Making Easter about Christ!

Happy Good Friday!  In the midst of bunnies and chickens and pastel colors, it is still amazing to me that we can celebrate a day off from school, and shutting down our businesses for Easter and not truly celebrate the meaning of it!  Today Christ died on the cross for our sins and three days later was resurrected from the dead.  Our sins were paid in full!!!  Now THAT is something to celebrate.  ALL year long.  This year let's remember what Jesus endured and sacrificed for us, and teach our kids all about it.  I've found so many great Pinterest pins on Easter crafts to teach your children about the real Easter story.  Here is one of my favorites... Empty Tomb Rolls!  What an awesome way to explain the resurrection to young ones!

It's New Year Resolutions time!

Happy New Year!  2014 is upon us and it's a great time to make resolutions and goals for the months to come.  Have you made any resolutions for the new year??  Our resolutions should reflect where we feel God leading us.  When we run in the path of His commands, we will discern what changes we need to make- what resolutions to begin.

  My biggest resolution for this year is to stick to my financial budget!  I prayed about a specific number that makes sense for my monthly expenses, and I plan on sticking to that as best I can!  I decided to put away money from ebay/craigslist sales, and a few other random side hustles I have :)... and that money will be my play money!  Then when I want to paint my room- I'll use that account.  When I want to antique shopping or spend on something that is not accounted for in my budget system, that is where it will come from.  Then I am actually earning that little gift, and I can get excited to make more side money!  And on the flip side when that account is empty, I have to say no to some purchases.  It will be a big discipline for me!  

Whatever your resolution is I hope you have all the support and encouragement you need to make it a reality.  To know - that the Lord knows what you need, and He will help you and strengthen you.  HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, drink, clothing) will be given to you as well.   Matthew 6:33

15 ways to use Leftover Halloween Candy!

Looking for any ideas for what to do with all that Halloween candy you're either hiding from your kids/husband, or throwing away!?

With help from kidshealth.org website, I've found 15 awesome ideas — from selfless to the silly. Give them a try and your teeth (and your dentist!) will thank you.

1. Participate in a candy exchange. Some dentists and orthodontists (dentists who specialize in braces) offer candy exchanges. You turn in some candy and get healthy treats in exchange. Or you turn in some candy, and they pay you $1 per pound. They donate the candy to soup kitchens or to troops overseas.
2. Send your Halloween candy in care packages to soldiers serving their country far from home. Here are two organizations that ship packages to the troops. Heat-resistant candy only. Chocolate melts, you know! And don't forget to include a handwritten letter of support to really put a smile on a soldier's face!
   Operation Gratitude
   Operation Shoebox
3. Try reverse trick-or-treating! Make a trip to one or more local charities that accept candy donations. You'll feel great, and you'll sweeten someone else's day too. Some ideas include your local Ronald McDonald House, nursing homes, food pantries, children's hospitals, veterans' homes, or women's shelters.
4. Exchange that candy for something else — like a book or a toy. Make it fun by using a scale to weigh your stash — for example, maybe your child could earn a book for every pound of candy you trade in.
5. Reduce by recycling. If you have a birthday or other party coming up, offer to use your candy to fill up goodie bags.
6. Buy fun chocolate molds at a craft store, melt down your extra chocolate bars, pour into the molds, let cool, and voilà — decorative, delicious gifts!
7. Make a special Halloween version of trail mix by tossing in a handful of candy pieces with your pretzels, nuts, raisins, and dried fruits.
8. Glue candy pieces to an unfinished wooden picture frame (you can buy them at the craft store). Add a photo, and you've got a really sweet present for someone special.
9. Did you know you can make jewelry and crafts out of candy wrappers? You can search for how-to instructions on the Internet.
10. Use the candy to fill a piñata for someone who has a fall or winter birthday.
11. Give "candy math" a whirl! Use candy corns to practice addition, subtraction, or counting by fives and tens. Hershey bars or KitKats are both great for visualizing fractions. Or, you can sort your candy (chocolate, gum, lollipops, fruit snacks, etc.) and figure out what percentage each group contributed to your total amount.
12. Donate your candy to...science? Yep, you can do lots of great candy experiments at home using Skittles, Lifesavers, Starbursts, M&Ms, and more. Plus, you just might want to see what happens when you leave a gummy bear in water...
13. Create a board game using candy as pieces. Or you can use candy in a sweet game of checkers or — dare we say it? — Candyland.
14. Build a candy city. With some glue (ask a parent for help if using a hot glue gun), some toothpicks, and a whole lot of imagination, you can design and construct a scene that even your Legos will envy. And it's never too early to start planning this year's holiday gingerbread house.
15. Take it to work! ... That'll really make it disappear fast!

Any other ideas - post below! :)**

Food Allergies vs. Eczema??

Hi friends!  So recently my son was diagnosed with severe eczema that we were told from our pediatrician is a condition he was born with, although it may subside and gradually "go away" as he grows older.  I've never had eczema or known anyone with it, so I definitely had to do a little research.

It wasn't until one afternoon Roman's skin was SO blotchy, red, itchy, bumpy (you name it), where I

thought- okay this has to be more than just eczema.  I took him to the doctor and sure enough they were puzzled as to what it was.  He suggested seeing an allergist, where they did blood work and lo and behold Roman has many of the most common food allergies.
Wheat, Milk, Soy, Eggs, & Peanuts.
 YIKES!  I couldn't believe it!  The poor child has been eating ALL of this since he came out of the womb!

What I learned was that eczema is often times directly related to food allergies.  Understanding the connection can really help you manage your child's condition, and save them from the excessive scratching! And don't hesitate to get your baby allergy tested if you feel like it is more than just a normal rash or small irritation!

And if your child does have an extreme list of food allergies like Roman, you can go to this great resource I found to see recipes, books, information, etc.  They even had helpful print-outs to take to the grocery store when shopping the ingredient lists of packaged foods. Check it out!  I hope this is helpful!

http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/pages/community

How to Avoid Allergy Triggers to Prevent Eczema Flare-Ups

To manage eczema, you need to moisturize daily and use recommended medication as directed by your health care provider. Avoiding allergy triggers can also help you prevent flare-ups. 

• Keep an eczema journal. This can help you track your symptoms and identify eczema triggers.
• Stay away from skin irritants. Common irritants include wool, soaps and detergents, perfume, chemicals, sand, and cigarette smoke.
• Avoid allergens. Pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mites and other allergens may trigger eczema flares. Avoid these substances by using dust-proof mattress and pillow covers, removing carpeting, avoiding contact with animals, and staying indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Consider food allergies in children. If you suspect you child has food allergies, ask about having your child tested. Children need a wide range of foods to grow healthy and strong, so don't limit your child's food choices without first talking with your doctor.   * From WebMD

The Oh-So-Important Nap Mat

Yesterday was "Meet the Teacher Day" for my daughter, Reese. As we walked in to find her classroom, we passed some tables with some items that were optional for purchase.  Adorable lunch boxes that could be embroidered, and a Nap Mat that was to die for.  I went right up to it, only to be let down that the Nap Mat was $61.00!!  For a Nap Mat!  Needless to say, I walked away empty-handed.

Later that day I was in Hobby Lobby and I see a woman close by explaining to an employee that she was getting all her fabric choices to make her own (you guessed it) ... Nap Mat for her preschooler.  Genius!  My good ol' crafty self started getting really excited that I too could make my own Nap Mat instead of paying $61!  But after I saw how much fabric this woman had, I realized $61 didn't sound like a stretch.

So what does one do when they need a better solution/idea.. Pinterest!  I looked on Pinterest and saw tons of DIY options.  My favorite one is sewing a cover that goes over an existing KinderMat like the one I have from Walmart ($8.00?). That way you don't need to buy batting or extra fabric.

This tutorial was a great one... and I love when they have step by step pictures for those of us who are not pro sewers. Copy this address below to your browser to check it out.  They look absolutely adorable.  And comfy!   If you have a preschooler or young one that will be taking a nap at school, you know the importance of this hour and a half affecting the entire rest of your day.  So maybe a comfy mat that happens to be a little nicer/cuter than a squishy pad will be the perfect solution for you and I.   Good luck!

http://sewlikemymom.com/nap-mat-tutorial/   ... from Sew Like My Mom

Mickey Mouse 1st Birthday!

My son's first birthday is coming up and it got me thinking- What characters does he even know to make a themed party??!  It seemed like my daughter was head over heels about Mickey and Minnie, but Roman literally doesn't know anything! :) ... So as we cruised the aisles of Party City with a billion different themes, the only thing he got excited about was... you guessed it - Mickey Mouse!  It must be a universal fascination built into every child- Disney love.  So Mickey theme it is.  I'm having my good girlfriend make me some cupcakes (she's THE BOMB!) so she told me on Pinterest there are a ton of cute Mickey Mouse ideas.  Such cute stuff I thought I'd share.  Especially if you have twins, I'm seeing some adorable Mickey and Minnie smash cakes. In case you don't know what a smash cake is- it's the little cake you make for your one year old's party, so that when they feed themselves you get that great photograph of a chocolate & icing covered baby.  Or if they're a germ-aphobe like my daughter - you smash the cake in THEIR face! :)  If you have any other great Mickey ideas - please respond.  Can't wait to celebrate!

HOW to PRAY for your Children**

I know as a parent it's easy to pray for God to HELP US in all aspects of parenting... but do we pray enough specifically for WHO we want our children to be?  Or how to act?  I got a little card from someone with 12 bullet points on "How to Pray for your children." I love it.  Many of them I wasn't consciously making an effort to pray for, or even focus on at all.  Whether you have a child, multiple children, or plan to have children, it is never too early to pray for the life experiences they will inevitably face; their future marriages & relationships, their fight against Satan's schemes, and the guarding of their hearts.  I pray with a vision over my kids, and through scripture and prayer I know God will take care of them.   Try praying these scriptures over your family...

1.  That they will know Christ as Savior early in life. (Ps. 63:1,11 ,Tim. 3:15)
2.  That they will have a hatred for sin.  (Ps. 97:10)
3.  That they will be caught when guilty.  (Ps. 119:71)
4.  That they will be protected from the evil one in each area of their lives; spiritual, emotional, physical.  (John 17:15)
5.  That they will have a responsible attitude in all their interpersonal relationships. (Dan 6:3)
6.  That they will respect those in authority over them.  (Rom 13:1)
7.  That they will desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong friends. (Prov. 1: 10,11)
8.   That they will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one.  (1 Corint. 6:14-17)
9.  That they, as well as those who marry, will be kept pure until marriage.  (1 Cor. 6:18-20)
10.  That they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all circumstances.  (Jas. 4:7)
11.  That they will be singlehearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ.  (Roman 12:12)

12.  That they will be hedged in so they cannot find their way to wrong people or places and that wrong people cannot find their way to them.  (Hos 2:6)


.. I also love these books from Stormie Omartian & my mama, Gari Meacham**... That help with specific, intentional vision prayer for yourself & loved ones.

Trick your Toddler with Veggies in their Smoothie!

I don't know about you but it is a battle getting my toddler to eat her veggies.  Anything green in her dinner dish winds up getting extracted and placed in a mound on the side of the plate. :( Sigh!  So I decided I'm going to try a different approach - Smoothies.  Vegetables in a smoothie?  Yes.  I can add any fruits and vegetables I want, and maybe even a little yogurt to add sweetness.  That way it won't scare away my little one, and it will be a yummy, healthy option to get those nutrients in my daughter's diet.  Here's a great recipe I'm planning on trying.  Now the only thing I'm worried about is if it turns out green! ... We might need to try some food coloring:)... Enjoy!

"Eat your Fruits & Veggie's" Smoothie

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 2 big handfuls fresh spinach leaves (about 4 cups)
• 2 bananas, peeled
• 4 medium carrots, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 12oz bag frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons flax oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups unsweetened original almond milk
• 1.5 cups water

Combine all ingredients into the blender, and give it a whirl!  

Class of .... Cute!

I wish I could take the credit for this adorable idea to treasure your kids reaching the big graduation day - but I'll thank Pinterest like usual!  This mom took a shirt, in the school colors of where her child would go to High School, and she wrote Class of ____ (their grad year) using iron-on letters.  Getting the shirt in a size that will hopefully fit the child when they are 18, the idea is to take a picture each year of your kid wearing that same shirt, starting when they are really young.  So obviously the beginning years the shirt will be enormous, and make for a great picture!  I love the idea of being able to one day scroll through the pages of a scrapbook, and see your child(ren) each and every year growing and changing with that shirt being the constant reminder of the years gone by.  Or displaying it at your child's graduation party or in the yearbook.   I decided I am going to do a little spinoff of this idea - and make shirts for my 2 kids- one saying "I love Gigi" (grandma) and the other saying "I love Papa" (grandpa).  Every year I will take a picture with the kids in their shirts, and eventually put the pictures in a scrapbook I will one day give my parents.

 Really you could do this idea with any kind of shirt, but something they can grow into.  Every parent knows the years fly by all too fast, and I can only imagine the feeling of watching your kid walk down that aisle picking up his diploma as you reminisce over when he took his first steps. I love this idea, and if you have young kids you should try it too! Have a blessed day!

Cover up that Ugly Car Seat!

Machine-Washable Infant/Toddler Car Seat Covers

Every parent knows that car seats are not cheap.  And they aren't exactly the type of item you can grab off of Craigslist or a hand-me-down from a random cousin who had a baby 10 years ago.  But there is a way to turn those drab, boring, car seats into a darling ride for baby #2 to save money. Car seat covers!  When you are ready for baby #2 you don't have to worry that the car seat you currently own is decked out in hot pink if you're having a boy.  You can just cover it up with a car seat cover! Now that my daughter is finally ready to switch from the big toddler car seat to the booster seat (she's 36 lbs), my son who is now a little over 20 lbs can switch from his infant carrier to hers!  I've been researching cute boy car seat covers (given the fact hers really is hot pink right now), and most are at least half the price of getting a brand new car seat (anywhere from $30-100).  I've also found lots of other great accessories you get to match:  stroller blankets, stroller covers, seatbelt straps, Bobby covers... you name it! And one other priceless detail- they are machine-washable! I'm even going to customize mine for my little guy by monogramming his name on the top.  Can't wait!  

DIY Ballerina Wall!

After seeing this picture on the left, I decided I would HAVE to have this ballerina mirror & barre in my own daughter's room.  After all, her mama was a professional dancer!  Maybe if I expose her to dance, dance, dance, she'll want to follow in my footsteps! :)  I consider myself pretty handy when it comes to these kind of DIY crafts, but installing a large mirror I wasn't so sure about!  Luckily, it turned out to be fairly easy!  Instead of finding a company that actually installs oversized mirrors for exercise studios, etc., I found a 36"x 48" mirror at Lowes for around $50 and asked the clerk what kind of hardware (anchors, screws, hanging mirror clips) I would need to install it with.  I also bought a wood "barre" (a long piece of wood railing), and some rods that I will attach to the wall, and drill the wood to.  You have to make sure the barre is drilled into studs on both sides, so I will be attempting that phase of the construction when my dad can help me!  Here is the beginnings of my daughter, Reese's dance wall!  She is so excited and loves it already!  Mommy and Daughter will both be using this wall, as I needed a big mirror to choreograph routines for my dance classes I teach.   It's a great way to fill a wall that otherwise would've been bland, and encourage a creative, playful space for your child!  And the best part is-  it's not expensive, or hard to do.  LOVE IT!

Disney on a Budget!

In just a two weeks our whole family is making the trip out to Walt Disney World!!  We are making a whole vacation out of watching my dad coach his Toronto BlueJays baseball games, going to the beach, and giving my kids their first big trip to Disney!  Fortunately my sister works for a film produced by Disney now and will hopefully get us some family passes, but after doing some research I discovered Disney is NOT CHEAP people.  I know that is common knowledge, but it was worse than I thought!  I decided to look up some ways to do Disney on a budget. :)  I think overall there are some set ways you can save money on this once in a lifetime experience.

1)  PLAN AHEAD & PACK SMART.  I'm not great at this - but I think the better you plan what you want to accomplish each day- which park to visit, what restaurant you're dying to try, or exactly what time you want to arrive- you save money and more importantly TIME not having to figure it out on the spot!  Also - if you don't wear those adorable 5"wedges to the park, you won't need to buy $40 flip flops when you get there. Or how about buying a Disney sweatshirt you'll never wear again because you're freezing during the fireworks?  Pack smart!

2) SPLURGE ON THE BIG MEMORY-BUILDERS.  If you think your daughter will just die over having lunch in Cinderella's castle, than maybe eat breakfast in the hotel room or pack lunches or a cooler with you on your other outing days to save.   You can always have granola bars, oatmeal, and pb&j's in the room before or during the park.  Or a backpack cooler with drinks? Also (this is so important), buy your souvenirs before and after you visit the parks!  Most items can be found online or at a Disney outlet store that save you tons of cash. If your child is old enough, let them take their own wallet, and they won't be apt to beg for every item if they know they have to pitch in or pay!

3) GO OFF SEASON & BOOK EARLY.  Okay, oops.  We are going in peak Disney time- late May thru August.  And even worse - Memorial Day Weekend! Yikes! But hey, we couldn't figure it out any other time.  During the week (not a weekend) and off season usually there are great discount packages and prices for tickets/hotels, etc.

4) YOU HAVE TO SEEK OUT THE PERKS.  I'm finding lots of websites- for instance, "The Magic For Less" that give deals fit specifically for your needs (how many days you're staying, family members, etc.).  Disney keeps upgrading and changing, but learn as much as you can about Fast Passes, and Extra Magic Hours, etc.  I think it will make the experience so much easier, and more enjoyable.

Okay - wish us luck as we embark on our Disney trip!  I hope we collect many many memories to last a lifetime, and hopefully not many many stuffed animals or random souvenirs! :)  DISNEY HERE WE COME!

Spring Cleaning!

Everyone (well, most everyone) gets that sudden urge, come Spring, to clear out the closets, organize the cabinets/shelves, and do some deep down necessary cleaning.  I know I have!  I recently just moved and in the process I filled garbage bags upon garbage bags of clothes, toys, picture frames- you name it!  I donated a lot to charities, donation drops, and also sold a lot of items on Craigslist and Ebay.  It was SUCH a freeing feeling to be out with the old, and in with the new!  Not only are you helping others by handing down items they can now treasure , but you are being efficient in keeping only what you use and need.  I'll never forget what my mom told me.  She said- by taking care of your blessings (in particular, your home); cleaning, picking up, organizing, and maintaining, you are truly honoring God, and showing Him your gratefulness.  It's a tangible way to show your gratefulness.  I love that.  Let's all thank Jesus for what we have by taking top care of our STUFF! :)

.. AND segway to The Lemonade Cake Boutique:)... we are cleaning out our closets as well! SO many items are on Clearance!  Boy Button-downs left over from a trade show are only $10!  Adorable styles for your little Rocker or Skater Boy.  Plus, those hairbows you lose in your car, or at preschool... Yep, we have those on clearance!  Stock up and save.  We have so much inventory we want out, to bring in the new!  Remember- the first 50 people to subscribe to our weekly newsletter get a $10 gift certificate! Sign up fast on our website.  Have a sweet and blessed day!  **T.L.C.B.
www.thelemonadecakeboutique.com

The Dreaded Trip to the Dentist...

After being told from my daughter's pediatrician that she was encouraged to see a Pediatric Dentist at age one, I literally laughed when I got back in my car.  Are you kidding me? She barely has teeth and she's supposed to see a dentist already?!  Ludacris.  So I made the much dreaded trip to the dentist, hoping the experience wouldn't be too traumatic for my little mama.  God bless 'em, the pediatric dentist office and staff did the best they could.  Beautiful themed rooms for boys and girls; baseball room, rainforest room, princess fairytale room, and even a space room with hanging planets and overhead TVs...the whole nine yards.  The dentist is showing my daughter Reese how to brush the big stuffed animal's teeth with a massive pretend toothbrush and they're singing together and having a ball.  Until it's her turn.  The woman is singing and attempting to count Reese's teeth while she practically tries to bite the woman to stop.  So the dentist decided maybe we should come back.  Gsive it a month or so, and bring her back.  I thought - no way!  That was horrible.  I'll wait till she's a little older and she actually has all her teeth in.  Well, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but "a little older" was two years later.  Reese is now 3 and let's just say the appointment didn't go much better- for her or mommy.

After a fun time going through all the mumbo jumbo to get your kid "comfortable", I became uncomfortable when the dentist told me some AWFUL news.  Reese has 8 CAVITIES, and needs 2 root canals!!!! Yes you read right- 8 fillings and 2 root canals on a 3 year old.  They would need to sedate her to finish all the procedures, and she could knock it all out in one session.  Reese left the dentist so proud that she made it through not a clue what was going on.  She got her goodies: a little Ariel toothbrush and "Dora goes to the Dentist"book.  And I got my goodies - a bill and estimate (I won't even say how much) for the surgery.  Yikes. 

 Moral of the story- get your child to the dentist early!  But really the bottom line is -take your kid's nutrition and sugar -intake seriously.  She told me to treat Reese like she has Diabetes. Kind of dramatic, I know. :)  I mean it's okay every once and a while to have a massive cookie with icing that has about 13,000 calories :)... But every day mmmm not the best.  For snacks give your kids string cheese and always water.  Obviously brush their teeth and FLOSS (yes floss these little babies) 2 times a day. 

 So if I've officially freaked you out concerning your own child's teeth don't worry. Most of the problem with cavities isn't about sugar, it's actually about genetics she also told me.  Why are our worst traits always passed down to our kids!?  My mother told me I was literally born with holes in my teeth.  So I guess Reese was the same.  We'll do the best we can with her sugar-intake, and everything else is obviously in God's hands.  I'm not going to stress about it, but I will take every effort to take care of those little teeth! Hope you do as well!  Have a blessed day!*

The Dreaded Potty Training...

The Dreaded Potty Training...Where do I even begin.... Well, I guess I'll start by saying that I have a 3 year old daughter who is 85% potty trained. :)??  Is that possible?  Yes it is.  She potties every time I physically take her to the bathroom and sit her little bottom on the toilet.  But does she ever tell me when she has to go on her own? Nope!  It's taken some effort and many (many many) wet pants and leggings (and dare I say- poopie pants haha) to come to the realization that we have to use the little thing called the toilet!  It is one of the most difficult disciplines of being a parent, but wow is it great to not have to go buy diapers anymore!  Well, I still do, I have a 4 month old!  But at least not 2 sets now! 

I sware potty training is even harder for the parents.  I tried literally all different "methods" of training, and nothing seemed to work.  I guess it was just a matter of time, where she kind of figured it out on her own (with some constant reminding).  I did realize that every time I FORCED her to go use the potty, she did on her own!  It was just on me to remember every hour to take her there!  So I decided to feature my little new best friend to help with potty training - The Potty Watch!  We accidentally found ours dead in the washing machine, so we had to go buy another one instantly - it was too important!  Every hour or 30 minutes (however you program it) a little song and lights play on the potty watch, reminding your child to use the potty.  It makes the experience more of a fun thing, and it's surprising how fast the time flies before it's that time again. :) I highly recommend it to any parent who struggles with the "every hour" thing.  If it works for me, it will hopefully work for you and your little one!  Give it a try.  GOOD LUCK! Any other ideas - please post below!

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness! MUST DO!*

I was trying to figure out a way to do a Christmas Advent Calendar with my kids, but in a way that could teach them about the actual Spirit of CHRISTmas, instead of just opening up a little door to grab a piece of chocolate.  I found some of the most amazing ideas!  This one was my favorite.

You can display the advent however you want.  Some people put little boxes within a suitcase to open up, or hung tiny bags on string.  You can use your creative side to make it look cute - but the whole idea is just amazing.  It's called "Random Acts of Christmas Kindness", and I found it all on this link- http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/.   The idea is setting up 25 different random acts of kindness for each day of December, and placing this little piece of paper that says "you've been RACK'ed" along with your gift or treat.  Here are some of the random acts of Christmas kindness that I plan on doing...

1-  make a card and a treat for your mailman/woman in my mailbox for them to pick up:)
2- donate clothes, books or food to a charity or shelter
3- placing treats in shopping carts at the grocery
4- attaching quarters to vending machines, or toy machines
5- bringing a warm drink to the Salvation Army volunteer, volunteering with the Salvation Army:),
6-deliver christmas treats to someone working the Christmas Eve, Christmas day shifts
7-make and deliver "blessings bags" for the homeless
8- adopt a family in need

... the list could go on and on!! I am so excited to take part in this!  Can't wait to show you how it went for us!  Try it with your family this Christmas.  What a blessing we can be for each other this holiday season.  It encourages me to practice more random acts of kindness year round.  Let's spread God's love with one another! :)

KIDS PLAY TENTS!

PLAY TENTS!

I am just absolutely obsessed with these kid play tents!  They are so precious.  I can't think of a better nook for a little one to camp out, read, hide, or "play house" in.  So many different colors and themes swarm the market, but my favorites are in these pictures I posted.  You can also make one yourself if you are handy and don't feel like spending the $200-ish most of these are sold for.  And changing up the colors make it more fun for a boy or girl, or gender neutral!  I will be attempting to make one when we move and hopefully have a play room for my daughter!   This one that drapes from the ceiling and has little "windows", drapes, and book pockets is my daughter's favorite.  If anyone has DIY instructions feel free to leave below.  Perfect gift for your child for Christmas!  

Do your own Professional-looking Photos!

I recently welcomed my little man, Roman into the world on Sept. 5, 2012.  What I decided to do for Roman that I regretfully didn't do for my daughter, Reese, was a professional newborn photo shoot.  It was such a blast.  My photographer came over with a HUGE bin of different props and hats.  It was then that I discovered the tricks of the trade with baby and kid's photographers.  She whipped out this rubber faux-wood "floor" (mat) and lined it up to the crown molding on my wall to make it look like my apartment had hardwood!  Genius!  After the photoshoot I immediately bought my own mat from a shop on Etsy and I plan to use it for any little spontaneous photoshoots I want to have with my kids.  I can't wait.  They are in such high demand so if you want your own make sure you order it weeks before you need to use it!  

BEST RECIPE EVER!**

Ok I don't know about you - but I'm getting a little freaked out by the holiday music and the Christmas decor everywhere while I'm in shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops in the 80 degree weather here in Houston!  But hey - I love the holidays!  What I really love most is knowing that the family will be able to spend real quality time together.  It's always a blast to cook or bake some good food, share stories and live out the holiday traditions.  Or make new traditions!

To get your mind in gear for the holiday season, I'm posting a recipe that is just the most delicious thing you will ever taste.  I consider it a fall recipe, because there's pumpkin in it!  And don't be fooled by where it came from- The Sesame Street Kids "B is for Baking" Cookbook!  :)  It is so yummy and not all that bad for you!  I was forced to get this book to appease my daughter while we were shopping and then lo ahold the recipes were actually really awesome!  Why you don't you get a cute apron for your kids while you're at it, and you can bake together (www.thelemonadecakeboutique.com) !  My daughter Reese and I love to bake.  My job- baking.  Her job- eating.  :) Hope you enjoy! *Ally

Pumpkin Bars with Butterscotch Chips Makes 24 squares Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1¼ cups granulated or brown sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 cup chocolate chips 1½ cups butterscotch chips ½ cup chopped, toasted nuts (optional) Directions: Heat oven to 350º. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil or parchment, leaving an overhang on the long sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Add the pumpkin puree and continue mixing until well combined. On low speed, add the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the  chocolate and 1 cup of the butterscotch chips (and nuts, if using). Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, then sprinkle the remaining butterscotch chips over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Transfer pan to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting. Use the foil/parchment handles to lift the dessert from the baking dish. Cut into 24 squares. Store in an airtight container www.thelemonadecakeboutique.com   ... Embroider an Appetizing Apron for your helper! Only $15

I love a good homemade Halloween costume!

Yesterday i finally gave in and decided to go looking for Halloween costumes for my little babies - Reese (who's 2 1/2) and Roman (newborn).  I was going to be lame and use a "costume" for Reese that she already had in her closet and liked to wear on a normal day, her Princess Belle costume.  But then I decided okay we are going to Disney on Ice in November so she can wear that then.  I will try to find her a costume, or make one.

After speaking to several Texas ladies where the conversation turns to Halloween costumes, I am appalled and amazed really at the effort parents put into their kids costumes around here!!  One friend told me her husband has been working on their son's costume for about a month now.  Her son can't be more than about 5 years old and him and his dad decided he would be Iron Man.  This wouldn't be an ordinary red and gold spandex one- piece from the costume store.  Oh no... he was creating a true to form solid METAL costume that lit up and everything!  I wouldn't be surprised if it had jet packs on the back and the kid flew through the neighborhood to Trick-or-Treat!    Now I consider myself a pretty crafty person but I know I couldn't pull something like that off!

I decided to take a different approach.  My kids would be my childhood favorites- Big Bird and Elmo!  I found a one piece romper with a hoodie in red (for my newborn, Roman), and went to a craft store to piece together his Elmo costume.  I used that red ostrich feather boa material and I hot glued it on the rim of the hoodie, and also some on the front of the romper (There was an embroidered moose I had to cover up! ).  Then I glued those google eyes on the top, and I'm planning on painting his nose orange. :)  Then for Reese I found the bottom half of a Big Bird outfit from an actual costume store in her closet (never worn) and I decided to make a headband for it.  I got tons of yellow feathers and glued them to a crown shaped visor.  Then I also put the google eyes on it!   Voile!  A homemade costume!  Homemade costumes are the best. :) ... these 2 pictured are my favorites I saw online!! GOOD JOB PARENTS!