Decorations for nightlight

These night lights out now are in such an aray. Some sing to your child others just sit there and do nothing except give light. So what would be in your child best interest to put them to sleep and don't forget waking up. My choice was a simple but, timeless black light I put baby hand prints and feet prints in matching colors for his comfortor. This light well for him and well as myself. As he has grow over the years the night light has been put to use for his consolation of plantes. This is also a highlight for a castle with knights, princes, prince etc... I still belive in putting a little one to sleep with some music but, something with some inspriation. Mozart ect...
As he's grown so has his music now he sings, very happy.

Help! My Family Room is Always a Mess…

It is a challenge with a one parent household and a child. I started noticing that my upstairs and family room is in constant disarray. There are days when it looks like I've just had ten kids over for a play date. I would clean one area and keep moving forward and look behind me...Yikes there is a mess just where I cleaned.

Look Mom!! I just built this car. And there lies a pile of blocks everywhere.

My house is an mess most of the time and it is a change for me. I like things clean and organized a clean house makes me happy. I sometimes get uptight and angry because of the mess. Somewhere in the house you can hear me

" I can't stand it anymore it's got to go or pick it up."

I'm no longer frustrated with the mess and confusion. Because it's gone.
Stay tuned next month to read how I solved my Family Room Disarray Problem.
You know I'm all about overcoming a challenge!


What is your biggest household challenge?
Win and ipad2 for taking the time to share your biggest challenge! How? For a chance to win the new iPad2, 'like' Kenmore on Facebook and let us know in your reply.

Share your Genius Tip!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kenmore. The opinions and text are all mine.

Christmas Vacation & Kids

Christmas vacation is here or quickly approaching and the kids are tired of school work. Well for that matter getting up and running to school 5 days a week. So, while in mind of getting some much needed rest and fun. I want to share with you some tips that I use.

This years school schedule is letting kids go a week before Christmas. OK, so were going to visit as many of our family and friends before the big day. Then we can just loaf around for a few. Taking a few days to go out and just get them out of their routine. Bring sleds, extra mittens, and whatever else that might get wet.

Set up a couple of days where kids can just go out and play. Taking mine out to a park with a big hill should do the trick. Bring hot coco, cookies, and blankets for the ride home. This day will be closer to the 24th so, they go to bed at a reasonable hour.


On the road make sure to sing a few songs together it's actually fun. Even for the scrooge in the family to get into the spirit. Bring in some music everyone will enjoy for longer trips; Something special for each one in the truck makes it nice.

Taking a day to make cookies, I'm not one who likes to bake for the whole month. One day is all I'm going to spend on making cookies granted it will be morning till evening cooking but, it will be done. This year I'll go to a friends house to make cookies with the girls. Kids will play outside in the snow and have a wonderful time just being kids.

This will be a much needed day for me just talking with other girls. About what ever happens to be the subject. I found this on a blog and thought it might be fun so, here it is.....


If your interested in sharing your blog or you don't have one no big deal. If you want to join us in listing your favorites link up so we can easily find your list!

What are some of your tips for Christmas vacation. I would like to know and share these with others is what makes blogging worth while. I would really enjoy them.

FitYummyMummy

A give away to kick start the New Year! I have been jumping up and standing when I start worrying how to not get a twitter butt so, for me this fits right into my busy schedule. Now with WHAMresoursesite.com I can share this great give away with you. As I'm sure motivation is a key factor in getting a good workout.

With this Fit Yummy Mommy fitness plan I'm not only going to work out with the holiday work plan that can easily fit into a busy days. Listening to the workout and being able to relate to the trainer is very benefit cal. This is not only motivational but, helps with the technical understanding too. Having support is the key to a successful workout. The step by step is very easy to follow and I recommend this product.



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Here's the rules:

1. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this give away.
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I am writing this post for an entry for a Giveaway Value for Fit Yummy Mummy Transformation Kit (valued at $247)click here

10 tips for making this the ultimate holiday season

This is the season of making the holiday season special under all circumstances to be the ultimate holiday for every one. So with Twittermoms and Hasbro I have the opportunity in sharing some of my tips

1. Decorating trees this has a lot of meaning in our house to the holiday season as we try to go all out with decorations each year without breaking the bank. Each tree has a theme and it’s never in the same place or the same theme. This keeps it special for each year.
2. Cards using fotobabble to make talking photos come to life. With this free and fun way of sending a card to each and everyone without the stamps, paper cuts and stuffing all the envelopes. I love this site for making it easy to give everyone the very best and a great shoot of us.
3. Decorating cookies has been a tradition for many years and this year it will be even bigger. We have been invited to join in efforts in making cookies with friends. One day only and making enough for everyone will be a blast this year.
4. Outings taking time to enjoy the season and entertainment is a great way to go out and be without the kids. Going out with friends for a night out was such a great breather. Try going to see Bryan Adams and make it an elegant night what a fun it was to let my hair down.
5. Slowing down spending time with family before the big day is essential for everyone. This makes little visits just as fun while serving up some holiday cake. Try making some chocolate cake with candy cains crushed and sprinkle on top.
6. Shopping online is great way to buy things. What to give someone can be difficult so, plan on taking them to the store and watching what catches their eye. This is a sure way of getting them something they’ll like. Buying games; TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY Hasbro has a great selection and saved me time and money.
7. Pot luck is a nice way to have dinner on Christmas this way no one gets the big meal all on their lap and can enjoy some of the holiday too. Many times this is a way to bring in a new recipe and have everyone sample it. We usually just bring in a bunch of fun foods and have the basic dinner later on Christmas Eve.


CHECK OUT DEAL OF THE DAY

8. Kid’s entertainment has to be on a budget for me, while presents are just for Christmas there’s still the rest of their vacation. So, I like to plan a few trips to local ski lodges and spend the day out of the house. Some even have pools where the kids can swim all day while parents rest and observe. Indoor games are the best to spend while kids are at home. Hasbro has a great line to pick from.
9. Volunteer is a great way of giving back to others. This year my son and I are story readers and elves for our local town. This will be a great experience for not only him but me as well.
10. Turn off all technology for a few days and spend time with the ones you love. Taking time to sing some of our favorite songs while driving down snow covered county roads is my favorite. I love the snow and singing is just a nice expression under the moonlight mountains.

I hope I have inspired you in some small way or giving you and idea or two on making this holiday the ultimate gift giving this holiday.


I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Hasbro Ultimate Gifts blogging sweepstakes, making me eligible to get a $50 Gift card to use at www.HasbroToyShop.com! For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to: )

ten tips for new moms who are bringing a baby home

While it has been some years since I came home with my new baby. I have learned some easy but, necessary ways to make this transition as smooth as possible. With Twittermoms and Lysol I can give these tips to help ensure an easy but, informative way to make your trip home from the hospital.
1. Sending home all flowers, gifts and cards the night before you leave will make the trip home easier with less to take home. While packing have someone write out thank you cards as well and send them signed then they will be received in a timely manner.
2. Have the home in which you will be returning to up to 72 degrees. The home will be the same temperature as the hospital and after you get home you can turn it down a little bit each day back to the home regular temperature. This will ensure that you will be comfortable and so, will your baby.
3. Having the baby's room disinfected before arrival will ensure healthy and safety. Soaps with no perfumes for washing all babies items. Remember some cleaners will be unsafe with the fumes so, please read labels. Remind all who want to handle new born to wash hands every time they want to hold baby. Keeping pet away from baby and room is an absolute for health safety of germs and possible other hazards.
4. Having a nice outfit for you and your new baby you will want something that fits loosely and that you can get your babies first photo in. So if you don’t know what your having just have someone pick one up the day after delivery. With today’s mobile phones this is easy to find something and then check it by phone.
5. If you’re unfamiliar with car seats you or someone will need to read the installation of the car seat and proper way of buckling the infant into the seat. No one leaves the hospital without one so, if getting a seat is a problem just ask. There are many programs out there that will assist it getting a proper seat.

6. Having formula, bottles, bags or breast pump home and ready for you will help keep your new baby comfortable. Having been a breast feeder this was great for going back to work or when I just had a sitter. If you’re an Eco friendly person such as am I. I used a home made cloth for laying down my baby for changing. Using baby wash cloths are so much easier and clean bottoms better with baby soap. For going out the occasional wipes are just fine for such tips as the mall. I usually pack a small can of Lysol to spray area then lay cloth down for warmth.
7. Getting out of the house. A definite thing this must be done either in the winter or summer. Going for a walk with a stroller is really very enjoyable and good for you and your new baby. Winters just go to the mall get a stroller most places have them for free or a small fee with drivers licenses. Also, check when mom’s movie day is playing that's when new moms get out for a super savings day out.
8. A must have is a good monitor. There is just no other way of knowing what’s going on in that little room. Baby can nap while you visit on the porch or next door. Just check the reception first when they wake you’ll want to be close by.
9. Having a body hugger is a genital way to keep baby in the same position as they were in your womb. Also, this is a great way to carry your baby. As your baby grows there's halters that put your baby in front of you while shopping, mopping or just going for a walk. As baby grows other models that the baby sits on your back very cool for hiking. I used to take mine hiking lots of times we love the outdoors.
10. Get the education going this is a critical for brain development as many mothers know relearning your nursery rhymes, getting some soft music to play for bed time. Having a boppie and a short video of learning language, arts, shapes, numbers and etc. Make sure you’re very expressive in facial features and tones in your voice to show expressiveness to your little one. You’re their role model and their first teacher.

While these are many of the tips I used with my little one there’s only two things I wished I had done in addition and those are teach my little on baby sign language. The other is giving him muzzy for multiple language development. One other important consideration is Co-Sleeping the advantages and disadvantages. Two truly great gifts to a child for development in communications and understanding.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Be Smart About Your Health: Benefits Planning Made Simple

Health Benefits in 60 minutes or Less
This fall is Open Enrollment it's the opportunity to take a look at your spending for the up coming year. To live a frugal life one must get through the paper work of their health care provider. With Twittermoms and Aetna gives people the tools and “know-how” to save time and money while making the best health decisions during Open Enrollment and throughout the year.




Here's five things to do;
1. Prioritize - what are your families needs for future health care. The Health Benefits Priorities tool will direct you to a plan that meets your needs. Kids are every changing and so is our health care.
Have you thought about putting pre-tax dollars into a flexible spending account. FSA gives you money to spend on some health expenses and can save you money.
2. Calculate - take last years expenses and find an online service where all doctors visits and prescriptions can be seen as total expenses. Expert advice from the Financial Planning Association® on how to best manage health care spending. Could you change to online visits? Do you use generic prescription drugs?
3. Predict - What types of visits do you see forthcoming in the next year. Are you pregnant, what will it cost to deliver and then child care expenses. For respectable and credible information Aetna InteliHealth®
4. Compare - A Personal Health Record(PHR) stores health-related information in a password-protected online record. The at-a-glance record helps you play a more active role in your health care — and may even save you time and money. A Physicians network is where you can check online list of physicians who have a set negotiated services for a health care provider.
5. Power hour essentials -don’t put it off
• Save receipts. File FSA expenses right away!
• Use in-network resources like doctor finders and preferred drug lists.
• Use online tools like treatment cost estimators and personal health records.


Many providers are also going green and taking into the consideration that consumers are now looking for ways to save time and money. Over 70% of Americans are now looking at their health care where as making a healthy meal. Going to the dentist for a cleaning. Taking a yoga class was all they needed to do to boast their health care program.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Aetna blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Little builder...future planing

Building is a great past time when developing coordination skills and 3D pictures from images. Kite flying at the beach is every kids flair for fun. Flying model air planes and rockets also has it's place in growth of exploration of science.

While attending the Coshoten air show 9/18/10 my son found the thrill of air planes and watching the stunts were amazing. Jets were just so, fast he got upset that he had difficult time photographing a great shot for his portfolio. He' kept at it and finally got his shot.

While sitting inside the cockpit a pilot explained how things work. The smile on my sons face told me all. We meet a pilot of a A-10 West from the air-force and asked what can we do to prepair for flight school.

Here's what we found out;

1. get good grades in school.
2. join in activities such as boy scouts of America
3. sports is a great program
4. AFJROTC starts off as early as 9th grade
5. learn how to serve God

I did hear of a program for as young as 6th grade but, as of yet to find it.
Here's the links
1. http://www.surfnetkids.com/study_skills.htm
2. http://scouting.org/
3. Join sports at school or local YMCA
4. http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/AFJROTC/Curriculum.asp
Fourth Brigade JROTC-http://ajrotc.us/
5. look up local Church's and get involved

National School Success Month

Celebrate by brushing up for;
National School Success Month-Effective Study skills are about more than understanding.

Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better. This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends on this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to be an achiever, take this saying to heart. For more tips click hereLast year I was asked to seek a doctor for my son to aid him in school studies. My response was "do you teach the children how to study" I will not put my son on prescription drugs so, I started my research and found books to enlighten me in changing some things around home. Such as spending one on one time with him more so, he gains the valuable time on focus. With criteria higher that a few decades ago kids need to solve problems correctly eg- stress, denial etc...Another, was to incorporate alkaline water into his diet to aid with memory and concentration. As a parent I feel that it my job to find the answers or the root of the problem. That's guidance.

10 Tips for Planning a Unique Baby Shower

Baby showers are great way to celebrate the with the mommy to be. My shower was a surprise and after my baby was born this way I was able to get the things we still needed. I have been thinking of what to do for a baby shower for a friend and her mother and now time is an essence because the baby was born three months early. So, with Twittermoms and Tiny Prints I will share my idea's for a baby shower I’d want.

1. Plan out two months before baby shower check list
2. Getting with her mother and planning a list of who to invite; send out invitations and thank you cards

3. Pink and green making a diaper cake with glue dots (will add photo)
4. Since she’s in the hospital getting a DVD of her so, that others may see the baby while at the baby shower (with no sound).
5. Theme is a Surprise for the mommy to be this is a non custom but use for those who have had their baby and still have some needed items and a way for every one to visit and see the new baby.
6. Game to play Never say "Baby": (Materials- baby safety pins or another type of baby object you can place on a string for each woman at the party as well as string or yarn, enough for each woman to wear as a necklace). Have each woman place the necklace with the baby safety pins around her neck when she gets to the party. The rules for this baby shower game are given out at the beginning of the baby shower that whenever someone says the word "baby" during the shower, any woman who calls it out gets a pin from the other woman who stated the word. At the end of the baby shower, the woman with the most pins wins a prize. For the Father- just getting together and writing down tips to use and then read them aloud. This can be fun for the tips are a chance to bring some laughter and memories.
7. Use cookies cutters for summer time ice cream, umbrellas, fish etc… and buy some candy like pacifiers for when guest arrive. For the food while games are played finger sandwiches and tea. While presents are opened serve cake.


8. Have a liaison to help her with favorite drink and being comfortable. Also, writing down who bought what and start filling out the Thank you note this will be greatly appreciated by the mommy to be.
9. Getting someone designated to take photo’s during the party (remember to be in as many of the photos as you can so, your not forgotten that would be sad).
10. A sign in book with comments from guests as memories for the mommy to be. This will be an added from scraps of wrapping paper, photo’s, card cut outs, and cloths that were a treasure.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a Tiny Prints gift code worth $50, plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints greeting cards—a total gift value of $149.75! For more information on how you can participate, click here

Flavorful Low-Sodium Family Meals

High-Energy Bean Burgers
Cheap meat-based burgers offer little in the way of nourishment and are high in fat and additives. These veggie versions take a little more effort but provide numerous health benefits.

Makes 4 burgers
scant 2/3 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 onion, grated
1 small carrot, grated
2/3 fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
1 tbsp smooth peanut butter (low-sodium/natural)
1 egg, beaten
Mrs. Dash® Tomato Basil Seasoning Blend
four for coating
sunflower oil, for frying
4 whole wheat hamburger buns or seeded bagels, to
shredded lettuce, tomato, and cucumber slices, to serve

1. Put the kidney beans in a food processor or blender with the onion, carrot, bread crumbs, peanut butter, and egg. Blend until the moisture forms a coarse puree. Season, then chill for 1 hour to allow the moisture to firm up.
2. Form the moisture into four burgers using floured hands, then dip each burger into four to coat.
3. Heat enough oil to just cover bottom of a large, heavy-based frying pan. Cook the burgers, two at a time for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden crisp. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining burgers. (To broil the burgers, brush with oil and broil for about 4 minutes on each side.)
4. To serve, split each hamburger fun or bagel in half. Add the burgers and lettuce, tomato, and cucumber as desired. Serve with a spoonful of hummus, guacamole, or tomato ketchup.

Brain Box
B-complex vitamins found in eggs are essential for optimum brain function, particularly clarity of thought.
The vitamin C in the adsorption of the iron also found in this green vegetable. Iron helps boost energy levels.
For more brain food

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mrs. Dash and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Ten tips for saving money during the back-to-school season

My son said the other day mom I'll be going back to school soon. I love spending all day with you. I replied so, do I. We really enjoy each others company but, I love the criteria and the education he's getting from school. I usually do my shopping at Staples for great savings especially, when items are sold for pennies on the dollar I buy for the entire school year not just the beginning.
Did you know that Staples is helping those disadvantaged and without an opportunity for school supplies? The 3rd Annual Staples Do Something 101 School Supply Drive is underway. The first two Annuals raised nearly one million for charities and Staples is prepared to help again! I think that's great community responsibility!





Not only that, Staples is offering a special discount to us TwitterMoms by printing out the coupon here to get 25% off select merchandise.

TwitterMoms and Staples provided another opportunity to spread how we save money for the back-to-school season and you can take part here.


1. Check what you have from last year and shop all year long for items on sale pencils, paper, folders, zipper pouches, glue etc..I've found items for on the penny to the dollar from Staples.

2. Cut out coupons from your newspaper ads some specials are listed just in the papers.

3. Use your reward cards or bonus points and look for great buy one get one free bargains or freebie items when you purchase something with your card.

4. Many communities have back to school days join the fun and get a helping hand with cloths, book bags and supplies.

5. Join your favorite stores (Staples) on you facebook OR (Staples) on your twitter account for great sales

6. Make as many different outfits with fewer cloths. Mix and match.

7. Buy cloths from other hand me down stores with less where on good cloths/new look.

8. Go online to order shop eBay's my favorite.

9. Swapping cloths party draw the name of who to swap with.

10. Yard sales are every frugal woman's paradise.

More info: http://www.staples.com
Join Staples on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/staples
Follow Staples on Twitter: http://twitter.com/staplestweets

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Ten Tips for Ensuring a Healthy, Safe and Successful School Year

Back to school is a great time for shoping for new cloths, decorating the bed room or just getting back to a full days work. I have noticed my son growing up but, in ways he still wants me to take care of many things for him. I try to prepair him for the school year the best I can. Here are some things that I do.


• Eat a balanced diet try foods that are good for the brain as well as emotional balance. Kids go though a lot at school and home having the body working at its full potential gives them a great chance at doing their best.
• Drinking plenty of clean water / Alkaline Water is a sure way to getting all the toxins out of the body. Toxins make us slow down, get sick, and over all not working at our best with concentration and memory. Getting a Kagen water system in my opinion is the best.
• Exercise daily by; walking to school, or the dog, or riding a bike. Exercise helps eliminate wastes out of the body to keep healthy and strong.
• Teach your kids how to get out of situations; for example smoking pure pressure telling friends that they just remember they have some when else to be and have to go. Set up a password too. Like how’s Lady our cat. Then you’ll know they want to get out of something.
• Teaching your kids how to negotiate will help them handle situations themselves. There are games out and online programs that take kids though situations and have them choose a reaction and they get an out come for their choices. Great tool for kids.
• Use the buddy system while out, locking the doors while at home and always let parents know where you are. Getting a tracking system on your phone is a great tool by your mobile phone company and is very cheap. Ask your provider.
• To have a success full year at school make sure you provide a good atmosphere at home, neighborhood, school, stores so, that kids can stop by and talk.
• Getting to know their names and providing a place where they can talk. Listening and slowing down their fast place life’s gives them time, to think, talk to others, and to get support from piers.
• Also, giving our kids some purpose to their life makes them have self worth and a higher self esteem. Lets be our kids hero’s.
• Having 15 mins to get to the next class gives kids time to make community at school. Having 1 hour classes makes up for the time lost during the day. Ask your school board if something like this can be done.

The purpose of this post is not only to enter the TwitterMoms and Airwear's contest in winning possible prizes (you can find out more here) but also to raise awareness about a topic that is personal to me. I worked with many kids and to have them achieve a good understanding of what they are learning is essential to functioning in society. I was not tested but I did not need glasses then as I do now. I know how important early, accurate testing is to ensure a child is not missing out because he/she cannot see properly.

With back to school awareness, you can also enter the Airwear essay contest at www.LighterSaferGreener.com. One winner will receive $1000! 10 first prize winners will receive voucherss for Airwear lenses valued up to $400!

Need facts on choosing eyewear? Click here. You can also follow Airwear on Twitter or Facebook.

5 Activities to Do in July

Celebrate your local postal worker and all postal workers on July 1st. Make cards and give them to your postal carrier when he or she delivers the mail today! Visit the post office and see if you can take a tour.
Give your mail carrier a special treat or glass of lemonade!
Write letters to your friends.

How about an old-fashioned family 4th of July Picnic? This meal will definitely bring back childhood memories of hot 4th of July holidays waiting for the fireworks to begin. Old fashion lemonade, sun tea, barbecue beans, potato salad, avocado salad-guacamole salad, great American hamburger, fried chicken, apple pie, strawberry short cake.

National Cherry Festival (7/6) Find a local parade and enjoy some of the rides, music, and foods.

Ice cream cone day (7/15) Summer is in full swing. Its hot and sizzling. You need something to help cool off. What a perfect time for Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. (7/1).

Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day gives you the chance to create a new flavor of ice cream. Maybe, your new creation will be a hit, and become wildly popular.

Just how many flavors of ice cream is there? Those of you old enough to remember, will recall the "28 Flavors" of Howard Johnson's restaurant. Howard Johnson's actually had far more than 28 flavors. They always had 28 flavors in stock (hopefully) at a time. Those 28 flavors is just the tip of the iceberg. The combinations are seemingly endless.

Make today a fun day. Hold a formal or impromptu creative ice cream party. Make sure you have lots of flavors, toppers, and additives, so people at the party can get real crazy.

Cheer Up the Lonely Day is an opportunity to make a lonely person happy. Any time you can make someone happy, you've done a good thing, and should be proud of yourself. (7/11)

Lonely people have few friends and loved ones. They may have lost loved ones over the years. They may be elderly. They see people on an infrequent basis.

Spend some time today cheering up lonely people. It's easy to do.....just spend some time with them. When you visit, bring happy things to talk about. Keep the conversation upbeat, and lively. When you leave, give a big hug and let them know you enjoyed the stay. Sending cards or making a phone call is okay, only if they live too far away to visit. What a lonely person really needs, is face to face time with other people.

trash-to-treasure

framed chalkboard

Transform tired framed art into a fabulous chalkboard for your craft studio. The picture inside this frame was flipped over to provide a chalkboard painting surface. Most smooth surfaces work well.

you'll need
Surface & Paints
Large frame with ornate and embossed details.
Spray paint's (Krylon)
Java Sea Brown, Niagra Ivory Mist
General Purpose Metallic Gold
Chalkboard Paint: Black

Tools & Supplies
Tack cloth
Sandpaper
Not slue gun and flue sticks
Latex gloves

What to do
(note Follow manufactures instructions throughout)
1 Remove picture from frame. Sand frame and wipe dust.

2 Spray paint smoothest side of picture with Black Chalkboard Paint.

3 Apply primer Spray Java Sea Brown in swaths in random areas of frame. Spray embossed areas, such as corners, Metallic Gold.

4 Paint over frame with Niagara Ivory Mist White still wet, wipe some paint from detailed areas of frame with rag.

Design by Colette George courtesy of Krylon

Five Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love

I love family vacations but we don't get enough until now! We are heading out to hopefully North Carolina soon and we cannot wait. When TwitterMoms challenged us mommy bloggers to write about five fun family vacation activities your kids will love, I wanted to be a part of it and you can to by clicking here to join in.

1. As you already know we're planning to travel to North Carolina to the beach. I've already started saving money and checking on local actives in the area such as Fair's, circus and bands to see while staying there. Also, we'll travel to see some of Britain’s largest colony in the New World fought off shores by Charlotta. Teaching my family more of how our great country came to be. When traveling check out twittermoms travel site for tips.

2. Camping is a cheap and laid back way of getting away from home and the rush, rush of things. We usually find new camp sites to go to in advance and check with the local chamber of commerce to find out other actives going on in the area. Other wise; we go horse back riding, boating, fishing, swimming, play tennis, golfing, picnicking.

3. Day trips are a nice short vacation we try to experience things from a visitors perspective and go to the major sites of our area such as; History there's many land marks and people who were famous in our local area, Monuments that were built in the honor of our WWII soldiers, Our canal system and learn how produce was delivered to the north. These are affordable and yet educational. Find out more at a local chamber office or travel agency. If traveling abroad, map out your vacation and price check with businesses. Every moment counts but, don't forget to relax and enjoy.

4. Museums are great for rain days and we have many to choose from there are three major cities with museums of Art, History, Science, and Music. Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to bringing paper and crayons (check with museums first).




5. Going to the amusement park is a great way to spend a day or a couple of days riding the rides and seeing the sites. Some have camping on site and others have discounted rates for booking in advance. So call ahead and get price rates.

Vacations can be a little cheaper if you plan ahead and they can be more fun if you get the entire family involved in the planning! I'm doing that with mine as we map out what all we will do and it's sure to be a great time as long as the weather cooperates but then we will be making a contingency plan too!

About Williamsburg Tourism
The Williamsburg area – Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, VA – is one of America’s favorite family destinations, with adventure around every corner. Experience more than 400 years of American history and culture brought vividly to life at hands-on historical sites and world-class museums; share thrills and entertainment at exhilarating theme parks; discover unique finds and bargains, and enjoy outdoor activities in scenic parks, byways, nature trails and waterways. Whether it’s traveling backing to the 17th and 18th centuries, or forward into the 21st, the Williamsburg area offers vacation fun for all ages. http://www.VisitWilliamsburg.com

Disclaimer:
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Hi-Energy Bar

Hi-Energy Bar

Preheat oven to 300 F.
2 C almond crunch cereal (see recipe in this section)
2 eggs, well-beaten

1. In medium-size mixing bowl, combine cereal and eggs. Mix thoroughly.
2. Spread carefully on lightly-oiled cookie sheet, pressing into oblong shape about 6 inches by 8 inches and ¼ inch thick. Press firmly to be sure bars will hold together. With sharp knife, cut into bars 1 ½ inches wide and 2 inches long.
3. Bake for 20 minutes in preheated over. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then break apart (or re-cut). Cool completely, wrap individually and store in covered container.

Yield: 15 bars.

High-Protein Milk

High-Protein Milk
4 eggs
½ C yogurt
2 T oil
4 C water
3 C skim milk powder
1 C soy flour or soy milk powder
¼ - ½ C nutritional yeast (optional)
½ C wheat germ (optional)
2 t pure vanilla (optional)

1. Combine eggs, yogurt and oil in blender, blending until well-mixed and smooth.
2. Add remaining ingredients, blending until well-combined.
Yield: Approximately 6-8 cups.

Banana Shake
2 C High-Protein milk
2 bananas

1. Combine in blender and blend until smooth.
Yield: 4-6 servings.

Orange Shake
4 C High-Protein milk
1 small can frozen orange juice (undiluted)

Mix together.
Yield: 4-6 servings.

Carob Shake
2 t carob
¼ C oil
6 C High-Protein milk
4 t honey
4 t vanilla (unless already in milk)

1. Dissolve carob in oil, add a little milk and heat briefly, to cook carob.
2. Blend carob mixture, milk honey and vanilla until smooth.
Yield: 4-6 servings.

Cashew Milk

Cashew Milk
1 C (8 ounces) cashew nuts (raw)
4 C water
Honey to taste (optional)*

1. Put cashew nuts, water and if desired, honey, into container of electric blender and blend on high speed for 2 minutes.
2. Refrigerate in a closed container.
*Note; Cashew milk is naturally sweet. You may want to taste it before adding any honey.

Yield: 4 cups

Basic Soy Milk

Basic Soy Milk
2/3 C dry soybeans
4 C water
1/3 C oil
¼ t salt
¼ C honey

1. Soak soybeans in cold water overnight. If the weather is hot, refrigerate them.
2. Drain soaked soybeans and add enough water in the soaking water to measure four cups.
3. Put soybeans and 2 cups of the water into container of an electric blender. Blend at medium-low speed for about three minutes.
4. Put soybean mixture into the top of a double-boiler. Stir in the remaining 2 cups water and cook over rapidly boiling water for thirty minutes.
5. Strain soybean mixture though a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Rinse out top of double-boiler and return strained soy milk to it. Cook thirty minutes over rapidly billing water.
6. Strain soy milk through cheesecloth-lined strainer.
7. Pour 2/3 cup hot soy milk into container of electric blender, add oil and blend on medium-low speed for five minutes. (The full time is necessary in order to obtain an emulsion.)
8. Add remaining soy milk, salt and honey and blend about two minutes longer. Cool. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator. Shake vigorously before using. Keeps well for a week.
*Note; Use as you would milk, over cereal, in cooking and beverages.

Yield: About 1 quart.