All Things Homemade

Simple After Dinner Snack

2012-01-31T20:23:00.000-08:00

If you decide to go on The Makers Diet like I am, you will have a lot of foods to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner..and snacks too. Oh yeah, what is a day of eating if you can not indulge after dinner on a snack of some sort?
One of the after dinner snacks I have been eating is halved strawberries and goat cheese. Have you ever had goat cheese? If not, why not. It has a flavor all its own I can tell you that. To me, it tastes a little bit sour/little bit plain. Yeah, it is strange, but addicting nonetheless. When the goat cheese is eaten with strawberry halves, it is just delicious.
Tonight though, I will have another after dinner snack (8PM): Apple slices, Almond butter ( I have this) and honey. I have all these on hand so this will make for a great snack.

Now, in The Maker's Diet book, there are a lot of other breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options. The author, Jordan Rubin, wrote up example menus for every two weeks. Since this is a 40 Day diet plan that is.

There are three phases to this diet plan. Each phase has foods/drinks to eat and those to avoid. So, for each week, or every other week, you can take away or add foods which are not recommended for the phase you are in. The phases are so your body and mind will begin to detoxify of all the toxins circling around in your brain and body. In fact, I know this is the reason for foods to eat/avoid in the three phases.

I am in Phase II now. So I have more foods I can add to my meals now. Two weeks ago, I could not eat apples, this next two weeks, I can add apples and almonds to my diet. This diet is very good and I would recommend it to anyone looking to just eat better. The best thing about this diet is, it is not a diet at all. Really, these are foods you can find at any grocery store, organic grocery store or farmer's market. I am not sure where you live, but it is highly unlikely you have grass fed beef, chicken, venison. I do not have any of this in my city, so I can only eat corn fed beef, chickens,etc.

Whether I make breakfast, lunch or dinner, and the recipe asks for olive oil or coconut, I always use coconut oil. I have been using coconut oil for about four to five years now and not only does it taste good, it makes your whole home smell delicious too. Did you know coconut oil is for more than food? Yeah, it is excellent for skin. If you are not already using coconut oil for all your cooking and baking...well, it is time you switch from store bought oils..

There is only one thing I really have to improvise on when it comes to drinking and that is Raw Cow or Goat Milk. I really want to taste Raw Cow or Goat Milk..Gold, this is the true Gold....Raw Cow and Goat Milk is the GOLD..not this homogenized, watered down, totally fake ~~milk.~~ It is sad though that I live in the Central Valley and I am not able to find any raw cow or goat milk anywhere. Hey, how about contraband raw cow or goat milk...is there such a thing?

What is that saying, "You are with You eat!" Yeah, we say this a lot, but when your health is at risk, it takes on a whole new meaning. Okay, so if by chance, you mess up on one day of this diet, do not start over from the beginning. I mean, we are human beings and we mess up. I speak from experience as I have messed up two times now. I did not start over, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (KJV) where I know my healing resides. I am not only doing this diet for a one timer, no I want to eat this way all the time. I mean, what is the point of doing a diet if you plan on going back to the "old ways"?

Can You Smell That Rosemary and Oregano?

2012-01-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

The the past two weeks I have been on this diet called The Makers Diet. This diet is something I have decided to do so I may be healed from the inside out. This diet is not that hard to follow and the foods are good. There are a couple of things I have to give up and this is okay.

Anyway, tonight for one of my meals, I sauteed mushrooms with garlic. I used chicken legs for dinner. The recipe is called Chicken with Mushrooms and Oregano. Well, I knew my hubby and twins would not eat this, so I did half of the chicken, plain, and chicken with honey, rosemary and oregano. For my chicken, I will eat it with the mushrooms/garlic mix. I also baked potatoes for hubby and twins. Since I did not have a sweet potato in my fridge, I baked some small red potatoes.

I am not a fan of corn, so no corn either.

Anyway, sometimes I have to improvise because I do not always have the ingredients on hand. A lot of the ingredients in the book really want me to eat grass fed beef, fowl, venison, etc. I would LOVE to eat all grass fed meat, but I am sure there is not in my city.

I will take a picture of my dinner, on my plate and post it to this article.

Bon Appetit!

Changes in Pharmacies Do Affect Customers Too

2012-01-13T17:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is nothing more frustrating than having to drive to a pharmacy that could be father away from you home. This is what will happen to Walgreen's Pharmacy customers since the contract with Express Script's and Walgreens Pharmacy has expired. As it turns out, Walgreens and Express Scripts will no longer to business together. This is bad for customers who have become accustomed to having their prescriptiong filled through Walgreens Pharmacy will have no choice but to go elsewhere to use there in-network pharmacy benefits, which is totally unnecessary. This change with Express Scripts will have patients changing pharmacies and the possibility of paying more for their prescriptions.

Express Scripts has Military customers as well and now their prescriptions will affected as well. Military customers got their prescriptions filled by Tricare. While negotions were going on with Express Scripts and Walgreens, Walgreens took an unprecedented step to offer Express Scripts an ironclad gurarantee that Walgreens prices would match or beat average costs per adjusted prescription.

With all this change, Walgreens has given their customers a chance to save on their prescriptions through the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens. Right now, if customers sign up before Janurary 31, 2012, indivuduals can pay $5, and this is a $15 savings, while families can pay $10 a year for all families memebrs, up to the age of 22.

To show your support for Walgreens, you can go to Twitter and "like them at Walgreens on Twitter along with "liking" Walgreens at Walgreens on Facebook.

Do You Have Left Over Christmas Cookies?

2012-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I do have extra Christmas cookies left over. I think I have over twenty cookies left over. Oh goodness, I did not frost the extra cookies and it has been three and a half weeks now since Christmas Eve. Every time I go into my kitchen, I pass the cookies and say, "I need to frost these cookies or throw them away."

Finally, today I decided to make some frosting with my twins so they can help Mommy frost these cookies. I do not know about you, but I am still recovering from Christmas. My twins birthday was at the beginning of November so I always have a very busy year end..Not only do my twins have a birthday at the end of the year, so does my husband, his sister and myself.

Yeah, you would think my Christmas recovery would be over with, but I slowly recovering and I will be back on track soon. As for my extra Christmas cookies, I am surprised my twins have not asked why we did not or have not frosted the Christmas cookies yet. Normally, my twins would have no problem asking Mommy for a "sweet" snack or for us to finish frosting these yummy Christmas cookies.

Alright, I have the ingredients needed for the frosting and I will make them red and green...and of course...add the toppings my twins like so much..

Not Only Am I Making Smoothies, I Just Began Juicing

2012-01-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

I am reading this one book, The Maker's Diet, and have learned a lot about healing yourself from whatever is ailing you. I mean, I have known about eating good foods and getting rid of junk food, but the way this author talks about getting and staying healthy really has me excited.

Along with this author, I was watching this documentary called, The Gerson Therapy, and one part of their therapy is drinking, at three times a day, veggie and fruit drinks. Now, it has only taken me almost six years to begin reading this book and when I watching this documentary on healing oneself of cancer and other diseases, I was so excited and decided to do something, be proactive, in healing myself.

If you think your GP or specialist doctor wants to make you better, think again. The specialist doctor I am seeing, he loves prescribing drugs. In fact, not even once did he suggest I make an appointment with a chiropractor, cut out the sweets or begin juicing. From my POV, he is not even looking to heal me, just keep me pumped on drugs that only take care of the symptoms. What happened to the doctor oath to First do not harm?

From what I have been reading, doctors are not even taught in medical school how to prescribe a homeopathic or organic way to healing oneself from any ailment. I just shake my head in total disgust.

But I digress....

For the past two weeks, I have begun juicing and I love it. The fruits and veggies I have been using for my morning and afternoon drinks have been carrots, apples, spinach, pineapple, kale, celery and peaches. I do not use all these at once, but these are the fruits and veggies have used so far. Maybe I will add some garlic to my juicing too, but not too much!!

For a year now, I have been receiving a newsletter from The Juice Lady, but I do not own her book with recipe's, but Jordan Rubin recommends her. When you are really in need or healing, going the "traditional" route may not be the only way anymore.

The Only Way is through Jesus Christ and all the fruits and veggies were provided to us, though Him. So, why not use the natural and healing foods He has given us? When you cry out to the Lord for guidance, He will hear you and show you the way you need to go for healing. This process, I know, will not happen instantly, or it may, but the whole point, IMHO, is to trust in the Lord.

Making Smoothies At Home

2012-01-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

This yeas for Christmas, my parents got me a smoothie/blender called the Ninja. This smoothie/blender is exactly that, a Ninja. Not only does it make smoothies, but I can use it to make bread dough, pizza dough, ice cream and smoothies.

My twins love smoothies and when my Mom saw this on QVC, she asked me to look at it online. Well, I loved it. It comes with the 40 oz container/pitcher and three 16 oz smoothie cups. This smoothie/blender also comes with its own recipe book full of ways to eat certain seasonal foods and use the blender. This recipe book also shows me what fruits and veggies to eat for Super foods.

So far, I have made a lot of smoothies, I am even thinking of making a chocolate/peanut butter smoothie. As for ice cream, I have made vanilla and vanilla/chocolate chip ice cream. Next time, I will make vanilla/caramel and vanilla/brownie ice cream.

This smoothie/blender is one of the best ways to begin the year staying healthy. Oh, and I have made delicious salsa. I am a sucker for good salsa..

Cake Pops Are Fun and Easy to Make

2011-12-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

The first time I saw cake pops was at the Starbucks Coffee Shop near my home. I saw them standing behind the glass case and my mouth began to water. Oh my, right them and there I knew I had to buy one for myself and my twins. They are the cutiest and petite treats I had ever seen.

So, I bought three cake pops, one with white, chocolate and pink frosting. About a month ago when my parents were in town, my Mom and I went to Bed Bath and Beyond. I was going there to look for the Cake Pop Maker. The one I really wanted was out or stock, so I bought the one for the oven. This one works great for me and probably makes more than the counter top Cake Pop Maker.

I made these Cake Pops, in a variety of designs, for the Calvary Chapel Tracy Women's Christmas Tea, and will make some more, hopefully for Christmas this weekend. They are fun and easy to make, they just take a lot of time.

Well, here are the photos I took of the Cake Pops I made.

If you are like me and love baking, this is probably the most fun you will have baking and a good investment too.

This New LG DoublePlay Is Amazing With It's WideScreen and So Much Mrore

2011-12-19T17:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When looking for a new smartphone this Christmas season, the only smartphone you need to look at, and purchase, is the LG DoublePlay™ The LG Doubleplay allows the user, with it's 3.5 main display, to use their new phone independently or tandem, along with using the QWERTY pad and Swype, which allows you to input text and do multi tasking, all at the same time. How cool is that!

If you think this is awesome, you can also check your Facebook account, surf the web and check emails. Oh, and if you love taking photos, this LG Doubleplay has a 5.0 megapixel camera with an LED flash and 720p HD video recorder. These two features are awesome when you want to send photos and video to your Facebook family and friends. This is one amazing package. In fact, there will be no need to have a camera and video recorder anymore. The smartphone, camera and video recorder...are all inclusive.

Have you ever heard of the Cloud Text or Group Text? This is something you will find just as awesome because it gives you the ability to send, and receive, texts from your PC or tablet, and create group chats...on...the...go...yeah, that is pretty amazing!

Do you like gingerbread? Well now the LG Doubleplay, through Android 2.3, offers you access to the Android Market too. The gingerbread also delivers complete user customization on seven home screens and nine touchscreen shortcuts.

Now, I have already written about how amazing this smartphone is for Facebook, but this phone is also excellent to use with all the social networking you do and when using the multi tasking handset. Oh and do not forget, the QWERTY keypad and duel capacitive touch screens, allowing for all your simultaneous mobile activities.

When looking for this smartphone, you have to look no further than our T-Mobile store. I do not know about you, but I must text over 200 times a month. In fact, I know I do because my it is so much fun and well, my typing has gotten so much better too. So, if you text as much, or more, than I do, this is the phone for you.

Oh, and if you think you will not be able to get on your Facebook, or any other social networking website, have no fear, this can all be accomplished on your new LG DoublePlay...right at your fingertips.

Instead of me going on and on about this one amazing smartphone, check it out for yourself, right now! I would love to know what you would do with this smartphone, how many hours you spend texting, taking photos, video and of course, talking with friends and family of Facebook.

These Are Scones I Made For The Calvary Chapel Tracy Woman's Christmas Tea

2011-12-18T23:01:00.000-08:00

Last year I did not attend my churches Woman's Christmas Tea. This year, not only did I attend, I co-hosted a table with my friend Kristie. We both brought in our tea cups, plates, kettles, platters and I brought in a mini Christmas tree. The Christmas Tea was just delightful and I am so glad I attended this year.

The house certainly was full. It was nice to see so many ladies at the tea this year. I tried inviting a couple of woman, but they flat out did not want to come. I was sad, I mean why pass up on such wonderful fellowship and testimonies on how Christ is working in their lives and how much Jesus loves us (I shrug my shoulders).

Well, any way, along with my co-hosting a table, I made some scones (gingerbread and chocolate chip). The scones I made were a big hit! Yeah, they were gone...every...single....one...of...them...That excited me as they are so easy to make. I found these two recipes online at this one recipe website I have been going to for at least six years now. I was glad to see the ladies enjoying the desserts I made.

Before this Woman's Christmas Tea, I had made scones before. If you read my article from April, on my TwiceBabiesMom blog, during the Royal Wedding, I made scones for my twins and myself. They were a smashing hit in April as well. For the Royal Wedding, my twins and I dressed up, drank tea and eat scones in front of the television in the family room.

But I digress....

It was great to be a part of this year's Calvary Chapel Tracy Women's Christmas Tea. If the tea is around the same time as it was this year, I will do my best to attend and host another table.

Oops, I did forget to take photos of my final product,. but they looked just as good as they tasted. I do play to make some more Chocolate Chip Scones soon..

Bulbs are Beautiful and Can Be Grown the Dig Drop Done Method

2011-12-07T21:00:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done.. All opinions are 100% mine.
Every Spring I can not wait to see my bulbs coming up all bright and cheery. This is a fun Spring or Summer surprise to see in your backyard and your curbside. Speaking of your curbside, there is no need for Curbside Chaos anymore when it comes to planting your bulbs. In fact, depending on where you live, there is a tool you can use online for your planting season. I use the Garden Guru Tool, at Curbside Chaos, because you can plant your bulbs in the months of March, April, May and June, depending on what part of the United States of America you live in. Before planting any of your bulbs, it is best to find out what the best time of the month to Dig Drop Done your bulbs.

While I went to the website DigDropDone, I learned that bulbs are a self contained flower factory. Their package may be small, but as they come out of the "container" each season, you will be delighted to see what color that bulb will bring to your backyard or front yard. Now, before you plant your bulbs, it is best for the ground to be cold. This way they will have extra protection. This is a nice nugget of information to know before planting bulbs, Oh and the three ladies who are fans of bulbs are Marcy, Juliana and Evelyn. When I was reading who they are, I totally identified with Marcy. For one, she has twins too and I know just enough about bulbs that will come up ever season.

When you visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more you will be amazed at how many varieties are available to you and what color/species would work best in front of your home. The colors are limitless and will wow not only you, but you family, friends and neighbors too.

Oh, if you are a fan of contests (like I am) you will have to enter the Bulbs:Dig Drop Done contest being put on my Taniya from Curbside Chaos. Taniya is also on Twitter @TaniyaNayak,Twitter. Yeah, you can follow her on Twitter and read what she says about making your curb look beautiful. Right now though, when you go to Curbside Chaos, enter the contest by uploading a photo of your yard and you can win a $5,000 yard makeover! Yeah, how cool is that!

For every share on Twitter, "Bulb:Dig Drop Done" will donate $1.00 to Rebuild Together. This is the nation's leading nonprofit that works to preserve affordable homeownership and keep up communities as well.
Just in case you are wondering if you have to be a gardener, fear not my friends. These are the easiest flowers to plant. If you have dirt, a digging tool and a bag of bulbs, you are good to go. This is as easy as 1,2,3...really! Every spring my bulbs come up in little pots I have on my backyard patio. Sometimes I forget I had even planted them until they come up. How cool is that!

If you think bulbs are just for your garden, think again. Bulbs make for awesome birthday gifts, anniversary gifts or a thank you gift to a teacher. Once the bulbs have come up, they can be moved indoors, if you plant them in a flower pot, so go to Dig Drop Done and see the other two ladies ready to help you plant some bulbs.

Buy Eye Glasses Without the Middleman

2011-12-01T17:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Anyone who wears eyeglasses knows how expensive they can be. It does not matter if the eyeglasses are purchased in an optometrist office, eyeglasses store or eyeglasses in a department store. There are some very expensive eye glasses, name brand, that people like to wear. Now, if expensive eye glasses is not an option, cheap eyeglasses, price wise, is another option. Zenni eyeglasses are able to sell glasses at a low price because they have no retail overhead, no middleman and hardly any advertisement costs. The best way to learn about Zenni glasses is through word of mouth and visiting their website.

Everyone wearing glasses knows what style they like or do not like. Zenni selling a variety of styles to go with your mood or personality. There are eye glasses for single vision, bifocals and progressive. These glasses are available for children, men, women and unisex.

At Zenni, they take pride in filling your prescription and this is why the sell only high quality glasses that are durable, safe and comfortable at a price you can afford. When I say affordable prices, they have low prices starting at $6.95 and going up to $46.00. At these prices, you can purchase more than one pair. In fact, you can purchase a pair to go with more than one outfit.

With the money I would be saving on eye glasses, hmmm, I would probably spend it on downloading songs from iTunes! Yeah that sounds like something I would do. The glasses I prefer are the Rimless Titanium Frames. Yeah I am not a fan of rims around my eyeglasses anymore.

Cuts and Scrapes Can Be Healed with New-Skin Products

2011-11-30T14:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of New-Skin for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you find yourself getting hurt a lot, especially your children, they you know what is it like to constantly be wearing a bandage, right? Well there are new and improved bandages and they are nothing like the "old school" bandages either. These bandages, are in fact, in liquid form. Yeah, this is a new and improved way to cover up and heal your skin or scar faster than before. Did you know New-Skin has been around for 100 years? You might be asking yourself what took you so long to learn about this product line and heal those scratches, cuts and scars. Well, you no longer have an excuse to not use these products.

New-Skin has three new products to look at, learn about and purchase. There is the New-Skin Liquid Bandage/Spray Bandage and Scar Fade Gel (reduces the appearance of scars) and the New-Skin Poison Ivy Treatment. These are products you can carry with you where ever you go, especially your car and purse. The New-Skin Spray Bandage is great if you like the outdoors. The outdoors is fun, but sometimes you will fall and cut yourself. Another thing outdoor people might have to worry about is Poison Ivy. Wow, I have never been around Poison Ivy, but for those who have, the itching is probably very uncomfortable. This Poison Ivy Treatment uses a non-toxic wash and removes the toxic oils from the Ivy. The New-Skin Bandage is also excellent for other activities like working with wood, glass or just everyday living. Almost everyone I know, including myself, has a scar. It is possible to heal a scar faster than you ever thought before. In fact, this Scar-Fade will fade an old scar as well.

Have you ever heard of New-Skin before? If not, now is your time to enter the New-Skin sweepstakes. You can enter for a chance to the 4-day adventure of yours, your family and friends choice! How cool is that, especially if you are an outdoorsy person. This is the ultimate sweepstakes to enter. The first 500 to enter receive a New-Skin water proof container too.

If you are wondering what the sweepstake prizes are, they include a ski trip to Breckenridge, CO, tour the Botanical Gardens in Atlanta, GA or hiking in Yellowstone National Park. These a amazing sweepstake prizes to win...and you can win one of these..yeah you!

Over five years ago I learned about New-Skin Scar Fade Gel when one of my twins needed stitches. Ever since then, I keep the New-Skin Scar Fade Gel and liquid bandage in my medicine cabinet too. This is indeed, the best product to have in your medicine cabinet and car, at all times. So, tell my what you think about New-Skin products and include a link to your sweepstakes page.

Mommy Made A Pumpkin Cake Roll

2011-11-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is a fun dessert to make. I made this last year and it was a big hit. I found this recipe on All Recipes.com. Last year I found this recipe at another website, but lost the recipe so I went to this website which I use all the time.

So, for this dessert, I used canned pumpkin, butter, eggs, vanilla, flour, sugar, cream cheese and powdered sugar. The cake is made with all but the last two ingredients (they are for the inside of the cake). Once the cake is baked, it has to cool down a while, the wrap it in a non cotton towel and place in refrigerator for a while. When the cake is cool, unwrap the towel and with the frosting mix, spread it all over the cake.

Once all the frosting is used, roll up the cake and place back in the refrigerator until it is time to devour with family and friends.

Now, this recipe is not completely as it should be made, so here is the recipe for you to make: Pumpkin Cake Roll.

Twins and Mommy Making Turkey Place Cards

2011-11-29T13:01:00.000-08:00

These Turkey Place Cards were so much fun to make. They were easy to make too. All I needed was some card stock paper, white, some orange, red and yellow ink (in one case from your favorite craft store) and some googely eyes.

This craft project took about three hours to make and look so cute once completed. My twins, and Mommy, had fun with this craft because we got to stick out pointer finger in each of the colors and make feathers in each color on the card stock, 3x4 and folded in half.

Here is the final craft looks like. Oh, this is so easy it can also be made for Christmas or any occasion.

Twins and Mommy Making Turkey Cupcakes

2011-11-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is the third of four Fall/Thanksgiving crafts. This craft was fun because we added one of TwinGirlie "A"s favorite Fall candy: candy corn. Oh this Fall season Mommy had purchased a big bag of Candy Corn because I knew TwiceGirlie "A", more than TwiceGirlie "B" likes to eat them.

So when I found this craft, snack, to make with my twins, it was fun to add the candy corn as the Turkey Feathers. Baking the yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting was easy as I baked them as cupcakes are normally baked. After they were baked, I let them cool down and I frosted the majority of the cupcakes and let the twins frost four cupcakes each.

Once all the cupcakes were frosted, Mommy, then twins (separately) added the candy corn to the back of the cupcake, one or two rows, the added Keebler Sandies Cookies as the body and two wings. When these were added, Mommy, then twins (separately) an eye and red wattle. The Turkey Cupcakes not only looked cute, they tasted good too. This craft was supposed to use Mini Sandies, but I could not find them and had to break the big ones in half and cut then to fit the cupcake.

I brought the cupcakes to my Aunt's home for Thanksgiving and we had one each, I left four with my Aunt and Uncle, and took the rest home.

Twins and Mommy Making Thanksgiving Garland of Leaves

2011-11-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

This is another cute craft my twins and Mommy (me) made at home a couple days before Thanksgiving. Yeah, I should have done all these crafts like a week before Thanksgiving, but this idea just came to me at the last moment. Well, better late than never, right!

Okay, so this is two of four crafts we did together. This was a fun craft, although it did take a while and tested patients, twins and Mommy. This was a fun craft though. I looked for templates online, printed them out and my twins and Mommy put the templates on four colors of construction paper. Them we outlined the leaves with pencil and we cut the leaves out in the colors of Fall: Orange, Brown, Red and Yellow..well we also used some Green.

Once the leaves were cut out, we put some glitter glue down the middle and sides of leaves. Let the glue dry, them we crumbled the leaves as suggested for this craft. Them Mommy used the hole puncher at the top of each leave and put each hole of the leaf into a string of yarn.

The Thanksgiving Leaf Garland looks like this and it is so pretty!

Okay, the garland is over the sliding glass door, with the lights..can you see them? They are so pretty and totally worth making.

Making Thanksgiving Crafts at Home

2011-11-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

Last week, two days before Thanksgiving, my twins and Mommy (that is me), made a Hand print Turkey's from three construction paper colors. We used brown, orange and red for the feathers. It was fun to make and did not take too long.

For each color, my twins, and Mommy, outlined our hands on the paper. We used one hand and even though all the hand prints were supposed to match up...well...they did not..but they still turned out so cute. Along with the colored construction paper for the feathers and body, we added googly eyes and made a yellow triangle nose. After the turkey's were made, I glued them to a green background.

This was just one of four crafts we did in two or three days. Now, as cute as this craft is, wait until you see the other three crafts. You know, this is one of the good things about the Internet, you can find crafts to do with your children, or students, online instead of purchasing a craft book with crafts you might never use.

The New Way To Eat A Lunch Away From Home

2011-11-22T00:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PackIt for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is a new way to eat lunch when you, or your children, are away from home. Have you heard of the PackIt lunch boxes? If not, how come? There are commercials on T.V., popular named stores sell these awesome lunch boxes and of course they are sold online. These are the best lunch boxes around, especially if your children like eating meat lunches and want their drinks to stay cold. Plus, there is no need to purchase those cold packs you will forget to place in the freezer or will thaw out and will tear. With this new way to keep lunches cold, you will never have to purchase another lunch box cold pack again.

There is no need to ever worry about this lunch box thawing out because it stays cold for up to 10 hours and will fit in your freezer because it folds too. This lunch box is not only for kids, but can be used for anyone on the go, take it to the office and is great for keeping baby milk bottles cold too.

The best thing about this new lunch box is it non toxic, sweat proof and was featured on The Martha Stewart show too. This amazing little lunch box was a brain child of two single moms looking for a better way to keep their kids lunches cold without using ice packs or filling sandwich bags with ice.

I just love this lunch box, I mean what a great idea, right? Moms no longer need to use ice packs and pray their child's food stays cold. This is the best thing since....sliced bread and for a limited time you can purchase a PackIt lunch box and get one free for only $19.95. This is awesome if you have two kids going to school or you like to take them to the park.

So, tell me why you like the PackIt lunch box, how it is different from the "old school" lunch boxes and what you would use it for..

Hamper Christmas Gifts To Put A Smile On Anyone's Face

2011-10-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

The holiday's are just around the corner. That means it is the time for giving and receiving gifts. This year, instead of giving your family or friends a gift they will not appreciate, or really need, give them a gift that will put a smile on their face. For Christmas this year, nothing says, "I love you" or "Thank You" more than giving Christmas Hampers. These gifts come in a variety of exquisite hampers that will wow your family and friends and they will thank you for such a lovely and thoughtful gift. These hampers are at such a great price, they can be given to anyone on your Christmas list close or far away.

One of the most popular Christmas Hampers is the Champagne and Truffle Hamper. This hamper comes with a bottle of Léo Deviroy Brut Champagne, Truffles which are sprinkled in angel dust and reserved for the deserving at this time of year. The truffles are packed into an attractive burgundy box. The whole Christmas Hamper is stunning to open and this is a gift you will want to share with other family members and friends. In fact, your family members and friends will also want to give this type of gift at anytime of the year to whoever has a special occasion.

Another beautiful and nicely filled Christmas hamper gift is the Christmas Tower Box. This boxes are red and gold and topped with a beautiful red bow with red ribbon curls down the side of the boxes. With the outside looking so lovely, wait until your family or friends open each box. The boxes contain Thursday Cottage Christmas Pudding, Mrs. Bridges Strawberry Preserve with Champagne, Mrs. Bridges Celebration Marmalade with Champagne, Green Cuisine Mulled Wine Fruit and Spice Sachet, New English Teas (10 English Afternoon and Breakfast teabags), Gold Foiled Milk Chocolate Coins, Sebahat Assorted Flavoured Turkish Delight and Finest Belgian Truffle Chocolates. My goodness, this Christmas Hamper Gift will also put a smile on your family or friends face.

Finally, a hamper can be given as a year round gift, to any of your family, friends or acquaintances. It is time to give a not so typical gift. These type of gifts have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and accept major credit cards along with Pay pal.

TwiceGirlie "B" Cooking with Mommy

2011-10-18T23:54:00.000-07:00

This time, Twice Girlie "B" stayed home from the gym and she helped me cook dinner. This dinner was the same as what Twice Girlie "A" and I made. This is really a good dinner and easy to make. Just like Twice Girlie "A", Twice Girlie "B" also likes cooking, and baking..

So, just like I did last time I cooked this meal, I measured all the spices and let Twice Girlie "B" put the spices in a bag. Once all the spices were in the bag, Twice Girlie "B" mixed the spices together. And, just like last time I made this dinner, I cleaned the chicken real good as to not get sick. Getting sick from poultry is just bad all around. LOL

Any who, here is my precious Twice Girlie "B" adding spices to bag, shaking bag and placing chicken in glass cooking container:

TwiceGirlie "A" Cooking with Mommy

2011-10-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

My twins love baking and cooking with Mommy, so when Twice Girlie "A" wanted to stay home with Mommy, she helped me bake some chicken legs. It was a lot of fun for her and me. I measured out the ingredients and had her put the spices in a plastic bag. Once all the spices were in the bag, I had her shake the bag until all the spices were mixed together.

Before the chicken was placed into the bag, I cleaned the chicken real good, I mean real good, it is no fun getting sick from unwashed poultry, am I right?

Here are some photos of my Twice Girlie helping Mommy make the chicken:

Has Your Pet Done The Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge Yet?

2011-10-14T23:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hills Pet Nutrition for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If not, well, get on over to the Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge page and get your own Hill's Healthy Mobility Coupon. This is an excellent challenge for your pet if they are beginning to have joint health issues. Having joint health issues is something that happens to 1 in 5 dogs. Wow, does your dog fall in these statistics? Whether your dog does or does not, there is nothing wrong with early detection. This is why Hill's Pet Nutrition is something that will work with your pet and not against your pet.

Take for instance the revolutionary and tested nutrition specifically created to help your dog facing challenges do to slow mobility. This new Hill's Healthy Nutrition food has Omega-3 fatty acids which works on your pets joints in just 30 days. This new formulated dog food also has antioxidants for a healthy immune system.

When you register now, you will receive $30 in coupon and you will be entered in the sweepstakes where 30 winners will receive FREE DOG for a YEAR!! I highly recommend you visit the Hill's Pet Nutrition page and also "like" Hill's Pet Nutrition on Facebook to receive updates on products and how to take care of your pets overall performance and mobility. Oh, and you can also add photos of your pet to the Hill's Pet Nutrition Facebook page to show how well this new food is working for your pet to keep them more active.

Looking To Save Money on Energy Costs in Your Home? It Is Time You Have a Home Engery Asessement

2011-10-09T17:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Santa Clara County’s 80% Home Energy Assessment Rebate for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The cost of using the air conditioner and heater throughout the year tends to be costly. Yes, we all like to stay either warm or cold, depending on the months of the year, but did you know your home could be losing a lot of energy through drafty windows and doors? This can be corrected when you schedule your home for an energy assessment. Just like you schedule with your doctor for a check-up, to do does your home need a check-up. When looking at your monthly energy bill, and finding it keeps going up, it is time to take action and find a qualified contractor to seal up the drafty areas in your home.

For a limited time in Santa Clara County, you can get a rebate for up to $800. All you have to do is call a participating contractor to get your complete energy assessment. An energy assessment is like an audit of your home to see home much energy your home consumes. The assessment will show you ways in which you can save money on certain areas in your home to cut energy costs. As it turns out, most homes can lose up to 30% of heating through faulty ducts and poor insulation. An assessment can also show you ways to conserve your homes water and electricity usage.

When the assessment in completed, the contractor will go over the areas in your home that could be ungraded. If the upgrades are completed, you might be eligible for a rebate up to $4,000. In order to qualify for an 80% home assessment rebate, you must own a single family, detached home in Santa Clara County Use an Energy Upgrade California participate contractor Energy assessment rebates are paid up to $800 and must be paid directly to the participating contractor. If you decide to proceed with the recommended upgrades and receive additional rebates, up to $4,000, you are further eligible for the"test-out: assessment rebate administered by Santa Clara County.

Finally, if you like the EnergyUpgradeCa website on Facebook, you can learn a lot of other ways to reduce your existing energy costs and find other ways to use the money saved on cooling or heating your home.

Have You Ever Tried The TRESemm'e Fresh Start Dry Shampoo Yet?

2011-10-03T07:25:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TRESemmé for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If not, I will tell you how to use it. This is the coolest product to come since sliced bread. Now, sometimes, there is just not enough time to wash your hair as you shower or bathe, This is when the TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo comes in handy. You may be wondering how a dry shampoo can work on your hair. Well this is how it works and this should be in every household. Before using this hair product, it is recommended you shake it vigorously before use and each spray bursts for best results. You will have to lift sections of your dry hair and slightly spray the roots. As you are spraying your hair, it is recommended you hold the spray 8 to 12 inches from your head.

This hair product is not a hair spray and should not be treated as such. That is, do not spray this all over your head, but is spurts from to roots to the ends. This dry shampoo has to be left in your hair for 1 to 2 minutes and you can use either your fingers or brush to spread the dry shampoo all over your head. Just in case the nozzle becomes clogged, the nozzle can be removed and clean it out with warm water and put back on bottle.

There are more than one of these dry shampoo's to look and and purchase. If you were concerned about an excess of oil or the removal of odor one your head, any one of the dry shampoo's will rejuvenates your hair in minutes without a drop of water. When it comes to leaving your hair clean, not only will your hair be clean, it will smell great with an infusion of citrus.

The full line of TRESemm'e Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. There is the Strengthening Dry Shampoo, Volumizing Dry Shampoo, Smoothing Dry Shampoo and Moisturizing Waterless Foam Shampoo. So, for whatever hair type you have or whatever style you are seeking, there is more than one TRESemm'e hair product for you.

If you are wondering what it looks like to use this product, before purchase, click on this YourTube with Julia Allison. She will be showing you exactly how to use it through her tutorial. Oh yeah, Julie Allison will be giving away a $500 Gift Card to Target to a lucky viewer. So, I would suggest you enter this contest and see if you could be a winner!

Did you know StraightTalk will make you Richer?

2011-09-24T07:02:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

This is true you know. With Straight Talk, you are not under any contract, ever, and you will not have a credit check or surprise bills. Also, there are never, ever any activation termination and reactivation fees, This is a Hook, line and sinker offer you will not receive from any other big name cell phone provider and you will wonder what took you so long to leave your current cell phone provider. If you currently have and Android phone, well there is Android on Straight Talk too. Straight Talk only sells name brand cell phones and smart phone such as Nokia, LG, Samsung and many others.

Straight Talk is a very popular cell phone company now and when you sign up with Straight Talk, you will have to Call a friend and tell them how awesome this service is and how many popular cell phone and smart phones they provide in their line of phones. Straight Talk only uses name brand such as Nokia, LG, Samsung and many more. The smart phones are amazing in that they are touch screen, have apps, voice navigation, camera, video recorder, instant messaging, music player and blue tooth.

Everything you need in a cell phone or smart phone is right here at Straight Talk. It will amaze you with all the money you will be saving and be able to use for whatever you want now. The "All You Need Plan" offers savings, even for the heavy cell phone user with 1,000 minutes and 1,000 text and 30MB of web data.

There is an unlimited monthly service for only $45 and you can send texts, photo messaging, and web. Image the unlimited calls, text and photo messaging and web for a whole year for only $499. This just pales in comparison with the current cell phone company you are under contract with. If you want to call 411 to find something out of town like a restaurant or stores, you can use 411 with no extra charge.

If you have family and friends in other countries, you can sign up for the Long Distance Service with flexible service plans on your cell phone, office and home phones. This is awesome.

Another cell phone to consider are reconditioned cell phones with a camera, mp3 player, mobile access and blue tooth for $10! This is an excellent phone for younger people.

My goodness, this is one amazing cell phone company and if you have been looking around for a more affordable cell phone company, look no more.

DtStre ThtT

Twins Making Painting for Nana and Papa

2011-09-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

While at Michael's last week, I was in the drawing and painting aisle. I was beginning to draw some of the flowers and hearts that are on their comforter's. Before I paint anything, I like to draw the object first. I am sure a lot of artists, painters, do this as well.

Anyway, while looking for more pencils, colored pencils and a drawing tablet, I turned around and on a shelf pulled off a paper for a painting project for my girls. I thought, "My twins can make this easily and have fun doing this as well.

This is what my twins have painted so far. I am having my twins paint this in sections and letting the paint dry before painting each step.

Once my twins complete their painting, I will post it on this article.

Backing Up Your Computer Begins with Carbonite

2011-08-29T00:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carbonite for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever heard of Carbonite before? They have television ad's talking about their product and how important it is for personal and business use. If you are like me, and rely on your desktop or laptop computer, for your personal or business uses, you will want to computer backup all your files. It would not be a good day if your lost every, single, file or document, stored on your computer. There is nothing more frustrating than having a computer crash and losing important documents, photos, emails and music. Just so you know, the only Carbonite does not back up Microsoft Office, anti-virus software, or files saved on external hard drives.

In today's very important digital age, being able to use online backup is easy does not require an external hard drive. With Carbonite securely offers unlimited online backup, which works continually and automatically in the background of backing you any and all your files. Your files are backed up whenever you are connected to the internet. The newest thing with Carbonite is you are able to access your file on my smartphone and iPad with a free Carbonite app.

Above I spoke of unlimited backup. well this is true for PC and MAC users with anytime, anywhere access for only $59 annually. This is an amazing price and should not be passed up. In fact, when you can try Carbonite free, for 15 days, with no credit card required, and then get two months free if you decide to buy.

When I am online, I upload a lot of photos. I share my photos with family, friends and upload them to a variety of online photo companies. I also upload documents to a variety of companies for various reasons. This alone is a reason why using Carbonite is something to use on a monthly basis.

Now, because the internet has become such an important part of our daily lives, we use it for personal and business needs, it would be just silly to pass up this offer. Especially when you use the offer code: BLOGAD, which gets you two free months with purchase.

Carbonite was founded in 2005 and has safely recovered over 7 billion files that otherwise would have been lost, forever! With this reasurrance, it would be unthinkable to not sign up and right now and take Carbonite up on their two months free offer for purchasing computer backup.

These Days, Our Cell Phone Are Apart of Our Lives in Every Way

2011-08-26T11:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When cell phone first came out, they were called "Car Phones", remember? Wow, that was back in the 1980's and look how cell phones have changed since then. Since 1998, I have been using cell phones, from a lot of different companies. Cell certainly have come a long way, in fact, today, cell phones take photos, video, text, mp3 player and Internet access. With today's cell phones, or smart phones, the user really has no need to use their laptop anymore. This is because today's cell phone, smart phone, is now their hand held computer with Internet access.

With the Straight Talk cell phone, I just love the idea that it allows me to feel richer, without spending an arm and leg on my monthly cell phone bill. This Straight Talk cell phone, you no longer have a contract to deal with. Honestly, do you really like signing a contract for your phone and if you change providers, they make you pay them a cancellation fee? This is just wrong and does not allow for customers to use any other provider they want, at any time.

Straight Talk gives you everything you need. Just imagine the money you will save and ways you could spend all that extra money. Your extra money can be spend on groceries, clothing, paying down bills and the list goes on and on.

With no contracts, comes no surprise bills and no credit checks, ever! It also does not matter where you live, nationwide, you will have excellent coverage and connectivity. If you are concerned about the types of phones offered, Straight Talk sells such phones as LG, Nokia, Samsung, Kyocera and several others.

If you are looking for an "All You Need Plan" phone plan, and you are a heavy phone user, you can get a plan with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 text and 30 MB of web data. Ever want an unlimited monthly cell phone plan less than $50? Well now you can get that with Straight Talk, for $45 and this includes calls, text, picture messaging and web access. I bet your current cell phone plan does not offer this to you or any of your family or friends. In fact, right now is the best time to call a friend and let them know you are leaving your current cell phone provider and purchasing a cell phone with Straight Talk.

A lot of cell phone users call over seas for international personal and business calls. When using Straight Talk, you are able to receive International Long Distance Service with a flexible prepaid calling service that enables you to make international calls from your home, cell or office phone, for low rates.

Finally, I am sure you have heard that mom knows best, right, Well this rings true for becoming a Straight Talk user as well. Especially if look into the reconditioned phones for only $10! These reconditioned phones come with a mp3 player, camera, mobile access and blue tooth capability.

You can tell your family and friends, Hook, line and sinker, this is the phone service for them. The smart phones have touch screen, app capability with features like voice nav, a camera, video recorder, music player, instant message and blue tooth.

These Straight Talk phones, and the service, are a plus for anyone seeking a cell phone service without a contract, and still having everything you need for personal and or business use. Here is a Straight Talk- Customer Testimonial to convince you even more why now is the time to twitch to Straight Talk today.

Back to School Shopping Begins at BeallsFlorida

2011-08-13T07:02:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bealls for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Here we are again, returning to a new school year. This school year could be for middle school, high school and college students alike. With that said, your students will want to look hip and trendy for their friends, old and new. Nothing says "last year" more than wearing hand me downs.

So, when I go shopping for my girls, I will begin in two weeks before the school year begins. This way I know the cute and trendy clothes will not be snatched up. Since my twins still dress alike, I have to always look for the same size, in the same outfit. Talk about stress!

Along with clothes shopping, there are school supplies. With my twins, it also means I have to buy two of everything, at the same time, for the same classroom. Shopping, for me, usually begins at the middle of the week. Yeah, the middle of the week happens to be the best time to shop. That is, unless you shop for clothes online!

Yes, shopping online is gaining a lot of traction. I mean, do you honestly want to fight the traffic coming from all directions, looking for a parking spot close to the mall or clothing store? This just stresses me out thinking about it.

That is why, this year when I found Bealls online while looking for some trendy clothing stores, I stopped here and made purchases for my girls, and me too!

Oh my, if you have girls ages 2T-6X, 6X specifically, they know what is hot and what is not. Especially if they see those commercials on their favorite cartoons or older kids shows. Right now, one of the most trendy products for little girls is Hello Kitty!! Yeah, I remember wearing Hello Kitty when I was in my teens and now my girls get to wear them from a younger age. My girls love Hello Kitty and I bought them the Hello Kitty Adorable Pink Tutu Skirt with White Hello Kitty Love for Hello Kitty Stud T-Shirt and Hello Kitty Duet Blouse with Tank Top. My goodness, these are the most adorable outfits for my twins and they come in a variety of sizes too. Kitty

Now, if you have boys ages 2T-7, they will not want anything Hello Kitty oh no. That is why they can look at and choose from such brands as a Guy Harvey Front Screen White Snook T Shirt in a variety of sizes and a Guy Harvey Front Screen Pirate T. As for shorts, boys will want to look at and purchase the Sprockets Solid Shorts in a variety of colors. Another cool style of shorts are the OshKosh'B Gosh Tank Green Cargo Shorts. These shorts also come in a variety of sizes.

Finally if your child or children attend a private school, they will, more likely than not, be wearing school uniforms. Today's uniforms are made from Dockers and are available in colors Navy, White, Beige, Red and many more colors for shirts. Pants and skirts come in colors Navy and Beige. These uniforms also come in whatever size your student needs.

So, along with not having to drive all over town searching for the perfect outfits for your child or children, you can now come to the all inclusive online store with Bealls.

Homemade Vegetable Soup

2011-08-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I made the most amazing Vegetable Soup. There is this website I found for people with illnesses. This website is called Clean Cuisine & More. When I was first diagnosed with the same illness Ivy had been diagnosed with, I did a lot of research on it, especially on the right foods to eat. Well, back in early 2006, I could only find one or two websites pertaining to any diet that would slow down or even reverse this illness.

I have never, nor will I ever, claim this illness as mine. You know how a LOT of people, with certain diseases say, "My disease" when referring to what is in their body or when you listen to all those commercials on drugs for "My disease", well I NEVER claim this illness to be MINE. What I say is, "This illness happens to reside in my body, temporarily but I AM healed by the Blood of the Lamb." I serve a God who heals and He is my Great Physician.

In fact, I dislike drugs with a passion and in the beginning of this diagnosis, I denied this illness....and still do today, even though I take this "therapy" every evening.

But I digress....

Back on track here, when I found this website, it was as if the Lord dropped it in my lap(top). Ivy tells her story and how she searched high and low for ways to heal herself from this illness. She knew there had to be a way, through diet, to reverse this illness.

God says, "My people perish from a lack of knowledge. Hosea 4: 6 (KJV)" and I have this on all my outgoing emails. I have always believed this, for any situation, and since I have been searching for knowledge on this illness, I knew my God would direct me to the information I needed to heal my body, naturally, and reverse this illness, completely without anymore drugs.

Ever since finding Ivy's website, I have read up on what I need to do in order to heal myself. Ivy and her husband, Andrew, have free recipes for current patients like myself and anyone with an illness or just searching for ways to stay healthy. I was so glad to see she has free recipes on her website. This told me she is not looking for a profit. Ivy does speaking engagements and sells books, but thank her for adding free recipes to her website.

When Ivy talks about "Clean" eating, she is referring to organic and gluten free veggies, fruits, meat and breads. Where Ivy lives, it looks as if she has all she needs to make these meals. Even though I live in the Central Valley, San Joaquin County, CA..the bread basket of America and the World, I am unable to find all the organic foods I need to make these "Clean foods". Raleys and Safeway are beginning to sell more organic and gluten free foods, but it costs a lot.

My city does have a Farmer's Market in the middle of the week and on Saturday. I do my best to go to the Farmer's Market on the weekends. My city does not have a Trader Joe's, my favorite grocery store of all time. I have to drive to a city 25 miles away, in both directions, from my city. Or I will shop online at iHerb. In fact, I just purchased some of the organic products I need, non veggies and fruits, for the majority of my meals.

This afternoon, I made the Easy Vegetable Soup and it was easy to make, even with all the ingredients involved in this recipe. Leeks are in this soup and Collards. I added Leeks and this was the first time I have ever eaten Leeks, but I did not add Collards..only because I forget all the veggies included in this soup. Next time I will add all the ingredients, except for the bell pepper.

After cooking this on the stove, I ate it for lunch and I loved it! Wow for my first time making a HOMEMADE Vegetable Soup, I have to say I outdid myself.

Ivy and her husband are a blessing and I will have to follow her guidelines to healing, especially if I want to stop taking this "therapy" and be completely healed. Sometimes, the Lord uses everyday people,and not doctors, to heal those like me from illness which found it's way into my, body.

**Disclaimer:This is not a paid article by Clean Cuisine Eating and More, but my personal opinion on this website and the foods given out for free by Ivy and her husband. Reversing any illness and/or heal is possible, if you know where to look. **

With Straight Talk, You Can Cut Your Cell Phone Bill In Half

2011-07-31T15:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

That is right, it is unbelievable how much money you will save with Straight Talk. If you are still paying an annual contract fee, now is the time to leave your current cell phone provider. Just imagine all the money you will b saving monthly, this is a hook, line and sinkerdecision my friends. With the extra money you will be saving on your cell phone, you will wonder what took you so long to switch from your current cell phone company to Straight Talk.

Now that you have no contract, you will have no surprise bills and there are no credit checks. This Straight Talk phone also offers amazing nationwide coverage with excellent reception and connectivity. If you are concerned about the phone Straight Talk offers, well,they have phones such as LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.

Straight Talk gives you everything you need for your calling and texting plan. There is the 'All You Need' plan for heavy phone users of 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data. If you are concerned about the monthly service, it will only cost you $45. Yes, $45 and this includes calls, texting, picture messaging and web! Wow, that is a lot for so little and all you have to pay, annually is $499! I have no idea how much you are paying right now annually, but this is a dream come true for anyone who users their cell phone all day, everyday.

The 411 calls are also included, at no extra charge to you. Now, you might be wondering about activation, reactivation and termination fees, well guess what, you do not have to pay for any of these, that is right, any of these and this alone is a reason to sign up for a Straight Talk cell phone, right?

If calling internationally is a must for you, well then, the Straight Talk cell phone has long distance flexible prepaid calling service which enables you to make international calls from your home, cell or office phones at low rates.

If you are interested in reconditioned phones, they are available for $10 and they include a camera, mp3player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. This phone is excellent for young users in your family. There are also smart phones available with a touch screen, app capabilities, voice navigation, camera, video recorder, music player, instant messaging and Bluetooth!

Wow, there is no time like the present to leave your current cell phone provider and switch over to Straight Talk and call a friend to tell them you are moving over to Straight Talk and they need to as well. This will be the best cell phone move you ever made.

Now is the Time to Sign up for My Coke Rewards

2011-07-31T07:02:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of My Coke Rewards for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you have not already signed for My Coke Rewards, now is the time to do so. All parents, teachers and other members of any community have to do is go to mycokerewards/schools.com to sign up and begin adding the numbers on the inside of the bottle tops to your mycokerewards/schools page. There are a lot of companies offering to give a portion of their earnings to organizations and causes. Well, the Coca Cola Company is no different.

My Coke rewards for schools could not be any easier. Whether you like to drink Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Dasani, Powerade, Minute Maid and any other drink by Coke, will be eligible for this program. This program will also bring more play to the school your student attends. This means, the school of your choice will recieve more school supplies, sports equipment, books and so much more.

From July 13 to September 30, Sprite will be giving away 25 school playgrounds. This is a reward worth $25,000 to schools and comsumers who drink from the Sprite/Sprite Zero packages. Every time any of these packages is consumed and the codes are entered on your rewards opage, your school will receive an entry into the sweepstakes to help their school to win. In addition, every three points donated to the school through the Sprite Spark Park for Schools will be giving schools additional chances.Any new school that registers will also be givern additional chances.

Schools, now, more than ever, need supplies for all classes and outdoor activities. The best, and most easiest way to help your school is my drining a package of your favorite Coke drink and adding the codes to your rewards page.

Being Creative Requires Having a Lot of Supplies on Hand

2011-07-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember I have been a creative person. Let's see, it all began when I was in elementary school. I loved to draw with pencils and colored pencils. When it came to my drawing, the only things I could draw, just as today, were abstract objects. For some reason, as much as I loved being creative, drawing from life, people, animals and trees, just did not work out for me.

Along with drawing, abstract items or what is in my mind, I love painting. Oh, I have always loved painting and this too began when I was in elementary school. As I got older, I took all sorts of art classes on high school and college. Instead of taking language classes in high school, I took two years of art classes. I still have a vivid memory of me drawing a picture from Gone With the Wind, with Scarlett wearing her green dress and green hat. I have no idea what happened to this drawing after high school, but in high school, that was one of my best drawings.

After high school, I went to my local community college and took about two drawing courses and two painting courses. It looked as if I would do something with drawing or painting, but I took a different avenue. Even though I did not use my art skills in life, I still love to draw and paint today. In fact, I always have drawing and painting art supplies in my garage. I also have a plastic box where I keep my drawing pencils, colored pencils, all sorts of paint colors, drawing paper and all sizes of painting canvases.

The Smell of Banana Bread

2011-07-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Banana (Nut) Bread. Oh, the smell alone gets my taste buds excited. Now personally, I do not add walnuts to my Banana Bread, this is why I placed parenthesis around Nut. If you are used to eating Banana (Nut) Bread during Thanksgiving or Christmas, do you also eat it throughout the year?

When you purchase Banana's and they begin to turn brown for lack of eating them, what do you do with them? Do you throw them out or put them in the freezer for future use like I do? Since Banana's are not cheap anymore, instead of throwing them away, just place them in the freezer for a while.

This morning, I saw three of our Banana's were turning brown. At first, I was going to throw them away, then the smell of Banana Bread came into my nose. So, just as fast as I threw them into the trash, to took them out and placed them in my freezer.

I just turned on the oven and took out all the ingredients for my Banana Bread. When my Banana Bread is done and sitting on my counter, oh my, the smell just gets me all excited for the first taste. I love eating Banana Bread with some coffee or tea.

The best time of the day I like to eat Banana Bread is of course in the morning, but when I am hungry and want something healthy to eat...Banana Bread is what I prefer. When I used to make my Banana Bread, or anything homemade, I used to use store bought flour. Then, I found something so much better, and healthier, for me and you too. There is this website I go to called, Tropical Traditions. This website has nothing but healthy food products for you and your family. So now, instead of using store bought flour, I am now using Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour and wow, not only does it taste better, but it is much more healthier for you too.

When I take my Banana Bread out of the oven and slice myself a piece, I will put a picture up here for you to see...and smell....

This TracFone is Useful for all Family Members

2011-07-28T07:04:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

With summer just arriving, the TracFone is the best cell phone to purchase for all family members. This phone is perfect for school aged children, adults and the elderly. If you have never heard of this amazing cell phone, now you have and it is time to spread this information to your family and friends and purchase one for yourself.

If it is necessary for the TracFone user to make international calls, the TracFone is the cell phone for you. This cell phone allows the user to call over 60 countries, at no extra cost. The TracFone will let users call from Mexico to Canada, and allows your family and friends to reach you on your cell phone as well. This TracFone comes in a variety of cell phone brands such as Motorola, LG, Kyocera and Samsung, The user can also get simple "candy bar" phones, to Blue-Tooth enabled "smart" phones. \\

With prices as lows a $10, this should be at least one reason to look into this amazing phone. The TracFone, has two phone selctions: $10 and $29.99. With the $10, the user can make calls and text, while the $29.99 allows the user to make calls, text, use the camera and video capabilities, have web access, look at apps they like, use the MP3 player, and use a full QWERY keyboard. My goodness, with this features, this alone should a cell phone user to this phone.

real TracFone customers

Along with these awesome features, the cell phone user can purchase a TracFone card at their local grocery store or retail store, with no contract and can purchase their own minutes. Yes, instead of being charged an exuberate amount monthly, the TracFone user can purchase a card as they need minutes. Another options for minutes is purchasing minutes for $119.00. This is a one year service card where the TracFone user will also receive double minutes and 800 minutes, for the life of the TracFone. Double minutes, for the life of the TracFone, can be purchased seperately, for $19.99. One other monthly plan is for 200 minutes and costs under $30, and as low as $9.99 for 50 minutes.

real TracFone customers

Become an Accidental Heiress in Monte Carlo

2011-06-27T22:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer has just arrived and what a better way to begin your summer than watching this new movie Monte Carlo. This movie is filled with laughter, friendships, excitement in a foreign land, lovely jewelry and amazing gowns to wear on a vacation of a lifetime. After graduation, Grace, her best friend and step sister head off to Paris. While in Paris, Grace sees her look a like, an heiress, and while the heiress is away, Grace pretends to be the heiress. Now, because Grace is pretending to be this heiress, she gets to stay in amazing hotel rooms, eat expensive meals in her hotel room and live a lavish lifestyle as well.

Oh goodness, this is a must see summer movie to see with your daughter(s), Mother and or girlfriends. Right now is the best time to see th . Once you see this movie trailer, on 6/29 you have to visit the Fandango website and purchase your movie tickets. Monte Carlo opens Friday, July 1st and you want to me the first to see it.

Along with doing the above, a way to spread the word is to visit Facebook and 'like' the movie. This is an excellent way for your family and friends to see what you are interested in and how make a date to see Monte Carlo together. The best thing about viewing this movie is it opens In Theaters July 1st .

Summer is Here and So are the Scrapes and Cuts

2011-06-23T22:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

With the prices of everything going up these days, when you need any drug store product, it is best to purchase the store brand product. Even though the packaging looks different than the brand product, that does not mean the ingredients are any different. In fact, all one has to do is pick up the brand and store brand product and read both their ingredients side my side. As you read the ingredients of both brands, you will see most contain same thing.

As it turns out, the FDA requires the brand and store brand to use the same ingredients for effectiveness. It seems I always need an ointment in my home. In fact, I keep one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen. The place I began to purchase my ointment from is Walgreens. Within the past two years, I have begun purchasing the Walgreens Triple Antibiotic Ointment Original Strength. h.

When opened this Walgreens Triple Antibiotic Ointment Original Strength, I could not wait to open and use it. My twins get hurt almost everyday. They get scrapes, cuts, you name it, they have them and having this Walgreens Triple Antibiotic Ointment Original Strength on hand is a must.

Now, before I found this product, I used a name brand ointment which has the same ingredients as the Walgreens Triple Antibiotic Ointment Original Strength . Along with the ingredients being the same, I found the prices were different. The brand name product was more expensive, while working the same as the Walgreens Triple Antibiotic Ointment Original Strength product.

With summer here, it is quite likely you, a family member or friend will get hurt. That means there is not time like the present to purchase Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products. When you purchase any of the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products, it helps support preventative wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™. Walgreens will contribute up to $3 million annually. The Walgreens Way to Well Fund^TM will provide free preventative health check ups as well as other health services. For more information, go to walgreens.com/waytowell.

Along with all these amazing new facts about brand vs. store brand, you will want to sign up for the giveaways through Walgreens. Right now, there are over ten blogs participating in this giveaway. There is no purchase necessary. All you have to do is go to one of the participating blogs, write a post and send it to Twitter using the hashtag #walgreensbrand. This giveaway just began June 1, 2011 at 12:01AM EST and ends June 30th, 2011 11:59 EST.

Right now is the Parent's Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes

2011-06-18T07:02:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In the past 13 years, with the help of Walmart, parents all over have been able to provide their infants with an affordable and healthy nutritious formula. This infant formula has been provided by Parent's Choice, PBM products, LLC, a Perrigo Company. The Parent's Choice Formula comes in over ten products. For infants, there is a six pack premium formula, there is a six pack for sensitive stomachs, there is a six pack advance infant formula, there is a six pack soy based formula, a six pack added rice starch and a six pack gentle lipids formula.

Along with the above formulas, parents can purchase a four pack of nutritional pediatric drinks in strawberry, chocolate and vanilla flavors for their toddlers. These formula's and pediatric drinks can be purchased in stores or online.

When parent's purchase the infant formula, they will now have a chance to take part if the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes. This sweepstakes launched on June 15, 2011 and will run through August 1, 2011, 11:59. To learn more about this sweepstakes taking place, please click on the above link to find our more information and how to participate.

Relationship Questions Are Now At Your Fingertips

2011-05-07T20:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TwoOfUs for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you tired of asking your family and friends for advice on your relationship? If this is the case, you can now look for and get tips on keeping your relationship fresh in one location. Whether you are dating, engaged, married or parents, instead of talking to a family member or friend, you can not get an objective look on your relationship without stressing out.

Recently. I viewed this video by actor/author Hill Harper on relationships. He was talking to Dr. Rozario Slack about relationships and how he gets his friends to talk about what they are looking for in a mate. Hill calls his parties, "Conversation Parties". During these conversation parties, he asks people of the opposite sex to write down some questions they want know about the opposite sex or questions someone might want to know about them. The thing is, the person asking the question is not to write their name on their paper. This makes the game more interesting. Once all the questions are brought together, they are put into a hat, tossed around and someone pulls out a question. This sounds like a fun game, with no pressure on anyone at the party.

While at this "conversation party", it becomes fun time for sharing, with no right or wrong answers. This is a game everyone will like without their guards being down. Now, on this website, you can look at all sorts of video's from dating, getting engaged, being married and being parents. You can also take a poll, see what the celeb buzz is, read up on dating, engagement, marriage and parenting challenges.

If you have questions about your relationship, write something in my comments box, then go to the twoofus,org website. Oh, and to receive more information, you can "LIKE" TwoofUS on Facebook.

My TwiceGirlies and Mommy Making Pumpkin Scones for Royal Wedding

2011-05-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night, at midnight pacific time, I began watching the Royal Wedding. While watching the beginning of the wedding, I also began Tweeting with some of my friends online. Oh, it was so much fun. As I was watching who was arriving and seeing how large the crowd was growing in and around the castle and the Abbey, I was writing/talking with all my Twitter friends. It is so amazing how this is even possible.

As amazing as it was to view the wedding and see Kate's stunning wedding gown and hear the lovely couple say their wedding vows to each other, I had to finally go to bed at 4AM, pacific time. I ended the evening/morning on Kate and William reaching the Castle and stepping out of the horse drawn carriage into the "back entrance" of the Castle.

Now, fast forward five hours, 9:00AM pacific time, I am getting up and ready for the day ahead. This is the day I talked to my twins about for three weeks. Two days ago, we made Pumpkin Scones together and we could not wait to eat them with a spot of tea, chamomile tea. Before the chamomile tea and scones, we dressed in our best dresses and wore our tiara's.

When Daddy came home for lunch, I asked him to please take photos of us sitting down, watching the recaps of the wedding from last night. After the photo shoot, Mommy (that is me) got up from the floor, went to the kitchen and prepared our lunches with this China my parents gave as a wedding gift for my husband and myself almost thirteen years ago this year.

Once the lunches were prepared, scones and tea were on their dishes, Daddy brought lunch over to our table where my twins were sitting on their little chairs and I sat on my knees. It was such as fun time and a time my twins and Mommy (me) will remember for ever. In fact, they want more tea parties.

My Purple Irises Showing Their Faces

2011-04-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a delight. Two weeks ago my purple iris finally showed their faces and what beauty indeed. I have had these bulbs for three years now and they are the best surprise I receive every Spring. The one bulb I do not have are daffodils. I used to have them somewhere in my backyard, but they did not survive. If I could find a bumdle of them, at a good price, I and my twins, will plant them for next season.

Next season's planting of daffodils though will be in the front yard....somewhere. Oh, and they will have to be yellow. If you are a homeowner, you have to plant bulbs. The best thing about bulbs is, they always return season after season, especially if they are well taken cared for.

My Twins Drawing on Chalkboards

2011-03-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

My twins, they love drawing on their chalkboards. Twin A seems to always draw the same way: girls(mommy, sister and herself) with hats and a dress; no arms, legs, feet or hands. I always ask her, "Where are the arms, legs, feet and hands?"

My other twin, Twin B also loves to draw on her chalkboard. Now, Twin B, she does her best to add the other body parts to her drawings. I love seeing my twins draw and paint because I paint, but not really good at drawing.

My Aunt ( one of seven) is at drawing and painting. So, I guess my twins have obtained a family trait when it comes to being creative.

Right now, my twins are five, but they have a lot of room for improvement and I can not wait to see what they draw and paint as they get older...

All You Need Is The Walgreens Triple Brand Antibiotic Ointment Original Strength

2011-03-20T00:01:00.001-07:00

This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

It is so easy to receive cuts. You can get a paper cut, cuts from using a knife and so much more. In fact, receiving cuts is pretty normal for the everyday person. So, when cuts happen it is important to have Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products in your medicine cabinet, car or purse. Whether you have young children, or not, you will want to keep this on hand, at all times.

Honestly, this is the best ointment product, or my twins, have used. This ointment is also awesome for rashes, face rashes that is. Let's say you lick your lips, because they are dry. Well, you will get a red rash under your lips or all around your lips. If you do receive a rash under your lips, this Walgreens Brand Triple Antibiotic Ointment Original Strength, will work. I mean, it really works, like in a week. Along with facial rashes, it also helps bruises heal faster too. There is nothing this product can not do.

The Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ provides their customers a way to stay health, year round. This is wonderful thing Walgreens is doing, especially since it is easier to take tests and purchase wellness products in a store you are already in. It makes it a lot easier than making a doctor appointment things that are not life threatening.

^{thiWalgreens Way to Well Fund^TM Walgreens Way to Well Fund^TM thing}

Now, You Can Buy Bright Beginnings Formula on Diapers.com

2011-03-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Whether your baby is a newborn or infant, sometimes, it is not easy to get out of the house for more formula. Now, without every worrying about running low on formula, you can buy on diapers.com Bright Beginnings Formula. The Bright Beginnings Formula is available in Milk-Based, Soy-Based and Organic Based Formula's. So, whatever way you are looking to feed your baby, Bright Beginnings has go it covered.

The Milk-Based formula is available in single or 6 packs. These formula cans come in the sizes 12.9, 23.4, 24.0 and 25.75 ounces. The Soy-Based formula come in a 25.75 can and also come in a 25.75 6 pack. Then, there is the Organic-Based formula. These also come in a 25.75 can and also come in a 25.75 6 pack.

When looking at Bright Beginnings on the Diapers.com website, you will notice how you can receive free shipping on your order. Now, since babies eat a lot, and you will rarely leave your home, you will probably be purchasing $49 or more in formula. When you order $49 or more in formula, you will receive free 1-2 Day Shipping. If , by chance, your baby does not like the formula your purcahsed, it can be returned 365 days a year. That is one amazing guarantee to all customers. Another thing is, if you ever have any questions on this formula, you can call the 1-800-Diapers and receive the answer you are looking for.

Finally, do not forget to click on the Bright Beginnings on Facebook and "LIKE" their page. When you like their page, you can get updates on products you may not have heard about and so much more.

Springtime is here and so is the new line of Pier 1 Outdoor Furniture

2011-03-09T00:01:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When you enter your Pier 1 store, right away, you will see the new line of outdoor furniture. It seems every time I walk into a Pier 1, I go straight to the furniture section. For years now, I have owned a square Rattan table I purchased from Pier 1 for eight years now and love it. When it comes to indoor/outdoor furniture, Pier 1 is the first and last place you will find yourself.

The best thing about purchasing your furniture from Pier 1 is the versatility of it. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor dining bar, you are sure to like this Island Mocha Outdoor Wicker Barstool . Yes, this Barstool is a Mocha color, is hand woven and has arm rests as well.

Now, if you are looking for a nice piece of furniture to store blankets and other items in, you will really like this Outdoor Mocha Trunk. This trunk is made from a hand-woven material of plastic and metal. Remember, this outdoor trunk can also be used in your home at the foot of your bed or as a coffee/ottoman table.

Just remember, you can never go wrong with anything you purchase from Pier 1. This is why you need to sign for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter. Right now is the perfect time to sign up so you will stay up to date on all the indoor/outdoor items you will want to show off to your family and friends. If you have not already heard, you can also sign on at the Pier 1 Tweetups.

In Orlando, on March 9th, Dallas, on March 22nd, Atlanta, on April 5th and NYC, on April 20th, you will be able to meet up with other lovers on Pier 1 indoor and outdoor items. You can make new friends while snacking and looking at items you can buy for the warm days ahead.

My Twins Wearing Homemade Flower Headbands I Made

2011-02-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

This is my twins on Valentine's Day, wearing the Pink Flower Headband I made them. It's it just adorable! I know you like it, and probably want one to..right! I can make one or two or three for you. I love making these and they are so easy. I love that my twins love wearing head accessories.

My twins are wearing the outfit from my Mom, Nana, they received for Valentine's Day. Oh, I love my twins wearing these headbands, just a much as I love seeing them wear their beanie hats too.

Here are my precious TwiceBabies wearing their homemade Pink Flower Headbands from Mommy.

Pink Headbands I Made My Twins For Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Along with the Black Beanie Hat I made for my twins, I also made them a Pink Flower Headband. They love their new headband just as well. The Pink Headband was also a homemade gift from Mommy for them. Oh, these were so easy to make, just like the Black Beanie Hats.

So, I asked my twins if they wanted another headband or beanie and of course they said, "YES"!! I asked them what colors they wanted and these are the colors they choose: RED, PURPLE and BLUE. These are perfect colors since they have very cute purple outfit from Nana, many Blue outfits and I think one Red outfit.

Now, I am not sure if I want to make them more headbands or beanie hats from these colors. Anyway, here are my twins in the Pink Flower Headbands.

Black Beanie Hats I Made My Twins For Valentines Day

2011-02-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

Today, Valentine's Day, my twin girls opened their gifts from Mommy and Daddy. For their Valentine's Day, I purchased gifts for them and homemade them gifts as well. The homemade gifts I made them were black beanie hats.

Well, the beanie itself is black and the flower is blue. I love them, they are so cute and my twins love them too. Right now, they are wearing their "princess" costumes though. So, when you see my twins, they are wearing their black beanie hats with their "princess" costumes.

Once their Valentine's Day outfit from Nana dries, I will have them wear their other homemade hair accessory with that outfit as it is pink. Oh, my twins loved opening their gifts, especially when they saw Mommy had made them these hats and headbands. They love when Mommy makes them anything from home.

Here are my twins wearing their black beanie hats.

Pink Headband with Flower

2011-02-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

Another gift for my twins this Valentine's are Pink Headbands with a Flower on it. These, just like the black beanie hats with a flower, were easy to make. It took me a month to finally get around to making the headbands and beanies. I looked at then in the bag I had them it, several times, them but the bag back down.

Finally, when Daddy took the twins out one night, I finally decided to make these headbands, and beanies. I knew how to make them, just was not sure how long it would take. Well, well, well, it look me less than twenty minutes to make two headbands and two beanies. It was so easy, I am wondering now, why it took me so long to finally get off my behind and make them.

I can tell you why...it was something new I had never done before, that is why. This is something I can do in my sleep now. I can also make a headband for your little girl(s) too. These headbands also come in a variety of colors.

Here are photos of me making the headbands and me wearing one of them. Once I give my twins their Valentine's gifts and they put the headbands on, I will take photos of them wearing them and post an article here, with the photos too.

Black Beanie Hats with Flowers

2011-02-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

For my twins Valentine's gifts this year, I made them some homemade beanie hats. I found this amazing website where I can purchase the beanie hats, flowers and gemstones for a very, very good price. In fact, making them at home is what I prefer doing anyway.

As much as I love helping out other online hat companies, by purchasing their products, if I can make them myself, I am all for it. In fact, since I prefer making all things homemade, this is right up my ally.

When I found this website which sells their beanie hats, flowers and other products at a very reasonable price, I purchased two black beanie hats, two blue flowers, two pink flowers, two pink and two white headbands. These hats were so easy to make it was shocking.

I have photos below of how I made them and me wearing one of the beanie hats. If you want a beanie hat for your little girl(s), I can make them in an array of colors too. Once my twins put the beanie hats on, I will take photos of them and write a new article and add the photos as well.

Renovate This

2011-02-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

Homeowners are busy setting their sights on the top renovation trends for the next decade, hoping these trends will spark positive movements in real estate markets. Many of the renovation trends popular in the early 2000s are simply out of date and frankly a bit uninspired. The exterior trends need light to moderate alterations such as a fresh coat of paint in a bright new color, yet a lot of home interiors require major overhauls as kitchens and bathrooms begin to look outdated and worn. Geographical location is important too, a trend may be just beginning in the New York real estate market area, but in the California market it could be old news.

In the last ten years, kitchen cabinets were defined by natural wood and colored melamine. Yet, the new trends in kitchen styles are not following these basic patterns anymore.

Colors: Many modern style followers are enamored with glossy colors. Bright reds, greens, and aqua blues are the cutting edge colors for the brave and style conscious. Others still will continue to enjoy the sophisticated dark, warm, and natural colors characteristic of 2010.
Drawers: Cabinet doors are being changed for drawers that contain everything from clothes to washers and dryers! Manufacturers are designing their appliances to fit into drawers. Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and warming drawers will all be contained within space saving drawers. Renovations for the next decade place a high premium on saving space but also minimalism. These space saving drawers are wonderful ways to keep your busy life organized without sacrificing the aesthetic of your home.
Countertops: Granite and marble are being replaced by composite countertops. They possess the look and feel of natural stone without the worry of damage. Composite countertops are made of Zodiaq and Silestone and mixed with a synthetic bonding material. These mixed material countertops are more durable and heat-resistance than granite and come in a variety of colors.
Bathroom Styles:The size of bathrooms has doubled as compared to the last 10 years. This is because bathrooms are not simply bathrooms anymore. They have become multi-room, multi-purpose spa rooms, and luxury shower spaces. Tile is still the floor material of choice and can be seen on the walls and even ceilings of these luxury bathrooms.

Soaker tubs, a Japanese innovation, are large enough to stretch your legs out and high enough to completely submerge your body into the water. Other gadgets like hot air bubblers, massage your body more evenly than traditional spa tub. The shower has split into two areas. The first area is large and glass with seats and many showerheads. The second area is an enclosed cabinet with a full steam bath. Ad to this equation a flat screen television, iPod player, and color therapy lighting and the shower doubles as a home entertainment theater.

Decks:Contractors are designing decks larger and more functional. This new style deck is layered platforms that include an outdoor ecosystem complete with plants, trees, and even outdoor jacuzzis. Building decks that double as outdoor living spaces, complete with barbecue grills, fire pits, and full furniture is a new trend that is becoming increasingly popular.

In-Law Suites:As the baby boomer generation takes on more responsibility with children and parents, In-Law suites recognize the multi-generational living situations of many families. In-Law suites are convenient solutions for long term living arrangements necessitated by the baby boomer generations’ growing care responsibilities toward their children and parents.
These suites will range anywhere from 1 to 3 bedrooms often time with full bathrooms.

By: Christina Johnson & Mia Kelly

My Homemade Engagement Card I Made for My Niece In Law

2011-01-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

In either November or December, my Niece In Law announced she was engaged to her boyfriend. It was exciting to hear this news and I had planned to make her an engagement card after she told us, but things happened and I we were really busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

So, this week I was finally able to make her the engagement card I had planned. I love making homemade cards and well, almost anything homemade. I suppose this is why I created this All Things Homemade blog.

When I made this homemade card, I already had blank cards on hand that I either purchased at Michael's or Walmart, purchased some more wedding stickers and wrote out a message for the front and inside of the card.

Here are some photos of what the card looks like.

TwiceToddlers (No More) and Hiding Things

2011-01-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

Over the past four (4) months, my twins have begun hiding things, like toys, under their beds and behind the television set. Now, they hide their toys or other objects, like hair accessories, because they are either a) break them or b) hear Mommy coming into their room when they should be sleeping.

Is this something your twins or non-twins do as well? I find this funny and at the same time irritating. Over and over again, I tell my twins, "If you break something, bring it to Mommy and I will see if I can fix it. If I can't fix it, we will take it to Grammie or I will through it away." Even though I tell my twins this, they still hide their broken toys or hair accessories.

Goodness gracious, I know when I was my twins age, I too used to "hide" broken toys or hair accessories too. It makes me laugh and or chuckle as I am sure it does all you Mommy's and Daddy's too.

**I have posted a POLL. Whoever, one person, answers the poll (on right side-bar), before the 25th, I will make you a Rhinestone Tank Top, beanie hat or headband in whatever color you want. I will let you know what colors are available to me.**

Sometimes, Only Extra Tall Bar Stools Will Do

2011-01-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

Some of my family and friends have those islands in their kitchen where they need, no must have, Extra Tall Bar Stools. I mean, seriously, if your head is below the height of the island in your kitchen, you have got a problem. Not only can you not sit up right, but you will not be able to eat or drink at table level.

Since seeing your family and friends, while being able to eat or drink is important, you now have over fifty Extra Tall Bar Stool designs to look at and choose from. These are the two designs I would show my family and friends, when they are in need of new Extra Tall Bar Stools. If design and height is important to you, look at the other designs to. When you begin looking for those Extra Tall Bar Stools you will need, look here first.

Home Lighting for Your Indoors and Outdoors, Can Now Be Found in One Location

2011-01-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today, many homes are seen with an array of outdoor lighting. Some of this lighting might be made by such designer's as Corbett Lighting, Fine Arts Lamps and Hinkley Lighting makes hanging lanterns, Fine Arts Lamps makes outdoor lanterns and Hinklwy Lighting makes outdoor hangins lamps. Anyone of these outdoor lighting options will add style and functionality to your front door porch.

Once guests or family members enter your home, they will see the marvelous indoor light fixtures and they will admire with all the variety of styles in every room of your home. The varity of lighitng are made by such designers as Robert Abbey, Artcraft Lighting, Corbett Lighting and many more designers to look at and choose from. Your family and friends will admire your taste in lighting they will want to know where you purchased them from.

If, on the other hand, if you desire a smaller lighting fixture, there are the many wall sconces for you to look at and choose from by such designers as Hudson Valley Lighting, Lite Source Lighting, Troy Lighting and many more designers that would fit well with your home decor. These wall sconces are excellent for homeowers who are not fans of floor lamps and a homeowner has kids, wall sconces make for the perfect lighting feature throughout the home.

There are Super Amazing Savings Right at Your Fingertips

2010-12-19T23:29:00.000-08:00

Whether you are shopping for gifts, or for yourself, this is your one stop shop throughout the year. There are gifts for children, adults, friends and family members alike. Since food and drink is something everyone has in their home, you can now shop at over thirty companies, in one place. In fact, when you find a company you like, click on that link and you are shown coupons you can instantly use. All you do is click on the coupon and you are taken to that companies website. This is so easy and can be done throughout the year.

If you like tea, coffee, appetizer's, chocolate or any restaurant, all you have to do is click on that food and drink company link you like, then one of their coupons and you will be taken to their website to place your order.

These days, it seems everyone has more electronics in their home. These electronics can now be purchased from more than twenty stores or companies. All you have to do is look at all the companies represented on this website alone. If you are a one stop shopper, and would prefer shopping at home, your choices have increased.

It is now worth your while to shop online for such electronics as mobile phones, camera's, batteries, gadgets and so much more. When it comes to anything electronic, there is no need to pay full price anymore. As it turns out, using coupons is something you can be proud of. Using coupons shows you are smart shopper when purchasing something anything from food to electronics these days.

Homemade "Merry Twinsmas" Christmas T-Shirt From Mommy

2010-12-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I finally got around to making my twins Christmas T Shirt. I had purchased two long sleeve, white shirts at a mass retailer in the Fall season. With each T Shirt, I had planned to make each of my twins a Christmas T Shirt with this saying, "Merry Twinsmas".

Two years ago, on this twins clothing website, I purchased the same T Shirt for my twins. This year, as I looked at the prices of the T Shirts, I decided to make them myself. At the same mass retailer I purchased the T Shirts, I also purchased the clear rhinestones for my twins T Shirts.

To make the rhinestone T Shirts, I just followed the directions on the back of the rhinestone package. Well, I did change something. Instead of turning my T's inside out, I placed a white handkerchief over the rhinestones. I have found this works just as well as turning my T's inside out. This way also prevents the rhinestones from falling off.

Here are photos of how I went about making these "Merry Twinsmas" T's for my twin girls.

1st Step: Cut letters needed for T shirt with Scissors.

2nd Step: Remove back of each letter and place
sticky letters where needed on T shirt.

3rd Step: Turn T shirt inside out; or place white
handkerchief over each word, rub iron over each word
for 10 seconds. Do not over heat letters as the letters
will ruin their stickiness.

4th Step: Once the letters are attached to the T shirt
turn T Shirt right side in. This is what the T Shirt
will look like. Now, touch each letter to see if each letter
is attached to the material.

5th Step: This is what the final product, or T Shirt
will look like.

These T shirts are fun to make, if you have time. They only take thirty minutes to an hour to complete, depending on how many you are making. Since I made two, it took me an hour to make.

Store Brand Baby Formula is Not What You Thought It to Be

2010-12-07T17:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

These days, it is important to save our money on everything, especially baby formula. Since not every Mom breastfeed's, or is able to, their baby or babies must drink baby formula. Now, as nice as it sounds to be seen purchasing a name brand baby formula, as it turns our, there is nothing wrong with store brand formula.

If you look at them, side by side, and compare their ingredients, you will see they use the exact same ingredients. As it turns out, each and every infant formula is strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure product quality and safety. By law, every infant formula in the market has to meet or exceed the standards set by the FDA. This means, there is not a single infant formula better than another one.

When feeding your baby formula in the first year, they will be ingesting protein, carbohydrates, fat, and appropriate vitamins and minerals. Since your baby will not be drinking breast milk, the Infant formula they drink has been patterned after breast milk. This means infants will be drinking added nutrients such as DHA and ARA to provide the energy necessary to maintain brain and eye support. Another very important ingredient in baby formula's are prebiotics. Prebiotics help support every baby's immune system.

So now is the best time to switch to generic formula, especially after finding out the only difference in the name brand and store brand formula's are their labels. The store brand formulas can be found at such stores as Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, CVS. Walgreens and Baby's "R" Us. These store brand infant formula's are available in 23.2 oz and 12.4 oz.

Finally, there has recently been a Similac recall. The company, Abbott Laboratories had to recall their Similac Infant Formula due to beetles and their larvae being found in the mixture. If having your baby drink beetle parts and or larvae does not sound good to you, it is time to switch over to a store brand formula.

Thanksgiving 2010 At My Home

2010-12-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

This year, my husband and I hosted the Thanksgiving Feast. My twins have been calling it the Thanksgivng Feast since they learned that from school. Anyway, one of my husband's sister's helped me prep the turkey, which we have to thaw out overnight in cold water. It took five days to thaw out, but it was a delicious turkey with everything one of my sister in laws and I put in and outside the turkey.

I have 12 people in total over. Everyone got along and my twins had a great time, as always, with Uncle Mike who always plays the guitar with them.

Here are photos I took on Thanksgiving Day 2010. As you can see, everyone who came to my first Thanksgiving Feast had a great time talking, and of course, eating all the delicious side dishes brought over.

My Twins Setting Our New Dining Table

2010-12-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

One of my friends from church was asking if anyone wanted a dining table two weeks ago. Well, I jumped on that because I have been wanting a new dining table for years now. So, one day my freinds brought over a chair, which is cushioned, and photos of the table.

I loved it and took a photo, of the dining table photo, and sent it to my hubby. My hubby liked it to and now we have it. I love it because it is more square, than round, and we finally have a table the four of us can eat at, regularly.
Here are my twins setting the dining table and they love doing this too. Well, they love doing anything around the house.

Earn Your MAT@USC Degree in 12 Months

2010-11-30T18:00:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by 2tor. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you always dreamed of becoming a teacher, now is the time to receive your Master's degree in education from the USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC program. The MAT@USC offers educators and future teachers a prestigious Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an elite research university. When applying for and taking online courses from MAT@USC, you will have the convenience and flexibility of studying online from the confort of your home. Along with learning online in an interactive community, you will also be having combined field-based experiences and all the program information you need is right here.

Once you are enrolled in the MAT@USC, you will alos be able to read and write on the MAT@USC Student Blog. This is the best place to hear insights about the program from actual students too.

The Rossier and the MAT@USC have been awarded by AACTE for innovative use of technology in education and there is a technology video which introduces the interactivity of the program.

This online learning experience is not only groundbreaking with their tuition reimbursement and scholarships program, it offers an accelerated program you can complete in 12 months and the opportunity to become a part of the elite USC Trojan Family. MAT@USC is an internationally renowned research institution with a 100-year history of educating teachers to be agents of change.

The MAT@USC School of Education has been ranked #22 in the United States, and #9 among all private universities by US News and World Report. This is an impressive ranking and something you can be proud to mention to your family,friends and coworkers too.

Once you obtain your MAT@USC, you will have full USC Student status and benefits. This means you can participate in commencement ceremonies and have free lifetime Alumni Association membership as well.

nk W W

The Pumpkin Cake Roll and Carmel Apple Cake I Made for Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving this year, I made not only the Turkey, but this Pumpkin Cake Roll and Carmel Apple Cake. I found the recipes onlines from two different websites. They were both easy to make, well, the Pupmkin Cake Roll after it had cooled down and I added the filling, did not turn out to look like a "rolled" cake per se. In fact, it looks more square, but it tasted delicious, nonetheless.

As for the Carmel Apple Cake, that was easy to make and assemble, but it turned out dry tasting. My twins "helped" me make this one and I might have forgotten to add an ingredient or add too much of an ingredient. Who knows, there were lots of desserts on Thanksgiving so not that many people at it. I would have to assume it was dry. So, I ate it for breakfast.

Tom's of Maine Products Are All I Use

2010-11-19T16:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom's of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have used Tom's Of Maine products, especially the fluoride free toothpaste, for eight years now. The first time I saw Tom's of Maine was at my favorite organic store, Trader Joe's. I also use the Lavender Moisturizing Body Wash and That's Wicked Fresh contest page Mouthwash. My husband, daughters, sister, parents and some of my friends use Tom's of Maine. Once you try any of their products, you will never go back to what you used to use.

My family and friends also use Tom's of Maine products and have for some time now. Tom's of Maine is actually sold all over the place now, not just health food stores. The best this is, Tom's of Maine is online now, for those who do not leave their home alot or would rather purchase their products online.

Along with the Wicked Fresh Mouthwash is the Wicked Fresh Toothpaste. It is made with natural flavor oils and a patent-pending botanical extract to provide long-lasting fresh breath .

If you use Wicked Fresh Toothpaste or Mouthwash, you can share your Wicked Fresh moments for a chance to win Wicked Fresh!™ Prizes at ThatsWickedFresh.com (http://bit.ly/9aCdAJ).

Dining Tables, Chairs, Coffee Tables and More to Add Pizzaz to Your Home

2010-11-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

If your family has eaten at the same dining table for way too long, it is time to look at these fine dining tables. For something more modern or up to date, there are over ten rectangle dining tables and over five round dining tables to look at and choose from. These dining tables are made with a glass tabletop and various styles of legs. Depending on the style of your home and decor you desire, any one of these dining tables will add something new to your home.

Along with the many dining table styles, you will need new chairs to match or at least go with the flavor of table you choose. These chairs come in a variety of styles and colors. There are over ten chairs to look at and choose from. If you want a simple chair for sitting, there is also a chaise lounge that can be put in a bedroom, living room or great room.

As important as it is to have a dining table and chairs to eat and sit on in your home, you might also want to look at coffee tables for your living room or great room. A coffee table is a great piece of furniture to add to your decor. A coffee table allows you to put your drink down for a while, put your feet up to rest, place a fancy bowl or magazines on the table as well. A coffee table is a multi-functional piece of furniture every home should have.

Having the Right Pen Makes All The Difference

2010-11-12T23:10:00.000-08:00

For many people, the art of pen writing is not lost. For many adults, writing with a pen and having good penmenship, is important to their daily job and lives. There are many styles of writing pens to look at and choose from. There are such pens as the Dipolmat, Delta Pens, Fisher Space Pens, Visconti Pens and many more. The Limited Edition pens include the Bentley, Giorgio Armani, Porsche and many more.

Along with these styles, there are four types of writing pens to look at and purchase. There are Fountain Pens, Ballpoint Pens, Rollerball Pens and Mechanial Pencils.

The Pen Company aims at offering an unrivaled selection of quality writing instruments to their clientle. The Pen Company also provides associated products
on-line, they will also give you all the information you need for making the right select.

If you need more than a pen, The Pen Company also sells notebooks and journals, accessories, corporate gifts and more.

The best thing about making a purchase with The Pen Company is they are a family business. Every order comes directly from their store or online store.

Marketing Your Restaurant or Eatery Has Just Gotten Easier

2010-11-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

If you live in UK and own your own restaurant or eatery, the best way to gain more exposure is through the Sauce Communications company. As effective as word of mouth advertising is, sometimes it takes more to get the word out. These days, hiring a communications firm will be the best investment you ever made. Whether you went to culinary school or cook and bake at home, and have now decided to open your own restaurant, it is time to share what your restaurant with those have have yet to taste your menu items.

Right now, Sauce PR handles over 100 restaurants and hotels throughout the UK and Ireland. This means, when you call and make an appointment with Sauce Communications, you will be in good hands. In fact, your restaurant will finally receive the exposure you have always wanted.

The owners, Jo Barnes and Nicola Hancock, founded Sauce Communications in 2001. The owners of Sauce Communications do PR for more than restaurants as well. In fact, they promote books , cookery schools and much more. Anything to do with food, hotels or books, can be promoted by Sauce Communications.

Twins Baking Sugar Cookies with Mommy

2010-11-12T16:46:00.001-08:00

Today after my twins got up from their nap, I asked if they wanted to make sugar cookies. Well, of course they did! Their eyes opened wide and they ran into the kitchen. Now, these cookies were not homemade per se as my hubby had purchased some ready-made sugar cookie dough last week.

So, I had to bake these cookies soon.

Here are my twins, standing on their stools, and preparing to bake with Mommy.

My Twins Baking with Daddy

2010-11-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

My twins and Daddy recently baked brownies together. Oh, my twins had so much fun. I plan to bake with my twins sometime this weekend or next week. My twins are at that age and stage where they want to do everything themselves. They do not like Mommy or Daddy doing anything for them.

So, here are some photos of my twins baking brownies with Daddy. They baked them, but they did not want any, go figure.

Silver is Always Something Nice to Have in Your Home

2010-11-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

Whether you are planning to get married or not, Silver is one of those items that can be used for special occasions year round. In fact, on most wedding registries, there is some type of Silver giftware. Most brides grew up seeing Silver in their parents home and want Silver in their new home as well. There are so many ways in which to receive Silver for a gift as well. Silver is fashioned into dining ware, bowls, chalices, boxes and so much more.

Having silver at home will have your family and friends taking too. If you have a fancy dining table, when it comes time for serving your family and friends for any occasion, you will want to have a beautiful Sterling Silver Centerpiece on your table and how about a Three Sterling Silver
Centerpiece Fruit Dishes. These Sterling Silver pieces are not only lovely to look at, they are functional too.

When you comes to eating your meal, silver for eating come in many styles and varieties. Owning a twelve piece cutlery set is something everyone should have in their home. These twelve piece cutlery sets come in their own box and will be used for many occasions. The best thing about owning a twelve piece cutlery set is they can be passed down through the generations.

The Only Place You Need To Go For All Your Holiday Decorating

2010-11-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved Pier 1, especially when it comes to holiday entertaining. As soon a you enter the store, your eyes are filled with awe and wonder. It is like being in a candy store for home decorater's.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the time to purchase a brand new Turkey Serving Platter and Turkey Salad Plate. Oh, and what a better way to greet your family and friends at the front door than with an Orange Ornaments or Maple Leaf Wreath hanging on your front door. If you have a fireplace mantle, it can be decorated with a Maple Leaves Clock as well.

As for Christmas, I love the fancy candles, red, green, gold sitting on tables or my fireplace mantle. Oh, and I also have to have a Red/Green Berry, Red Berry, Silver Ornament or Guilded Pinecone Wreaths. Along with a wreath for the front door, you have to have a Red Jingle Bell Stick and a Tealight Christmas Tree Centerpiece.

Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, I have to decorate. I love my home looking festive for the holidays. I decorate, in part, for myself and for my family and for whatever guests might come over. The way I decorate is with the colors of the season. For Thanksgiving, I use oranges, yellows and browns. For Christmas, I use reds and greens. The traditionsl colors and designs I suppose.

Now, if I were to receive anything from Pier 1 for Christmas, it would have to be two Copper Ornate Candles with the Silver Candle Holders. They are beautiful and would look amazing on my fireplace mantle or dining room table.

After telling you about what amazing seasonal home decor Pier 1 has for you in the months of November and December, let me remind you that during the months of November and December, you can support Toys for Tots by dropping off an unwrapped toy and/or making a cash donation at the register ...............

One more thing, if you “Like” Pier 1 Imports on Facebook during the month of November, Pier 1 will donate $1 to Toys for Tots. It is a win-win situation.

Finding Home Decor for Your Home or Business Is Now at Your Fingertips

2010-11-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

Whether your home is brand new and recently purchased, or is an older home and have lived in for a while, it is always nice to look for and purchase new home decor accessories. Nothing shows how much you love and take care of your home more than updating your homes decor. In fact, it is nice to update your home's decor every five to ten years. There is no need to stay in the past when there is always something new on the horizon.

If you never thought you would have a candelabra in your home, now you can. These candelabras are rustic looking and will be an excellent home decor piece on any table you have in your home. You can purchase a two or three pronged candelabra to give your home that elegant look you have always wanted.

Along with such home decor accessories as the candelabra, another candle holder to consider is this adorable Shaker Heart Zinc for votive candles. This candle holder is heart shaped and will look great indoors or outdoors.

As nice as it is to decorate the interior of your home, it is just as enjoyable decorating the exterior with garden accessories. Garden accessories bring your backyard to life. They also show your family and friends how much you love to take care of your backyard. If you like to illuminate your garden, there are a varitey of candles that can be placed throughout your garde or patio area. Candles always add to the ambiance that has been missing from your backyard. Candles are great for any type of party, special occassion or the everyday.

Finally, if you love Christmas and plan on celebrating outdoors on your patio, there are some wonderful Christmas decorations which you might want to look at. There are hanging and table candles which will light up the evening and have your family and friends asking where you purchased them. Lighting up the night with Christmas candles is great for eating on your patio table with family and friends or just sitting on your patio by yourself.

My Twins Making Play-Doh Designs

2010-11-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

You know, it Play-Doh was cheaper and came with more than four colors in a pack, we would probably purchase more. My twins LOVE Play-Doh!! We purchased it from one of my favorite mass retailers last weekend. The colors we purchased were pretty pinks and purple, yellows and greens. So, I guess they were pastel colors. Perfect for little twin princess girls.

When we got home, I looked online at the Play-Doh website and found alot of designs they could make at home. Usually, my twins will mash all the colors together and this does not sit well with Mommy. I tell them, the colors are to be used separately, like in the designs on the paper I printed out for them. My twins have been playing with Play-Doh since they were two years old. So now at almost 5, they need to know the correct way to use it.

Here are some photos of my twins making designs from the pages I printed out from the Play-Doh website. My twins, they have to always be busy, busy, busy...

My Twins Making Homemade Peanut Butter Sandwiches

2010-11-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

My twin girls, they LOVE peanut butter...especially in sandwiches. They are so adorable. We have two step stools, one in the bathroom and one under our kitchen sink. Twin "B" goes and gets the step stool from the bathroom, while Twin "A" gets the step stool from under our kitchen sink.

Along with getting their own steps stools, they like to get the peanut butter out of the pantry too. Then, they take out a spreading knife, stick it into the peanut butter and begin spreading the peanut butter on a slice of bread.

My twins, they want to use a spoon, but I tell them the knife spreads better and they also want to, stick their fingers in the peanut butter. But, I tell them NO!!! It will make Daddy, Mommy and them sick.

Anyway, here are some photos of them making their own homemade peanut butter sandwiches.

The Best Designer Jewellery, At The Best Prices

2010-10-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

If you have a special lady in your life: Mother, Sister, Girlfriend, Wife or Daughter, there are over twenty women's designer jewellery sets for you to look at and purchase. These designer jewellery sets are always great gifts to receive for any special occasion. There are rings, earring/necklace and necklace/bracelet sets. There are ring sets where you can mix and match for fun, a lovely heart-shaped earring/necklace set made from Sterling Silver and a lovely multi-heart necklace/bracelet set made of Sterling Silver. These are jewellery sets you will be proud to give and receive on any special occasion.

There are many styles of designer jeweller for you to look at too. If designer jewellery is more your taste, this is the right place for you. If you are familiar with Dower & Hall, you can look at and purchase their designer necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and charms, all in one place. Another type of designer jewellery you might be familiar with is Nina Ricci. The Nina Ricci Jewellery Collection is made of Sterling Silver and has been creating jewellery since the 1930s. The Nina Ricci Jewellery Collection is comprised of bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

Finally, there are various styles to look at and purchase. The styles and designs you can look at and purchase are from top jewellery designers you already know. There are necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and charms. Charms are still very popular and there are an abundance of them right here for you to look at and purchase. Now, you can find your fabulous jewellery right here, at your fingertips.

My Twins Art Work

2010-10-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

My twins really enjoy drawing and doing anything creative. I am sure I have written about this before. Ever since my twins could pick up a pencil, crayon, pen in their hands, they have been drawing. This is some of my twins artwork. The more artwork they do, the better they will become at being little artists.

My Twins Making Homemade Birthday Cards

2010-10-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

My twins will be attending a birthday part for one of their friends tomorrow. They attended the same preschool and now attend the same elementary school as well.

Instead of purchasing a $4.99 and higher birthday card, I had my twins make a card each, for their friend. Personally, I always like receiving a homemade card. I like them because they were well thought out and were made with love and care.

Here are some photos I took of my twins making their birthday cards.

Look at the Cape Portfolios Villas for Your Next Holiday Stay

2010-10-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

Whether you have been planning your holiday to the Cape Town Villas for a while, it is good to know the Cape Portfolios is leading villa rental agency. There is no need to search high and low for a rental agency when all you need is right here. As it turns out, you can look at and choose from over 200 handpicked luxury holiday villas or apartments in Cape Town or the surrounding cities. Cape Portfolios has been operating since 2001. Since this time, they have been offering various packages like tourism, concierge, property management and real estate services. These services are taken care of from their Camps Bay beachfront offices.

At the Cape Portfolios, their desire is to provide a first class service for their guests. This first class service allows their guests to enjoy a luxurious and private home they would expect in a upscale hotel or private guest home.

If a private chef is something you desire, the Cape Portfolios has such accomodations. In fact, your private chef, or "Villa Chef", will purchase whatever ingredients needed for your breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner meals. When using a Villa Chef, the cost of meal ingredients are seperate from the Villa Chef services. Your Villa Chef can also fill up your fridge with whatever snacks or meals you plan on eating throughout your stay.

Along with the absolutely lovely guest homes and apartments, Cape Portfolios offers a wide variety of premier holiday villas which will meet whatever budget or taste you desire. These premier villas are available to guests who want the best of the best for their holiday. The Cape Portfolios premier villas are five star for those seeking a lavish and luxurious holiday in South Africa and Mauritius. These five star villas are the finest in standards and designs. Whatever villa you book for your holiday stay, you will experience an exceptional service.

Finally, if you are looking for private tours, Cape Portfolios offers these to their guests as well. The Cape Portfolios staff will arrange for your pick up from your villa or apartment in a luxury car or air-conditioned minibus. Once picked up, you will be driven, by a qualified local guide, for a fascinating day and half day guided tour in or around Cape Town.

You can choose a Full and Half Day guided tour to Cape Point and around the breath-taking Cape Peninsula, a Full or Half Day guided tour to the beautiful and historic Cape Winelands or to Cape Town City, Robben Island, Table Mountain and Township cultural tours.

If, on the other hand, you want to plan your own day or half day, you can arrange for a chauffeur and vehicle to take you wherever you like! All you have to do is ask your Cape Portfolios booking agent for a quote and they will be more than happy to assist you.

Right now is the perfect time to contact Cape Portfolios and make your holiday vacation. This will be a holiday to remember forever. In fact, you will find yourself coming back again and again.

All Baby Formula Goes By The Same FDA Regulations

2010-10-22T00:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

That is right, in case you did not know. Every baby formula company on the market has to be approved by the same FDA regulations under Infant Formula Act . With that said, the only reason one would purchase a name brand formula is for the name brand name. If you are looking to save on your weekly or monthly grocery costs, it is time to purchase store brand formula.

Every store brand formula, given a value price, must meet the same exacting FDA nutritional requirements. This means the store brand formula's offer the substantial savings their name brand counterparts, do not. So, when purchasing your next canister or box of baby formula, compare their ingredients and ask yourself, what is the difference. You will see the only difference is their labeling and pricing.

As you can see, the store brand formula's, also known as private-label, are labeled with the names of retail store brands and typically cost up to 50 percent less versus name-brand formulas for a potential savings of $600 a year per baby. This one reason why thousands of parents have switched from name-brand formulas to a store brand.

For more information on switching from name brand to store brand formula, check out the link above. It will surprise you how much money you will be saving weekly, monthly and annually.

The Birkhill Castle for All Your Special Events

2010-10-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on visiting a castle, the Birkhill Castle is on which you must visit. This castle is on the shores of the River Tay estuary in Fife. This castle happens to be the home of the Earl and Countess of Dundee and their four children. The Earl and Countess run their Birkhill Estate and Lord Dundee works in the House of Lords. In 1780 the family built the present mansion house of Birkhill.

This castle is surrounded by marvelous walled gardens on 2.5 acres. The garden has half an acre of vegetables and fruits. There is also a very large greenhouse with such fruit as figs, grapes, apricots and many more delicious fruits.

Along with this vegetable and fruit greenhouse is a woodland greenhouse. This woodland greenhouse sits on 10 acres and is surrounded by Magnolias 100 feet tall and rare Rhododendrons. Once you see these greenhouses and how well they are groomed, you will be in awe of their loveliness and care that goes into these greenhouses.

If you are looking for an ideal location for your wedding, the Birkhill weddings are amazing. venue for a relaxed, romantic wedding.If you are looking for a traditional castle, this castle offers just that. In fact, this castle provides the ideal backdrop for that formal ceremony and reception you desire. If, on the other hand, you prefer an informal wedding setting, you can have a garden wedding. Your wedding can be in the tranquility of the rose garden and or celebrate in a marquee.

The Birkhill Castle prides itself on being flexible to their wedding guests. The Birkhill Castle allows the Bridal Party to bring their own champagne (or we can supply it if you wish). The castle understands that this is a special day and it can be the way you desire. In fact, you can choose a simple buffet or grand banquet, a luncheon or evening dinner. It is whatever your heart's desire is on your special day.

Finally, the Birkhill Castle offers private groups to enjoy the castle grounds. The Birkhill Castle happens to be the ideal place for relaxation with friends, family and work. When a group has up to 24 people, you can be accommodated with the option of exclusivity.

If you are looking to do more than what is on the castle grounds, that can be arranged. As it turns out, there is golfing, shooting or fishing in the local area.

The Birkhill Castle is the ideal location for whatever your heart's desire. Book your reservations now as they fill up quickly.

Christmas T Shirts for my Twins

2010-10-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

When my twins were three years old, I purchased these really cute white, long sleeve shirts reading, "Merry Twinsmas" with crystal rhinestones. Well, I was planning on purchasing them again this year since my twins are growing.

But then I had the idea to make them myself. So, this is what I will be doing, making them myself. I have purchased two white, long sleeve T's and sheets of crystal rhinestones. These T shirts are so cute and my twins love wearing them.

When I get the time to begin cutting the letters out and placing them on the T shirt, I will take photos and upload them here.

Take a Holiday in the Baltic Region

2010-10-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

If you have been looking for great cities to visit in the Baltic region and various European cities, the Baltic Travel Company is the best place to book your reservations. The Baltic Travel Company delights in sharing their in-depth destination expertise around the UK and Baltic region. They have the travel industry experience you need and are ready to tailor a holiday to match your budget and interests.

The Baltic Travel Company website has been designed to give you holiday ideas and travel destination information as well. This information allows you to make the best holiday travel plans.

When looking to go on a Sweden Holiday, the Baltic Travel Company offers excellent Sweden holiday packages for you and your family. Going to Stockholm would make for a great holiday or small stay. This city is surrounded by natural and architectural beauty. Along with these contrasts, you are able to view this cities history and modern culture. All of the elements combined will provide a memorable experience for everyone who visits.

Baltic Travel Company offers guided or non-guided tours through Sweden. There are self drive holidays where you can go through manor houses and outdoor activities like cycling, walking and canoeing. The Swedes have done a fine job at incorporating nature with the demands of modern society. Every city shows how well the city planning, architecture, accessibility to nature and dining have come together.

Speaking of Baltic Nordic Tours, these tours give visitors the chance to go on coach tours, train journeys and cruises. Each of these tours allow visitors to incorporate several countries during their holiday stay.

Every tour touches on and highlights of each country which allows you to get acquainted with local and national history, geography and culture of all the regions. When you purchase one of the regional Baltic tours, you get a well thought out route with sightseeing and an English speaking guide. The majority of the tours have a guaranteed departure date. If there are two or more people on a tour, that tour will take place as scheduled.

If coach tours are what you want, you can also book a train journeys or cruise tour as well. Every tour package includes flights and taxes which mean there are no hidden costs. This makes your holiday more enjoyable from the start.

My Twins Baking Cinnabon Muffins with Mommy

2010-10-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

My twins love baking, cooking and doing laundry with Mommy. On this day, they wanted to help Mommy make Cinnabon Muffins. They are really easy to do. All that needs to be done is roll out the already pre-cut dough, with added cinnamon, roll the dough up into a roll shape and place them on a baking sheet.

So, that is what I let my twins do here. If it were up to them, at this age at least, they would do everything around our home, especially bake.

Here they are in the kitchen helping Mommy bake these Cinnabon Muffins:

The Home Decor Store and So Much More

2010-10-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

If your bedroom has been the same for more than five years, it is time to update. When I moved into my current home, I really did nothing to it. Well, my bedroom to be more precise. It was not until last month that I finally purchased some new bedroom accessories and bedding. The bedding set I had was getting old and practically falling apart at the seams. If there is one thing in the bedroom that should be changed out often, it is the bedding set.

Today, with all the many wonderful designs to look at and purchase for your bedroom, there is no need to stay with the old bedding any longer. Right now, you can look at such bedding's sets like the Athena Bed Linen, Crochet Bed Linen, Stitched Bed Linen, Tiana White Bed Linen and so many more. Now, your bedroom can become your own oasis.

Along with updating your bedding, you can never go wrong with adding new home accessories too. Just as your bedding has been undated, so too should your home accessories. The home accessories will be an exciting addition to the new look you are creating. Accessories to add, not only to your bedroom, but any room, might be some bamboo baskets. These baskets are very popular right now and will add the desired look you seek throughout your home. These baskets would go well on the floor in your bedroom, next to your bed, at the entrance to your bedroom or anywhere in your home.

Just as updating bedding and home accessories are important, you can not forget new table wear. You will definitely give your table that added flare it needs with any of these table sets and dining accessories. Now, your home will look complete. When having your family or friends over for a dinner party or celebration, you can now show off your new table and dining accessories. In fact, these new table and dining accessories can be used daily or for special occasions.

The Blue Fish Table wear never goes out of style and can be passed down through your family. These Blue Fish table wear accessories like bowls, cups, plates and vase are sure to start up a nice table conversation. The Blue Fish Table wear is more likely to be used new a body of water, but there is nothing that says they can be used inland as well.

When you have decided to change the style and decor of your bedroom, living room, family room and dining room, you have come to the right place indeed. If you are looking for a one stop shop for everything 'home', there is no need to look any further.

Pillow Pets are Fun

2010-10-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Does your child have a Pillow Pet? My twins do. Even before they were popular, I found two Disney Pillow Pets at the Disney Close-Out store in my Outlet Mall. I think my twins were two or three when I purchased them.

I had no idea they were Pillow Pets, but saw they were Marie from The Aristocats. This is my twins favorite movie. So,when I saw them, I purchased them without hesitation.

Sure, they are made in a factory, but they certainly do look homemade. My twins love them and I am thinking of getting them a new one for their upcoming birthday or Christmas gift.

The one Twin A wants is the Puppy and Twin B wants the Panda. If there was a Lion or Tiger, that would have been Twin As first choice.

Have Fun Making Homemade, Non-Messy, S'mores

2010-10-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

The summertime, even though it is passing, brings with it fun in the sun during the day and making those yummy and chocolatey treats, S'mores, at night. The beach, lake, river, campground or your own backyard, are a great place to make those messy S'mores.

But, did you know these S'mores can be made yearround? Well, yes, they can and there is no sand on the beach, dirt from the campground and fire to contend with. In fact, all you need are these ingredients and a yearning for something that reminds you of summertime.

Here is what I use to make my homemade, non-messy-S'mores:

1 Box of Graham Crackers
1 Jar of melted marshmallows
1 Jar of cake/cookie chocolate frosting
1 Bag of Hersey's Chocolate Chips
1 Large Hersey's Chocolate Bar(if you want to add it)
1 Knife for speading
1 Smile
1+ Family and Friends to Share the S'mores with

Decoupage Jewelery Box I Made for a Friend

2010-10-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Making things at home is fun. I have always been a crafty individual. It seems the older I get, the more creative I get as well. When my twins were still babies, I made them one of these boxes as well. The boxes I made my twins was smaller, as the store where I purchased the unfinished boxes did not sell the somewhat larger size then.

With these boxes, I whitewash paint them. I do not sand them down as that takes away from the somewhat natural look. Once I whitewash the boxes, I add a different color like blue, silver or gold. Once the paint drys, I glue on the cut out photos. It does take time to allow the glue, like the paint, to dry. When the glue is finally dried for the photos, I use one of those black foam brushes to apply the decoupage glue to the top of the photos. Along with the photos, I like to stick pretty floral stickers on the box. These stickers give the box a more feminine look. These decoupage glue, once cured, will give the photos an aged look.

Here are the photos from the decoupage jewelery box I made.

Volga Linens are Made for Everyday Living

2010-10-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

When you are looking for linen fabric to cover your chairs, couch or love seat, it will please you to now be look at and choose from a variety of colors. In fact, you can choose from eight styles such as a Narrow Stripe, Wide Stripe, Plain Weave, Linen Union and many more. Depending on how you plan to decorate the rooms in your home, you will be glad to know you are not limited in linen colors and designs.

Along with the linen fabrics, there are a variety of bed covers and throws. There is a Hem Stitch Bed Cover, Reversible Bed Cover and Soft Merino Wool and Linen Throws. The Hem Stitch Bed Cover comes in White and Natural, Reversible Bed Covers come in White/Natural and Soft Merino Wool and Linen Throws come in Plum, Volga Red, Ochre and Fawn. Anyone of these bed covers or throws would look great in your room and on your bed.

If the above linens look and sound appealing to you, then you need to look at the clothes as well. Having these type of linens on your chairs or bed is great, but you can also wear these linens. These amazing linens are available in pajamas, nightshirts, a linen shirt, a shawl and many more clothing options. The pajamas come in White, Natural, Indigo and Tea Rose colors. The nightshirts come in White, Indigo and Tea Rose colors. The linen shirts come in Tea Rose, Indigo, Bright White, Teal and Olive colors and the shawls come in Olive, Volga Red, Ochre, Fawn, Burnt Orange, Smokey Blue, Prussian Blue, Tea Rose and Fuchsia.

The linen clothing come in sizes small, medium, large and x-large. Whatever size you are looking for, whether for yourself or a gift, is available for your purchase. The shawls are one size fit all and have a fringe edge to decorate the end of the shawl. Right now, you can look at the special offers and make birthday and holiday purchases as well.

Whether this is your first purchase or not, you will find yourself coming back for my linens, of any type, throughout the year. There are several ways to shop with Volga Linens. You can shop through their stores, cataloge, call their 800 number and online shop. If shopping online is your preferred way of shopping, you can also receive their online newsletter.

My Homemade Chocolate/Vanilla Madelines

2010-10-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

These were fun to make. They did take a lot of melted chocolate and vanilla. Just like my other molded candies, they only took five minutes to chill and remove from mold.

As you can see on these Madeline's, I added a crunchy ice cream/coffee topping on the back side. These are fun to share with family, friends or have a treat for yourself.

When I melt the chocolate, I use a small cooking pan filled with water on the bottom. Then, I use a slightly bigger pan that sits on top the bottom pan. Inside this pan I place the chocolates in a Pyrex cooking cup. Then, when the chocolate or vanilla is melted, I take a spoon and add the melted chocolate/vanilla to the mold.

Turtle Mats are Excellent for Anywhere in Your Home

2010-10-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

If you love your home's carpet and or wooden floors, but do not like the mud or dirt you track into your home, it is time to look at and choose from the variety of Classic Mats Collection. These indoor and outdoor mats allow you to wipe your dirty feet, before entering your home or business. Now and days, there is no need to dirty up the clean floors in your home or business when you wipe your shoes on any one of these Classic Mats. They come in over five colors. For over fifteen years, these Classic Mats have kept Britain's homes clean.

Just like your front door needs a mat, so does your kitchen. Having a kitchen mat is great for possible accidents. Kitchen Mats are great for your kitchen, especially if it has a door going outdoors/indoors. It is a good idea to have a kitchen mat under your sink, walking into your kitchen from a living room, spare bedroom or utility room. There are three kitchen mat designs you can look at and choose from. These kitchen mats are great in your child's room and are machine washable too. If you are looking for a mat that is anti slip, these are the mats you need.

Almost everyone has a pet. Now, you can look at and purchase Pet Mats too. These Pet Mats also come in three designs, will trap your pet's fur and keep mud off your floors. Your pet will love to sleep on something new and soft.

Finally, all these mats come with a 5 year guarantee and are machine washable. You can order your mats online, call their 800 number, friend Turtle Mats on Facebook and Twitter too.

The Outdoor Toy Company for all Your Outdoor Fun

2010-10-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Being outdoors is wonderful. It is always nice to be in the sun, staying warm and just playing outdoors. There are many ways to play and stay warm outdoors. Whether you have children or not, you will like to play or exercise on JumpKing Trampolines. There are over six types of trampolines to look at and choose from. Depending on the size of your backyard, you can look at and choose from an 11.5ft x 8ft, a 15ft x 10ft, a 12 ft, a 14ft and many more sizes. These trampolines are always popular and can be used practically year round, weather permitting.

Another fun outdoor toy is the Wooden Climbing Frames. There is a Kingswood Tower, Sherwood Tower, Home front Jungle Adventure, Front Home Cosmic Adventurer and many more to peek your child's imagination. Each of these Wooden Climbing Frames has a name to it and allows your child to play in that particular adventure. There are also Small Wooden Climbing Frames, Swing Decks and Child's Forts and Castles.

If your child is into Go Karts, they will love looking at the Berg Go Karts. These G0-Karts are for children to like to venture into rough terrain, practice their stunts and tricks for family, friends and local or national Go Kart events. There are over ten Berg Go Karts to look at and choose from. Many of these Go Karts are for children 3-8, 4-12 and 5-Adult. There are Go Karts for boys, girls and adults alike. The whole family can enjoy these outdoor toys on the weekend and anywhere they like to play off road.

Buying Windows Should Be as Effortless as Possible

2010-10-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

New windows in an old or new home just make that home more open and appealing. This is true especially if your current windows are single pane. These Wooden Sash Windows are double glazed and made with a multi-layered timber. This timber will not warp or twist. When purchasing these Wooden Sash Windows, you should know Argon filled glass casements are used for insulation. This insulation will achieve a low U value. Along with this insulation, there are four sets of brushes which prevent draughts from entering your home.

These Wooden Sash Windows can be painted one color on the outside and another color on the inside. So, you can have the outside painted white, while the inside is tan, red, blue or whatever color you desire. Ordering these windows, pre-painted makes it easier for you and your pocketbook.

Another window which might peek your interest is the Wooden Flush Casement Windows. If you are looking for a old-fashioned style window, these Wooden Flush Casement Windows are the ones you want. These flush casement windows
opens on hinges mounted on the side of the frame. When these windows open, part of the window closes flush with the frame. This way, you do not see the actual hinges sticking out from the outdoors or indoors. Originally, casement windows had to be hung on butt hinges. Then, they were secured with a pegstay and handle. If this is the style you want, it is still available for ordering, however, there have been improvements by adding a two-point locking mechanism and scissor hinges. With this added, and new technology, it means the timber sections are now thicker. The overall appearance remains the same though.

Finally, you can also look at the Tilt & Turn Windows. These Tilt and Turn Windows are a European innovation. These windows are fitted with hinges mounted on the side and bottom of the frame. Depending on what way you prefer to open these windows, they open in two different ways. These Tilt and Turn Windows open forwards and sideways on both hinges.If you live on a more contemporary property, these are the ideal window for you.

All our products can be painted one colour on the outside, for example gloss white and another colour on the inside. This means you don't have to have decorators in your house for days or weeks repainting your new windows. Our customers say this is a huge benefit of using The Sash Window Shop.

My Homemade Fall Leave Candies

2010-10-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Last month, I made these candy Fall Leaves for my Gramma's 90th birthday. I also make them for myself and friends. Now, these are fun to make, but the candy I use, from a major craft store, is really sweet. I would love to know how to lessen the sweetness. If the candies were not as sweet, they would be easier to eat, I am sure.

I mean, candies are sweet, but these are way to sweet.

Anyway, here are the photos I took of me making these cool Fall Leaf Candies.

As you can see in one of my photos, I am using a paint brush. This paint brush helps me get into the grooves of the fall leaves. I am able to add whatever fall leave color I want when using a paint brush.

Natural Fabric Curtains are Superior

2010-10-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

There are all sorts of curtains these days. There are curtains for your home or office. Whatever style of curtains you seek, they can be Made to Measure, Ready Made Curtains and Curtain Headings. If you are looking to make your own curtains, you can look at and choose from the more than twenty fabrics offered from The Natural Curtain Company. This is easy to do. All you have to do is click on any of the fabric swatches online. There are over twenty colors and designs to look at and choose from. The best thing about ordering, up to six swatches, is they are free. This is the best way to find out which color or design you like before making such a big purchase.

The Ready Made Curtains come in six styles and a variety of colors for your home. These ready made curtains come in three sizes and three linings and a choice of tops. These Ready Made Curtains can also be shortened to the length you need, at no extra cost to you. The Ready Made Curtains are a great way to go when decorating any home or office.

Finally, when you have chosen your curtains, it is time to choose curtain Poles and Tracks. There are two curtain pole designs to look at and choose from. There are metal poles which come in over six lengths and there are also wood poles which come in over six lengths and wooden colors. There are five curtain tracks to choose from and bay window tracks as well.

Whatever color or length of curtains you want or curtain poles or tracks you are looking for can be found online, for your convenience.

If You LoveReading, Begin and End Here

2010-09-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

For anyone living in the UK, you will want to check out Lovereading UK. In 2005, a group of readers, created this website for readers like themselves. The owners of Lovereading comprise of four individuals whom you can read about as you look at and purchase all the books you want to read. If you are looking for any particular book, but are having a hard time finding it, more likely than not, the owners of this website have read it and carry it here. There is no need to search all over the Internet for the book you want to read anymore.

Speaking of "any type of book", Lovereading offers more than one book genre for you. If you go to the Lovereading website already knowing what book(s) you want, or not, any of the Featured books are great to read. The Featured books allow readers to read between 10to 15 Opening Extracts pages, for free. These 10 to 15 pages allow readers to understand where the author is going at the beginning of the book. Being able to read Opening Extracts of books this way, is far better than purchasing a book and being unhappy with it once it arrives at your home.

The various genres you can look at and purchase are crime, drama, romance, mystery, horror, poetry and so much more. Whatever you want to read, Lovereading offers that genre, at your fingertips. In fact, if you would rather listen to books instead of reading, you can do that too. There are many audio books on CD you too can listen to the Opening Extracts. There are even unabridged audio books, more than ten titles to choose from.

Another popular way to listen to books is through your iPod. You can download I Speak books for Chinese, Europe, Russian, French, Spanish and so much more.

Now, whatever you are looking to read or listen to can be found right here at Lovereading.

Homemade Card for My Gramma's 90th Birthday

2010-09-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

This week, I received my Elmer's Craft Kit for being a BzzAgent. Oh, it is so much fun being a BzzAgent. Did you know you too can become a BzzAgent, that is if you are not already.

Well, here is what I received in my Elmer's Craft Kit this week once I opened it. I had no idea how much was going to be in this kit. It was like opening up a gift, for me. Anyway, here is what was inside:

With all these items, I was able to make a card for my Gramma's 90th birthday coming up! Here are the rest of the photos I took of my making a very special card for my Gramma.

This is the final look for my Gramma's card. I also used the same paper and different stickers for the envelope. If you can see, I used my word processing software to write out 90th and Gramma and GG. These words and numbers I was not able to find in my craft store.

So, when you purchase these Elmer's craft products, you too can do what I did and make something special and memorable too. Happy Crafting!!

Pretty Daisy and Sunflower Writing Pens I Made

2010-09-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Making floral writing pens is a lot of fun. Not only are they easy to make, they are easy to give. When I began making these floral writing pens two years ago, I had no idea how to cover the sticky green/black tape. This is tape that wraps around the pen, holding the flower in place.

It was not until this year that I began purchasing all sorts of colorful ribbon. But, it was not until this week that I began using the colorful ribbons to hide the sticky tape.

The first time I tried using the ribbon, I was not sure how I would connect the ribbon to the each pen. Then, a lightbulb came on and with some fabric glue I have, I was able to put some fabric glue on each end of the exposed ribbon. With the fabric glue now of the exposed ribbon, I then laid that exposed ribbon across the ribbon hiding the sticky tape.

Here are the new floral pens I made and you can see the ribbon attached to the pens, hiding the sticky tape.

Greg Kinsella Interior Design for House & Home and Commerical

2010-09-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Greg Kinsella Interior Design look is sought out in London and worldwide. If you live in or around the Chelsea Harbour area, you can visit the Greg Kinsella Interior Design Studio. Whether you are looking to create a particular style for your home or office, you should know Greg Kinsella is Head interior designer of his design studio.

Greg Kinsella is known for listening attentively to his clientele and seeing their vision through his eyes. When Greg Kinsella sees though his client's eyes, this makes for a successful interior design commission. Every client who calls and makes an appointment with Greg Kinsella, should know his one and only priority is to ask each client's want they envision and how he can incorporate that vision into their living or work space.

Once Greg sees your vision, he will seek out every color, fabric and decorations needed to make your decorating experience a success. Greg Kinsella prides himself on every commissioned interior design concept and enjoys working closely with his clients to create the perfect living and working space.

The Greg Kinsella Interior Design Studios are throughout London. If the Chelsea Harbour studio is not within driving range from your home or office, you can also call and visit any of these offices is Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Hampstead, Central London, West London and South West London.

This personal approach to sharing your design concept is what makes the Kinsella name so highly regarded and Kinsella has the highest standards of quality service for his clients all over London.

If wallcovering re important to the look and feel of your home or office, these Greg Kinsella textured wallcoverings will set you on the right path to covering every wall in your home or office. Along with textured wall coverings, Greg Kinsella offers his clients colors and designs in his fabric collection, various colours of leather, all types of lighting, glassware, mirror's, furniture, rugs and upholstery.

Once client's have commissioned Greg Kinsella, they will not be dissapointed with the final design concept. In fact, once a home or office has been newly designed, all the client can say is, I commissioned Greg Kinsella.

Share Christmas Designer Crackers with The Ones You Love

2010-09-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

Designer Christmas Crackers are a traditon. With Christmas just around the corner, right now is the time to look at and purchase your family and friends crackers. Each cracker is crafted and handmade with love. The Christmas crackers come in a variety of gift packs and colors. Decorations and ribbons on Luxury Christmas Crackers will vary. Right now, you can choose from crackers made with such decorations and ribbons like Luxury Red with Gold trim, Luxury Red and Green with Gold trim, Luxury Shiny Christmas Gold, Rose Plain Classic Cracker Silver Trim and so many more colors to look at and choose from.

As much fun as it is to purchase Christmas Crackers for the outside design, it is even more fun to see what is on the inside. The Luxury Crackers are filled with such gifts as a writing pen, calculator, purse, hair scrunchies and other gifts for children. The luxury crackers come with Family or Adult gifts. When making your purchase, you can decide if the crackers you want should be Family or Adult Oriented.

If you are looking for a cracker more adult oriented, you want to look at the Connoisseur Christmas Crackers. These crackers are made with decorations and ribbons of Embossed Gold, Gold with Brown Check, Christmas Red, Christmas Green and many more colors. These Connoisseur Christmas Crackers can be purchased with Cosmetic Brushes, Champagne bottle stopper, Chrome & silver pen and roller ball set,Double silver handbag mirror, Pen and calculator in a box, Opaque glass perfume bottle and many more quality gifts.

If giving Christmas Crackers is the norm for you, right now is the time to make your purchases before the ones you want are gone.