Fireflies and Jellybeans

Beautiful Skin with Eclos (#EclosAntiAgingKit) Giveaway!

2012-05-27T17:19:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of éclos Skin Care for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was so excited to be able to test éclos Skin Care Anti-aging kit this past week. I was telling my hubby the other day "I think I am now in the part of my life where I need some anti-aging help." The first step is to admit it right?!

éclos Skin Care features Apple Stem Cells extracted from a rare Swiss apple which have shown tremendous ability to stimulate skin stem cells, encouraging aging skin to behave like younger skin. You know what they say: "An Apple a day keeps the Botox away!" The whole anti-aging skin care line is made from plant extracts, vitamins and anti-oxidants combine with the Apple Stem Cell technology to help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and tired skin. And- man- is my skin tired! It really needed some help! The box said that you could look up to 15 years younger... I would love to look 19 again!

Here is a before and after shot:

You can see in the before shot, my eyes have wrinkles and dark circles under them. They are tired eyes (I blame the kids!). I also have some fine lines around my nose and mouth. In the after shot you can see that my eyes look MUCH less tired and the fine lines around my nose have lessened. This is only after 1 week of using éclos Skin Care products! Let's be honest... I don't look 19, but I may look like I am in my 20s and I will take it! :)

The products are amazing and I love how they smell. It is like going to a salon. Here what I used:
éclos Anti-Aging Instant Radiance Facial Scrub: I loved this facial scrub. It really cleaned my face and my pours. you just rub in a circular motion on to a wet face and wipe off with warm water.

éclos Anti-Aging Facial Cleanser Skin Prep: This cleanser leaves your face like a clean palate ready for the rest of the anti-aging products. With gentle circular motions, massage a quarter-size amount onto damp skin. Rinse with warm water. Use twice daily.

éclos Anti-Aging Cellular Activator Face Serum: This serum nourishes and protects skin cells, enhancing their ability to function like younger cells.Smooth serum over clean, dry skin in morning and evening. For optimal effects, use under éclos Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream.

éclos Anti-Aging Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream: Revitalizes skin stem cells, helping to tighten aging skin and postpone and help repair wrinkles. Gently massage cream over entire face. Use once daily, morning
and night. For optimal results, apply over éclos Cellular Activator Face Serum.

éclos Anti-Aging Restorative Eye Cream: Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Gently pat under, and around, eye area morning and night.

éclos Anti-Aging Skin Renewal Clay Mask: This mask cleanses skin, absorbs impurities, and helps unclog pores. You apply on a clean face and let dry for 15 minutes. Then wipe off with a warm wet cloth.

I love that the éclos Skin Care products are all natural and do not have parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances,
synthetic dyes, or petro chemicals (potentially harmful synthetic chemicals derived from petroleum)!
I loved the way my skin felt after using these products. Before I would never leave the house with out a good coat of make-up on. Now I can do my eyes and lips and be on my way without a heavy foundation.
éclos Skin Care products can be found nationwide at food, drug and mass stores, including Target, Ulta, Duane Reade, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Fred Meyer.

I also have a kit to giveaway to one F&J reader!
Here is what you could win (a $19.99 value):
A sample size of each of the following:
• Facial Cleanser Skin Prep
• Cellular Activator Face Serum
• Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream
• Restorative Eye Cream
• Instant Radiance Facial Scrub
• Skin Renewal Clay Mask
• éclos Terry Cloth Head Band

To enter - Leave a comment on this blog post stating which product in the kit you are most excited to try.

Giveaway ends Friday June 1st at Midnight. US Residents only. Winner will be notified by email.
Good luck!

Sew It Yourself Series - Tutorials Needed!

2012-05-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

I am excited about this new series, Sew It Yourself: Kids Clothes!

During the month of June F&J will be showcasing tutorials of kids clothes!

I have some fun girly ones and studly boy ones too! But we NEED your Help!

We want to show off YOUR kids clothes tutorials.

Email me (firefliesandjellybeans(at)gmail(dot)com) if you are interesting in contributing to this fun series! I am looking for tutorials with step-by-step directions and photos of KIDS clothes.

Sounds fun right?! I am also thinking of other fun Sew-it-Yourself series like: Purses/Totes, Mom clothes, Christmas gifts... oh the possibilities! :) I am SO EXCITED!

111

ALWAYS last minute!

2012-05-26T08:54:00.000-05:00

So- it was 9:30 the night before my son's last day of preschool and it hit me... I don't have teacher gifts!! I had planned for weeks what I was going to do but always put it off because... well... because that is what I do: leave everything to the last minute! Good thing Walgreens is right down the street and open until 10PM!

I picked up these cute water bottles and used my Silhouette to cut out the teachers names with outdoor vinyl (I get my vinyl HERE - super cheap!) That is what I love about my Silhouette the most... making personalized gifts at the very last minute! Now, I try to keep a stash of vinyl around just for projects like this. People love to get personalized gifts!

I cut out Thank You tags with my silhouette too. In the morning had my son draw a picture of each of his teachers on the back. I was in bed by 11 with a cute teacher gift all ready! Phew- good thing I work good under pressure! : )

*** I am in no way affiliated with Expressions Vinyl or Silhouette... just love them!***

Show Off Your Stuff Party # 128

2012-05-23T17:30:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to the Show Off Your Stuff Party!

This week I am showing off:

Flip-flops Photo art

I am also on twitter now!

I would love it if you follow me @FireflyFawnda

Do you want to make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark
I wrote a whole post on how I make money blogging HERE
and another post on how to use Social Spark to make money HERE!

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 4 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes
Inspirational/Creative Writing

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Coupon Codes 4 U!

2012-05-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love saving money! I bet you do too! My husband is an account so that means he counts every penny and doesn't like me to spend any extra money. He is happiest when we get great deals! He even has my kids in on it. We have banks for each of the kids and whenever we get change back at a store they ask to put it in the back! A penny saved is a penny earned- right?!

I like to save money too but I also HATE to spend a lot of time cutting coupons, looking online at all the different coupons sites, running around town to 20 different stores, trying to jump through all the hoops to save $1 at the end of all my hard work... I mean- my time is worth more then that!

So when I found coupons4u.com I was excited! They are the best spot online for coupons, deals and sales on the internet... it should be the first spot before you shop. They have coupons for online sites AND for regular stores like Target or Aeropostale. In these financially tough times it is great to know that there is a one stop site to help us save money!

Their site is easy to use too!
On their home page you can look at the Top 50, The best sales, or exclusive codes. Or you can enter the store you are going to shop at and see what coupons are available (See the green arrow).

So- Lets say that you are looking for savings on art materials at dick blick. Just write Dick Blick in the search box and up come all the coupons and deals!

Looking to save money on your grocery/household care bills? Using soap.com money saving codes are ideal!

It is getting to be swimsuit time! Maybe your thinking of using a weight watchers coupon! They have those too!

You can also sign up for their Keep Saving Newsletter- in which they have exclusive SUPER deals that are not displayed on their site! You could be hooked up and in the know! The sign up is quick and easy!

Coupons4u.com is one place that is easy to find the coupons and deals at the stores I am already shopping at. If I want I can also look at what the top deals are too. It makes it so easy!

What ever you are shopping for you should check out coupon4u.com first!

Tell me - Who is the money saver at your house? How do you like to save money?

Flip-Flops repurposed into summer home decor! {Tutorial}

2012-05-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

So, I hate wearing flip-flops. They hurt my toes and I cannot stand the feeling of them on my feet. I know I am totally weird but there it is! But- I do think that they are adorable. I got a pair of flip-flops for my birthday, and I decided to repurpose them into a cute summer decor for my 3 season porch. What could be cuter them to make them flip-flop photos?

Here is what you will need to make your own:

Flip-flops (the cheap ones!)

Lace

Mod Podge

Spray Adhesive

Photos printed on paper

scrap wood (I used a broken ruler)

Hot Glue (not pictured)
Optional: Paint markers (not pictured)

1. Start by cutting off the band.

2. Trace around your flip-flop on your photos (my photos are 5X7 printed my regular paper in black and white). Cut out your pictures and attach them to the flip-flop using spray adhesive. Poke a hole through the paper where the top hole was on the sandal.

3. Brush Mod Podge over the pictures to seal them to the flip-flops. I did 2 light coats. Let dry completely.

4. Cut out 4 pieces of lace about 6 inches long each.

Use a pencil to help push the lace through the hole in the sandal.

Use hot glue to attach the lace to the backside.

5. Use hot glue to attach your piece of scrap wood to the back of your flip-flops to attach them together.

6. Optional: Use Paint Marker to add some fun to the bottom of the sandal.

I hung mine up on the wall.
I think these turned out pretty cute and would make a great gift!

So tell me, do you love or hate to wear flip-flops?

Master of Disaster!

2012-05-21T17:09:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Triad Retail Media for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Our Daughter is the master of disaster!

Don't let this sweet face fool you... she is only smiling because she is planning the next disaster! She makes messes all over the house leaving a path of destruction in her wake! And her clothes are no exception! It never fails that she has some sort of stain on her clothes at the end of the day.

She has some of the cutest clothes and she always manages to spill or dirty them up! Because I don't want to continually be replacing her clothes due to stains, I was so EXCITED to sample Shout® Trigger! We NEEDED it!

Shout® Trigger is packed with stain-fighting ingredients and enzymes to quickly penetrate, break up and remove tough stains! And it is available at Walmart!

We had some tough stains to put Shout® Trigger to the test! And I am TRILLED to say that it worked!

Dirt and grass stains on light pink leggings are gone after using Shout®!

Greasy, cheesy stain left on cute dress is gone after Shout®!

It is super easy to use! Just spray, let sit for 15 minutes and wash as normal. It has Triple-Acting Formula that clings, penetrates, and lifts away stains! It has a convenient trigger dispenser. It is safe for all colorfast washables and works in all water temperatures. I wash all my clothes in cold water to save money and it worked GREAT!

I think I may keep the bottle in my daughter's room as I will probably will need to use it on her clothes daily! If you have a little Master of Disaster, you need to check out Shout® Trigger!

Can You Hear Me Now?

2012-05-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yep- She can!

My Daughter got her Soft Band BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid) on Friday! I talked about her ear issues here. She has little to no hearing in her left ear because it is closed off AND there is fluid in the inner ear. She also had fluid in her right ear (but now she has a tube), so hearing has been a struggle up to this point. But on Friday, she could hear on both sides of her head for the 1st time in her life!

When the Audiologist put the hearing aid on, her face lit up with delight! I whispered "Say 'Hi Mommy'" very softly on her bad side (she would have never heard it before) and she said "Hi Mommy!" clear as day! I started crying right there in the Doctor's office!

When I took off her BAHA for her nap, here is how the conversation went:

Sweet Girl: On on on!

Me: Do you like it better on?

Sweet Girl: Yes- On please!

Me: After your nap we will put it on!

Sweet Girl: OK

She gets so happy when we put her hearing aid on after naps and in the mornings. And she is always telling us that she is hearing "Noise, noise, noise.... Loud!"

It truly is amazing this miracle that helps our daughter hear! We are very blessed! And we thank God for answering our prayers!

Now I need to work on some cute flowers and bows to add to her new headband! : )

Twitter-pated

2012-05-20T14:26:00.000-05:00

I think I may be one of the last people on earth to join but I did it!

I joined twitter... I am still trying to figure out how to use it so, any hints are great! I would love it if

you follow me @FireflyFawnda!

Gifts for Dads and Grads and Weddings!

2012-05-19T17:28:00.000-05:00

Now that Mother's day is done it is time to focus on Dads and Grads! And wedding season is here too! Are you looking for easy awesome gifts? Then check out Paper Coterie! They have the perfect personalized gifts to give:

For Dad:

Make a DIT (Do It Together) All About Dad book! With pictures of dad and pages for your kids to fill in all about their dad! I already have mine ordered and can't wait to get the kids started on it!

Get 60% off now with the code MYDAD at checkout! (Code expires 5/28)

For Grads:

Make them a personalized Journal! And at $6 it is the perfect gift to give all the grads you know... but this deal ends on 5-21 so ACT FAST!

Use code: BIRTHDAYJOURNAL to get them for $6!

For Weddings:

Get a memory Keeper book for $20 plus a FREE GIFT!

Use code: HAPPY1STBIRTHDAY for this deal (code expires June 8th)

These memory Keepers would be great to keep your kids art work in line too!

Whatever your gift giving needs are, Paper Coterie has got you covered!

HINT: Upcoming deals include a $10 photo book... get a photo book ready for when I get the code so you can order it then!

Show Off Your Stuff Party # 127

2012-05-16T17:30:00.000-05:00

Hello and Welcome to our Show Off Your Stuff Party!

Have you checked out the Dasani Photosynthesis App yet? DASANI will donate $1 for every fan that uses it! Make fun photo mosaics from your Facebook photos! (Sponsored by Dasani)

Do you want to make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark
I wrote a whole post on how I make money blogging HERE
and another post on how to use Social Spark to make money HERE!

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 4 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes
Inspirational/Creative Writing

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Petite Lemon Personalized Gifts

2012-05-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love personalized gifts!

I love to give them and get them!

If I get a gift with my kids name on it, I am in LOVE!

That is why I am so excited about Petite Lemon!

A cute new shop specializing in Personalized gifts!

Here is a little about Petite Lemon:

Petite Lemon is a group of moms and dads who love designing personalized, colorful goods that add style and meaning your special moments and festivities.Our fresh modern collection personalized growth charts, alphabet posters and kids tshirts make the perfect new baby gift, big brother or big sister gift or a charming addition to your nursery or child's space. All of our products are created and personalized by professional designers and printed with the finest quality inks and materials right here in the US. Every order is hand wrapped, ready to gift.

I love that the shop is run by Moms and Dads! It means they really know what we want for our kids! And you can tell that the people at Petite Lemon love what they do... The products speak for themselves!

Growth Charts:

How cute would these be on your child bedroom wall?!

About our growth charts:

Available in our signature poster paper or durable cotton canvas with grommets — our growth charts are 12 x 42" and are a beautiful, charming addition to your home. A growth chart is a forever keepsake as you can take with you when you move or re-locate it within your home, as opposed to the "old school" method of marking height within a door jam. Kids love to see how much they've grown, and we know because our little ones LOVE to track their height, their little siblings height or even their favorites stuffed animals.

Personalized Sibling T-shirts:

The perfect gift for the big brother or sister! It always touched my heart when people remember my son when my daughter came home!

About our tshirts:

We've recently launched a brand new collection of sibling tees — a perfect gift for new big brothers or big sisters or for your new little ones, little brothers or little sisters. All designs are available on super soft 100% cotton onesies, short sleeve or long sleeve, or baseball tee styles. Digitally printed with state of the art equipment, your personalized art is directly printed on each tee so they feel super soft, comfortable, and durable. The quality is unique and fabulous!

They also have stunning posters to use as art work for your nursery or child's room!

I love their Personalized Photo Poster:

There is nothing sweeter then seeing your baby's face!

About Personalized Photo Posters:

Our photo posters are available in our heavyweight, signature poster paper or gallery wrapped canvas — printed with bright, vivid eco friendly inks. Our exclusive photo keepsakes are a stylish, beautiful way to showcase special photos of your family and children

Personalized Alphabet Posters:

A perfect baby shower gift!

About Personalized Alphabet Posters:

Any Petite Lemon alphabet poster is available for print in our signature poster paper, removable poster sticker or as a gallery wrapped canvas. Each Petite Lemon Alphabet poster is created and personalized by a professional designer and is printed with vivid eco friendly inks.

F&J readers get to take 15% off Sibling T-shirts and Decor

with the code: FIREFLIES15!

Be sure to like Petite Lemon on Facebook to stay up to date on new items and deals!

Little Girl Knit Sewing projects for summer Round up

2012-05-14T14:33:00.002-05:00

For Mother's day my hubby gave me a new sewing machine! What a sweet sweet man! It was a total surprise!

I casually mentioned that I was saving up for a new sewing machine one day. He asked about what kind and why I wanted a new one. He actually sounded a little annoyed that I wanted a new one. So, I was SHOCKED when I opened this beauty!

Later I asked him why he got it for me when he was annoyed about it earlier. He said that he liked me sewing clothes for the kids and wanted to support me with my creativity and blog stuff. Yep- he is a keeper!

I am most excited about the blue stitches!

They are the stretch stitches, to use when sewing with jersey knits!

I have been using my zig-zag stitch when I have sewn knits and it totally works, but this will give them a more professional look!

Here are some of the cute projects in my queue to sew for my little girl this summer!

Sailor Dress from Sewing in No Man's Land

Cascading ruffle Skirt from Lil Blue Boo

Kimono Shirt from Domestic Bliss

The Go To Dress from The Train to Crazy

The Summer Sunset Dress from Piccoli Piselli

The beginner's jersey dress from Prudent Baby

Have you got any jersey knit patterns that I should try out? Share them in the comments!

Happy Mother's Day!

2012-05-13T16:05:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's day to all you lovely readers!

This day can bring both joy and sadness to many people. I am thinking of all those women who long to be mothers and have not been able to yet. I am think of mother's who have lost a child. I am thinking of the son or daughter who have lost their mom. Please know that you are in my prayers. I used to hate mother's day, because of all our infertility problems. And I am still very sensitive about it!

Mother's day is a day to celebrate all women who care for someone. You may not hold the official title of mom but it still counts!

My Mom wrote this poem for mother's day and I think it is beautiful:

Mothers
Loving, serving, wanting what is best for our children.
Sometimes we are the shining light of a safe harbor, or the wisdom of correction.
Strong as the tree that holds the family together.
Fragile as a glass broken on the kitchen floor.
Super glue or silly putty.
We search for the balance of holding on tight or letting go gently.

Our hearts have been broken many times and yet we survive.
We have our critics ( our children, but often the worst is ourselves) Always learning, hopefully teaching- if even by our mistakes.
We willingly sacrifice to make our loved ones lives better.

Oh how we love to celebrate- things great and small!
The wonder of life is not lost on us.
From the butterflies in your tummy (me- a mom?) to the warmth on your arms, studying their little face.
The parade of moments to cheer and applaud unending...
First steps,Did you tinkle? No training wheels! Before you know it- Graduations, Jobs, Weddings, Grandchildren!
Our calendars are full of Holidays and Birthdays.

What would we do without a sense of humor? Laugh or Cry? You make the call.
When we think seriously what else can go wrong or it can't get any worse...
Am I being punked??? Laughter is good for the soul.
If we share the craziness in our lives, it can change things from traumatic to hilarious. (Just don't wet your pants!)

We are the hub of the family wheel as we try keep all spokes connected Trying to keep a balance as we ride on the bumpy road of life We may be at different places in the journey, but we can support and appreciate each other, recognizing the effort it takes to pour out your life to better the life of others.

This is a task never to be taken on alone!
This job was created by a designer who made doing it all on your own impossible for a reason.
So you would have to realize you would need heaven's help.
God, all his angels and other people would be necessary to help you.

Thank you Lord, for my mom, for all the help you've given me, and all the wonderful moms in my life, may we be a blessing to each other.
Happy Mother's Day, I love you!

By Kim Velner

We hope you have a blessed day remember your mom.

&

Last minute Mother's day gift Kids Craft

2012-05-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am totally a last minute kind of girl! I say it is because I work better under pressure, but the truth is it is because I am MAJOR procrastinator! So, if you are in the same boat as me, I have a great Mother's day gift that is sure to be a big hit!!

A mug with art from the Grandkids!

Here is what you will need:

Mug

Painter's tape (optional)

Glass Paint Markers

I taped off the mug into 2 sections, one for each kid. Then, I let them draw to their heart's content! Both of my kids loved it (ages 2 and 4)! After they were done I wrote their names and ages at the bottom of their pictures.

Let your paint dry. My marker's (DecoArt) directions were to cook them in the oven at 325 for 30 minutes to set the paint.

Here they are all done. One for each grandma!

Show Off Your Stuff Party # 126

2012-05-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to the Show Off Your Stuff Party!

This week I am showing off:

My Easy Flower Garland

Have you checked out the Dasani Photosynthesis App yet? DASANI will donate $1 for every fan that uses it! make fun photo mosaics from your Facebook photos!

Do you want to make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark
I wrote a whole post on how I make money blogging HERE
and another post on how to use Social Spark to make money HERE!

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 4 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes
Inspirational/Creative Writing

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Easy Flower Garland Turoial(20 minute, Dollar Store Craft!!)

2012-05-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for a super easy, super fast craft? This garland is cute, easy and you can get all your supplies from the dollar store?!

Here is what you will need:

Silk Flower Hawaiian Lei

Yarn

Buttons

Hot Glue

1. Cut apart your lei to get your flowers.

2. Hot Glue buttons to the center of your flowers.

3. Cut a piece of yarn. Starting in the middle hot glue a flower to the yarn. Then hot glue another flower on top of that making a flower sandwich, with the yarn in the middle. Repeat evenly spacing out your flowers. I did 6 inches for my spacing.

4. Hang it up because you are DONE!

It looks great inside and outside!

Make a bunch because you can't stop yourself!

This is the one we used for my daughter's birthday party.

Paper Coterie

2012-05-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Paper Coterie is one of the best sites to order photobooks, cards, stationary and other photo gifts out there!

I know - I have ordered a couple things from them and I am coming back for more!

One of my favorite gifts I have ever given is this "10 things we love about Dad" Swatch book.

The kids and I gave it to him for Father's day last year, and he loved it. He keeps it will him everyday so that he can look at it whenever he wants. The quality is excellent and it is durable enough to carry around with you to show off!

The other priceless book I got from them is our photobook documenting our Daughter's journey home from Korea.

This book gets a lot of action, because our daughter loves to look at it almost daily and it holds up great! ! I love Paper Coterie's photobook choices. They are very modern and classy and better then the other photo sites!

AND they have so much more!

They have journals, Calenders, Cards, posters, and so much more... trust me you are going to LOVE this site!!!

Paper Coterie is offering F&J readers $15 off their order with code: GIFTFAVES (Code expires May 14th 2012)

So go and start working on your next photo gifts!

Reduce,Reuse, Re-purpose Round-up With DASANI

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

This post is sponsored by DASANI. All opinions are 100% mine!

I have been talking about how DASANI is celebrating reducing, recycling, reusing in many ways! They have created a new bottle made out of 20% plants, their bottle is 100% recyclable down to the ink they use on their labels, and they are partnering with New Balance to re-purpose their bottles into shoes.

DASANI is also giving back through a fun Facebook app: Photosynthesis

Get creative with Facebook’s new timeline feature and support a good cause by ‘recycling’ your Facebook photos into an eye-catching image to top off your profile. For each photomontage created through the app, DASANI® will make a donation to the national non-profit organization, Keep America Beautiful in support of recycling initiatives on college campuses throughout the U.S.

How to use the app:

Fans who have ‘liked’ the DASANI® Facebook page can access the application on the Photosynthesis tab of the Facebook page. First, fans will select a photo from either their Facebook albums or a design from DASANI®, to create into a photo-mosaic. The Photosynthesis app will ‘recycle’ all of the fan’s existing Facebook photos into a stunning mosaic that fits perfectly as a cover image on their profile. Each time a fan participates, DASANI® will donate $1 to the nationally recognized nonprofit, Keep American Beautiful, in support of their Bin Grant Program on college campuses. In addition, the fan’s profile photo will be added to the DASANI® mosaic of supporters, which will be featured on the Photosynthesis tab.

We also had a fun linky party showing off our projects that celebrated Recycling, Reducing, and Re-purposing!
Here is a round up of our favorite link-ups:

Bring new life to glass bottles with Its Over Flowing

Make your own Googly eyes with MeiJo's Joy

Re-purpose a table into to a chalkboard table with Kalina Blog

How cute are these Recycled Robots at Art Club Blog ?!!

Ski poles turned into a Lamp at Reposhture

Check out this cool car make out of cardboard at Kayboo Creations

Thanks to everyone who linked up to our RRR party! And be sure to check out DASANI's Facebook page and use their Photosynthesis app to create some really fun mosaic pictures as well as helping keep America clean!

&

Show Off Your Stuff party # 125

2012-05-02T17:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Show Off Your Stuff Party!

This week I am showing off:

Stenciled Pillows for my Mother's day gift:

Do you want to make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark
I wrote a whole post on how I make money blogging HERE
and another post on how to use Social Spark to make money HERE!

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 4 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes
Inspirational/Creative Writing

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Stenciled Pillows for a Mother's day gift with Martha!

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

Mother's day is coming FAST! My mom moved last summer, and it was pretty stressful for her. In her new house she has a 3 season porch, so I decided to make some pillows for the porch where she can relax! Her colors are blue and yellow.

Here is what I used:

Martha Stewart Craft Supplies:

Stencils (Letter and Doily)

Paint

Stencil Brushes

Spray adhesive (pictured below)
Other supplies:

Canvas fabric

Sewing machine and other sewing tools(not pictured)

Painter's tape(Pictured below)

Detailed instructions for making pillow covers can be found HERE @ Shabby Beach Nest... I will just give an overview of what I did. I am focusing on the stenciling part and not the sewing part.

1. I cut out my pieces for the pillow covers.

2. I used spray adhesive on the back of the stencil to help keep it in place.

3. I used the stencil brush to pounce the paint on the stencil. You want to have it be an up-and-down motion. Also you don't want a ton of paint on the brush. I used tape to block off other parts of the stencil so I wouldn't accidentally paint over those.

4. I did one layer, let it dry and then did the next layer, and so on. Once all the paint had dried, I heat set it with an iron.

5. I pinned and sewed my cover together.

I put my pillows inside.

I love that you can make whatever design you want with colors to match your own decor!
The Martha Stewart paint is wonderful! It showed up great on the dark color in one coat. I also liked working with the stencils.

For the yellow pillow I added letters. To help keep them straight, I used tape to make a line. I also used the tape to help keep the boarder straight too.

I hope that my mom likes them!

*** Disclosure: I was supplied with Martha Stewart Craft Supplies to make this project. All my opinions are 100% honest!***

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Link-up Party!

2012-04-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

This post is sponsored by DASANI

DASANI is making a stand to take care of our planet! They have created the PlantBottle®, a bottle that is made up of 30% plants and is completely recyclable. Check out this cool video about it: DASANI's PlantBottle® Saves Energy

DASANI believes in not only promoting the recycling of its bottles, but also promoting the many cool items the recycled bottles can become. That’s why they have partner with companies with similar mindsets, such as New Balance. They have created a shoe that is made up almost entirely of recycled bottles! That is some pretty awesome re-purposing!

Check out this cool video about it: New Balance newSKY Shoes

"DASANI has partnered with a variety of organizations to promote the importance of recycling:

• Coca-Cola Recycling: Since 2007, Coca-Cola Recycling has worked with the Coca-Cola system and community partners to increase the collection of beverage packaging for use again in North America. They currently manage 30 dedicated recycling centers, a commercial brokerage network, an online recycling bin fulfillment site and the execution of hundreds of local recycling programs around the country.

• Recyclebank: Since 2006, Coca-Cola has partnered with Recyclebank, a meaningful rewards program that motivates people to recycle by rewarding them for their efforts. Recyclebank Points are earned based on the weight of the recyclables and are redeemable for valuable discounts, free products, gift cards and movie tickets, to name just a few.

• Keep America Beautiful/Bin Grant Program: The Coca-Cola/Keep America Beautiful Bin Grant Program donates recycling bins to kick-start recycling programs for local organizations. Through your support, you’ve helped us grant bins to non-profits, government, civic organizations, schools and for profit corporations.

Here are some of my favorites that we have done:

Let all join in with DASANI and show off our recycled, re-purposed, Reused projects!

Unstoppable

2012-04-27T15:43:00.000-05:00

My Daughter is unstoppable... she will move mountains! She has some obstacles that could get in her way but she keeps on going.

Earlier this week I talked about my daughter's ear surgery (she had a tube put in her right ear) and I also mentioned that she has some ear issues. She was born with her left ear deformed. It is called Microtia. In her case, her left ear is completely closed off... there is no opening. So, she can only hear out of her right ear. In most cases, this is an outer ear issue and the inner ear still works. So, there could be some help with hearing aids.

At home and in quite places one ear is just fine, but once you get some background noise, it is really tough for your ear to filter out the stuff you don't need and hear what you do need. So, she has a "good ear" and a "bad ear" . ***We don't actually call it her "bad ear" we call it her "little ear" It reminds me of Nemo's lucky fin on Finding Nemo.*** At play parks and in a classroom setting, she has a hard time hearing instructions.

We have been keeping a close watch on her "good ear" to make sure that it can hear. We found that there was chronic fluid in it. Meaning it sounded like everything was under water. Not good for language and speech! So, after several visits to the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Dr, we moved forward with the Tube to help drain the fluid.

We have also been watching at her little ear. We had some good new and bad news about her left ear. Good news: The inner ear works great and with help of a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) she could hear out of it! Bad news: There is also fluid in her left inner ear... which could lead to brain infection! And since there is no opening, there is no good way to get rid of it. So, we are waiting and watching to see if it will clear up on it own. If not, we are looking at more ear surgeries.

We meet with a Deaf, and Hard or Hearing (DHH) specialist once a week, to working on language, speech and listening.

On top of all her ear issues she also has low muscle tone, this is not connected to her Microtia. Children with low muscle tone often have delayed motor skills, muscle weakness, and / or coordination problems. The fluid in her ears are not helping with her balance either. So, getting around is a challenge for my little girl! When she runs it look like Phoebe from Friends , she is about to fall over at any second!

We meet with an Occupational Therapist (OT) and a Physical Therapist (PT) once a month (each) to give us skills to help with her motor skills and coordination.

Now, these issues could make my daughter want to stop, not move. She can't hear that well, and it takes a lot of effort for her to stay upright. She falls down A LOT... a lot, a lot, a lot. If it were me I would stay down, but she doesn't, she gets up and keep going. Since she might not hear so well, she could be shy and sit off to the side, but she gets in and plays with other kids.

It is such a great example to me! She has such a great attitude. Her OT and PT are always impressed with her. They tell me that she is such a hard worker, and that most kids give up on the exercises, but she works the whole session. I am a proud proud mama!

We don't let the labels define her. We are aware of them, and get all the information we can so, we can be the best advocate for her. We use the resources available to us to get our daughter the best chance. But we don't put her in a box. She can do ANYTHING she wants to do (within reason!).

I am not writing this to get sympathy from you... I am writing it to encourage you! If there is one thing my daughter has taught me is that attitude goes a long way. She thinks she can do it, so she does. Wouldn't my world be so different if I thought that way too!

Go- Be UNSTOPPABLE!

***FYI- We think she is the most beautiful girl in the world and we would not change anything about her!***

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! Taking Care of our Planet.

2012-04-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

This article is sponsored by DASANI. All opinions are 100% mine.

This past Sunday was Earth Day! A day to remember to take care of our planet. We try to do our share by recycling our paper, glass, cardboard and plastic. I try to re purpose items into crafty projects. And we donate many of our things that we do not use. How did you celebrate Earth day?

DASANI's is celebrating our earth by creating a new bottle that is made up of 30% plants... HOW COOL is that!!

DASANI is now served in PlantBottle® packaging. Plantbottle is the award-winning bottle made from up to 30% plants sourced from sugarcane by-products from Brazil. Brazilian sugarcane is considered an “Advanced Renewable Fuel” by the EPA & is the only first generation biofuel widely recognized by thought leaders globally for its unique & social performance. Learn more About PlantBottle®

In addition to saving energy, PlantBottle is 100% recyclable and DASANI has optimized the bottle design for ideal recycling including the cap, label, inks & glues.

DASANI believes in not only promoting the recycling of its bottles, but also promoting the many cool items the recycled bottles can become. That’s why we partner with companies with similar mindsets, such as New Balance.

DASANI and New Balance have partnered together for the launch of newSKYTM, a line of footwear made from recycled plastic bottles. Together, we are working to both show consumers that there can be all kinds of exciting ways to recycle materials into new uses, and that we all need to do our part in protecting our environment. Check out DASANI's Partnership with New Balance

Now talk about re-purposing... I have done my fair share of re-purposing around here, but I have never made a plastic bottle into shoes! That just blows my mind! SO COOL!

To celebrate recycling, reusing, and re purposing we are going to host a Recycle/ Re-purposing Linky party on Monday!

Get all you best recycling project and your re-purposed crafts ready to link up on Monday May 1st!! In the meantime... check out this awesome video to get inspired! Click on the link to be taken to the video: New Balance newSKY Shoes

Keep up with the latest news and deals at DASANI's Facebook Page

. &

SOYS # 124 and Pick Your Plum Giveaway and Our Birthdays!

2012-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Jeannine and I have our Birthdays 1 day apart! It was always so fun celebrating our birthdays together growing up! Jeannine's was yesterday (4/24) and mine is today (4/25)!

To celebrate we are having a SUPER fun giveaway from the fabulous Pick your Plum and combining it with our Show off Your Stuff Party! It is a Party day!

Pick Your Plum has awesome Daily deals!

They have crafty goodness everyday for teeny tiny prices for you!

I love it when they have the vinyl deals... oh- how I love vinyl!

Pick your Plum is giving away a goodie box worth $75!

You know you want to win it!

Rules to enter:
You must do one of the following and leave me a comment:
1. Sign up for the Pick your Plum newletter (or already be signed up!)
2. Like PYP on Facebook!

Extra Entry:
1. Enter a link to our Show Off Your Stuff Party!

*** All winners must follow F&J (or like us on FB) and have a US address***
Giveaway ends Sunday April 29th!

And now the Show off Your Stuff Party!

Here is the run down:

1. Pay attention! There are 4 categories to link up:

Crafts and Sewing

DIY and Home Decor

Recipes
Inspirational/Creative Writing

pick one and go with it!

{If you pick the wrong one... you can delete your own and add it to the right one! :) }

2. Add a link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.

3. Please do not link up to something that you are just trying to sell.

4. Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. You can just grab my button!

Do you want to make some money blogging?

One site that I have found helpful in finding sponsors is Social Spark
I wrote a whole post on how I make money blogging HERE
and another post on how to use Social Spark to make money HERE!

They match bloggers with advertisers. You get to choose who you promote and how you promote it! It really is a win-win!