Whatever Dee-Dee wants, she's gonna get it

Twins: Three Months

2013-05-21T00:30:00.000-06:00

This last month has brought more sleep and more smiles (for both me and the girls). Sadie and Samantha usually will wake up only one time during the night to eat, usually between 3:00 and 4:00 but if I am lucky they will sleep until 5:30.

The girls are starting to find their voices, especially when they smile. They are super smiley in the mornings and love when we talk to them. Of course when I try and take pictures they completely stop smiling.

At their last wellness visit Sammy weighed 10.1 pounds and Sadie weighed 9.13 pounds.

See more of the Sadie and Samantha age project

Sweet Lemon Slices

2013-05-20T12:52:00.000-06:00

These sweet lemon slices are delicious! I am over at the Rhodes Blog showing you how to make them. I hope you will stop by and check them out. With only a few ingredients, they are super easy to make and taste great!

Four and a Half

2013-05-17T00:30:00.000-06:00

Photos by Amy Bennion

Brody turned four and a half years old. He is growing up way too fast!

A few things about Brody right now.

-He can count to 30
-Brody can say, read and Write the alphabet
-He is 41 inches tall
-He is still obsessed with cars
-Has been asking me when he get his drivers license
-Brody loves his little sisters and likes to help give them baths
-He likes to snuggle close to me when we watch movies
-I hear him tell me he loves be at least a dozen times a day
-He is always dancing and loves music
-Brody's favorite food is Crazy Bread and french fries
-He is good at memorizing and is constantly quoting lines from movies

See more of Brody's age project here.

Make Your Own Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag

2013-05-16T00:30:00.000-06:00

What's better than homemade ice cream? How about letting your kids make it? Brody loves being able to make his own ice cream. It's super easy to make and because it's mixed in plastic bags it doesn't make a big mess and there isn't much to clean up. It's a great activity, to send the kids outside to make their own ice cream in a bag and in the end they get to eat yummy ice cream!

Ice Cream in a Bag
1 cup half & half
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup rock salt
ice cubes

Instructions: place half & half, vanilla and sugar in a quart sized ziplock bag. Make sure bag is closed. Place quart sized bag in a gallon sized ziplock bag. Pour rock salt in the gallon sized bag and fill 1/2 way with ice. Close bag and shake until the mixture hardens. Take the small bag out of the larger bag and enjoy! You can eat right out of the baggie or pour into a cup. Don't forget to add sprinkles or toppings.

A Few Things

2013-05-13T00:30:00.000-06:00

1) Keeping up with blogging while caring for two babies and a four year old is challenging! At least I am getting good at holding two babies at the same time.

2) I just don't get the whole Google+ thing. Can someone explain it to me?

3) I love my new Little Snowie shaved ice machine I got for Mother's Day!

4) I have been trying out City Lash eye lash enhancer and have to say I feel like my eyelashes have become fuller.

5) I am slightly addicted to Instagram. Why didn't I join earlier?
You can follow me on Instagram here if you want.

6) Brody's Union Jack and Queens Guard pajamas and rain boots came in the mail last week. I love them!

DIY Mother's Gifts

2013-05-05T00:30:00.000-06:00

Since Mother's Day is next Sunday I thought I would share some easy tutorials on how to make mom some cute felt flowers. They make great little gifts for your mom, mother in law, grandma or even a friend for Mother's Day. They are easy enough that kids can make them, just make sure to use a low temp glue gun.

Learn how to make this felt flower corsage here

Make a mini felt flower pin with this tutorial

Instructions on how to make the felt flower pin here

Massage Envy Mother's Day Giveaway!

2013-05-04T10:15:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week I got a chance to visit Massage Envy in Utah with the Connective Circle.
I had never been to Massage Envy before so I was excited to check them out. They gave us mini massages and sugar foot scrubs, it was heaven!

Massage Envy has a great staff and they offer awesome massage prices! Did you know you can get a $49 1 hour massage on your first visit? I told you they have awesome prices. They also offer a monthly membership plan. I would love to get monthly massages!

Now on to the giveaway.
Just in time for Mother's Day I am giving away a 1 hour massage at Massage Envy to be used at any Massage Envy along the Wasatch Front in Utah.
The giveaway ends at midnight on May 9, 2013 and the winner will be announced on May 10th so hurry up and enter.
Massage gift card must be redeemed by May 31, 2013

To enter the giveaway you simply have to leave a comment on this post (mandatory) and then enter on Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am not the only blogger giving away this awesome prize check out the blogs below for more chances to win an hour massage at Massage Envy Utah

Our Thrifty Ideas
Rae Gun Ramblings
Keep Moving Forward With Me
Being Spiffy
Organize & Decorate Everything
Fablify It
Utah Sweet Savings
Nite Owl Creates
House Wife Eclectic

Creamy Chicken Casserole

2013-04-30T00:30:00.000-06:00

What is it about casseroles that are so dang good? I can't get enough of them. This Creamy Chicken Casserole is a new favorite of mine. This recipe is delicious as it is but can also be tasty by getting creative and adding other flavors. For an extra kick I am going to try mixing in a little ranch flavoring next time I make this.

Creamy Chicken Casserole
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup Country Crock, melted

Mix chicken, cream of chicken soup and sour cream in a large bowl. Spread mixture in a greased 9x13 pan. In another bowl mix crackers with the melted Country Crock and spread over chicken mixture.
Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes.

The one thing that really makes me love this casserole is the crackers and Country Crock on top. It just wouldn't be as good without it.

Right now Country Crock is running the Country Crock Stars Contest. You could win $5,000, a trip to New York or some new cookware! All you have to do is share a photo of your favorite casserole and tell Country Crock how you demonstrate your creativeness or resourcefulness in the kitchen.
Go here for more details.

What is your favorite casserole?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Quilts for the Girls

2013-04-29T09:44:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago grandma Beth gave the girls matching quilts that she made for them. I love the hearts sewn in the corner with their name and birth date embroidered on them.
Remember the quilt she made for Brody?

Brody wanted his picture with the girls on a quilt too.

Werther's Original Sugar Free Candy

2013-04-27T02:30:00.000-06:00

Recently, I have discovered a new favorite treat. Better still is that this new treat is sugar free! You heard that right, sugar free! Werther's Originals was generous enough to send me a box full of their sugar free candies to try out. They even sent a cute little jar to hold the candies.

Since having my babies I have been looking for ways to cut out sugar and extra calories from my diet. Often, I feel cursed as my sweet tooth makes it hard to cut out the dreaded sugar. Imagine how excited I was when I found out that one of my all-time favorite treats now comes in a variety of sugar-free candies. Since I discovered Werther's Originals Sugar Free Candy, my taste buds have been happier than any other sugar-free period in my life. They taste just like the originals. Frankly, my husband and I can't even tell they are sugar free...even Brody loves them!

Of the four flavors, I was drawn towards the Original Flavor, my husband loves the Coffee Caramel, Brody the Cinnamon Caramel and we all love the Caramel Apple. I let some of my extended family try them out and they agreed, the Sugar Free Werther's were every bit as good as the originals.

Werther's originals Sugar Free Candy comes in four flavors; Original, Caramel Apple, Caramel Cinnamon, and Caramel Coffee. I am normally not a big fan of sugar free candy but that is not the case with Werther's Originals Sugar Free Candy. They have a smooth, creamy caramel taste that I can't get enough of. I have even packed some in the diaper bag so I will have some on hand for whenever I need a little treat. Did I mention they are only 8 calories?

If you are watching your sugar intake or just want a tasty little treat, you have got to try Werther's Originals Sugar Free Candy!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Children's Swimsuits

2013-04-23T00:30:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again when you need to start shopping for swimsuits. Here are some of my favorite swimsuits for children. I think I have a thing for polka dots and ruffles for little girls this year.

1) Old Navy orchids play swimsuit
2) Old Navy ruffled one shoulder swimsuit
3) JCrew polka dot halter swimsuit

1) Janie and Jack tile print bikini
2) Janie and Jack ruched dot swimsuit
3) JCrew polka dot bikini

1) Janie and Jack stripe swim trunks
2) J Crew floral swim trunks
3) Janie and Jack stripe swim trunks

1) Old Navy plaid swim trunks
2) Hanna Andersson shark swim trunks
3) Hanna Andersson stripe swim trunks

Have you bought your kids swimsuits yet? If so where did you buy it?

Twins: Two Months

2013-04-22T00:30:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to savor every moment with these girls the last two months. Time just goes by too fast with a baby in the house, so imagine how much faster it goes by with two babies.
I have really loved watching Sammy and Sadie grow and love to see their little smiles. I love seeing them turn their head towards me when they hear me talk because they recognize my voice.

Their tiny eyelashes have started to poke out and they have moved out of newborn diapers.
They don't sleep through the night yet but I only have to wake up once during the night to feed them. I love how focused Sadie and Samantha can be when I talk to them.

I don't want to sugar coat things, because life with multiple babies is hard and can be quite challenging, but I really enjoy my time with these girls. I love snuggling them and try to give them one on one attention.
I don't think I will ever get used to how long it takes to get all five of us dressed and out the door.

People ask me all the time if one is harder than the other and the answer is, not really. They seem to take turns being hard or fussy. They have their own cribs that are side by side. If one baby cries it won't wake the other baby. They tolerate all of Brody's love and attention and will occasionally smile at him. Brody likes to make sure to give them both hugs and kisses before he goes to bed each night. I have even caught him sneaking the baby monitor into his room to listen to them when he goes to sleep. If only he was big enough to feed them in the middle of the night.

Side note: trying to take pictures of two babies is HARD!

Olay Fresh Effects

2013-04-18T13:11:00.003-06:00

When I get pregnant I don't get that awesome pregnancy glow like a lot of women, my skin breaks out! It wasn't even clearing up after I gave birth to my babies. So when Olay contacted me to try out the new Olay Fresh Effects line I couldn't resist.

My top three favorite products from the Olay Fresh Effects line are

1) Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up!
This exfoliating cleanser was the perfect thing to help clear up my skin. It's a good daily exfoliator and wasn't too harsh on my skin.
2) Olay Fresh Effects Long Live Moisture
I have been searching for the perfect moisturizer and I found it! I am definitely going to buy more of this! I love the satin finish, it's a light weight moisturizer and didn't leave my face feeling oily.
3) Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream
I love this tinted moisturizer! It's perfect for when I need a little extra color or if I have a breakout, it helps cover it up.

Really though, I liked everything from the new Olay Fresh Effects line. Have you tried it yet? If so, what do you think?

The new Olay Fresh Effects products will leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated:

Va-Va-Vivid!- Powered Contour Cleansing System: This powerful brush with super-soft, supple bristles gently massages your skin for a healthy-looking glow and a full-face cleansing.
Shine, Shine Go Away!- Shine Minimizing Cleanser: This cleanser has all the purifying power of a mask, but lathers and rinses like a daily cleanser to remove 2X more dirt, oil, and make-up than basic cleansing.
Bead Me Up!- Exfoliating Cleanser: Foaming bubbles and exfoliating microbeads come together to gently purify and lift away dirt, while softly scrubbing your skin for a beautifully fresh, healthy look.
S’Wipe Out!- Refreshing Make-up Removal Cloths: These special pre-moistened cloths are covered in cottony-soft cleansing pockets to lift away dirt and makeup – even waterproof mascara – in a flash.
Long Live Moisture!- Satin Finish Lotion: Lose the shine and get satiny active moisturizers keeping your skin soft and smooth for up to 24-hours!
BB Cream!- Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen: An all-in-one solution for instantly brighter-looking, smoother-feeling, more even skin tone.

NOTE: Olay does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite.

The Olay Fresh Effects products, were provided to me by Olay.

Children's Camera

2013-04-16T00:30:00.000-06:00

While I was in the hospital to have the babies, my sister was taking care of Brody. She surprised Brody with his very own camera. It was so great that Brody had something to help keep him occupied and for him to take his own pictures of the babies.

The Fisher Price camera is totally kid proof and simple to use, we love it!

Here is a picture of Brody taking a picture of Baby "A", now known as Sadie.

Rhodes Tomato Focaccia Bread

2013-04-15T00:30:00.000-06:00

Hi! Today I am over at the Rhodes Blog sharing this recipe for Tomato Focacci.

Come check it out, it's so easy to make!

$50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2013-04-11T20:28:00.003-06:00

To celebrate my blog anniversary Whatever DeeDee Wants is giving awaya $50 Visa Gift Card!

~~To enter the giveaway fill out the form below.~~
This giveaway is closed. The winner is Shelley!

Bonus entries
Follow Whatever DeeDee Wants on Google Friend Connect

Like Whatever DeeDee Wants on Facebook

Follow Whatever DeeDee Wants on Bloglovin'

Giveaway ends at midnight on April 18, 2013

Winner will be notified by email
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Blog Anniverary

2013-04-10T00:30:00.000-06:00

Today marks my sixth blog anniversary. It's crazy to think I have been blogging for that long!

Come back tomorrow for a giveaway to celebrate!

Dinosaur Hoodie Sweatshirt Tutorial

2013-04-09T00:30:00.000-06:00

Brody out grew his old dinosaur hoodie sweatshirt so he wanted me to make him a new one.
I figured I might as well take some pictures as I made it to show you how to make them. The old dinosaur hoodie tutorial didn't have instructional pictures so hopefully this helps.

You will need: 1 hooded sweatshirt, felt, scissors, needle, thread and an iron.

Step 1: Cut the felt into diamond shapes.

I used 13 diamonds (mine are about 2" x 4") for a 4T sweatshirt.

Step 2: Fold the sweatshirt in half down the middle and iron, making sure to leave a visible crease.

Step 3: Lay the sweatshirt flat with the back face up. Place the middle of the felt diamonds next to each other (without overlapping) on the crease.

Step 4: Sew down the middle of the diamonds (I used my sewing machine but you can do this by hand).

Step 5: Fold the diamonds in half to make a triangle. Press with iron.

Step 6: Sew the triangles closed.

If you want the triangles to stay nice and stiff you can use interfacing.

Updated

2013-04-08T00:30:00.000-06:00

I have been working on a little spring cleaning on my blog, this included updating my tutorials, printables and recipes pages. Have you checked them out before? It makes it super easy to find past printables, recipes and tutorials.

Newborn Pictures

2013-04-04T10:07:00.001-06:00

After the babies were born my friend Amy Bennion offered to come take pictures of the girls and I jumped at the invitation. Amy has her own studio but she also travels to client's homes. Since packing up two babies seemed like a lot of work Amy came to us. She even brought props, backdrops, bows, diaper covers, etc with her.

It can't be easy to work with two newborn babies and a shy four year old, but Amy was great to work with! Amy even helped settle crying babies. Brody decided during the photo shoot would be a good time to have a melt down too.

Remember me telling you how it's hard to tell Sadie and Samantha apart? This is how we are able to tell them apart, by the top of their heads and their hair.

Amy also takes pictures for weddings, bridals, engagements, family portraits, senior pictures, and much more. She has a great package deal that all you new moms should check out.

Little Moments - $150
($325 Value)
3-sessions throughout your baby's 1st year- newborn, six months, one year
Custom designed birth announcement
Favorite Images CD- includes 10 favorites from each session

Amy Bennion Photography

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Spring To Do List

2013-04-01T00:30:00.000-06:00

What is on your Spring to do list?

Almond Flour Carrot Cake Pancakes with Maple Cream Cheese Drizzle

2013-03-29T00:30:00.001-06:00

Happy Easter Everyone!
My name is Erin Collins and I blog about gluten-free food over at meaningfuleats.com. I am a wife, mother, runner, incurable chocoholic, and lover of all things food. I am excited to be sharing a spring recipe with you today here on Dee Dee's blog. A lot of times when people hear gluten-free, they want to run for the door! And I don't blame them. I didn't really understand what gluten-free eating was all about until I found I had celiac disease. Now I (obviously) have to eat gluten-free, but refuse to live a life culinary deprivation because of it. I quickly learned that most real food is naturally gluten-free. There are so many delicious options out there! Almond flour is one of my favorite gluten-free ingredients. People have been baking with almond flour for centuries (think macaroons, nougat, almond horns, etc.), and it is a wonderfully healthy ingredient. Almond flour is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and full of good fats. I love making cookies, cakes, muffins, and pancakes with almond flour. That brings us to today's recipe for Almond Flour Carrot Cake Pancakes. I love making special breakfasts for different holidays, and these are perfect for Easter. These pancakes are amazing smothered in a maple cream cheese drizzle. It really does feel like you are eating carrot cake for breakfast! I guess you can feel a little better about having a cream cheese topping for breakfast when you're eating low carb pancakes filled with some vegetables. Right? ;) I know we will be enjoying these over at our house on Easter Sunday. I hope you enjoy them too! Thanks for having me Dee Dee!

Almond Flour Carrot Cake Pancakes (Gluten-Free)
makes 10-12 pancakes

1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup coconut milk (any milk will work here)
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)

1. Combine the almond flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a large bowl. In another bowl beat together the eggs, vanilla, coconut milk, and honey with a fork or whisk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until well-combined. The batter will be thicker than normal pancakes. Stir in the carrots and walnuts.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (or butter) in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop about 2-tablespoon-sized mounds into the pan. You may have to smooth the pancake flat a little bit. Cook over medium to low heat until brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. (Note: Almond flour has a tendency to burn so make sure your heat isn't too high!)

3. Serve warm smothered with the maple cream cheese topping if desired.

Maple Cream Cheese Drizzle
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Enjoy!

Past Spring Fling Favorites

2013-03-28T00:30:00.000-06:00

1) Anthropologie shirt tutorial by Sarah from Welcome to the Good Life

2) A-line pocket skirt tutorial by Jessica from Me Sew Crazy

3) Spring tag printables by Sara from Confetti Sunshine

4) Recovering an umbrella by Jessica from Me Sew Crazy

Spring Fling: Let's Write a Note

2013-03-27T00:30:00.000-06:00

Sara from Confetti Sunshine

This spring has brought around a lot of changes to our little family, and anticipation for even more changes in the near future. So, it has come to my attention that I need to get into a better habit of keeping in touch with our dear friends. Everyone loves a sweet little snail mail card, and I love sending them.

But sometimes it can be a hassle to find a cute and affordable one at a store. So I made one up for you, and me, to keep on file whenever the moment arises that you need a cute card in a hurry. All you need to do is print and cut. They fit perfectly into little 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 envelopes (aka. A-2 type envelope).

Once you've written out your note and sealed it into an envelope, dress the envelope up with a little washi tape for added excitement! We've already got a half dozen different places these little cards are going to be making their way to in the next few days. I hope you enjoy them too!

Click to download printable

Spring Fling- Spring Crafts and Tutorials

2013-03-26T00:30:00.000-06:00

Hello everybody!

We are so excited to be over here with Dee Dee today for her Spring Fling...and we are SO ready for Spring to arrive!

("We" by the way are Elizabeth and liZ from over at Simple Simon and Company, just in case you were wondering :)

Today we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite Spring Projects with you. We tried to pick a variety so you could sew, craft, or paint ---depending on whatever you are in the mood for.

Let's get started!

Soft Little Flannel Play Bunnies

A Simple Spring Color Blocked Skirt

Playful Peggies

May Day Headbands

A Ruffled Peplum Skirt

A simple Spring shirt

A Spring Bird Wrist Cuff

All of the projects we picked are perfect for spring and really easy to make!

(We promise!)

Thank you Dee Dee for inviting us over here today and letting us share a few of our favorite spring things!