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Shopping Inspired by Pinterest with Spark Studio

posted on: May 16, 2013 8 Comments

I used to love shopping. But once I had kids, it became a chore. Before you could browse, feel, wander. It was magical. Now, you're on a mission to get out as quickly as possible without forgetting something, cause then you'd have to go back. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit here, but shopping is definitely something I try to avoid unless I am by myself. Enter Walmart's Spark Studio where you can browse and shop what actual people are pinning from their site. With Spark Studio, you can browse … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

You’re a Better Mom Because of Social Media

posted on: May 10, 2013 14 Comments

I've seen many discussions on how social media can be a vice, but I was thinking today about how social media has made me a better person. More specifically, a better mom. Instead of a cute project or idea for Mother's Day (I've got nothing, sorry folks), I'm going to tell you why you're a better mom. Happy Mother's Day! 1.) You have to get them dressed. If there's a chance we're doing something fun I don't want to commit the ultimate social media faux pas and have them in pjs, or worse, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: talking to you

Sneaky Carrot Mac and Cheese

posted on: May 8, 2013 10 Comments

I'm kinda really bummed that the only picture I have of this amazingly delicious mac and cheese is a grainy cell phone picture. But when a dish makes you want to face plant into a bowl and go nuts, you don't wait to post it. Like many people, I love Mac & Cheese, always have. When I discovered just how easy it was to make it homemade instead of using the box, my life was forever changed. I've tried new ingredient combos (hello bacon and beer), new cheeses, and loved 'em all. Recently I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: recipes

50+ Ways to Make Water Taste Better

posted on: May 6, 2013 19 Comments

I never drink enough water. Couple that with the fact that I'm either pregnant, nursing, or it's summer, and even when I do drink a lot of water it's still not enough! Adding stuff to your water makes it taste better, and then you're going to drink more. Make it cold and you might drink it even faster. Here are some of my favorite things to add to water, some favorite combinations, and even some reader suggestions. I'll add more to the list as I hear of them or try them, right now there are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: recipes, simple tips

My Top 8 Garage Sale Tips

posted on: May 3, 2013 11 Comments

My favorite time of year is upon us and I couldn't be more excited: garage sale season. Last weekend I hit up two neighborhood sales back to back and scored huge! A bunch of you have been asking for my tips, here some of my favorites to help YOU score big at garage sales: 1.) Make a list of what you are looking for. It helps to be able to remember, you'll know what type of houses to seek out, and you can share it with friends or family. Ask them to call you if they spot certain items for a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: garage saling, simple tips

How to Clean a Stroller (plus a giveaway)

posted on: May 1, 2013 93 Comments

Not only is it time for spring cleaning, but garage sale season is also here. I'm scoring deals but also buying a lot of used items, which means cleaning stains and doing more laundry. We buy most of our kids' clothes at garage sales or get them as hand-me-downs, and sometimes I'll even buy clothes with stains on them knowing that I can get them out! My secret weapon? Shaklee's Nature Bright. We've been using Shaklee products in our home since Doug and I got married, almost 5 years … [Read more...]

Filed Under: cleaning, simple tips

Color Blocked Triangle Tote Bag

posted on: April 24, 2013 12 Comments

I'm going to go ahead and make a bold statement: triangles are the new chevron. Meaning that they look good on anything, in any color, and I just can't get enough of em. I needed a new library bag. I couldn't keep embarrassing my kids by showing up to story time with a broken down plastic grocery bag and looking like a hot mess. I took a simple tote and used Handmade Charlotte stencils to add some style. Want to make your own? Supplies needed: a bag // stencils // craft paint // foam … [Read more...]

Filed Under: projects

Picnic Date in the Park with My Mom

posted on: April 17, 2013 20 Comments

Many of my childhood memories are of going to the park with my mom. We would travel to parks in other towns and have a picnic lunch, bring our bikes and make a parade there, get ice cream, or go to a park near a pond and feed the fish. We’d drive across town and visit “the train park”, or to the “pirate ship park”, or even just a short walk to our neighborhood park with the really, really big slide. She found a way to get us out of the house and make a simple thing so much more … [Read more...]

Filed Under: family, SPONSORED, summer, tablescapes

How to Make a Clipboard Wall

posted on: April 15, 2013 7 Comments

Recently I added some fun colors to our family room, and replaced the map over the couch with a gallery of clipboards. When I say this project couldn't be simpler, I mean it. The toughest part was the planning and pre-measuring. Or maybe it was making a trip to the office supply store around dinner time with three kids? Yeah, that was probably the toughest part. :) First you need some clipboards. I didn't want anything plastic, colorful, or with a weird rectangle-y wire clip, see … [Read more...]

Filed Under: family room, projects

How To Be Crabby and Have a Bad Day

posted on: April 10, 2013 16 Comments

how to be crabby, make yourself feel like crap, and have a bad day. Wait, what?!

Sometimes I feel crabby. Sometimes I don't want to smile. Sometimes I don't want to talk to little people or get 8 different snacks in a day or stop what I'm doing over and over again to take someone potty (as he grabs my hand away from the keyboard so I can take him potty). And then I feel guilty about it. Super guilty. I take a shower and drink some coffee and throw in a load of laundry. I start thinking about all the little sayings that I've pinned on how to be proactive and … [Read more...]