Just for Me...and You

Dresser Revamp

2011-11-21T15:45:00.004-05:00

Merry Stockings Needlepoint Christmas Stockings

2011-10-19T10:49:00.005-04:00

Can you believe the end of October is near? Once we put away our Halloween decorations, it is time to put up Thanksgiving and really start thinking and planning for Christmas, because really it is going to be here before we know it.

I am beyond excited to pull out all our decorations, set up our Christmas tree, and hang our stockings. Since our family has been growing and we have just been buying stockings as we need them, all of our stockings are mismatched and a little tacky hanging all together. I decided this year would be the year we looked into getting a matching set.

When Merry Stockings introduced me to their new line, I had visions of traditions and Christmas spirit forming. I am crazy about their Needlepoint Christmas Stockings.
Thee gorgeous, personalized stockings are sewn by hand with so much detail it is hard to believe. They measure 6.5" wide by 21.5" long, great for loading up goodies from Santa (and mommy).
I love the classic, timeless look of these needlepoint stockings and the crisp whites and reds. Being personalized with each family member's name is such a sweet bonus. This set is definitely at the top of our list for replacements of our current stockings.
Make sure to order yours soon! They only have a limited number and they will not be restocked! You do not want to miss out on these beauties!

BUY IT!

You can purchase your own Needlepoint Christmas Stocking in your choice of Nutcracker, Reindeer, Santa, or Frosty on sale for $34.99 each (includes personalizing).

This is a sponsored post. I received compensation. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Chuggington Over & Under Wooden Railway Starter Set Review

2011-10-16T21:25:00.008-04:00

Like all boys, my son LOVES trains. He is a big fan of Chuggington so he was thrilled to receive his new train set with the Wilson on KoKo trains. We have had the starter set for quite a few months and my son and his cousin and friends play with this set probably more than any of his other toys. It's a huge hit at our house.

This 22-piece set features a 2-in-1 Clock Tower: stack for tower or unstack for two separate tunnels! Includes Wilson, Koko, and Vee.

2-in-1 design creates more ways to play

Real wood construction

Exclusive Chuggington Track

Compatible with other wooden track systems

We have an Ikea set that my son uses with the Chuggington starter set and the tracks all fit perfectly together. The set is really high quality and has stayed perfect even through all the rough play that comes with a bunch of three year old boys.

The tracks go together easy enough that my son can do all of it by himself, including the hill. The tunnel is such a fun detail that all kids are sure to love.

BUY IT!

You can purchase the Chuggington Over & Under Starter Kit for $49.99.

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

SwaddleDesigns Swaddle Duo Review

2011-08-21T22:50:00.000-04:00

I am pretty in love with all my SwaddleDesigns products. And when I am in the mother's lounge at church full of mommy's and their nursing babies, everybody else seems to love SwaddleDesigns swaddle blankets, too. They are becoming quite the hit and more and more people are discovering their goodness and for good reason. They are awesome.I love hooded towels for my kids and since the one I got for my baby girl at Target got 2 holes in it after one wash, I was really looking for a hooded towel that would last, make my baby feel comfy and warm, and was as soft as she was. I received the SwaddleDesigns Organic Hooded Towel with Pastel Pink Mod Circles on Ivory. It was everything I was looking for and more. I have had the towel for nearly 4 months now and my 10 month old baby is still loving getting swaddled up in this goodness after every bath.

I also received a couple of SwaddleDesigns fabulous blankets. One of my favorite things about their swaddle blankets is that they include instructions on how to swaddle sewn right onto the blanket. So perfect for new mommies or for people like me who need to be reminded of the same instructions over and over again.
SwaddleDesigns recently introduced the Swaddle Duo which includes their Ultimate Receiving Blanket for moderate to cooler temperatures and the Marquisette Swaddling Blanket for warmer temperatures.
I learned some seriously great information about appropriate temperatures for our babies and how to prevent SIDS. I always knew overheating was a bad idea, but I hadn't heard about being too cold being just as dangerous. Please read:

“The SwaddleDesigns Goldilocks Guide™ ~ baby should not be too hot, or too cold, but just right ~ comfortably warm.”

The Goldilock’s Guide helps new parents remember the importance of keeping baby comfortably warm.

SwaddleDesigns strives to help new parents care for their baby by providing accurate and up-to-date information, so parents can may make informed choices. SwaddleDesigns Safe Sleep Program includes recommendations from the AAP and the NIH as the company strives to increase awareness of Safe Sleep practices and help parents reduce risk of SIDS.

According to leading SIDS researchers, both overheating AND overchilling are risk factors for SIDS. In addition, it’s important for parents to understand that when baby is too cool during sleep, baby will use valuable energy to stay warm instead of growing and thriving. Over the past few years some juvenile product companies have over focused on overheating as a SIDS risk factor, and there has been a lack of balanced conversation regarding insufficient thermal insulation – the danger of baby being too cool - as a risk factor for SIDS. It is time for a balanced information where parents are educated and reminded of their important responsibility to make sure baby is not too hot or too cold, but comfortably warm.

Visit http://www.swaddledesigns.com/safe-sleep for more information.

BUY IT!

SwaddleDuo available in 17 styles with MSRP of $38

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Telephone Chair

2011-08-21T22:14:00.006-04:00

My mother-in-law hooked me up with this awesome telephone chair. I love it. Like really, really love it. The lines and design are so chic. The fabric was in great condition, but I wasn't totally loving the wood stain. It was beautiful, just not my style. So, one day I just decided to spray paint it.I covered the upholstery with plastic bags and painters tape and then dragged it outside. My initial plan was to sand the shiny finish off, but after sanding the same spot for about 10 minutes and not making a bit of difference, I decided to test just spraying the drawer without sanding. To my surprise, it looked and stuck great so I continued spraying the rest of the chair.
At first, I thought just the silver looked kind of cool, but after a couple days it started reminding me of tin foil. I found exactly what I wanted to do here and decided to add an antiquing glaze.
The antiquing glaze really gave it a finished look and now I don't think I would ever guess it was spray painted. I plan on adding a little more glaze and adding some big flowers to that "vase", but was too excited about how it has turned out so far so I had to share! I'll post more pictures once it is all totally completed.

Be Food Safe.

2011-08-05T23:29:00.001-04:00

Do You Practice Food Safety?

Do you think about food safety; if so, when? Do you only think about it when you go out to eat? Have you considered your own food practices and ways to prevent food borne illnesses in your home? I have food safety permanently drilled into my brain due to my education and training as a dietitian. My family and friends witness me practicing food safety during our gatherings that involve food; don’t most all gatherings involve food?! They may think “she’s so helpful to quickly help clean up and put the leftover foods away.” But in reality my mind is calculating the time it’s been out at room temperature. If it’s to be eaten again, I want it back in the fridge well before the time limit of 2 hours. Two hours at room temperature gives bacteria a chance at growth and making us sick.

Recently, the US Department of Health and Human Services has launched a “Be Food Safe” campaign to educate the public on 4 food safety areas: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill. The Ad Campaign created funny and memorable TV commercials for each category. You can check them out at http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basics/ads/index.html For more food safety information that you can apply in your home, the American Dietetic Association has teamed up with ConAgra Foods to create the “Home Food Safety” website: http://www.homefoodsafety.org I’ve included some of my personal kitchen food safety tips for you:
Clean:

Start with clean hands and clean surfaces (counter tops, cutting boards, cooking dishes, etc.)

Always have dish soap and hand soap next to the kitchen sink. Try to keep the kitchen sink for cooking tasks (I direct my husband to the bathroom sink when he comes up from the garage with dirty hands).
I keep a stash of disinfecting wipes and sanitizing spray next to the kitchen sink. I wipe the counter down with the wipes when I have chicken, meat, or egg juices on the counter. I mostly use the sanitizing spray to spray down the sink (after defrosting chicken in a bowl with running water, throwing the egg shells in the sink to go into the garbage disposal, etc.).

Wash ALL fruits and vegetables even if you are going to peel or cut them up; you can drag bacteria that is on the surface inside while the knife slices through.

I love using my salad spinner for washing small fruits like strawberries or blueberries. I fill the container with the basket still inside with water to soak the fruit (for about 2-5 minutes). Pull the basket out to drain the water off, return to the spinner and spin off more water, and then put on a clean dish towel to finish off the drying process.
I keep a vegetable scrub brush near the sink and have it clearly marked with “Veggies,” so it doesn’t get used for regular household cleaning tasks.

Regularly wash your reusable grocery bags and wash the one that meat is transported in more frequently.

Separate:

It’s best to have two separate cutting boards: one for your meats/poultry and one for your fruits/vegetables. However, I know two cutting boards may not practical for all kitchens. My grandmother’s smart solution was to use a permanant marker to write “meats” on one side and “fruits/ vegetables” on the other side of her cutting board. Cut the fruits/ vegetables first and save the meats until last to prevent their juices from contaminating your fruits and vegetables.
Keep your “drippy” things, like meat and chicken, on the bottom shelf with a bowl or plate under them to catch the juice; you don’t want it to drip on your other foods.
Make sure your “drippy” things get bagged separately at the grocery store too.

Cook:

Buy a meat thermometer. They are not very expensive and you don’t have to memorize what type of meat has to be cooked to what temperature because it will have it on the thermometer dial. Don’t forget to use it!

Chill

Living in hot Georgia, I worry about the transportation of my perishable foods. I keep a neoprene market tote in my car so I always have an insulated bag for my cold items. I have a cheap Styrofoam cooler and ice packs (in the freezer) at work so I can pick up some grocery items during my lunch break and know they can survive the drive home with the stop by daycare to pick up my daughter.
Remember my above 2 hour time limit? Get perishables in the fridge in less than 2 hours. If it’s a large batch of food, you will want to put it in several small dishes or in a shallow dish to allow it to cool quickly. The 2 hour rule also applies to outings like picnics or tailgating. You may want to limit your perishables (and eat them first) or make sure you have a way to keep them out of “the danger zone” (40-140 degrees F).
Now once that food is safely in the refrigerator, how long should it stay there? That’s where this handy-dandy “Refrigerator Calculator” is a great thing to have. You can download yours here: http://www.homefoodsafety.org/pages/utilities/docs/calculator.pdf I wish it was available as a magnet (hint, hint Home Food Safety).
Home Food Safety also has a refrigerator/freezer storage guide for fresh food here: http://www.homefoodsafety.org/pages/utilities/docs/rf_storage_chart.pdf

I hope you have learned something new or remembered something forgotten. For more food safety tips, go to http://www. homesafety.org

“For helping spread the word about the importance of home food safety, I was entered into a drawing for a $15 Starbucks gift card and an iPad through Summertime Food Smarts, a contest run by the American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods' Home Food Safety program. Home Food Safety is dedicated to raising consumer awareness about the seriousness of foodborne illness and providing solutions for easily and safely handling foods. Learn more at www.homefoodsafety.org"

-Dinisha

Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner Review-Part 2

2011-08-05T23:03:00.000-04:00

In my last review of the Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner, I shared that while I was impressed with its cleaning ability of food and previous cleaner residue, I was slightly disappointed with the amount of smudging left behind, particularly on my refrigerator.

The Affresh team stood behind their product and immediately wanted to help me remedy my problem. They sent me a fresh bottle of cleaner in case my original bottle had been defected in some way.

To my pleasant surprise, a new bottle made a huge difference. My guess is that my original bottle might have been out in the hot Georgia sun for too long the day it arrived.

While my refrigerator is still not perfectly smudge-free, I actually really love the Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner and have converted to this brand over my previous cleaner that left greasy residue.

Some tips I found to be particulary useful while cleaning my stainless steel appliances with the Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner are as follows:

Use a towel, not a paper towel or sponge.

Spray sections and wipe instead of spraying all over.

Even though the bottle says to leave spray on for a couple minutes on particularly dirty areas, i found spraying and wiping and repeat to be more effective.

It dries pretty quickly so to avoid smudging, work quickly.

Buff with a dry towel.

From the Whirlpool Corporation:

Affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaner gently cleans the fingerprints, smudges, and residue left behind from daily use. The cleanercombines commonly used cleaning agents with special ingredients that, when used as part of a normal maintenance program, can help prevent the formation of residue that can build-up on stainless steel surfaces.

You can purchase your own Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner for $6.99 a bottle.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of affresh and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner Review

2011-07-04T12:01:00.001-04:00

Upon moving into our new home, I saw that our provided stainless steel appliances were a mess. They were smudged with what appeared to be an attempt to clean them. They looked terrible and dirty, not giving off a beautiful stainless steel vibe at all. I figured there had to be an appropriate way to clean them to make them look new and shiny so my mother-in-law and I went to work trying to find a product that did the job.

After trying four different products that each gave a different, but not effective results, including more smudges, greasy residue, and spray marks; I was pretty thrilled to be given the chance to try Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner.

With a claim on the front of the bottle stating that it is recommended by the #1 selling major appliance manufacturer in the world, I was sure it would make my appliances look amazing.

I was actually really impressed with how well it removed the greasy residue left behind from other cleaners.

Unfortunately, I was left with some pretty bad smudging, particularly on my fridge. I tried using more spray, then less spray, I tried wiping with paper towels, then a cloth. My results did not change.

I have considered that this result may be possibly from so much previous residue left on my fridge from other cleaners and from daily use so I am going to continue using the Affresh spray to see if continual use will make a difference. Expect to hear more results soon.

From the Whirlpool Corporation:

Affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaner gently cleans the fingerprints, smudges, and residue left behind from daily use. The cleaner combines commonly used cleaning agents with special ingredients that, when used as part of a normal maintenance program, can help prevent the formation of residue that can build-up on stainless steel surfaces.

You can purchase your own Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner for $6.99 a bottle.

BuildASign.com Review & {GIVEAWAY!}

2011-06-16T13:22:00.009-04:00

When BuildASign.com contacted me about reviewing their products, I was pretty excited. They have a ton of great commercial items, but I found some fun and beautiful items I wanted for my home.

I first chose a birthday banner because I wanted something a little more special to celebrate my family's birthdays than the average dollar store purchase. I really was impressed with just how much you can customize at BuildASign. I was able to choose the material the banner would be printed on (I chose vinyl for durability), size (I did 3ft x 6ft and it is giant), and how many sides you want (I chose single). In addition, I changed the design of the banner. I centered the cake, made it beige, changed 'happy birthday' to black, and added an explanation mark. It is simple and I love it.

I also chose this gorgeous art print which I had printed on polystyrene, which is like a thin, bendable plastic. I am still waiting for my husband to make a frame for it to hang in our kitchen since I went with 36"x 48" and buying a frame that big wasn't really an option for us. I am so excited to display this. The quality is unbelievable and I am so glad I went with this option.

Lastly, I chose this adorable road sign on aluminum for my son's room. I customized the colors to match his room. I love the metallic paint used on the sign. My son loves that there is a child with a ball on a street sign in his room. It is so cute and perfect for his car themed room.

WIN IT!

The first 9 people to e-mail me with their address will win a justformeandyou2.blogspot.com bumper sticker like the one pictured below (awesome, I know). It really is pretty dang cute.

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Shirley J Cooking Made Easy Review & {GIVEAWAY!}

2011-06-16T11:57:00.007-04:00

I am not much of a cook, but my husband is a big eater and loves a home cooked meal. I try to provide, but if I can find a short-cut, I'll take it. I was so happy when a representative at Shirley J contacted me. Their products give you a short-cut that doesn't taste like a short-cut, in fact, everything I have made using their products are really yummy!
I received the Shirley J Universal Sauce. It is such a great idea, seriously. Here is a bit from their site that perfectly describes the brilliance,

"Shirley J Universal Sauce is a just-add-water cream sauce that makes for Alfredo, gravy, soups, sauces, dips and delights. It can be seasoned, salted and garnished, or mixed with cheese, tomatoes and veggies—for starters. Shirley J Universal Sauce never separates, lumps or curdles, providing a no-fail base for countless saucy servings."

My family loves anything Mexican. My son loves to dip. We devoured almost an entire pot of this delicious queso dip in one night. Lucky for me, it only took about 5 minutes to make and tasted like it came from a restaurant. I was really impressed that the dip stayed creamy instead of thickening or clumping. Even when I pulled out our little bit of leftovers the next day, it was still a smooth cheese dip and warmed up to taste completely fresh.

Shirley J Queso:

Ingredients:
1 lb. Velveeta cheese, microwaved until soft
1 cup Shirley J Universal Sauce
3 Cups water
2 cups pico de gallo
1 cup Jalapenos, finely diced

Directions:
1. Mix Shirley J Universal Sauce with water. Blend with wire whisk. Bring to a boil.
2. Add microwaved cheese to mixture.
3. Add pice de gallo and jalapenos and stir.
4. Continue to heat on lower setting until desired consistency is reached.
5. Serve over nacho chips or use as dip.

We just recently cut red dyes out of my son's diet. I didn't really want to have to say goodbye to Kraft macaroni only because it was so easy, but I knew I had to commit 100%. I was pretty thrilled to find Shirley J had a recipe for homemade macaroni and cheese using their Universal Sauce. Best of all, it only took a few minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven. Approve-by me and my macaroni and cheese loving toddler.
I also received the Shirley J Chicken Bouillon. Perfect for an insane amount of recipes.
I used the Universal Sauce and the Chicken Bouillon to make these delicious chicken enchiladas. They were so creamy and full of flavor. My whole family loved them!

The Universal Sauce has definitely made my life much easier when it comes to cooking. It is something I will insist in always having in my kitchen from now on.

From Shirley J:

Shirley J has just partnered with Soldiers' Angels, a non-profit organization that benefits our servicemen, women and soldiers, to provide Americans with the opportunity to purchase online and send cooking products and ingredients to troops serving abroad, including those who Americans don't know personally. Our products are just-add-water and yield hundreds of recipes, qualifying them as ideal for soldiers' conditions and us as a perfect partner for Soldiers' Angels.

You can read more here: http://shirleyj.com/support-soldiers/

Or have product sent here where Soldiers' Angels will assemble larger care packages and take care of shipping to Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.:

Soldiers' Angels
4408 N PanAm Exprwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

WIN IT!

Shirley J has generously offered one of our very lucky readers a 4 lb. bag of Universal Sauce.

Mandatory entry:
Visit Shirley J and then come back here and let us know something you are dying to try.
You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.
Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):
1 Entry: Like Shirley J on Facebook.
1 Entry: Follow Shirley J on Twitter.
1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).
1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.
1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.
3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to Shirley J (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).
1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet about this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).
2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.
Good luck! Contest ends on June 26th at midnight. Winner will be announced June 27th.
Winner will be chosen through random.org.

Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

The First Years Ignite Stroller Review

2011-05-23T13:58:00.000-04:00

I actually received The First Years Ignite Stroller by accident, but I am thinking now that it was fate. It is, no joke, the best lightweight stroller I have come across.

Not only is the design super cute, modern, and comfy, this stroller has some pretty thoughtful features to provide the ultimate ride without all the fuss of giant strollers.

We throw this stroller in the car for every outing. It works great for both of our children. Our 7 month old baby can recline back and be brought back up with an easy to use pull. Our toddler can ride with lots of spacious room and a foot rest that is appropriate for his height. My husband and I love it because the handle bars are extra tall, making it really comfortable for us to push, being that we are both tall and often have to slightly bend to push our other strollers.

Because this has become our go-to stroller, I actually got rid of our full size stroller and our umbrella stroller since they no longer get use now that we have our Ignite Stroller. I would 100% recommend this stroller to everyone! You will love it!

The Ignite stroller offers:

Durable frame, rated for use to 50lbs

Taller handles and multi-position recline

5-point harness for a safer ride

Large parent console and lower storage basket

Easy one-hand fold, and weighs only 14 lbs.

Dimensions: 34.5" L x 18.5" W x 39" H

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Help You Live Healthy.

2011-05-09T22:16:00.002-04:00

Recently, my family and I have discovered the importance of living a healthy life. We have moved back to Georgia near Stone Mountain and have made a goal to do something active as a family at least once a week. Today, we were able to walk around the mountain and play tag. We have also planned several hikes in the near future.
We have also found a local Farmers Market where we developed a new love for deliciously healthy food. We picked up a whole shopping cart full of fresh fruits and vegetables. We are so excited to eat it all up.
I am no where near ready for the swim suit season, but I'm hoping these healthy changes will make me feel and look better.
Because I can't always go to the Farmers Market and need healthy options that are quick and easy, but will still keep me on track, there is Weight Watchers Smart Ones. Their products provide a variety of delicious,convenient, and portion controlled meals and snacks that contain lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. And now they are offering two new breakfast items- like the new Egg,Sausage & Cheese Wrap and the French Toast with Turkey Sausage. Plus, the packaging tells you the Weight Watchers Points Plus values in each serving, allowing you to conveniently plan for the day.
Visit www.eatyourbest.com for more information.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Weight Watchers Smart Ones and received a promotional item and coupons to facilitate my review.”

Fine with Frumpy

2011-04-17T15:54:00.002-04:00

I realize there is nothing interesting about this outfit. I am essentially wearing a gray potato sack. And yet, I love it. So incredibly comfortable. And I can be bloated like a blow fish, and no one would even know. Which is why I felt completely justified when inhaling that plate of cookies three minutes ago.

Dress: Calvin Klein

Necklace: Free People

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden

Shop Similar: Dress

Date Night Duds

2011-04-16T08:40:00.004-04:00

Usually when going out in a dress the length of a shirt, I throw on my leggings and some shoes. However, this tends to trend toward a less sophisticated/more hooker look. Which, surprisingly, last night I was not in the mood for. So, I experimented. I put my leggings on per usual, then threw some fun tights on top. Pulling this look off required me to stretch my leggings over my toes, which was a rather restrictive sensation that took some getting use to, but I am happy with the end result. The Mister wasn't complaining either.

Dress: Rachel Roy

Leggings: TJ Maxx

Tights: F21

Shoes: Juicy Couture

Shop Similar: Dress, Tights, Shoes

Candy? What Candy?

2011-04-13T12:19:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I did a massive Target run. Did a little birthday party present shopping (the kids have two to attend this week), a lot of grocery shopping, and even picked up two giant bags of peanut butter M&Ms for the playgroup Easter Egg Hunt this Friday. I'm awesome.

The Mister came home from work and started scrounging around the cupboards, whereupon he discovered my carefully hidden bags o' chocolate. Except one bag was nearly empty. "When did you buy these," he asked accusingly. "Today," I replied sheepishly. "And you are already giving them away to the kids?" Yes honey, that is absolutely correct. The kids ate every last one of those heavenly filled eggs. Heathens.

Top: Maxstudio

Cargo Skinnies: Joes Jeans

Scarf: F21

Shoes: Juicy Couture

Shop Similar: Top, Scarf

Back to Life, Back to Reality

2011-04-12T13:09:00.003-04:00

I had a most fantastic stay in Georgia. It was a little tough to leave all the attention and chocolate. There is something to be said about once in a while just sitting back and being my mommy and daddy's little girl again. Nevertheless, I had to buck up and become a mother to my own three again. Holy laundry.

Shirt: Macy's

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Jeggings: Macy's (get them for $10!!!)

Boots: Apepazza

Shop Similar: Cardigan, Shirt

Plow & Hearth Compact Electric Stove Review

2011-04-10T18:00:00.000-04:00

Being from Georgia, we weren't really prepared for Missouri's snowy, bitter cold Winter and chilly Spring mornings and nights. Our heater isn't the best and has a hard time keeping up with our desired temperature. I knew I wanted a space heater for our family room, but didn't want an eye sore.

When I found Plow & Hearth's Compact Electric Stove, I knew it would be perfect for my home. It is attractive and functional and small enough (25 lbs.) that it can be moved from room to room.
The stove is on in the above picture. The fire is very realistic and romantic. The flames dance around just like a real fire.
The heater has three settings: just flames without heat, low heat, and high heat. I have been so impressed with the amount of heat the stove puts out. After only about 5 minutes, I feel warm and comfortable throughout my entire room. One of my absolute favorite features of the stove is that the entire stove stays completely cool to touch besides this very bottom portion (picture above) that is back far enough that it can't even be seen by curious little people. This also allows you to use the stove decoratively by adding pictures or a vase on top.

BUY IT!

We have absolutely loved having this Compact Electric Stove in our home. I may even purchase another for our master bedroom. You can purchase your own at Plow & Hearth for $99.95!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Misikko's Hana Professional Flat Iron 1" Pink Edition Review

2011-04-08T21:00:00.005-04:00

I have now had the opportunity to work with Misikko three times and honestly, they are beyond a pleasure to work with. Previously I reviewed one of the best hair dryers and another flat iron. They have such a great company and definitely know how to provide excellent customer service. Not only do they ship your ordered product in perfect condition, but I have always received a ton of surprise goodies.

Most recently, I received the Hana Professional Flat Iron 1"-Pink Edition. First of all, I love all the pink GHD. Now that I have a baby girl, I just want everything to pink! It is such a feminine and happy color.
The Hana is the best tourmaline flat iron I have ever used. It prevents frizz and leaves your hair super shiny. My hair is really damaged from bleach, but after I straighten my hair with my flat iron, it looks healthy again.

I love the huge range of heat settings to create different looks and to accommodate different hair textures with the T3 Tourmaline. With my appropriate heat setting, I am able to straighten my hair in less than 10 minutes. This is a huge improvement from flat irons I have used in the past that would take over 30 minutes and still not accomplish silky smooth, straight hair.

Lastly, I love the silicone mat. It goes everywhere my flat iron goes. It protects the surface you lay your iron on. I have burnt carpets and left burn marks on counter tops and this totally prevents that from ever happening. So smart!

Hana Professional Features:

Stylish pink edition!
Advanced Tourmaline Ceramic Plates for Accelerated Ion Generation and Maximum Frizz-Free, Conditioning Shine
Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading
Floating 1” Plates Auto-Adjust To Glide Over Any Hair Texture
Curved Plate Edges For Versatile Styling - Curl, Flip or Straighten!
Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types
Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss
Ergonomic Handle Design with No-Slip Grip
Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free
Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord Swivels 360°; Convenient Hanging Loop
Energy Efficient at 38 Watts
Independent On/Off Switch
Includes Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, & Special Edition Tin Case
Two Year Warranty

BUY IT!

You can purchase the Hana Professional Flat Iron 1"Pink Edition for $119.99, saving yourself 41% by purchasing through Misikko! Awesome!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Airplane Apparel

2011-04-06T12:16:00.002-04:00

In just a few short hours the baby and I will be boarding a plane to trade the New Jersey rain and cold with the heat, family, and fun that is all present in Georgia.

While traveling, my clothing must be layered to accommodate the mass variance in temperatures, my pants uber comfortable, and my shoes easily removable. Function takes precedence over fashion in a major big way.

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Blouse: Gap

Jeans: True Religion

Flats: LeSportsac

I Hate April Fools

2011-04-01T13:36:00.003-04:00

I am super gullible. And it is snowing. And I can never think fast enough to fool anyone.

I also think my outfit is a little street walker chic today. But it's date night, so I guess that's appropriate.

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Jeggings: Guess

Shoes: Juicy Couture

Necklace: Free People

Shop Similar: Necklace

The Same, But Different

2011-03-31T11:58:00.002-04:00

This outfit has a lot of the same notes as yesterday's, but it is way more conducive to every day life. Especially when everyday life involves rain. Lots of rain. And, tomorrow we are suppose to get 5 inches of snow here in the dirty Jersey. That's surely an April Fool's joke, right???

Top: J. Crew

Belt: Super Old, No idea

Pants: Victoria's Secret

Flats: Born

Shop Similar: Top, Pants

The No Comfort Zone

2011-03-30T14:42:00.004-04:00

I mean that literally. I went to lunch with some girlfriends, and I could barely breathe in those pants, let alone enjoy my lobster mac and cheese (that's a lie. I fully enjoyed my food).

Following lunch, I got to watch the Preschool Princess walk in space at her school. It was cute. And there was donuts. Totally worth it.

Top: Free People

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Trousers: Vintage Krizia Poi

Shoes: Steve Madden

Shop Similar: Trousers, Shoes

Happy Boy Spot.

2011-03-29T22:19:00.011-04:00

I was just working on a lampshade for the master bedroom, but my hot glue gun blew up in my face. It was wild (and scary...very scary). I have no idea why it happened, but now I can't finish until I get a new hot glue gun.

So, I thought I would catch you up on a few other projects I have been working on all in one post. I am pretty behind on all the things I want to share because my husband has been out of town and I have been spending my time trying to find a new apartment instead of blogging.

I tell ya, I finally start loving our town home and then my husband gets a new job...in a different state...after only one year of living here. I'm hoping we will be at our next place long enough to really make it feel like a home. For now, this is what we've got. Just remember, we are renters. No paint or pretty home details. Just outdated, boring walls.

Welcome to my son's room. He is 3 and loves cars. :)

He loves to tell us what the lights means at every stop light so I made him the words in the coordinating colors so he can relate the words to their meanings. I used my Cricut and vinyl.
I have moved the art and pictures all over his room and I finally love it all together.
My son and I made the 'C' together. He painted it blue and then that night I made the yellow road stripes with a small stencil I made and hot glued cars he no longer played with on.

I got the idea for the license plate art at [kreyv]. Instead of using fabric and wood, I used a canvas I had picked up at Michaels on sale (2 for $4.99) and painted it with a mix of beige and white acrylic paints (also on sale, $0.29 each). I spray painted the plates and then just used gorilla glue to glue them on. Not as fancy as the original, but I still like it and my son loves it!

The little night stand was inherited from my parents. I had painted it black before my son was born, but I didn't like the black with the brown and blues anymore. Plus, the black had taken a beating. Each chip was very obvious. I painted it white and got a new pretty silver knob. I love it now.
My sister-in-law, Tracy, who also occasionally writes on this blog made him the gorgeous blanket on his bed. The colors are so perfect for his room.

I made the pennant banner by just cutting out triangles with some scrap fabric I had and sewing them together on a piece of ribbon. My son refers to them as his "racing flags."

The dresser was given to us my mother-in-law who had received it from one of her friends. When we got it, it was a bad yellow and very used. I originally painted it black for my son's nursery and then painted it white recently to make his room feel more calming (in hopes it would calm my child...didn't work). I made the numbers with my Cricut and vinyl. I think they may be my most favorite thing in the room.
I also made this mobile using my Cricut. I cut out paper circles and train shapes and then just glued them on a piece of thread and tied them on a painted embroidery ring. I love the way it lightly blows with the fan on.
My sweet boy kissing his baby sister. My mother-in-law made that bag chair. We are all obsessed with it.

3M Natural View Screen Protector Review

2011-03-28T13:58:00.003-04:00

Smartphones can cost a pretty penny so of course, you want to protect it. My husband just got the EVO and we decided we could invest in about $10 more dollars for a Sprint screen protector. Within a week, the corners of the protector was peeling away, bubbles were forming, and he was having a hard time seeing his screen. He removed it since it clearly was not very protective after all.

When we received the 3M Natural View Screen Protector made especially for the EVO, my husband immediately applied it to his phone while following the included instructions. It applied smoothly and even after several weeks, the protector is still flat on his phone. You actually can't even tell that he has a screen protector on his phone. It looks that great. His phone has remained free of fingerprints, scratches, and looks very clean.

Need to see how to apply your 3M Screen Protector? Check out this video below:

Are you in the market for a screen protector? 3M also offers a universal, cut-to-fit protector; Apple, Samsung, BlackBerry, Motorola, and HTC protectors.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of 3M and received a Natural View Screen Protector to facilitate my review and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

{Sort of A} Lady in Red

2011-03-27T14:06:00.004-04:00

I taught Sunday School and Relief Society today. That's a whole lot of Erica for one Sunday.

I'll leave it at that.

Dress: Shabby Apple (on sale!!)

Shoes: Steven

The Departure

2011-03-25T12:19:00.001-04:00

I am attempting to break free from my ordinary. I even went to playgroup instead of the gym this morning. Hot dang, I may be unrecognizable by days end.

And I am pretty sure my Rock Band skills would be drastically increased in these boots. Bonus.

I still gravitated towards my uniform this morning. I just put it on the chunkers instead.

Blouse: F21

Under Tee: Shade

Blazer: Urban Outfitters

Belt: F21

Jeggings: Guess

Boots: Material Girl (on sale!!)

Shop Similar: Blouse, Blazer

Uniform

2011-03-24T11:52:00.002-04:00

Capturing my daily wearings has illustrated one simple fact: I am boring.

My outfit changes only slightly from day-to-day, always featuring something over sized on the top, something skinny on the bottom, and boots.

I choose to blame Old Man Winter for my lackluster apparel choices. And since there is still 4 inches of snow outside, boring remains.

Cardigan: Vintage America

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Skinnies: F21

Boots: Apepazza

Shop Similar: Cardigan

Seriously?

2011-03-23T12:09:00.004-04:00

It was 75 degrees here on Friday. And my parents were in town. All weekend. It was lovely.

It is now snowing. As in full on blizzarding out my window. And the princess' preschool was cancelled. And the monkey man had a delayed opening. Meaning, my morning was shot.

And what the crap happened to spring???

Stupid groundhog.

Blouse: MM Couture

Tee that matches way better than it looks in the picture (I hope): Victoria's Secret

Corduroy Leggings: Nordstrom

Boots: MIA (price drop!!)

Shop Similar: Blouse

Baby's Room Complete (for now)

2011-03-20T21:32:00.010-04:00

If you have been wondering where most of my projects have been going in my home, it is the baby's room. I think her nursery is finished. It is the only girly room in our home and it is REALLY girly. Lots of pink! :)

Try to remember we are renters so there is only so much I can so with those nasty blinds, gross colored walls, and dated brown baseboards. It is what it is. Still, I love her room. It makes me happy being in there. I hope it will make my baby happy, too.I'm still crazy in love with my rose petal "chandelier."
Spray paint makes a big difference. Here are some old gold frames I had from college. I spray painted them white to bring them into 2011.
Much better.
I also spray painted the pink frames. The angel is a painting my b.f.f made for me while we were in high school. It has been with me ever since. The picture of my baby is on her blessing day so the white frame is extra appropriate. I saw the 'You Are Beautiful Just The Way You Are' printable on another blog, but now I can't find it. Does anyone know where it came from? I would love to give them credit. I didn't print it, I made it with my Cricut and vinyl, copying the printable design.
My baby stares at the rosette balls while I nurse her. Notice her little head in the corner? I bit creepy (and adorable), right?
Letters I spray painted and decorated with a butterfly shape using my Cricut, diamond stickers, scrap booking paper, and tissue paper roses.
I love the tulips. I found this bedding at Target for only $16! Bargain!
Do you see the hair clip holder in the corner? My mother in law made it. It is awesome and now I am able to see what clips I have. By the way...most of her hair clips came from Orange5. They are beyond lovely.

Filtrete Healthy Home

2011-03-17T22:54:00.004-04:00

With two very young children, I have a lot of worries and fears about their health, environment, allergens, and so many harmful substances all around them. I want my children's home, things, and life to be clean and healthy for them. To do this, I keep a clean home, use detergents without dyes or scents, use cleaning supplies in areas they touch or toys they play with that are natural and safe, avoid wearing perfume or using heavily scented fragrances in my home, keeping my floors clean and my furniture dust free, and changing my air filter with Filtrete air filtration often.

"Since most people with allergies develop them during childhood, Dr. Alanna Levine, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), shares the ABC's to help maintain a healthier home environment for children:

A is for Avoid: Whenever possible, avoid irritants that often trigger allergies, such as products made of feathers or down. Use hypoallergenic pillows on your child's bed, and limit exposure to perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, air fresheners, fabric softeners or other strong odors or sprays. Strong fragrances and odors may aggravate allergy symptoms.

B is for Balance: Maintain a consistent balance in the home to help minimize allergens. Keep the windows shut and use central air conditioning during high pollen seasons to help protect children from pollen particles that trees, grasses and weeds release into the air. These particles can harbor in the eyes, nose, and airways, causing allergy symptoms to flair for those allergic to pollen. Also, give children washable, non-allergenic stuffed toys when possible, and be sure to wash the ones played with the most on a weekly basis, in hot water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

C is for Change: Change items that are easy to neglect but are important for maintaining a healthier home, such as leaky faucets, pipes and other high moisture areas that are common places for mold growth. Don't neglect their air in the home either. Change your filter every three months, and use a high performance filter, such as a Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter from 3M."

To find out more healthy home living tips, money saving offers, filter change reminders, and sign up for Filtrete's seasonal newsletter, check out the Clear Advantages program.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Dreary Days

2011-03-16T14:02:00.001-04:00

The weather seems perfectly fitting for the mood of the world. Gloomy. Sad. Dark.

I need a good soak in some sunshine; on the news, on my skin, in my soul.

Maybe tomorrow.

Open Front Cardigan: Urban Outiftters

Blouse: F21

Under Tee: Victoria's Secret

Black Skinnies: TJ Maxx

Boots: Apepazza

Who Stole My Hour?

2011-03-15T13:50:00.001-04:00

And how do I get it back??? We're like land of the living dead over here.

Not helped by The Mister waking me up at 5:30 this morning asking me where his phone charger was.
Especially when the answer is: plugged in right where you left it dear.
If only I could have fallen back asleep....

Button-down: Tulle

Cardigan: J Crew

Skirt: Gap

Boots: Aldo

Shop Similar: Top, Skirt, Boots

Drop Cloth Pillows

2011-03-13T17:08:00.004-04:00

I have been seeing a lot of people use painting drop cloths to make some pretty awesome things. For about $6, I made two pillows and still have enough to make probably 2 or 3 more. Sweet deal.

I painted this pillow with a chevron stencil I found at Tatertots & Jello.

I ruffled strips of fabric for this. Very time consuming, but very cute.

Would you use drop cloth in your home for something other than painting?

Sunday Feature: Pairing Patterns

2011-03-13T14:45:00.002-04:00

Glamour told me I should mix prints this Spring, and if Glamour tells me to jump off a bridge, I will, so here goes.

I am always looking for new ways to wear what is already in my closet and now I am relying on you to be my inspiration. Play dress-up with my by posting a picture of yourself on your blog (or elsewhere on the web) wearing this week's featured item, and leave a link in the comment section below.

How do you love to mix and match patterns?? I can't wait to see!

Shirt: BCBG

Skirt: Macy's

Scarf: F21

Shoes: Guess

Shop Similar: Skirt

Clarity

2011-03-11T14:06:00.004-05:00

I didn't produce as many outfits as I had hoped this week. My house got hit with the pukes. Making my days slimy, stinky, sprite-sipping and laundry-filled; replacing my skinnies with sweats and my camera with cuddles. Sleep has been non-existent (hence my fresh-from-my-nap wrinkledness), and headaches and tummy aches rampant.

And yet, none of that compares to the devastation occurring across the globe. My insignificant complaints got a good dose of perspective this morning. I am gripped to my TV and yet afraid to watch. I am off to go breathe in and cherish my sickly, smelly babies and be nothing but grateful for my easy-as-pie life.

Tunic: Free People

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Skinnies: TJ Maxx

Boots: Michael Kors

Side Table Transformation

2011-03-11T00:14:00.007-05:00

I have had this side table that I use as a nightstand for quite some time that I inherited/stole from my mom. It was in really bad shape, but I just love it's adorable details. I figured I would fix it up one day, but didn't really have any ideas. Years later, I am finally getting around to it.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

(Don't look too closely. I still have some touching up to do.)

I sanded it, attempted to fix some boards, painted white, then added silver details (don't you love the feet??) and this stencil on top from Cutting Edge Stencils.

We are re-doing our bedroom and this is going to go perfect in it. I have big plans for our room. This is the first time that I have ever thought out what I wanted our room to look like. Previously, I would go shopping for a new comforter, buy one that was on sale and change my room up a bit to match. I have changed our comforter 5 times in 5 years. Not to mention everything else I have bought to match those dang comforters. My husband and I decided it would be cheaper to plan out our room so we really love it and then buy/fix up pieces we would want to keep for years instead of months. Expect to see more projects soon!

Linked to:

Little Boys, Lovely Things.

2011-03-09T20:00:00.014-05:00

I have become consumed in all things Justin Bieber. He has coupled talent unmatched with persistence proven, consequently capturing dreams, dollars and the most devoted following of daddy’s daughters.

I don’t even have to date him—like I’d be happy as his friend or mother or sister who buys the booze [I would never! We’re keeping him whole and happy and clear of insta-daddy]. Nonetheless, I’d sell my soul if he’d say he’d love me forever.

Consider that my hearty endorsement for “Never Say Never.”

And a few related notes:

Baby Bieber wears white skinny jeans, which means I do, too. Lucky for us both, they’re a must-have this spring—as in, my pedophilia might actually be mistaken for an effort toward trend. Thank Heavens; I clearly need that on my side.

New York Fashion Week paired whites with whites—clean, crisp, cut. I layered lace and a tee and topped with a necklace—it’s less clean than the runway, but more suited for everyday wear. Then I paired my pants with a cream top (save or splurge) and gold accessories—I’m not sure that color combo is even allowed, but it’s warmer and more romantic than all white, so I’d consider it for date night, or something.

[Sorry for the weird shots. I had wet hair, no make-up and glasses, and that sight is not for public viewing].

Trendy Baby Bieber delivered his own purple-y take on white. You already know I followed [It was celebrity dress-up day at work. Give me a little credit].

Speaking of bold colors and their trendy emergence this spring, count this dress as mine. Like it, love it, gotta have it.

I made Justin Bieber cupcakes for my bestie’s birthday a couple weeks ago. The young man was kind enough to stop by and validate.

Those are microphones. And Bieber hair. And that Nike swoosh—because Justin wears Nike boots—took me an hour to form. I guess I’m asking you to be impressed. In the event you ever want to make edible microphones yourself, use baby cones, fill with frosted baby cakes and sprinkle with silver dragees, which you can find at Michael’s or specialty stores that sell Wilton products. Bear in mind you’ll likely need one large cupcake per microphone (for support), or you’ll need to fill the cones (with candy) to make them less top-heavy.

And my promised end note:

Against: Oversized tops with flares. That's a lot of material.
For: Lace and cream and oversized tops with jeggings.

Also, if you want an all-purpose lace top, buy this one. You won't find better, you get it on sale...and me and TSwift have it in black.

I guess my posts will actually always be novels.

No regretz,
Amanda

For the Birds

2011-03-09T12:05:00.002-05:00

I tried to take a picture outside today, but:

A. It was freezing, and I am a big fat wimp
B. There were 800 bazillion black birds swarming around my trees, which is a guarantee for poo-head, and I really was not in the mood for that.

Shirt/Tunic/Dress: Free People

Leggings: F21

Boots: Michael Kors

Shop Similar: Dress

eShakti Customized Dress Review

2011-03-07T16:26:00.005-05:00

Finding a dress that is perfect for your body and your style is far from easy. The basic small, medium, and large usually don't cut it for me. I have parts of my body that fit into every single one of those categories, but you can't find that in stores. I love that eShakti allows you to customize your shoulders, bust, waist, upper arms, chest, under bust, hips, and lengths of arms. In addition, you can send in your cup size and height and choose necklines, sleeve types, and length. For people interested in modesty, this allows you to make every piece of clothing they offer modest. I love that!
I chose to review this simple, but elegant Knit and Crepe Mock Two Piece Dress. I sent in all my measurements and added the short length sleeves to make it modest. I kept the rest of the dress as is since the neckline and length was already perfect.
It fits perfectly! I love the soft knit and even softer crepe. The bottom portion of the dress is flowy shimmers in the light. The top is comfortable and lightweight.
The whole dress is very well made and has become one of my new favorites. I can't believe how quickly they can custom make a dress that is such high quality. I will definitely be shopping with eShakti in the future and would recommend purchasing their customized clothing (they offer tops, coats, skirts, and pants, too!).

BUY IT!

You can purchase the same dress I reviewed for $54.95.

Make sure to check out all their options!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Sunday Feature: Knee-Length Boot

2011-03-06T14:04:00.002-05:00

It's raining like crazy today. My hair stayed down for all of 5 seconds, then was thrown into a rapid ponytail and off to church we went.

And fabulous friends of Amanda, this face is for you.

Last night The Mister and I consumed enough Japanese food to feed a family of 10. I am still full. But dang, it was delicious.

My life really does revolve around food. I should be ashamed. But the shame would just drive me to stuff my face.

How do you love to wear a knee-length boots?? I can't wait to see!

Dress: BCBG

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Belt: F21

Boots: Michael Kors

Shop Similar: Dress, Belt

Davies is My Homeboy

2011-03-04T14:37:00.002-05:00

The Mister comes home tonight. The house once again has food in it. Tomorrow I can sleep in. All is well.

Have you read this yet? If not, do. If so, and you love it, repost it. Anywhere. Thanks!!

Sweater: Gap

Cords: J Crew

Scarf: F21

Heels: Jessica Simpson

Shop Similar: Sweater, Shoes

Brandon Davies Wears Right and Blue

2011-03-04T00:36:00.002-05:00

Brandon Davies was dismissed from the BYU basketball team for the season after admittance of not following the honor code. Or haven't you heard? I was just caught up to speed. :)

Check out this thoughtful article:

http://mymiddaydump.blogspot.com/2011/03/re-brandon-davies-wears-right-and-blue.html

Well said.

Sunburst Mirror Tutorial

2011-03-03T21:54:00.006-05:00

Isn't this sunburst mirror so pretty? I am in love with it. I have wanted to own it for a long time. The only problem is that I can think of about 100 other things I should spend $160 on. Yeah, that's right. The mirror above is $160. I'm not saying it wouldn't be worth it, I am just saying there is no way I could afford it. So...I attempted to make my own. On a much larger scale just because I could.

Sunburst Mirror:

Mirror with flat edges

Bundle of sticks

Hot glue

Silver spray paint

Scissors

Total: About $8 ($12 if you count the spray paint)

I found my mirror with flat edges at Bed Bath & Beyond for $4. I have heard people using a mirror candle holder at craft stores for about $3 so whatever you can find with a flat surface will work. I found the bundle of sticks at a dollar store for $3.

Step 1: Divide your mirror into 6 parts. You may want to use tape or mark it in some way.

Step 2: Cut your sticks to desired lengths. I used six different lengths.

Step 3: Lay out your pattern around your mirror.

Step 4: Once you are satisfied with your design, use just a dot of hot glue to glue the sticks to the mirror.

P.S: After I glued my sticks on, I thought some of the longer ones looked pretty crazy so I trimmed them down.

Step 5: Cover your mirror with painter's tape and lightly spray paint. I put my mirror on a box so I could paint the back of the sticks, too.

(I know I need to clean the mirror. Yikes!)

It definitely is not close to being perfect, but it wasn't $160 so I really like it. I haven't found a permanent home for it yet. I can't decide if I want it in our bedroom or if I want to leave it downstairs. I'm thinking I might have to make more with different styles. Then, I can have them all over my house :)

What do you think?

Here are a few other Sunburst Tutorials that I checked out for inspiration:

Under The Table And Dreaming By Stephanie Lynn

Ten June

HGTV

The Husband Trumps Anonymous

2011-03-03T18:30:00.003-05:00

I was skyping The Mister this morning (he has been in Boston all week) wherein the following conversation ensued:

Hubs: You know I always think you look beautiful
Me: Umm, sure.
Hubs: That outfit yesterday was horrible
(he checks the blog as a form of proof that his wife does indeed get dressed on occasion since I am most definitely always in jammies by the time he arrives home)
Me: I am trying to show different ways to wear a scarf
Hubs: You mean, you are trying to show ways not to wear a scarf
Indeed my love, indeed.

I met up with some girlfriends for lunch today. There was some serious yummy in my tummy. And now the children and I are having chocolate chip muffins for dinner. Because I am totally mother of the year.

Blazer: Macy's
Tunic: F21
Corduroy Leggings: Nordstrom
Scarf: TJ Maxx
Boots: Michael Kors

Shop Similar: Boots, Blazer, Tunic

Rosette Ball (no twist)

2011-03-02T13:12:00.004-05:00

Remember these hanging rosette balls I made for my daughter's nursery?

They are so pretty. A lot of my friends have been saying they wish they had a girl so they could have somewhere to display them.

Well...I made another ball for my family room that just sits on our tv stand, no hanging.

I used the same tutorial that I used for my hanging balls, except I didn't twist while rolling the roses. I just loosely rolled them. I think this makes the ball look a little less feminine. Now you can have a ball for anywhere in your home!

Which roses do you like better? Can you even tell the difference in the pictures? I promise they are wayyy different.

It's Dr. Seuss' Birthday

2011-03-02T12:08:00.001-05:00

At least that's what my first grader told me. Promptly followed by, "I will not be eating the green eggs and ham for lunch today. That's just gross mom." Agreed.

I was in charge of watching the kids in scripture group today. I held one little boy while he cried and snotted on me throughout the duration. Made me feel like I may be a fairly decent human being. I could probably benefit from a few more of those moments.

Cardigan: Bloomingdales

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Black Jeggings: Macy's

Scarf: F21

Belt: F21

Shoes: Juicy Couture

Shop Similar: Cardigan, Jeggings, Shoes

DIY Curtain Holders

2011-03-01T20:56:00.005-05:00

I have been focusing so much on the kid's rooms and our family room that our master has started to look way left behind. I decided the very first thing our (mine and my husband) room needed was natural light. Once a room has adequate light, I feel more inspired to create. To add light, I made curtain holders for our dark, sun-blocking curtains (my husband works night shifts and sleeps during the day so these are necessary).

These were pretty easy and best of all, they were free. I just used scrap fabric and spare buttons.

While it is probably pretty basic for most/all sewers, this was my first button hole. It took serious sewing machine manual time to figure it out, but I did it and I think they look great.

I just cut out 2 white rectangles (I have 2 curtains/windows), hemmed each side, made a button hole on one end and hand sewed a button on the other because I couldn't figure out how to do it on my machine.

I cut strips of fabric left over from my table runner and rolled them into rosettes, using the same technique I used it this video tutorial. I then hot glued the rosettes to the holders.
I love them! What do you think?

Pearly Whites

2011-03-01T15:23:00.001-05:00

I had a visit with the dentist today. He told me I was a good brusher.

Really I need a visit with the salon. They would, however, tell me I am not a good brusher.

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Blazer: Urban Outfitters

Jeggings: Guess

Scarf: F21

Boots: MIA

Shop Similar: Blazer, Jeggings, Scarf

Sunday Feature: The Scarf

2011-02-27T14:42:00.004-05:00

We had a linger longer after church today. Food at church=instant nap time upon home arrival. This should happen way more often.

And I realize I have worn a black dress two weeks in a row. I live on the East Coast, which means, I am allowed.

So, I've been thinking (it's been known to happen from time to time) I want my posts to have a little direction. Most important since I am so completely random.

Each Sunday I will feature a theme/article of clothing that I will incorporate into every outfit for that week. This week is a scarf.

How do you love to wear a scarf?? I can't wait to see!

Dress: Shade

Scarf: F21

Tights: F21

Shoes: Juicy Couture

I Don't Drink

2011-02-25T11:57:00.006-05:00

Because I'm good Mormon girl and all. Thus, ice cream is my alcohol. And in a few short minutes, I'll be naked wasted. I'll explain:

Last night 7pm: The Mister informs me he left his keys at work and needs me to pick him up at the train station (he takes the train into Manhattan daily)
2-5:30am: The Baby (does a 21-monther still qualify for that title??) is S-C-R-E-A-M-I-N-G her lungs, brain and heart out. And no amount of shh-ing, singing, swaying or Tylenol will stop the child.
6:30am: The Princess creeps into my room. Before she can mutter a word, I tell her I have only been asleep an hour and I am not ready to see her face.
6:45am: The Monkey Man enters my room asking if he can play video games "because it's Friday." I tell him no and I don't want see his face.
7:20am: The Mister snuggles up next to me and promptly exclaims, "you stink." I punch him in the gut and tell him I really don't want to see his face.

7:25-7:50: Get kids dressed and fed. Make them clean their room. Make lunches

7:51: Awaken the sleeping demon/angel baby

7:52: Everyone piles into the car

7:57: Pull into parking garage to pay for another day so The Mister's vehicle may remain idle

8:03: Drop The Mister off at the dentist

8:12-8:24: Go through drop-off line at The Monkey Man's school

8:26: Pull into driveway

8:27-8:44: Change and feed baby. Shower and dress myself. Maybe I brushed my hair???

8:51: Pick-up The Mister from the dentist

8:56: Pull into driveway

9:05: Mr. Appraiser Man arrives

9:05-9:35: Schmooze Mr. Appraiser Man

9:40: Pile back in car to drop The Mister off at the train station

9:46: Pull into driveway.

All in the pouring rain.

I don't drink. But many more mornings like this, and I may be driven to it.

(Just teasing daddy. I promise)

Under Tee: Shade

Blouse: Gap

Ruffled Cardigan: Nordstrom

Jeans: Hudson

Flats: Born

Shop Similar: Cardigan, Blouse

Ruffled Table Runner

2011-02-24T22:29:00.003-05:00

My family was able to visit my husband's sister and her family over Thanksgiving. While we were there, we all "ooohed" and "awwwed" over a gorgeous ruffled table runner she had just made. It was so pretty and added the perfect touch of femininity and class.

A little over a month later while blog hopping, I came across a tutorial for the exact table runner. It was destiny. I had to make it.

Let me just say, I am just learning to sew. As in, I got a sewing machine like a month ago. Me and my sewing manual are kind of attached currently. Luckily, it has got to me the clearest manual I have ever read. I think I almost have basic sewing down. Ha.

Also, I haven't ironed the ruffle down or the runner at all yet. So please forgive the wrinkles. I will get around to it.

Ruffled Table Runner:

Sewing machine

Appropriate yardage for your table (I bought 2 and almost used all of it)

Total: About $7

I'm not going to even attempt to tell you how to make this because I am a beginner and I am sure there are lots of excellent sewers out there who would be disgusted by my instructions. Do check out the original tutorial listed below.

I will say that instead of using Stitch Witchery, I just went ahead and sewed a hem on both sides of my runner.

Also, I now know how to make a ruffle and it wasn't too difficult. I've gotten a little carried away ruffling everything since I obtained this new knowledge. Just set your sewing machine to the longest stitch and the highest tension, leaving both ends of your thread long. It will automatically ruffle and then you can pull the top threads to make the ruffle more full.
I am kind of in love with it. I think I might even iron it to make it extra pretty. :) It gives such a finished look to my kitchen table.

Check out the clear and simple tutorial at Under the Table and Dreaming by Stephanie Lynn. Make sure to check out more of her incredible projects on her sidebar while you are there. I am definitely going to try and recreate a few more.

What's Black and White....

2011-02-23T12:23:00.003-05:00

I am totally channeling my inner referee. Or zebra. But mostly referee. Since that is basically my full-time job.

I registered the princess for kindergarten today. I requested the afternoon session. Because the chick does not do well with mornings. Fingers crossed. Although really, no one wants afternoons. Except moms with grumpy drama queens. There can't be too many of those out there.

Is it not PC to include a butt-shot?? Because I dig the little-bit-low back on this shirt. And I nearly have a butt in these pants. Maybe I'll even get a stalker.

Shirt: BCBG

Pants: Free People

Shoes: Juicy Couture

Headband: F21

Shop Similar: Shirt, Headband

Just Another Manic Monday

2011-02-22T14:31:00.002-05:00

Oh wait, it's Tuesday. Whatever, it's still manic. I left my house 8:30 this morning and pulled back into my driveway at 2, filling the day with errands and play dates. And since today is the last day of Winter Break, that means I had all three children in tow for every venture. Which means I am fully exhausted. And frazzled. And in need of a huge bowl of ice cream. Which I will now excuse myself to consume.

And, aren't the books on my shelf awesome?? I should probably be embarrassed.

Button Up Shirt: H&M

Sweater: Gap

Blazer: Urban Outfitters

Corduroy Leggings: Nordstrom (yes, I own them in two colors. And would own them in ten if I could ever find my size)

Boots: Apepazza (yes, I also own these in two colors. What can I say, I'm a lazy shopper)

Shop Similar: Blazer, Sweater

It's Nap Time...

2011-02-20T14:21:00.003-05:00

So this will be quick. Long gone is the sunshine, and stealing with it, any hopes that Winter may end anytime soon.

I am in mourning. Can't you tell?

And this camera angle makes me look a foot shorter. Time for a change.

And most importantly- Happy, Happy Birthday Tracy!! You are adorable and hilarious and beautiful and kind and the most phenomenal mother I have ever met. I am so lucky to count you among my sisters!! And Elliot should count his lucky stars he gets to sleep with you.

Happy Sabbath. May we all have way too long naps that leave us grumpy when we awake. But who cares? Tomorrow is a holiday!!

LBD: Gift from my mommy

Shoes: Kenzie

Shop Similar: LBD

"I'm a cutting machine" Saturday (#2)

2011-02-19T16:13:00.010-05:00

We only had one link up last week, but hopefully it will catch on and everyone will start sharing their cutting machine projects! I love to see what others are doing with their Cricut or Silhouette.

Check out these adorable Valentine's Day projects using the Silhouette. These could really be used any time when you are feeling extra sweet. :)

An awesome clock with notes for her husband to open at each hour of Valentine's day.

A sweet card for her son. Both from Makings and Musings. Love it!

And since only one person linked up, here are some more of my recent projects I made using my Cricut:
A paper butterfly I mod podged.

A vinyl key for our key holder/junk.Side vinyl for key holder.A diaper box turned train storage.

Leave a comment with a link that goes directly to your cutting machine projects. I can't wait to see them and feature them next week!

It's Friday, I'm in Love

2011-02-18T15:37:00.004-05:00

Tonight the honey buns and I are doubling with some fabulously fun friends. I have a crush on date night. Mostly because my date is hot. And he always pays. But that's probably just because he is always looking to score. Oh, and this mommy job of mine doesn't afford me the finer luxuries in life.

It did, however, allow me a morning at the park with all three of my babies since they are out of school on Winter Break (which by the way, is the most ridiculous break of all time). Swinging and sliding, however, was short lived. Because it was freezing, and snow covered, and the sunshine was no where in sight. So much for that I-can-make-it-through-the-next-two-months-of-hell 60 degree day.

But none of that matters, because in 3 hours I will be childless munching on Edamame and all will be right in the world.

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Ruffled Blouse: Forever 21

Cardigan: TJ Maxx

Jeans: True Religion

Boots: BCBG

Shop Similar: Blouse, Cardigan, Boots

Off to See a Man About a Horse

2011-02-17T12:06:00.003-05:00

Okay not really. I've never ridden a horse. Maybe an over priced pony at a zoo. But never a horse.

I do have a bazillion errands to run today though. Almost as fun as riding a horse?

Chambray Top: Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th

Sweater: Gap

Corduroy Leggings: Nordstrom

Boots: Apepazza

Shop Similar: Chambray Top (this one is a pretty dang good knock-off)

Paper Book Wreath

2011-02-17T11:10:00.002-05:00

Over Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law organized a craft for us all to do. Her and my mother-in-law are craft geniuses. I aspire to be like them. :)

She found a tutorial for a paper book wreath for us all to try. We all briefly read through it and then went for it. All of our wreaths turned out totally different and mine turned out to look nothing like the one from the original tutorial. However, I still love it and have it displayed in our family room.

Paper Book Wreath:

An old book (or 2). I needed 2.

Foam wreath form.

Glue Gun & Hot Glue.

Total:

My sister-in-law purchased the supplies, but I think she said each wreath came to $3.

Step 1: Rip out the pages from a book. (The original tutorial painted the sides of the book pages, but I found that to be pretty pointless. So to save a step, I'm going to suggest skipping the paint).

Step 2: Roll the page. You make some loose, some tight, roll each side together for a double roll, or whatever. The more random it is, the better.

Step 3: Add a dot of hot glue to keep your rolled page together.

Step 4: Bend one end of the rolled page

Step 5: Add hot glue to the bent page and glue to wreath. Start from the back and work your way to the front and then to the center. Once you get to the center, you will stop folding the pages and just glue it to the wreath flat.

Original tutorial found at Living with Lindsay. Check it out for more detailed instructions. Like I said, mine looks totally different, like it might not have even been the same project. Ha.

Color Me Badd UPDATED

2011-02-16T12:36:00.008-05:00

The camera has arrived!! Blurry be gone. But maybe we want it back???

Either way, I'm off to deliver a pizza and snuggle a sweet smelling new baby. Heaven!

These photos are getting worse by the minute. The hubs has the iPhone with the better camera (I just get his leftovers), but I assure you I will be in jammies by the time he arrives home, so...grainy and blurry and blotchy it is.

Tee: F21, Striped Shirt: Gap, Cardigan: J.Crew, Boots: Apepazza

Shop Similar: Stripey, Jeggings, Boots, Cardigan

Happy Love Day

2011-02-14T16:02:00.003-05:00

The Preschool Princess played photographer this morning. The baby played model. And I just stood there. Faces were optional.
And I have no idea what Amanda's comment meant, but I assure you, she is every bit as arrogant as myself. It's a Wallace woman trait. We get it from our mother.

Hope you have a fabulous day full of sweets and smooches!!!

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Dress: Shade

Belt: F21

Boots: BCBG

Heart Pin: Hand crafted by The Princess herself

Debut.

2011-02-14T02:45:00.004-05:00

Did the rest of my sisters give an introduction?
Do you even care?

Regardless, here I am. I’m 23 and young and free. Or that’s what people say. I feel more like I’m 20 and bound by bills, boys and early morning bells. I just took on my first real-person job, assisting with public relations for a company in Utah, and I love it. I also love the piano, writing, wit, shopping and making bucket lists. I think my latest cross-off was “30 Days, No Fast-Food or Fast-Food Treats.” I actually went like 47 days because I took on Lent at the same time, so yeah, add righteous and committed to my list of really great attributes.

Side note: I’m not as arrogant as my sweet sister, Erica, so take comfort in the rarity of those comment-types.

To business:

I was just interviewed about fashion and my love thereof, so I’ve got a few thoughts fresh on the brain.

Dressing well is best achieved when you mimic someone else—I typically try to look like Blake Lively or Taylor Swift. They will always look better than me because they have the money and means and stylists to be perfect, but that’s no reason for me not to try.

If you want to take fashion seriously, study the people whose fashion you admire. I studied my mother’s my whole life, and I still look to her for advice. Don’t try to get fashion right on your own; mimic those who have already gotten it right.

Also, your personality will provide all the individuality you need, so don’t worry about looking like a clone.

Here’s my effort:

A few notes: I tried to fuse Blake's looks and ended up with rugby stripes, a ruffled skirt and combat boots. My boots are the ones pictured. Nordstrom is still selling them. Target has adorable $5 over-the-knee socks. And Forever 21 has got tons of rugby striped shirts and ruffled skirts. Since I left my shirt untucked, I chose a skirt that was straight through the hips and then ruffled. Makes you look skinnier.

I don’t have a ton of fashion rules because I believe the fashionable can make most anything work, but I’ll try to share something I’m for and against with each post, nonetheless:

Against: Wearing any sets of matching jewelry, or wearing dangling earrings with necklaces.
For: Wearing gobs of clinky bracelets on one hand, and a fat, wooden [or plastic] bangle on the other.

Finally, you shouldn’t like everything I wear; if you did, I’d feel mainstream, and the fashionable never want to be such. All the same, please don’t insult me. We all have feelings here.

I promise shorter posts in the future.

Nice meeting you,
Amanda

Lovefest Eve

2011-02-13T17:36:00.006-05:00

We just got back from a long weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. It was a most fabulous break from the hell on earth that is Winter in the East Coast. I also managed to drop my camera in the water while attempting to shoot my baby going down a slide. Which she did. Then drowned. It was baby or camera. I hope I made the right choice :)

Never fear though...a new camera is in the mail and should arrive by the end of the week.

Until then, we get iPhone photos. Complete crap. I realize this (although really, not that different, considering my expert photography skills and all).

In celebration of lovey dovey day, the six year old shot me with The Mister.

I love him.

On Him:

Suit: Hugo Boss

Shirt: Van Heusen

Tie: BCBG

Shoes: Ecco

On Her:

Dress: BCBG

Tee: F21

Shoes: Guess

Shop Similar: Dress, Shoes

"I'm a cutting machine" Saturday

2011-02-12T11:59:00.006-05:00

I got a Cricut for Christmas and I am crazy in love with it. I've been hearing that a lot of people actually got a Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine recently.

I love seeing what other people are making with their cutting machines so I thought it would be fun to start a "I'm a cutting machine" Saturday. Everyone can post links to their cutting machine projects and I will post my favorites every Saturday so we can all get fun, new ideas.

I found a great deal for a ton of vinyl on eBay so I have been having a ton of fun putting decals on everything.

Here are some of my recent projects:

A jar on my nightstand to hold my nursing pads. Haha.
I love this in my kid's/guest orange and blue themed bathroom.
Fun added to my utensil holder.
Our family number on the inside door that leads to my garage.

Leave a comment with a link that goes directly to your cutting machine projects. I can't wait to see them and feature them next week!

Mirror Redo (Add a pop of color!)

2011-02-11T10:00:00.003-05:00

So a while back, I found an interesting wooden mirror at the Thrift Store. I didn't have any plans for it, but I figured for $4, I could eventually come up with something.

I saw a mirror redo on another blog and I loved it. I even had similar color paint on hand. This was so easy and I love the way it turned out. For some reason, it reminds me of The Little Mermaid. Ha.
Anyway, this would be fun to do to any piece of wood furniture. I actually am looking for a dresser to turn into a T.V stand and would probably use this same technique to refinish it.

Step 1: Clean and lightly sand off any shine, paint, or finish off the wood.

Step 2: Paint on one layer of paint.

Step 3: As you are painting, lightly wipe it with a paper towel.

Step 4: Let it dry.

Step 5: Sand edges and random spots to make it look more distressed.

Easy!

And those are yarn balls I made. I saw the idea at NieNie Dialogues. I love her.

The mirror idea originally came from Chris loves Julia. Check it out for a more detailed tutorial. Make sure to check out her blog while you are there. She has great decorating ideas!

-Megan

Yoga Mat Winner

2011-02-10T10:14:00.002-05:00

We have a winner for the Hayneedle Yoga Mat (up to $60)

#43

jessica

Congrats! I will be contacting you shortly.

-Megan

Rose Petal Chandelier/Mobile Tutorial

2011-02-10T09:29:00.009-05:00

Everything I make is going to be fairly easy. I am a beginner. So if I can do it, you can too! My daughter's room was really lacking so this is another craft for her room. When I saw this on another blog, I knew I had to give it a try. It does take time, but it was quite easy and I think it turned out awesome!

Rose Petal Chandelier/Mobile:

3 Different Sized Embroidery Rings

White Paint and Brush

Hot Glue Gun and Hot Glue

600 Fabric Rose Petals

Sewing Machine

Total: About $8

I found the rose petals at the $1 Store, 300 in each package. I really did sew 600 petals together so you will need 2 packages. I picked up the embroidery rings at Michaels for around $5.

Step 1: Paint the rings white.

Step 2: Attach your rings together, largest at top and smallest at bottom. I used jewelry wire, but you can use fishing line.

Step 3: Sew 9 petals together in a line with just a little space between each one. Try and have the petals all facing the same way.

Step 4: Hot glue the petal strands onto your rings.

I adore it!!!

Idea originally found at The Country Chic Cottage. Check it out for a more detailed tutorial. Make sure you check out her blog while you are there. She has done some amazing transformations!

-Megan

Rosette Balls Tutorial.

2011-02-09T13:26:00.003-05:00

We are renters.

Ugh.

I hate renting, but it is what it is. I used to think renting meant boring walls and investing as little as possible to make it livable. After my husband and I just recently decided to remain renters for quite some time, I had a change of heart.

I wanted to change our cold townhouse into a welcoming space that felt like home. I have a $50/month budget to be used on supplies. $50 goes quickly so this process may take a while, but so far, I have loved seeing our place transform. I have been trying to make as much as possible to entertain myself and save some cash. So, I will be posting cute crafts I create. I would like to start by saying I don't have a single original idea. Ha. I will always try to send you to the spot where I found the idea at the bottom of my post.

Hanging Rosette Balls:

Foam balls

Paper Streamers

Hot Glue Gun

Hot glue

Ribbon

Ruler

Between $7-10 per ball.

Those dang foam balls are expensive! I read on another blog that to make your own balls you could make a form from grocery bags and then cover it in masking tape. I didn't do that, however. Next time.

I found my streamers at the $1 store, 2 rolls in a pack. It takes about 2 rolls per small ball and probably 3 for the larger. I also bought streamers at Target, one roll for $2.99. It was much larger and would probably cover a large ball.

Step 1: Cut your streamers into 24 inch strips.

Step 2: Crumble all your strips to make them look softer and more like fabric.

Step 3: Straighten out your strips.

Step 4: Take a strip, and start to roll at one end. Begin small. Then, as you roll, twist the streamer. Does that make sense? It didn't to me. So, I made a video that hopefully is a bit more clear.

(Don't judge my nasty chipped nail polish)

Step 5: Once you have some rosettes done, start hot gluing them on. Oh, and you probably want to add a tad of hot glue as you are rolling so your roses don't come undone.

Step 6: Add a ribbon. I hot glued mine in the middle and then glued my roses all around it. I made my ribbon extra long so I could cut it once I hung it to my desired length.

So cute, right? I hung these in my daughter's tiny room over her changing table. I love them!

Tutorial originally found at House of Smiths. Check it out for a more detailed tutorial. And check out her blog while you are there. I am currently obsessed. She is so creative!

-Megan

Thanks Wiz Khalifa

2011-02-09T11:54:00.006-05:00

"Yeah, uh huh, you know what it is...."

I am rarely as serious as I look. Most of the time I act like I am five. Ask Megan.

I am the coordinator of a scripture group that meets every Wednesday. It's one of my favorite mornings of the week. A little spiritual upliftment, a lot of girl time. Perfection.

Tee: Victoria's Secret (obviously my favorite layering tee. I have about 15).

Sweater: Macy's Impulse

Jeans: Quicksilver

Boots: MIA

Shop Similar: Sweater, Tee, Jeans, Boots

I Like to Dip

2011-02-08T12:07:00.004-05:00

I am not getting any better at this self-portrait thing. On the plus side, you can't see my shameful roots. And I do have one awesome mug shot.

I am in a cooking group that meets once a month. A fabulous friend and I were in charge of demonstrating today. We did a fondue spread of yumminess. Food seriously tastes better on a stick.

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Blouse: F21

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Jeggings: Guess

Boots: Michael Kors

Shop Similar: Cardigan, Tee, Blouse, Jeggings, Boots

Dannon Small Steps Sweepstakes

2011-02-08T00:19:00.004-05:00

I've mentioned in a couple posts that my family and I have been striving to become more healthy. We have started to exercise a few times a week and have been choosing better options for our meals.

In the past, we would eat out several times a week. Now, my husband and I have been preparing healthy or healthier meals in our home so we know exactly what is going into our bodies. Instead of serving our son ice cream or cookies for dessert, we now bribe him with yogurt as his treat for eating all his dinner. And it has worked! He is asking for yogurt every night. What a healthy treat before bedtime! Our new routines are creating better versions of ourselves. What steps are you taking to better yourself and your family?

From January 23 - February 28, Dannon encourages you to live a healthier lifestyle with their "Small Steps to a Better You" program, while giving you the chance to win free groceries for a week, month or even a year! By entering the UPC code found under the barcode of any Dannon product at dannon.com/smallsteps you have four daily chances to win instantly (Free means of entry is also available at Dannon.com/smallsteps).

What you could win:

Three (3) Grand Prizes: free groceries for a year, valued at $7,800.

Fifty (50) First Prizes: free groceries for a month, valued at $550.

One hundred (100) Second Prizes: will win free groceries for a week, valued at $150.

-Megan

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Dannon and received a coupon and gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

I'm Starving

2011-02-06T15:01:00.008-05:00

30 seconds before leaving for church I snapped ten photos. I smiled at the now apparently crooked camera in 9. Frightening.

I thought my shoes would work as ice picks and I would be able to maneuver across the frozen pavement to my car swimmingly. I nearly died. Twice.

And could the Super Bowl hurry and start?? I really want to eat disturbing quantities of food.

Shirt: Guess

Tee: Victoria's Secret

Skirt: Anthropologie

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden

Shop Similar: Shirt, Skirt, Shoes

Happy Saturday

2011-02-05T12:25:00.009-05:00

This morning I braved the icy nastiness and went to a class teaching me how to prepare recipes using only items in food storage. Did you know that if you dip an egg in paraffin wax, it will stay good for 2 years?

I will not be consuming any 2-year old eggs.

I also do not dress weather appropriately.

I'm off to put on my BYU blues and get cozy on the couch. It's Jimmer time!

Shirt/tunic thingie: Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th
Tee: Shade
Leggings: F21
Boots: Michael Kors

Shop similar: Tunic, Leggings, Boots

A Little Clarification

2011-02-04T16:24:00.007-05:00

I like clothes. And, I am significantly vain. Thus, I will post pictures of myself, clothed.

I keep my outfits simple (i.e. uninspiring). I will rarely to never offer fashion advice.

Even more rarely, I will look into the camera.

This is going to be fun.

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Shirt: J. Crew

Jeans: Victoria's Secret

Boots: Aldo

Shop Similar: Shirt, Cardigan, Jeans, Boots

Say hello.

2011-02-03T18:56:00.003-05:00

Check our our new blog design. Isn't it awesome? Erica put it all together. She understands this stuff way better than me.

Like I said in my last post, this blog is going to be changing quite a bit. We will still have reviews/giveaways occasionally, but we will no longer be solely a review/giveaway blog. We will all be participating in various topics, but we will all have a main focus. Erica will be doing fashion, Tracy will do recipes, and I will do crafts.

In addition, I would like to introduce our little sister, Amanda.

She will also be focusing on fashion. She is my fashion icon. I'm pretty sure she will become yours, too. Her style is fresh and original. I am so excited to see her thoughts and inspiration behind her high fashion style.

Stay tuned.

2011-02-02T17:03:00.003-05:00

This blog is going to be changing a lot so please pardon the construction.

Expect to see a new look, new authors, and a ton of new content. I realize we haven't had a whole lot of posts lately, but that is mostly because we have been planning. We are so excited to share decorating ideas, crafts, fashion, and more. It is going to be so fun! We hope you will stick around to see what is coming soon...

Hayneedle Elliptical Trainer Review & {YOGA MAT GIVEAWAY!!}

2011-01-27T12:51:00.008-05:00

Did you participate in Hayneedle's Free Weeks of Fitness? I did and it was very educational and useful. This being my first time living in an area where I have to shovel snow, I particularly enjoyed the post describing how we could use snow shoveling as a work out, plus I learned how to avoid injuring my back. If you haven't checked out the Hayneedle blog, you should. Not only do you get to learn about cool products from their 200+ stores, but they offer interesting posts and even giveaways.
After four months of being allowed limited activity, one month on bed rest, a baby, and a six week recovery, it is an understatement to say that I am out of shape. Like most of America, with the new year brought goals to get fit, lose weight, and be healthy. I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to try out Hayneedle's Body Champ BRM3600 Cardio Dual Trainer to put my goals (and body) to action.

This machine isn't like other ellipticals, it is an elliptical and exercise bike in one. It is fairly compact and very sturdy. I have been using it when I can and it definitely offers a great work out. I can feel a difference in my body every single time I use it. It rides very smoothly and even silently, which I love in order to get some exercise in while my children are sleeping.

The grips on the petals are perfect for me. I am super clumsy so these are great to keep your feet positioned in place while exercising.
You think you have mastered the elliptical? Move up the tension control for a more intense work out. I'm still on the lowest tension. I'm a work in progress.
The LCD screen is my favorite. It helps me keep track of the time I have spent on the machine, my speed, distance, pulse rate, and best of all...calories burned.
I like to use the inner handles while I'm using the machine as an exercise bike. This is also where you hold while your pulse rate is being calculated.

The bike seat can be moved horizontally and vertically by easily turning the knob and pulling it while moving the seat to your correct height. This is great for my husband and I as he is much taller than me. The bike seat itself is really comfortable and nicely padded.

You can purchase your own Body Champ BRM3600 Cardio Dual Trainer for $269.98.

Make sure to check out Hayneedle's Treadmills, Inversion Tables, and other exercise equipment while you are there.

WIN IT!!

Hayneedle has generously offered one of our lucky readers the a yoga mat of their choice (up to $60 value).

Mandatory entry:

Visit Hayneedle and then come back here and let us know another exercise product that interests you.

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):

1 Entry: Like Hayneedle on Facebook.

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1 Entry: Follow Hayneedle's blog.

1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.

1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.

3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to Hayneedle (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).

1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).

2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.

Good luck! Contest ends on February 6th at midnight. Winner will be announced February 7th.

Winner will be chosen through random.org. Open to U.S. only.

Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Rileyroos Baby Shoes Review

2011-01-27T12:13:00.006-05:00

Shopping for baby shoes is so fun! I just love finding new styles for my children. Now that I have a baby girl, shoe shopping is even more fun. Is that possible?

Rileyroos has some seriously cute options for boys and girls. While everything they offer is super cute, they also have thoughtfully made their baby shoes easy to put on and comfortable.

Check out a couple of styles I love:
Sportie, for a more casual, on-the-go baby look.
Is it freezing where you are? Here, too. I just love these Caters boots, offered in pink, chocolate, and sandbox. They look so warm and comfy while still being so cute!
A penny loafer for a baby boy? Must have, adorable Quinn shoes.
More baby boots because it is so cold and these are so perfect. Bailey boots come in Cocoa or Rain.
I chose the Mary Jane in Cheetah for my baby girl. I just love how fun and stylish they are. These are perfect with her dresses, jeggings, or casual pants. My favorite things about these shoes (besides being so cute) is how easy they are to put on and the soft, flexible sole. I can slide my baby's foot in so easily and quickly which is important with those constantly moving baby legs. The sole's are soft and cushy and completely flexible, ensuring that my baby is able to move and grow in her shoes comfortably. I also love the added rubber bottoms that will help these shoes last longer. You can purchase the Mary Jane in a large range of colors for $32.00. We love Rileyroos baby shoes. You will, too.

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Winners!

2011-01-19T12:19:00.003-05:00

First of all, thank you to all that participated in our Silent Auction for K.I.D.S.

The winner is Meggera for $70. Please make your $70 donation, send me the receipt and Kolcraft will send your stroller.

myMonkeymoo Monkey Bucket:

#21

Andrea

HearthSong Rally Speed Raceway:

#105

April Hardy

Winners will be contacted shortly. Please respond within 48 hours. Thanks!

Hayneedle's Free Weeks of Fitness

2011-01-04T23:29:00.002-05:00

It's a new year with new resolutions. I made my goal to get in shape and be fit this year. Hayneedle created a 3 week workout plan called the "Free Weeks of Fitness" with weekly $100 Hayneedle giftcard giveaways and a grand prize of a $5,000 home gym shopping spree with Hayneedle. I am definitely participating!

They will be featuring articles from fitness experts and a Hayneedle fitness product each day. All you have to do to participate is 'like' the featured product using their facebook button. To win, you have to 'like' all 7 products featured in one week.

Good luck keeping your goals, getting fit, and winning big!

Check out the Hayneedle Blog for more details.

We were not compensated for this post.

HearthSong Rally Speed Raceway Review & {GIVEAWAY!!}

2011-01-04T13:27:00.005-05:00

Around every holiday, from Christmases to birthdays, the hunt for toys my children will really love and actually play with is on. Since I was introduced to HearthSong a little over a year ago, I always check out what they have to offer. Their selection is huge and full of products that have been thought out for children to enjoy.
My son loves all things related to cars. Since he didn't have any raceways, I thought the Rally Speed Raceway would be perfect for him. When he opened it on Christmas he lit up and let out an excited scream. We had to set it up immediately.
I was pleased to find that setup meant taking the racing track out of the box, opening the bags of cars, and begin racing. A wooden flag is used as a start gate and once you pull it out of it's slot, the two (or four) cars race down their tracks to the finish line. The finish line can be laid down or put up to stop the cars at the end of the race. Watching the cars flip back and forth down each different colored track is so fun. This is a particularly great toy for play dates. Two children can each have control of a car and watch to see who wins.

You can purchase this fun toy on sale for $43.99!

WIN IT!!

HearthSong has generously offered one of our lucky readers the Rally Speed Raceway.

Mandatory entry:

Visit Hearthsong and then come back here and let us know another product you would love for your child.

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):

1 Entry: Like HearthSong on Facebook.

1 Entry: Follow HearthSong on Twitter.

1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.

1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.

3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to HearthSong (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).

1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).

2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.

Good luck! Contest ends on January 14th at midnight. Winner will be announced January 15th.

Winner will be chosen through random.org. Open to U.S. only.

Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

myMonkeymoo Monkey Bucket Review & {GIVEAWAY!!}

2010-12-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled when myMonkeymoo introduced me to their new Monkey Buckets that go with their gorgeous stroller pad and blanket sets. Having moved away from beautiful Georgia, this is my first winter where I have to worry about my kids freezing every single time we go outside. I love the stroller pad because it shields my son's backside a little more from the wind and cold and the soft side even provides more warmth. The printed size can be used for summer time when you aren't looking for added heat.

The stroller blankets are the best size. They aren't too big so you don't have extra blanket falling off the stroller, dragging on the ground or getting caught in the wheels. The blanket has one side that is so soft and cushy. My son wants to cuddle with it all the time, even outside of the stroller. The blanket is super warm, but also light enough to use at night or however you would use any other blanket.

The new Monkey Buckets are so cool! They are soft, but totally stable. My son loads his bucket up with his favorite toys so he can take them wherever he goes. The bucket can attach to our stroller or he can just carry it around. It can also be used as a storage basket in a room, which I plan to do eventually in my daughter's nursery just because it is so cute! We chose the Eiffel Tower print with the black chenille backing/inside. It is so gorgeous. You can purchase a Monkey Bucket for $29 or the entire three piece set for $159.

WIN IT!!

myMonkeymoo has generously offered one of our very lucky readers a Monkey Bucket in their pattern choice.

Mandatory entry:

Visit myMonkeymoo and then come back here and let us know which pattern you love.

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):

1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.

1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.

2 Entries: If you like YMI Jeans on Facebook after becoming our friend.

3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to myMonkeymoo (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).

1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).

Good luck! Contest ends on January 1st at midnight. Winner will be announced January 2nd.

Winner will be chosen through random.org. Open to U.S. only.

Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Honeywell Christmas music doorbell review

2010-12-21T21:46:00.004-05:00

I had the opportunity to review a Honeywell door chime with a holiday sound card. This is definitely a product that is so fun to have for the holidays. It has a push button that you can put up near your front door and then place the chime somewhere in your house where you can hear it. You have the option to choose from 7 different holiday songs so when guest come over and ring your bell, you (and them) get to hear about a 15 second stint of a holiday song.

We chose to have it set at "Deck the Halls" and my 2 year old thought it was the greatest thing ever. He pushed that button every 30 seconds and danced around until eventually, to save my sanity, the doorbell somehow "got lost" for a little while :) Some of the other songs to choose from were "We Wish you a Merry Christmas," and Santa's sleigh bells, which is really cute. It is really easy to switch from one song to another in case you get bored of one and when the holiday's are over, it is just as easy to switch it over to sound just like a regular doorbell that you can use year round.

Honeywell also has some other fantastic products you might be interested in, including:

-A sports themed doorbell that plays 5 different sports themes. So fun for Fathers Day!

-A 2200N.htm">customizable memory card doorbell so you can choose any of your favorite songs to play when someone comes to your door.

-Wireless door and window contacts. I am in desperate need of these since my toddler recently discovered how to unlock and open our sliding glass door that leads outside. Ahh!!

Honeywell has numerous other products that are useful in any home. Check out their website to see them all.

-Tracy

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Winner!

2010-12-21T11:30:00.001-05:00

We have a winner for the Wilton cupcake prize pack:

# 93

Lee-Ann

Congrats! You will be contacted shortly.

Kolcraft Contours Options II Tandem Stroller Review & SILENT AUCTION

2010-12-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

Having two children is definitely harder than I ever imagined. Going anywhere is nearly impossible, but when I do decide to be brave, I want to make the adventure as easy as possible. Having a great double stroller has made me so happy and venturing out a little easier. I am in love with my Kolcraft Contours Options II Tandem Stroller and with all of its cool features, my husband and kids love it, too.
Check out some of its amazing features:

Seats easily reverse to create 6 different stroller options: children can both face parent, face each other, face forward, back to back, with front seat only and the back for extra storage, or with an infant car seat.
Infant car seat attachment fits most car seat brands on the market. Additional car seat attachment is sold separately to accommodate twins!
Both seats recline for infant's comfort
Easy-reach child swivel cup holders
Removable iPod^® Dok with speaker plays baby’s music anywhere
Steering with two 8" front single swivel & 10" rear never- flat wheels
Easy-trigger fold and convenient Free-Stand™ allow the stroller to stand upright!
New easy-reach tray is closer to the parent and more accessible, with an open-air compartment and deeper, ventilated cup holders
Other children can walk & use the hold-on handles
Infant head rest protects newborn's head
Adjustable canopy can be raised or lowered to the height of your baby
Large storage basket
Height adjustable 5-point harness for safety and padded sleeves for comfort

Being able to switch the seats around is so fun! You can make your children face each other for entertainment, face away from each other when entertainment turns to fighting, face mommy while they want to chat, or face forward when they want to see the world. Even my toddler loves to ride around in this luxury vehicle.

We love the huge storage basket, especially when we are shopping. I love all the cup holders, how easy the stroller is to steer, how compact it is for a double stroller, the comfortable straps on the five point harness, and how easy it is to snap an infant car seat in and how secure you can make it.

My only complaint is that you have to take the seats off to collapse it small enough to fit into my trunk. Fortunately, this process of either setup or taking apart only takes about a minute or two.
One fun feature that I have never seen on any stroller is the included iPod Deck with speaker. You just plug you iPod in and your whole family can jam to music while strolling. This is absolutely my new favorite stroller and you can't beat the $279.99 price. That is, unless you purchase it during a silent auction to benefit K.I.D.S. :)

From the K.I.D.S website,

"K.I.D.S. pioneered a unique charity model more than 25 years ago that today aligns hundreds of companies with more than one thousand leading local agencies in the United States and Canada. 85% of our donations are distributed to agencies in the U.S. and the remaining 15% to countries abroad. This alliance donates children's clothes,books, toys, and juvenile products… and brings hope… to children and their families at risk."

All donations will need to be sent to http://www.kidsdonations.org/Make_Donation/help_money_form.cfm once the silent auction is over. The highest bidder will be asked to forward me their receipt and shipping address which will be passed to Kolcraft.
Thank you so much for participating!

The Contours Options II Tandem Stroller bid will begin at $50.00. Please bid in $5.00 increments. All bids will close January 1 at midnight. Please leave a comment with your bid.

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

2010-12-16T17:23:00.001-05:00

Does anyone want a $10 voucher to http://www.belliskincare.com/?

First person to comment and befriend us AND 'like' YMI Jeans on facebook can have it!

I need your help.

2010-12-13T12:19:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! YMI Jeans is hosting a Top Fan contest on their facebook page to win jeans for an entire year! I am currently ranked #3. My post pregnancy body isn't even close to fitting into my current jeans so this would be awesome to win! I need everyone's help.

PLEASE....

Become our friend on facebook-http://www.facebook.com/justforme.andyou

Then 'Like' YMI Jeans on facebook-http://www.facebook.com/YMIjeans

Please and thank you so much!

xoxo

Angie Harmon Teams up with Children's Advil for a Great Contest and a Good Cause.

2010-12-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

At the height of this year’s cold and flu season, Angie Harmon is teaming up with the makers of Children’s Advil® to launch “Relieve My Fever” -- a contest that invites parents and their kids to sing the Children’s Advil® rendition of the classic song “Fever” for a chance to win $15,000. The kid-friendly version of the song tells the story of mommy fighting her little one’s fever and making her child feel better. Additionally, for every entry and vote at RelieveMyFever.com , Children’s Advil® will donate money toChildren’s Miracle Network Hospitals®.

As a mom of three young daughters, Angie knows firsthand the anxiety parents face when their child gets a fever; and felt that raising awareness about the options parents have through a fun, interactive campaign for a good cause is just the right medicine.

This time of year, parents often need to treat their child’s cold and flu symptoms, and many times, those symptoms include fever. In fact, a recent survey of doctors showed that fever is the #1 reason parents call their child’s pediatrician’s office. The good news is that nothing reduces fever faster or keeps it down longer than Children’s Advil®. Children’s Advil® is offering parents a fun way to tap into families’ creative energy and spend some quality time together while supporting a worthy children’s cause.

To enter, parents can visit RelieveMyFever.com to find easy-to-follow instructions, lyrics, music and a sample video that will help them create and submit their own little superstar’s video performance.

As part of the contest, the makers of Children’s Advil® will donate $5 for every entry submitted and $1 for every vote cast to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®. Donations to Children’s Miracle Network are used to provide charitable care, purchase life-saving equipment, and fund research and education programs that save and improve the lives of millions of kids each year.

I was not compensated for this post.

Oneida Dotty Dish Set Review

2010-12-09T14:37:00.009-05:00

This is the first Christmas my family is going to spend alone; it is just going to be me, my husband, and our kids. I have never hosted the festivities so I never had a need for special dinnerware. This year, I wanted dinnerware that I could dress up for the holidays, but still use throughout the year. First check out some of Oneida's holiday dishes that you can currently save up to 70% off of:
I love these candy cane glasses on sale for a set of 4 for $21.99 from $60.00! Such a good deal!
This set of 4 HoHoHo Salad Plates are on sale for $15.99!
For a more traditional look, you may like the set of 4 O'Tannenbaum Salad Plates on sale for $15.99.
For special silverware, I love this Act 1 stainless steel flatware. So classic and beautiful.
I had the opportunity to receive the Dotty 65 piece service set for 12. It is exactly what I had in mind to make our Christmas table special, but can still be used all year long. I plan on adding a holiday table cloth and chargers under the plates. The set came with twelve dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, mugs, saucers, a sugar bowl with a lid, a creamer, serving bowl, and a platter. This whole set is on sale for an incredible $59.99!!! I have never even seen a 12 place setting set and this is the perfect one, especially at such a good deal. I have already used and ran my dishes through the dishwasher several times. They still look brand new. They are also microwave safe and so durable. I even let my toddler use them. I am so excited to own this gorgeous set and look forward to holidays and daily use using these dishes for years.

BUY IT!

You can purchase the Oneida Dotty 65 piece service set for 12 for $59.99! Do not miss out on this incredible deal! This would be such a great Christmas gift!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Miraclebody {WINNER!!}

2010-12-01T18:33:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to comment #34:

Roseanne said...34

Friended you on FB.
alonso2904@verizon.net

NOVEMBER 18, 2010 5:38 PM

You win a fabulous pair of Miraclebody jeans!! Be looking for an email from me. You have 48 hours to respond.

Just for Me...and You

Dresser Revamp

Merry Stockings Needlepoint Christmas Stockings

Chuggington Over & Under Wooden Railway Starter Set Review

SwaddleDesigns Swaddle Duo Review

Telephone Chair

Be Food Safe.

Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner Review-Part 2

Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner Review

BuildASign.com Review & {GIVEAWAY!}

Shirley J Cooking Made Easy Review & {GIVEAWAY!}

The First Years Ignite Stroller Review

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Help You Live Healthy.

Fine with Frumpy

Date Night Duds

Candy? What Candy?

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Plow & Hearth Compact Electric Stove Review

Misikko's Hana Professional Flat Iron 1" Pink Edition Review

Hana Professional Features:

Airplane Apparel

I Hate April Fools

The Same, But Different

The No Comfort Zone

Happy Boy Spot.

3M Natural View Screen Protector Review

{Sort of A} Lady in Red

The Departure

Uniform

Seriously?

Baby's Room Complete (for now)

Filtrete Healthy Home

Dreary Days

Who Stole My Hour?

Drop Cloth Pillows

Sunday Feature: Pairing Patterns

Clarity

Side Table Transformation

Little Boys, Lovely Things.

For the Birds

eShakti Customized Dress Review

Sunday Feature: Knee-Length Boot

Davies is My Homeboy

Brandon Davies Wears Right and Blue

Sunburst Mirror Tutorial

The Husband Trumps Anonymous

Rosette Ball (no twist)

It's Dr. Seuss' Birthday

DIY Curtain Holders

Pearly Whites

Sunday Feature: The Scarf

I Don't Drink

Ruffled Table Runner

What's Black and White....

Just Another Manic Monday

It's Nap Time...

"I'm a cutting machine" Saturday (#2)

It's Friday, I'm in Love

Off to See a Man About a Horse

Paper Book Wreath

Color Me Badd *UPDATED*

Happy Love Day

Debut.

Lovefest Eve

"I'm a cutting machine" Saturday

Mirror Redo (Add a pop of color!)

Yoga Mat Winner

Rose Petal Chandelier/Mobile Tutorial

Rosette Balls Tutorial.

Thanks Wiz Khalifa

I Like to Dip

Dannon Small Steps Sweepstakes

I'm Starving

Happy Saturday

A Little Clarification

Say hello.

Stay tuned.

Hayneedle Elliptical Trainer Review & {YOGA MAT GIVEAWAY!!}

Rileyroos Baby Shoes Review

Winners!

Color Me Badd UPDATED