Just a Little Creativity

Canadian Crooner Michael Bublé is Back with a New Album! #ToBeLoved

2013-05-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

"I want to take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," Michael says. "The album swings big time: it rocks, it’s soulful, it’s happy, sometimes a little sad. It’s romantic, it’s yummy, and it’s heartfelt."

What do you think of when you hear the name Michael Bublé? Classic, pure, romantic, beautiful music? Yes, that and so much more! This is exactly what you'll hear on his newest album To Be Loved, which was just released on April 23. On this album not only will you find four original songs co-written by Grammy winner Bublé, dipping into his personal life for inspiration, but also cover songs by Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, Elvis Presley (and more) as well as a collaboration with Reese Witherspoon, Bryan Adams, and others.

Just check out the playlist to see what I mean...

To Be Loved Track Listing:
1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"
2. "It's a Beautiful Day"
3. "To Love Somebody"
4. "Who's Lovin You"
5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)
6. "Come Dance with Me"
7. "Close Your Eyes"
8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)
9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)
10. "To Be Loved"
11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"
12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)
13. "I Got It Easy"
14. "Young at Heart"

I always enjoy knowing back stories to songs, and when I fell in love with his original "Close Your Eyes" I was happy to learn why he wrote it. It turns out these are good times for the singer, who is about to become a first-time dad. He sounds like a man in love with life. "I wrote Close Your Eyes about my wife and about the power of all the women in my life—my sisters, my mom, my grandma and all women in general. Let’s face it, where would we be without them? I Got It Easy, another original, is basically a song where I count my blessings and is a reminder to me and everyone to appreciate all the good parts of life. I’m a very lucky guy and I never want to forget it."

Another one of my personal favorites on the album is surprisingly "Something Stupid" featuring Reese Witherspoon. I honestly didn't know the girl could sing, much less hold a candle to Bublé, but she cuts it!

These aren't the only songs that have caught my attention, and are now on some of my favorite playlists on iTunes, I could go on and on about each and every one. The classic appeal of the music takes me to another time and place. I can close my eyes and easily picture slow dancing with my husband while Frank Sinatra sings in the background, or sway to the sound of the Bee Gees To Love Somebody.

To Be Loved is available, of course, on Amazon and iTunes. Before you go to score your own copy, I'll leave you with this awesomeness- with a sense of humor, I think you'll enjoy this official video for It's a Beautiful Day!

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{DVD Giveaway} Hermie & Friends: I Will Tell the Truth & Be Careful What I Say

2013-05-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

Telling the truth or saying you are sorry is not always easy, but it’s the right thing to do. These two beloved Hermie & Friends stories illustrate how God loves for us to choose our words carefully.

In Flo the Lyin’ Fly, the garden bugs grow tired of Flo’s flood of fibs. Like the little boy who cried wolf, Flo thinks it’s fun to tell stories that aren’t true. When Hermie and his friends discover they can’t trust Flo, they refuse to believe her when there’s real trouble. With all her lies catching up to her, Flo discovers the importance of always telling the truth, no matter what!
In The Flo Show Creates a Buzz, things don’t go as expected when Flo gets her very own TV talk show. She has to think about what to say, what to wear, and who to invite as guests. What she isn’t thinking about are other people’s feelings. After insulting every guest on her show and embellishing the truth to boost ratings, Flo realizes she owes them an apology. Flo learns that words are very powerful and saying you are sorry can make all the difference!

* Ages 4-7

* Animated DVD

* From the beloved Hermie and Friends brand

* Christian values presented as part of a “Grow with Hermie” program

* Two full-length episodes

* Focuses on teaching kids to tell the truth and apologize

Alright, out of my five kiddos, I'd love to say in the years I've been raising them that I've never had to deal with them lying or being honest, or knowing when to hold their tongues or tattle telling (you get the idea) but that in itself would be a lie, because I've had to deal with it many times. I think it's all part of parenting, and helping them to grow up in a healthy way. It's also about teaching them right from wrong, and growing their inner moral compass. Any good help I can get along the way is always appreciated, even when it comes in the cartoon form of a little caterpillar and a fly. This DVD is really great for the little ones, in that it teaches the lesson of taming the tongue in a manner that is age appropriate. My four year old Isaac, and even my seven year old Josh have watched this show quite a few times, and it holds their attention every time.

If this sounds like something your children would enjoy, then you're in luck, because you have the opportunity to WIN your own copy! I'd love to know I'm not alone in the journey of teaching our little ones, so leave me a blog post comment and let me know what you have a harder time teaching your children: honesty or holding their tongues, and you're eligible to win!

This giveaway ends Friday 5/24/13 at 11:59PM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided a copy of this book for review by Thomas Nelson through Tommy Mommy. I'm not required to give a positive review, and I only represent products I love on my blog, and my opinions given are always 100% my own.

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10 Fabulous Furniture Makeovers Using Chalk Paint {Before and After}

2013-05-10T13:46:00.000-05:00

Today, I want share with you a few of the chalk painted furniture pieces I've been working on for my new shop at Miles of Art. I hope you'll be inspired, I've tried just about every way you can chalk paint- from my favorite DIY recipe, to actual Annie Sloan brand, to using polyacrylic sealer, and Minwax sealer. The only thing I haven't tried yet is the Annie Sloan brand wax.

1. Mid Century Modern table

I love the look of classic mid century pieces. Unfortunately, this little guy had seen better days. It was given to me by a friend. It already had what looked like a semi-paint job, and some peeling veneer on the top. I repaired the veneer with a bit of wood filler and a good sanding.

Then, I painted this great little table with aqua DIY chalk paint, silver spray paint for the legs, and Mod Podged the top with wrapping paper. Sealed with polyacrylic.
In fact, you'll notice that this table coordinates with my rocking horse makeover as well as the Mod Podge wrapping paper toy box.

2. Roll Top Desk

I found this little beauty at a yard sale for just a few dollars. This roll top desk was originally $10 but I talked her down a bit (although $10 was a good deal itself) It was missing a foot, and a knob, and just needed some general TLC.

I painted this lovely lady with Annie Sloan old white chalk paint, and sealed it with Minwax. I hand distressed it, and added new hardware.

3. Corner Cabinet

So, this piece has an interesting story. I was dropping my oldest two boys off at a friends house for a swimming party, and noticed it was by the curb at one of the neighbors homes. I immediately called my friend to see if the neighbors were indeed throwing it out and she said yes! She sent all the boys over to pick it up and carry it back to her house so I could get it when I picked up the kids.

This sucker is heavy, and laminate, and someone had already tried to give it a paint job with little success. Of course, chalk paint will cover just about anything, so I knew my brand new can of Annie Sloan duck egg blue would be a great solution.

I needed a display cabinet for my shop, so I removed all the doors, painted it blue. Then, I attached a cute little bunting I made out of scrapbook paper. I actually decided not to seal it with anything for now, because I don't mind if it gets a bit distressed.
It's perfect now as a display in my shop.

4. French Table

This table was another garage sale find. I'll be honest, nothing about it appealed to me other than the fact that it was solid wood. I didn't even want to pay the couple of dollars that they were asking for it, but when she said she'd go half price on it, I thought, what the heck.

I brought it home, and there it sat for quite a while. It wasn't until I found some inspiration over at The Graphics Fairy that I felt like I knew what to do with it. I painted it with my DIY chalk paint, gave it quite a bit of distressing, and added an amazing graphic using a Mod Podge transfer technique. I then sealed it with a polycrylic.

I'll have to post another time a how-to Mod Podge transfer an image.
I love the results! It actually sold within the first 48 hours I had it in my shop.

5. Oval Book Table

I found this book table in one of those thrift shops that look scary from the outside. You know the kind, you don't want to go in unless you're with a friend. I've found that often those will have undiscovered treasures for that reason. My mom and I were thrifting one afternoon, and decided to brave it. I'm glad we did because I snagged this oval book table for a great deal.

I know these aren't too hard to find, which doesn't often make them very unique. But, with a fresh makeover using Annie Sloan duck egg blue and some polycrylic sealer, I made it very unique. I also used my white paint pen and added a few swirls on the top for an extra special touch. Slight distressing gave it the perfect finish.

6. Coffee Table

I'm going mark this makeover as one of the most unusual I've ever done. It is actually my moms idea, so I went with it. We mixed some DIY chalk paint in pink and also black. Then, we flipped it upside down, and gave this spindle leg coffee table a brand new life as a pet bed fit for a princess!

Again, I added a few extra touches, and now it's ready for the most pampered pooch!

Here are a few more that I regretfully didn't snap before photos of, but you can still see the final results.

7. Toybox

8. Hipster Cabinet

9. Oriental End Table

10. Book Caddy

I've had an absolute blast finding pieces to makeover. I honestly don't know how I ever painted furniture before I knew about chalk paint. I'll say that the results I've had with the DIY paint and the Annie Sloan paint have been nearly the same.

I hope that this has inspired you to give new life to an old piece as well!

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Moms Listen Up! YOU Can Easily Install a New Waterpik RainFall+™ Rain Shower Head #ShowerMomwithLove

2013-05-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner. How does a brand new, luxury bathroom re-do sound as the perfect gift? Great, right? Well, while an entirely new bathroom is probably out of the question for most of us, what if I told you there is an easy update that can be done,for under $100, to make mom feel just a bit more luxurious in her space. With a brand new Waterpik RainFall+™ Rain Shower Head installed in the shower, she can feel pampered and special. Include the new shower head in a basket full of girly bath stuff- fluffy towels, lovely smelling bath gels, lotions, candles, a plush rug, and you're good to go! It's like a new bathroom in a basket, on a practical budget!

Now, I know a lot of us moms consider ourselves "DIY Moms" these days. So, if you're one of them (and even if you're not), this is shower head is super, super easy to install. I'm confident that anyone can install it.

This is how it looks just out of the box. Once you remove the paper, there are only a few pieces to handle. Nothing to be intimidated by.

I've put together this great video tutorial just to prove how easy it is. If you're one of the lucky moms to get one of these as a gift this year, here's how you install it-

See! Piece of cake. Not only does the Waterpik Rainfall Showerhead look great. but it's affordable as well. The RainFall+™ Rain Shower Head with 7 Spray Settings retails for $39.99. In fact, if you act now, you can enjoy an additional $10 rebate (found at the bottom of this post).

If you'restill wondering why to choose the Waterpik brand- other than the fact that it's so easy to use and install, here's a bit of additional info about the company that may help-

Since the launch of Original Shower Massage® in 1974, Waterpik® has been founded on a tradition of innovation and performance in everything we do. Waterpik® shower heads are designed to create shower experiences that relax, refresh and rejuvenate the body. A great shower starts with great water force. But Water Pik set out to prove that a good shower head could provide force without relying on water pressure. Even at low water pressures, OptiFLOW® can improve water force up to 30% by more efficiently channeling water. Waterpik® shower heads are engineered with OptiFLOW® to deliver the power. Our high-performance, high-style shower heads offer an affordable way to breathe new life into any bathroom. All Shower Heads sold after 2005 have a limited lifetime warranty.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Waterpik. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Spring Weekends Mean Baseball and Yard Sales!

2013-05-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

I have a weekend tradition this time of year- yard sales and baseball. That photo you see up there is what my center console in my van looks like come Saturday morning. Coffee, sunglasses, wallet, and Wet Ones antibacterial wipes. These are especially important to get rid of the dirt and grime that comes after digging through all the treasures I just might find. The big boys have ballgames every Saturday, so before their game, I hit all the yard sales in the area.

Then, it's off to the ballpark. The boys are on the same team this year, which is pretty great. This means that the little boys only have to sit through one game, and that the big boys can get all hot and sweaty and go home after the game is over. Speaking of hot and sweaty, think of their hands in gloves, on baseball bats that all the other kids use, batting helmets (you get the idea), remember those Wet Ones wipes I mentioned? Oh yeah, they use them. I stick the individual packs in their baseball bags, so they can whip them out whenever they're finished with a game or practice before getting into their snacks and refreshments at the end.

The little guys enjoy watching their big brothers play, but like I said, one game is about all their attention spans can stand. In fact, we usually have to take a walk to the concession stand around the halfway point just for a change of scenery and some popcorn. Again, I clean those little grubby fingers before they chow down, and all is well.

I hope most of you have been able to enjoy the warm weather heading our way as we're in the middle of Spring, and preparing for Summer! For me, I can't believe the school year is almost over. I'm already trying to come up with a list of ideas to keep the kids busy for the summer.
For now, I'm enjoying the Spring. I feel like we're finally past cold and flu season, have packed up the warm clothes (which, for us here in Florida, are long sleeves and maybe a hoodie), and are enjoying our outdoors. And, thanks to Wet Ones antibacterial wipes, you can be sure to keep the germs at bay while you enjoy your weekends with the family!

Want a few more usage tips for Wet Ones this Spring? Check out this list the company has made to encourage you to enjoy your time germ free-

Exploring the Petting Zoo
After Sharing Bats and Balls
After Making Mudpies
While on Vacation
During Outdoor Birthday Parties
Visiting the Pet Store
At the Lemonade Stand
When on Family Bike Rides
Between Yard Work Tasks
After Sidewalk Chalk Adventures
After Playing Miniature Golf
For Sticky Hands from BBQ Ribs at a Picnic
Before and After Eating Corn on the Cob at a Picnic
After Playing Tennis
After Changing a Flat Tire
While on Family Picnics
At Concerts in the Park
After Fixing a Broken Bicycle Chain
After Doing Cartwheels in the Park
At the Farmers Market
When Enjoying Parade Festivities
When Picking Wild Flowers
Exploring Antique Shops
During Festivals in the Park

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VeggieTales LIVE- It's like Broadway for Kids!

2013-05-02T18:22:00.001-05:00

If you ever have the opportunity to take your kiddos to a VeggieTales LIVE show, do it! A few weeks ago, the VeggieTales LIVE tour visited my town, and we were blessed to be able to take the kids. My three older kids and I have actually been to one of the old tours several years ago, and enjoyed it so much, but have never been able to take the two younger ones until now. Let me tell you, there is no expense spared, you feel like you're watching a little kids version of a Broadway show. It must look simply amazing to the little ones, to see their favorite Veggie characters come to life!
I remember the first time I ever watched a VeggieTales show, about 14 years ago with my now teenage daughter. The company was fairly new, and I feel like my kids have grown up beside VeggieTales and Bob and Larry. So, when I realized that this live show is "Happy Birthday Bob & Larry", I was really excited to see what they would bring. It was a great mix of older songs and new. Some classic Veggie songs like the Hairbrush Song, as well as newer ones from the more recent dvds.

My four year old Isaac had been feeling sick all weekend, running a small fever. I was afraid we would have to miss the show Sunday evening, and that he would be heartbroken. However, after a good day, he was ready to roll to his first "real show" as he put it. He was so proud of his tickets, you'd have thought he had scored the Golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka.

We started out sitting on the floor level, but we were pretty far in the back, so we opted to find a better view from the balcony. Tip to parents, arrive early enough for a good seat, they seem to fill up fast.

The entire show was so well timed. It held the attention of the children, and each time they crowed seemed to get a little restless, the show would change into a new song. They even made sure to include an intermission for little ones to take a potty break or a stretch.

I'm not sure if they do this at all the venues, but one of my kids favorite parts was when they invited all the kids to come dance at the front of the auditorium. They all had a blast wiggling and dancing to their favorite tunes while getting a close up of their favorite characters.

At one point in the show, I noticed that Jr Asparagus' eyes accidentally fell off, and the dancers that were a part of the show were so classy and discreet about fixing them, that I'm sure most of the audience didn't even notice, it was that well done.

We truly had a great time. At the end of the show as we were leaving, Isaac said with a big smile, "Jesus took away my fever so that I could have the best night of my life! I sure think the Veggie Tales had a great birthday!"
If that doesn't sum up the way the kids enjoyed the show, I'm not sure what does.
My only regret is that we'll have to wait for another tour to get to see one again!

Click HERE for more information on VeggieTales LIVE, including tour dates and ticket info, you won't want to miss it!

A set of tickets to this show was given to me to help facilitate my post, no other compensation was given. My opinions are always 100% my own, and I was not required to give a positive review

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Childrens Book- Truck Stop by Anne Rockwell and Melissa Iwai {GIVEAWAY Winner Announced}

2013-04-24T16:37:00.000-05:00

Truck Stop is a picture book about a family-run truck stop and all the trucks that stop in for breakfast. There are many different trucks depicted throughout the book, perfect for the little ones who can't get enough: eighteen-wheeler, dump truck, milk tank, moving van, even an old green pickup.

Do you have a young reader who loves all things related to cars and trucks? I know I do, my four year old son Isaac and his best friend love anything mechanincal. When we received the book Truck Stop by Anne Rockwell illustrated by Melissa Iwai, he was so excited! We've read through it several times already to the point where he has memorized most of the story. Of course, the eighteen wheeler is his very favorite, but was a bit fascinated by the milk truck, because, we realized, that he's never actually seen a milk truck. Isaac enjoyed the boy who works at the counter, helping his parents, and even told me once he wanted to work at a truck stop! Of course, he also wants to work at an aquarium, a school, and the grocery store, but this cute book has added a new occupational goal to his list.

In my opinion, Truck Stop is a great length for little ones around the ages of 4-5 who still like to be read to, and for around six or seven and up who are trying to learn to read on their own. The words aren't overly complicated, and for the most part my seven year old has been able to sound out the words. As an artist myself, I personally enjoy a well illustrated book, and this one definitely hits the mark. The colors are bright and vibrant, but not overly so. Just right for a little book about trucks!

Truck Stop is available right now to pre-order on Amazon before it's release date of May 16, 2013

OR, even better, you can enter to win your own copy right now. To enter, just leave me a blog post comment below letting me know why you'd like to win, or who you'd like to win it for!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given a copy of this story for review, and was not required to give a positive review. All of my opinions stated are 100% my own. If you'd like you may read my full disclosure policy HERE.

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{How-To} Home Styling Using Odd Items by Guest Eva Stephen

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Home Styling using Odd Items

Hi Molly followers. This is Eva Stephen. I am so happy (and a bit nervous too) that Molly introduced me with her readers while she's away for her trip to Europe. I'd say many thanks to her and have a great fun trip. In the following post I am going to discuss little but pretty things you can use to style your home that I and you probably take them for granted. Hope you enjoy. Share your experiences and ideas in the comments section. I love comments. Also get in touch on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Big items are more visible at first, but it's often those small details that give every place a soul, or, a specific atmosphere that makes us feel pleasant or unpleasant when we are there. And whilst bigger pieces of furniture, appliances and home equipment usually cost a considerable amount of money, details can be very inexpensive, sometimes even free. This is, of course, very convenient for everyone experiencing economic crisis. This is the time that demands frugal measures, but does not erase our need to have a pretty, cozy home.

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From yard sale trinkets to DIY crafts

Every apartment, regardless of its size, structure and position in a building/neighbourhood has a potential to look appealing. You only need creative ideas, some free time and good will to put everything together and create a desired home look. Some of the things that you can get at a yard sale at a decent price are:

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Lamps
Pillows and cushions
Decorative, exotic toys
Exotic sculptures
Old wooden tables and chairs
Music records
Mirrors, glass objects, etc.

The basic rule of buying at a yard sale is to avoid technical items and buy only things that you can visualize in your house.

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After you've purchased what you need, you are ready to begin a fun DIY project that will turn into a wonderful decorative item for your sweet home.

Magical items in your dining room

Dining room is the place where families get together during meals. As our lives become faster and busier, dining rooms are often the only place we meet our family. That is why it is important to make it several things at once: friendly and warm, serious and dignified. You need interesting items to make the magic work.

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Some of the things to consider are: vintage DIY table and chairs, old-fashioned tablecloth, ornate vase with always fresh flowers, artsy paintings or posters on walls and perhaps a nice old-fashioned cabinet for nicely ornamented silverware. Though food will be a key factor to lure your guests, friends and family into the dining room, its charm will decide how long they will linger after the meal.

Keeping the bedroom warm

Make your bedroom as inviting as possible. It is where you keep the flame going with your partner, and a place to rest from daily nuisances. Pay attention to details: pillows on your bed, warm wall colours, glamorous mirrors or subtle wall art, candles and books, sculptures and toys from different countries and perhaps an old record player ñ to give a sense of some past times when things seemed simpler and relaxed. Use any odd item you can to bring romance into your bedroom.

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What to do with leftover money

If you do have some money for larger, more expensive items, you should use some of it to style your living room. Every living room should be equipped with quality home video equipment and comfortable sitting furniture. You should by all means give Shop4furniture website a visit for great and contemporary collection of sofas and chairs.

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While bringing plants into the bedroom is not advisable, living room should be crowded with different sized plants and flowers. Living room walls are also a huge platform for experimenting with posters, paintings, curious geometrical glass or mirror shapes, vintage photo frames, chalk drawings, collage art, etc. Don't forget to stop by PosterLounge for a huge wall art and posters collection.
Ideas for home decoration are limitless, but you only have one home. My advice to you is to carefully consider all options, then follow your heart.

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30 Spring Cleaning Storage Ideas Using Fellowes Bankers Boxes #GetOrganized #BankersBox

2013-04-18T23:26:00.000-05:00

You may remember a few weeks ago I mentioned in this post that I was working around the house on some major Spring cleaning, with my ultimate goal being to get organized once and for all. Well, after a very successful yard sale, a drop off at Goodwill, and some especially beautiful Fellowes Bankers Boxes for storage and organization, I think I can say that I've made a lot of headway towards my goal!

I think that when you have lovely, and especially functional pieces to help with organization, it definitely helps you stay inspired to complete your goal.

The hardest room I had to clean through was my art room. I have so many craft supplies that I needed to get a grip on. Sound familiar crafters? Yes, well, I used my bankers boxes to get everything neat and tidy. I especially loved that I am able to store my extra canvases, which can be bulky and less than attractive sitting on a shelf. I was able to store around 12 canvases in one box, and with the clear window, I can see exactly what I have.

As I cleaned through my home, here are a few of the ways I used my bankers boxes for storage and organization-

Art canvases
Christmas books
Christmas gift bags
Books to be traded on Paperback Swap
Christmas and Birthday gift stockpile

However, there are so many more uses for these storage boxes. I put together a small list of a few more ideas and ways to use them for your home organization needs-

Seasonal clothing
Seasonal shoes
Next size up clothing for kids
Spare linens
DVD's
Video Games
To-Be-Read (TBR) Books
As a memory box for special papers, ticket stubs, etc
Photos
Important Document storage
Small toys
Sentimental baby items
Cleaning supplies
Extra kitchen pantry stockpile items
Extra paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper
Individually wrapped after school snacks like fruit snacks or chips
Craft paints and other supplies
Patterns
Fabric scraps
Scrapbook supplies
Hats
Office supplies such as printer paper, files, pens & pencils, etc
School memory boxes for kids special papers and art work
Sports equipment such as gloves, balls, rackets, etc
Cleaning supplies

The Fellowes bankers boxes are also stackable storage products, and they do come in a variety of sizes to suit your organization needs.

If you haven't already, be sure to head over to the Fellowes Bankers Box Facebook Page to enter the ‘Messiest Closet’ Contest where you can enter to win a consultation with a professional organizer from the National Association of Professional Organizers and receive up to $500 in free Bankers Box Stackable Storage products.Five second place winners will also win $500 worth of product.

This sounds fantastic, doesn't it! I'd love to have a professional organizer help me around my house, I'm not sure who wouldn't, right? Well, maybe another professional organizer, but still. Don't wait, go enter now! In the meantime, throughout the month of April you can find special promotional pricing on these boxes on Amazon.

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Great Bake Sale Recipe- S'Mores Bars- AND The No Kid Hungry Campaign

2013-04-18T10:11:00.001-05:00

It's bake sale season around here. My kids are raising funds for summer camp and school field trips. This S'Mores Bars recipe, from Karo Syrup, is a serious bake sale winner, the perfect go-to recipe, and they taste exactly like s'mores cooked over a campfire.

Over the past few years, I've found that I truly enjoy baking from scratch, and this recipe called for an ingredient I've never actually used before, Karo Syrup. To be honest, I was a little intimidated by it, but after using it, I realized it's a very easy ingredient.

Step One- Combine your crackers and cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside. The kids can help crush the crackers, mine enjoyed this.

Step Two- Cook syrup and brown sugar on the stove top.

Step Three- Pour syrup mixture into cracker mixture, and press down into your baking dish.

Step Four- Place chocolate bars on top of crackers, then add marshmallows.

Step Five- Bake at 400˚ for 5-8 minutes until marshmallows are puffy and lightly browned.

Step Six- Place in fridge for an hour so the chocolate has time to set. Then, enjoy!

Fleischmann’s Yeast and Karo Syrup are helping end childhood hunger in America by supporting the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign. To help Fleischmann’s Yeast and Karo Syrup donate $200,000 to the No Kid Hungry campaign please create a “Virtual Bake Sale” on the Fleischmann’s Yeast and Karo Facebook pages. To participate you must "like" Fleischmann's Yeast's Facebook Page. Fleischmann's Yeast is known for quality and reliability and for giving at-home bakers confidence in their from-scratch recipes since 1868 (over 140 years ago!). Karo Corn Syrup is the leading national brand of corn syrup, and is primarily used in recipes that call for something sweet, like baked goods, candies, pies and popcorn balls. It is also currently the only leading national brand of corn syrup that contains 0 grams of high fructose corn syrup.

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My Around The House Dream Board- PLUS the h.h. gregg and Frigidaire "100 Ways to Organize" Sweepstakes

2013-04-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you're like me, you're on Pinterest a lot. I find that about 50% of the time I'm repinning lol's and funny stuff, and the other half I'm pinning wonderful things I'd love around my home. I have an entire "dream board" called Around the House.
In fact, here's a PIN from my ideal kitchen, a little eclectic, but colorful and fun.

While I have you daydreaming about your dream kitchen, I figure now's a great time to tell you that h.h. gregg and Frigidaire have teamed up for the “100 Ways to Organize” Sweepstakes. Beginning a few days ago on April 12 and running until April 27th, four winners will be selected to receive a Frigidaire French-Door Refrigerator! Three of the winners will be selected through the register-to-win sweepstakes, and one winner will be selected through the ‘100 Ways to Organize’ game on Facebook, iPhone and Android. Also, daily winners will also be selected to win a $100 h.h. gregg gift card.
Pretty great, right! I'd personally love to win any of these great prizes, so I made sure to enter, so make sure you do too!

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EASIEST Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole #DoItAllMom #cbias

2013-04-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

Busy moms will appreciate this delicious recipe!
This easy sausage and egg breakfast casserole is one of the easiest breakfast recipes I have, and it's a go-to for a "breakfast-for-dinner" night, even better, on busy mornings when the crew is hungry. It can be made ahead of time, even frozen and cooked later. With the addition of Tyson Fully Cooked Sausage from Sam's Club, it couldn't be more simple.

You should know that the Tyson Fully Cooked Sausage is a new product available at Sam's Club. You can see shopping trip HERE when I went to grab the ingredients I needed for my recipe.

Again, a simple and easy recipe with even easier ingredients is good in my book, and this one fits the bill.

First, lay your crescent rolls into the bottom of your 13x9 baking dish, make sure you seal all the edges and seams.

Next, break apart your sausage patties (I used 4 for one casserole, but you can use more or less to your preference) and add them on top of the dough. The best part is, because they're already fully cooked, you don't have to precook or thaw them, just add them to the dish because they'll be warmed as they bake.

Then, pour your mixture of eggs, milk, and cheese over the top.

Bake for about 25 minutes (until center is cooked through). Add a little more cheese to the top when you pull it out of the oven, and it's ready to eat!

Pair your sausage and egg casserole with fresh bananas or grapes, orange juice, even applesauce for a great taste. We have a great patio outside, and often eat outdoors when the weather permits. The kids feel like they're having a picnic, and there's nothing quite as refreshing as fresh fruit and a good, hearty dish.
They never even have to know how quick and easy it was to make!

For more info on the Tyson Fully Cooked Sausage, including recipes make sure to find them on these social media sites-
Tyson on Twitter
Tyson on Facebook

"I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Tyson #cbias #SocialFabric”

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Taste Silk and Do the Harlem Shake! #TasteSilk

2013-04-11T08:53:00.000-05:00

So, around here, we take our Silk Soymilk very seriously. I mean, the kids get just downright silly when it comes to something good to drink, and the taste of Silk is just the best. They're so excited when I bring home our favorite Silk, the chocolate milk, but the truth is, it's all good, it makes us just want to dance and shake!

Well, I'll let you see for yourself....

So, all silliness and crazy dancing aside, we really do, as a family enjoy Silk Soymilk. When my oldest son was a little guy, he could only tolerate soymilk, and so since then it's in our fridge often. The new Silk Soymilk has great taste 50% more calcium than dairy milk.
Like I said, the chocolate is the kids favorite, but I personally like the Silk Iced Latte.

I'm happy because with the iced latte, I have an alternative to my coffee habit, and can grab a glass of Silk Iced Latte instead. It's a healthier choice at only 100 calories and no artificial sweeteners.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

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{DIY} Angry Birds Birdhouse {Using Mod Podge Washout and Apple Barrel Paint} #plaidkidscrafts

2013-04-04T08:14:00.002-05:00

Unless you've been living in a cave, you've heard of the game Angry Birds. My kids are crazy for it, and love all things related to this game. I was browsing the craft store recently, and came across several unfinished wood birdhouses, and decided then and there that my kids and I would make Angry Bird birdhouses to welcome in the Spring.

Creating this was really quite simple.

We used bright and colorful green and yellow Apple Barrel paint for the birdhouse, and Mod Podge Washout for kids to attach cutouts of the birds we got from the cover of a coloring book.

Now, before I begin my simple step-by-step instructions, let me tell you a little some of the benefits of these products-

Mod Podge Washout is the same formula as Mod Podge Gloss (yep, this stuff is shiny when it's dry) BUT it washes out of clothing and furniture with soap and water, even after it's dry! It's machine washable, no pre-soak is needed. All of you moms, teachers, and serious Mod Podgers out there sing hallelujah!
And, Apple Barrel paint is extremely versatile. As an all-purpose acrylic craft paint, it's great for kid's crafts, and it comes in a huge range of colors. Even better, unlike some other craft paints, it will clean up with soap and water while it's still wet. Yeah, gotta catch it when it first happens, and it will wash out.

Alright, first things first- paint!
Because I wanted clean lines for this project, I trimmed the edges for my son, and then he went to town painting the house. He especially liked that the yellow Apple Barrel paint is called banana.

Next, while waiting for the paint to dry, I cut the bird images out of the coloring book cover. These are thick, so they actually work really well for the Mod Podge.
Once the paint was dry, which took hardly any time at all on the wood, I let my son brush the Mod Podge onto the backs of the images. I let him do it in his "good school clothes", because unlike other times we've used Mod Podge, I knew with the Washout formula he wasn't going to ruin his clothing.

Then, I helped him strategically place the birds. We used our fingers to press them down really well, making sure all the sides and edges were sticking. Washing the Mod Podge off was easy, just soap and water and it came right off our hands.
Once the angry bird images were dry, I let my son go back and put a coat over the top of them, as well as the birdhouse. We like the shiny look covering it.
The Mod Podge looks a bit milky white before it dries, but don't worry, it will dry clear.

We let it dry for a few hours before handling. I believe that we could actually use it outdoors if I spray it with an acrylic sealer, which I may still do, but for now, I can't talk my sons out of playing with it with their Angry Bird toys.

You're imagination is the only limit to what types of birdhouses you and your kiddos could make this Spring. I suggest looking for images of their favorite characters on coloring book covers, stickers, old or new calendars, etc.
Grab your Apple Barrel paint and Mod Podge Washout, and get busy!

For more info on these products you can stay connected with Plaid-

Follow Plaid Crafts on Pinterest

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These products are available to purchase at Michael's.

For even more great inspiration for projects to do with your kids this Spring, be sure to check out these other great ideas!

This post was written as part of a campaign with The Blueprint Social.
As always, my opinions are 100% my own.

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Get Organized this Spring With Fellowes Bankers Box! #GetOrganized {GIVEAWAY Winner Announced}

2013-04-03T23:25:00.000-05:00

Raise your hand if you have a perfectly organized home... what? no one? crickets?
Yeah, me too, don't feel bad. Hey, I have a family of seven and so it goes without saying that the motto "a place for everything and everything in it's place" can be a little difficult to fulfill.
I am, however, trying to get some much needed Spring cleaning started, and have found that it's true that everything really does need a place.

Thankfully, there's a company out there that "gets it" when it comes to the need for moms to have some organization. For the next few months, I'll be participating in the FellowesBankers Box Stackable Storage Ambassador Program, which means you get to see a few of the spaces in my home that need some organization, and how I manage to do it with these awesome boxes. Yep, you heard me- before and afters of my un-organized messy spaces.

So, for me, my spring-cleaning organizational routine usually starts in those spots that get overlooked, like under beds, in the tops of closets, etc. and then have a yard sale for the items I'm getting rid of, and finding a good space for those things I'm keeping.
I actually love how good it feels to purge a space.

Before I reveal my messy spaces, let me give you some info about the Fellowes Bankers Box Stackable Storage boxes. My boxes arrived well packaged, and flat. Assembly was super easy, just a few folds and they're good to go. They're very well designed and they're set to maximize your storage space. They even have clear windows help you view contents and locate items easily. I especially like that they're made from 60 percent recycled content, so they’re environmentally friendly. They also come in a variety of sizes, and in a very pretty black and white brocade design.

The first stops on my organization project list that I'll undertake with my boxes are my craft room, bedroom, and the top of my closet.
Ugh, okay, here goes, check out my messy before photos-

And now, to clear out the clutter and store what I want to keep-

See?
From drab to fab!
Actually, this is only scratching the surface. I have major plans to dig deep, have a yard sale, and store away the rest, all neat and tidy thanks to my new storage boxes, so stay tuned later this month for another organizational inspiration post.

Now that I have your attention, and you're ready to run into the nearest cluttered space in your home to do a little Spring cleaning of your own... okay, maybe your not that excited about it yet, but before do you begin, you should head over and "like" the Fellowes Bankers Box Facebook Page because there's a Fellowes Bankers Box ‘Messiest Closet’ Contest where you, my readers, can enter to win a consultation with a professional organizerfrom the National Association of Professional Organizers and receive up to $500 in free Bankers Box Stackable Storage products (Note: contest goes live on March 25th) Five second place winners will also win $500 worth of product.

If that info alone doesn't knock your socks off, I have even better news! You, my lucky readers, can win your own set of Fellowes Bankers Box products (ARV $86), just like the ones I used!

And, just in case you don't want to wait and see if you're a winner (or even if you are) throughout the month of April, Amazon will be running a special promotion of 15% off these boxes.

This giveaway ends 04/16/13 at 11:59 PM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Fellowes Bankers Boxes. I received product samples and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

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Silver Stenciled Brocade Coffee Table {PLUS a Cutting Edge Stencils GIVEAWAY Winner Announced}

2013-03-27T21:29:00.000-05:00

Are you as addicted as I am to Pinterest and all the fancy-schmancy custom furniture you can find there? Thanks to awesome companies like Cutting Edge Stencils, painted furniture and stencils have come a long way baby!

Take this outdated oval coffee table, for example. You can just see how the use of a gorgeous brocade stencil, along with some chalk paint and silver craft paint, has turned it into a jewel!

To transform my table, I knew I wanted a chic and timeless, yet modern look to it. I chose the brocade No. 1 stencil, which as you can see, is the perfect size for this table. At Cutting Edge Stencils, there are really some gorgeous stencils to choose from, a little something for everyone's taste.

I knew I wanted to use quite feminine colors, so I used my two favorite Annie Sloan chalk paint color, Old White for the top and Duck Egg Blue for the legs. When they were dry, I began my stenciling. I used Folk Art Metalic Silver for my stencil, which you can find at any craft store.

Let me back track a bit, and say that my Cutting Edge Stencil arrived so well packaged, it was perfect. However, because it is shipped in a tube, it was quite curled when I opened it. To fix that, I simply followed the companies advice and put it under some heavy books for a bit to flatten it out. Worked like a charm.

Next, I used low tack blue painters tape to position my stencil in the middle of the table. Using a small foam roller brush, I used the silver metallic paint, and I rolled over the stencil. The trick, I've found, is to use what seems like almost too little paint. This actually keeps the paint from smearing or leaking under the stencil.

In the past, I was intimidated by stencils, because I never had good luck not smearing them or making a mess in general. However, with the help of videos from The Cutting Edge Stencil YouTube page I've come to realize that stenciling is really so easy. In fact, here's a basic video that explains everything you need to get started.

Before I began my coffee table makeover, I made sure to read all the instructions that came with my stencil, and viewed the videos I needed to build my confidence.
I believe the end result is beautiful. Once my paint was completely dry, I sealed it with a poly-acrylic sealer.

As you can see, stencils can be used for more than just walls these days. Inf fact, I've used Cutting Edge Stencils before for my Extra Large Wall Art to make a big impact in my dining room.

If you'd like to see more ideas- uses for wall stencils, DIY, decorating, and design ideas, even some gorgeous Moroccan stencils, be sure to check out the Cutting Edge Stencils blog.

Now that I have you intrigued, and totally ready to stencil up your home, you'll be happy because my friends over at Cutting Edge Stencils are offering one lucky Just a Little Creativity reader their choice of one stencil of any value up to $50 from Cutting Edge Stencils!

Giveaway ends Friday 4/12/13 at 11:59 PM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a product from this company to facilitate my review. I am not required to give a positive review, and as always my opinions stated are 100% my own. You may read my full disclosure HERE if you'd like.

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DIY Wood Speckled Robins Eggs {#pinchallenge Number 6}

2013-03-27T16:00:00.000-05:00

Although it's been a minute since my last 52 Weeks Mother Daughter Pinterest Challenge project, it doesn't mean we haven't been busy. We've got some great goodies heading your way, and we're honestly learning a lot along the way, about each other and ourselves. But that's for another post, so stay tuned!

For now my daughter and I have one fun and super easy pin project to share just in time for Easter, DIY wooden speckled robins eggs. I've personally always loved the look of precious little robins eggs, and I'll admit a big fan of the robins eggs chocolate candy that's around this time of the year. Our inspiration for this project came from THIS PIN (from a website called Free Homeschool Advice), of a lovely real life robins nest.

To make our own little eggs, here are the supplies we used-

Wood craft eggs
Blue Paint (you don't have to use chalk paint, but I had already, so we used it)
Brown craft paint
White craft paint
A paint brush or old toothbrush
A box to protect your area from paint splatters
Clear spray sealer

So, to begin, I already had some wooden eggs. These are available at most craft stores, or you can order them online in larger bulk from my favorite craft wood shop, Woodworks Ltd.
We painted them in my blue chalk paint, and one coat really did well, although if you're using regular craft paint (which you totally can), you may just need a few coats.

Next, we put them in a box to avoid a huge splatter mess. Remember in elementary school, and you did splatter painting with toothbrushes? Well, this is basically the exact same concept.
We put the eggs in the box, and pounced our brushes into a bit of the brown craft paint, and splattered away by running our fingers over the bristles, going towards us. This assured the paint went away from us.
When that was dry, we repeated with the white paint.

We let these little cuties dry for a few hours, and then took them outside for the final step, the clear spray sealer. I personally like the Krylon brand, but really any clear spray sealer will do the job.

That's it! So simple, and a great last minute Easter craft. And, they can be used after the holiday in my kitchen that already had a blue and green color palette.

Click the button below If you'd like to find out more about our 52 Weeks Mother Daughter Pinterest Challenge, and see our previous posts and projects.

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God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren

2013-03-26T23:02:00.000-05:00

"God loved us so much he wanted us to always be with him too. That’s why God knew he’d need to give us Easter.”

As Little Cub celebrates Easter with Papa, Mama, and her brother and sister, she begins to ask her papa questions about this very special day of the year. Papa lovingly explains God’s plans for his children, while taking Little Cub on a memorable walk through her stunning Arctic world, and he shares how Easter came about in clear, simple terms that even the littlest cubs can understand.

If you are looking for a beautiful well written book to bless your little ones with this Easter morning, from a well known and trusted author and series, then God Gave Us Easter is the book for you.
This sweet little book is a part of the larger series of God Gave Us books by Lisa Tawn Bergren. Although this is only the third in the selection that I've personally read with my family, my kids have loved the colorful illustrations and have connected with little polar bear cubs and their curious questions.
If we're honest, Easter can be one of the more difficult holidays to explain to a child. The story of Christ dying on a cross and rising again can leave them a little confused. Throw the Easter bunny in there, and you've got a whole different spin to contend with.
The author has been able to craft a dialogue between the polar bear family that explains why God did give us Easter. She even mentions the secular idea of the Easter bunny, and doesn't slam it or parents who enjoy doing baskets and bunnies with the kids on Easter mornings. My family is one of them, so I do appreciate that.
The illustrations, as always are beautiful, and keep the childs eye moving across the pages while holding their interest in the story.
A beautiful adaptation of one of the most beautiful Biblical stories!

Five stars for God Gave Us Easter!

Stay tuned, because this book review is part of a Spring Break Book Week Giveaway for a $50 Target Gift Card, beginning this Friday, 3/29/13

God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren is available on Amazon

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I am not required to give a positive review, and my opinions stated are always 100% my own. Affiliate links are used in this post, you can read my full disclosure policy HERE.

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Over the Edge by Mary Connealy- The Kincaid Brides Book 3

2013-03-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Seth Kincaid remembers almost everything... except getting married!

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he hasn't been the same since. Then he fought in the Civil War and returned to Colorado crazier than ever. Somewhere along the line, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he has a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't too happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie isn't a long-suffering woman.

When Seth disappeared, she searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come out west to wrangle her long-lost husband. Seth is willing to make amends. Callie is more interested in shooting him. Can they rekindle their love before one of them goes over the edge?

My Thoughts-

If you've read my thoughts on the first two Kincaid Brides books, Out of Control and In Too Deep, you know that I'm a huge fan of those Kindaid brothers! Seth's story has always intrigued me even more than the other two, so I was looking forward to this book since I laid down the one before it.
I don't recommend jumping in with Over the Edge before reading the other two, because it won't make much sense, as these aren't necessarily stand alone books.
At the end of In Too Deep, we realize that Seth has more to his story than even he realizes, when he receives a letter that his wife is on her way to find him. The fact that he can't even remember having a wife leaves readers wanting to know immediately what in the world is going on?

I'll admit that this book had a bit of a slow start to me because I immediately did not like Callie. I didn't trust her, and she was a difficult character to attach to. However, as I continued on, and saw the transformation in Seth as he reunites with his wife, I decided to give her a chance. Without giving away too much in the story, Seth is also united with a few more family members he didn't realize he had, who add to the plot and story line in a great way.

Over the Edge, like the other books in this series, has a few plot twists and turn that you may or may not see coming, and leave the reader literally on the edge! The ultimate outcome is exactly what readers have hoped for throughout the series, and you realized that in the end a faith in God and love for each other will triumph.
If you're a fan of faith based trilogies, stories set at the time when the west was being won in America, then I highly recommend The Kincaid Brides to you.

Stay tuned, because this book review is part of a Spring Break Book Week Giveaway for a $50 Target Gift Card, beginning this Friday, 3/29/13

Over the Edge is available on Amazon

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I am not required to write a positive review, and my opinion given here is and always will be 100% my own.

If you are interested in being a book reviewer for Bethany House, you can find out how at www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers

This review does contain my Amazon affiliate link.

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The House that Love Built By Beth Wiseman

2013-03-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband.
Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce.
Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret—maybe even a treasure—and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way?

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?
Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat—and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

My Thoughts-

Contemporary fiction at it's best! The House that Love Built is the first novel I've read by Beth Wiseman. She is traditionally an author of Amish stories, which have never interested me. However when I read the synopsis of this book, it immediately captured my attention, and I knew it was a story I needed to read.

There was not one main character in this story that doesn't capture your heart in one way or another, which can be rare in a book. Owen is the "Strong Guy" (as stated at one point in the story)you root for. Your heart aches for Brooke as life just deals her one blow after the other, yet she seems to hang in there. Her kids are precious, yet real in their thoughts and struggles of their mom starting to date again after the death of her husband.

I loved that this book took a heads on approach to real life issues- unforgiveness, divorce, death, sickness, abuse- and bathed all of those issues in the love of God. I also appreciated that the author kept it real, and each of the characters that dealt with these issues struggled with their faith at various times, because as humans we often will do that. Each character had to find their way, and the Lord met them exactly where they were. Ultimately, love and forgiveness, of ourselves and from God wins when we let him.

Five stars for The House that Love Built!

This book is available on Amazon

Stay tuned, because this book review is part of a Spring Break Book Week Giveaway for a $50 Target Gift Card, beginning this Friday, 3/29/13

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, and as always my opinions I have expressed are my 100% own. If you'd like, you can read my full disclosure policy HERE.

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Hey Mr. Peanut Butter Jelly Man, it's a #PB&JYourWay Contest!

2013-03-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

April 2th is National PB&J Day!
You heard me right, National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!
And if you're part of a true blue All-American family like mine, you can rock some classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, right? We take them with us in the car on road trips, throw a bunch in the cooler for the beach, or even a quick snack while playing at the park.

If I would let them, my preschooler Isaac and first grader Josh could eat it every. single. day.
They absolutely prefer for me to pack their lunch boxes, and always want a pb&j (I'm not exaggerating here, just ask my husband) .
Even so, when I use our favorite Welch’s grape or strawberry jelly, I at least know that they're receiving a source of fruit with high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors or colors, and no preservatives, which is important to me!

Now, because of the fact that pb&j has become a lunchbox staple, I do actually like to change things up a bit in their lunchboxes, keep it creative to fight off mealtime boredom. In fact, our favorite pb&j creation, as simple as it may sound, is Mr. Peanut Butter Jelly Man. Not a super creative name, I know, but it's been around for a long time in our family, I think my now 15 year old started it when she was a toddler. I don't think he's going to be trying for a name change any time soon.
Who is Mr. Peanut Butter Jelly Man, you ask?
Well, let me show you in this quick little video clip that little man Isaac and I put together this weekend...

You'll notice I used raisins for his face, and carrots for his legs. I like to put out a variety of fruits and veggies and let the kids go to town creating they're own sandwich man. You might be surprised how creative they can get. They've even been known to use the jelly on the top of the bread to make it all stick!

Do you typically let your kids help you out in the kitchen? I do, whenever I can! I never had much interest in the ways of the kitchen when I was younger, so it wasn't until I was grown and married with a family of my own that I've learned to navigate my way around one. However, thankfully my kids have always shown an interest in learning to create in the kitchen. One of the easiest things for them to start making and helping make when they're little are their sandwiches, pb&j being one of their favorites (of course).

Now that you've caught a glimpse at my family's simple signature dish, it's your turn!
In celebration of PB&J Day, Welch’s is running a "PB&J Your Way” Facebook Contest!
You just have to tell them your creative spin on the classic sandwich for a chance to win $500 and a one year supply of Grape Jelly, plus 50 people will win a sandwich keeper! And let me tell you, there are some creative ideas popping up over there, you'll want to go check it out and add your own! You'll want to hurry though because the Facebook contest began March 13th and ends April 2nd.

Before you do though, check out these fun facts about the fantastic Welch's Jelly-

Welch’s Strawberry Spreads are made with sweet, vine ripened strawberries
Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly and Natural Grape Spread are made with Welch’s very own Concord grapes grown in the US and Canada
Welch’s Natural Spreads contain no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors or colors, and no preservatives

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Welch’s. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating. As always, my opinions stated are 100% my own and I'm not required to give a positive review. You're welcome to read my full disclosure policy HERE."

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Have you Heard of the Green Kid Crafts Earth Friendly Subscription Box?

2013-03-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

Green Kid Crafts delights kids and their parents with award winning, earth-friendly craft activities, delivered right to their door! Through the company’s subscription program, young crafters can look forward to receiving their very own Discovery Box every month, each containing at least three inspiring projects designed to foster a child’s creativity and confidence while developing their respect and love for the environment. Appropriate for ages 3-8, projects are reviewed by experts to align with the company's Happy & Healthy Child principles, and kid tested and parent approved for fun.

Visit GreenKidCrafts.com to learn more about our program, see sample boxes or head over to Pinterest to see some recent reviews.

Green Kid Crafts is a mom-owned and operated green company that uses only safe, natural materials. The company is certified carbon-neutral, a member of 1% for the Planet and a 2012 winner of the StartupNation Leading Moms Business Competition and Green America's People & Planet Awards.

*************************************************************

We were blessed to receive one Discovery Box representing one month of a Green Kid Crafts subscription. We got the Ocean themed box, which was perfect for my preschooler Isaac. We live close to the Gulf of Mexico, and he's fascinated with the ocean.

The projects were well packaged, each individually. Each project came with an instruction card along with simple questions to encourage verbal interaction as well as hands on learning.

We made the sailboat first. I was impressed with the quality of the items in the box, but especially with the oil pastels he used for his boat.

His other most favorite project in the box was the bubble postcards. Isaac really got a kick out of blowing into his paints, and then placing the card on top. We glued silver fish onto the cards, and he plans on sending one to my brother and his grandparents.

I am so impressed with Green Kid Crafts. Everything about this program is high quality. The subscription boxes are perfect for parents who may not be able to tap into their creative side very easily, or even parents who can! Also, I could imagine each box would work well as a companion to a preschool or early elementar home school program.

Excellent is the best way to describe this subscription! If you have a crafty kid, this is for you!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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DIY Chalk Paint Rocking Pony Makeover

2013-03-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Here I am again with another fantastic Goodwill find and superb makeover!
This time, it's a little wooden rocking pony for kids. I was literally doing a happy dance when I spotted this little guy sitting in a lonely corner in the thrift shop! Some may have appreciated him just as he was, in his natural state of wood, but by now you know me, and a paint job he did receive.

I used my favorite DIY chalk paint recipe. If I haven't mentioned yet how great chalk paint is, let me just mention it again. This stuff has changed my furniture painting life.
I love how you can use any latex color you'd like, and create your own chalk paint.

As a recap, here's the recipe and instructions I use-

Mix until dissolved into a pancake batter consistency -
5 tbsp dry Plaster of Paris
Approx 2 tbsp of water

Add and mix well-
2 Cups latex paint

Store in an airtight container.

Now, back to the pony. This guy was just asking for a shabby chic makeover. So, I began by cleaning him with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Once he dried, I did give him a light sanding. With chalk paint, you really don't need to sand, but there were a few very rough spots on his legs, and they just needed to be worked out.

As you can see, the seat was in pretty rough shape as well, but a coat of chalk paint covered all of that craziness.
And of course, just to add my own personal touch of whimsy and uniqueness, I hand painted a little saddle onto his seat.

Every bit of distressed paint was completely intentional, and was created with a simple scrub in a few strategic spots with a sheet of sandpaper. Yet another reason to love and use chalk paint, because it's super easy to distress.

Once the paint was dry and distressed to my liking, I used a polycrylic sealer. I haven't tried the traditional wax sealer that some folks do on their chalk painted pieces, simply because I prefer the poly sealer. It works like a charm.

I was able to take this little guy out to my shop at Miles of Art, and he sold within a few days. Yes, he was that awesome!
And now, be inspired, and go make one of your own!

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey -Coming to Blu-ray & DVD {GIVEAWAY Winner Announced} #TheHobbit

2013-03-16T15:41:00.000-05:00

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

coming to Blu-ray & DVD March 19th 2013!

J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an amazing quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield.
Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Have fun with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Blog App:

• Are You 100% Hobbit Quiz! What has a tendency to be very brave, is around 4 ft. tall with sharp eyesight, little to no facial hair, and loves cake? If you thought we were talking about you, then you might be a Hobbit Indeed! Take the quiz to find out just how much of a Hobbit you are!

• Creatures of Middle-earth! Hobbits, Elves and Dwarves are just a few of the magical creatures that call Middle-earth home. Check out vital stats and unique features about each one!

• The Hobbit Handbook! Our Hobbit Handbook includes everything you need to throw the best viewing party in Middle-earth right at home!

I took the "Are you 100% Hobbit?" quiz, and found out I'm only 58% hobbit. Looks like I'm still human after all.

I am personally so excited for this movie to be available for purchase March 19, as I missed it in the theaters. My son went and loved it, and because I've been a Tolkien fan since I was a kid (yes, I've read the books) I have wanted to see it since the first time I heard a new movie was coming out.

If you're as excited about it as I am, then you'll be even more happy to know that you can WIN your own The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Blu-ray DVD combo pack!

This giveaway ends 3/31/13 at 11:59PM

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Thanks to Warner Bros. who supplied these materials to me. The assets included within this message were delivered to you in promotion of Warner Bros. release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Blog App.

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The Story of Easter- A Childrens Book {GIVEAWAY Winner Announced}

2013-03-15T17:33:00.001-05:00

The Story of Easter

*ages 0-3

*A precious book that shows children the true meaning of Easter

*Padded board book is durable for little hands

*Small trim size makes it perfect to put in a child's Easter basket

*"Carry-me" handle makes this book perfect to carry to church or on-the-go

This board book is a wonderful way to introduce young hearts to the miraculous story of the first Easter. Sweet text and adorable illustrations will engage kids as they read along with parents and grandparents. A padded board book is a soft but durable selection for little ones, and kids will enjoy the “carry-me” handle as they take their book on-the-go. The small trim size makes this book a great package to place in a child’s Easter basket!

The Story of Easter is available for purchase on Amazon.

Or even better, you could WIN your own copy of this precious kids book, just in time for Easter.

I'd love to know how you celebrate Easter with your little ones. Do you tell them the Easter story? Make Easter baskets from the Easter bunny? Or maybe a combo of both like I do? Leave me a blog post comment here and let me know, and you're eligible to win!

This giveaway will end on Saturday 3/23/13 at 11:59 PM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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