What Faith Can Do - Kutless

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Add Google Analytics to your FB Fan Page!

Attention all my mom-preneur and small biz friends...now you can add Google Analytics to your Facebook Fan Page! The ingenious minds at WebDigi have found a nice little "work around" that will enable you to use the same Google Analytics you are currently using for your biz and blog on your FB Fan Page as well! Stop by HERE to check out how.

Birthday Bonanza Preparations Continue...

So, today was to be the kick-off of the 6th Year Birthday Bonanza with a mini celebration with friends during snack time at kindergarten. Needless to say, Old Man Winter decided to dump all over us last night resulting in a snow day today. However, it wasn't all bad...being stuck in the house with all of this chocolate delight made for one decadent afternoon for mama and the kiddos! Let's just say that, school or no school, this celebration is starting with a BANG!

In between surges of sugar rush, I was able to get all 19 party favors finished off...chock full of some of Jaden's favorite things to share with his friends :)

Now to finish wrapping the birthday gifts and get the balloons in place for his BDay morning wake up call!

Friday Food For Thought

For a very long time we've been told that our children need quality time, not quantity time. Today, I'd like to challenge that thought...

Win a Cargo Laptop Sleeve by Built!

Be sure to stop by Theta Mom today for your chance to win this fabulous laptop sleeve by Built. Made from protective neoprene fabric, this sleeve not only protects your laptop, but provides extra storage compartments on the outside that allow you to take additional necessities without scratching your media lifeline! As a blogger and internet business owner, my laptop is a key tool on which I rely daily. How nice to have an option for protecting it that is not only functional but also fashionable...great for a busy mama on the run!

Giveaway ends March 4th.

Sending Up Prayers for Sweet Layla Grace!

Layla Grace is an amazing little 2 year old who has been battling an aggressive neuroblastoma (malignant cancer) for the past 10 months. I have followed her incredible journey for over 6 months now and find myself in constant awe of the strength of this little angel. Read her whole story HERE.

Throughout her struggle, her mom has chronicled her victories and battles via her blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Layla has shown more strength and courage in her 2 short years than most people demonstrate in a lifetime. She has reached more people and influenced more lives than many ministries throughout the country. She has renewed my appreciation of my own family time and time again. According to the latest updates, she may be approaching the end of her journey.

And so today, I ask you to join me in sending up a prayer for Sweet Layla, that she will be made whole again very soon. Whether by a miraculous healing or being cradled in God's loving arms, I pray that her pain and struggling are at an end. I ask God to provide peace for Layla and her family in all things and thank Him for allowing me to know this little one, even if only through the internet. She is indeed a very special angel!

Photo property of www.laylagrace,org. Copywrite protected.

Birthday Party on the Brain!

My little Punkin' turns 6 this Saturday (I wonder how long I can get away with still calling him "Punkin"?). We'll have an intimate family celebration on his Big Day at home with balloons, cake, singing, and family gifts. But the real fun for him this year comes on Sunday...his first "friends" birthday party :) We're holding it at Pump It Up, a party facility with a fully equipped inflatable play zone...very cool! He was allowed to invite all 15 of his kindergarten classmates plus his siblings (of course!), so it will be a pretty full house.

A paper craft whiz I am not, but in honor of his Big Day, I decided to try my hand at some custom favor tags in his favorite theme...Dinosaurs! What do you think? The actual favors are still in production, or shall I say I'm still shopping for the final touches ;). I'm planning to use simple kraft paper bags (which match the inner portion of the favor tag perfectly!) to hold all the goodies. I played around with things like "Hope You Had A Rooaaring Good Time!", but it just got to be too busy. When in doubt, keep it clean and simple *wink*.

Let the Wave Wash Over You!

Introducing Shore, the latest in our line-up of fabulous shea butter soaps from Ellia C. Naturals!

Essential oils of cedar, citrus, and ginger were the inspiration behind this delightfully intoxicating bar. Chosen for their abilities to calm and purify the skin, clear excess oils, and provide a warming effect to ease muscular aches and pains, the essential oils in this aromatic bar will also help to lighten your mood and stimulate the senses.

Like the waves of the ocean, sit back and relax as the fresh, bubbly lather washes over you!

FREE Party Consultation from Party Box Design!

Be sure to stop by Mammalicious Finds for a fabulous giveaway from our friend Jessica at Party Box Design. Up for grabs, a FREE party consultation filled with loads of party planning help!

Oatmeal & Honey Face Mask for All Skin Types

Short on time or finances for a weekly spa facial but love the look and feel of your skin afterward? Get your pamper on at home while you take care of your skin with a fabulous homemade face mask!

There are many skin loving ingredients just lying around your house that are perfect for making your own deliciously hydrating masks. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are the way to go to balance out your skin. Dry skin benefits from the hydrating effects of glycerin, honey, and noncomedogenic oils. Prone to sensitive skin? Ginseng and green tea masks provide a wonderfully soothing effect.

This basic face mask is great for all skin types and easy peasey to prepare. It is designed to provide a cleansing, rejuvenating effect.

Oatmeal & Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dry oats, finely ground (best to use a mini food processor or blender on the unprocessed oats)
  
• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (plain)
• A few drops of clover honey
• Vit E capsule (or a few drops of liquid Vit E)

Preparation:

Add the yogurt to the oatmeal in a small bowl and spoon blend. Add a few drops of honey to the yogurt and oatmeal mixture. Squeeze in the contents of your Vit E capsule.

Before using your mask, a gentle cleansing and good steam are recommended to remove makeup and debris and open up your pores in preparation for all of the skin loving goodies of the mask. This can easily be accomplished by putting your face 8-10 inches from a bowl of just boiled water for 3-5 minutes or by placing a very warm washcloth on your face (make sure that it is warm enough to stimulate your pores but not so hot that it burns your skin!).

Apply the mask to your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a warm washcloth. Remember not to tug at or rub your skin harshly with the washcloth...just a gentle exfoliation. I like to end with a cool water rinse to close the pores and tighten the skin.

Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

* This mask is intended to be prepared and used immediately. For freshness and quality, it is not intended to be made in bulk and stored for a period of time.

Friday Food For Thought

So I've decided to try my hand at adding a "themed" day of the week to my blog. I've shied away from doing this in the past for fear that life would intervene, as it often does, and turn my weekly theme day into an occasional drop in the bucket. Needless to say, I'm going to give it a shot...from now on, I will be posting "Friday Food For Thought" and I'm committed to keeping it going as long as you enjoy reading it :) So without further ado, here is today's Food For Thought...

All I really need to know about how to live
and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up you own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Take a nap every afternoon.
Flush.

ROBERT FULGHUM
ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN

Glam Up Your Camera Gear!

Through the modern advances of social media (in this case, Twitter), I recently stumbled upon the most fabulous little shop called Priddy Creations. Owner and founder, Amy Priddy, specializes in custom totes, removable digital camera straps, camera bags, and other accessories designed to help put a little glam in your day.

I am secretly coveting this little bag and believe me, when I'm a grown up with a real grown up camera (I'm talkin' the big guns here), I'm going to have it!

Although I do not yet personally own one of Amy's fashionable creations, it's clear from these examples that her fabrics are stunning and workmanship impeccable. From the Amy Butler fabrics to the finished seams and reinforced stitching, I imagine these gems are more than capable of taking a beating while keeping you in the height of fashion!

I'm also in love with these adorable little bags...so unique. Definitely not something you have to worry about seeing on every other arm around town.

Amy's handiwork can be found on her own web site as well as Etsy. I'm so happy to have found her beautiful designs and am sure you will love them just as much as I do!

All photos property of Priddy Creations. Copywrite protected.

Looky, Looky...Lucky Cookie!

How cute are these little Luv Bug tennies from Monkey Toes? The springy laces will be perfect for little Miss Ellia once she's up and walking...easy for Mama to put on but hard for The Bean to walk out of! I ordered them in a size that should fit her perfectly by summer...right when she should be good and steady on her feet :)

And the best part...I won these babies from the newly launched blog by Cupcake Mag...Sprinkles! In addition to the uber cute name, this adorable little blog features must read articles for the fashionista mama. Be sure to stop by and give it a looky...you may just find yourself a Lucky Cookie like me!

Photo property of Monkey Toes

A Snowy Surprise!

I'm looking out my window with my 3 boys (Ellia is sleeping) at the most beautiful site...a large number of deer on a beautiful blanket of perfectly white snow! There are 2 bucks, an adult and a juvenile, 5 females, and 2 younger fawns...absolutely stunning. The picture above belongs to Glacier National Park...the deer in our yard are only about 15 feet away and I don't want to open the door to take their pic for fear of scaring them away. So for now, we'll sit peacefully in our warm cozy house and make a mental picture in our minds of this phenomenal site :)

Picture property of Glacier National Park

Hot Hair Tip!

From time to time I am asked what I use to keep my naturally curly, shoulder blade length locks healthy, shiny, and most importantly, frizz-free. This has actually happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks, so I thought I'd share my simple little regimen in case there is anyone looking for a simple, cost-effective way to care for your hair.

Trying to run 2 businesses while running a household and keeping up with 4 little ones leaves little time (or resources for that matter!) for pampering at the local hair salon. Although a little low on the glam-meter, this is what does the trick for me (performed 2-3 times per week for my hair). First, wash with a mild, all-natural castile soap (I use Gentle Cleanse from our Baby Collection by Ellia C. Naturals). Then, follow with a rinse made from a mixture of 1-2 Tbsp quality (first press) Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 cup distilled water. Pour over the hair, massage gently, allow to sit 2-3 minutes, and rinse with cool water. I also try to limit the use of heating appliances as much as possible (but admittedly still end up blow drying at least 5 times per week).


When using a true castile soap (strictly olive oil based), don't expect loads of lather. The bubbly will be minimal, but trust me, you will get a super, non-stripping cleaning that will leave your locks super soft and bouncy (no gunk to weigh them down!). And don't be alarmed by the use of vinegar in the rinse...the smell is fleeting and fades very quickly leaving behind a smooth shine :)

So there you have it, my low budget, big payoff hair regimen...Enjoy!

And The Lucky Lady Is...

Congratulations Alli!

Your comment "I would use these for making gift tag stickers!" was randomly selected as the winner in the UPrinting 250 Personalized Labels/Stickers Giveaway. I hope you enjoy making your own unique mark with this versatile prize :)

Wishes of Love & Laughter

Happy Valentine's Day, My Sweets!
May your day be filled with love and laughter :)

A Valentine Treat for Teacher

Just wanted to share these fun and simple treats that my 4 year old and 5 year old helped me put together for their teachers this Valentine's Day...aren't they cute?

We used simple galvanized pails in Valentine Pink *wink* and added the following goodies to each:

Oversized valentine sucker
Individual packages of Sweet Tarts
Handwritten Valentine to each teacher
Yummy nummy Lemon Drop Lip Smoother from ECN

We used a simply cube of floral foam in the base of each pail to keep the suckers in place and anchor them as the focal points. Then, we layered in recycled pink shred and tucked in our goodies. They passed them out this morning and their teachers adored them! Inexpensive, Simple, & Sweet :)

Get Your Pucker On!

Our popular Lip Smoothers are now available in mouth watering Lemon Drop...Get Your Pucker On!

Keep Your Vehicle Snow Ready

We're hunkerin' (yes, I said hunkerin') down for a big snow here...3-4 inches this afternoon, 6-8 more overnight, continued snow tomorrow and 30-40 mph winds through it all...YIKES! The pantry is stocked, warm fuzzy jammies are all washed and at the ready, and snow day activities are planned for tomorrow just in case ;)

With all this talk of snow, I started to re-evaluate just how "snow ready" my car is in case of unforseen circumstances. After much consideration, I came up with the following necessities to keep in my car this winter season:

1. Blankets - IMO, the most important thing next to a working cell phone (which is always in my purse) that you can have with you in case of emergency. Not only can they be used for huddling together for warmth, but they can also be invaluable for use in first aid if your emergency first aid kit mysteriously goes MIA.
2. A Spare Charged Cell Phone - even a small prepaid phone with minimal minutes can come in handy for calling 911 in case of emergency if your primary cell's battery dies. A spare charger is a great idea too, but won't do you much good if the car battery is dead...always have a phone at the ready!
3. A First Aid Kit - this is a must have in my car year-round. Stock it with some essentials - bandages, gauze, antiseptic, ice packs, scissors, an ACE wrap, etc...And above all else, know how to use it! You never know when you may have to splint a limb or stabilize a joint until medical help can arrive.
4. Jumper Cables - goes without saying. It's just good driving sense.
5. Spare Winter Clothes - goes hand in hand with extra blankets. Having 4 little ones means I need to consider how I can keep everyone warm and dry. Be sure to have extra layers for you as well...you never know when you may have to leave the vehicle and layers are key for keeping warmth against the skin.
6. Prepackaged Snacks/Imperishables - go for dense, fiber-rich foods that pack a punch like granola, jerky, and protein bars. No need to keep a bunch of water/liquids in the car in the winter. They would likely freeze/explode anyway. If caught in a blizzard, you'll have all the fresh water you need around you...snow!
7. Flashlights - are great for looking around under the hood, near the tires, and for signaling help. Be sure to keep extra batteries on hand too to keep those flashlights functional.
8. A Small Tool Kit - for basic repairs (at least enough to sucessfully change a tire...make sure your jack is always in place!).
9. Emergency Tire Sealant - like Fix-A-Flat...it won't repair a flat tire, but can seal a leak long enough to get you to the next gas station.
10. Road Salt & Shovel - not always feasible due to space, but even a small hand shovel and bag of gravel or salt can help to free stuck tires (old floor mats can also provide traction against slipping tires).

Sweet Eye Candy!

Just a little yummy eye candy to get you through the morning!


Raspberry Chocolate Drizzle Bath Bomb by Simply Tempted

Darling Diva Strawberry Daiquari Bath Bomb by Sugar and Spice Soap Co.

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Bath Cupcake by Black Kettle Soap

Cupcake Love Soap Cupcakes by Margarita Bloom

Sweet Treat Raspberry Cupcake Bath Comb by Anita's Crafty Creations

All photos property of respective shops as listed and copywrite protected.

Can You Stand The Sweetness?

Keeping with the cupcake theme of late, I thought I'd share these little sweeties that I just finished for a client. This bakery box of diaper cuppies comes perfectly packaged and ready for gift-giving. The best thing? This gift is not only super sweet, but totally functional as well ...diapers for baby's bum, washcloths for messy mouths and bath time clean-up, and hair clips that are made to work in even the thinnest wisps of hair!



Boxed up with clippies securely affixed to the front of each ribbon "wrapper" to remain perfect in transport :) All that's left to do is close the lid, affix a sweet bow and label hang tag. A yummy, no calorie treat for the Mama-To-Be!

Cupcakes, Cupcakes, and More Cupcakes!

What could be sweeter than the perfect yummy cupcake, with it's moist, fluffy cake and mounds of artfully swirled frosting sitting atop like perfect pillows of sweet delight? Perhaps nothing, but these fabulous cupcake inspired blogs sure come close. Sit back, grab your favorite latte, and kick up your feet as you peruse these awesome sites from the comfort of your own abode!

All Things Cupcake
Bakerella
52 Cupcakes
Cakespy
Cupcake Fetish
Cupcake Project
Utah Loves Cupcakes
Cupcakes Take The Cake
Amy Bakes Cupcakes
Cupcake Blog

Party Box Design...Get Your Party On!

Having 4 little ones means I have to constantly have my creativity hat on...art projects, science experiments, nature walks, goofy games, silly dances, bubble tag, and so much more! It also means that I have to squeeze out those creative juices that much more to come up with 4 individualized birthday party themes each year.

You can imagine my delight when I was contacted by Jessica from Party Box Design last December. Her slogan is "Anything & Everything Party" and boy, does she mean it! At Party Box Design, you can get everything from gourmet cupcakes to a variety of darling designer toppers, tags, and centerpieces. They even offer event planning consultations online, so you never have to leave the comfort of your own home...a definite plus for a busy mama like me!

I recently had the opportunity to ask Jessica about life as the mastermind behind this fabulous shop. Here's what she had to say:

From where did the inspiration for Party Box Design come?
It was my dream...finally taking a leap of faith in myself. The inspiration came from within, from me wanting to show my daughter that following your dreams is an accomplishment in itself. I wanted to stop thinking about "the idea" of my dream and start living it - creating it! If you want something, go get it.

What do you like best about being a mom-preneur?
The excitement of working toward something, the goal of changing my life and living it to its fullest.

What do you find most challenging about being a mom-preneur?
I think all working moms would say keeping all the balls in the air...managing my time well. Maintaining a healthy balance.

How do you find the balance between being a mom, working outside of the home, and building your own business?
I don't know! LOL...I guess coffee, less sleep, and thinking of the bigger picture. It's my dream after all, so it doesn't really feel like work, but rather a blessing.

What do you like to do to unwind when your aren't "on the grind"?
I love adult nights out where I can curl my eyelashes, actually wear eyeshadow, and wear something other than sweats! Being a mom changes you and sometimes you need to be reminded that you are more than just that.

Jessica's designs are fresh, innovative, and right on the money with the latest and greatest trends. A little shabby, a little chic, a little sassy, and a lotta classy...gotta love a girl after my own heart! I'll definitely be keeping Party Box Design in my mental Rolodex for future reference. Later this month, it's a 6 year Bounce House Birthday Bonanza for Jaden...done deal, but with a 1 year birthday celebration on the horizon for little Ellie Bean, I hear some sweet little goodies calling!

All pictures property of Party Box Design and provided with consent. No compensation of any kind was received for this feature.

And The Verdict Is...

For what it's worth, Punxsutawney Phil has spoken and the news isn't good...6 more weeks of winter according to the fat and furry little guy. Has there ever been a year when he's given us good news? Not in my recent recollection, but then again, my recollection isn't as good as it used to be pre-babies!

Have a blessed Tuesday and stay warm!

Babies, Babies, Babies!

As the saying goes, there must have been "something in the water" last spring because lately we have had a rash of orders for our popular Baby Blooms! Here's one that was completed on Friday and there's another in the works this morning.

Ok, so the pics aren't "display" quality, but you get the idea...I love how this one turned out. It was a custom bouquet with some super cute outfits and some baby-lovin' goodies from Ellia C. Natural's Baby Collection. Welcome to the World, Baby Adara!