We are all stuck at home and I know that supplies are limited so I hope this post will make your life a little easier or help replace items that aren’t available now. There is also a pattern from a friend of mine for DIY face masks if you are looking for one! -Jen

DIY Face Mask – Sewn

My friend over at Mooshu Jenne has a great pattern for DIY face masks and she also has FB video tutorial!

Reusable Washcloths and Scrubbies

Midwestern Moms has two fantastic reusable crafts patterns that use scrubby yarn – Simple crochet scrubby dishcloth pattern and Simple round dish scrubbie pattern. I have used these patterns a lot because I love these for washing dishes! They last a long time.

The Artisan Life – These easy DIY gauze washcloths are perfect for babies and people with sensitive skin. Discover how to make them and download free printable “handmade with love” bands to transform them into a lovely homemade gift!

Dukes and Duchesses – Knit Dish Scrubbie A simple 20 minute pattern

Reusable Dishcloth Patterns

The Soccer Mom Blog – Create something beautiful AND useful with this easy knitted dishcloth!

Sustain My Craft Habit – Our simple shells free crochet dishcloth pattern is a perfect, easy little crochet project that you can easily finish in a weekend.

Midwestern Moms – This Quick and Easy Crochet Dishcloth uses single crochet stitches. This crochet pattern is easy to read and is perfect for beginners. Great way to practice learning stitches. She also has a mini C2C stripe crochet dishcloth, a ripple crochet dish towel pattern, and a granny stripe crochet dish towel. (See all of her patterns – she has a ton!)

Sew Simple Home – Reusable hanging towels are a great way to save money and keep that towel off the ground.

Super Mom No Cape – Knit your own dishcloths with this easy pattern. Sturdy enough for pans, soft enough for glassware. And they last for years. Plus a crocheted version – This pattern works up super fast and the dishcloths last for years of everyday use. The crocheted seed stitch results in nubbly, closely woven texture strong enough to clean the dirtiest pan but soft enough for glassware.

Dream A Little Bigger – Woven Crochet Dishcloth Weave together strips of single crochet to make an awesome woven crochet washcloth using cotton yarn. This DIY is so fun looking yet super practical!

Julie Measures – Knit Mitered Square Dishcloth

Potholder and Trivet Patterns

Happiest Camper – If you love camping and bring you will love this potholder! I’ll show you how to sew this camper potholder.

The Tiptoe Fairy – DIY Trivets from T-shirt Yarn

Craft Bits – Fabric Potholder Pattern

Salvage Sister & Mister – Use your fabric scraps to make these quilted fabric pot holders.

Adventures of a DIY Mom – Learn how to make an easy fabric hot pad. This is a great project to teach kids {or any beginner} to sew. This is one of those projects that looks complicated, but in reality, is quite simple to make. Also find a quick and easy crochet hot pad, using just 1 stitch!

That Kids Craft Site – Perfect for beginners, this easy pot holder craft can be sewn up in no time! The best part? You can use those leftover pieces of fabric to make it!

Sew Simple Home – Handmade pot holders can match whatever kitchen style you have without breaking the bank.

Happy Mothering – Are you looking for easy sewing projects for the kitchen? Learn how to make these cute DIY Pot Holders with a hanging hook. 

Other Fun DIY Reusable Craft Patterns

Easy 5-minute Sewn Soap Holder | DIY Reusable Bowl Covers | DIY Usable Tea Bags

Sustain My Craft Habit – The step-by-step photo tutorial makes it a great crochet coaster pattern for beginners but is versatile enough to be used in more advanced projects as well.

Mom Makes Dinner – Easy DIY Reusable (Un) Paper Towels made from old receiving blankets etc!

Mom Foodie – These cute DIY reusable snack and sandwich bags are useful and easy to make. They are lined with ripstop nylon to help maintain freshness and for easier cleaning.

Sew Simple Home – Keep your food fresh and covered with these DIY salad bowl covers. No need for plastic wrap anymore.

Super Mom No Cape – Learn how to sew beautiful, reusable cloth napkins with perfectly mitered corners. This easy method gives the napkins an elegant professional finish. Complete step-by-step sewing tutorial with lots of photos.

Happy Mothering – How to Make Reusable Sandwich Wraps with Velcro Closures

You may also like:

• https://www.craftylife.net/15-exciting-bead-crafts-for-kids/
• https://www.craftylife.net/8-diy-crafts-for-dog-lovers/

The post DIY Reusable Craft Patterns appeared first on My Crafty Life.

Self-care doesn’t have to be indulging in treats, shopping, and taking long naps; instead, it can be tasks that are more meaningful to you and impactful on your daily life. Keep reading to learn about a few small ways to give back to yourself for a happier, healthier you!

Create a Skincare Routine

It’s no surprise that your confidence can come from the way you view yourself, making the saying “look good, feel good,” not so far-fetched after all. For this reason, it’s an excellent idea to create a skincare routine so that you can begin and end each day feeling refreshed. Properly caring for your skin will work to provide a great base for makeup, and improve your self-image.

To begin, first assess the needs of your skin. Is your complexion oily, dry or a combination of both? Once you’ve done this, start by removing your makeup. If you wear makeup, you should always begin your skincare routine by using a makeup remover to ensure your skin is prepped for the next steps. Follow-up with a cleanser, exfoliator, and toner, but be sure to only use an exfoliator at night as it can make your skin more susceptible to UV damage. 

The next step in your skincare routine should be treatment products that will vary based on your skin’s specific needs. For example, if you have oily skin or struggle with breakouts, you might want to begin using acne treatment products in your skincare regimen. These products can be beneficial in clearing and preventing breakouts all while maintaining the integrity of your skin. Then, finish up with a mist, serum, moisturizer or face oil to leave your skin feeling plump, clear, and radiant. 

Dedicate Time to Your Favorite Activities

Oftentimes, we spend our days focused on all work and no play, leaving us little time in the day for our favorite activities. A simple, yet effective way to give back to yourself is by dedicating time toward activities that bring you joy. Finding time in your day to do something you truly enjoy can bring a great deal of relaxation into your life. Something as easy as taking up a new hobby can not only transform your day but also provide you with a handful of benefits as well. 

Spend Time with People You Love

While it may feel easier to go home and crash on the couch after a long day, surrounding yourself with loved ones may be just what you need to unwind and better your mood. Keeping good company can provide you with the tools and skills that will bring you happiness and set you up for success. There’s much to be said about a positive attitude and those who support your ambition and dreams. By having these types of individuals in your corner, you will not only thrive off of their support but give back to yourself through laughter and good memories. 

Nourish Your Mind and Body

The benefits of exercise and a healthy diet are no secret, and you owe it to yourself to feel like the best version of yourself each and every day. Exercise can help prevent or manage health issues such as high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, as well as arthritis. Additionally, it can improve your mood, boost your energy, and promote a healthier sleep schedule. 

Interestingly enough, there are plenty of benefits of a healthy diet, and some are similar to those of exercise. By incorporating the right foods into your diet, you can manage your heart health, keep your bones strong, and improve your memory. Of course, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t allow yourself a treat once and awhile, as that is part of giving back to yourself as well. 

Each of these tips are practical, yet powerful ways to give back to yourself and show your mind and body some extra TLC. In doing so, you will be sure to feel like your best self, all while being able to enjoy the smaller things in life.

You may also like:

• 6 Ways To Diffuse Emotional Pain
• 6 Signs You’re Healthier Than You Think

The post Easy Ways to Give Back to Yourself appeared first on My Crafty Life.

I have always loved any kind of potato soup. It’s versatile, you can add many different kinds of ingredients and potato soup can pretty much handle whatever you throw at it. Chives, leeks, bacon, cheese – it always tastes amazing.

When I started having all of my health issues I began to have intolerances to a lot of my favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately, potato soup was one of them.

Our Quest For The Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup

My husband was determined to figure out what was causing me food issues and wanted to make sure when I was feeling my worst I could still take solace in my favorite comfort foods.

After loads of research we notice a pattern – most potato soups use flour as a thickener. After experimenting we found the perfect replacement. Chicken broth. It adds a whole new layer of flavor!

Just like that I could eat my favorite soup again and my kids liked it even more than our old recipe. It has become a winter staple in our house that the kids request frequently.

If you are looking for savory, hearty, creamy soup for these cold winter days our Loaded Baked Potato Soup will hit the spot. Add your favorite bread or crackers and it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s easily made on the stovetop or you could even throw it in the slow cooker on busy days.

Print

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Prep 15 mins

Cook 1 hour

Total 1 hour, 15 mins

Author Jen @craftymomof3

Yield 8 Bowls

A hearty flourless loaded baked potato soup that can be easily adapted to taste. 

Ingredients

4 large baking potatoes

1 cup of chopped cooked bacon

6 cups of chicken broth

16 oz of sour cream

3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp of salt

Instructions

• Wash potatoes and chop into 1 inch cubes.
• In a microwave safe bowl, cook potatoes in the microwave for 15-18 minutes.
• Cook half of the potatoes in a large pot and mash.
• Add chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
• Once simmering, mix in sour cream and 2/3 of the bacon.
• Simmer for another 20 minutes stirring every 5 minutes.
• Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese and simmer for another 10 minutes continuing to stir every 5 minutes.
• Let cool to desired temperature and serve in bowls.
• Garnish with the rest of the cheddar cheese, bacon, chives or sour cream to taste. 

Courses Lunch/Dinner

Cuisine Soup

Don’t miss more terrific recipes by my fellow bloggers during Houseful of Soups! Loads of yummy soups to warm your soul.

• Neckbone Stew – Houseful of Nicholes
• Sweet Potato + Black Eyed Peas Stew – This Worthey Life
• Easy Creamy Tomato Soup – Big Crazy Life
• Slow Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew – Ashley & Company
• Sweet Potato Carrot Soup – Someday I’ll Learn
• Corn Chowder Soup – Day By Day In Our World
• Super Simple Cauliflower Soup – Good Girl Gone Redneck
• 20-Minute Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – Life of A Ginger
• Creamy Bechnut Squash Soup – 100 Directions
• Pasta e Fagioli – More Than Thursdays
• Easy One Pot Lasagna Soup – Mama Harris’ Kitchen
• Super Easy Egg Drop Soup – Eat Picks
• Jonah’s Float A Seafood Soup – food:life:love
• Instant Pot Chili – SimplifyLiveLove
• Easy Gumbo Recipe – Divas With A Purpose
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup – My Crafty Life
• Haitian Soup Joumou – Anointed Heels

The post Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Houseful of Soups appeared first on My Crafty Life.

White Chocolate Birds Nest Cookies

One of the reasons we love making birds nest cookies during the holiday is they are an extremely versatile cookie. You can change up the recipe to suit any taste or food sensitivity. The white chocolate birds nest cookies we make are made with Chow Mein Noodles and any type of chocolate you want. You can make them with dark chocolate, milk chocolate or even melting chocolate. We are partial to white chocolate.

Adding nuts is also an option. They work great with cashews, peanuts, or walnuts. I would stay away from pistachios if you are using white chocolate – it has a funky after taste we have found. They are really good with dark chocolate, however.

Print

White Chocolate Birds Nest Cookies

Author jen @craftymomof3

Yield 18-20 cookies

This is a great, quick, no-bake recipe you can make right on the stove-top or microwave 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cans of chow mein noodles
• 3/4 bag of white chocolate chips (large) or melting chocolate
• Chopped nuts (optional)
• Holiday Sprinkles

Instructions

• On the stove top in a medium sauce pan warm the chocolate chips or melting chocolate on medium heat. Do not let the chocolate bubble. 
• When the chocolate is slightly softened pour the chow mein noodles into the pan in small increments slowly stirring in the noodles until they are all coated. (If you’re adding nuts – stir them into the mix at the same time as the noodles)
• Immediately, using an cookie scoop or large spoon, pace on wax paper or a non-stick sheet pan. If mixture is sticking to the spoon spray a little cooking spray.
• Cover with plastic wrap and let cool in the fridge for an hour. 
• Carefully remove from sheet pan when cooled and enjoy! 

Butterscotch-Peanut Butter Birds Nest Cookies

We LOVE these cookies and actually make them all year long! I have tweaked this recipe over the years from the original recipe my family used in the past to what I think is the perfect ratio. Our recipe tastes like it has rum in it but it doesn’t! This recipe is also super simple and has just 3 simple ingredients.

Print

Butterscotch Peanut Butter Birds Nest Cookies

Author jen @craftymomof3

Yield 16 cookies

Yummy, savory and super simple to make. Just three ingredients! 

Ingredients

• 7 cups of corn flakes
• 3 1/2 cups of peanut butter
• 2 bags of butterscotch chips

Instructions

• Melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together until smooth over medium heat. Do not let it bubble or boil. 
• Slowy add each cup of cornflakes to the mixture and turn the heat down to med-low to prevent burning. 
• Coat the cornflakes evenly with the entire mixture. You can add more peanut butter if needed. 
• Cool on wax paper or a non-stick cookie sheet in the fridge for 30 minutes or until hardened. 
• Carefully remove the cookies and enjoy! 

(To store the cookies I recommend a glass casserole dish with a lid. Keep refrigerated because they will melt!)

What is Houseful Of Cookies?

Houseful of Cookies is an annual, virtual cookie hop, hosted by Natasha Nicholes of Houseful of Nicholes. She really likes playing on the “Houseful” theme when there is more than one of something, and since there’s more than one cookie…here we are. Each year, she gathers a bunch of us from the internet to bake up our epic cookie creations and share them with all of you! It’s a fun time, and we all have dealt with butter, flour, and various flavorings to bring you our goodies each year. This year, we present to you, our cookie hop.

Houseful Of Cookies Participants

Brownie Cookies – Houseful of Nicholes
Chocolate Rolo Surprise Cookies – Good Girl Gone Redneck
The Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookies – Love, Jaime
Cake Mix Santa Cookies – Dairy Carrie
Candy Cane Cookies – Brooklyn Active Mama
Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Shortbread Cookies – Honest & Truly
Gingersnap Cookies – Divas With A Purpose
Decorated Ugly Sweater Cookies – 1000 Directions
Mickey Christmas Headband Cookies – Cutefetti
Birds Nest Cookies – My Crafty Life
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies – Kenya Rae
Gluten-Free Russian Tea Cakes – Day by Day in Our World
Not His Mamma’s Tassies – Heather Spins a Yarn
Molded Peanut Butter Cookies – This Mamas Life
Not Your Mama’s Milk & Cookies – Life of a Ginger
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Chocolate Chunk Cookies – Mama Harris’ Kitchen
Coffee Sandwich Cookies with Browned Buttercream Filling – How Was Your Day?
Butterscotch Cornflake Cookies – Omadarling
Coffee Cookies – Someday I’ll Learn
Toffee Bits Cookies – This Worthey Life
Fruitcake Cookies – Sugar, Spice, & Glitter
Keto Almond Joy Cookies – The Crunchy Mommy

The post Birds Nest Cookies – Houseful of Cookies appeared first on My Crafty Life.

Four Tips & Tricks to Avoid Holiday Stress

In the midst of the holidays, there is a whole new bundle of emotions and stress. Going to visit Santa, Christmas plays/musicals, and cookie exchanges are events that consume us. The cluster of seasonal tasks can become overwhelming. Here are some tips and tricks that will help relax and enjoy the holidays!

Stop & Enjoy Traditions

Many people have their own particular holiday traditions. Decorating the home with festive seasonal decor is a common and lasting family tradition. Playing Christmas music while adorning the Christmas tree with ornaments and tinsel or dressing up the mantel with stockings are two important places to fixate on. These traditions are the moments you will remember the most. Make these fun times a priority. The holidays come and go so quickly, and if you are too focused on to-dos, you will allow these precious moments to slip away from you. 

Plan Ahead

To stay sane in the whirlwind of endless holiday opportunities, you must plan! Planning your days is only going to further benefit you. Make lists of supplies and gifts you need and keep your calendar up to date with events. Doing both of these things will keep you organized. A good tip is to meal plan. Prepping one-pot cajun pasta or spicy cast iron steak and peppers for dinner ahead of time will reduce stress amongst everything going on. Having meals ready to go will make it easier to focus on added activities.

Don’t Change Your Normal Day-to-Day

A common way we naturally avoid stress during the holidays is by eliminating a normal chore and supplementing it with a holiday-related responsibility. Don’t do this! If you go to the gym, continue to go. If you choose to take events out of your normal day-to-day that makes you happy, you will inevitably crumble. This is where planning is essential because you can arrange seasonal events around your normal ones. At the end of it all, everything will be accomplished, without having to sacrifice anything important to your everyday routine. 

Relax

While all of these things are pulling you in different directions, it is important to take time to focus on yourself. Relaxing will be your key to function during the busiest time of year. It allows you to shut off your mind, re-energize and think clearly. Some options to help you unwind includes:

• Meditating
• Journaling
• Exercising
• Reading a book
• Taking a bubble bath
• Doing yoga
• Crafting
• Take 15 minutes to be alone

Everyone’s relaxation outlet is different. Practice what will rejuvenate yourself in order to keep up with the added chaos. 

Planning your days, taking in every second of holiday traditions, keeping to your normal schedules and relaxing are the best tips and tricks to avoid holiday stress this Christmas. Although there may be some responsibilities that need to be completed to achieve the holidays you envision, it is not worth the mental toll. The holidays are about being surrounded by your loved ones. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and successful holiday season!

The post Avoid Holiday Stress with These 4 Tips & Tricks appeared first on My Crafty Life.

Give the gift of music with JLab JBuds

If your family is anything like mine, headphones are like gold. We are protective and possessive if we find the perfect pair. My crew and I in the past year have been moving to wireless headphones/buds. Unfortunately with this change brings a heftier price tag. You can’t really go cheap if you want performance.

Enter JLabs JBuds Headphones.  The new JLab JBuds Air Sport, business-inspired JBuds Air Executive, and the JBuds Air Icon all run under $100. They also deliver the upscale sound you are looking for without breaking your budget.

Comfortable and full of sound without the hit to the wallet

I am super picky about my headsets, I have small ears, so not only do earbuds have to deliver on sound but they must be uber comfortable.  Plus I don’t have a large budget to spend on extras this year so I need tech that can give me the quality I want but the price tag I need. The JLabs JBuds check all of those boxes.

JLab JBuds Basic Specs:

• Truly-wireless headphones – listen to your favorite tracks wire-free. Move around, exercise or relax with complete freedom.
• Rechargeable battery – each charge offers up to 6 hours of use on a single charge.
• Sweat-resistant – provides fantastic protection from sweat, so you can easily wear headphones while working out, raking leaves or anything that will work up a sweat.
• Easy Bluetooth interface – simple wireless pairing with your Bluetooth-enabled device.
• Great in-ear design – fits securely, comfortably and directs music into your ears for full, uninterrupted audio.
• Stereo design – delivers crisp, clear tones.
• Dual connect (on Air Icon only) – use either earbud independently or use both and experience a seamless connection.

Makes perfect stocking stuffers or quick holiday gifts!

As my kids get older it gets harder and harder to buy for them – no more toy catalogs to easily choose from. I love this new line of JLab Headphones because there is something for each of them! My son the runner – Air Sport. My daughter the animal lover – Air Executive (for walking the dogs – the shape is perfect and secure) and my video-making 12 year old – the Air Icon is perfect with it’s dual connect so she only needs one! These JBuds will also be a perfect gift to give to their friends at this price!

Right now you can grab them at Black Friday prices at Best Buy – check it out!  https://bby.me/2huu4

You may also like:

• All-New Bosch Counter Depth Refrigerator – perfect for holiday meal prep!
• 7 reasons why you need the Bosch 800 series dishwasher

The post JLab JBuds Headphones: #1 True Wireless Headphones under $100 – Great Gifts for Techies appeared first on My Crafty Life.

The All-New Bosch Counter Depth Refridgerator

We are in the market for a new fridge in our house and the All-New Bosch Counter Depth Refridgerator is definitely in the running to complete our kitchen renovation. Not only is it gorgeous and comes in colors I love, but the tech in this fridge is also next level. The stainless-steel finish also aligns perfectly with any stylish kitchen design.

I am also impressed with the bright LED interior lighting which is an extreme, welcome change from the typical dim fridge lightbulb, not to mention the door alarm! The door alarm will save you money by alerting you if the refrigerator is left open, just like your car door! If you have kids like mine, you understand the value of having an alert on the fridge door.

My Top 5 Favorite Features of the Bosch Counter Depth Refrigerator:

• The new FarmFresh System™: This new system has four settings that will amaze you, keep your food fresh longer and help extend your budget.
  • VitaFreshPro™ – preset settings that automatically balance BOTH temperature and humidity.
  • FreshProtect™ – absorbs naturally occurring ethylene to slow produce from ripening, stays fresh longer.
  • MultiAirFlow™ – circulates cool, fresh air evenly to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the entire fridge cavity, from the door bins to back corners.
  • AirFresh® Filter – absorbs even the toughest food odors with ease, keeping your refrigerator and freezer air fresh.

• The Bosch UltraClarityPro™ water filter: reduces >99.9% of sediments that may be found in your water, including harsh elements like chlorine and chloramine. We have really hard water in our area so this is a must for us. The internal water dispenser with replacement filter also delivers filtered water with one-touch. When you are cooking and need to fill a pot, the one-touch will make all the difference.
• Next Level Organization – FlexBar™: Organize your fridge in new ways you didn’t think were possible. The FlexBar™ creates extra space in your refrigerator – it’s the perfect home for wine bottles, condiment jars, eggs, and more. The Bosch Counter Depth Refridgerator also boasts a generous 21 cu. Ft. capacity. This creates a more spacious design with flexible storage features like the FlexBar™, removable shelves, three wide gallon door bins easily accommodate two large side-by-side gallon containers each and door bins.
• Three-tiered freezer drawer system: We have 5 people in our household plus 3 dogs that we make home-made food for, so our freezer has to be roomy. This ingenious three-tier layered freezer drawer system creates extra storage for frozen items, from pizza boxes to frozen waffles.
  • Equally, the full-width chiller drawer has the ability to store oversized platters with ease until you’re ready to serve them, or store snacks for quick access and easy visibility. Again, there are so many storage options to keep your holiday meals flowing without a hitch.
• The Home Connect™ app: Master your life with just one app. The Home Connect™ app allows you to monitor and maintain control of your Bosch refrigerator from your smartphone or tablet. Control the temperature, adjust lighting, run diagnostics—wherever you are,** for the ultimate convenience. I love this because I am always on the go. I like having the ability to view and control all of these things remotely.

Fresh by Design™. It’s refrigeration, reinvented.

If the tech doesn’t impress you the true counter-depth refrigeration will. This freestanding refrigerator sits flush with the countertop, has hidden hinges, and discreetly tucked away feet. This gives you a truly built-in look and feel.

The sleek, internal stainless steel back wall is made from the highest quality materials creating an eye-catching, durable, design that’s built to last.

*As compared to a Bosch refrigerator without FarmFresh System™. Results may vary among different foods.

**Connectivity and speed varies based on network and Wi-Fi levels.

You may also like: 

• 7 reasons why you need the Bosch 800 series dishwasher
• Total Tech Support

The post All-New Bosch Counter Depth Refrigerator – perfect for holiday meal prep! appeared first on My Crafty Life.

THE FALLEN COWBOY

Love heals all wounds …

Out of commission saddle bronc rider Jess Coldiron is putting his horse skills to work by serving as the Executive Director of the Promise Point Horse Rescue Ranch.

Jess’s gift for taming wild broncos and pretty women has taught him that both can take a man from zero to ninety in seconds, shake him senseless, and damn near kill him if he landed the wrong way. And Jess had. So bumping anything but heads with the beautiful Mallory Montgomery ? his sister-in-law’s estranged sister ? is out of the question.

Mallory came to Santa Camino, Texas, to fulfill her mother’s dying wish of reuniting with her sister, not to fall for a cowboy with a Texas-sized chip on his shoulder about the limp in his swagger and the woman in his past. But the ruggedly handsome, once famous bronc rider has a sexy smile and a fiery touch that ignites a spark in her every time they’re together.

Mallory knows there’s only one way to get Jess back in the saddle, but she wants more than he’s willing to give. And seducing the fallen cowboy may cost Mallory her heart.

Buy on Amazon

About Mina
As a teenager, Mina spent her summers in Texas consuming Diana Palmer romance novels. She’s been addicted to cowboys ever since.

She and her husband live on a small farm in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains with their two sons, six rescue dogs, and three miniature horses.

She’s an artist, photographer, and an avid reader. Life in her corner of the world consists of long winter nights curled up by the fire, cheering on her favorite football teams in the fall, enduring March Madness in the spring and walking barefoot through her garden with a cold jar of tea in the summer fireflies at sunset accompanied by a serenade of crickets and frogs, and lazy nights in the porch swing.

Enter to win 2 – $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Fill out the form to enter. Open 18+ Everywhere you can receive an Amazon GC. Ends 9/8/2019

The post THE FALLEN COWBOY by Mina Beckett Book Tour and Contest appeared first on My Crafty Life.

Top 7 reasons why you need this dishwasher

The Bosch 800 series dishwasher has the ultimate in new technology that will save you time, preserve your dishes and has enough room that you can wash 16 place settings!

Read on for the top 7 reasons you need a Bosch 800 series dishwasher:

1. Spacious enough to meet all your needs.  With it’s 24” width interior, the Rackmatic® adjustable upper rack adjusts to 9 different positions. This allows taller items (like stemware) to fit in the middle rack while leaving room for larger items below.  The flip tines make loading wide bowls, like mixing bowls, easy and ball bearing wheels provide a smooth glide in and out.

2. Large interior accommodates up to 16 place settings. The new Bosch 800 series provides the flexibility to easily load and accommodate 16 place settings. It also has Bosch’s largest 3rd rack- the MyWay rack provides additional loading space for your cereal bowls and large utensils.

3. A clean like you’ve never seen. Only available in the 800 series, the patented CrystalDry™ technology provides the ultimate clean and the ultimate dry (transforms moisture into heat up to 176F), including plastics. This technology delivers 60% better drying results.

The new Bosch 800 Series dishwasher also delivers a sparkling clean and dry with advanced PrecisionWash technology intelligent sensors continually scan and check the progress of dishes throughout the cycle, and powerful spray arms target every item of every load.

4.  Whisper Quiet.  The extremely quiet operation incorporates 18 unique sound-reducing technologies, for example, multiple insulation layers, grindless food filtration, and a sound-absorbing base.

5. Touch Control.  This provides you the ability to program a cycle quickly. The integrated controls make it easy with simple touch technology.

6. 24/7 Aquastop® – This new feature is amazing. Be proactive and protect your floors. This 4-part leak prevention system uses sensors to detect and stop leaks, and can even turn on by itself. If you have ever had a dishwasher flood, you know how important this feature is!

7. ENERGY STAR Certified. Every Bosch dishwasher is ENERGY STAR qualified and meets or exceeds federal guidelines, for year-round energy savings.

To see your options, prices and more information visit Best Buy. 

You may also like: 

• The best high-tech wet/dry shave imaginable
• Total Tech Support

The post 7 reasons why you need the Bosch 800 series dishwasher appeared first on My Crafty Life.

Wizard World Chicago 2019

There are so many amazing celebrities and artists that will be there this year! You really don’t want to miss it and new people are popping up on the list every day.

To see all the new celebrities added head to the Wizard World Chicago homepage to find out – there are so many new ones I can’t keep up!

Celebrity Roster Headliners At Wizard World Chicago, August 22-25 

So many awesome celebrities are coming this year. I can’t wait to see quite a few of my bucket-list stars and hopefully meet them! I have been a fan of Jason Momoa since his Stargate Atlantis days and he is definitely on my list of MUSTS to meet. Cary Elwes is also TOP of my list and how great was he in Stranger Things???

**Update** Jason Momoa had to cancel due to personal reasons. Tickets will be refunded and a $20 coupon is also being credited towards other WW photo ops.

Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Justice League), “Gotham” stars Ben McKenzie, Morena Baccarin and Drew Powell, Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, “Stranger Things”), Henry Winkler (“Happy Days,” “Barry”), Chris Sarandon (The Princess Bride, Nightmare Before Christmas), Daniel Cudmore (X-Men, The Twilight Saga), George Wendt (“Cheers”), Melissa Joan Hart (“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” “Melissa and Joey”), Katrina Law (“Arrow,” “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”) and David Giuntoli (“Grimm,” “A Million Little Things”) are among the celebrities scheduled to attend the 22nd annual Wizard World Chicago, August 22-25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. 

(Momoa will attend on Sunday, August 25; McKenzie, Baccarin, and Wendt are scheduled to attend Friday through Sunday, August 23-25; Elwes, Sarandon, Hart, Giuntoli and Law will appear on Saturday and Sunday only; Winkler is set to attend all four days. )

Other stars scheduled to appear are my girl Maze – Lesley-Ann Brandt (“Spartacus,” “Lucifer”), Kelly Hu (“Arrow,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”), Mark Jackson (“The Orville”), Jake Stormoen (“The Outpost,” “Extinct”), Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Smallville”), Kevin Conroy (“Batman: The Animated Series,” “Justice League”), Matt Ryan (“Constantine,” “Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag”), Teddy Sears (A Single Man, The Flash), John Glover (“Smallville”), Thomas Ian Nicholas (Rookie of the Year, American Pie) and Lisa Marie Varon (professional wrestler). Standout voice actors attending who appeared in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and many other series and films are Rob Paulsen (“Donatello”), Cam Clarke (“Leonardo”), Townsend Coleman (“Michelangelo”) and Barry Gordon (“Donatello”). As I said, new celebrities are being added every day!

Artist Alley

I love dressing up, people watching and getting meet amazing people. BUT. There is a whole other part to Wizard World that I am drawn to…Artist Alley. I have been known to wander the aisles for hours at a time. I have met some ridiculously talented people that I search for every year, follow on social media and look forward to seeing every year.

Some of the world’s most talented creators populate Artist Alley at Wizard World. Top writers and artists scheduled to attend are Kurt Lehner, Jeremy Clark, Phil Ortiz, Tom Cook, Claudio Aboy, Stuart Sayger, Gerry Conway, Christopher Priest, Carl Potts, Mostafa Moussa, Joe Wos, Stuart Sayger, Thomas Estrada, Joe Corroney, Tim Lattie, Trevor Mueller and more.

Other Activities

Wizard World Chicago will also feature non-stop live entertainment hosted by Kato Kaelin, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings hosted by stars and directors and more. 

Four Day Pass Perks

Beginning as the show opens on Thursday, August 22, fans who purchased four-day general admission or higher tickets will receive a custom, commemorative lithograph featuring the images of Lesley-Ann Brandt (“Spartacus,” “Lucifer”), Kelly Hu (“Arrow,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”), Mark Jackson (“The Orville”), Jake Stormoen (“The Outpost,” “Extinct”), Drew Powell (“Gotham,” “Ponderosa”) and Teddy Sears (“The Flash,” “American Horror Story”), which all six stars will autograph free of additional charge, while supplies of the lithograph last.

(Hu and Stormoen will appear all four days; Brandt will attend on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only; and Jackson, Powell, and Sears will be on hand on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. )

Comic Books for Kids!!!!

Wizard World is teaming up with ComicBooks For Kids! to make sure that every child in a hospital or cancer center has a comic book! Wizard World is asking fans to bring child-appropriate graphic novels, comics, science fiction books, or any other similar reading materials to Wizard World Chicago, August 22-25 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Center and leave them in a specially marked donation receptacle near the Special Guest Registration desk. 

As a thank you, fans who donate two or more items to ComicBooks For Kids! during Wizard World Chicago will receive a free pre-autographed celebrity photo from a selection of previous Wizard World guests. These photographs are available to fans on a first-come, first-served basis while supply lasts, one per family donation per day, at the full discretion of Wizard World. 

Fans can learn more about ComicBooks For Kids! at https://www.comicbooksforkids.org/. 

About Wizard World Chicago

Wizard World events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The eighth event scheduled on the 2019 Wizard World calendar, Chicago show hours are Thursday, August 22, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, August 23, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult. 

Wizard World Chicago is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening. 

This post was written in partnership with Wizard World

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