LOTS of recent pics!

I'm pretty far behind in my scrapbooking but here are some recent pictures for you.

A free slideshow design by Smilebox

How To Peel an Egg Without Destroying It!! MUST SEE

Since it's almost Easter and many of us are going to be hard boiling eggs, I thought I would share this link with you.  I don't know what it is about hard boiled eggs but they never peel right.  They always end up making my deviled eggs look like some foreign object that no one wants to eat.  They're good, but they look horrible.

Tim Ferriss to the rescue:



Good luck!  I will be trying it this weekend!!

Weekly Wrap-Up

Okay, so now I'm a day late on my weekly wrap-up but I promise I have some neat things for you.

The Creative Mama has an awesome technique to make Pom Pom lights!  I have some of these paper lanterns that Alysia no longer wanted since they weren't going to match her decor and I think this is just the thing to do with her new room colors!

Over at Reinvented they made some frames with letters that they find in nature and architecture.  I'm thinking this would be cool to do our family name.

Who doesn't love Peeps at Easter time?  This idea makes them even better!  White Chocolate Dipped Peeps!!  Can you say D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S?!?!  Visit jun-blog for the tutorial.

Anita Renfroe - FUNNY

Anita Renfroe is hilarious!  If you liked "Momsense" then I'm sure you will enjoy these.  Pull it up on YouTube if you haven't.  Here are a couple more funnies to get your week started.  I hope you enjoy!!

Giveaway Reminder!

Just a reminder to help me out by taking my small survery here!  I am leaving it open until April 1st and then I will do a drawing for a giveaway!  Please remember to leave your email in the comments section so that I can email you if you win!  Hint:  The prize "might" be something handmade by Moi!!  Good Luck and thanks

New Friend Friday Party!

I'm linking up to New Friend Friday over at The Girl Creative.  If you wandered here through the Linky party, WELCOME!  I am sooo glad that you stopped by.  I hope that you enjoy what you see and read.  Leave me a comment so I can come visit you too!  I am always looking for fun, creative people that enjoy the same things I do.

Here is a random fact about myself:
Since I did a post this morning about gummi bears I will tell you the crazy way I eat them.  I bend them in half and lick the back until it starts to break in half, then I put it in my mouth and eat!  Don't ask me why?!  One of the MANY crazy ways I eat things.

Where's My Gummi Bear?

There it is!!  In that chandelier.....WHAT??  How cool is that?  I looks amazing but I sure wouldn't want to dust it.  According to the website it takes about two months to complete and holds 5000 gummi bears!  They are only going to make 10 so you better hurry over and get yours!  Or not.....  It's neat to look at though.

So maybe that's not your style and you want something a little more traditional.  Here you go!

Oh to feel the gummis underneath my feet.  Awwwww..........

On a more serious note for all you gummi lovers out there, for only $30 here is a five pound gummi bear equal to 1400 small gummies.  I might be getting one of these for my dear hubby for Father's Day.  It's just cool to have around. 

His gummy bear would match my one pound sugar daddy!!

I hope this made your Friday sweet!  I know it did mine...

I Need Your Help, Please!! - There's a Giveaway Involved!

I have created a short survey that I would love to have all of my readers take.  I promise it won't even take 5 minutes!  PLUS, for everyone that helps me out I am going to be having a giveaway!  I can't tell you what it is (since I haven't decided yet) but I promise you won't be disappointed.  I will close this survey one week and will announce the winner on Friday, April 2.  So get all of your answers in before midnight April 1.  I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Also, all of your answers will show up on my personal spreadsheet so no one will have access to your information.  Please put your email in the bottom comment section of the survey so that I can get ahold of you if you WIN!!

What Women REALLY Mean

I have to thank my MIL in advance for this email that she sent me.  How men don't know this is beyond my belief!  It is sooooo true :)

What Women Say and What They REALLY Mean

Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house..

Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome', that will bring on a 'whatever')

Whatever : Is a woman's way of saying GO TO H-E-Double Toothpicks!

Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Feel free to anonomously send this to you significant others!  I'm sure they've heard these before :)

Friend Makin' Monday

I'm participating in Friend Makin Monday over at ae filkins.  She has a really cute blog!  You ought to go check it out!  Here is a little about me so you all can get to know me a little better (as if you wanted to).

1. Favorite things about Spring:

Flowers, green grass, budding trees, EVERYTHING is NEW!  A new season with new hope!  Spring is one of my favorite seasons (behind Autumn) because of the hope that it brings!

2. What I'm doing for Spring Break:
Spring Break was last week for our kids and it didn't involve a lot of anything.  We spent some time outside which we have been longing for due to the LONG winter we had.

3. Favorite Spring flower:
Ohhh.....there are so many!  I love peonies, daffodils, tulips.

4. Do you have a garden?
I actually don't have any now since I just moved :(  But I will change that this year.  I LOVE flower gardening but am contemplating a veggie garden.  Just not sure if I will have the time or not, plus I have a BIG puppy that is liking to chew on things.  I don't know how well that is going to go. 

5. If so, what do you grow.
Any kind of flower I can get to grow.  My favorite for shade is Astilbe's.  I had them at my old home and was VERY sad to leave them.  I like decorative grasses, hostas, and ANYTHING that flowers for a long time!

6. Do you do Spring cleaning?
I clean all year, what are you talking about?!?!?!

7. What is your weather *really* like right now? {Just b/c it's "officially" spring, doesn't mean that it feels like it for some of you}
Well...the first day of spring we got about 6 inches of snow but "right now" it is feeling like spring.  There is still some snow left in my backyard but tomorrow it is going to be 60 and gorgeous so it probably won't stick around.  I don't want to see anymore until next winter!!

8. Snapped any weather related photos lately? Share one with us!
Hmmm.....had a picture of the lovely snowfall we had on Saturday but I'm on a differnt computer now :(  I'm too lazy to walk to the other room and write this post.  Look through my blog and you'll see it on a previous post (if you really want to, my feelings won't be hurt at all if you don't).

9. What's your favorite thing to do on a sunny afternoon?
Play in the backyard with my kids, although this year with a pool close by I'm thinking we will be there a lot.

10. Favorite TV show right now?
I don't even know what's on right now since I never watch TV.  I usually watch Dancing with the Stars so I might start DVR'ing that since it started tonight.  I NEVER the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows.  I know, I know...it's bad.

Weekly Wrap-up

I love being able to share with you all of the neat things I find on blogs I follow so I plan to do a weekly wrap-up every Sunday to highlight some of my favorites and give you the links so that you can peruse at your leisure also.

I am loving the flips flops over at Make It and Love It.  She gives an entire tutorial on how to make these so that they have interchangeable ribbons!  I'm seriously going to have to make several of these!

My kids love the Lofthouse cookies that you get at Walmmart.  Sisters Stuff promises a recipe that will have them tasting the same out of your own kitchen.  We will be trying this, this week.

I'm going to be re-doing the main bathroom which also happens to be the boy's main bathroom.  I am thinking about doing these hooded towels (in blue) for them to match the decor.  As a side note, I found $0.75 hand towels and $3.00 border that I got and I can't wait to get started on it!

I can't have a recap without an apron of some sort.  I am going to have to buy this pattern to make this Domestic Goddess Apron.  I just think it is adorable!

My dear friend Alisa, over at The Sweet Life made this addroable ruffled bottom onesie!  I don't have a little girl in my house to make this for but I still fell in love with it.  I am for sure going to keep that in mind for future friends' babies!  I love the flower she put on the front too.

I am really hoping that since the kids will be back in school this week I can work on some of the crafts that are swirling through my head.  Stay tuned for more projects next week!

Spring Has Sprung - "I Think" (easy craft)

It's spring according to the almanac but the view outside my window doesn't show such.

Two days ago it was a beautiful 62 degrees and warm enough to say it was spring.  Today...can't get above freezing. YUCK!!

I'm not going to let it stop me from bringing spring indoors though.  I am ready and if I have to force it then by golly, that's what I'm going to do.  I made my own grass......out of rice, green food coloring, and vinegar.

Take a 2 lb bag of rice, 1 T of vinegar and some green food coloring and mix it all together.  Spread on a cookie sheet over some paper towels and bake at 200 degrees for about 20-30 minutes until it is all dry.

Now you have green grass even if there isn't any outside!!  Now some flowers to liven up my dining room windows!

HAPPY SPRING!!  I hope yours is warmer than mine!

A Lot of Nothing

So much has been going on in our little house.  By the way, I just have to say that we have had 60 degree weather ALL week and I am NOT looking forward to the 6-10 inches of snow we are supposed to get tonight and tomorrow.  SPRING WHERE ARE YOU??

Okay, back to my family.....

First off my dear hubby finally got to the doctor about his chest pains and they did an x-ray and an EKG and all seems to be well!  This is a great relief considering we thought he was having some major heart issues that would have only been fixed with surgery.  At this point it seems his high cholesterol is only that and hasn't created any blockage at this point!  Praise the Lord!!  I keep hearing that gall bladder attacks resemble heart attacks so we are going to be looking into that now.  I am just happy and thankful that my hubby is healthy enough to get off his rear and "really get healthy".  At this point he has lost about 10 pounds and he has about ** more to go. {he would not be happy if I actually gave you that number}  We have to keep the hubby happy!!

My dearest little Parker is growing like a weed.  I have been trying and trying to get him in to get his first haircut since he is long overdue but with his dad's work schedule, getting an appointment when he is home can be a little troublesome.  So I am HOPING that he will have a haircut within the next few days.  I will for sure be posting pics!  I can't wait - he is going to be so stinkin' handsome!!  He is trying soooooo hard to learn more words every day.  He is going to be talking all of the time really soon!  He can meow like a kitten, woof like a doggy, and oink like a pig.  They may not all sound like the animal but it is soooooo adorable in his own way!!  I think daylight savings time has done good for Parker's bedtime.  He ALWAYS went to bed at 6:30 and was up faithfully at 6:30 everyday.  Ever since the time change he has been going to be around 7:30 and sleeping until 7:30 or 8:00!  Spring break has been wonderful this week with Parker letting me sleep in!

James is my fireball like always!  He is so stubborn and adorable - how can that be?!  I love him sooooo much but he can make me soooooo mad.  I am having some challenging times with James talking back all of the time.  I have noticed that it helps when I can just take some time out of my day and focus on him.  I just have to remember that this is something that he needs from me and his dad and make it a priority.  Sitting here looking at him as he feel asleep in dad's recliner, I can't help but ignore all his idiosyncracies and just love him!!  (It's because he's quiet!)

Alysia...what do I say about her?!  She is a never ending pit of drama all of the time.  She was grounded from her phone for a few weeks because she was in the drama a little "too much" and it was soooooo quiet around the house.  Phone is back...boy problems are back!  Yay!!!!  NOT!!  Poor girl.  If she only knew that one day she will look back and see all of this as being so silly.  She is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady and I just pray that she keeps her head on straight and doesn't let those boys get to her too much.  A boy can be a blessing but if it is before God's plan then it can be a burden that she lives with forever.  Stay young sweetheart and stay true to yourself!

There's my little slice of my world.  Not much to brag about but to me it's all important.  I don't take the time out of everyday to remember that enough.  I pray that God reminds me everyday of my blessings and shows me how to approach each situation with patience and love.  :)

Smashed Peanut Butter and Jelly - IT'S NEW

James loves making creations in the kitchen and his new one is called Smashed Peanut Butter and Jelly.  He says it is just like "Smashed Potatoes."

Here is how you make 'em (in his own words)!!

First, you cut up bread, any size, but don't leave them not cut up!
Second, you get some jelly.  Then flick the jelly but if it doesn't work, rub it!
Third, you get some peanut butter and flick the peanut butter.  If it doesn't work, rub it!

Daddy said it tasted delicious!!  {smile - wink} don't you just love the minds of little ones...

Sew Cute! Purses!!

I "LOVE" sewing!  I can't wait for my craft room to get done so I can actually do more of it.  Hauling out the sewing machine for every project I want to do now just gets really old, really fast.  That and the fact that my kitchen table is buried underneath all of my sewing supplies so it is out of service for a few days usually.  I have to admit though, there are some awesome creations that come out of that mess!

Here are couple purses that I made with the intention of selling but I just adore them so much, I can't decide what to do with them now.  Keep or not, give as gifts???  I am sure that I have enough purses and since I don't even carry one right now because of the diaper bag, do I REALLY need another one!?  Anyways, enough with my indecision and onto the photos!!

They are small purses but big enough to hold all of your essentials.  If I didn't have a baby I could "probably" fit all my necessities into it.

They are short straps so it is a handheld purse and not one for the shoulder.  There is a larger design that has longer handles and would hold MUCH more.  I got the pattern from Taylor Made Designs.  It honestly think I got the pattern about a year ago and don't even see it on her website anymore.  BUT, I do see that she has some apron patterns that are just adorable so I might have to snatch a couple of those up.  If you have followed me long enough, you know I "love" aprons!

Spring Swap

I can't wait for spring and warmer weather so when I came across this blog today I decided that it would be fun to do this Spring Swap with Shortmomma.  You ought to go check it out and participate if you have a blog!  It will be fun to see what to swap with another blogger.  I'm thinking I have some ideas of some neat things I can send to my blogger and hope to get some "cool" things in return!  It's worth a shot!

If you're wanting to grow traffic on a new blog, this is a great way to do that!  HAPPY SPRING!!

Awesome Diaper Deal - HURRY!!

You must take advantage of this if you are in the diaper stage with your kids or have grandchildren.  I just got 5 packs of Luvs Diapers and 3 tubs of Huggies Wipes for $39.52.  After I receive my items, TOMORROW, I will send in a $14.97 rebate that you can get HERE.  That equals about $3.06 per item!  That is an AWESOME SAVINGS.

Here's how you can get it too.  Go to Diapers.com and place your order.  Any orders over $49 will get you free shipping and will be delivered the next day!  You can't beat that.  Then enter my referral code of BETH4788 to get an additional $10 off.  There is a link on the sidebar that will take you straight to the site.  When you are done ordering get your REBATE filled out and mail it in.  The rebate is for a free magazine subscription but if you don't want the subscription they will mail you $14.97.  THEN (here is the best part), get your own referral code and blog or email about this to all your family and friends and you will get a $5 credit for everyone that uses your code!!

So use my code of BETH4788 to get your first order started and then generate your own code to start getting credit towards a next purchase from all of your friends and family!!

I am just GIDDY over the savings!  This couponing thing is going to be good!!!

REMINDER - Giveaway

This is just a reminder that if you are following along on the Inspiration Series that I am doing there will be a giveaway at the end.  There are about 15 posts in all and we are on Post 5.  You still have time to follow.

How to enter the giveaway:

• Comment on the post and give me your thoughts and ideas
• Become a follower if you are not already
• Blog, tweet, or facebook about the post and how it helped you or will help you in the future

Make a separate comment about each of these so that I can keep track of everyone, please.  I plan to have this all wrapped up in about a month.  I promise the giveaway will be something you will want to have, but you have to participate to win!

Good Luck!

Becoming a COUPON DIVA - Part 4 in a Series

Anyone can be a coupon diva BUT I will warn you that it takes a good amount of time on your part. You are not going to be able to shave 25% or even 50% off of your grocery bill if you view take it nonchalantly. You have to invest time into couponing and the rewards will pay off every time you go to the store and come home having spent significantly less.

I have tried many time in the past to become the coupon diva that I see others being but it just seems too complicated. I am going to make it work this time though. It’s not hard, it is just a commitment. To me it’s worth it because I truly HATE going grocery shopping and spending most if not all of the money I have budgeted only to need more groceries before my next check arrives. I am literally sick to my stomach every time I leave Wal-Mart now just because I am amazed at the amount I spend there on groceries that in one week will be GONE.

Here are some statistics for you:

• If you invest 2-5 hours per week you can look to shave 15-25% off your entire year’s grocery bill.
• If you invest 5-10 hours per week you can look to shave 50-75% off your entire year’s grocery bill.
• If you invest 30-40 hours per week you can look to shave 90% off your ENTIRE year’s grocery bill.

If you’re like me, I can’t spend 30-40 hours per week on my couponing. I will considering invesing 5-10 hours of my time though. This time spent includes looking for coupons, traveling to the stores, actually grocery shopping and creating menus. If you really think about that then 5-10 hours can add up pretty quick.

First things first.  You need to check your stores policies and guidelines regarding coupons. When do they offer Doubles, Super Doubles, Triples? These are they day that you want to shop with your coupons. A lot of companies don’t advertise these dates but if you ask they will tell.

Here are all the ways that you can get coupons:

• Circulars - this is the Sunday paper. Buy more than one – it is a great way to get lots of coupons for a small investment. Red Plum and Smart Source are the two major circular coupon companies.
• IP – Internet printables, this is becoming a very easy way to get coupons. Sign up with a few sites and they will send you coupons all of the time. It’s a great thing!
• Catalina’s – these are the coupons that print out at the register when you get your receipt. These are GREAT simply because they are usually for an item that you bought therefore more than likely will buy it again.
• Blinkies – these are found in the stores next to the item it is for, you know the ones that all the kids like to take coupons from (or is that just my kids) 
• Tear pad – found on little pads near the product.
• Peelie – these are found on the products themselves such as Grands biscuits.
• Wine tag – these are found on the bottle neck of a bottle and are mostly in the soda pop section which is a section I am TRYING to avoid.
• Rebate – this is a coupon that you mail in and receive money back. (Your hours per week spent couponing should also include filling out rebates. The woman saving 90% of her grocery bill will be using these to their fullest potential.) Don’t ever throw rebates away!
• Ask family and friends! There are a million coupons that get thrown away every year! Tell everyone you know that you will take any coupons that they don’t use. Pass them on when you sort through what you want.

Make sure that you have a loyalty card and that you use it for stores that you frequent. Also take advantage of stacking. That is using a store coupon such as one that can only be used at Target and stack it with a manufacturer coupon. TWO COUPONS on one item!

Your ultimate goal would be to use coupons on sale items ONLY. If you build your coupon stash and only buy when things are on sale, this is where you will see the biggest savings. You can typically use 3 coupons per item. I did not know that.

Here are some secrets!! 

• If the coupon says do not double at the top it WILL still double if the store you’re at doubles and it starts with a “5” in the barcode area. If it starts with a “9” it won’t double.
• If ANYWHERE in the barcode there is an “8100” you can use this on ANY item. For example there are a lot of coupons for Cream of Mushroom Soup by Campbells. It says it is for Cream of Mushroom only, BUT if there is an “8100” in the barcode it will scan and be accepted.

These are legitimate ways to use coupons and you are not doing anything illegal by simply knowing how to use them.

There you have it!! Now get to working and scour the earth for coupons and USE THEM! Let me know how your next grocery trip goes.

This Could Turn Out REALLY Bad...

I have an addiction to caffeine or sugar, I can't figure out which.  I have my cup or two of coffee every morning and then I have my "several" 8 oz glasses worth of hydration which would be my Cherry Dr. Pepper.

So...what's new?!?!  The other night I was REALLY tired and I had to work late into the night.  Working until midnight isn't very fun when you are tired and your bed is right behind you calling your name while the audio you're listening to can sometimes "lull" anyone to sleep.  So, back to the other day when I was REALLY tired; I decided to have a cup of coffee to help keep me up.  I wasn't going to put too much sugar in it and not drink a whole cup since I didn't want to be up all night.  I just wanted to see if it would work.

Let me tell you what, I could have worked way past midnight!  It was absolutely AMAZING!!  The next night, same old tired routine and I was falling asleep at the computer.  So... tonight I have another mountain of work ahead of me; therefore I decided to try the coffee again.  The only good thing is that the lovely medicine that I take to prevent my migraines is ALSO a medicine that they prescribe to patients with insomnia.  So when I'm done working, I pop two of them and drift off to dreamland.

No migraines, deep sleep (even if it is only about 6 hours) and no migraines.  I could get used to this!

Disclaimer: don't try this at home.