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  • Party Party Party

    Party Party Party

    We had 3…count them…3 themed parties last week!  That’s about 3 more than I normally have in a year. I think I need Mother of the Year Award now.

    It all started with Valentines Day. I put together a fun Alice In Wonderland Fondue party for the family.

     
    On Saturday, our second child, Princess C turned 5.  Although we don’t go all out on parties for our kids every year, we do let them pick a theme for the cake. She chose Jake and the Neverland Pirates, so I made an Izzy cake. It was a hit, and I’d dare say my best decorating yet.

     Finally on Sunday night we decided to have a family Movie Night and watch the new DVD Samplers from Dream Works and Big G cereal (giveaway later this week!)

    It was all so much fun, but I’m feeling a little partied out now. On top of all that, we also started our bathroom remodel. Sometimes I think we must be crazy. 
    Now don’t despair, I plan on posting about each of these themed parties in the coming days, so you can have as much fun as we did! I’ve got printables, tutorials, and a giveaway!!

    To calm things down however, I’m planning a very simple menu this week.

    Monday – Pasta
    Tuesday – Potato Casserole
    Wednesday – Chili
    Thursday – Spinach Quiche
    Friday – homemade pizza
    Saturday – leftovers
    Sunday – Taco night

    This post is linked up at Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday
     
  • Tips for Hosting Christmas Dinner {Guest Post}

    Tips for Hosting Christmas Dinner {Guest Post}

    Hosting Your First Christmas Dinner? Your No Panic Guide

    Perhaps you were just married this past year, or maybe it’s your first year in your very own home, but whatever the case may be, Christmas will be held at your home this year, and excitement is echoing from wall to wall, but you’re also a little bit nervous. How can you prepare for this big event?

     

     

    Organized Lists

    Have a list of everything, so you aren’t in a frenzy on Christmas day, take note the exact location of all dishes (pantry, fridge or freezer), and write down the time that you want to prep them and/or put them in the oven to heat. Keep this little list in your pocket throughout the day, and you’ll always feel in control.

    Decorations

    Going overboard with decorations isn’t a must for holiday parties, but it’s nice to have at least some reminders of the holiday. Be sure to include a nativity in the decor setup to act as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Set up your Christmas tree in a spot where all of your guests will be able to see it beautifully decorated with a few gifts beneath its branches, have your favorite Christmas music playing softly in the background and warm scented candles (or to be on the safe side, plug-in room fresheners) to complete the cheerful holiday environment.

    The Final Preparations

    Make as much of the food in advance as you possibly can, but some items, such as gravy, generally need to be made on the spot. However, Christmas stroganoff, with exception of the noodles, generally freeze very well, so make items such as that a day or two before the Christmas party. Even the smallest of homes can be suited to accommodate a large number of people, so take some time to arrange the dining room, and this might involve moving tables around to different angles or setting up a children’s table in the kitchen. If enough seating isn’t available, consider having a buffet style meal, but don’t panic if it seems that space will be limited, because on Christmas, most people are bouncing from house to house, so people will be in and out.

    The Greeting

    When people come into your home, you want them to feel warm and welcome, so offer to take their coats, and hang them the attire up where they can see to avoid confusion when they’re preparing to leave. Laying them on a bed is an option; however, if you have pets that sit there, it’s best not to do so for allergy purposes. Once they have said hello to everyone, offer them a drink, tell them to make themselves at home and let them know where the food and the plates are, and don’t be shy about taking that first scoop of dip if you think it will get other people eating.
    Above all else, enjoy this very first Christmas in your home, and don’t stress, just do your best. Employ the help of your nieces and nephews who are always eager to help out, and give them a special treat at the end of the evening for helping, like a traditional chocolate orange or an iTunes gift card.

    Author Bio
    Melisa Cammack has been freelance writing for a number of years, married for 13 years, mother for seven years, and is the biggest Christmas enthusiast on this side of the equator.
    Melisa is currently promoting Five Star Holiday Décor and Christmas Lighting in Dallas, and would like to wish everyone a beautiful and happy holiday season!

  • ‘Tis the Season #GivingTuesday

    ‘Tis the Season #GivingTuesday

    I know I know, today is Halloween. And trust me, we’re celebrating over here. I’ve got a Strawberry Shortcake, a friendly witch, and a ballerina running around my house, as well as a Dinosaur roaring for my constant attention today.

    But I’d like to talk to you about something else today.

    Giving

    My family has been blessed numerous times from others generosity.  From anonymous generosity to family and friends being there through tough times. I have truly been blessed to know such giving people.

    Growing up my mom taught me this

    When you are down, and having a bad day. Feeling selfish or depressed. Do something for someone else. Do it without looking for returns. Do it to help them. And when you do, you’ll start to feel better. You’ll soon forget what was troubling you.

    This piece of advice has stuck with me forever. This simple piece of advice, to GIVE, is my mom summed up. Always looking for service to give, whether to friends, neighbors or her own family.

    There was one winter we were sturggling. Getting by month to month on student loans and family help.  We came home early from our Christmas trip to see Mark’s parents to find many anonymous gifts.  Presents had been dropped on our doorstep for the girls. Warm coats that we wouldn’t otherwise have been able to buy them and a few toys.  In the mail, with no return address, were gift cards to our local grocery store. I think I sat down and cried when I opened those up. Someone was looking out for us. Someone GAVE without need for recognition or return.

    Presents for Your Porch
    source

    Because of this experience, I  have tried to always remember my moms advice, but not just on my bad days. I try every day to see who might need my help. I want to GIVE because I now know the immense relief and joy it might bring to someone. Knowing that feeling, is enough for me.

    A couple years ago I joined Cafemom. Throughout the years one group has become very close to me and each other. These are women/moms all over the world I have connected with. Most of us have not and will probably never meet in person.

    So there I was one day, trying to find more ways to Give back. I had an idea and decided to run it past the owner of my cafemom group. She loved the idea, and helped me get it going. We now have a private group on cafemom dedicated to giving back. We call ourselves angels.  I can’t even begin to tell you all that this group has done. I may have started the group, but it’s the ladies who joined who are truly amazing. Every year about this time, we start looking for our fellow cafemom members in need. I do the leg work and contact the members for addresses, kids ages and clothing sizes. But then my angels do the important stuff. They dig into their pockets, their own kids clothes, and they Give Back! They bless these moms who are struggling. Moms who are crying because they don’t have a single present under the tree for their kids. We help. We give back. Because that is what it’s all about.

    That is why we celebrate Christmas.
    The joy of giving to others; seeing their faces light up because someone thought of them.
    The joy of knowing a child won’t be cold, because you could provide a coat.
    Or that a family won’t go hungry because gift cards were sent anonymously.
    I’d like to invite you all to a new day. Giving Tuesday!
    We have Black Friday
    We have Cyber Monday

    Help us continue our ThanksGIVING celebrations through Nov 27 with Giving Tuesday. A day to give back. Find someone to help. Give of your time. Give smiles. Give presents. and Give Thanks.

    Tomorrow I will be joining The Motherhood in a twitter party to get the ball rolling. We would love for you to join us!

    What: Join a Twitter party to spread the word about celebrating the first-ever #GivingTuesday, a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season to celebrate and encourage charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations. This year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Our Twitter party will address how you can spread the word, why this movement matters and ways to get involved!
    When: The party will be on Thursday, Nov. 1, at noon ET.
    Where: Use the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter to find us!
    Hosts: Follow @theMotherhood, @GivingTues, @CooperMunroe and @EmilyMcKhann
    Prizes: We’ll be giving away five $25 VISA gift cards, which you are welcome to use toward your charitable efforts this holiday giving season!
  • Ladies Night Out Parenting Tricks #mompactLNO

    Ladies Night Out Parenting Tricks #mompactLNO

    Last week I attempted to have a Ladies Night Out/bring the kids Halloween Party. I’ve never really done the whole ladies night out thing. I would love to have a group of gals to get together with to chat and be adults with for a bit, but my kids and family are my life.
    Whoops, I’m digressing from the point. So I planned a party, and had lots of treats and stuff to give out.

    Sadly, no one showed up.  They really missed out on some great treats (seriously, not one person that said they’d come, showed up, what’s up with that?!)

    So what did I do? I threw a party on my facebook page of course!  That’s just how I roll!  We had so much fun over there, and we gleaned mom tricks from the old moms and young moms. Plus I got to give out a bunch of prizes, which come on? who doesn’t love that?

    Tricks from Moms
    These are the winning tips from my facebook party
     
    I asked and you answered
     
    How do you travel light with a baby?

    “Front pack, blanket, iPhone or other app device for music and distraction. Two-three small toys that can be linked together with play links. Then the diaper bag/back pack packed depending on how long and where. Usually one change of clothes, extra socks, and diapers/wipes for the day. If I am traveling and can plan places to stay/eat then I can accommodate food and sleep needs with their amenities.” – Robin M.
     

     Check out diaper buds for short day trips, and something small to slip in your purse!

    What are your favorite kid friendly meals and snacks?

    “I am a HUGE fan of WowButter in this house it is great for lunches and it is dairy, gluten and nut FREE! Not to mention tastes, looks and smells exactly like peanut butter!” – Eschelle (mumfection)
     

    Space Food Sticks are a great chocolate protein bar for an on the go snack and boost!

    What are your potty training Tips?

    “A timer so it’s not mommy and daddy telling them to go party instead every time the timer goes off see if they want to try and go potty…also talk up how awesome going potty in the potty is!” – Renee P.

    Tidy Tots helps keep those potty training potties clean and ready to go every time!

    What tricks help you stay organized?

    “I like to set out to do only a couple chores a day that I know I can accomplish so within a week I have all the chores done!” – Kelsea Y.
     

    With cold and flu season coming on, what do you do to keep your family healthy?

    “Ohhh essential oils, definitely! And of course frequent hand washing, sufficient rest, and drinking water.” – Hannah J.
     

    Boogie Wipes are great for keeping those little noses crust free.

    Finally, I asked what moms favorite things are to do on a Ladies Night Out

    “Eat out and just laugh and talk!” – Rebekah W.
     

    Besides giving out the amazing products I mentioned here to the winners, I also awarded a Penalty Pal, Kissaboo, and ToothBands to 3 of my party goers! We love these products here, and hope you all do too. Thanks for partying with us. Sadly, we couldn’t get all crafty on our facebook party, but my kids sure had fun.

    
     
    You still have a few days to win all these prizes and more from Mompact!
    Enter Here
  • Party with me on Facebook! 10/23

    Party with me on Facebook! 10/23

    Hey everyone!! I would love if you came and partied with me on facebook today!  I’ve got a lot of prizes to giveaway.
    Why party today?
    A couple of reasons.
    – I had a lot of leftover samples from my Halloween party last week.
    – I’ve reached over 1000 followers on facebook, and I just feel overwhelming gratitude for you guys!
    – There’s a Mompact Twitter Party this Thursday, and these are samples I received from mompact
    For today’s party head over here
     
    So if you can’t make it to my party today, make sure you join us Thursday on Twitter! These parties are always lots of fun. I’ve made many friends, and gleaned their minds for parenting tips.
     
    For Thursday’s party you can RSVP here
     
    Hope to see you at one or both!
     
    Just a sneak peek at what you could win!
     

  • Party with the Penguins

    Madagascar 3 Europe’s Most Wanted
    coming to Blu Ray and DVD
    October 16
    But don’t miss the party on October 6th, this Saturday!
    There will be lots of fun family activities. Click the picture below to find a Blockbuster near you
     
    ~Pre-order your copy today and get a $5 Blockbuster Gift Card~
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  • Hunger Games and Presale PARTAY!

    Hunger Games and Presale PARTAY!

    ~SQUEEL~
    You may all call me nerdy now, but I personally think we all have our obsessions with things we like. For me it comes in the form of dystopian novels, like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Yeah it might be a tad ironic that they turned a book about violence in entertainment into a movie, but what can I say, I think it has a good message and storyline. It most definitely does not promote violence, but rather shows how evil violence is!
    Whoops, sorry a bit of a tangent there. What I really want to tell you right now, is that Blockbuster is having a PreSale and Release PARTAY for the BluRay DVD!
    Fans of The Hunger Games, you need to head out to your local Blockbuster ASAP and pre-order your copy before the end of day on August 15th (this coming Wednesday!).  When you do, you will receive a free exclusive Hunger Games poster AND be invited to the release party August 17th from 9pm-midnight. 
    What are you waiting for? Find your local blockbuster here http://www.blockbuster.com/releaseparties
    “May the odds ever be in your favor”
    (and I will gladly volunteer to take your place, if you want to fly me to your blockbuster, since there’s none near me)

  • Simple Wedding

    Simple Wedding

    Mark’s sister got married last night, and I had the wonderful privilege to help her get it all ready, and take some of the stress off her. They wanted to keep it very simple, with just close family and friends. We still had close to 100 people come to celebrate the joining of two wonderful families.
    Aren’t they cute?  My kids absolutely love their new Uncle J.
    Once they had a date set, Marie (the bride) asked me to organize the cake, and decorating. I was thrilled! Honestly if I could, I would be a wedding planner. Definitely one of those dream jobs.
    The first order of business was the cake. I knew once we had the cake taken care of, the rest would fall into place. We knew we wanted their cousins wife, blogger at Elle’s Belle’s, to make the cake.  We messaged back and forth over facebook to plan the whole thing.  It turned out absolutely beautiful and yummy!
    Once that was taken care of, I was able to think about decorations. The church was providing cream table cloths, and Marie’s favorite color is pink, so they decided their colors would be Pink, Cream and Black.
    We cut black and pink fabric into squares to lay on top of the tables, and then added some pink and black picture frames.  I spent the morning of the wedding, creating tissue paper pom poms.
    Aren’t these girls cute?
    They really liked the paper pom poms. Two of my princesses and their princess cousin.
    
  • After (sort of) Kitchen

    After (sort of) Kitchen

    Ok I really really wanted to link this up last week, but I just kept hoping we would get the Kitchen done before the end of April. Well, it’s May now, and we’re still not quite done with the Kitchen. So I decided to show you anyways!

    Let’s take a quick look back at what we started with, shall we?

    ~Shudders~

    I am so happy to say, that even though it’s not done, my kitchen is finally a place I truly enjoy being in!  Check it out. I’ll try and point out everything we did for you.
    I gave these sneek peek photos on facebook.

    New cupboards from Ikea! We assembled them all ourselves (and I only messed up a few times, haha)

    We also bought this butcher block counter top from Ikea. I loved the blonde wood, but we stained it a little darker than this picture shows. Oh and see what’s under the counter? A DISHWASHER!!! I’ve been handwashing all our dishes for the past year. Having a dishwasher has been pretty nice.
    Are you ready to see it all together?
    really?
    ok here it is!

    Pretty much the whole kichen is brand new. I absolutely love the glass doors. It makes this otherwise cramped space feel more open and friendly.
    By bringing the door frame down we were also able to thread some electrical through the wall and put the lightswitch on the other side. The fridge is no longer in the way of it! 
    Speaking of the fridge, we also placed a water line in the sub flooring so our ice maker actually makes ice now, whodathunk!

    We still need to finish the backsplash, add the toe kick to the bottom of the cupboards, trim the  doorway and add a light over the sink. After that, it will be officially done.

    The biggest problem we ran into here was the plumbing.Nothing was up to code, and we’ve never worked with plumbing before.  Sadly the consequence to that is another flooded basement, and a call to the professional plumbers. They were great though and taught is some things for future DIY attempts.

    Now how about my other before project?  Baby Prince arrived 5 days after his due date, and at almost a month old this is how that project turned out

    At 10lbs 6oz now, and on a schedule. I couldn’t have asked for a better baby (fingers crossed that I don’t jinx it by continually bragging about him, but really I’ve never had this good of a kid!)

    TDC Before and After
  • Family Room – After

    Family Room – After

    Once again, I’m a bit late getting this posted. Things have just been so crazy around here!! We jumped from one remodeling project to another pretty quickly.  We didn’t get as much done in the Family Room as we had hoped, but we did get it cleaned out (only to be filled again), and painted. The ceiling still needs some work, we’re just on hold as we decide exactly what we want to do with it, and what we can afford to do with it.