Keurig and My Personal QR Code!!

It's TGIF!!!!  Hurray!

Well, the verdict is in - we LOVE our new Keurig brewer!!!  It is so fast and convenient!  The best thing is that the coffee tastes amazing!  It came with a 12 pack of K-Cups, but I went to Walmart (roll-back to $10.98 for an 18ct!) the next day and got some of our favorites while we are waiting for the Ekobrew reusable filters to get here! I think my husband is very pleased as well.  Let me tell ya, it really took some convincing to get him to take the leap to a single cup brewer - LOL! But I know he's glad we did!

Today I want to share my Personal QR Code! I was looking for a new app (the one I had was not reliable - only worked when 'it' felt like it - not when I needed it to!) for my phone to scan these QR codes that are popping up everywhere and came across Skanz. This app is terrific and super fast and you can get it on the Android Market or at their website after you register (for free of course)!

So, while I was on the website I decided to generate my own personal QR code for my blog and ta-da - here it is!  You can save it and when you want to get here just scan and go - super simple and easy!  Want your own QR code? Just follow the link above to get started - it's totally free - just like their app!

They even have a couple of unique products to be able to share your code - so check 'em out!  I think these codes are a cool way to direct people to your website or contact information - a new digital business card is born!!

Have a great Friday and I'll see ya soon!

Cool Picture Bracelet!!!

Hi, everyone!  Hope your weekend was great.

With Christmas quickly approaching, are you just starting your shopping or are you finished?  Unfortunately, I'm further behind than normal this year! Usually I've gotten most of the shopping done and just need to wrap.  This year I'm still trying to figure out what to buy!

I came across this item a while back and I thought that if you had someone who is hard to buy for that this might make an interesting gift.  I know that cuff bracelets are big right now.  The best part is this is a custom bracelet designed by you.  It uses your photos, the colors of your choice and it makes it unique to you.  Go here to find out how to get yours: PicktureThat

I really like that $1.00 of every bracelet is donated to an organization that is making a difference for others.  Check out their Give Back page for more information.  

I'm not sure about the exact size of this bracelet.  It appears to be quite large and chunky. But isn't that the style right now?  Anyway, I thought they were unique and different and I wanted to pass it along to you.

Have a great Monday!  See ya soon!

Backyard Scrabble

Good morning! I hope that everyone had a safe Halloween and got lots of goodies.  

I adore this time of year. The weather is crisp in the morning and gloriously temperate in the afternoon. If I could just find a place that has this weather all year round - boy, I'd be one happy gal! Even our little guy even seems to prefer this fall weather. 

We recently introduced him to the game 'Words with Friends' (it's interactive scrabble, if you've never played it) that can be played on Facebook and even our smartphones.  He's hooked, to say the very least. And truly, we are pretty happy about that!  It is a terrific game to increase his vocabulary and spelling skills which will in the long run improve his reading. So when asked, we will always play the game with him!

Shortly after his introduction to the game I game across this outdoor version. It is quite unique and would certainly be a nice way to spend a few hours together. Wouldn't you like to have a scrabble board in your backyard? I seriously think I would!  So if you're like me, follow the link to see how:

Backyard Scrabble - Sunset.com

Can't you just picture yourself with a tall drink and a good friend? Awesome!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!  See ya soon!

DIY Giant Jenga Tower

Good Monday morning!  I hope that everyone had a very nice weekend.

This time of the year is my favorite.  Not only is the color pallet one of my favorites, but the weather is just glorious!  We had some brutally hot weather this summer as did a lot of you.  Now that the temperatures have become more moderate, it is very nice to spend time outdoors.

With a 9 year old boy, I am always on the look out for interesting and different things to do.  I came across this outdoor game and just fell in love.  I think we would have a blast playing this version!

I did some research and found that I could buy one of these sets (in fact, amazon.com has one with several links to outside sites that have them as well) but I think they are a little pricey.  I know that making a set would be much more cost effective.  So, I went about finding the instructions and sure enough instructables.com has them - step-by-step even! Go here to get them:

Giant Jenga Tower:

I am 5'2" and my son is about 10 inches shorter than me, so I'm thinking we might need a step ladder to play this game... but, it sure would be fun to see how high we could get it before it falls!!! 

Have a fantastic Monday - see ya soon!!!

Skinit Promo

Happy Saturday!

I recently found this site and since my son is getting his very own tablet for Christmas I wanted to customize it for him. It was super easy to do. I designed the skin for the tablet on the 18th and got an e-mail telling me it shipped today! But, if you don't want to design it yourself there are BUNCHES to choose from on the site.

Just about any device you can think of has a skin available - iPhones, MP3s, laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartphones. You name it - they've got it!  Even if you don't want a skin - there are cases, sleeves, protective covers to pick from, too.

I was so happy with my experience that I wanted to tell you about it and pass along their current promotion. I believe you can alternatively choose free economy shipping instead of the free skin. So take a few minutes, follow the link, and check it out if you're in the market for a 'skin' or case for your device:  Free Skinit Offer:

Have fun bringing your devices to life!  Have a great day.  Chat with you soon!!!

Easy Homemade Lemonade

Hey!

It's over the hump day and I don't know about the rest of you, but the weather here has been Hot! Hot! Hot!  Temps in the upper 90's with heat indices in the triple digits - 110 and up.  There was a brief breather from the heat yesterday but even then it was hotter than usual.  

When it's hot I really love lemonade to quench my thirst and this recipe from scratch sounds divine!  Check it out here:  Easy Homemade Lemonade

Have a great Wednesday!  See ya soon!

Hula Hoop Rug

Hey everyone!

I'm a little late with my post today but we had a late night last night and we didn't really get moving until mid afternoon!  We celebrated my hubby's birthday - had kabobs on the grill, oreo blizzard ice cream cake, shot some firecrackers, made s'mores and ended the evening with a movie.  Action packed night, huh?  It was fun, nonetheless!

I came across this project at the Family Fun website.  If your kids outgrow their t-shirts as fast as mine does - you'll have plenty to complete this craft!  It seems easy to do - interested?  If so - go here for all the stuff you need to know!  Hula Hoop Rug - Easy Crafts for Kids - FamilyFun

Love all the colors, don't you?  Happy weaving!  See ya soon.

Glow-in-the-Dark Drinks

Good morning!

With Independence Day drawing close, I just couldn't resist passing these  imaginative drinks along to those of you with kiddos!  But hey - why wait until the 4th of July - why not make them just because.  Summer nights are meant for firefly catching, and sleeping in a tent along with a multitude of other things that can only be done during the warm summer nights!  I think this idea is very creative and would be very cool to do anytime!!  Don't you?

Intrigued, yet?  Well just go here to see how to amaze your kids:

Come Together Kids: Glow-in-the-Dark Drinks

Have fun sipping your glow in the dark drinks!  See ya soon!

Our DIY PVC Kid Sprinkler

Hi, everyone!  Here are the pics from our handiwork yesterday!  We are still making minor changes but it's pretty much done.  Not quite as fancy as the Family Fun Magazine version but it sure does spray the water - that's the whole point - right?

Check it out - 

All the supplies to build our sprinkler!

One side assembled!

Second side assembled!

Almost done!

Oops - hose problem!

Trying to fix hose problem!

Minor adjustment and up and going!

Dad and son getting cooled off!!!!!

Cool sprinkler close up!

See the misters?

Set up with tarp and pool at the end!

All and all, this was a simple project.  The hardest part was finding the piece to connect the hose!  My hubby cut the PVC while I assembled. We decided not to add the sponges and lawn chair webbing but instead added the round sprinklers and spray misters. The water guns were a great idea but we haven't quite worked out the kinks in our design - but I have an idea that just may fix it!  I'll post that when we have it done.  

But in the meantime - Cristian is loving it!!!  In fact, he's outside at this very minute having a blast!

Hope this inspires you to build your very own for your kiddos!  Have a terrific Monday - see ya soon!

Simple DIY PVC Sprinkler

Good Afternoon all.

I know, I know - twice in one day - what gives?  Well, I got to thinking that there may be some of you that would like to build a PVC Sprinkler but not quite as elaborate as the one featured in Family Fun Magazine.  (It's a post below if you missed it!)

So I'm sharing this version from cometogetherkids blog here: 

Come Together Kids: Fun PVC Sprinkler

Simple, but still gets the job done!  So whichever version you choose to make - have fun cooling off! C'ya!

The Deluxe Kid Wash - DIY PVC Sprinkler

Good Morning all.

I know that everyone had a wonderful day yesterday honoring Dad.  Since my hubby works 6 days a week it's about quality of time versus quantity of time. We most definitely look forward to Sundays. Yesterday was no exception and was even better since it was Father's Day!

I may have mentioned in a previous post that I've been a subscriber to Family Fun magazine for many, many years.  I think I started getting the magazine when Cristian was about 2 years old and he'll be 9 in September!  It truly is a terrific place to get information about just about anything you can think of that involves family and kids and the website is even more comprehensive.

Anyway, I'm sure you've been seeing the DIY PVC sprinklers for kids all over the web.  In fact, there are several that are pretty cool.  I think it is a great alternative to the expense and work of a swimming pool or a blow up water slide.  Again, Family Fun Magazine comes to my aid.  Check This Out and get the complete instructions here:

The Deluxe Kid Wash - Outdoor Craft Projects - FamilyFun

Cristian cannot wait!  Next weekend we plan to build this as a family project! The only thing we are going to change is instead of the lawn chair webbing we are putting spray misters in that spot!  But really - how totally cool is this??!!!  Maybe Dad and I will even get cooled off - why not, right?

Well, I hope this inspired you to get crafty and cool your kiddos off at the same time!  I'll definitely be posting pictures once this project is complete so stay tuned!

Have a fantastic Monday - see ya soon!

"Football Fold" a Plastic Bag and Fledge Watch

Thank Goodness It's Friday!  First full week of summer vacation is over already - and it went pretty fast.  We sorta just kicked back.  I spent an afternoon with my friend Michele's girls making fabric covered photo boards - they came out soooooo cute!  (Sorry, I forgot to take a picture.) I may even have to make one for myself and Cristian!

Today I need to go to the grocery store and I've put it off all morning.  I'm just not in the mood today - but alas it must be done!  It's Friday Night Game Night and I need to pick up a few things.  Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill - sounds like a picnic to me!

Cristian and I have been on Eagle Fledge Watch the past couple of days.  (You can watch too - go here: Decorah Eagles on Ustream) The eaglets are now about full size and preparing to fly.  It's bittersweet really.  I'm excited to see them fly but, sad to see them go.... It's seems like they were just hatchlings and now they are going to fly.  I really hope we catch it live - but if we don't I know there will be available video on YouTube. 

So on to today's find.  If you are like me you save your plastic grocery bags to use for other things.  But, if you have as many as I do then they are taking over just like mine! This idea is actually pretty cool.  I'm not sure I will take the time to do it but boy it sure would solve the storage problem, wouldn't it?  It's nice to know there is a solution out there.  So if you want to fold your plastic bags using the 'football fold' then go here and check it out!

How to Football Fold Your Plastic Grocery Bags  (the instructions are toward the bottom of the post)

Well, I suppose I've put if off long enough - I'm off to the store.  Have a fantastic Friday and I'll see ya soon!

Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Handbag

Good morning!  It's TGIF and the LAST day of school!!!!!  Hurray!

Just a short post today since school lets out early today and I have some stuff I want to do before I go get Cristian.  I want to show you a cool thing you can do with Hot Fix Crystals.  Read on......

Aren't these bags absolutely gorgeous!!!  They are made by Designer Silvia Tcherassi.  As you'll see on her website, one bag costs in the ballpark of $850 to $1500!  Can you even think about paying that for a single handbag?  I know I can't!! 

Well, now you don't need to lay out that kind of cash!  You can make your very own - and thanks to Martha Stewart for showing us how it's done!  She had Silvia on her show and the technique is really quite simple.  (Be sure to check out the video, too.) Go here to find out more:

Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Handbag 

Have a wonderful day!  I'm off to make brownies for our brownie sundae dessert tonight - Yummy! See ya soon!

Make a Crib Bench

Good morning and happy Monday to all!!!

Unbelievably, our son is almost 9 years old and we still have his crib stored in the garage.  For some reason I just can't bear the thought of getting rid of it! I suppose it's because I'm emotionally attached - more sentimental that anything else. 

But now I've got the perfect solution!  I'm so in love with this idea that I can't decide which project to do next - this or the privacy screens!  Take a look see at this: Make a Bench out of an old Crib at tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com

Isn't that a wonderful idea?  If my porch were covered it would definitely go there but I'm thinking it may find a home inside somewhere.  Where? - I'm not sure yet but I'll find a spot!!!

If you've got your child's crib stored away - why not give it a new life!!  I'd love know if you do!

Have a fabulous day!  Cya!

Paper Beads

It's June - Hip Hip Hurray!!!

We are having the super hot weather right now - it seems like summer has come early this year.  Yesterday it was 99 - I hope this isn't a precursor to what the rest of the summer will be like!!

I have always been fascinated with crafting.  And this particular craft is no exception!  Isn't it amazing to think that these beads were at one time a page in a magazine, or a sale paper that we all throw away as junk mail?  What a terrific way to recycle or upcycle (which ever tickles your fancy)!!!

If you've ever wondered how to make these beauties, I've found an awesome website here: Paper Beads - Jewelry Made From Recycled Paper

Aren't they Pretty and Unique???

So hop on over and give it a try - I know they are on absolutely on my to do list!!  When I get to them I'll be sure to show you!

Have a great June 1 and we'll chat soon!

Super Cute Shoe Makeovers

It's a terrific Tuesday!

I don't know about you, but I'm a tennis shoe gal (that is if I can't be in my bare feet!).  And these cute kickers are right up my alley.  I swear I'm going to end up having a rainbow of them in my closet (hubby thinks I'm a shoe hound and he's probably right - LOL).  I've always loved mules and these fit the bill when it comes to no shoelace tying!!!

I'm definitely putting the supplies for this project on my shopping list.  And if you want to make your own - this blog is the place to get the know how: sweet verbena: Shoe Makeover    Skip on over to get the scoop!



Love this Yellow!!!!



This Turquoise is super cute, too!!!!

Here's to hoping your day is great and your shoes are cute, comfy and bright!!  See ya soon!

Deep Fried Ice Cream!! YUM!

Good Morning!!

It's a holiday weekend and school is just about out for us!!!  Hurray!!!  Wouldn't it be fun to have something 'cool' and different for dessert at your Memorial Day picnic?  How about Deep Fried Ice Cream?  Doesn't it look yummy?  Fortunately for us my darling husband worked in a Mexican Restaurant in his youth and knows how to make this sweet treat.  But for those of you who don't here's a good tutorial: Deep Fried Ice Cream!!

Mmmmmmmm!!!!!!!

I'm totally torn between this and Deep Fried Candy Bars - decisions, decisions!! Hmmmm - maybe both! LOL!!! Well, no matter what you decide for dessert, I hope your holiday weekend is great!

Happy Saturday to you and see ya soon!

Stacked Succulent Planter

Hello.  Did everyone have a good weekend?  I know that we certainly did.  It went really fast though - but don't they all!

I came across this planter and I think it is lovely.  It is very simple and elegant.  And it appears very easy to make.  I've always loved this type of plant and this planter is the ticket!  If you want to make one for yourself the tutorial is here:  Stacked Succulent Planter 

I'll be back tomorrow with some cute pictures of our new 'babies' and the awesome red velvet cheesecake cake that I made for my friend Michele on Friday.  I still can't believe how good it was!

Have a wonderful Sunday evening and I'll see ya soon!

Single Serving Pie in a Jar!!

Good Saturday to everyone!  I know I've been MIA the last few days but between blogger being unavailable and the addition of not 1 but 2 retriever mix puppies to our family - it's no wonder! 

I came across this site the other day and I just think these are ingenious!  They would make cute gifts for many occasions - teacher appreciation, at Christmas time for your hair stylist, your letter carrier, or your friends.  They would be cute hostess gifts, too.  They are even great little desserts at the end of a special meal!

Wanna know how to make them?  Here's the site: Our Best Bites

This site is terrific and I'm sure you'll find so many other things that strike your fancy!  So go check it out and enjoy the rest of your Saturday.  See ya soon!