Serenity Now

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

2012-02-25T10:31:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday! Are you enjoying your weekend? Please pop in to link up YOUR best post of the week at my Weekend Bloggy Reading party. And don't forget to enter the Cutting Edge Stencils Giveaway.

All kinds of posts are welcome here: We have recipes, home remedies, room makeovers, crafts, fashion advice, book reviews, and more! The code for the button is near the end of this post.

There are a lot of fabulous posts this weekend...I have more to share tomorrow! If you haven't yet, please be sure to visit some of the other links from the party and say a quick howdy to those who have taken the time to visit you. I'd also really appreciate it if you'd take the time to add a direct link back to me within your post(s)...I like to return the favor by Featuring the bloggers who follow through with good blogging etiquette!

Keep reading to see just a few of the posts that caught my eye so far.

***PLEASE, If you are a Pinterest user, Pin from the original source so that each blogger gets credit for his/her work.***

~West Elm-Inspired Pendant Light via Just So Lovely

~Boy's Closet Nook via Visual Meringue

~Barbecue Chicken Pizza via Itsy Bitsy Paper

~10 Minute Flower Pins via The Frugal Homemaker

~Booze Buffet via House TalkN (please invite me next time)

~How to Coupon and Keep Your Sanity via Living Laughing and Loving

~Rake Scarf Holder via Living. On. Purpose

Okay...I'm out of time for today, but I'll have a whole new list of links to share for tomorrow!

So, what did you have up your sleeve this week? Come by and share it with us here! Be sure to check out some of the other bloggers' work too. Here's the button in case you'd rather use that than a text link back.

I'm working at commenting as well as balancing my family and fun time this weekend...thanks for your patience! More Features coming tomorrow!

If I've featured you, feel free to snag this button for your blog:

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

2012-02-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Weekend Bloggy Reading. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love! Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link! I also have a fantastic Cutting Edge Stencils (wall stencil) Giveaway going on! (Joining this party and adding a link back to me within your post earns you an extra entry!)

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~Master Bathroom Makeover via 320 Sycamore

~DIY Camera Bag via My Serendipitous Life

~Secret Ingredient to a Great Blog via Miss Mustard Seed (Brilliant advice!)

~Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie via My Blessed Life

~The Lazy Gal's Guide to Seasonal Wreaths via the handmade home

~Modern Pet Crate Coffee Table via HGTV.com (think my kids would go in there?) {wink}

~And Me? This week featured:

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Rules:

Link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back to me.*
No items for sale, shops, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Remember this party is for your best post of the week. Don't link up 10 posts...that's really not in the spirit of this party.
Please visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

*A text link-back (ex- Linking to Serenity Now) is fantastic, but here's the button code if you'd prefer to use that rather than a text link-back:

Party is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday night.

What are you up to this weekend?

I hope to be back tomorrow with some highlights from Weekend Bloggy Reading!

(This Code is for blogs that I featured today!):

Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway ($50 value!)

2012-02-23T08:01:00.002-05:00

I've been so excited for today's Giveaway from Cutting Edge Stencils! One lucky winner will receive his or her choice of any one reusable wall stencil, up to a $50 value! Keep reading to learn a little more about stenciling and to get details for the Giveaway entry.

If you read Home/DIY blogs, you know by now that a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update a room. Wallpaper is also making a huge comeback, but it can be pricey and very very time-consuming to to apply. The best way to merge the idea of a freshly painted room with patterned walls is with stencils!

The idea of stenciling may conjure up bad memories of 1980s sponge painting, pastel geese, and awful faux finishes, but I have good news. Stencils have come a long way, and Cutting Edge Stencils has a site full of updated, modern patterns that will not only fit your style...but will also fit your budget!

I love that the site shows examples of the stencils "in action," rather than just showing us the pattern.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

Geometric-

Damask-

-Kids' Room and Nursery Stencils

The neatest part about Cutting Edge Stencils is that they provide plenty of how-tos...they even have a YouTube Channel stocked with stenciling tutorials! Here's a great beginner video if you're considering stenciling one of your own walls:

Want to win your choice of a Cutting Edge Stencil, valued up to $50?*

Here's how you can enter (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

1. Visit the Cutting Edge Stencils shop and leave me a comment here with the name of your favorite stencil pattern.

-For Extra Entries-

2. "Like" Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook.

3. Follow Serenity Now on Google Friend Connect/GFC (so your cute face shows up in that box on my sidebar!) or let me know if you already do.

4. Facebook this Giveaway with a link to this post.

5. Tweet this Giveaway: Cutting Edge Stencil #Giveaway via @SerenityNowGirl! Win a stencil of your choice! @CEStencils http://bit.ly/yBXiw5

6. Join my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party this weekend, and include a link back to me within your post (only posts with link-backs will be eligible to win).

*Giveaway will be open until 10 pm ET on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Open to U.S. Residents only. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Cutting Edge Stencils provided me with a stencil to review. Opinions are, as always, my own.

I hope you'll come back tomorrow to link up YOUR best post of the week to Weekend Bloggy Reading. Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

DIY Limbo

2012-02-22T08:01:00.001-05:00

DIYing in February can be tricky when you live in Virginia. For most of this month, I've been busy with the same project. We don't have a basement or garage, so the great outdoors is my workshop. This is problematic for a girl who tends to rush through things to check them off her imaginary to-do list. A girl who doesn't like waiting. A girl who doesn't much like the great outdoors.

I am now at the mercy of Mother Nature and T's friend who owns a paint sprayer. Good weather is essential to the completion of my DIY project, and so is the paint sprayer...which will make sense when I show you the finished project, should that day ever come.

Mother Nature enjoys teasing me with a few days of warmth and sunshine, only to yank it away with cold and snow and rain. T's friend is busy with some of his own DIY jobs, so he hasn't made it over to our place yet. I'm considering telling him that T isn't allowed to play at his house anymore until he gets over here already and works his paint sprayer magic.

I've compared paint chips, cleaned, sanded, dusted, caulked, and primed. Now, it's just a waiting game. Did I mention I don't like waiting?

Do you have any DIY projects in Limbo?

Latest Thrift Shopping Fun

2012-02-21T08:01:00.001-05:00

By now, you must have realized that browsing a thrift store for diamonds in the rough is a hobby of mine. I don't have a garage, basement, or workshop to store pieces, so many of them are sadly left behind. Thrift Store Shopping is a great way to get your creative juices flowing and to imagine all the possibilities for discarded furniture and accessories you come across.

Christy, my favorite thrifting partner in crime, helped me stake out the opening of a new local consignment/thrift shop at the beginning of February, Starbucks to-go mugs clenched tightly in our thrifty little hands. And this time, we didn't leave empty handed! In fact, we made such great purchases that other shoppers were stopping us to ask about our bargains.

See if you can guess what came home with us...makeovers will be posted as soon as the weather clears enough for me to complete some work!

Call me crazy, but I can see this pretty pink bookcase in a little girl's room if it were styled the right way. (ie. not with country-stitched geese or old cross-stitched toilet paper covers) Even painted a nice neutral gray, the lines on this guy are nice:

This gorgeous cerulean-ish blue compote made me smile. It would be perfect in a Spring display!

Sure, this green bowl looks a little dated and hokey lumped in with a bunch of old bottles and vases...but I think it could really shine on someone's bookshelf or built-ins. Add a nice pop of color!

Speaking of green, I'm not a fan of the checker board on the top (I have no patience for games), but I love the shape of this side table!

Get rid of all the extra tchotchkes on top of it, and this little white industrial shelving unit would be a fun addition to your kitchen with some modern accessories!

This bench needs a fresh coat of paint and an updated fabric for the cushion:

This trio looked like a worn out set, but the coffee table was actually a different brand. An awful stain, but all three have great lines!

Oh, the possibilities I see for this cute little cabinet with the ugly knobs:

Um, so this currently resembles something you'd see in an 1853 bordello, but I can see it spray painted a solid color as an accent in a sewing or craft room:

How cool would this trunk be to store blankets, extra pillows, magazines, or board games?

I may have drooled a leetle bit when I saw this beauty:

I was sad to walk away from some of these fab finds, but I didn't walk away completely empty handed. What do you think came home with me?

How would you make over or use some of these pieces?

"Perfect" Blog (My Blog's Birthday)

2012-02-20T08:01:00.001-05:00

This one's for my blogger friends! Just about four years ago, I sat down to write my very first blog post while my two year old and newborn were sleeping. Never mind that it would be almost another year before I decided to write again on any semblance of a schedule. You'd think that by now, after three years of regular blogging, I'd have the Perfect Blog...or at least have figured out the basic inner workings of the blogosphere.

source

The thing is, "perfect" is such a relative term. What is perfect to me might be completely different for you.

I look at my favorite blogs (most of them much larger than mine) and I tell myself "Now that is perfect. Look at her projects, her house, her clothes, her site's stats, her design...why can't I be more like that?!" I bet you've done the same thing. We all play the comparison game.

The longer I blog, the more I learn that comparing your work to others can lead to discouragement!

Why spend time wishing you had ____ (insert large number here) "Followers," or that you came up with that fantastic project that went viral on Pinterest? Instead of lamenting my shortcomings, I'm learning to be inspired and motivated by the achievements of my fellow bloggers.

Too often, we focus solely on what lies ahead, thinking about what we should be working on for that next milestone. It's important to set goals, but I also think that taking an occasional moment to look back on your achievements can be just as helpful. When I start feeling discouraged, I'm learning to be proud of and grateful for what I have achieved.

And that advice, on this year's "blog birthday," is what I'd like to impart to other bloggers: Be thankful for your accomplishments, no matter how small. Set attainable goals for yourself and don't rush to get there. The blogosphere is not going anywhere!

Did you just start a blog? Congratulations...it's a big step, putting your life out there for the world to see.

Have you had your first feature this week? That's an amazing feeling! Use that energy to plan your next big project.

Are you venturing into sponsorship for the first time? Take pride in the fact that someone thinks you are worth partnering with.

I do have some plans for this next year. Soon you'll see a new banner design and navigation bar here with some updated pages. I'm still pleased as punch to have the honor of working with Kate as a contributor to Centsational Girl. I also hope that 2012 will bring me more opportunities to work with my favorite brands and new sponsors. Blogging is hard work, and I'm always looking for ways to fund the projects I want to complete and share with you.

Is my blog's design perfect? No. Do I always share the most exciting projects that you immediately want Pin and email to all your friends? No. Have I mastered social media? No. Is there a whole list of things I need to improve on? Yes!

I try not to play the comparison game anymore because, guess what? It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful.

source

Yep, my friend The Nester sums it up so nicely, doesn't she? I don't have to kick myself for not having the "Perfect" blog, impressive stats, or amazing projects to share seven days a week. I can celebrate the fact that I started this site with not a soul reading it....now a couple thousand people stop by every day to check in. Blogging opened a wonderful creative outlet for me; and it has enabled me to connect with and relate to people all over the world.

Sounds pretty perfect to me.

Linking to The Nester

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

2012-02-18T10:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! Are you enjoying your weekend? Please pop in to link up YOUR best post of the week at my Weekend Bloggy Reading party.

All kinds of posts are welcome here: We have recipes, home remedies, room makeovers, crafts, fashion advice, book reviews, and more! The code for the button is near the end of this post.

There are a lot of fabulous posts this weekend...I have more to share tomorrow! If you haven't yet, please be sure to visit some of the other links from the party and say a quick howdy to those who have taken the time to visit you. I'd also really appreciate it if you'd take the time to add a direct link back to me within your post(s)...I like to return the favor by Featuring the bloggers who follow through with good blogging etiquette!

Keep reading to see just a few of the posts that caught my eye so far.

***PLEASE, If you are a Pinterest user, Pin from the original source so that each blogger gets credit for her work.***

~Fabric Backed Open Kitchen Cabinets via Pretty Handy Girl

~DIY Bulb Lantern via Four Generations One Roof

~5 Things Every Pinterest User Should Know via Positively Splendid (Please read this if you use Pinterest!)

~Homemade Salsa via Pushing Twigs

~Tips for Styling Bookcases and Built-Ins via Lovely etc.

~Adorable "Pamper Your Spouse" Date Night via The Blooming Daisy

~DIY Nailhead Trim Headboard via Amanda Carol at Home

Okay...I'm out of time for today, but I'll have a whole new list of links to share for tomorrow!

If I've featured you, feel free to snag this button for your blog:

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

2012-02-17T08:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Weekend Bloggy Reading. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love! Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link!

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~Advice for Bloggers via Centsational Girl

~Kitchen Storage Ideas via Better Homes and Gardens

~Homemade Granola via I {heart} Naptime

~lalaloopsy Birthday Party via Beth Kruse Custom Creations

~Living Room Reveal via The Ivy Cottage Blog

~And Me? This week featured:

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Rules:

Link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back to me.*
No items for sale, shops, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Remember this party is for your best post of the week. Don't link up 10 posts...that's really not in the spirit of this party.
Please visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

How to Host a Chick Flick Night at Home

2012-02-16T08:01:00.001-05:00

Movie nights are, in my opinion, one of the easiest Girls' Nights Out to organize. I've shared about my Chick Flick Club and, most recently, about my chick flick movie picks for this winter. I don't know if you've noticed this, but movie tickets are expensive. Heading out with some girlfriends to see the latest romantic comedy can cost around $20 or so if you get a snack and a drink. The easiest way around this is to host a Chick Flick Night at Home!

My friend Christy and I organize monthly events for our MOPS group, and we decided to throw a "movie night in" for the January Moms' Night Out. Our friend Michelle agreed to host, because she has a big giant beautiful house and her kids are old enough and well behaved enough to not scare the moms off with question-asking and whining and nose-picking and other annoying kiddie things that all of our kids do. Michelle is a smarty-pants who also has great ideas for fun decorating.

With a little planning, it was not hard to make the evening memorable without going overboard.

Here's how we put the Chick Flick Night together:

Invites
Just like with the Chick Flick Club, if you're inviting a large group, sending an Evite is the easiest way to track RSVPs and get the word out. Be sure to let the group know the specifics: date and time, dress, and whether or not the event is a potluck or not. Give your friends a week or two notice.

Decorations
Totally optional, but it really helps get everyone in the mood. Michelle found the cutest rolls of "Hollywood" tape that we wound around the columns on her front porch and stretched across the front door and the door to her basement.

Dress
It is sooo much fun to go completely casual for nights like this. We requested the the moms come in pajamas, sweats, or loungewear, and the vast majority were good sports. I wore lounge pants, a Barbie t-shirt, and a comfy socks. It's so much easier to relax and enjoy yourself when you are comfortable!

The Space
Michelle has a fabulous basement, spacious and open...plenty of room to watch the movie, hang out, and arrange the food. Basements are great because they give you space away from noisy kids who don't want to go to bed, husbands who want to sneak cookies off the buffet, and pets who stick their noses into your friends' purses. If you don't have a basement (I don't!), just make your designated space comfortable with extra pillows and blankets.

Food
Times are hard for many families out there, and hosting a party or event can be daunting if you're worried about providing food and drinks for a bunch of people. We opted to make our chick flick night a potluck. This is a great option which means you'll get a nice variety of appetizers and desserts. Christy and I bought drinks and popcorn, and Michelle put some yummy movie candy out with the cutest movie-themed paper goods.

Ice Breakers
If the group is small and knows each other well, you'll have no problem chatting and coming up with fun stuff to talk about. We opted to open the evening with a Wii dance game. Our friend Amy, a former model, was kind enough to do a little "workshop" with make-up tips. The moms all brought their own make-up for beauty tips and make-over fun. You could even do a little movie trivia quiz or game and offer a DVD or movie ticket prize!

The Flick
We opted to narrow down our DVDs to a few and let the group vote (we ended up watching Water for Elephants), but if you're celebrating the release of a specific movie, you could just make sure everyone knows what you're watching ahead of time.

And the only thing left to do is, well, watch the movie!

What's your favorite Moms' Night In idea?

Creamy Chicken Florentine (Kraft Foods and My Thoughts on Dinnertime)

2012-02-15T08:01:00.005-05:00

Thank you to Kraft Foods for offering me the opportunity to recreate a recipe with PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme. Please click here to learn more about all the PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme flavors and recipes.

I was pleased to be selected to test out one of Kraft Foods' new products, a cooking creme. I accepted the challenge...I'm always looking for inexpensive ways to simplify our dinnertime routine!

Kraft supplied me with a recipe for Creamy Chicken Florentine; it was up to me to customize it and create a meal my family would enjoy. Here's what I came up with!

Creamy Chicken Florentine

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup fire roasted, diced tomatoes
1 tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Savory Garlic Cooking Creme
1 pkg. (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves
2 cups hot, cooked penne pasta
2 Tbsp. slivered almonds, toasted

Instructions:

1. Cook chicken and tomatoes in a large, non-stick skillet on medium heat, 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

2. Add the cooking cream to the chicken and tomato mixture.

3. Cook and stir for 3 minutes.

4. Stir in spinach and pasta. Top with slivered almonds before serving.

Notes: If you use frozen chicken breasts (which are what I had on hand) be sure to defrost them well before you begin. You can even defrost in the microwave if you are in a rush! I used canned tomatoes to speed up the dinner prep, and I carefully toasted the slivered almonds in the microwave with a tablespoon of butter. I also chose to top the pasta with the chicken and cream topping, rather than mixing it all together.

Variations: Is your husband a fan of sea food like mine is? Substitute shrimp for the chicken! You could also try red pepper strips instead of the diced tomatoes. My husband and kids don't care for red peppers, so I opted for the tomatoes. Or try toasted Italian pine nuts in place of the slivered almonds.

The PHILADELPHIA cooking cream is as simple to use as opening the tub and adding it to the skillet! The cream blended easily and added a lot of flavor to the meal. It was easy to customize the recipe to fit my family's needs.

I served our meal with a side of warm, whole wheat French bread...delicious!

With dinner taken care of, all I had to do was enjoy the meal with my family! When we have the opportunity to sit down to dinner together, we make an effort to connect. No TV or cell phones around...just us. We do our best to include the kids in our conversation, even if it's as simple as asking them to share the very best thing to happen to them that day. Feeling relaxed at the table helps me to enjoy the meal more, to be present....rather than being cranky about extra trips to the store or feeling guilty about spending too much on ingredients we didn't really need.

We're all busy...homework, practices, work, family commitments. Dinner should be about nourishing our families: not just physically, but in spirit as well!

Here's a little video testimony I put together (you'll have to click over if you're viewing this in a reader or email):

Thank you again to Kraft Foods for sponsoring this blog post. I was selected as one of 20 bloggers by Technorati Media and Clever Girls Collective to participate in the Kraft Foods PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme signature recipes campaign. While I have been compensated for my time and received the product, my opinions and experiences are my own.

Linking to Positively Splendid, Today's Creative Blog, Home Stories A to Z

A Real Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:01:00.001-05:00

I used to envision myself opening a pretty Tiffany blue box on Valentine's Day, breakfast in bed, and sonnets written in my honor. Reality after ten and a half years of marriage is a heartfelt Hallmark card, a run to the Starbucks drive-thru after preschool drop-off, and new Barbie clothes for the girls wrapped in brightly colored cupcake wrapping paper with a heart shaped box of chocolates.

Sure, it's easy to dream about that greener grass on the other side of the fence, and yeah (!) I'd still love to have that blue Tiffany box, but occasionally I am reminded of what real love looks like. And this time it was in the form of this little note that my kindergartner surprised me with, so proud of her own spelling skills.

Real love is when your four year old gives you a goldfish cracker crumb hug, when your man helps you sand down a project because he knows your hands are getting tired, when your dog wants to snuggle on the couch after a long day, when your six year old sneaks off to the living room to pen you a love note.

Forget the Tiffany box...I'd say I have it pretty good.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Valentine's Day Decorations (Fake Mantel)

2012-02-13T08:01:00.002-05:00

I don't decorate a lot for Valentine's Day, but I couldn't let the holiday pass us by without sharing how I spruced up the top of my TV armoire without spending a dime. We don't have a mantel, so I use the armoire for holiday and seasonal displays. This is my "Valentine's Fake Mantel," put together using stuff I had in my stash...

Exhibit A-

My lantern from Blessings Unlimited. I added some heart ornaments to the interior, and attached the cute hearts on wire (a gift from Domestic Fashionista) to the top:

I also have some cute Valentine's blocks I picked up at the Target Dollar Spot a month or two ago. I stuck those in front of an apothecary filled with glittery styrofoam balls. You might recognize those from Michaela Byrd's Hello Kitty Birthday Party. I love to reuse stuff!

The other side of the armoire is tricky. I keep a small antique trunk up there. I know that seems odd, but my dad refinished it for me as a Christmas gift one year, and we just don't have space for it anywhere else. It is sometimes nice to have it for layering....

And across the front I have some of those country berry bead thingies with a heart garland wound through.

One more, with the dog who insists on being in the shot:

So...nothing that will blow your mind here. I was hoping that if there are any of you who are mantel-less like me, you might pick up a few ideas. You could use the top of a bookcase, a buffet or sideboard...

Did you decorate for Valentine's Day this year?

Linked to Today's Creative Blog, Home Stories A to Z

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

2012-02-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

~Portable Office (Home Organization) via Organizing Made Fun

~Reese's Pieces Cupcakes via Me and My Pink Mixer

~DIY Cupcake Carrier via Parties for Pennies

~Chalkboard Paint Door Calendar via The Lovely Cupboard

~Valentine's Day Containers via Life in the Thrifty Lane

~Button Initials via Northwest Lovelies

~Disney World Outtakes via Two Story Cottage

~Onesie Dress via Jessie Street Designs

If I've featured you, feel free to snag this button for your blog:

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

2012-02-10T08:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Weekend Bloggy Reading. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love! Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link!

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~Projects with Covered Buttons via Tatertots and Jello

~Kelly Green Campaign Dresser via Centsational Girl

~Sectional Slipcover via The Delectable Home

~Dog Kennel End Table (from Ana White Plans) via Cul-de-Sac Chic

~Zebra Cupcakes via the sasse life

~And Me? This week featured:

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Rules:

Please link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back to me.*
No items for sale, shops, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Remember this party is for your best post of the week. Don't link up 10 posts...that's really not in the spirit of this party.
Please visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

Valentine's Day Ideas (Pins to Admire & Inspire)

2012-02-09T08:01:00.003-05:00

I am busy with some behind-the-scenes work and the light hasn't been good enough to photograph my own Valentine's Day decorations, so I thought that today I'd take a blogging break and share some fun Valentine's Day Ideas (all kinds) for your enjoyment.

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies- Target's Dollar Spot always has Valentine's sprinkles!

Source: sandandsisal.com via Crafter on Pinterest

Valentine's Embroidery Hoops- what a fun and simple update to your decor

Source: modpodgerocksblog.com via Crafter on Pinterest

Lovely Valentine's Day Display

Source: lookiewhatidid.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Heart Inside Cupcake

Source: curbly.com via Crafter on Pinterest

Heart Barrettes-my girls love their hair accessories!

Source: purlbee.com via Crafter on Pinterest

Valentine's Fat Quarter Skirts-a great unconventional gift idea if you're handy with a needle and thread

Source: infarrantlycreative.net via Amanda on Pinterest

Valentine's Mantel- I just love how colorful this is!

Source: positivelysplendid.com via Amanda on Pinterest

A round-up of handmade ideas

Source: everythingetsy.com via Crafter on Pinterest

Burlap Hearts- love the rustic touch!

Source: elinepellinkhof.blogspot.com via Colleen on Pinterest

Twinkies! T would flip for this...he loves Twinkies

Source: confessionsofacookbookqueen.com via Colleen on Pinterest

Free circle Valentine printable!

Source: anythingbutperfect.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Valentine Cake Pops- I just might make these for myself

Source: kids.nationalgeographic.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Boy Valentine Idea

Source: thirtyhandmadedays.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Valentine Fruit--this is totally doable!

Source: bestfriendsforfrosting.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Bear Hug Valentine

Source: familyfun.go.com via Amanda on Pinterest

"Pucker Up"

Source: hlkdownstairsdesigns.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies- yes, please

Source: sweetpeaskitchen.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Scratch Off "Lucky in Love" Card

Source: bhg.com via Diana on Pinterest

Teacher Gift Idea

Source: cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Do you make Valentine's gifts, cards, or decor?

I'll confess, I've been a "slacker" this year, and I'm okay with it! Michaela Byrd and Natalie are taking Hello Kitty and Barbie store-bought cards to school this year...and they're okay with it too!

Winter Chick Flick Club Picks

2012-02-08T08:01:00.001-05:00

I totally dropped the ball, yet again, on my Chick Flick Club. To be fair, Christy and I put together a super fun Movie Night a couple of weeks ago that my sweet friend Michelle hosted...but it's not the same as hitting the theater with the a bucket of popcorn (or something chocolate, if your name is Amanda), some caffeine to keep you awake, and a few good friends to laugh through the previews with.

I'll share more about hosting a movie night at home another time, but I thought it would be fun to do a little round-up of movies that are on my radar. I tend to go for romantic comedies...there's too much seriousness going on in the world to weep through a movie on a girls' night out!

Must-see:

One for the Money (Katherine Heigl and some very hot scruffy-ish guy)
I finished reading the first book in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, so I can't wait to see this one. Looks like a fun movie:

The Hunger Games (Jennifer Lawrence)
Another wonderful series, this one by Suzanne Collins. I don't normally like stories about dirty, down-trodden people, but this series is an excellent story. It is geared for teens, but the themes of power, reality and entertainment, class, sacrifice, etc. etc. will draw you in. Can't wait to see it played out on the screen.

Maybe?

This Means War (Reese Witherspoon, two hunky guys that can beat people up)
I love Reese Witherspoon, and I think she's a wonderful actress, which is why this one made the list.

"Meh"

Gone (Amanda Seyfreid)
This looks like it's scary enough to make me want to sit locked in my house with a gun trained on the door, never letting my kids out in the fresh air again. So, I could pass on this one.

The Vow (Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum- hubba hubba)
Looks a little too lovey-dovey mushy serious for a girls' night. But hello? Channing Tatum?

Anything you're looking forward to seeing this winter? Do you like to go out to the movies with friends?

DIY Cupcake Toppers (Craft Tutorial)

2012-02-07T08:05:00.002-05:00

I promised I'd show you how I made those cute cupcake toppers from Michaela Byrd's recent Hello Kitty themed birthday party. I actually had planned to buy some, but the toppers at the local party store didn't match the color scheme I had going on, so I whipped these guys up in about thirty minutes:

Here's what you need to make your own:

A sheet of "printables" to match your party theme
Colored or patterned paper. Two sheets of 12 x 12 was plenty for around 20 toppers.
Scissors
Pencil
Glue/Glue Stick/Tape
Toothpicks
Something round to trace (or a craft punch)
Marker or Sharpie

Instructions:
1. Design and print your own cupcake topper printable to coordinate with your party theme.
-You can use MS Word or MS Publisher. I prefer Publisher because I think it's easier to manipulate images. (This was as easy as grabbing an image from Google, and resizing/cropping and adding a circle around it in Publisher. Then you just replicate the shape until you have a page full!)

2. Trace a bunch of circles on your colored or patterned paper or use a craft punch. (I have a beautiful scalloped circle punch, but realized too late it was too small for the prints I made)

3. Cut out your circles and your topper prints.

4. Glue your print down in the center of one of your colored paper circles.

5. (Optional) Add decorative dots or pattern around the edge of the circle for interest.

6. Tape a toothpick to the back of a blank colored circle.

7. Make a "sandwich" with the Hello Kitty circle and the blank circle by keeping the toothpick on the inside when you glue them together.

Your completed cupcake topper will look like this:

They pucker up a little bit because of the glue, but it was very easy to straighten them out. I made a little assembly line, and before I knew it, I had enough toppers for Michaela Byrd's cupcakes!

Cost: $0.00

These are so easy to do...not as easy as purchasing some, but I love that you can craft them to fit your party's theme or color scheme!

Linking to Positively Splendid, Tatertots and Jello, Home Stories A to Z, Today's Creative Blog

New Coffee Table (Family Room Update)

2012-02-06T08:01:00.002-05:00

True to my Home Goals for 2012, I am slowly but surely updating my family room. Today's update isn't earth-shattering, but I am very much enjoying the new look. I got a new coffee table during my last IKEA shopping trip, and I finally had T put it together for me a couple of weeks ago:

Here's a shot of the family room "Before":

The old coffee table (pictured above) was part of a matching set I purchased when we bought the house, our first. We were just out of college and I didn't really know my style or what I liked, so I picked something that looked traditional to me. The set started feeling dated, and the lack of storage options wasn't working for me, so I started hunting for something new.

Like many of you, I was limited by my budget and a small room.

My friend Christy and I spotted the "Smadal" coffee table in white on one of our IKEA ventures, and at $69.99, it was a great bargain. Because I found a nick on one board and it was the last one left, the customer service rep gave it to me for $49.99!

I am aware, as T later bitterly pointed out, that it is made of particle board and is not an heirloom piece. But I wasn't looking for an heirloom piece...I was looking for something cute that fit my budget. I like that I can easily replace it in a few years without feeling bad for wasting a lot of money. Is my husband the only one out there who has a hard time with change, particularly when it comes to furniture?

Family room "After":

The white looks fresher to me, and I love the shelves for storage! I have enjoyed the emptiness for a couple of weeks, but we have stuff and the stuff needs a place to stay. I'm going to be on the lookout for a low/wide wood crate or basket for the lowest shelf. It will be a nice spot for magazines or extra books.

The scale isn't perfect for the furniture, but the room/traffic flow really can't handle a large piece. With kids running around, I wanted to minimize the chances of someone bonking their head while playing/running/skipping/jumping/somersaulting through.

Don't worry, I have plans for the end tables and lamps. I know the banjo is probably too "country" looking for many readers' tastes, but it belonged to my dad, so it's very special to me. I'll be keeping it in this room, but it will move to a different spot.

It's sometimes hard for me to take the plunge and try new things. It's easy to get stuck in a rut and leave the decor as-is because that's the way it's always looked. But I feel so much better with even this small change!

Operation Family Room is underway!

{Have you made any updates to your decor lately?}

Linking to Thrifty Decor Chick

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

2012-02-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

~Double Fudge Chocolate Brownies via Coral and Coast

~Craft Room Reveal via Seven Thirty Three

~Barnwood Shelves via On the Banks of Squaw Creek

~DIY Animal Bookends via Hi Sugarplum!

~Guacamole Hummus with Football Chips via BruCrew Life

~Orange Side Table for Girl's Room via Saved by Suzy

~Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Super Bowl Eggs via Sand and Sisal

~Chalkboard Painted Mugs via The Weekend Homemaker

If I've featured you, feel free to snag this button for your blog:

Saturday Stop and Shop

2012-02-04T06:01:00.000-05:00

Are you here for the Weekend Bloggy Reading party? Stop by to link up your best post of the week! I'll be back later today with some highlights from the party, which is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday.

I thought I'd share a few quick shop highlights from my Sponsors, who always have something neat going on. Check out what they have in store for you this month!

~The Cat's Paw
I'm still holding out for snow in Virginia. These Red Hots Fabric Coasters would be such a cute Valentine's Day gift, paired with a pretty mug and some special coffee. Barbara's shop features affordable fabrics, vintage buttons, and handmade fabric baskets.

~Scentsy
It can be hard to keep your home smelling fresh when you and the kids and the pets are all cooped up all winter. Order from Theresa's Scentsy shop and your home will smell so delicious and cozy...you won't want to leave! I think this Hazelnut Latte Room Spray sounds like a great way to freshen a room:

~Shabby Apple
I love clicking through the Shabby Apple site, hunting for new looks. Love this Mt. Greylock Dress:

~Shaklee
Save 15% on your first order from Shaklee today. The Get Clean Household Mini Kit to start off on the right foot.

~ Silhouette
I don't have one (I guess I missed that bulletin), but the new CAMEO would sure be helpful in getting those New Year's Resolutions projects completed. If you head over to the Silhouette shop, please be sure to use the code SERENITY when you check out.

~Tres Magnifique
Mom in High Heels stocks her shop with all sorts of goodies she finds at European flea markets. I gasped when I saw these Vintage Dutch Wooden Ice Skates--how cool would they be as part of your rustic winter home decor?

{Happy Shopping!}

*If you are interested in partnering with me this year as a Sponsor, I have a slot available! Please email me at amandaserenitynow(at)gmail(dot)com for details. My rates are very competitive!*

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

2012-02-03T08:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Weekend Bloggy Reading. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love! Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link!

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~DIY Coat Hook Racks via The Design Pages

~Vanilla Bean Heart Shaped Doughnuts via Whipperberry

~An Alternative to GFC? via The Design Confidential

~Bamboo Dresser Makeover via one story building

~And Me? This week featured:

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Rules:

Please link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back to me.*
No items for sale, shops, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Remember this party is for your best post of the week. Don't link up 10 posts...that's really not in the spirit of this party.
Please visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

Ultimate Super Bowl Recipes

2012-02-02T08:01:00.003-05:00

Are you hosting friends or family for the Super Bowl this weekend? I have some amazing, delicious, drool-worthy Super Bowl Recipes to share with you guys, courtesy of...you guessed it, my Pinterest Page. Since T is actually an 87 year old man in a 32 year old's body, I don't know if he'll want to invite people over or lay on the couch and gripe about the Half Time show taking too long. Either way, it's fun to look at new recipes. I hope you enjoy as much as I do (just wipe the drool off your keyboard when you're done).

Love this idea- football strawberries:

Source: chef-in-training.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Burger Bar!

Source: swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Football Deviled Eggs

Source: myrecipes.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Bloomin' Onion Bread

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Source: canyoustayfordinner.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Veggies and Dip in a Cup

Source: spearmintbaby.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Individual Seven Layer Dips

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Slow Cooker Barbecue (Sorry, gotta plug my recipe. I love it!)

Source: serenitynowblog.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas

Source: dashingdish.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Weight Watcher's Nachos Supreme

Source: culinarycovers.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Pizza Dip

Source: closetcooking.com via Amanda on Pinterest

More Super Bowl Inspiration

Source: whatsgabycooking.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Burger Potato Bites

Source: bhg.com via Amanda on Pinterest

50 Recipes for Super Bowl Sunday

Source: soc.li via Amanda on Pinterest

Soft Pretzel Bites

Source: twopeasandtheirpod.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Party-Ready Finger Foods

Source: bhg.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Hot Appetizer Recipes

Source: kraftrecipes.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

Source: loveandoliveoil.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Source: recipegirl.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Chocolate Dipped, Amaretto-Soaked Pound Cake Bars

Source: swamphollowdesigns.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

So, have I officially pulled you off of your diet yet? I got hungry just putting this post together...not sure I can wait until Sunday!

What's your favorite thing to make for Super Bowl Sunday?

I hope you'll come back tomorrow to link up YOUR best post of the week to Weekend Bloggy Reading. Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

Serenity Now

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway ($50 value!)

DIY Limbo

Latest Thrift Shopping Fun

"Perfect" Blog (My Blog's Birthday)

More Highlighted Links--Share Your Best Post!

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

How to Host a Chick Flick Night at Home

Creamy Chicken Florentine (Kraft Foods and My Thoughts on Dinnertime)

A Real Valentine's Day

My Valentine's Day Decorations (Fake Mantel)

More Highlighted Links--Share Your Best Post!

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Valentine's Day Ideas (Pins to Admire & Inspire)

Winter Chick Flick Club Picks

DIY Cupcake Toppers (Craft Tutorial)

New Coffee Table (Family Room Update)

More Highlighted Links--Share Your Best Post!

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

Saturday Stop and Shop

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Ultimate Super Bowl Recipes