

The idea is to hide their treat and have them find it.

My kids love hide and seek so this is great for them.

Plus, it may give me 5 minutes peace :)

We are starting off with lollipops (heart shaped to be exact)

If you wanted to do something like this yourself...

but don't have the pipe cleaners and/or clear bags.

Use some ribbon and plastic snack bags.

Or twisty ties and saran wrap.

I just think it's a fun treat for the kids

and it gives them something to look forward to each day!

Oh and if you need heart tags..here you go!

days 1-6, days 7-12, days 13-14 & blanks

Happy February 1st!

a whole new decade..

2012-01-31T08:42:00.000-05:00

and I started it with these 2 goofballs!

I {heart} the lizard & ladybug!

Like my new look?

2012-01-30T07:42:00.000-05:00

It's finally here!! My little blog has a BRAND NEW LOOK.

Michele from Intrigue Design Studio/Crazy for Design worked her genius

and created my little piece of heaven.

I'm in love with ALL of it.

The colors, the graphics, the 'feel' - it's just perfect for me!

As you can see, there are new pages/tabs.

I will be adding content to each of them gradually.

Notice the 'advertising' tab??

If you'd like to advertise you business/blog with me -

email me (jbandsam@gmail.com)

for rates and details.

I'm offering a 'sweetheart' of a deal for February :)

Thank you to everyone who visits, reads and comments here. It is still amazing to me that there are people (other than my relatives) who are interested in my 'stuff'.

I have lots going on this week..

regular mom stuff, Valentine prep, my birthday party prep

& oh yeah, I'm 40!!!

TODAY!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

Fab Finds Friday (Valentine's board)

2012-01-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

LOTS of FAB finds can all be found on my Valentine's Day board on Pinterest.

There are so many great ideas, it's hard to shared every.single.one on Facebook

(although, I try)..so I keep pinning and pinning.

Head over to Pinterest and check out my board.

If you're on Pinterest, leave your info, I'd love to follow along :)

Jelly Pals & Sleeper Peepers giveaway

2012-01-26T10:17:00.000-05:00

I've got 2 fun products to share today...

Both are from Streamline, a NY based company that started out importing & exporting better watches. Since the early nineties they've taken a turn towards the junior market. Streamline has something for everyone. Fun, whimsical designs for everyday use at affordable prices.

This Jelly Pals Ice Pack ($4.95) is just adorable!

It's cute, squishy and practical. It even glows a little in the dark :)

Pop them in the fridge and use them as a traditional ice pack.

You can also use them as a wrist rest while you're working at the computer!

The Sleeper Peeper Eye Mask ($6.95) is perfect to help little ones nap

when they are away from home. It's cute & really soft.

Want to win these cuties? Leave me a comment saying you do!

Deadline to enter is Jan 31st, midnight est.

If you can't wait & want to buy these now, click on the picture on the right. Enter 21649 at checkout and save 15% (discount code is good until Feb 15th)

Good Luck!

Super simple 100th Day of School treat

2012-01-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

If your kids are celebrating their 100th day of school soon & you want to send a cute treat...this one is so so simple.

Everything Bagel pretzels (from Rold Gold) and pretzel sticks.

Add them together and ... see the 100??

Cute, right?!

You can either put them in snack bags for each of the kids

OR put them in a big bowl and let the kids make their own '100' for fun :)

The lizard will be taking these to school this week for his celebration!

We have a winner!

2012-01-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the ORE Originals giveaway....

Congrats to

Jessica who said

This is such a great giveaway, My niece is starting school in the fall, and I would love to give her a lunch kit like this, so cute!!!

Send me an email (jbandsam@gmail.com)with your mailing address

& I'll get your goodies mailed out ASAP.

Fab Finds Friday

2012-01-20T07:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another Fab Finds Friday!

I hope you've all have a great week. The lizard & ladybug have both been sick this week. The lizard stayed home from school 3 days. He hated missing but there was no way I could send him when he feels so bad. The ladybug is taking some medicine for a cough that makes her 1000x more hyper than normal. So being cooped up in the house with one trying to rest & one bouncing off the walls = ARHGHGHG!

I'm ready to pull my hair out!

Anyhoo..I wanted to share a few (FREE) things.

Amy of Living Locurto shared this great Celebrate party collection.

It has everything you need to make a party extra special.

Check it out HERE.

This adorable playroom subway art from Anything but Perfect.

Angela has a BOATLOAD of freebies HERE.

Over the Big Moon has lots of great freebies too.

My favorite (right now) are these kitchen printables!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

And if you want to send some 'germ-be-gone' thoughts my way, I'd appreciate it :)

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

2012-01-18T07:22:00.000-05:00

The lizard helped make our grocery list :)

I don't know what's cuter..the way he spelled 'soup' or that he correctly spelled 'ham'.

I don't eat meat (& we keep kosher) so ham has never been on our list :)

a gift to myself

2012-01-17T07:52:00.000-05:00

Some of you may know my birthday is coming up...(in 13 days, to be exact).

I've been looking around for fun ideas for my 40th Fiesta - here's my Pinterest board.

I wanted something special to wear, like jewelry.

I'm not a flashy jewelry person. I like simple, classic & unique.

I'm loving hand stamped, washer-style pendants.

In fact, I made some for Mother's Day a few years ago.*

While searching online for my own hand stamped cutie, I decided to try making one (again).

*my first attempt left me frustrated & needing to wash out my mouth with soap.

This time went much better.

Here's what I started with.

I got my stamp set here. The washers came from Lowes (~$1.20/3)

Oh, grab a Sharpie too!

I picked 9/16th size washers because I liked the size

(and I had lots of letters to add)

I kind of eyeballed the placement of the letters, that's why they are a little wonky.

After I filled in the letters using the Sharpie..it looked like this

Dampen a paper towel with rubbing alcohol to remove the 'extra' marker

I plan on trying it again, to see if I can even out the names.

And to make better impressions of all the letters.

But you get the idea.

I'll probably hang it on a simple ribbon

(maybe with a bead) and give it to myself as a gift :)

Have a great Tuesday!

and don't forget to enter the O.R.E Originals giveaway HERE

planning WAY ahead

2012-01-16T08:42:00.000-05:00

I already have a few big deals in the works...

my 40th, the husband's grandfather's 90th and Valentine's Day.

BUT I had a few discussions with the lizard & ladybug this weekend and they agreed to have a Super Hero Party.

Now, their birthdays aren't until May but I figured I'd get cracking early :)

I've seen some really really great ideas for Super Hero Parties. Since it's going to be a combo party..I need to make sure it's not to 'girly' or 'boy-y'

I've even created a Pinterest board to start saving my ideas.

Here are some of the great ideas I've found:

Maria of Love & Sugar Kisses created these adorable cupcake toppers

(she's also making some goodies for my 40th Fiesta).

The ladies of Anders Ruff created this SUPER party.

These adorable capes and masks.

I love the idea of individual capes & masks!

My thought is to have a pool party & have the capes double as towels.

Can any of you make these??

I don't ~~can't~~ sew :)

There you go, this is what I was doing last night.

Instead of ALL the other things I needed to do, I was searching for Super Hero ideas.

I hope your weekend was a little more productive than mine :)

Great giveaway from The Organized Parent

2012-01-12T07:40:00.000-05:00

I'm loving this giveaway!!

It's from ORE Originals. It's company that started off creating recycled-rubber bulletin boards that were designed, assembled and shipped right out of a garage! The bulletin boards Lisa created were the foundation of her basic collection of fun solutions to enhance everyday life.

In 2003, after the birth of her son, Lisa was inspired to add a collection of baby products.

Today, ORE Originals sells a variety of home organization products, bath accessories,

personal totes and a line of baby products.

The giveaway today includes 4 adorable products.

The Silverware Set ($8.95)

I love that it comes in a re-useable carry case!!

Lil' Diner Tabletop Splat Mat ($6.95)

Super cute & practical too.

Kiddie Apron ($15.95)

How adorable is this?

Classic Lunch Sack ($15.95)

It's a great size for lunch.

And easy to clean too!

*Each item will have the BOWMEOW pattern.

Want to win all 4??

Just leave me a comment telling me you want to win :)

(make sure you leave you email too)

If you just can't wait and want to grab these goodies.

Click on The Organized Parent button on the right.

Use code 21648 at checkout and get 15% off!

(the deal is good until Jan 31st)

Giveaway ends..Wednesday January 18th - midnight EST

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:49:00.000-05:00

How we spent the last day of the lizard's Winter Break....

yes, it was warm enough for shorts :)

Have a great HUMP day!

XOXO Tic Tac Toe (freebie)

2012-01-10T07:49:00.000-05:00

I just can't help myself...

all the Valentine goodies around have inspired me!

I grabbed these cute containers (10/$1) at Dollar Tree

knowing that I could use them for something.

I came up with XOXO Tic Tac Toe & these containers are perfect for holding the 'pieces' (m&m's, kisses, whatever candy you choose)

*better make sure you add extra candy :)

So so simple & really cute (if I do say so myself).

This is perfect for classroom treats, playdate favors, Valentine parties..you name it!

Feel free to download your own games HERE.

(print them on heavy cardstock)

Enjoy!

my weekend

2012-01-09T07:43:00.000-05:00

The weather was gorgeous here this weekend. Mid 70's and sunny! Perfect weather to be outside.. I, on the other hand, spent most of Sunday working on my 'craft cave'.

This is what it's looked like for a while...

Last week, Michaels had their storage stuff 50% off and I couldn't pass up the bargains.

I picked up a few pieces.

I also snapped up a Martha Stewart cubbie storage for $39 at Home Depot.

This is what it looks like now...

Slowly, but surely the room is coming together. It will take a little more time to get the room the way I want it...I need shelves and whatnot..but for now, it's more and more like a craft room!

The lizard and ladybug call it my 'office'.

Now if I could just make some moola while I'm in there :)

I hope you all had a productive weekend too!!

Fab Finds Friday (40th Fiesta ideas)

2012-01-06T07:53:00.000-05:00

Today's finds are totally selfish!

I'm planning my 40th (EEK) Fiesta

and have been spending WAY too much time looking for fun ideas.

Here's my Pinterest board, if you want to follow along :)

The party will be Superbowl Sunday so it's going to be very casual - since that's how I roll :)

Here are a few fun things I've put on my 'wish list'

I saw this shirt from Oodles Decals on Etsy and fell in love.

Not sure how I feel about being 'vintage' but the shirt is cool!

This multicolor charm bracelet from Caya's Cowgirl Creations is super cute & just my style!

These Beer Margaritas from Rachael Ray would be perfect.

Has anyone ever tried these?

A few of the goodies I've already decided on...

this Fiesta printable set from paper & cake

and Maria from Love & Sugar Kisses is making cupcake toppers for me :)

The countdown is on...a little over 3 weeks from now, I'll be starting a whole new decade!!!

Can you feel my 'OMG, I'M GETTING OLD' stress??????

wordless Wednesday (nostalgia)

2012-01-04T08:36:00.000-05:00

For me, New Year's means it's time to renew, declutter, organize. We started with clearing out our garage this past weekend. I found some of my old Barbies. btw, none of them had hair. I apparently wanted to be a hair stylist back in the day.

I had clothes

some furniture (all blow up)

even this 'fancy' tv :)

and of course, Ken

(ignore the naked Barbie in the background)

The best part of all was watching the ladybug enjoy them as much as I did.

Does New Year's make you want to prioritize, reorganize and declutter?

Next project for me is my craft room...I will be sure to share my progress :)

Have a GREAT Wednesday!

FranklinCovey planner winners....

2012-01-03T08:12:00.000-05:00

I hope you are all having a great start to 2012!

It's finally COLD here in Florida!!!

I know, I know..cold to me is mild to others :)

The 2 winners of the FranklinCover wire planners are

mommywilson who said

Here is what I am doing for 2012! http://www.mysimplerlife.com/2012/Decluttercalendar2012.pdf This is someone elses creation, but I am going to follow it. Simple tasks each day. Not overwhelming!

and

susan who said

You are an inspiration for helping me get organized and simplify my life. I love your blog. 2012 will be a better year for me because of you. I would love to win the franklin planner....use one years ago and would definitely benefit again from using one.

Congrats!!

Send me your address & I'll get your planners out ASAP!!!

More fun things coming up this year!

A new blog design, more giveaways..and lots lots more!!

Happy Tuesday!

Fab Finds Friday (NYE inspiration)

2011-12-29T18:37:00.015-05:00

I can't believe this will be my last post in 2011!!

Where has this year gone?

Today's finds are all about New Year's Eve...and last minute party ideas.

Whether your celebration is HUGE or low-key (like ours),

I hope you find a little inspiration today.

Plus I'm sharing my own little NYE kit :)

If you're still looking for decorations, Piggy Bank Parties has 3 great collections!!

They are a deal, only $5.00!!

If you're not stalking Oink! The Blog of Piggy Bank Parties...you really should be!

It's one of my FAVES!

Looking for a fun, festive dessert?

These New Year's Eve Midnight cupcake from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen are perfect!

How adorable are these?

Click here for the recipe & instructions.

Looking for something fun to do with the kids?

Mique of 30 handmade days is sharing this great resolution activity printable.

Click here to get yours.

I've already printed some for our NYE!

Another great activity for the kids comes from The Idea Room.

New Year's Eve Countdown Activity Bags.

Click here for the instructions (and free printables) along with Amy's activity ideas.

Here's my contribution.

A NYE kit for the kids.

Borrowing this idea from One Charming Party.

I got a few aluminum pans w/lids from Dollar Tree.

The graphic is from Graphics Fairy - enlarged to (sorta) fit the pan.*

You could use any color paper and hand draw a clock too :)

I'm filling the pan with candy, noise makers, masks &

anything else that will keep the kids entertained.

If you wanted, you could add clock hands and have the kids countdown to midnight.

Lots of ways to use this simple NYE kit.

I wish you all a very very Happy New Year!!

New Year's Eve (flashback)

2011-12-29T08:08:00.000-05:00

I plan to share lots of great 'new' New Year's finds tomorrow...

but in the meantime, here's another look at our NYE party from last year!!

Here are some of the highlights.

The table before the 'real' food.

I had a branch (already painted from Halloween) that I added black and white poms to (thanks to Kristy - The Purple Pug for that idea). I used a cake stand to hold the paper fortune cookies we made (got that idea from Home Confetti).

Oreos baked inside brownies = Black and White brownies

My 'countdown' cupcakes. I used black card stock and metallic pen.

Dipped a marshmallow in clear sprinkles (for the sparkly effect)

and added it all to a lollipop stick.

The cupcakes are Funfetti (of course)!

Champagne 'bubbles' (donut holes) - thanks to Kim - Party Frosting!

I used my New Year's printable (attached to card stock & a dowel) as centerpieces.

They are standing in jars of black eyed peas:)

A can of Rotel and black eyed peas became our 'lucky' salsa.

The pasta was festive because I used bowties and curly noodles. haha

A little bubbly. I punched 2" circles of silver card stock then used a 1" punch.

The glasses ~~cheapo plastic~~ came apart so I could add the 'bling'.

I can't have people leave without something.

Some reNEWing hand scrub for the girls, chocolate bars for the guys

and some snazzy sunglasses (since we were whooping it up during the day)

The kids LOVED counting down and yelling 'HAPPY NEW YEAR'.

They loved it even more when the saw their bubbly :)

Kiddie Cocktails (cherry Caprisuns with a few cherries)

Everyone had a fun time. The weather was great..the company was great & it was early enough for everyone to get the heck out so I could get to bed early :)

Cheers to a fabulous 2011!!

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

I hope you're all having a great last week of 2011!!

lizard & ladybug

Fab Finds Friday (Valentine cards)

7 Days of Love (tutorial)

40th Fiesta & Superbowl

Fab Finds Friday (Superbowl freebies)

Happy Groundhog's Day & a little love

Valentine Countdown fun (& freebies)

Here's what I used:

pipe cleaners (cut in half), clear treat bags and numbered heart tags

If you wanted to do something like this yourself...

but don't have the pipe cleaners and/or clear bags.

Use some ribbon and plastic snack bags.

Or twisty ties and saran wrap.

I just think it's a fun treat for the kids

and it gives them something to look forward to each day!

**Oh and if you need heart tags..here you go!**

days 1-6, days 7-12, days 13-14 & blanks

Happy February 1st!

a whole new decade..

Like my new look?

Fab Finds Friday (Valentine's board)

Jelly Pals & Sleeper Peepers giveaway

Super simple 100th Day of School treat

We have a winner!

Fab Finds Friday

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

a gift to myself

planning WAY ahead

Great giveaway from The Organized Parent

Wordless Wednesday

XOXO Tic Tac Toe (freebie)

my weekend

Fab Finds Friday (40th Fiesta ideas)

wordless Wednesday (nostalgia)

FranklinCovey planner winners....

Fab Finds Friday (NYE inspiration)

New Year's Eve (flashback)

Oh and if you need heart tags..here you go!