At Garanimals this week, I’m tackling the survival of embarrassment. Not TO your kids, but FROM your kids! We all know the Proud Mom Moment where my youngest, Connor made a scene at church. The funny thing is that this is only one of many embarrassing moments he causes me. Be sure to check out my blog post for this week and read more embarrassing stories including:

• Pirates
• POOPY
• Chocolate Milk

One of my favorite birthday treats growing up were Cupcakes in a Cone. When I saw this idea on Pinterest it inspired me to make them for my sons school birthday treat. I used House of Hepworth’s  idea to bake my cupcakes and then I decorated with chocolate frosting and a cherry. The tip with the cherry is to dry it off first!

Didn’t they turn out adorable!

I was so happy with how they turned out! But, then I had a new dilemma – How was I going to transport them to school without tipping? I couldn’t take the pan I cut to bake them because I had two batches worth.

That’s when I came up with this ingenious idea………

I took one of the other metal pans I bought and used tape to run a grid pattern. Each cupcake slipped easily into the square without tipping over. Voila!

They transported wonderfully in van on the way to school and had no mishaps. Now we can make cupcakes in the cone all the time!

This week my oldest son turns SEVEN. It seems like only yesterday I brought him home from the hospital. I want to share some of the pictures and ideas I used for his Angry Bird birthday. You can check out my post on Garanimals for tips for organizing for a birthday party, but I wanted to share some of the photos here. These are the invites my husband designed. The bottom line had our address, RSVP info and the time and date of the party. He is a graphic designer by trade which comes in handy!

Here’s how I set up our main table. We had two parties in one day so I swapped out the cake and put out a new batch of treat bags, but I keep it fairly simple.

The treat bags were one of the hardest parts to figure out. I decided to make bags that looked like Angry Birds and fill them with the stuff below. The sling shots were found at Oriental Trading, the Notepads at Walmart, and the punch balls at Target. My youngest son gave Angry Bird Valentines out so we used the extra tattoos in the treat bags and the mustache tattoos we came across at Hobby Lobby. We sorted the M&M’s by color and put them in the bags found on etsy and we used the file found below to decorate them. There is also a rubber ball and some licorice in another cellophane bag.

We had a separate “cake” for each party. The kids got this cupcake tower which I decorated using the Angry Bird graphics with cookie sticks. I just took the graphics and punched them with a 2″ circle punch and taped to cookie sticks. I actually bought the cupcakes instead of making them because this momma procrastinated and ran out of time – oops!

For the cake for the Family party I bought it from our favorite baker. I instructed them the colors that I wanted to use and to leave a large blank area on the top half of the cake. I them used pieces from an Angry Bird game I had. To stack the items I used a little frosting to make them stick to each other.

We had one main game at the kids party and it involved setting up boxes in Angry Bird style and knocking the “Pigs” down. The pigs were some of the same graphics taped on green ball pit balls we had. They then threw the large red ball at the boxes to knock them down. Luckily it was nice weather so we could play outside instead of in the basement.

It was a fun party – but I’m exhausted!  You can throw an Angry Birds party with a little imagination! I wanted to share the Angry Birds Printable that I used for most of my decorations. Enjoy!

Most of life is routine – dull and grubby, but routine is the momentum that keeps a man going.If you wait for inspiration you’ll be standing on the corner after the parade is a mile down the street.

~Ben Nicholas

As much as you might not like routine, we all have it. As a mom, routine is what makes life go a little bit easier.  Want to set up a formal daily routine, but don’t know how? Check out my post on Garanimals where I walk you step by step into setting your daily routine. Then you can come back here read more about our families daily routine.

Now that you have that done you can fill out your daily sheet. I wanted to share a downloadable copy of  both my sheet and also a customizable sheet.  As you read in the Garanimals post, I  spend every evening updating my sheet for the next day. This helps me to know what to expect the next day and mentally prepare if needed.

How do you use this sheet? Well, I like to first fill out the easy stuff – Mark what day it is and add any birthday or anniversary that may land on that day.

Once that is done I like to work on my quote for the day. This could be a quote, Word of the Year, bible verse, or any other kind of mantra you want to remind yourself of.

Next I work on the bones of the sheet – I transfer my Chores, email and call information, errands and appointments along with what I plan to make for Dinner. The to do is the last part I plan once I know how much time I will have free to accomplish them. Anything that MUST get done gets highlighted.

Then we are ready to start the day – As the day goes on I am always adding notes to the back of the sheet – things to remember, items I need at the store, to do items, and so on.

One of my favorite parts of the sheet is the Chat with Hubby part. It is a special place where I can remind myself of things I want to talk with my husband about. If I have nothing there sometimes I’ll just write something I want to remember to Thank him for or Just tell him I Love Him.

The Water and Exercise part is a good reminder for me to get all that water in and take some time out to exercise. I won’t lie – a lot of the time all the stars aren’t checked, but It does help to remind me!

All week I will be posting pictures of my personal DAILY sheet for that day on my Facebook page. Feel free to stop over and check out what I am writing about! I would also love to hear any suggestions or see how you use your Daily sheet!

I hope some of these tools help you on your way to making your day run a little smoother!

Happy New Year’s Eve!

Whether you’re headed to a party, or headed to the living room with a bowl of popcorn while the kids sleep, New Year’s Eve is a great day for reflection. A whole year has passed since last New Year’s Eve. You’re a year older. Are you a year wiser?

Below are 20 questions I use each year as a springboard to reflect on the past 365 days. Use these Reflection Questions however you see fit. Feel free to think over these throughout your day. But if you’d like to be a bit more intentional with them, every year I provide a free PDF download over on Simple Mom — head over there to download the document.

Want to answer these questions solo? Grab a cup of coffee and a pen, and use the space provided on the first three pages of the free download. Want to chat over the answers with your spouse or with friends? Use the last page to cut each question into squares, and then toss them in a hat to draw, one at a time.

Then tomorrow, head over to Simple Mom for another round of questions. This time, you’ll look ahead at 2011. What are your plans? Your hopes? What would you like to happen for you
personally, for your children, for your family? Be intentional, and jot down some ideas so that you can create a workable plan.

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

5. Pick three words to describe 2010.

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2010 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2010 (again, without asking).

8. What were the best books you read this year?

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2010 for you.

Happy reflecting! And pass over that bowl of popcorn.

Do you feel like you just need to pick the PERFECT Christmas card?

Every year I struggle to find that PERFECT card with the PERFECT picture. I am planning on using some pictures I had taken of the boys in early summer for this years card, but I see all the sample family pictures and wish I had a family picture taken. Too late for that, though. This year I decided I am going to use Tiny Prints for my card of choice, but first I need to narrow it down. Hopefully you can help!

The great think about Tiny Prints is the selection – pretty much anything you can imagine! Plus, once you choose a card there is even MORE customization you can do.  Here are some of my favorites:

  Aren’t these gorgeous? Obviously it could only be better if I put my own families pictures in here!

I love Tiny Prints and this would be the perfect place to make this years Christmas card. The hardest part is picking out the perfect design!

You can check out Tiny Prints’s Christmas Cards here, but did you know they also have holiday address labels and invitations?

Any thoughts on which I should pick?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Tiny Prints.

Yesterday, you may have caught my Staycation post highlighting things to do in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Below are links to Staycation posts from around the United States thanks to The Happy Housewife and Springs Bargains! Enjoy – even if you aren’t necessarily taking a staycation check out the area you are taking a vacation to and you might find some great places to visit!

New England

Connecticut – Parenting Miracles
Boston, Massachusetts – ‎ Maven of Savin’
Manchester, New Hampshire – Common Sense with Money
Western Maine – Bubblegum and Lollipops

Mid-Atlantic

Erie, Pennsylvania – Growing Kids Ministry
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Somewhat Crunchy
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Family Balance Sheet
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York – Coupons, Deals and More
New Jersey – Oh! Diane

Midwest

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Indoor Garden Musings
Mansfield, Ohio – Live the Adventure
Cincinnati, Ohio – Savings Lifestyle~Cincinnati
Mount Vernon, Ohio – Living Better One Day at a Time
Dayton, Ohio – Savings Lifestyle~Dayton
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Kitchen Stewardship
Metro Detroit, Michigan – “Cents”able Momma
Oakland County, Michigan – Bargain Shopper Mom
Warren, Michigan – Saving Dollars and Sense
Grand Forks, North Dakota – Frugal Front Porch
Indianapolis, Indiana – Bargain Briana
South Bend, Indiana – Excuse The Mess
Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri – Kansas City Mamas
St. Louis, Missouri – The Pickledpigsfeet
Branson, Missouri – Getting Freedom from Debt
Springfield, Missouri – I Think I Can
Rochester, Minnesota – Everyday Notions
York, Nebraska – Heavenly Homemakers
Omaha, Nebraska – Mom Endeavors
Madison, Wisconsin – Many Little Blessings
Oshkosh, Wisconsin – A Little Bit of This and That
Chicago, Illinois – Chicagoland Homeschool Network
Champaign, Illinois – Chambanamoms
Black Hills, South Dakota – Little House on the Prairie Living

South Central

Checotah, Oklahoma – Blessed With One Income
Tulsa, Oklahoma – Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Gadsden, Alabama – Aint Mimi
Dallas, Texas – Funky Faith Girl
Dallas, Texas – Grocery Shop For FREE
East Dallas, Texas – Surviving The Stores
Fort Worth, Texas – Smockity Frocks
Austin, Texas – Stetted
Houston, Texas – Moms Travel Tales
McKinney, Texas – Wisdom Begun
East Texas – The Full Pantry
Murfreesboro, Tennessee – Life in a Barn
Nashville, Tennessee – The Country Chic Cottage
Mobile, Alabama – A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
Birmingham, Alabama – iGoBOGO
Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia – Teri Lynne Underwood
Alpharetta, Georgia – Cuponeando
Atlanta, Georgia – See Jamie Blog
Augusta, Georgia – Hyperactive Lu
Athens, Georgia and Mississippi – Tractors and Tire Swings
Little Rock, Arkansas – It’s Real Life

South Atlantic

Ft. Bragg, North Carolina – Military Wives Saving
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Carolina Clipper
Charleston, South Carolina – The Tween & Me
Greensboro, North Carolina – Mrs. Happy Homemaker
Jacksonville, Florida – Saving The Family Money
Orlando, Florida – Orlando’s Best Deals
Virginia Beach, Virginia – The Singley Fam Blog
Richmond, Virginia – Daily Dwelling
Hampton Roads, Virginia – A Home Made by Kiki
Charlottesville, Virginia – How to Have it All
Blackwater Falls State Park/Davis, West Virginia – Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling
Treasure Coast, Florida – The Cardamom’s Pod
Saint Augustine, Florida – Jypsie Visions
Lake Norman, North Carolina – Stretching Pennies Saving Dollars
Washington, DC – The WiC Project
Baltimore, Maryland – The Happy Housewife
Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia, Teri Lynne Underwood

Mountain

Tucson, Arizona – Saving with Pam
Phoenix, Arizona – Sara Wellensiek
Albuquerque, New Mexico – The Chou Life
Kalispell, Montana – Our Family Adventures
Salt Lake City, Utah – Just the 2 of Us
Thermopolis, Wyoming – The McDonald Family
Denver, Colorado – Denver Bargains
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Colorado Springs Bargains

Pacific

San Diego, California – Life As Mom
Yosemite National Park, California -Handbook of Nature Study
Seattle, Washington – Queen Bee Coupons & Savings
Whidbey Island, Washington – Manning the Homefront
Olympia, Washington The Coupon Savant
Portland, Oregon – Frugal Living NW
Willamette Valley, Oregon – An Oregon Cottage

Frugal Vacation Tips

Vacation or Stay-cation: Eating without Busting the Budget – Eat at Home

With the rise of gas prices many vacations are now closer to home. The term “Staycations” as caught on as a way to save money by exploring your local area. If you take a little time to investigate what there all is to do you would be amazed!

If you a planning a trip somewhere else (or don’t live in the Oshkosh area) come back tomorrow.I’ll be sharing over 75 links to staycation articles written by bloggers around the web.

Oshkosh, Wisconsin was recently name The Event City. This name is so suitable as there are events held with every different kind of person in mind. Living in Oshkosh, I don’t have to go that far from my doorstep to find really GREAT things to do! I want to share some of my favorite things to do here.

Irish Fest – June 3- June 5

Held at the Leach Amphitheater, Irish Fest is a place where you can experience everything Irish. You can enjoy Celtic Music, authentic Irish Food, shop in an Irish vendor area, and enjoy Irish dancers all while learning about the unique Irish culture.  This year you can also attend aIrish Medieval Banquet on Friday night.

Waterfest – Thursday from June 9 – August 31

Waterfest is an event also held at the Leach Ampitheater on Thursday evenings all summer long. Listen to a different group of bands every week and enjoy concessions in which the money goes to support local charities.

Oshkosh Garden Club Flower Show – June 4

Attend a Standard Flower Show at the Grand Opera House during the June Gallery Walk.

Oshkosh Garden Club Summer Garden Walk - July 17

Tour five exquisite properties and admire their gardens. Tickets are reasonable and can be purchased on the Garden Club website.

Oshkosh Saturday Farmers Market – Saturdays from June 4 – October 22

The weekly Farmers Market is moving from the City Hall parking lot to Main Street. This is an exciting move and will feature not only vendors but music, food, and community spots. Plus, as an added bonus you can visit the amazing downtown stores through this new location.

Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Pageant Events – June 15 –  18

Oshkosh is lucky enough to hold the Miss Wisconsin Pageant for four evenings.

Live at Lunch – Wednesdays from June 15 – August 10

Opera House Square in downtown Oshkosh hosts an hour-long lunchtime concert each Wednesday along with food from area restaurants.

Gallery Walk – First Saturday of the Month

From 6-9pm Oshkosh galleries and businesses open their doors to feature artwork of all varieties and genres.

Wings on Strings – June 18

This FREE event held at the EAA Museum grounds offers kite flying, kite demonstrations and kite making workshops. Our family can be found at this event yearly.

Pollock Community Water Park – Opens June 4

A little water park right in our little city!

Country USA –  June 21 – 25

Experience five days of some of country musics hottest stars along with great food and rides. This year listen to big names like Miranda Lambert, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bently, Rascal Flatts, and Lady Antebellum.

Rock USA – July 14-16

Three days of rocking with  Daughtry, KISS, and Journey

Lifest – July 6-10

After Rock and Country, Oshkosh also has to host a Christian music Festival. Over 150 musical acts are highlighted including TobyMac, Skillet, MercyMe, Newsboys, Devil Wears Prada & many more. Plus 50 speakers include Greg Laurie, Reggie Dabbs, Bob Lenz & others. Activities, food, KidZone & camping.

Menominee Park

Menominee Park is located right on Lake Winnebago and has many attractions. A beach, bike and walking path, picnic areas, tennis courts and baseball diamonds. It is also host to a Zoo, small carnival area, and two areas with playground equipment. You could really spend a whole day here.

Oshkosh is a great city that also hold a Aircraft museum, Paine Art Center, and its own Public Museum. If you are looking for more Staycation ideas about Oshkosh, the Fox Cities, or even other Wisconsin location be sure to visit my other blog, Inside Oshkosh.

What are some of your favorite frugal activities in Wisconsin?

I’ve highlighted one of these I made here, but now I have a step by step tutorial at Garanimals! I made this one for the SUPER teachers at my sons school.

There are so many different uses for these…..

This one I made for a friend using her daughters art work

This is another version of the one I first made, just in a foaming soap dispenser. There are so many different containers you can put these in. I even have one I made with my dish detergent in.

You can also make them using photos, other subway art, quotations. handwritten notes from your children and more. Just think of the possibilities and ability to make these personalized. Remember to check out the step by step tutorial at Garanimals.

Tonight I am going to the Taste of Home Cooking School. If you haven’t been to one of these you NEED to go! It is so great – free giveaways, swag bags, and all things food. I will highlight some of it later this week, but I wanted to share this offer with you for the Taste of Home Magazine.

Get a 1-Year Taste of Home Magazine Subscription $3.99 and it is good on NEW or RENEWAL orders!! You will need to use coupon code “TASTE” at checkout and you will see the discount price! You can order up to 3 years at this price. This offer is good today only so grab it soon.