New Year's Eve Appetizer Ideas

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve so here is a few ideas for appetizers.

• Cucumber Sandwiches - I make them with pita bread instead.- http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cucumber-sandwiches-iii/
• Wings
• Queso Dip
• Jalapeno Poppers - http://organizingparent.blogspot.com/2011/02/recipe-super-bowl-party-appetizers-and.html
• Beefy Biscuits - http://organizingparent.blogspot.com/2011/02/recipe-super-bowl-party-appetizers-and.html
• Deviled Egg
• Apples and dip -Bar of cream cheese, a tub of Carmel from Marzettis- mix together and top with Toffee chips.  Serve with Apples

My Pinterest Fall Projects

So I finally did some projects especially for the fall.  Take a look!  I have included a link to each of the blogs I got the ideas from.



Masterpieces- I made the boards and cut the vinyl letters out with a Cricut machine.  I fell in love with the Cricut machine!  The boards took a few hours just because of drying time.
http://alittleofthis---alittleofthat.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-kids-art-display.html

Halloween Banner- Lots of work but cute.  It is in my front window so I couldn't get the best picture.
http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/?p=23806&cpage=1#comment-15395

Prayer Pail- This is my pail that we use at night.  Each stick has a prayer request or family name and we pray for one or two sticks each night.
http://www.joyshope.com/2009/07/prayer-pail-with-supercool-guest.html

Tulle Fall Wreath- This was fun to do! 
http://www.babyrabies.com/2009/10/tutu-cute-halloween-wreath/
This is what I used for the wreath tube part.  http://www.thepennyparlor.com/2010/09/coffee-filter-wreath.html

French Toast Bake

Yesterday we had breakfast for dinner and it was delicious!  I made this yummy tasty French Toast bake.  I had to share the recipe.

French Toast

1 lb French Bread 1 ½ inch slices
4 Eggs
2 cups of Milk
1 teaspoon of Cinnamon
¼ cup vanilla
3 Tablespoons of Sugar
4 Tablespoons of Butter

Crumb Topping
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup soft butter
¼ cup oatmeal
½ teaspoon Cinnamom
¼ cup of chopped Pecans (optional)


Place 1 ½ inch thick bread into greased 9 x 13 pan.  Combine first 5 ingredients and pour over bread- turn over after 10 minutes (bread) until all is absorbed.  Put thin slices of butter on each piece.  Refrigerate Overnight

In the morning, preheat over at 500 degrees
Bake 15 minutes flip over pieces then add topping on each slice and bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Organizing Freezer

I finally conquered the freezer.  I spent about 10 minutes organizing my freezer with these baskets from Dollar Tree.  I have the following baskets:

• Frozen Fruit
• Frozen Veggies
• Frozen Vegetarian "meatless" products
• Meats
• Breakfast Foods

I may get another one for popsicles but I don't want to use up all the space in my freezer.

This simple organizing has made getting into the freezer so much easier.

Here is the link I got the idea from: http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/storage/organization/ways-to-store-more-in-your-kitchen/?page=7

Fall Decorations

On Pinterest I came across this fun, simple idea for Halloween/Fall.  I was excited to do it.

The first vase has candy corn and a candle.  The second has fake pumpkins with a bow.
I bought the vases at Michael's on clearance for $2.99 and the pumpkins were in small packages for $1.49 each.  The candy corn was $1 per bag at the Dollar Store.  I had the ribbon and candle.  I love the size of the vases - not to small and not to big just perfect for my table.  I really love them.

Here is a link where I got the idea: http://yourdecoratinghotline.com/quick-halloween-decor/

Fall Subway Art Printable

I was on Pinterest and found this cute sign.  I printed it and then bought this frame at Michael's for $6.99.  I love it because I can use it for different seasons too!

Here is the link so you can print one too: http://vintagemarigold.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-subway-art.html

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

In my hours of searching on Pinterest I came across this picture...

 

I said to myself...I HAVE TO MAKE THESE!  On Sunday it was my turn to take a treat for church and thought this is perfect.  I always make chocolate covered pretzels and people love them.  So I thought who wouldn't love these.  They went SO fast because they were delicious.  I made them on Sunday morning before church because I was too lazy on Saturday but good thing I waited or else I would have been in trouble.

Check out the blog where I found them!

http://17andbaking.com/2011/03/25/peanut-butter-pretzel-bites-dipped-in-chocolate/

Simple Organizing Tip: Magazine Holder

I found this idea on Pinterest from a blog http://www.chicaandjo.com/.

I thought it was a great idea for organizing- aluminum foil, press-n-seal, baggies...I didn't use a scrapbooking size I just bought a magazine holder from Target.  Cute and red for $3 on Clearance.  I have it on top of my frig and it is so cute!

Thirty One Party

A fun special for September!

On Sept. 10th I am going to be hosting a Thirty One Party with consultant Lea Lockwood.  I am very excited because I LOVE their products and the organization and fun it brings to my life.

If you haven't been to a party, your invited!  Just send me an email (salbegs@gmail.com) I will get you the time and my address.  If you can't make it and want to order something you can go to www.mythirtyone.com/lealock

The fall stuff is super cute too!!!

Labor Day Food Ideas

Since the last holiday of the summer is just around the corner and you may be starting to make plans I thought I would share a few ideas that I have come across.

• Yummy Recipes- http://hoosierhomemade.com/labor-day-cook-out-idea/
• Fun Hamburger and Fruit Bar Idea- http://swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com/2011/04/cute-as-button-pink-and-gray-birthday.html
• Flag Ideas- http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2010/06/flag-day/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TastyKitchenBlog+%28Tasty+Kitchen+Blog%29
• Love these strawberries- made them for 4th of July- http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2011/07/easy-red-white-blue-strawberries.html
• http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Labor-Day-Recipes
  

Organizing Printables

I love printable organizing tools.  Here are a couple of website that might help you with this.

• Deisgnfinch.  She has list lots of free printables to help you get organized.  http://www.designfinch.com/2011/07/31/sunday-planning/
• Clean Mama- She has created so many list for cleaning, organizing but they do cost money.  Here is her blog but to see her printables you have to click on the link to her store which is hosted on Esty.  http://cleanmama.blogspot.com/
• Organizing Your Way Out has over 100 Free Printables!  http://printables.yourway.net/
• Everything Mom- More printables besides it seems you have to register for this one.  http://www.everythingmom.com/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=140
• Everything Etsy- http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/07/101-pretty-printables-free/
• IShare- http://www.ishareprintables.com/
• MBC Scrapbooking-http://mbcscrapbooking.blogspot.com/2011/07/household-organizing-printables.html
• Meal Planning- http://733blog.blogspot.com/2010/09/another-freebie-from-closed-shop.html

First Day Of School Pictures

Well the first day of school is only 23 days away.  I really can't believe how fast summer has went by.  Well my little man will be starting 1st grade and I started last year by taking a picture of him on the 1st day of Kindergarten and the last day of Kindergarten.

First Day of Kindergarten

Last Day of Kindergarten

For the last day I remembered to make a sign for him to hold so we would always remember.  So I want it to be a little cuter so I added some color and a border.  Simple but better than black letters on a white piece of paper.


Here is what I have come up with for Bryson and Keelin, since she will be in 3 year old preschool.

 To make them I opened a word document.
My page set up is landscape
I think made a box with the box drawing tool.  Once I had the box I doubled clicked on the box.  A menu comes up where you can change the outline border and color.  So I did the dots and changed the color.
I clicked okay
Then I drew a text box in the dotted box.  I choose the font "Chalkboard Bold"
Then type the words you would like to say.  Highlight the text and then change the color and size to what looks good to you.
Next doubled the the outline part of your text box and a menu box will come up.  There you will select under Line - Color - No fill.
Then print away.  Make sure on your screen it looks spaced evenly before you print.

You can always get more creative but I was going for simplicity!

Camping Checklist

This weekend we are off to our first camping experience of the summer and the first for Keelin.  I think the last time we went was about 3 or 4 years ago because Bryson was tiny.  We are excited to go with so many amazing people from our church family.

I am sitting here thinking of what I need to pack so here is my camping checklist that I thought I would share.  Some stuff I will not be taking on this camping trip since it is only for two nights but this is a list I will keep for future trips too. 

We will be eating lots of PB&J, cereal, snacks and we do a potluck on Saturday night.


CAMPING CHECKLIST

Calendar For Managing Meals For Family and Friends

When we had a babies it was such a blessing to get meals from our friends and families.  I love to help provide meals when others have their babies too because of how it made life feel easier in a crazy time.  Well in the process of trying to organize it all between who is making a meal, on what day and what they are bringing and where do the people live, it can be an overwhelming task.

Through the last couple months several and with friends having babies, the meal organizers have used some websites that I think are so amazing.  These websites can be used for those even recovering from surgery or just anyone who is needing meals and a group of people may be providing for them.

Here they are:

http://www.foodtidings.com/

http://mealbaby.com/

Vacation Christmas Ornaments

I was at a neighbors house many years ago before we were married and I was looking at her Christmas tree.  She was the type of lady who had everything very uniform and all looking the same.  Her house was straight from Pottery Barn (so cute).  But as I was sitting there looking at her tree there was all sorts of ornaments and some I could see writing on.  I asked her what they were all about.  She then explained that whenever they went on a family vacation they would get an ornament from the vacation spot and then at Christmas as they were setting up the tree they would reminisce about the vacation and what they did.

When I got married, Shawn and I started collecting ornaments where ever we went and we still do to this day.  We try to get an ornament that represents what we did on that vacation.  We love Christmas time and the time we spend laughing together just remembering our fun get a ways that we had. 

Maybe you can start this simple tradition in your family!!!

(I want to post pictures but that takes me going downstairs to pull out my christmas decorations!)

Slow Melt Popsicles

I know this may seem like a silly post but I have to write one.  I LOVE Popsicles but I don't like them when they are dripping down the front of my child's shirt, melting as soon as you walk outside and most of all HUGE for little kids. 

I came across a great box of Popsicles called Slow Melts.  They are tiny and don't melt fast at all.  Look for them in the store if you have little ones because they will make having a Popsicle enjoyable!

FlipFold Product Review

Have you ever been in a clothing store and wonder how their clothes are folded so perfect?  Most stores use FlipFold.  This is a great product that I had the chance to review.  FlipFold.com did provide me the product for my review.

 

When I got the FlipFold I wondered how easy is this going to be, is it really all that it is made out to be, and mostly can my kids use it so they can help out with laundry?  The answer is YES to all these questions.

The FlipFold is very easy to use.  You get a sheet that tells you how to fold all the different types of clothing that you would be folding.  My son even figured out how to fold towels on it.  Whatever gets him to help I will accept!

My son was very interested in the FlipFold when it arrived at our door step.  He grabbed clothes out of his drawer and started to fold them all.  He was loving every minute of helping.  I knew right then in there that I would like this product.

The best experience I have had with the FlipFold was packing for vacation.  I was able to fold all my clothes very neatly and compact so we could pack in a lot smaller bags just because of the way our clothes were folded.  My fear when packing was "Will I be able to get it all back in this way?".  I did because the FlipFold is so thin I was able to throw it in my trunk.

I love having my clothes folded so neatly in just a few seconds and most of all that my kids can help and do a good job. 

Check out the product for yourself and see what you think!

http://www.flipfold.com/

Customized Countdown Sign

We love to countdown to things in our house...vacations, a special day, holidays, school events, summer...I would love to make this simple but adorable sign.  Here is a website that tells you how!

http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2010/11/day-3-days-until-sign.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InfarrantlyCreative+%28infarrantly+creative%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Funny Sign

This sign made me laugh!

Memory Jar

I was searching Pinterest and I came across this Memory Jar idea.  I LOVE capturing memories especially with the kids.  Kids do say the best things and often make you laugh so hard.  So why not capture them throughout the year and have a good laugh or cry at the end of the year.  Very simple but cute idea!


Here is the website where I found the idea:
http://inchmark.squarespace.com/inchmark/2008/9/9/magical-thinking.html

Alphabet Printable

I was looking online for worksheets to do with the kids and I had a friend share this website with me. 

Check it out!  You can do lots of activities!

http://go.tipjunkie.com/pr/5611/www.first-school.ws/theme/alphabetp1.htm

E-Mealz- a meal planning website

I just signed up for FitMarriage and they are doing a giveaway from E-mealz.  I want to try this so bad even it I don't win the giveaway.

It is a site where you choose the type of grocery list you want and to what to store.  They will then send it to you on a certain day.  You will save:
1- Money because you will have a meal plan and they match it up with the sale prices at the store you choose
2- Time because you print a shopping list in line with the aisles at your store.

I am so excited to look around some more.

Here is the link to the giveway!
I just entered to win 3 months of FREE meal plans from @EMEALZ courtesy of @FitMarriage and you can join me…plus get 10% off when you sign up on your own! http://wp.me/p12C22-12T

Summer Park Passport

This is an idea I saw on Pinterest and so I took the concept and we are going to try and do it.
We are going to try and visit several parks in our city.  We live in Livonia, MI so some of this might not apply to those reading but you could take the concept for your own city.

The idea is we go, have a picnic and play.  Of course we take lots of pictures, especially one my the sign.  We will then print the picture and put it on paper and write what we all liked best about the  park.  After it is completed we will put it in a sheet protector and in our Summer 3-Ring Binder.

Livonia Parks

All have playgrounds

• Beverly Park
• Merriman and 6 Mile
• Bicenntennial Park
• 7 Mile and Newburgh
• Bluegrass Park
• Newburgh and 5 Mile
• Botsford Park
• 7 Mile and Middlebelt
• Castle Gardens Park
• 96 and Newburgh
• Clements Circle Park
• West Chicago and Middelbelt
• Country Homes Park
• Yale and Plymouth
• Devon-Aire Woods Park
• West Chicago and Merriman
• Elm Park
• Inkster and Plymouth
• Greenwood Park
• 5 Mile and Newburgh
• Harry Wolfe Park
• 5 Mile and Merriman
• Jaycee Park
• Farmington & 7 Mile
• John F Dooley Park
• 96 and Middlebelt
• Livonia Community Rec. Center
• 5 Mile and Merriman
• Meadows Park
• Inkster and 6 Mile
• Mies Park
• West Chicago and Merriman
• Nash Park
• Lyndon and 5 Mile
• Pastor Park
• Lyndon and 96
• Rotary Park
• 6 Mile and Hubbard
• Shelden Park
• Farmington and Plymouth
• Stymelski Veterans Park
• 96 and Farmington
• Wilson Acres Park
• West Chicago and Joy Road
• Wilson Barn
• Middlebelt and Plymouth

WELCOME TO SUMMER

So I seen this fun idea on Pinterest to make a plain WELCOME TO SUMMER sign.  But I did something a little different.

We were able to share it with some friends and the kids were so EXCITED.  Something they will never forget!!!

Drive In Movie Birthday Party

On June 17th we celebrated my sons 6th Birthday with a Drive In Movie Theme.  We had a blast with it.  Actually I think I had more fun with it then the kids did. 

Here are some pictures from the party!

These were the party favors.  I bought the Popcorn cups at Target in the dollar section.  I got the treat bags at Hobby Lobby.  In the treat bags are a microwaveable popcorn bag, a tube of Mini m&m's, glow sticks and dubble bubble gum.

 We wanted to set the big screen up outside but it didn't get dark until way too late so we moved it inside to the backroom.  Featured movie was Despicable Me!

 My Concession Stand.  I gave every kid 6 tickets.  They could get a certain amount of items for tickets.
One Ticket per Item

• Capri Sun
• Lemonade
• Popcorn
• Hot Dog
• Mini Kit Kat
• Mini m&m's
• 3 Hershey Kisses
• 2 Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
• 3 Twizzlers
• 2 Airhead Sour Strips

 A big picture with the delicious cupcakes

 Our popcorn cupcakes.  I made cupcakes with a cake mix.  I used Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting Betty Crocker.  I used white miniature marshmallows and yellow miniature marshmallows for the popcorn.  I used a knife and put a cut them in half (not all the way throw just enough to make them look like popcorn).  I put a mixture on each cupcake and there you have it!

 My popcorn machine and hot dog set up.  I just put hot dogs in a crock pot with some water for a few hours and they were ready to serve.

 Here are the cars for the drive in.  I bought large moving boxes from Home Depot.  I cut off one of the sides and then taped it all up.  I bought large black plates for the wheels and stirring wheel and small yellow plates for the headlights.  The kids then decorated them with markers and had fun!

Here are the boys in their cars.  They wanted to race them - surprise I was dealing with 8 Kindergarten boys!!

The boxes were a great thing because during the movie they stayed in them and ate all their snacks in them plus if we need to get control we just said "Everyone get in your box".  It was great!

This party was the most fun I have ever had from the planning all the way through the kids going home!

Hope someone else will have fun with the idea!!!

Here are a few links that SO helped me in planning.
Whole party idea:   http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/01/drive-in-movie-night.html
Cupcakes: http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/popcorn-cupcakes-686323/
Party Supplies: http://shop.hobbylobby.com/party-supplies/themed-party-supplies/carnival-party-supplies/

My Garden!!!

On May 22nd I planted a garden for the first time.  I was determined to do it because I LOVE fresh tomatoes!  Also I wanted to get my kids involved with it all and maybe spark more interest for eating vegetables.

Here are some pictures of my garden at the very beginning.  I need to take pictures this week because it has grown SO much.

 All tore up ready to go!

Putting our fencing up so no little rabbits visit it.
I planted 3 tomato plants, 4 Zucchini plants, 4 Green Pepper plants, 4 Red Pepper plants, 4 Yellow Pepper plants, 4 Lettuce, 4 Cucumber plants and 4 onion.  I also have 2 basil plants in pots.  I am just so excited about this garden and the veggies that are going to come soon!!!

I bought most of my plants at a local Flower shop called Flower King here in Livonia.  Also my in-laws bought some from Eastern Market downtown Detroit.

My garden on June 22nd!!!  So big - I love it!!!  Can't wait for the fruits of it!!!!!!