Goodbye 2009

A new year is just around the corner. So many people start making lists of New Year's resolutions. I don't have a list. The biggest thing I would like is to get more organized. I already started cleaning out some closets and stuff, but there is a lot more that needs to be done.

How about you? What are your resolutions?

A New Find! Lil' Booger Bows Etsy Store

Look at this brand new Etsy store - Lil' Booger Bows. She has the cutest crocheted flower hair clippies. There are a variety to choose from. Check out her store here and let me know what you think! I think even adults could wear this on a headband. How cute would that be?
I had a hard time picking a favorite, so here are 2 of the many she has in her store.

Crocheted Flower Hair Clippie

Crocheted Flower Hair Clippie

Potato Recipe

Yesterday I was in the mood to cook. If you know me, I don't really like to cook, I like simple, easy recipes. The main reason I don't care for cooking is because I don't like cleaning the mess afterwards. hahaha! I was talking to my sister about my plans for dinner and she gave me the yummiest recipe for potatoes. It was sooooo good. I made breaded chicken breast, green beans and the potatoes. The hubby sure liked it! So did I. So, here is the recipe. Try it and let me know what you think!

What you need:
* 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
* 3 tablespoons margarine or butter
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 2 cups milk
* 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (4 ounces)
* 2 tablespoons snipped parsley
* 6 medium potatoes (2 pounds), peeled
* 1 7-ounce jar roasted red sweet peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
* Rosemary or parsley sprigs (optional)

Directions
1. In a large saucepan cook onion in margarine or butter until tender but not brown. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and parsley until cheese is melted.
2. Meanwhile, thinly slice potatoes (should have about 6 cups). In a 2-quart rectangular baking dish place half of the potatoes. Cover with half of the sauce. Add all of the roasted peppers. Repeat layers of potatoes and sauce.
3. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 1-1/4 hours. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more or until potatoes are tender. Garnish with rosemary or parsley sprigs, if desired.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Slacker

As you may have noticed I have been somewhat of a slacker on the blogging. I just cannot seem to find the motivation or desire to do anything. BUT, I am going to get back into blogging and stuff. I love to blog and need to stay on top of things. I am trying to schedule my time better and find time to do all my chores, care for my boy, cook, and blog. lol

This week on my to do list is laundry (almost done), I have 2 closets to organize, and put my Christmas decorations away. A few weeks ago I re-organized my pantry and I felt soooo good to have accomplished that. So, hopefully I can get those 2 closets done. My hubby cleaned the fridge, inside and out and it looks awesome.

I will let you know how the closets go. lol

How about you, what kind of cleaning and organization do you need to get done but keep putting it off?

AWESOME GIVEAWAY!

I just found this store and fell in love with it. She has some great stuff! My Emmy Baby is having an awesome giveaway right now for a custom made shirt. Check out her blog for more information here. You can also see all her products in her etsy store here.

You will fall in love with all her cute shirts. I just recently got one of her shirts for my son and I love it! She does great work and gets things mailed to you right away. And she is the sweetest person to work with.

Go enter her giveaway and spread the word!

AWESOME DEAL!

Check out this amazing deal Disney has today. They are selling PJs for $5. That is a steal. They have some very cute ones. I wouldn't even know which ones to choose. But for $5 might as well buy them all. lol Check out their website here.

Pillsbury Cookie Dough Coupon

Pillsbury has a coupon out for their Simply Refrigerated Cookie Dough!

Print your coupon for $1.00/1 package here.

I don't know about you, but I am going to get some so I can make some yummy cookies for my husband and son. :) They love cookies!

I like chocolate chip. My hubby likes oatmeal raisin or white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies. How about you? What's your favorite?

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat!!!

Fall is here. That means Halloween is just around the corner. I don't really care about it but I sure like to dress my little boy up in his costume and get together with friends and take our kids trick or treating. I don't let him eat the candy at all, when we get home, I throw it away. It's so hard to trust people nowadays. Don't you think? I buy my little boy his own candy. How about you? What do you do for Halloween?

Fall is upon us!

Can you believe fall is here! I already decorated my house full of fall leaves, pumpkins, pumpkin spice candles, yellow and orange flowers and more. I just love love love fall!!! I still have not decorated the front door. I have been going back and forth on what to do. At first I was going to get pales of hay and put a cute little scarecrow sitting on top. Then I changed my mind and was going to do about 3 or 4 pumpkins on the ground. But today I had another idea. I wanted to get a huge case of yellow and orange flowers and then place some pumpkins around it.

What do you guys do for fall?

I found some cute ideas online. What do you think?

Team 2Kute!

Several Etsians have gotten together to raise money to help another Etsian. 2kute has been with Etsy for a while and is always doing what she can to help others. If you ask anyone that knows her, they will say nothing but good things about her. She is very sick with fibromyalgia and the heat makes her sicker. She lives in FL, and it's always hot there. Her AC is very old and is about to die. they ahve done everything they could to fix it, however, they need to replace it. Being that she can't work, and her husband is self employed, things for them are very hard right now. So, we are trying to raise the money to help 2Kute get a new AC unit. For more information and to donate, check out this BLOG here. THANKS!!!

Funny Joke

We all need to take a minute and laugh!!!

An 8-year-old girl went to her dad, who was working in the yard. She asked him, “Daddy, what is sex?”
The father was surprised that she would ask such a question, but decides that if she is old enough to ask the question, then she is old enough to get a straight answer. He proceeded to tell her all about the “birds and the bees.”
When he finished explaining, the little girl was looking at him with her mouth hanging open.
Then her father asked her, “Why did you decide to ask about this now?”
The little girl replied, “Mom told me to tell you that dinner would be ready in just a couple of secs.”.

WOW Wednesday - SomethingSweetShoppe

The WOW etsy store I picked today is new. Something Sweet Shoppe makes the most amazing cookies! Their cookies are baked to order and custom decorated especially for you! They have just the cookie you need for you birthday parties, wedding favors, showers and holidays. They will turn any occasion into a special one!

Check out their cookies here.

Thanksgiving Mix

Pumpkins
School Mix

Baby Girl Mix

Custom Logos

You are more than welcome to participate and list the same shop. The more people participate, the more traffic the store gets. You can pick 1 or 2 or more favorite items from this shop and feature it. If you are participating in WOW wednesday, please do so by posting a link to your blog, and I will check it out!!! Then your shop will be in my list to pick for a feature in the weeks to come! Also, please link your entry back to my blog - you can even grab my button on the side ---->

Monday Deals - Old Navy

I love to shop! But I always like to shop sales and get good deals. Who can afford to pay full price for clothes nowadays? lol I was looking through the Old Navy Website, and they are having great deals. They have such an awesome website! They offer FREE shipping on orders of $100 or more.

One of this week's sale is this super cute short sleeved cowlneck top. I am thinking of going there this week to get me one! It's on sale for $8. That's crazy! Check out more deals at Old Navy here.

This will look great with jeans, of slacks.

WOW Wednesday - HeathensHearth

It is time for WOW Wednesday again! Todays shop is Heathen's Hearth Bath, Body & Skin Care! It's where you can find Handmade, Natural Bath & Body products! Your place to find handmade bath and skincare products, created from the finest ingredients available and formulated for the continued well-being of your skin! Check out their store here.

You are more than welcome to participate and list the same shop. The more people participate, the more traffic the store gets. You can pick 1 or 2 or more favorite items from this shop and feature it. If you are participating in WOW wednesday, please do so by posting a link to your blog, and I will check it out!!! Then your shop will be in my list to pick for a feature in the weeks to come! Also, please link your entry back to my blog - you can even grab my button on the side ---->

Peppermint Lip Balm - $3.00

Sandalwood Body Oil - $7.00

Black Celtic Sandalwood Soap - $5.00

Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor day! Some people see this holiday as another day off of work. I see it as a day to spend it with family and friends. My hubby and I are doing a cookout for our families today. We are going to have all the traditional yummy cook out food. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salad, wings, and more goodies. YUM! I don't know what I like more, the food, or the fact that I don't have to cook. The grill is my hubby's domain. :)
How about you? What do you guys do on Labor Day? What do you guys cook?
Enjoy your day off!!!

WOW Wednesday - 2Kute

Today marks the first weekly post of WOW Wednesday. I thought it'd be cool to list a WOW shop every week. You are more than welcome to participate and list the same shop. The more people participate, the more traffic the store gets. You can pick 1 or 2 or more favorite items from this shop and feature it. If you are participating in WOW wednesday, please do so by posting a link to your blog, and I will check it out!!! Then your shop will be in my list to pick for a feature in the weeks to come! Also, please link your entry back to my blog - you can even grab my button on the side ---->

My first WOW store is 2Kute Kreations. This shop is so super cute. 2Kute is truly a talented crafter. It's hard to pick a favorite item from her store. Here are some of her 2Kute Kreations. For more, check out her store here.


ECOfriendly Soap Saver - Ecru $5

Layered Crocheted Flower with Headband - $6.50

Hat with Flower - $18

Custer of Flowers Applique - $7.00

YUMMY!

Everyone that knows me knows that I am totally addicted to Starbucks. I love their Caramel Macchiato or their Caramel Frapuccinos. YUMMY! Well, we went there the other day and my hubby ordered himself a vanilla bean frapuccino. I got a caramel one. My little boy kept eyeing us, so my hubby shared his vanilla bean with him. It has no caffeine so I figured a sip would be ok. He loved it! He grabeed the cup, and just kept drinking it. Don't worry, he didn't drink the whole thing. Just a little bit. But I did get some pictures to document this amazing Starbucks moment. :)
How about you? Do your kids like yummy treats like this?

I Scream You Scream

I am an ice cream addict. I just love ice cream. My favorites are moose track, chocolate trinity, and chocolate. Can you see a patten here? lol I just love chocolate. My mom just told me about this ice cream she found at Wal Mart. Blue Bunny. She said it is delicious! And guess what? They have Bunny Tracks. YUM!!! I can't wait to try it. She also found a coupon here. Check it out and let me know what you think!!!

Thankful

We went to the beach for a little bit this past weekend. I wanted to take my little boy to play on the sand. It was great. I just love the ocean. It just reminds me of the great and amazing things God created. And it reminds me to be thankful for everything! I am so thankful for my family, my job, my friends, and so much more!

"In everthing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus." I Thess 5:18

Only .29 for Dove Deodorant

It may take a few extra clicks, but with a little patience and some printing, you can get DOVE Visibly Smooth Deodorant for ONLY $.29. Can you believe it? Check out more information on this deal here.

My Styles

Check out this great store!!!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade MyStyles.etsy.com

HA HA HA!

I think we all need a laugh!

When George found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his ill father died, he decided he needed a woman to enjoy it with. So one evening he went to a singles club where he checked out the most beautiful woman he had ever seen..Her natural beauty was astounding it took his breath away. "I may look like just an ordinary man," he said as he walked up to her, "but in just a week or two my father will die, and I'll inherit 15 million dollars."Impressed, the woman went home with him that evening.Three days later, she became his stepmother.

FREE Mocha Mondays

McDonalds is still having their Free Mocha Mondays. Go check it out and try one of their delicious mochas. I still haven't had a chance to go. I just love mochas and need to try them out. I am a Starbucks girl, but I will not pass up a free mocha from McDonalds. lol Go try one and let me know what you think!

Check out this brand new Etsy Store here.

It's actually my store. My hubby and I are going into business together!

MyStyles was started by a team of husband and wife who just love to be creative. We love being together and working together and this gives us an opportunity to spend even more time together!

This is the Milkyway Bangle. Don't you just love it!!! Check out more bangles at MyStyles.

Birthday Parties

I've had the privilage of throwing my boy 2 birthday parties so far! The 1st birthday was awesome! I did everything in 2 different shades of blue and polka dots. The cake was my favorite part! We had balloons and streamers and decorations all over the house. We have a playground in the backyard and the kids had a blast! The 2nd birthday we had was Mickey Mouse themed. I had Mickey everywhere. I even made rice krispie snacks in shape of Mickey. This year, I think I am going to do a CARS theme. But I have not decided yet.

For more birthday party ideas, check out Kelly's Korner.

1st birthday

2nd birthday

Wordless Wednesday

I am starting him early on coupon clipping! lol

ha ha Tuesday

A strawberry blonde was weed-eating her yard and accidentally cut off the tail of her cat which was hiding in the grass.

She rushed her cat, along with the tail, over to WAL-MART!

Why WAL-MART??

HELLOOOOOOOOO!
WALMART is the largest re-tailer in the world!!!

FREE Mocha Mondays

Can you believe that on Mondays McDonald's are giving away 1 free Mocha. Check it out... It's from 7 am to 7 pm. Guess where I am headed today? :) I want to try the caramel one!

Show Us Where You Live Friday - Entry Ways/Foyers

Well, this Friday I decided to participate on Kelly's Show Us Where you Live Fridays. I just redid my formal living room/ foyer area and I love it! I got some new decorations. My favorite is the initial on the wall by the front door. We don't have a big house or anything like that, so our foyer is not a grand entrance. lol It's just a simple house that we've made into our home. For more tours, check out Kelly's blog.

This is the table on the foyer. I just got all those decorations. You notice I blacked out our name on the plate sitting on the table. But that is brand new! We just got it! Everything else you see on there is from Kirklands. I got some amazing deals!

The letter my hubby bought for me from Kohls. It was also on sale.

We bought the chandelier at Lowe's and put it up right after we closed on the house. they had an ugly gold one on there and I hated it! Throughout the house we have that same look. I love black and decorated most of my rooms in black. lol

Tag - You're it!

Throwing a shower or party?

These tags are great to add to any party favors! Make your party favors stand out with your custom made tag!!!

These 3x6 tags are great for you to tie to a baggie for a party favor. You can also use them as bridal shower tags, wedding tags, birthday parties, Christmas, Valentine's Day and more!

Check these tags out at My Printed Memories.

Summer Time

Summer is upon us. It can get very hot!

Keeping a 2 year old active can prove difficult when we have 100 degree weather. We've taken him to Dave and Buster's and he loved it! His favorite was the cars - he liked driving. Boy, it's starting early!

We are also doing swimming lessons twice a week. We don't have access to a pool, so that's all the swimming he gets.

We also go to the beach too. I love the beach and so does he!

What do you do for fun if it's too hot to play outside?

Blog Hop Picture

I am participating on the blog hop today. It's fun! I have way too many favorite pictures. But this is one of my absolute pictures. We went to the beach last year and got some great shots. I really wanted to do one like this and I love how it came out. I love my family!

I have all my links on the bottom of my blog for the blog hop. Check out all the other blogs!!!

Craft Idea for your Child

It's summer time. If you have kids at home, they must be bored.
I have been trying to do more crafts with my 2 year old. I found this idea and thought it was so cute. I am going to try it out. You guys try it and let me know how it goes.

You can make a raccoon, dog, cat, rabbit, bunny, mouse, pig, panda, or frog.

I think we are going to make the dog.


Supplies needed:
Paper bags
Scraps of construction paper
Glue
Scissors
Markers or crayons
Optional - googly eyes, pipe cleaners for whiskers

Fold the two square edges of a paper bag under (at the dotted lines), to form the animal's head.

You now have the shape of the animal's head.

Cut out ears, eyes, a nose, and a tongue. Glue the tongue inside the mouth. Glue the eyes, nose, and ears to the dog's face.


Enjoy!!! Let me know how it goes.

Happy 4th of July

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I did! We had our families over for some good old fashioned 4th of July grilling.

We had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salad, apple pie, ice cream and cake. Everything was so yummy!

I even decorated my table. I have this red and white plaid tablecloth that I got as a wedding present. But my favorite part of the table was the centerpiece. My mom made it. Isn't so patriotic and super cute? I just love how it turned out!

How about you? How was your 4th of July? Did you have fun?

Addie Kakes Kreations

Do you have a baby shower coming up and don't know what to get? I have a suggestion. Check out Addie Kakes Kreations. She is AWESOME! She has the cutest stuff and amazing prices. I ordered a onesie and hooded baby towel from her. They were sooo cute! When the gifts were received, everyone went nuts over it. Not only is it a thoughful present, but it's just so darn cute! She also makes baby blankets, hats, bibs, burp cloths, and more. Make your gift stand out! Order from Addie Kakes Kreations today!

Here is the onesie I got from Addie Kakes Kreations