Serendipity and Spice

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 5/17

2013-05-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Yes, this used to be Like Me On Facebook Friday- but with all the rule changes at FB I know that Google+ is going to be on the rise VERY soon! So, link up your Google+ page and get in more circles!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Now, get your party hat on and let’s CIRCLE!

New Blogger Series- Facebook Fans

2013-05-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, so, it's been awhile since I've done a New Blogger Series post but I felt like this needed to be addressed.

Like many of you I'm tired of FB nickle and diming me to death. I think it's wrong that people who have already taken the time to "Like" my page still don't
Read more »

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 5/13

2013-05-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! Mine was perfect but poor Little Man was sick all day and MISERABLE! All he wanted to do was cuddle his Daddy and sleep....but Hubs was a trooper and tried so hard to make the day extra special. He bought my favorite chocolates, set up a "Let's Make a Deal" game for my Mother's Day present (I chose the right deal!), cleaned and cooked and took care of Little Man all while apologizing that the day hadn't gone as planned....I kept telling him I wouldn't have it any other way (well, except I hated that Little Man was so sick and miserable but it is what it is).

Alright, are you ready to PARTY???

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 5/10

2013-05-10T09:30:00.000-04:00

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Yes, this used to be Like Me On Facebook Friday- but with all the rule changes at FB I know that Google+ is going to be on the rise VERY soon! So, link up your Google+ page and get in more circles!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Now, get your party hat on and let’s CIRCLE!

Give the Gift of Vision Care with VSP

2013-05-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day is Sunday, next month is Father's Day, then Grandparent's Day, then birthdays and anniversaries, all leading up to the biggest gift giving season of the year...Christmas. Yeah yeah, I said the dreaded C word- no one wants to think about Christmas shopping in May. But, I'm talking about all those occasions before hand too!

Since I won't be seeing my Mom for Mother's Day this year—we celebrated a little early while we were visiting this past week.

This is my mom, Nana to these two adorable little ones. She spoils them rotten and they adore her for it! They both have her wrapped around their fingers and always get what they want when they visit Nana.
Read more »

Best Laundry Detergent Recipe

2013-05-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I know you've all seen the DIY Laundry recipes floating around Pinterest! Well, I finally decided to give it a try and I'm soooooo glad I did!

This Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe is amazing!

My clothes have NEVER smelled so fresh—and there's no perfumes or harsh chemicals—so it's perfect for my sensitive skin.

I was hesitant to make this at first because I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin.

Grow Your Own Herb Garden- No Experience Necessary! #MiracleGroProject

2013-05-07T05:00:00.001-04:00

This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

You don't have to be a gardening expert to enjoy growing your own herbs, fruits, and veggies....you just need the right tools! You also don't have to slave away like farmers from long ago....times and products have advanced!

Today I want to share with you a FUN, EASY, and QUICK project that I'll be enjoying all Summer long-- my potted herb garden.

Who doesn't like fresh herbs??? I love being able to walk out to our balcony and grab some fresh seasonings for some of my favorite recipes. True, you can buy them in the grocery store-- but what you spend on one bunch for one meal could be spent growing your own to last all year and TONS of meals!
Making your own garden is soooooo simple these days! The Gro Project has lots of ideas and here's some fun garden projects. Miracle-Gro is the go to product for making your garden projects easy, hassel free, and oh sooooo delish!
Okay, so I decided that I wanted to use Miracle-Gro to make a simple herb garden that doesn't need a ton of attention but that will have herbs available when I want them. Let's face it-- with a toddler, I don't have much time to worry about taking care of plants. That's why I LOVE container gardening!

Container gardening is what it sounds like-- growing fruits, veggies, and herbs in a container instead of in the ground. It's great for when you live in an apartment or when you know you'll be moving soon (both of which I'm dealing with right now).
So, I started off by deciding which herbs I wanted to grow and bought them along with the containers and some Miracle Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix. Now, being a crafting junkie-- I couldn't just use the pots as is-- I had to spruce them up a bit. :)
I had these cute little wooden cutouts that I bought on clearance after Easter-- but pastels just aren't my thing. So I spray painted them with chalk paint, and wrote the name of each herb in chalk on them.

Then I took some green burlap ribbon and wrapped it around the pot. Now, I could have just hot glued the ribbon but I decided to just tie it on because, well frankly, the hot glue gun was in the other room and I was too tired to go get it....yep, that's how we do it-- sometimes your favorite craft bloggers cut corners (shock and horror).
Next I needed to decide how to attach the tags-- so I remember which herbs are which (I'm not sure how salsa would taste with dill instead of cilantro...although.....nope, stay focused Melissa!). Okay, staying on track.... I found some twine that I used for a previous project (see here) and cut off about 4-5 feet for each pot and slid the tag on about half way. Then I wrapped the twine around the pot several times (very tightly) and tied it off.

(And this is what happens when you take photos in bad lighting! But, I'm on a deadline here so it will have to do...sorry!)
Now for the actual planting....this is the easy part!
I filled the pot half way with the Moisture Control Potting Mix (now there is a difference between potting mix and garden soil-- make sure you get potting mix when container planting--it has more nutrients). Then I cut off the plastic wrapper around the herbs. Now, these pots are meant to biodegrade and can be planted with your herbs in the pot.....as you can see they were already falling apart. So I just crushed them up and placed my plants down in the pot.

I used more potting mix to finish filling up my pots. Now, your plants will look a bit limp right after transfering to a new pot but don't worry-- they will perk up in a day or so.

And that's it. Put your herbs somewhere sunny and water them regularly-- whenever the top of the soil is dry you should add some water.
Here's a quick video about the Gro Project-- watch it!
Now, you can enjoy fresh herbs anytime.....even if you're not an experienced gardener. And I must add that these seem to taste so much better-- maybe it's the satisfaction of knowing I grew them myself!
Follow Miracle Gro on Pinterest and find fun garden projects!

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 5/6

2013-05-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

Is it really May? Wow, time is flying by! Are you ready for Mother's Day? I've got some stuff in the works. It's been a madhouse around here since we got back. I've got both blogs going (I'd love it if you checked out LakeNormanMom), Spring is in full swing, I've got projects galore, tons of recipes, and I'm moderating for the local mommy group—it's a lot but it's fun!

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 5/3

2013-05-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Yes, this used to be Like Me On Facebook Friday- but with all the rule changes at FB I know that Google+ is going to be on the rise VERY soon! So, link up your Google+ page and get in more circles!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Now, get your party hat on and let’s CIRCLE!

Laundry Room Update with Dollar Store Baskets

2013-05-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

Okay, I LOVE the Dollar Tree! I go at least once a week! I mean where else can you find sooooooo many project ideas for soooooooo cheap! I will admit, there are things in the Dollar Tree that are not a good buy but there’s a ton of stuff that is!
On one of my recent trips I discovered they have a whole organizational promotion going on with baskets, buckets, containers, etc….. all in matching and coordinating colors…. YEAH!

So, I found some great finds for my get organized resolution!

Today I’m going to share with my pretty Dollar Tree baskets:

Special Guest: Lentil Salad, Ginger Peach Passion Smoothie, and Pregnancy

2013-05-01T08:48:00.000-04:00

We have a special guest today! Katie Moore from Moore from Katie (now that's an introduction!)

Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.

Choosing Healthy Recipes During Pregnancy With the cold winter

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe

2013-04-30T09:09:00.000-04:00

Today I bring you another SUPER simple recipe PERFECT for this summer! Like I said a few weeks ago when I shared my Sweet Pineapple Hawaiian Chicken—I'm preparing for a HOT Summer and the LAST thing I want is to be slaving away in a HOT kitchen—so I'm sharing fabulous recipes with you now so you'll have them for this Summer!

It seems like I only eat shrimp in the Summer- I never want it in

Momma Loves Mombo

2013-04-30T00:03:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Comfort and Harmony for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Find the PERFECT gift for a new mom!

Okay, all my mommies out there I know, if you're like me, you propped pillows all over the place to get baby comfy for nursing. Well, now there's the Mombo pillow that's different from every other nursing pillow out there.

When I was nursing Little Man I tried everyposition to get him and me comfortable...it just seemed like the pillows I used were too flimsy or too bulky. I had 2 pillows that I carried everywhere... grandma's house, on road trips, upstairs, downstairs, etc. There was a bulky one for nursing and a soft cuddly one for tummy time.

Well, the makers of the mombo nursing pillow, Comfort & Harmony, have designed an infant nursing pillow that incorporates both! The Mombo is designed with Firm2Soft technology and has a unique shape that allows for firm support while nursing to provide comfort to both Mommy and Baby... then there's the extra soft plush side that is comfy for lounging or baby tummy time!

Mombo products are available at Babies R Us and Toys R Us. These make fantastic baby shower gifts that moms are sure to LOVE! (I'll be sharing the Sugar & Spice baby shower I just threw for my sister-in-law soon!)

Head on over and like Comfort & Harmony on Facebook to see babies in action using the Mombo....they really do look comfy!

Also, follow Comfort & Harmony on Twitter to get up to the minute information about all of the Comfort & Harmony products!

My First Blog Event #GracoJogger Click Connect

2013-04-29T16:30:00.001-04:00

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco.

I'm so excited to be sharing with you my first ever blogger event that I had the pleasure of attending on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of Joyce Brewer of MommyTalkShow. See us...we're all the way on the left in the black shirt!

A few months ago I applied for a campaign promoted by TheSitsGirls to test out the new FastAction™ Fold Jogger Click Connect™ Stroller from Graco. I was chosen to receive the Jogger for free and an invitation to attend the blogger event held at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw, Ga.

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 4/29

2013-04-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to party?!!

I can't believe Mother's Day is just 2 weeks away!! Do you have any special plans?? I'm going to visit my best friend since middle school and I'm sooooooo excited-- she's my other sister! Anyway, make sure you go download this FREE printable for Mother's Day!

Manic Monday 4/22 FEATURES!!!

2013-04-28T11:14:00.001-04:00

It's Sunday...which means it's time for features! Check out the TOP viewed posts from this week's Manic Monday party!

Make sure you come back by tomorrow and join in the fun and link up you crafty creations, yummy recipes, blogging tips and mommy moments….

This week's Features are brought to you by Vera Bradley! Vera Bradley has a fantastic sale going on through today. Mother's Day is just 2 weeks away... right now you can get 50% off select colors, this 3 piece FREE gift, and FREE shipping. Click here for more details!

Now for the TOP Viewed posts of last week:

FREE Gift and 50% off at Vera Bradley for Mother's Day!

2013-04-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Get Mom a gift she'll LOVE this Mother's Day!

This weekend, April 27-28, Vera Bradley is having an incredible SALE!

Get this SUPER stylish 3 piece Cosmetic Trio ($40 retail) for FREE! AND receive 50% off select colors AND FREE Shipping!!!

Keep reading for details!
Read more »

Try Vectra for FREE, Enter to Win $100, and Protect Your Pet!

2013-04-27T04:00:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vectra flea & tick control for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you have a dog? Protect them this Spring with a free sample from Vectra 3D.

This is Cocoa. She's getting on up there in years and she is my other baby! I rescued her from the pound 5 years ago and she'll be 15 years old this Spring.

Yes, she smiles for the camera!

I can't imagine life without her. She's so gentle with the Little Man and the Little Man LOVES her so much! She's a member of the family! I remember when I first adopted her- she was originally a present for my mother but Cocoa decided that I was her owner and that was that. Then, when my husband and I got married she decided that he was hers and that was that.

It's funny how dogs make decisions for themselves! Well, there's one decision that she can't make for herself and that's where I come in....taking care of her.

Being a senior dog we make sure that she gets the best food, top notch vitamins, and medicine to keep her hips and joints healthy and pain free. I want her to stay healthy and comfortable-- unfortunately with Spring approaching we're in the midst of flea and tick season.

Luckily there's Vectra 3D. Did you know that fleas, ticks, mosquitos, lice, etc only have to bite once to spread disease? Well with Vectra 3D these pests are repelled or die before the first bite!

Vectra last for 30 days and, if you're like me and bath your dog often, it remains effective even after baths and swimming.

Right now get a free dose of Vectra flea & tick control by liking them on Facebook and you'll be entered to WIN $100 gift card.

You can also follow along on Twitter @VectraPet for up to the minute information!

Cocoa LOVES being flea and tick free so she can curl up on the couch with us and watch TV....hey, what do you expect from a 15 year old dog? If she's lounging she's overjoyed!

Vectra 3D can be purchased at your local veterinarian office-- go get it today!

Blogger Opportunity- Gain Followers from a Trusted Host!

2013-04-26T10:40:00.001-04:00

Blogger Event Sign Up- Cash Giveaway

So I'm always rather hesitant to sign up for these blogger opportunities that seem to be popping up everywhere lately.... I've been curious but the skeptic in me wonders how to know if someone is legit and if they're really going to do the giveaway right and not keep the cash for themselves.

I participated in a group giveaway a few months ago because it was through Kelley at Miss Information- a blogger I know and trust-- in just a few days I doubled my FB following and increased Twitter following by 200. Well, Kerry at OhSoAmelia is another blogger that I know and trust and she is hosting this blogger opportunity!

After many previous group giveaways which have been such a success such as the $500 cash giveaway which had over 80,000 entries she has decided to host another amazing giveaway! The giveaway will go live at the end of May (date to be confirmed). You don't want to miss out on this one!

Read below for details

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 4/26

2013-04-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Yes, this used to be Like Me On Facebook Friday- but with all the rule changes at FB I know that Google+ is going to be on the rise VERY soon! So, link up your Google+ page and get in more circles!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Now, get your party hat on and let’s CIRCLE!

FREE Mother's Day Printable

2013-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner!

Here is a FREE printable that I created for all my Facebook Fans! So head on over and give a "like" to Serendipity and Spice to get this FREE download!

Don't worry- the watermark won't be on the free download.

Andouille Sausage with Rice and Sweet Pea Recipe

2013-04-23T08:49:00.000-04:00

With Summer on the horizon I'm constantly thinking up simple recipes that won't heat up the kitchen. The LAST thing I want is to come in from a hot day outside only to slave away in a hot kitchen!

So, today I bring you a SUPER simple recipe of Andouille Sausage with Rice and Sweet Peas.

I've never had Andouille sausage before—I've had Kielbasa and figured it was pretty much the same thing—we'll Andouille has a bit of a kick to it—so if you like spicy this is the dish for you! If you don't like spicy simply swap out the Andouille for Kielbasa. Kielbasa is a milder sausage that has a little sweetness to it.

So, why try Andouille if I normally make this with Kielbasa? Well, because I'm a BzzAgent and got to try out Johnsonville's fully cooked dinner sausages. I LOVE that each sausage is individually wrapped and that there's no fillers- just premium cuts of pork. Okay now for this SUPER simple recipe:

Ingredients

1 Package of Sausage

1 Can of Early Sweet Peas

1 Cup of Rice

Directions:

Slice sausage into medallions and toss in a skillet. Let it cook on medium heat till slightly brown.

Make rice according to directions (this won't work with instant rice- so if you're using instant just make the rice and peas separate) drain peas and add to the rice water when you add the rice- let it all cook together.

Once rice and peas are done- serve warm!

How easy was that?!

So, are you interested in getting to try new products for free? You don't have to be a blogger- you just gotta be a talker! BzzAgent is a great program that gets new products in the hands of ordinary people willing to spread the news by word of mouth. I've been a BzzAgent for over a year now and have had the pleasure of trying out dozens of new products for free. It's free to join and tons of fun! If you're interested let me know and I'll email you an invite!

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 4/22

2013-04-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

Do you feel it?

SPRING! Spring is in the air! It's soooooo beautiful! I've been trying out my new running stroller and I must say—it's LOVE! More on that later this week- I have a fun mommy event I'm going to on Wednesday hosted by the Sits Girls for the new Graco Click Connect Jogging Stroller. I'm SUPER excited!

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 4/19

2013-04-19T18:01:00.000-04:00

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Yes, this used to be Like Me On Facebook Friday- but with all the rule changes at FB I know that Google+ is going to be on the rise VERY soon! So, link up your Google+ page and get in more circles!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Now, get your party hat on and let’s CIRCLE!

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

2013-04-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

I’m so excited to be co-hosting the Thursday Favorite Things Party with Katherine of Katherine’s Corner! She hosts this wonderful party every Thursday and it lasts through Saturday…I always find great new blogs to follow and some new Favorite Things of my own.

So I've decided that in addition to The Manic Monday Linky Party (which there's still time to link up this week) and Google+ Me Friday (links last all month) I'd give you all an extra chance to be exposed this week and share your creative goodness!

Today, I’m sharing with you one of my all time favorite things...a blast from the past! I guess it’s the Spring weather that has me itching for the beach….

Serendipity and Spice

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 5/17

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

New Blogger Series- Facebook Fans

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 5/13

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 5/10

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Give the Gift of Vision Care with VSP

Best Laundry Detergent Recipe

This Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe is amazing!

My clothes have NEVER smelled so fresh—and there's no perfumes or harsh chemicals—so it's perfect for my sensitive skin.

Grow Your Own Herb Garden- No Experience Necessary! #MiracleGroProject

You don't have to be a gardening expert to enjoy growing your own herbs, fruits, and veggies....you just need the right tools! You also don't have to slave away like farmers from long ago....times and products have advanced!

Today I want to share with you a FUN, EASY, and QUICK project that I'll be enjoying all Summer long-- my potted herb garden.

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 5/6

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 5/3

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Laundry Room Update with Dollar Store Baskets

So, I found some great finds for my get organized resolution!

Today I’m going to share with my pretty Dollar Tree baskets:

Special Guest: Lentil Salad, Ginger Peach Passion Smoothie, and Pregnancy

We have a special guest today! Katie Moore from Moore from Katie (now that's an introduction!)

Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Momma Loves Mombo

Find the PERFECT gift for a new mom!

My First Blog Event #GracoJogger Click Connect

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 4/29

Are you ready to party?!!

Manic Monday 4/22 FEATURES!!!

FREE Gift and 50% off at Vera Bradley for Mother's Day!

Get Mom a gift she'll LOVE this Mother's Day!

Try Vectra for FREE, Enter to Win $100, and Protect Your Pet!

Do you have a dog? Protect them this Spring with a free sample from Vectra 3D.

This is Cocoa. She's getting on up there in years and she is my other baby! I rescued her from the pound 5 years ago and she'll be 15 years old this Spring.

Yes, she smiles for the camera!

Cocoa LOVES being flea and tick free so she can curl up on the couch with us and watch TV....hey, what do you expect from a 15 year old dog? If she's lounging she's overjoyed!

Vectra 3D can be purchased at your local veterinarian office-- go get it today!

Blogger Opportunity- Gain Followers from a Trusted Host!

Blogger Event Sign Up- Cash Giveaway

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 4/26

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

FREE Mother's Day Printable

Mother's Day is right around the corner!

Andouille Sausage with Rice and Sweet Pea Recipe

So, today I bring you a SUPER simple recipe of Andouille Sausage with Rice and Sweet Peas.

Free Weekly Newsletter Subscription

Manic Monday #LinkyParty 4/22

Google+ Me Friday Link Party 4/19

We all need more Google+ fans right?!

Well, let’s meet every Friday for Google+ Me Fridays!

Learn more about why Google+ is replacing Facebook here!

Make sure you add Serendipity and Spice to your circles!

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop