The Busy Budgeting Mama

DIY DOLLHOUSE - My Craigslist Before & After

2012-01-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

This was such a fun DIY Project!
We were on the hunt for a dollhouse to give our sophia(3) for Christmas..
but just could not find anything that was 1..in our budget..
and 2..wasn't HUGE and PINK.
(I wanted something a bit more neutral/could grow with her..
and look cute in her room!)
Thought I would share some of the inexpensive diy details
I used to make it fun for her!

Check out the video below of me sharing all the details of the dollhouse!

WHAT I USED:
Dollhouse - Craigslist Find...$30
Craft Wood Plaque Multi Pack- Michael's...$3 or $4
5 Furniture Pieces already made- Dollar Store/Michael's...$1 Each
Ikea Fabric Scraps & Batting Material Scraps...Already Had
1 Dish Rag from Dollar Store
19 or so Pages of Scrap Book Paper- JoAnn...$9.99 for the 180 Page Fresh Floral Stack
Scrap booking Sticker Christmas Decorations- Michael's..on sale.. couple bucks.
Mod Podge/Double Sided Tape/Scissors
Graphics printed off computer- Kitchen, Bathroom Tile & Mirror, Fireplace, Frame graphics filled with photos or prints.

Changes for my Blog!

2012-01-24T22:05:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about this new Photo Gallery!
(this button is always going to be up there at the top for you to easily click and view!)

There I'll share all of my different projects, recipes, parties etc. etc. with you in this way!
Hope it makes it easy for you to find ideas..be inspired..feel creative!

I'll be adding more features occasionally so check back.

For all you pinners...

this one's for you. :)

You might have noticed a few changes on my blog..
The Graphic Designer in me is always wanting to redesign everything.. ;)

I wanted to update my logo with something
more fresh and modern..what do you think??
The new featured posts area is gonna be where
I'll share recent favorites! must clicks. ;)

I also added new social media icons
So you can easily find out how to connect with me
and because I want to connect with you!
Are you on twitter?? Tweet with me.
Are you on Pinterest?? I am.. a lot.. Love it.
Are you on facebook?? Connect with me there too!
I also added a contact button so you can
grab up my e-mail and message me easier.
There is also a feed button so you can check out my posts that way.

Buttons!
I made up a couple new ones to go with the updated logo.
Would love for you to grab one up..tweet it..pin it.. facebook it.. love it! ;)

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Look for Less- Your Personal Bargain Shopper!

2012-01-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day Issue of Look for Less!!

Snag some ideas for cute date night outfits.. or girls night outfits..

or home with the hubby because you don't have a sitter outfits! ;)

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

As a busy mom..I want to be stylish..

but if I have to choose between buying diapers

that month or a new outfit....diapers wins out.

I know many of you are in the same boat!

You want to stay stylish while

being that busy-budgeting-mama!

--Sometimes you don't know where to start to freshen up your look..

--You don't even have time to THINK about it..

--The idea of shopping with babies at your feet/on you/escaping dressing rooms/running

around the racks of clothes makes you exhausted already.

--or You feel like you don't have the budget for the look you want!

Camille has signed on board

as a personal bargain shopper for me..and all of you!
Excited about this collaboration with my friend Camille!

She is a model..a new mom..and alwayssss looks stylish!

She has a great blog called Life in Modification
She rounded up some looks for us and I think you are going to LOVE them!

Big thank you to Camille for her amazing style eye and budget friendly finds!

1. shoes- Forever 21...$3.80
2. button up shirt-old navy....$26.94
3. earrings- Forever21...$3.80
4. jeans-asos....$62.67
5. sweatshirt- Gap...$39.95

1. dress- Dorothy Perkins...$44.00

2. bracelets -LYLIF....$18.00

3. ring- LYLIF...$11.00

3. pumps- DSW...$44.95

1. skirt- modcloth...$42.99

2. belt- Forever 21...$3.80

3. shirt- Target...$14.99

4. earings- lylif...$9.00

5. flats- DSW...$39.95

6. cardigan-Target....$19.99

DIY - Crocheted Animal Patterns

2012-01-20T12:48:00.000-05:00

My mom recently made up some
CUTE crocheted animals for the girls..
I thought they were just too cute to not blog about!
And what impressed me was how FAST she made them!
Sophia sat next to her in awe that she created something out of nothing!
(by the end of her visit she was requesting animals.. a unicorn made the list. haha.)
Some take longer than others..but they are totally baby proof..
the perfect size for my girls to toddle around with..
and I love overhearing the conversations they have. :)
The owl is officially the grandpa.. and the Bunny is Grandma.
The Bird is of course...is the mama bird.. with her babies.
My mom also made up a little nest for the birds to all fit in..
with a little crocheted WORM to feed the babies. yes.. a WORM.
My mom is so cute. The girls were seriously in love with their little soft animals.
Thanks Grandma! :)
DETAILS & PATTERNS BELOW!

I asked my mom to share her crafty wisdom with all of us!

"They were all easy, but the fewer the details, of course the faster they work up. The nest was FAST, the Mama Bird was pretty fast, the owl was not so fast since it had more parts to assemble. The best part is having little animals that little hands can hold easily, and embroidered faces instead of plastic or button eyes that little ones can chew off and choke on. And even the smallest fist can hold the bunny by the ears!

I wanted to make animals sort of like you'd find in the real world (not wearing people clothes). And Sophie was really interested in mommies and babies so I started with the Mama and Baby Birds. I thought she could have fun playing Mama Bird taking care of her Baby Birds since she's into "all things Mama." Mama Bird even has a couple of "worms" to feed her babies! (Not included in the pattern link, but something essential if Mama Bird is going to feed her babies!)

Sophie and Sienna seemed to like them so I was happy!

Love, Mom - xoxoxoxox"

The girls dressed themselves
for these photos.....

Crocheted Animal Patterns

My mom told me there are TONS of patterns on the Lion Brand Yarn Website.

To view these patterns you have to join their community

but it's free and you get to view lots of other fun stuff!

OWL PATTERN

MAMA BIRD PATTERN

BABY BIRDS IN NEST PATTERN

BUNNY - was worked up by figuring out how to crochet

one ball-shape on top of another ball-shape and adding some ears.

Let me know if you make up any of the patterns..
Would love to see them..
What a rewarding DIY Project!

And because this is just too cute and funny.........

Sophia is really into singing right now. "like a mermaid"..

which means like in the little mermaid movie..when they belt out a note and put their arms out.

and for some reason she looks up and off into the distance at the same time.....

it's awesome. haha.

and I seriously can't wait to remind her about this when she is a teenager.

I was told it's almost time to get botox...

2012-01-18T16:08:00.001-05:00

This year has been wonderful. beautiful.

filled with more tears than I wished..

but filled with plenty of laughter and smiles to help me get through those days.

I'm happy with where I am in life..

and feeling passionate and excited about the projects and adventures ahead!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes.. it's gonna be hard to top my 28 yr old brother singing a Happy Birthday Voicemail to me and sounding SA-weet...but I felt the love.

Feeling very blessed and thankful for the past 26 years!

Wanting to take advantage of each day I'm given..and LIVE life.

Even if life consists mainly of days like this...... :)

ps. I'm not getting botox..

yet? ;)

FREE "Be Mine!" Garland Printables! - My Valentine's Day Collection

2012-01-17T13:21:00.002-05:00

I love making printables! I had some past clients(who purchased the Christmas ones) requesting some for Valentine's Day so I made up a whole batch of cute Valentine's Day Treat Bag Tags! I think a variety of these put out would be so cute for a Valentine's Day Party..

everyone could choose what they like!

It's my birthday! I'm 26!!
(I actually remembered how old I was this year..

last year I had to count. sad. mommy brain at it's best.

So to celebrate I thought I would do a Sale in my shop!

Printables for everyone!!.....haha.

FREE "Be Mine!" Mini-Garland & "Be Mine!" Banner Printables.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!

AND...

Use Code BDAYWEEK26 for all Printable orders in my shop, Pretty Paperie Printables, and receive 15% OFF! Not bad for a purchase already $7 or less. :)

SALE GOING ON TILL SUNDAY JANUARY 22ND!

BANNER DOWNLOAD UNLIMITED.

Sophia LOVED helping me put these together..
making trail mix and putting each and every chocolate..

very slowly...into the ziploc snack bags. ;)

I love the idea of using goldfish for Valentine's you are giving to little ones.
My Sienna is going to turn into a goldfish.

I thought I would create a sweet
Valentine's Day Banner for my girls..
(and share it for free on my blog! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE)
We strung it up inside the girls' closet.."reading nook" (There is usually a little sofa in there)
When we first moved in I painted their room pink.(ballet slipper from Martha Stewart)
I hung up my favorite light from ikea..sweet little chandelier ($50)
and Put up some sheer Ikea curtains in the inside ($4.99 for the pair)
At first sophia's big girl bed went there..(it fit just perfect)..
but then we moved her to her own room and put a little sofa in there for reading.
But this day their ikea table was put in there and it became a little party nook!
I used 1 pack of Cake Doilies (multi size pack by Wilton- 2.99) and some thread to add a pretty backdrop! I thought it looked very anthropology..you could go crazy with those and make a gorgeous dessert table backdrop!

Also included in the FREE DOWNLOAD is this mini cake garland!

Just cut out.. fold over/snip ends.. fold over ribbon and connect sides with tape..

string up on sticks/straws or chop sticks like I did. ;)

The girls were THRILLED with it!!

The mini shoot ended with sophia being a mini me..
and arranging her dolly for a photo op. ;)

Hope you are feeling inspired to
get crafty this Valentine's Day!
Make your Valentines extra special this year and
put together some sweet treats like these for your sweeties.
Have the kiddos help! Click here to check out my shop and
cash in on the SALE... CODE- BDAYWEEK26
Let me know if you like and use the Banner! :)

VLOG-Celebrating Motherhood & Sunday Blessings

2012-01-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

Sienna is sleeping.. Sophia is next to me..

ben is on the other couch watching the football game.

enjoying our lazy sunday.

brownie cookie oreo amazingness is in the oven.

kevin and amanda..you will be the 45 extra pounds of me.........

Gifting Desserts is my excuse to bake up dangerously delicious treats like this!
Sneak a couple and pass it on..that's the only way this recipe is possible. haha.

Today was a day I was able to slow down and enjoy life..
Sophia said a lot "this is a fun day. this is relaxing"..haha. and she's right! :)

I've been thinking about Shannon a lot today..but not in a sad way..more in a "OMG there is something at work in our lives more greater than us or than we could ever know!" Kinda of an in awe of God day for me. and that she gets to BE WITH HIM. I think this is a blessing..because I usually am just sad when I think of shannon. I was on an Aldi's run earlier today with sienna..and this song came on K Love.. it's been a favorite of mine.. I was singing it out for my sienna ;) It's beautiful. and makes me want to praise. and I'm usually not a hand in the air kinda girl.
but it moves me and really gives me peace.
You should watch this video about the song...

This week has been a bit wild with the girls..
I will quote my husband to sum it all up...

BEN: "Doesn't it feel like the girls take turns being tough for a day..

but ever so often they are like..let's do this!"

haha.. baby/toddler were teaming up on us parents this week.
it's mutiny.

I figured out another official baby rule: If mom sits. sit on her.

I had to give up on getting any work done a few days this week...
and just GO WITH IT. So blessed to have these two sweeties..
Celebrate Motherhood!

song in video by B Reith - "Antidote"

Happy Sunday!

GIveaway Winner- 3 Month Subscription to E-MEALZ

2012-01-15T12:58:00.000-05:00

I love this part of blogging and giveaways... :)

Congrats to Laura for winning the Giveaway!

Enjoy your 3 Month Subscription to E-MEALZ!

For those of you wanting to cash in on the 10%
off for all new subscribers...
It ends today! (January 15th)
You can Click the Banner below and type in code 2012 at time of purchase

PS. I have such a sweet husband!
he threw me a surprise party last night. I'm still in shock. ;)
I turn 26 on tuesdayyyy. but I stopped counting at 24.
You would think I would be suspicious that he TOTALLY CLEANED OUR KITCHEN..
left it sparkly. and he picked up the playroom too..AND he got the girls down for a nap and let me take one. how did I NOT see that he had a party planned?? ;) I'm so spoiled. you must be thinking what did she do yesterday?? haha. The hubby is making me look bad. ;)
Yay for a fun night with family and friends!
I might jump on the "birthday week" festivity band wagon.

Hope you are all having a great sunday!

Just got home from Church..had lunch..

Girls are sleeping...It's family nap time..

starting.....now.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Mini-FAST-Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatos

2012-01-12T09:42:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the not so fabulous photo..but

WE ATE THIS BEFORE I COULD TAKE A BETTER ONE!

It was sooo yummy! but seriously..New favorite.

I kinda winged this one (hence no cooking photos)..

I pulled from your basic meatloaf recipe

and used the ingredients that I actually HAD in my fridge.

I loved the salty meat with the sweet potatos. The family loved it too. :)

Makes up a good batch..We made up meatball sandwiches the next day for lunch with some of the leftovers. Just added some sauce, cheese and bread!

Going to use the rest for spaghetti and meatballs another night!

bang..for..your..buck... and bang for your time in the kitchen too. love it. and think you will too!

Do you have these things

in your kitchen?? make this tonight!

Best part about this recipe...limited amount of dirty dishes. :)

you throw all the ingredients in one big bowl!

Mini-FAST-Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS:

2 lb ground beef

1/4 cup olive oil

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup parmesan

2 TB tomato paste

1 celery stick-finely chopped

2 carrots-finely chopped

1/4 cup onion-finely chopped

spices: Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder & Parsley

(SO BAD about measuring..I sprinkled over everything at the end..

a rule my mom always told me..season the meatloaf as if you were

seasoning a portion on your plate)

STEPS:

--Preheat oven to 350

--Roughly chop carrots and celery and onion and throw in food processor till finely chopped.

--Throw all the ingredients into a bowl..stir.. form into balls.

--Heat Skillet on Medium High Heat. (I use my le creuset pan so I can pop it in oven)

--Add olive oil..(make sure it's hot enough!) place the meatballs in the oil and pat down a bit.

--brown on both sides.

--Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until no longer pink.

Mashed Sweet Potatos

steps: Boil up potatos..drain..return to pan..

mash..add butter and brown sugar. eat.

(I only used a TB Butter and a spoon of brown sugar. really depends on how sweet you want it...and how many potatos you make up! taste along the way.

Going to be making up more recipe posts like this! What do you think??

I don't know about you..but I'm a visual girl..

And always looking for recipe inspiration and favorites of real people..

and husband/baby approved! ;)

Chocolate Dipping Exchange- Awesome as it sounds.

2012-01-09T22:36:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine hosted this get together..

it was a play date....from HEAVEN!

I had never heard of, or even thought of, doing

a Chocolate Dipping Exchange Party (playdate)

But it's genius. Colleen, (I know you read this....) you're a genius!! ;)

It was really fun seeing what everyone showed up with to dip!

We chatted..melted chocolate..made yummy treats and

while everything dried the kids kept playing and the moms kept talking.

then at the end everyone packaged up a portion of each to take home!

Thanks Colleen for hosting such a fun party idea!

You should all try this.. it was cool. and yummy.

WHAT WOULD YOU TAKE TO

A CHOCOLATE DIPPING EXCHANGE??

I brought E.L. Fudge Cookies..

because they are sorta like oreos..but something different.

Amazingness.. that's all I can say. and they were eaten very fast. that too.

Giveaway- 3 Month Subscription to E-MEALZ

2012-01-08T23:13:00.004-05:00

:::GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED!:::

So excited about this Giveaway...

E-MEALZ is perfect for anyone busy and budgeting!

You choose the store.They provide the plan..

Each week you receive a brand new plan with a complete grocery list organized by sections. For all the list girls like me...this is a dream come true. ;)
Watch my video below for more details!

HOW IT WORKS...

E-Mealz relies on a team of experienced meal planners, writers and editors to create new dinner menus every week that are designed around grocery store sales, seasonal specials and diet preferences. For $5.00 per month, subscribers download a recipe plan for the week with a matching aisle-by-aisle grocery list. The easy-to-follow recipes usually contain fewer than seven ingredients to allow for prep times of less than 30 minutes. It also helps families stay within a predictable budget by being prepared with a detailed list to use at the grocery store.

I love that this company was started by sisters and moms!

E-Mealz was created by sisters Jane DeLaney, mother of four, and Jenny Cochran, mother of three. The sisters were frustrated by the challenge of coming up with healthy, budget-conscious meals for their own families and inspired by their own mother’s frugal ways, they launched the program in 2003.

Check out their blog for recipes, tips on how to simplify your life, organize your days, and plan family fun. www.maketimeforfamily.org

If you can't wait...they are currently offering 10% discount for all new subscribers...

just enter 2012 at the time of purchase! That code is good until January 15th!
CLICK ONE OF THE BANNERS TO SUBSCRIBE

GOOD LUCK!

YOU CAN ENTER UP TO 7 TIMES!

HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment(with e-mail address if you do not have a google profile/blog)

for each entry-

1. Follow The Busy Budgeting Mama via Google Connect (top right sidebar)

2. Follow The Busy Budgeting Mama via Twitter

@thebusybudgetingma

3. Tweet "I would love to have the _______meal plan from @E-Mealz

4. Visit www.maketimeforfamily.org and "Like" your favorite blog post

5. Like The Busy Budgeting Mama on Facebook

6. Post about the Giveaway

(Facebook or Blog.. Just include Link in comment)

7. Enter the giveaway for a friend/family member..
and Subscribe to E-MEALZ getting a discount!
(Use code 2012 at check-out for 10% off!)

The Giveaway will end on January 15th at noon .

And a winner will be chosen via random.org

I will announce the winner on my blog on January 15th..

The winner will be contacted via e-mail(if left)!
Thank you for entering and good luck!!

Giveaway Winner-The RoSK Pouch by Rain or Shine Kids

2012-01-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Meagan!!

Big Thanks to Rain or Shine Kids for

gifting one of my readers with their RoSK Pouch!

I usually don't do giveaways back to back...but I'm too excited about this one to wait!

It's practical, useful and MONEY SAVING! check it out tomorrow. unless I post it late tonight because I'm so excited. ;)

Phases of grief?

2012-01-07T15:53:00.002-05:00

I consider myself a strong woman..but strength has nothing to do with this.
The sadness of losing Shannon is always there...
like it's waiting for a moment of quiet to be suddenly heavy on my heart.

Sometimes I feel like I'm too busy to even breathe!
I'm juggling babies and house and work and relationships.
I can't remember the last time I actually slept straight through the night..
or ate without some little cutie sneaking from my plate or trying to climb into my lap like something sooo exciting is going on that they musttt be a part of it.... ;)
So when I do have time to pray or to reflect on this loss..it can be overwhelming.

This is my first experience with grief..
I feel waves of sadness and then waves of anger and then waves of
OH my GOSH how did this happen..
The other day, during Christmas time, it was especially hard. I was so angry..upset over the memories I wasn't going to be able to make with Shannon here on earth. Her wedding.. our kids playing together..being old ladies together haha..even if we were states away!
And even though I pray every night for 'his' conversion...that day my heart just felt...angry.
And then I would think of her babies..without her. and it breaks my heart.
I want to not be angry. I want to think about the fun and special memories instead of her tragic death.
Jesus, please take away my anger. Help all of us who are missing her to heal..and to trust.
I know there will be tougher days than others..but you are a faithful God.
Shannon, shower us with blessings from above.
I know you are doing things up there more powerful then you could do here..
I'm sure you are up there praying for all the women you see here who are experiencing
what you went through...being an angel to each of them..

I remember the time we all got together over Christmas break and went to Centennial Park in Downtown Atlanta. We loved it there. We went ice skating..and just goofed off.

I'm so glad we brought a video camera so we could always remember that time.

I really was so lucky in my high school years to be surrounded by such awesome friends.

We were "good kids"...and occasionaly got into trouble..(barely. in all honesty.)

I hope that my girls one day have friends like I did growing up..

friends that were kind, uplifting, authentic, loyal and into their faith!!

friends who LOVED LIFE.

I want to remember her like this.
(I made this video as a Christmas present to my friends back in 2003.)

For any of you grieving over a loss..my heart is with you.

And even though as busy women we can sometimes

not have a chance to work through it then it

hits us all of a sudden....know that you are not alone.

Thank you for following along with me in this process of healing..

I'm lucky to have such a wonderful husband helping me through this. I pray that everyone missing her has someone like I do to lean on in hard moments. I also have my sweet girls.

The beautiful faith of a child always amazes me and opens my eyes to trust more.

The other day we were looking out the window at the sunset..sophia goes "mommy heaven is there! God and Mary and the angels are there! Baby Jesus was born..we have to be quiet!" She didn't realize what she was saying was what I needed to hear..even if it wasn't in the same context as she meant. But I took it as yes.. Baby Jesus was born.....we have to be quiet(still..) and trust.

To read all posts related to Shannon you can click here.
Please share her story..donate if you can.

If you have been touched by her story and would like to

visit her Memorial Page you can visit here.

Please Pray for peace in our world

and for all those affected by Domestic Violence.

My Cookie Exchange Party 2011

2012-01-05T14:23:00.005-05:00

Decor

--I used a piece of fabric from ikea

(had my eye on this print for a while..excited to re-use it!)

I hung it up over my family room window with clothespins to the top of the blinds.

--I designed and printed out cute "Cast Your Vote!" Signs, cut and attached to leftover chop sticks(thanks grandmommy!) I then covered Dollar Store Floral Foam with leftover napkins from Ikea and stuck the signs into them! Cut the sticks to be the height you want.

--The Sparkly Trees are from Home Goods. $6.99 each.

The biggest splurge of the party. but they are now part of our yearly Christmas decor!

--I also designed and printed out fun cast your cookie vote ballot cards..

--Along with numbered tented cards so they could choose their favorites!

--I hung up Dollar Store snowflakes with thread from my sewing machine...

--And did a fun DIY project the night before: Tassel Garland (I used tissue paper(Walmart) and Napkins(Ikea) then strung along leftover ribbon from another project.

We kept that garland up all Christmas as part of our decor above our big window!

I was very excited about my Apron!

Lets pretend like I, in all my domesticated glory, sewed this...

but in reality I got it with a coupon at Bed Bath & Beyond. :)

Here is how it looked when everyone arrived...

I created taste testing stands out of dollar store plates and cups!
$1 for a 12 pack..$2 bucks for the whole table display??.. not bad!
And the best part..no washing dishes. just tossed them at the end of the night!
(DIY tutorial: I hot glued them together)

I had everyone place some cookies on a platter
(breaking some up so people didn't have to eat 12 cookies at one sitting..
although that would by no means be frowned upon at this party!! ;)

Soon the taste testing began and the
cut throat competition was in full swing!!
It was funny how quiet everyone got when trying to cast their cookie votes...
this is serious business!! sweet prizes are involved!! ;)

The winners!
I don't have a photo of the prizes unwrapped..
but 3 of them were AWESOME cook books from JoAnns that I got for a steal..
I think they were like 3 bucks in the end?
And one was a candle from Walmart..grabbed up a favorite scent. christmas sale.
I wrapped the presents in leftover brown packaging paper and Walmart ribbon.
Designed some fun Award Tags for each of them!

Food and Drinks.
I made up some of my favorite punch.. equal parts 7up and rasberry sherbert. YUM.
Had wine and water with lemon available too.
As far as food this was late in the evening so I just did snacky food.. After tast testing cookies you want something healthy or salty..
So I made up a fun arrangement of veggies.
I cut them tall and skinny. placed in one vase I had and two $1 store ones.
and used SUPER CHEAP Kale as decorations around the veggie dip.
I also served fresh mozarella with heirloom tomatoes drizzled with olive oil..salt and pepper. a favorite of mine. And because we needed something cheesy warm and yummy..made a spinach dip recipe by Paula Dean..can't go wrong with her.

Time to grab up some cookies!
I put out cute platters from the dollar store..
the girls walked around the table picking out 6 of each kind!
Some were packaged some weren't.. all delicious!
I love cookie exchange parties..it's like trick or treating for adults.
After we stacked our platters high with cookies we saran wrapped them for the ride home.

Favors
I put together a pile of kitchen accessories for the girls to choose from!
All from the Dollar Store...I was so excited about finding the pretty dish rags (love the colors).. the betty crocker measuring cups...and the spatulas!
All of these I feel like I could always use more of in my kitchen.
Each of them chose two of whatever they wanted!

Group shots!

We all sat around at the end and I just thanked all of them for coming..and also thanked these girls for all of their prayers and support in the recent months since losing my best friend from domestic violence. I wanted them to know that the prayers have been felt..but also how experiencing the loss of such a great friend...made me appreciate and value the nights like this where we as women and mothers are able to be together and support and uplift each other! Some of these friendships are longer than others..some just starting to grow..but I am grateful for all of them. I love throwing parties and get togethers...1 because I enjoy the planning..but 2. because I LOVE the fellowship.

Ended the night with a sweet sleepy sophie being brought home from a friend's house..
and sneaking a cookie with her before bed. :)

SO IMPRESSED with the girls' packaging jobs.. aren't they cute?
some even had the recipes on the back!

Keeping it real......In order to have space in our tiny little (perfect for us) rental, we had to move some furniture around. I was told to ALWAYS feel free to move your space around to make it work for your event! Even if it means sofa in front of fireplace. One day when I make the big bucks I won't have to do this..and it just won't be as much fun and cozy. ;)

ps. make sure to have your sofa held up by a piece of wood during your party for an added touch of rustic.

Here's the Printable Package I designed and used for my party!
I also have a classic and then black chevron set in my Etsy shop as well!

Thanks for checking out my Cookie Exchange Party

from 2011! Hope you throw one next year if you never have.. you will love it!

Sophia's "Down Hair"...CRAZY!

2012-01-03T13:45:00.000-05:00

Sooooo many people have asked us if we

have ever straightened Sophia's curly CURLY hair..

NO.

until today....

Today we decided to show her what

all her vegetable eating had done! ;)

She likes her curly hair..but wants to have "down hair"....aka..long hair.

I always tell her her hair IS long! it just curls up when it dries!

CRAZY! never again. I mean It's just hair...but part of her personality

that we've come to know is her bouncy wild hair. It felt too bizarre haha.

I suppose this is a glimpse into the teenage years! ;)

I just kept telling her over and over I love your curly hair the best..but look how long it is because you ate your veggies! She was thrilled with herself. but likes her curly hair better. phew.

Thought I would share the momentous moment of the day with you all.

Review & Giveaway-The RoSK Pouch by Rain or Shine Kids

2012-01-02T16:51:00.003-05:00

:::GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED:::

It is COLD out! So here's a great winter baby item!

The RoSK Pouch by Rain or Shine Kids.

Enter to win one for your baby, your grandbaby or your friend's baby!

I am loving this right now..and so are my girls. it's super soft and warm.

The one blanket you need to grab as you run out the door!
Check out my video review below and be sure to enter the giveaway...
because free is awesomeee. :)

VIDEO CORRECTION ** This item is The RoSK Pouch..not the Woobee Plush Blanket..***
This has the extra features of elastic in the back (sophia's legs are tucked in..awesome part.) and it has the hand pouch.) Sorry for the mommy brain moment!! :)

GOOD LUCK!

YOU CAN ENTER UP TO 6 TIMES!

HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment(with e-mail address if you do not have a google profile/blog)

for each entry-

1. Follow The Busy Budgeting Mama via Google Connect (top right sidebar)

2. Follow The Busy Budgeting Mama via Twitter

@thebusybudgetingma

3. Visit Rain or Shine Kids and let me know which

RoSK Pouch color combo/pattern you are loving!

4. Like The Busy Budgeting Mama on Facebook

5. Like Rain or Shine Kids on Facebook

6. Post about the Giveaway

(Facebook or Blog.. Just include Link in comment)

The Giveaway will end on January 8th at noon .

And a winner will be chosen via random.org

I will announce the winner on my blog on January 8th..

The winner will be contacted via e-mail! Thank you for entering and good luck!!

Big thanks to Rain or Shine Kids for gifting one of my readers with their RoSK Pouch!

2011- Popular & Favorite Posts!

2011-12-31T17:58:00.001-05:00

If you are a blogger..
you need to check out statcounter.com

It really helps in giving you all the background info on your page views/content

I just clicked for the first time to see my yearly stats..

2010 - Page Loads...353,528

2011 - Page Loads...966,564

?!?!?! Soo excited!! Might not be a lot compared to

some of the big time bloggas but it's big for me! :)

I thought I would share some of
the popular posts people viewed!

I had fun sharing them with you..
These are some of my favorites!

Felt Food - Favorite Tutorials
My mom and I made these and a bunch of other fun ones for my sophia's 2nd birthday.
the key was to give her a present that year that was veryyy soft
since she had a newborn sister. :)

Free Baby Shower Printable- Baby Jeopardy

Made this for my friends' shower that I threw.. it's been downloaded 1,103 times!

Happy to be a part of all those baby showers!

Storybook Princess Party-

Sophia & Sienna's 3rd and 1st Birthday Party

(spent $4 on that DIY castle!)

Our Kids' Cookie Decorating Play Date

2011-12-30T22:44:00.003-05:00

A couple weeks before Christmas

I hosted a Cookie Decorating Play Date!

It was really fun seeing their creativity go wild!

And I was impressed with how clean the floor was at the end of this. ;)
A Cookie Decorating Party would be a great

theme for a child's birthday party!

Or have a grown up one and pull out the fancy cookie decorating books for inspiration.

This post is making me go into a sugar come just looking at it. ;)

KEYS TO SUCCESS:
1. Bought pre-made sugar cookies from Grocery Store's Bakery
(Know the bakers so got a discount! But best purchase..saved time and a dirty kitchen :)

2. I had each of the moms bring sprinkles to add to the mix!
(I loved seeing the variety.. and the kids loved contributing to the fun table!)

I put out sugar cones and M&M's for the

kids to decorate as trees!

Some of them rolled the frosted cones in sprinkles! super cute.

Sophia's looked like one big blob of Christmas! haha. very festive. ;)
She had no interest in eating these..it was all about the making pretty!

How cute are my mom and sienna on the bottom left??? :)
Sienna loves to shoosh people right now.

SUPPLIES: (had, bought or brought by others)

Sugar Cookies - Giant Eagle

Square Green Paper Plates - Target

Green Square Containers - Dollar Store

Red Bowls (3 or 4 pack) - Dollar Store

Homemade Icing: Classic Vanilla Buttercream - (I made the morning of. LOVED it.)

Sugar Cones - Giant Eagle Brand

Circle Trays - Dollar Store (Re-used for Cookie Exchange Trays)

Sprinkles - Brought by all the moms.

Snowflake Tablecloth- Target (on sale from last year)

Red Disposable Plastic Tablecloths-Target 3 pack

Christmas Morning in our House

2011-12-28T13:00:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

Hope you all had a great weekend/week so far..

It's been fun seeing everyone post their family celebrations. :)

I wanted to share some of our Christmas Morning fun.. that started at 6:45 am..

with us already sleeping on sophia's floor so she wouldn't walk out any earlier than that......haha.
one big slumber party for baby Jesus.

We told her she had to stay in bed or else Santa wouldn't come to our house.....

Sophia right before coming out..."Daddy..I don't think Santa came. I didn't stay in my bed all night. I trieddd..it was HARD." haha..

A few videos are mixed in.

Because you need to see these cuties in motion! :)

I love doing a big Christmas post every year on my blog so that all my friends and family who are far away can see how it went! Love how we can stay connected this way...So come on in to our house and see what went down. hugee post. you've been warned. ;)

Our Christmas Decorations

Gotta love the Half Decorated Tree...we have an ornament eater.

We buy most of our decorations after Christmas at Target when they are on sale!

You can grab up some great bargains if you hold off. And Christmas is a month long celebration..so throw them on up! ;) One year we bought a fake tree (not shown) and we seriously were so excited about the price we got it for that we put it up a few days after Christmas..for another week 1/2 or so. hehe.

This Christmas there were lots of pink..and baby dolls.

LOTS of mothering going on. :)

My parents got sienna that sweet little baby high chair..
and it was put to use all day long!

Sophia's big present from Santa was a Doll House!

Can't wait to share the DIY details of this fun project. We got it on craigslist for $30 bucks and then I jazzed it up a bit. still need to mod-podge it but didn't have time. I was hot glueing $store kitchen towel bedding Christmas Eve. hehe. It was SOOOO fun seeing her play with it..and I think this baby is gonna give me lots of moments of quiet play time.. which....sound awesome.

Grandma B got the girls a Train Table!

I'm so happy with the size..it's not one of those ginormous ones..

and fits pefectly under the corner windows in their room.

THANKS GRANDMA B!

Dress Up Clothes & Closet (from ikea bookshelf and a piece of wood.)

We loaded it up with some dress up clothes from Target's Halloween Clearance. some were for a few bucks! It was cute seeing sophia play with the hangers and dresses..she felt like a big girl. Now it's in their playroom..and they can actually see their dress up clothes!

Now I just need to teach sienna to use a hanger......;)
My Sister sent up some tap shoes for sophia which she LOVES!

My parents got Sophia a Doctor's Kit!

Ben and I were sick patients all day long. :)

My mom made the baby hats for the dollies from Santa.

(dolls=Walmart.. $11?? I was so impressed.)

Ben's big present from me was a Keurig (mini one from target)

and a Blu-ray DVD player that ben "helped" pick out.

And I was sooo excited that ben got me all things that I had at one time asked for or mentioned I liked..even if I had forgotten about it. Like sweat pants!! (wearing them now. haha.) and The Pioneer Woman Cook book.. and a cast iron skillet. My mom also sent up some fun goodies! Can't wait to try out these molds. sophia is gonna love it.

My big presents had to be the piano from ben.. which was free..but he used his muscles and his friends' muscles to get it in our house. They have injuries to prove it. LOVEEE IT. so excited to start playing again. and He also got me a flip cam..so I can record every move of my fast moving girls!

We had to make phone calls to all the family far away!...

and eat Sausage Egg Strata...it's a tradition. Best part about it. I made it the night before. pulled it out while we unwrapped..and then just threw it in the oven for 30 minutes.

yummy bubbly cheesy goodness ready to go.

We did lots of lounging and playing.

and took a 2+hour family nap....so nice when they go to sleep at the same time.
Our Christmas Miracle.

Thanks for checking out our Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Below is our version of a family photo of the day..
we took turns with wiggle worm children.

Blessings to all of you!

Christmas Card- attempt #475

2011-12-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

I did our Christmas card in stages...
(the only way it was ever going to happen.)

photographing one night in our family room..having ben make funny faces behind me.

designing one night in photoshop..while putting sophia back to bed 5 gazillion times.

printing and cutting during nap times....and any other moment I could print something without a 3 yr old unloading the paper and a 1 yr old crumpling it.

but for the life of me I could not get a free
moment to ADDRESS them.

Every time I would sit down..my little cuties thought it was time to sit ON ME.

I think it must be a baby rule. :) if mom sits we must sit on her.

We also folded up a
little letter from our family...

BEHIND THE SCENES..in our family room..
Had the genius idea of doing cute little reindeer..
they were all about it.. for about 5 seconds...
they just wanted the lipstick on their noses. haha. fail. :)

we tried...

noses were smudged...

Finally gave up on the reindeer...

it was going to be a success if we could just get them to smile

and not wrestle/fall off chair/eat the nativity scene.

Off to enjoy time with family and friends.

Have a very Merry Christmas! Safe travels..and blessings to all of you!

I can't wait to share what Santa brings my girls...

A little elf told me a DIY Dollhouse might be center stage..

(You are gonna love it!!!! eek. I was hot gluing curtains and bedding last night

haha.. ben was laughing at me. He thinks I'm going to play with it more than they are....;)

Oh and thought I would pass a long this fun site

that our Fridge Repairman told us about yesterday!

(that's what I got for Christmas...fridge replacement parts..and new brakes for the van.....

Very excited about that!! yayyyyy!

Portable North Pole

Look for Less- Your Personal Bargain Shopper!

2011-12-20T12:30:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Party Time..

and New Years is just around the corner too!

And I'm pretty sure I am supposed to still have 3 weeks before Christmas...
what happened?? I blinked and it's The week before!

If you are having an outfit melt down for some upcoming get together have no fear.

Here's some looks for inspiration! Maybe you already have some of these pieces..

and now you know how to work them up for the season!

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

As a busy mom..I want to be stylish..

but if I have to choose between buying diapers

that month or a new outfit....diapers wins out.

I know many of you are in the same boat!

You want to stay stylish while

being that busy-budgeting-mama!

--Sometimes you don't know where to start to freshen up your look..

--You don't even have time to THINK about it..

--The idea of shopping with babies at your feet/on you/escaping dressing rooms/running

around the racks of clothes makes you exhausted already.

--or You feel like you don't have the budget for the look you want!

Camille has signed on board

as a personal bargain shopper for me..and all of you!

Excited about this collaboration with my friend Camille!

She is a model..a new mom..and alwayssss looks stylish!

She has a great blog called Life in Modification

She rounded up some looks for us and I think you are going to LOVE them!

Big thank you to Camille for her amazing style eye and budget friendly finds!

Sparkle n' Shimmer

1. ruffled top- The Limited.....$24.99

2. faux fur vest- H&M....$14.95

3. rampage flats- DSW.....$39.95

4. ring- Forever 21...$5.80

5. skirt- ModCloth......$39.99

6. bracelet- Forever 21.....$12.80

Casual Christmas

1. grey blazer- Forever 21....$29.80

2. turtleneck- Target.....$14.99

3. ring-Forever 21...$5.80

4. riding boots- American Eagle....$69.99

5. corduroys- 6pm.com....$29.99

Holiday Party

1. earrings- Forever 21...$3.80

2. lace dress-jcpenney....$79.99

3. red wedge- Target...$29.99

Stop over and check out Camille's Blog Life in Modification..

it's an "add to favorites!" for sure. ;)

Donut Snowmen- Play Date Activity

2011-12-19T11:10:00.002-05:00

I recently had some moms & their kids over for a cookie decorating party...
and we ended the get together with lunch and play time.
I thought it was a perfect time to make up cute donut snowmen!
I had seen this idea on Pinterest and LOVED it.

Donut Snowmen Supplies:

Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts

Mini Chocolate Chips

Baby Carrots

Some kids just ate the carrots..but they all thought it was fun seeing how it came together!

I think the moms appreciated the cuteness the most though.

one even did it for her preschool snack!

The mini chocolate chips were hard for the little little ones to manage..

but they still liked seeing it come together.

Some turned out a little more accurate than others.....;)

Hope you are having a great monday!

Today...I'm not going ANYWHERE. I need a catch up day.

No errands..no events.. just catching up on house stuff.

I have enough to do here to keep me busy till bed time.

Luckily ben is home today to entertain the kids if they get stir crazy.

Gotta run.. PB&J's have been requested!! ;)

Featured Client - Pirate Party Theme Inspiration Board

2011-12-16T08:27:00.000-05:00

This past week, a returning client, asked me to put together an

inspiration board for her party planning!

She was doing a pirate theme for her son's birthday. Have a look..
If you have any little pirates in your house...they will love this theme!

Invitation Ideas

row 1: 1. http://bit.ly/fKsxDl 2. http://bit.ly/rxHu62

row 2: 1. http://bit.ly/rvAqwo 2. http://bit.ly/vADtpd

Table Displays

row 1: 1. http://bit.ly/fKsxDl 2. http://bit.ly/eBrB8L

row 2: 1. http://bit.ly/uHhNd4 2. http://bit.ly/r5zK1k

DIY Pirate Ship

row 1: 1. http://bit.ly/uhSfor 2. http://bit.ly/thxCjj

row 2: 1. http://bit.ly/uyFOvR 2. http://bit.ly/tRqqEe

Pirate Cake Ideas

row 1: 1. http://bit.ly/uhSfor 2. http://bit.ly/rSFqNn

row 2: 1. http://bit.ly/rWvmT5 2. http://bit.ly/uO72bP

Yummy Details

row 1: 1. http://etsy.me/fa1vTE 2. http://bit.ly/akoVey 3. http://bit.ly/sEOUi9

row 2: 1. http://bit.ly/tVAp8e 2. http://yhoo.it/w2M5Lb 3. http://bit.ly/sVVV3N

Party Details

row 1: 1. http://bit.ly/rBcdnz 2. http://bit.ly/uhSfor

row 2: 1. http://bit.ly/r1Oo9X 2. http://bit.ly/uyFOvR

Pirate Gear & Games

row 1: 1. http://bit.ly/uhSfor 2. http://bit.ly/t0lb35

row 2: 1. http://bit.ly/fKsxDl 2. http://bit.ly/rBcdnz

Open publication - Free publishing - More children party

If you ever need party planning help just send me an e-mail! For a small fee I can compile your own party planning book to kick start your event!

Can't wait to see how my client puts her party together!

Personal and Religious post..You've been warned?

2011-12-13T20:22:00.000-05:00

I almost didn't share this..
Because a part of me thinks that this might be too personal..or in your face religious..
but in a conversation with my mom...I was told "It's your blog!" and she's right..
so....here it goes. I'm known to ramble..so hopefully this makes sense.

In a way it's a lot easier to talk about parties and recipes than to go deep..
but if this is going to be a blog about me..than religion has to be in it.
because my Catholic faith is a big part of me.

Most of you who follow my blog..

know the struggles I'm going through right now.

I am so blessed in life..but a part of me is broken because

of how I lost my best friend this summer.

She was murdered.

by the estranged father of her children.

during a custody exchange.

brutally and maliciously murdered.

Sometimes in my mind I have flashes of the occurrence of events go by.

it's like a horror movie. And I flinch and shake my head.

I find myself doing it without even thinking.

Like as if shaking my head would make it go away.

Or make me forget or stop thinking about it faster.

Writing this right now I'm almost in tears. I have a knot in my stomach.

I would much rather be working up the few remaining printable orders...

or planning my cookie exchange party..or doing that logo design for my dad..

but I wanted to take 5 minutes out..to share this.

Because who knows..maybe you are going through something like this too..

or know someone who is.

I just got home from retreat with my husband and his youth group kids.

AWESOME kids. all on an amazing journey in their faith and their relationship with God.

It's amazing seeing them going deep and putting themselves

out there to learn more..to be vulnerable and be silent..to pray.

I led one of the small groups on saturday night..and we talked about Silence.

Silence is a hard thing. it gives you a moment to think about things you don't always want to think about.. to remember things you don't always want to remember.

But it can be very powerful. It's pertinent to your relationship with God. if you don't pray..

how can you know Him? how can you expect to hear Him if you aren't trying to listen?

I pray..but not nearly enough. And lately...praying is hard for me..because it requires silence.. that 1....is hard to come by. and 2. gives me time to think...think about my brokenness.

On saturday night of retreat...we have Adoration.

As Catholics we believe that God is present in the Eucharist.

We adore Him. We sing.. we kneel..we take that time to be with Him..and Him with us.

I love adoration..but not this time.. I didn't want to "feel" if that makes sense.

I wanted to just focus on the kids and their problems or struggles or intentions..

But no one needed me that night...everyone was focused on Him..praying..

and I was in the back..kneeling with my hands open..

And even though I didn't want to...I was drawn to talk to Him.

He was right there!! I felt Him Present.

I've never had an experience where I could say..

"I was praying and I heard God tell me...__fill in the blank__"

I have faith..so I know He hears me. Even Mother Teresa had many many years of "Darkness"..where she did not feel Him present in Prayer.

I still pray..But this night..was different... I just kept telling Him over and over........

I don't understand. I don't understand. Please heal my heart. I don't understand.

(ah cry baby..mascara is running now.)

I am a talker..and sometimes when I'm praying...I'm doing all the talking..

not even giving Him a chance to give His take on things. ;)

I suppose I always felt like..would He really say anything anyways??

I'll just put everything out there to keep this conversation going...

But that was wrong of me.

For the first time..I actually was like ok, Natalie...let's just listen..

because obviously..I don't have it all figured out.

I want to hear what HE has to say..So I was quiet.

And that is easier said than done...but I tried. harder than ever.

I just kept saying over and over speak to me Jesus..speak to me..

and the wierdest thing happened..

I heard nothing.....

but something.

The best way to describe it was how when I put my ear to sienna's door...

to hear if she is wrestling around..if she is waking up or not..

Sometimes I don't hear anything..but I KNOW she is there..

I hear the noisemaker..or the heat kick in...

It's silent..but I KNOW she is present.

THAT....is how I felt during 2 minutes of my prayer that night.

2 MINUTES! maybe even less... but it was Powerful.

I felt like God was realy present..and He heard me...and I heard Him.

Maybe no amazing sign like the sun dancing or a bush catching on fire...

but it was a sign for me.. that He was really there.

and I told Him......

hug shannon for me.

and that was it.

I'm going to keep on listening more..

and setting aside time to pray and not do all the talking.

that's it. that's all I wanted to share.

that's my personal raw religious post for the day..haha.

If you are reading this and wondering how you ended up here when you probably just came to look at party theme ideas or a cookie recipe....thanks for reading anyways. :)

Featured Client - Cookie Exchange Party

2011-12-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

I'm in the middle of planning my
cookie exchange party for this year..

I was given a boost of enthusiasm and creativity
when a recent client of mine showed me how
she used my cookie exchange party printables
for her own event!

Have a look..she did a lovely job!

Thanks for sharing!

I just got back from retreat with my husband's youth group kids. Amazing!!

I'll share more about that later. I had a pretty awesome experience that I want to share..

even if it is a bit "religious"...if you like real/personal/raw blog material..

I'll give it to you. Sharing tomorrow.