Fun with Leaves *Foilage Friends*

Here's what we will be doing this afternoon :

FOILAGE FRIENDS

I found the idea on the FAMILY FUN website. Be sure to head over and check out their other FALL ideas!

(Will post OUR results later tonight)

I love fall ! ! !

Debt.....it's UGLY

DEBT.....Such an ugly UGLY word, right?
Right before I started this post I was listening to the news. I don't know why I turn it on these days because all it does is make me WORRY and STRESS. Today I stress about the economy. I wonder what we are going to do to get out of this mess. I wonder if things will go back to NORMAL (Or somewhat normal). I also think about the debt that we are still carrying around. Will we be able to pay it down like we had planned? Or will that money that was meant for savings need to go towards the other bills such as rising electric bills, HUGE gas bills, EXTREMELY high gas prices and neverending food costs? Do you worry about these things too?
Of course, I know that there are so many people out there with far more issues than my family. Some are facing foreclosure on their homes and some are just trying to keep from drowning in their debt. Yes, some are even facing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a very UGLY word also. Wouldn't you like to prevent it from happening to YOU? Well, freedom debt relief is your answer. With their debt relief program you could actually be saving money and your sanity! Become debt free in a shorter amount of time with their help. Before filing bankruptcy or working to consolidate your debt why not try their debt relief program? It will educate you on all aspects considering debt and help you make the best decision based on your preferences.

Be sure to visit their website and sign up for the FREE 10 minute consultation.

You have to check these out ....

Ok, seriously....

Can one get anymore "CREATIVE" than this?

Lego Indiana Jones necklace

My little boy would LOOOOOOVE this!

And the creativity doesn't stop there, friends. Check out this "Wishing Well" (Lucky Pennies) gift set.

Lucky Penny (Wishing Well) gift set

You can find both of these items AND MANY MANY others at reillybelle's etsy shop.

The edible Chandelier (YEP, it's edible!)

Check out this edible chandelier made by the Gourmet Mom on the Go. Isn't it amazing and creative??

Colored Pasta Noodles

Ah, these colored pasta noodles would be perfect for jewelry making with the lil ones. Check out this great tutorial from Makes and Takes. She takes you through the whole process.....EASY PEASY!

Save Lori's house.....

Click on the house and HELP!

Send 'em to Circus Camp

Do your children attend camp? Maybe a summer camp or after-school camp? My children do attend camp during July and just LOOOOVE it. If you have a summer camp near you then I highly suggest signing your children up for it. They will enjoy their time and you just might enjoy a little "Quiet time" there at the house!
If you are in or near the NEW YORK area then I suggest Circus Summer camp NEW YORK. Your little one could enjoy juggling, balance acts and even trapeze time! (I would like to do some of those myself.) Circus Arts Camp New York has been around for nearly 20 years now. The directors and staff members are fully dedicated to your children. With over 20 years experience you can gurantee that your children will be well taken care of.
Circus Camp New York is for children ages 4-16 and there are different skill groups for each age.

Forget the Arts and Crafts.....the bugs.....Let's get to flying!
If you have a little acrobat in your family then go ahead and send them to Circus Summer camp. They will enjoy it and come home to show you new techniques that they have learned.

Shopping for children's furniture

Shopping for children's furniture can be tons of fun and very difficult. Most furniture stores do not carry a big selection of furniture especially for the kiddos. A lot of their furniture is just plain BORING! If I am willing to shell out cash for furniture then you better believe it's got to look FABULOUS.

Here recently we were searching for Kids Bedroom Furniture and believe me we searched ALL OVER THE PLACE. I finally found a daybed but we couldn't find coordinating accessories. I just happen to browse through the awesome furniture on this website and found a cute kids desk to go in the room so now all I need to do is find a dresser.

You really should check out their vast selection of children's furniture. It is pretty GRAND! Trusted brands, satisfaction guaranteed and excellent customer service are just a few things you will find here.

Not to mention the wonderfully made wooden children's furniture......

So, what are you looking for?

Maybe a new bedroom set?

What about a game chair?

They even have cute little Play Kitchens and art easels!

Be sure to check out the table and chair sets too.

~magical~

Someone's moving in.....

FAIRIES!

Get your own fairy door HERE and amaze the kiddos.

Win Huggies diapers and wipes!

Got Leaks? You need Huggies!
I am sure we have all been there at one time or another. You know? Those embarrasing "Diaper" moments. Maybe it was not that embarrasing but it sure was funny. Got a story to share? If so, you could just win Huggies diapers and wipes. Just enter the Huggies Brand "Inside the Diaper Coupon Sweepstakes over at M80 Parents blog. (Check out the video below!)

*I am gonna head over and check out the entries now!

*Giveaways Going on*

Got a giveaway going on? Send me an email and I will post it right here for everyone to see!

*So Bright Designs pillowcase/onesie giveaway hosted by Cool Mom Picks

*The Little Mermaid "Ariel's Beginning" dvd giveaway hosted by Film Gecko

*Butter Bean Bambina giveaway hosted by Simple Finds

(winner will receive a teaching placemat)

*Olive's Kids Mermaid Bedding giveaway hosted by Shopping Gems

I just wanted to say a GREAT BIG "THANKS" to everyone who sent me their giveaway links. I know everyone appreciates entering for a chance to win FREE goodies.

Be sure to tell everyone where to send their giveaway posts, ok??

Have a SUPER DUPER DAY!

New Jersey's best amusement park

Fun times .....
Family Vacations are all about "fun times", right? Amusement Parks are a great way to have fun during your family vacation. Some times the adults actually have more fun riding the rides than the kids. (Or is that just within my family?) hee hee! If you are looking for a new amusement park to check out then you MUST visit Morey's Piers & Beachfront WaterParks in Wildwood, New Jersey. (Jersey Shore) Everyone knows that New Jersey water parks are just a blast! What's not to love with an 1100 ft endless river or rocket raft tube slides? Did you know that Morey's Piers won best Amusement Park? That should make you curious enough to visit!! With three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy so go ahead and book your next FAMILY FUN vacation right now.
Oh, WAIT! HOLD ON.....Check out their specials before you visit. You may just be able to enjoy some great discounts while you are there. You can also visit their website and take an interactive tour to see which rides will be perfect for everyone in the family.

Morey's Pier is a great place for a New Jersey vacation.

Ok, now you can go .....

Be sure to have fun and enjoy the rides !

*Sponsored Post*

Great "learning" links

I've got links.....LOTS and LOTS of links!

Here's some great sites for your little "learner":

FUN Pre-School themes

Free Lapbooks

Beginning to read? LOOK HERE!

FUN lesson plans

Be sure to check them out! I'll post a few more next Tuesday.

Also, if you have any links that you are willing to share with us please send them my way.

I will be sure to post them so everyone can visit!

Yes, I am.

So, I now have another "title" around here.

What's the NEW one?

Ms. Linda

I am now teaching Pre-school inside my home. I didn't think I had enough to do already. I mean COME ON.....Cleaning, Cooking, chasing kids, homeschooling, making bows, laundry, fussing and SO ON.

Nah!

Not enough.

We are transforming the garage into a new SCHOOL ROOM/PLAY AREA and well.....I don't know how it came to be really BUT I am now teaching a 4 year old girl along with my other three kiddos and I am thinking about picking up another kid MAYBE even two more.

So, the next time someone asks me "Are you CRAZY?" I can honestly say.....

YES, I AM !

Glittery Sand pictures

Glittery Sand Pictures

Makes and Takes featured this crafty idea on her blog. Check it out!

ImagiPLAY Rainforest puzzle

High quality toys that are educational? Now we're talking!

Anytime I can find a toy that serves as an educational device is a big plus. Now don't get me wrong....there is absolutely nothing wrong with toys that are just TOYS but wouldn't you rather your child be entertained at the same time as learning something new?

ImagiPLAY features quality, earth friendly toys that inspire imagination.

We recently received the ImagiPLAY Rainforest puzzle.

The puzzle was perfect for my 3 and 5 year old children. However, it was also challenging enough for my 9 year old too.

The RainForest puzzle is actually two things in one.

Several animal pieces and scenes make up one nice playset for fun imaginative play and then for something a little more "challenging" just piece each one together to form a puzzle scene.

My 3 year old was the first to test it out. She took each animal out and played "house". It was fun just to watch her imagination go WILD! I sat down in the floor and we stacked each animal on top of the scene and she got a little more intrigued.

Soon, all three kids were in the floor playing.....TOGETHER! (without fighting I might add)

When they were done letting their imaginations run crazy. The two older kids started putting the puzzle together and at the end they would have lil sister apply the last "Puzzle" piece.

Needless to say, they did it OVER and OVER again!

Mommy actually got her housework done without one complaint.

I highly recommend the Rainforest puzzle for kids ages 3 and up.

Of course, you might also want to check out ImagiPLAY's other puzzles and toys.

*All of ImagiPlay's toys are made with eco-friendly products. The RainForest puzzle was made with rubberwood. (A splinter free wood)

Learn while you play.....check out ImagiPLAY today!

Peanut Butter ladybugs

Here's a great snack idea to try with your little kiddies :

Peanut Butter Ladybugs

YUM!

Searching for a new web host?

Ya know, these free blog platforms are great and HAVE been great to me but now I am finding out that I need more space....more space for photos and links and basically a little more freedom. I do not want to spend an arm and a leg for this new web host and I have specific "needs". What's a girl to do? Where do I even begin to look? For starters I could check with Web Hosting Rating. They rank each web host by price, space and traffic and also provide reviews for each host. Sounds great! Now I can find a web host with all the specifics I need. Are you searching for a new web host, as well? Be sure to visit Web Hosting Rating. They will help you with the search. Browse through their articles section.....Find out even more about web hosting like "getting started".

Tiny Prints Holiday Card Design Contest

Win a $50 gift certificate from Tiny Prints!

Show your holiday spirit and share your favorite new card design for 2008.

A leader in holiday photo cards, Tiny Prints is so excited about the upcoming 2008 holiday card line that they couldn’t wait to offering a sneak peek to showcase the all new card designs. Enter their contest to help determine what cards will be most popular this coming holiday. During this early preview period, the new holiday cards are not yet available for purchase; however, for a very limited time you can receive amazing early-bird savings on their soon-to-be retired photo cards, Christmas cards and holiday invitations.

To help them celebrate the launch, they’re looking for contestants to review any of their very newest 2008 Christmas cards, holiday photo cards and business holiday cards for those who work in or own companies. Simply go to Tiny Prints (http://www.tinyprints.com/), browse your favorite 2008 holiday card designs currently being previewed and save your favorite 2008 design in your account by clicking the “save in favorites” button. Then come back to my blog and provide a link to the specific holiday card (see link for example) in the comments below indicating what you liked best about it. Please note that some designs are so new that they cannot yet be customized, but will be soon (early October and hundreds more designs)!

The contest will run through Tuesday, September 30th 2008. Winners will then be drawn at random from people who have properly followed the above directions and placed comments in my blog post. Please create your comment using the same e-mail address you used when creating an account on Tiny Prints so participation can be verified.

Label it with DYMO!

Ah, the smell of new crayons....freshly sharpened pencils, new backpacks. It must mean one thing: School has started again!

Are you organized? Do you label your kiddos backpacks? What about their file folders ?

hmmm....You are still using the "black marker" method, huh?

Well, what if I told you there was A BETTER WAY.

What if I told you that there was an even better way to make the NAME actually stay where it is supposed to?

Would you try it?

With the Dymo labeler, You can label everything from lunchboxes to pencil cases and guess what? THE LABEL WILL STAY PUT!

However, don't just stop with school supplies. You could also use your dymo labeler for household items as well. Organize that messy closet or de-clutter your kitchen drawers and correctly label everything so you can actually FIND IT next time.

What about clothing? Are you tired of your kiddo coming home wearing someone elses jacket? Simply add your child's name inside the clothing and NEVER lose another article.

As you can see the Dymo labeler will make your life just a little bit easier and you will be on your way to "organization" in no time flat!

Buy one today.

Crayon roll tutorial

We have several of these cute crayon rolls. They are perfect for traveling in the car.
Feeling crafty? Why not make your own?
Chocolate on my Cranium posted this tutorial.
Also, check out Skip to My Lou for detailed instructions.
&
More from Nested and Make it and Love it

Have fun!

franchise opportunities for ALL !

You know I used to wonder how individuals got to be "franchise" owners. I mean...I would see the commercials and hear testimonials from the "owner" and would think it was strange. Honestly, I never even thought about a company branching out like that. I had just assumed their was one FOUNDER/OWNER. That is until I became friends with a local franchise owner. She explained everything in detail and it made me even more curious. Of course, I have always dreamed of owning my own business (Brick and Mortar type). I just haven't had the time to persue such a big deal. Are you also dreaming of being your own boss? Dreams of running your own company have you going crazy? Well, don't go crazy! You can do it. YOU CAN BECOME A FRANCHISE OWNER! All you need is the right HELP. My Franchise help is a remarkable service that matches people with the right franchising opportunities . Free consultations are available for everyone. With highly qualified individuals serving you (Most owning franchises) there is no way you should let this opportunity pass you by. They can identify companies with the same personalities, profile and interests that you possess and be able to present three reputable companies for you to work with.

So, whether you are looking for a family restaurant franchise or a hair salon franchise they can help!
Give them a call today and get your FREE consultation.

Unique Skins *Giveaway*

Giveaway is now CLOSED. ALL THREE WINNERS have been emailed! Thanks for entering.

Wanna jazz up your phone like mine? Or maybe your laptop, gaming system or MP3 player?

Unique Skins has generously donated 3 $15.00 gift cards as a giveaway right HERE right NOW!

For more info on Unique Skins and their awesome products you can read the review I did here.

WIN WIN WIN!

*Head over to Unique Skins and check out their complete line of "skins".

*Come back here and tell me what device you would like to JAZZ up.....phone, laptop....whatever!

*THREE (3) winners will be chosen when the giveaway closes Monday, September 15th.

Time to buy Halloween costumes

WOW! Can you believe that Halloween is next month? Time is zooming on by for sure. Are you one of those "last minute moms" like myself? You know ....the kind that you see dashing into the store the night before halloween trying to grab up anything that resembles a costume! Anyone belong to that club with me? Well, NOT THIS YEAR! Nope....NO WAY! I am going to be getting my kids costumes early because I am doing it ONLINE at BuyCostumes.com. They have an enormous selection of halloween costumes perfect for everyone in your household. Costumes such as BATMAN, fairy princesses, and even cute little detective costumes (Think NANCY DREW!)

The prices range anywhere from $12.00-$50.00 so you are guaranteed to find something in your budget.

They also have costumes for your pet! How cute would that be to match your pet with your child's costume? hee hee

Our lil man wants to be a clone trooper from Star Wars, The princess just wants something in PINK and the big girl said she would be some sort of animal.

I can get all costumes in ONE place and not have to worry about hitting up the store in a mad dash the night before.

Now how come I didn't think of this before???

What will your kiddo be for Halloween?

Fun w/ toilet paper rolls & balloons

My little ones had a special theme this week....."All About Me" so we did a fun craft using toilet paper rolls and balloons.

FUNNY "ME" dolls

All you need:

toilet paper rolls -one per child

balloons-one per child

markers

glue

construction paper

Wrap each toilet paper roll with construction paper and have child decorate the "Clothing".

Then trace hands and feet out onto another sheet of construction paper.

To attach the hands, I cut two small holes on each side of the toilet paper roll and inserted a piece of rolled-up construction paper. This will be an "anchor" for your glue and hands.

GLUE the hands on.

Then I traced a circle using the bottom of your toilet paper roll. Attached the circle to the bottom of the toilet paper roll and glued the feet. (The circle punch will serve as another anchor for the glue).

Once your body is constructed just blow up a balloon *NOT TOO MUCH THOUGH!

Place the balloon on top and using a marker add the eyes, nose and mouth.

ALL DONE!

Now you have your very own "ME" Funny guy.

The lil princess decided that she also needed a mustache as well as a tattoo on her arm.

AY YI YI!

Maiden America *Non-slip hair barrettes*

GIVEAWAY is now CLOSED. A winner has been notified via email.

When my first daughter was born, I had a hard time with hair barrettes and clips. No matter how tiny the clip was it just would NOT stay in her fine hair.

(This was before companies started producing barrettes/clips with NON-SLIP materials.)

At that time we had to resort to cute hats.

Now I can find a pretty good assortment of barrettes and clips that will NOT SLIP for my younger daughter. WOO HOO!

Do you have problems with clips slipping out of your lil one's fine hair?

Maiden America can help you too!

At Maiden America you can find a HUGE selection of barrettes that are guranteed to stay in the finest hair. Quality? Expect nothing but the BEST!

Each barrette is made with high quality materials, NO Toxic glues are used and each one is made right here in the U.S.

We received several different barrettes from Maiden America.....barrettes with flowers, barrettes with crystals and barrettes with velvet! Each one is a piece of art.

For both of my daughters, I prefer using the "french barrettes" -the ones with the little clasp in the middle. I know a lot of moms like the clippies but in my experience as a bow maker I have found that the barrettes actually hold the hair better. So, when we received the Maiden America barrettes and saw that they were attached to the MINI french clips I was THRILLED!

To help the barrette stay snug in the hair Maiden America uses a very special technique that I have not seen before. (I will just tell you that IT DEFINATELY WORKS!)

These barrettes are so sweet.

My little one likes to wear smaller barrettes versus big bows. So, we can just grab one of these while we are headed out the door and she still looks great!

*I can not wait to show them off at church this weekend.

Before you opt for the HAT.....check out Maiden America and get your sweetie a cute barrette instead! THEY WILL STAY PUT in baby fine hair.

I am 100% sure that you would love these barrettes too.....I am willing to prove it!

See the cute one below?

It could be yours!

All you have to do is visit Maiden America, browse through the barrette/headband selections and then come back here and tell me which one is your favorite!

Winner will receive the barrette below with a special bonus barette holder.

Giveaway will end on Friday September 12th and a winner will be announced.

Labor Day Meme....JOIN the fun

How long were your labors?
#1... 5 hours (Yeah, I was shocked too!)

#2...7 hours (induced)

#3...3 hours (emergency c-section)

How did you know you were in labor?
Kid #1 I wasn't sure it was real or not but I started having severe back pain and then we timed contractions.

Kid #2, Oh, those contractions told me EVERYTHING! lol

Kid #3, Nurses & Doctors were hovering over me....

Where did you deliver?
At the hospital THANK THE LORD! Hubby is not a good DR.

Drugs?
Well, of course! I paid for 'em.

C-section?
Yes, the last one.

Who delivered?
Doctors (REAL ONES!)

Want to play along? Head over HERE to Rocks in My Dryer.