My Love. My Valentine.

You are the Diet 
To my Coke
You are the Peanut Butter
To my Cinnamon Bagel
You are the Pretzels
To my Junior Mints
You are Carmel 
To my Frappuccino
You are the Ketchup 
To my Eggs
You are the Happy
To my Place
You are the Sun
To my Shine
You are the Wheel
To my Fortune
You are the Bubbles
To my Bath
You are the dance
To my step
You are the True 
To my Love

From our castle to yours... Hope your day is filled with love and laughter!
Happy Valentines Day! 
xoxox

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda.
 Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!

A lot of Randomness, Just Because.

First of all, I really wanted to say Hi and welcome to all my new readers.  I am thankful and really do appreciate each of you who take time out of your crazy busy life to stop by my blog from time to time. You are appreciated more than you know. 


Because I have a lot on my mind I thought I would share it. Be warned it's a lot of randomness.
1. I have rediscovered my love for pretzels and peppermint patties. Yes, together. I put the pretzel stick in a piece of the patty and it's sheer bliss. You must try it.
2. My older boys are officially so much better at maneuvering around our iPad. How does this happen?
3. I am turning 32 in a few weeks and for some reason my hands are cracked, peeling and from the looks of them I should be turning 82 in three weeks.
4. I bought suspenders two years ago {yes, two} and they are sitting in my closet. I look at them everyday. I REALLY want to wear them. So, whats the verdict? Can I wear them? Yay or Nay?
5. I want to start doing Yoga but the one time I tried I literally fell over twice. Plus, I can't take the lingo seriously. Downward Dog?
6. I reeeeally want to go on Wheel of Fortune. { I warned you it was random}
7. When those gray hairs start showing their ugly face I sometimes use my eyebrow mascara to cover them up. {you should try it. it works like a charm.}
8. I wonder how many zumba classes I would be teaching if I could just get over myself and stop worrying about what other people thought? I wish there was a pill I could take for that.
9. I am helping plan a wedding reception for an adorable bride in March and it makes me want to get married all over again. Oh my: I would do it SO different. Same sexy man. Different style of wedding :)
10. I really need to go to the dentist but I HATE it. Everytime I go I have a cavity. EVERYTIME. So, maybe if I don't go that will mean no more cavities?? 
Ok,Now it's your turn. 2 Randoms... Ready. Set. Go.

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda.
 Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!

10 Ways To Give Back

When is the last time you gave back? Did you know that there are literally billions who don't have access to clean water. To bring it a little closer to home that means that over 2500 kids in Africa are dying daily. Ways to give back our embedded in our shopping trips, our coffee stops, our normal day to day life.  Here are 10 ways you can give back, support your favorite causes, and simply make a difference. 

  

                                                                                                         Source

1.  Go to Samaritan’s Purse‘s gift giving catalog and purchase something. From clean water filters to Honey Bees, they have it all for people who truly need it. 

2. Help your local food bank. Some of us have time and others just want to give financially. Go to the store, buy $100 worth of groceries and then go drop them off. How many people would you feed in your community? 

3. Give the gift of time. Set aside a day and spend the entire day with your family {no phones, no computers}. Let everyone pick one thing to do that does not cost money, go for a walk, play a board game, take a drive, play some soccer or basketball, read a book together, play a board game, watch a movie on the couch. Whatever you do just do it as a family.

4.  Give an anonymous gift. This is my favorite. This is one of the best gifts ever! You can choose the place, the time and even he person. You can pay for a single mom’s tires/oil change when you go to get yours changed/replaced and do not let them know.  Pay for the family behind you in the drive through lane at the fast food restaurant. You can even leave a note with a small gift card on the door step of someone you know who is hurting.

5. All you doll lovers. Did you know that a portion of sales from karitokids {modern day dolls} goes to a child-relief charity. This is a great way to give a gift that keeps giving.  

6. Do you send out cards for Christmas or just a drop a note to let someone know you are thinking of them? The Orphan Card Shop offers four different lines of fair trade greeting cards. Each purchase will directly benefit a Russian orphan. 

7. For all of you organic lovers out there. Erbaorganics is eco-friendly organic mommy-to-be and baby skin care line. The best part is 15% of baby body oil and wash benefit Worldwide Orphans Foundation. You can purchase this line also at Target.

  

8. The next time you go to Starbucks grab a bottle of water. Did you know every time you purchase a bottle of Ethos Water, you contribute 5 cents to the Ethos Water Fund, part of the Starbucks Foundation. What an easy way to make an impact and help. 

9. There is a place called Gifts That Give Back . What  I love about this website is that you can search for all different kinds of things. Glassware to clothes, you name it. One out of every Five dollars you spend goes to a cause of your choice. 

10. Who doesn't love shoes? This is one of my favorite organizations ever! TOMS-- with every pair of fabulous shoes you purchase with them they will turn around and give a child in need a pair. One for One. They even have eye wear now. I am getting ready to purchase two pairs. They are not only adorable but more importantly it is putting a pair of shoes of a sweet kid who is in NEED. 

source

We all need to do our part. What are some ways you are giving back? I challenge you to think of a practical way to give back this week.  

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda.
 Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!

Ten Ways to Use Twine

Last year around this time I fell in love with Twine. I was getting ready for my first 

Photo Shoot with the boys. I made all kinds of goodies for it. 

source

and that is when I first fell for this little thing called Twine.

 Then I found this blog and my love for all things twine grew even more. I had 

no idea what all you could do with it until I found these fabulous ideas from 

Pinterest {of course}.   

1. Twine Wrapped Mason Jars

source

2. DIY Twine Lantern {with lights inside}

source

Why didn't I know about this years ago when I got married?

 I love the setting and mood these give off.

3. DIY Smores Kit Using Twine

source

I have seen this little smores kit a few times. I love it. What a great present for a teacher around Christmas time. My favorite part is the red and white twine. It makes the whole package!

4. A Twine Christmas

source

These would be perfect sitting on your mantel around Christmas time!

5. Monogramed Twine Wrapped Letter

source

LOVE this. It looks so simple to make. This is one I must try myself!

6. DIY Julet Twine Wreath

source

This was one of the best tutorial I found. 

I love that it not only tells you what to do but also shows you step by step how to create all of this goodness!

7. DIY Twine Handled Gift Bags

source

An easy, inexpensive way to create your own adorable packaging. 

8. Twine Presents

source

9. Bakers Twine

source

For all of you bakers out there... Have you ever used twine before?

 How adorable do these muffins look with twine?

10. For you all to use to hold my presents :)

source

I bet you didn't realize just how fun this little thing called Twine can be. If you want to check out a fabulous shop where you can buy fresh and colorful bakers twine head over to The Twinery. There are so many colors I can't wait to buy. 

Have you ever used twine to make anything around the house? 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda.
 Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!

10 DIY Ideas for Affordable Wall Art

I love a good DIY projects. When successful they usually mean high style for a low price. Art can be super expensive, especially art large enough to fill up big blank walls or if you are like me a need to change it up a bit it won't break the bank. You don't have to spend top dollar for wall art. Check out these 10 inexpensive DIY ideas for affordable wall art.


1.  Metal Baking Dish Art

source

All of us have metal baking dishes laying around and if your like me and don't cook alot you might as well use them for something! Turn your metal dishes into a fabulous Wall Art. Check out the tutorial on how to make this fabulous art.

2. Greeting Card Art

source

Do you have any of your cute greeting cards laying around? Why not use them to create this fun art work for your walls.

3. Placemat Art

source

What I love about this is that you can find cheap, stylish placemats anywhere. Next time you see a sale stock up on them and create a new space for your wall!

4. Transform Old Shutters to Wall Art

source

What unique idea if you have a cottage style home. You can use it as art and as a way to hold your mail. Super fun idea!

5. Ceiling Rosettes

source

You can find these at your local home goods store. Paint them and hang them. So simply and so fun. Love the look of these!

6. Canvas Painting

source

Oh, I love this! Make a fun painting all by yourself. Check out the fabulous tutorial.

7. Intersecting Circles Wall Art

source

What a cute piece of art you can create and hang anywhere in your house. Look at how easy these two adorable girls made it look. 

8. License Plate Art

source

What a fun idea for a boys room or if you are a huge traveler. Simply come up with a fun way to display them and hang them on the wall!

9. Paint Chip Artwork

source

What I love about this is the fact that paint chips are free. You can create a huge collage or do a smaller one to fit the style of your space. 

10. Fabric Panel Artwork

source

This was made by one of my favorite blogs. Who doesn't love a giant piece of art. It makes a statement the moment you walk into a room but it often to pricey for many. Why not make it yourself with this step by step tutorial from How About Orange.

There you have it designer friends. Now, pick a project and get to working on it. Granted if your like me I hoping to start some of these projects in about 20 years from now when all of my kids are gone! {kidding}  

Happy DIYing! {don't forget about the Allora Handmade Giveaway}

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda.
 Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!

Fall Fashion

I can't believe we are only weeks away from scarfs, boots, crisp autumn air, the smell of cinnamon and pumpkins, running in the leaves and sitting all bundled up beside a fire. I'm so ready for it, are you?! This is by far my favorite time of year. One of the many reasons I love Fall is because of the fashion. Oh my:: It just makes me happy. I thought it would be fun to look at some of my favorite Fall outfits. I don't know about you but I do so much better looking at clothes and getting ideas when I see them on actual people. This is one of the million reason Pinterest is one of my main addictions. 

Source: wd.lkimg.net via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: thedaybookblog.com via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: couldihavethat.blogspot.com via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: leatherandlace-lg.blogspot.com via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: thedaybookblog.com via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: weardrobe.com via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via The BMC Report on Pinterest

Source: lotuslives.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: 29.media.tumblr.com via Audra on Pinterest

Source: moodboard.typepad.com via Liddy on Pinterest

Who's ready to go shopping? You might be surprised I actually am not a huge fan of shopping. I think I am to hard on myself and don't like the way a lot of the clothes look on me. Are you ever that way? However, I do LOVE getting fashionable ideas from other people {hence once again my love for Pinterest}. They make it look so easy! Don't ya think?! Ladies, here's to a fashionable, boot wearing, snuggling up by a fire kind of Fall!


xoxox, 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda.
 Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!