Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July with your family and friends. Stay safe!
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Monday, July 04, 2016
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy New Year 2015!
Happy New Year!
I hope 2014 was an awesome year for you and your family and I pray that 2015 will amaze you will all the wonderful things that happens.
I wanted to share with you my word of inspiration this year. It is focus.
Focus on my family.
Focus on my faith.
Focus on what I want out of life and the steps I need to take to achieve it.
One day at a time.
One moment at a time.
Try to live in the present. Be in the moment. Focus on the good.
Well that is my plan for this new year. What's yours? Feel free to share your plan in the comments. I'd love to hear them.
I hope 2014 was an awesome year for you and your family and I pray that 2015 will amaze you will all the wonderful things that happens.
I wanted to share with you my word of inspiration this year. It is focus.
Focus on my family.
Focus on my faith.
Focus on what I want out of life and the steps I need to take to achieve it.
One day at a time.
One moment at a time.
Try to live in the present. Be in the moment. Focus on the good.
Well that is my plan for this new year. What's yours? Feel free to share your plan in the comments. I'd love to hear them.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
6 Awesome Valentine's Day Printables for Older Kids
My kids are in 4th, 6th and 8th grade, and they don't want the "baby-ish" valentines to give to their friends. Today I found six kid approved Valentines that are free to print as well.
Mustache Valentines
No Fun without U Valentines
iPhone Valentines
Glad We're in the Same School Valentine
Write Me A Note Valentine
You're A Star Valentine
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013 A Year in Review
This year has been a pretty good year for my blog and my family. Overall I'm happy with how it turned out. My blog has seen an increase in traffic and I'm praying this coming year will continue on the same track.
Here are a few highlights of our year. Enjoy and be safe if you go out to celebrate New Year's Eve tonight.
1. Gizmo
In March, we adopted a kitten, named Gizmo. He was a little ball of energy. Very cute, but gave us many heart attacks with all the stunts he performs. He likes to climb up on top of the fridge and jump off. He also likes to use our railings as a tightrope. He has started to calm down a bit since he was neutered this past month. Thank goodness!
2. Noel
Just this past month we took in a stray that we named Noel. We didn't plan on getting another animal, but she is so tiny and skittish of everything. Our house is active with 3 kids, 2 medium sized dogs and now 3 cats. She is starting to find her spot in the clan. She loves cuddling with Gizmo and wakes me up every night around 2 a.m.
3. Lots of Canning
This past summer I did lots of canning. Mostly pickles and tomatoes. We are still enjoying the tomatoes, but unfortunately the pickles didn't last as long as we'd like. They were really good and went very fast.
4. Good Health
Not to jinx us, but this has been a pretty good year for us - health wise. Only 2 trips to the hospital for our family - just cuts and bruises - nothing too serious. Thanks God!
5. Weight Watchers Trial
I was blessed to receive a free trial of Weight Watchers 360 this past summer. That was the first perk I've received from having this blog. I haven't really stuck to the plan, but have decided to pay to continue the program because I really, really do want to lose weight. Hubby and I have plans to restart on January 1st.
6. Vehicle Free for 6 months
While some people might think this is a negative I really did enjoy not having a vehicle for about 6 months. I wasn't tempted to go shopping. I didn't eat as much fast food. I could actually get stuff done around the house without feeling tempted to visit with friends, shop or just get out of the house. Not to mention paying out a lot less gasoline, since hubby was driving my fuel efficient van instead of his gas guzzler.
7. Avon, North Carolina Family Vacation
We spent an entire week with hubby's family in Avon, North Carolina. We were a block from the beach and had a blast collecting seashells, fishing and sight seeing.
This was our year, how was yours?
Here are a few highlights of our year. Enjoy and be safe if you go out to celebrate New Year's Eve tonight.
In March, we adopted a kitten, named Gizmo. He was a little ball of energy. Very cute, but gave us many heart attacks with all the stunts he performs. He likes to climb up on top of the fridge and jump off. He also likes to use our railings as a tightrope. He has started to calm down a bit since he was neutered this past month. Thank goodness!
Just this past month we took in a stray that we named Noel. We didn't plan on getting another animal, but she is so tiny and skittish of everything. Our house is active with 3 kids, 2 medium sized dogs and now 3 cats. She is starting to find her spot in the clan. She loves cuddling with Gizmo and wakes me up every night around 2 a.m.
This past summer I did lots of canning. Mostly pickles and tomatoes. We are still enjoying the tomatoes, but unfortunately the pickles didn't last as long as we'd like. They were really good and went very fast.
4. Good Health
Not to jinx us, but this has been a pretty good year for us - health wise. Only 2 trips to the hospital for our family - just cuts and bruises - nothing too serious. Thanks God!
I was blessed to receive a free trial of Weight Watchers 360 this past summer. That was the first perk I've received from having this blog. I haven't really stuck to the plan, but have decided to pay to continue the program because I really, really do want to lose weight. Hubby and I have plans to restart on January 1st.
6. Vehicle Free for 6 months
While some people might think this is a negative I really did enjoy not having a vehicle for about 6 months. I wasn't tempted to go shopping. I didn't eat as much fast food. I could actually get stuff done around the house without feeling tempted to visit with friends, shop or just get out of the house. Not to mention paying out a lot less gasoline, since hubby was driving my fuel efficient van instead of his gas guzzler.
We spent an entire week with hubby's family in Avon, North Carolina. We were a block from the beach and had a blast collecting seashells, fishing and sight seeing.
This was our year, how was yours?
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Just for Fun - Cats, Snowman and Holiday Funnies
With all the stress of the holiday season I thought I would share a couple cute and funny things to lighten your spirits today. Hopefully these make you smile. Enjoy!
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| Source: SnowArt.org |
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Tips to Organize Your Holiday Decorations
I know Christmas isn't over yet, but I thought I'd share some tips for organizing your holiday decorations before you put them away for the year.
Most people decorate their home pretty much the same way each year, so this will help speed up the process of putting up and taking down your decorations.
One Box Method
Put one box in the middle of each room and fill it with the decorations in that room. My Aunt Lisa suggested this one. That way each year, packing away the decorations is quick and easy. Putting them up the next year will be easy, too. Just label the box "Living Room Christmas" or whatever room/holiday.
Label Each Box
We have accumulated a lot of holiday decorations over the years. Each year we end up going through all the decorations to see what we want to display that year. It takes a while and we end up using the same ones each year.
One way to avoid going through every decoration is to put a special symbol or even the year on a sticker on the boxes with decorations you actually used that year. Put a tree on the your Christmas decorations, a pumpkin on Halloween decor, and maybe a bunny on Easter items.
Donate
When you are getting your decorations out or when you are putting them away, donate what you no longer want or use. Let others enjoy what you no longer want and you can enjoy the fact that you don't have to store it anymore.
Please feel free to share your holiday decoration tips by leaving a comment.
Most people decorate their home pretty much the same way each year, so this will help speed up the process of putting up and taking down your decorations.
One Box Method
Put one box in the middle of each room and fill it with the decorations in that room. My Aunt Lisa suggested this one. That way each year, packing away the decorations is quick and easy. Putting them up the next year will be easy, too. Just label the box "Living Room Christmas" or whatever room/holiday.
Label Each Box
We have accumulated a lot of holiday decorations over the years. Each year we end up going through all the decorations to see what we want to display that year. It takes a while and we end up using the same ones each year.
One way to avoid going through every decoration is to put a special symbol or even the year on a sticker on the boxes with decorations you actually used that year. Put a tree on the your Christmas decorations, a pumpkin on Halloween decor, and maybe a bunny on Easter items.
Donate
When you are getting your decorations out or when you are putting them away, donate what you no longer want or use. Let others enjoy what you no longer want and you can enjoy the fact that you don't have to store it anymore.
Please feel free to share your holiday decoration tips by leaving a comment.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
My 2013 Christmas Wish List
Okay, so I'm sharing my Christmas List this year. It's all for fun, but I highly recommend everyone getting the first one because it really is a fun game. Check it out!
1. Telestrations the Telephone Game Sketched Out!
My family played this game over my aunt's this Thanksgiving and had a blast. It was good for all ages (as long as they can draw).
2. Per Domino Red
I've found my people. LOL I just recently learned about Filofax Planners and I love them. I was trying for months to find a scrapbook and calendar/planner together to no avail. Then I stumbled on some photos of these. This is my fave binder so far.
3. No Excuses Art Journaling: Making Time for Creativity
This looked like a really fun book to try. It claims to show step by step how to do some mixed media crafts. Looks fun!
4. XPY Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Winged Halo Heart Pendant Necklace, 18"
Every girl needs some jewelry.
5. Blue Q Random Crap Junior Treasure Box
I loved many things from this seller "Blue Q" but I really liked that this said it was for "Random Crap". Too cute.
6. iPhone 4 Case
My phone is one of the older model iPhones so I have to look online for fun cases. This one caught my eye. They had boom boxes, cassette tapes, cameras and lots, lots more.
What is one your Christmas list this year?
* Please note the links are affiliate links.
1. Telestrations the Telephone Game Sketched Out!
My family played this game over my aunt's this Thanksgiving and had a blast. It was good for all ages (as long as they can draw).
2. Per Domino Red
I've found my people. LOL I just recently learned about Filofax Planners and I love them. I was trying for months to find a scrapbook and calendar/planner together to no avail. Then I stumbled on some photos of these. This is my fave binder so far.
3. No Excuses Art Journaling: Making Time for Creativity
This looked like a really fun book to try. It claims to show step by step how to do some mixed media crafts. Looks fun!
4. XPY Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Winged Halo Heart Pendant Necklace, 18"
Every girl needs some jewelry.
5. Blue Q Random Crap Junior Treasure Box
I loved many things from this seller "Blue Q" but I really liked that this said it was for "Random Crap". Too cute.
6. iPhone 4 Case
My phone is one of the older model iPhones so I have to look online for fun cases. This one caught my eye. They had boom boxes, cassette tapes, cameras and lots, lots more.
What is one your Christmas list this year?
* Please note the links are affiliate links.
Monday, December 09, 2013
Too Busy for the Holidays?
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| Source |
Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, baking, parties, decorations, kid's activities, and more. It's hard to find time to relax during the holiday.
In the frantic race to get everything done before Christmas, it can be hard sometimes to remember your family. Not buying them presents, but the actual spending of time and listening to them.
This holidays set aside time to actually do spend time with your family.
Each year my family makes it a point to sit down most evenings of the season and watch the Christmas shows on television. We are big fans of the ABC Family channel's 25 Days of Christmas. You can see their schedule of shows here.
Another option is to drive around your city at night and look at the Christmas lights displays together. Go for a walk around your neighborhood and admire all the decorations, play in the snow, or just sit and have some hot chocolate together are also options.
Think about what you remember as child at Christmas time. The good and the bad. Try to focus on the good and keep it simple.
Maybe your family would cut a fresh Christmas tree each year and elaborately decorate it. Would it be so bad if you have a small artificial tree with a few homemade ornaments that your kids love? Especially if that meant you had more time to spend with them doing something they enjoyed.
Make a conscience decision to make quality, peaceful time with your family. Don't stress out, don't try to do it all. Just enjoy the season. That's not just for you it's for me as well.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Gift Ideas for Men
I really struggle with shopping for the men in my life. I have to shop for my hubby, my dad and my father-in-law.
Let's face it after once reaching a certain age many people, not just men, have trouble creating a birthday or Christmas list. There just aren't as many things they need or they just buy it themselves when they want it.
That's exactly the way the men in my life are. It's like pulling teeth to get a list or ideas from any of them.
Here are a few ideas I've come up with for men that are hard to buy for.
1. Sports/Hobbies
Do they have a favorite team? Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Golf or any other sport they are interested in. Do they like fishing, hunting, star gazing, or boating? Then you can get them anything with that team or player on it such as an ornament, playing card, book, etc. Tickets to a game or event could be a nice gift, as well. Maybe there is something they can use with their hobby such as hooks, a tree stand, a telescope or maps.
2. Movie/Book
Have they got a favorite television show or movie? If so, you can always get them an autographed poster, photo, book or some other memorabilia signed from their favorite actor. Another option is the latest DVD or book. Also consider a subscription to his favorite magazine or a gift card to a book store near the recipient.
3. Electronics
Are your guys tech junkies? Whether it's a new phone, a laptop or tablet - many guys like gadgets.
4. Experiences
If you are really stumped - try giving them an adventure or activity. They may enjoy a day trip to someplace new, a sky diving adventure, a guitar lesson or possibly a massage after a long day at work.
5. Food
Another option if you are really stumped is to give them a certificate to a nice restaurant. If your guy drinks coffee maybe a coffee maker, bag of gourmet coffee, or gift certificate to a local shop.
What does he like to eat, do in his spare time, talk about, collect or even do at work? This should help you get the ideas rolling. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Let's face it after once reaching a certain age many people, not just men, have trouble creating a birthday or Christmas list. There just aren't as many things they need or they just buy it themselves when they want it.
That's exactly the way the men in my life are. It's like pulling teeth to get a list or ideas from any of them.
Here are a few ideas I've come up with for men that are hard to buy for.
1. Sports/Hobbies
Do they have a favorite team? Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Golf or any other sport they are interested in. Do they like fishing, hunting, star gazing, or boating? Then you can get them anything with that team or player on it such as an ornament, playing card, book, etc. Tickets to a game or event could be a nice gift, as well. Maybe there is something they can use with their hobby such as hooks, a tree stand, a telescope or maps.
2. Movie/Book
Have they got a favorite television show or movie? If so, you can always get them an autographed poster, photo, book or some other memorabilia signed from their favorite actor. Another option is the latest DVD or book. Also consider a subscription to his favorite magazine or a gift card to a book store near the recipient.
3. Electronics
Are your guys tech junkies? Whether it's a new phone, a laptop or tablet - many guys like gadgets.
4. Experiences
If you are really stumped - try giving them an adventure or activity. They may enjoy a day trip to someplace new, a sky diving adventure, a guitar lesson or possibly a massage after a long day at work.
5. Food
Another option if you are really stumped is to give them a certificate to a nice restaurant. If your guy drinks coffee maybe a coffee maker, bag of gourmet coffee, or gift certificate to a local shop.
What does he like to eat, do in his spare time, talk about, collect or even do at work? This should help you get the ideas rolling. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Decorating the Christmas Tree
Hubby made the tree stand/village display a couple years ago. The tree is artificial and was in hubby's family for about 20 years.
We like to go for a random mix of ornaments with lots of garland. The kids really like it and that's all that matters.
Do you put up a Christmas tree? If so, live or artificial?
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
10 Holiday Tips and Tricks
Here are a couple tried and true holiday tips and tricks that have worked for me over the years and I thought I would share them with all of you.
1. First of all and the most helpful tip is create a list of everyone you plan to buy. Next, assign a dollar amount that you would be willing to spend on their present. Then, as you go about your holiday shopping, write down what you bought them and how much you spent.
2. Always have at least one extra gift ready for that unexpected person who shows up bearing a gift. That unexpected neighbor who drops by, relative who comes to town, or friend you haven't seen in a while.
3. To keep Christmas lights from being tangled during storage try wrapping them around a piece of cardboard. We used an old cardboard box or you can use a part of an empty cereal box.
4. Label the light sets with the location you use them. Ex. outside tree, outside windows, inside tree It's as easy as folding a blank mailing label in half around the wire. Another option is using the bread clips and just write on the back in marker.
5. When storing small fragile ornaments try an empty egg carton. It will provide cushioning and it doesn't cost anything over what you already paid for the eggs.
6. Store wrapping paper upright in a closet tucked to the side or the back and held in place with a bungee cord. Another option is to slide a loose rubber band or hair tie to keep the paper from unraveling - not tight or it will crinkle the paper.
7. Run out of wrapping paper? You can always use the comics.
8. Can't tell what present belongs to who? Try wrapping each family's gifts in the same paper.
9. I wrap the presents and sort them into 3 piles (Mom's, Hubby's family and Our family) based on where they will be opened.
10. Use velcro to hang lights or garland from railings or banisters. We tried zip ties and they need to be cut off. Let me just say that involved a hospital visit last New Years Day and multiple stitches. Not fun. Stick to velcro - that's all I'm saying. LOL!
Have an holiday tips or tricks you want to share?
1. First of all and the most helpful tip is create a list of everyone you plan to buy. Next, assign a dollar amount that you would be willing to spend on their present. Then, as you go about your holiday shopping, write down what you bought them and how much you spent.
2. Always have at least one extra gift ready for that unexpected person who shows up bearing a gift. That unexpected neighbor who drops by, relative who comes to town, or friend you haven't seen in a while.
3. To keep Christmas lights from being tangled during storage try wrapping them around a piece of cardboard. We used an old cardboard box or you can use a part of an empty cereal box.
4. Label the light sets with the location you use them. Ex. outside tree, outside windows, inside tree It's as easy as folding a blank mailing label in half around the wire. Another option is using the bread clips and just write on the back in marker.
5. When storing small fragile ornaments try an empty egg carton. It will provide cushioning and it doesn't cost anything over what you already paid for the eggs.
6. Store wrapping paper upright in a closet tucked to the side or the back and held in place with a bungee cord. Another option is to slide a loose rubber band or hair tie to keep the paper from unraveling - not tight or it will crinkle the paper.
7. Run out of wrapping paper? You can always use the comics.
8. Can't tell what present belongs to who? Try wrapping each family's gifts in the same paper.
9. I wrap the presents and sort them into 3 piles (Mom's, Hubby's family and Our family) based on where they will be opened.
10. Use velcro to hang lights or garland from railings or banisters. We tried zip ties and they need to be cut off. Let me just say that involved a hospital visit last New Years Day and multiple stitches. Not fun. Stick to velcro - that's all I'm saying. LOL!
Have an holiday tips or tricks you want to share?
Monday, December 02, 2013
Save Money This Christmas Season
This past weekend has been a mess for our family. We all have colds. It's miserable. Lots of sneezing, tissues, and coughs.
I haven't felt really well, so I though I would share a post that wrote a while back that I think will really help. You can find it here.
It discusses how we save money during the Christmas season and you can too. Enjoy!
I haven't felt really well, so I though I would share a post that wrote a while back that I think will really help. You can find it here.
It discusses how we save money during the Christmas season and you can too. Enjoy!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Week of Thankfulness - Day 4 Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Time for ...
* Faith
* Family
* Friends
* Food
* Football, and
* Fun
I hope you all have a wonderful day and see you tomorrow.
Friday, November 22, 2013
12 Free Christmas eBooks for Kids
Here are a 12 adorable Christmas ebooks to count down till the big day.
I know I don't usually post twice in one day, but I saw all these great books had to share. Plus every one of them is currently for free to download on Amazon.
Jingle All the Way
Twas The Night Before Christmas: Edited By Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century
Suzy Snowflake
The 12 Days of Christmas
Squidge: Little Elf, Big Trouble
The Crazy Christmas Caper
Once Upon A Christmas
A Mostly Ghostly Christmas
Three Things You Don't Know About Santa - FREE PREVIEW EDITION
THE CANDY CANE
A Christmas Carol
Santa's Plight
* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links, but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com.
I know I don't usually post twice in one day, but I saw all these great books had to share. Plus every one of them is currently for free to download on Amazon.
Jingle All the Way
Twas The Night Before Christmas: Edited By Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century
Suzy Snowflake
The 12 Days of Christmas
Squidge: Little Elf, Big Trouble
The Crazy Christmas Caper
Once Upon A Christmas
A Mostly Ghostly Christmas
Three Things You Don't Know About Santa - FREE PREVIEW EDITION
THE CANDY CANE
A Christmas Carol
Santa's Plight
* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links, but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com.
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