Weekend Wander #24

Hey Everyone.  Sorry this is late going up.  I'll add features tomorrow.  Until then, link 'em up!  And I'd love for you to grab the button and tell everyone else where the party's at.  The more people that come play, the more your links get seen........ I'm just sayin'.  =]  Can't wait to see what you have to share this week!  Show me your latest and greatest.  GO!

This week I'm just going to feature the top three links.  I made it through most of the links, but I really ought to be packing (instead of wasting time on Facebook...) and the top three are pretty cool.

Our Belle of the Ball, with the most visits, was Chelsea at One Hot Crafty Mama.  She shared her AWESOME workbook for pre-schoolers!  This is great!

Bethany at Sweet Bee Buzzings just keeps thrilling!  Her "Fits My Life Bag" is adorable.  I need me one of these... Just one more thing for my to-do list!

Close to Home shares some pretty great April Fool's tricks... Very fitting, right?  Hurry over there, there's still time left to pull some of these babies off!  My personal fave:

Grab a featured button ladies!  

Thanks for linking up everyone!  

And on to the party.....

Clean Out That Make Up Bag!

Ok, so when I was constructing the new nav bar I added a category called “For The Momma”.  Then, I had to come up with things that Momma’s might like to read about.  I thought about the things I enjoy, my guilty pleasures, if you will, and added those sections.  If you have topics you’d like to learn more about (or do a guest post on!), please let me know.  I know that we all have different interests, but the only ones I could think of were my own.  So, any suggestions are welcome. 

With that being said, I wasn’t sure where to start.  I did a little research and just ended up overwhelmed.  I decided to scale back, WAAY back, to the very basics.  To the make up bag.  Or basket.  Or drawer, as is my case.  Ok, confession: I keep my basics in a drawer.  But, I also have my “fancy” stuff.  Mostly, it’s my more eccentric colored shadows and liners.  Most of it, I should probably throw out, but remember my pack rat confession?  It’s a weakness.

 
Ok, rule of thumb:  If you have not used it in a year, throw it out.  If you can’t remember the last time you used it… throw it out.  A year is a long time for something to sit around, cluttering up your space.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a lot of extra space.  If you don’t use it, you don’t need to store it.  Throw it out.

Another rule:  If it has a wand, (mascara and liquid liners especially) throw it out after six months.  Three months is better, but I stretch it to six.  Make up is expensive!

Ok, now go grab your make up bag… I’ll wait.  ………………………………………………  Ok, now dump it out.  Just turn it over and dump the whole thing into a big pile on the floor (or kitchen table, whatever).  Now, separate your bag into categories: Eye shadows, liners, mascaras, lip sticks and gloss, blush, powder, foundation, bronzers, brushes and any other categories your supplies fall into.

Pick a pile, any pile and I’ll tell you what to do.  Ok, back to business.  Go through each piece in the pile.  Pick up each piece and ask yourself:
- When did I last use this?  If the answer is “Within the last year”, go to the next question.
- How old is this?  If it’s older than a year, toss it.  If it has a wand and is older than 6 months, toss it.  Don’t think twice about it.  Just do it.  If it doesn’t get tossed, move to the next question.
- Ask yourself “When will I use this next?”  If you can reasonably give an answer, put it back in your bag.  If you really have to think hard about the next time you might, just might,  use it… Throw it out. 

 
Go through the rest of the pile the same way, asking the same questions.  Then repeat with the remaining piles.  Take your trash bag out to the dumpster or trash can.  Remove temptation to put anything back in your stash.  If you find yourself missing something, go ahead and buy it again.  If you miss it, then you probably do use it. 

Most people only need the basics for their daily routine:  Foundation or powder, and mascara.  You could ‘get by’ with those supplies.  Eye shadow, blush, bronzer, lip color…. those are all nice, but you don’t need seventeen different shades of rose.  Sometimes, simplicity really is the best option.  You want to look put together, grown-up and professional.  Find out your best colors and stick with them!  They won’t betray you.

Awww, now doesn’t that feel better?

Krista

Spring Fling: Day 12

Come share your favorite recipes at the Recipe Exchange!   Come share your latest and greatest at Weekend Wander!

 

Today is day twelve of the 14 days of Fabulous Giveaways!  April at Wildflowers and Whimsy is hosting this great party.  Each day, two new giveaways will begin.  Each giveaway lasts 3 days and takes place on the sponsor’s blog.  Each blog will post a reminder of which blog’s giveaways begin that day.  So come back everyday to find out where to go next to enter to win some pretty awesome stuff!

 

Today’s Giveaways:

Susie @ Puddle Jumper Creations
Vintage Inspired Sunbonnet Sue Flour Sack Dish Towels

 

Renee @ Strokes of Magic
Handpainted Window Sill Sitter

 

 

Yesterday’s Giveaways:

Kristina @ B Inspired Mama is giving away $30 Gift Certificate to B. Inspired Vintage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delina @ Dew This has this cute set of tiles.

Spring Fling: Day 11

Come share your favorite recipes at the Recipe Exchange!

Today is day eleven of the 14 days of Fabulous Giveaways!  April at Wildflowers and Whimsy is hosting this great party.  Each day, two new giveaways will begin.  Each giveaway lasts 3 days and takes place on the sponsor’s blog.  Each blog will post a reminder of which blog’s giveaways begin that day.  So come back everyday to find out where to go next to enter to win some pretty awesome stuff!

 

Today’s Giveaways:

Kristina @ B Inspired Mama is giving away $30 Gift Certificate to B. Inspired Vintage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delina @ Dew This has this cute set of tiles.

 

Yesterday’s Giveaways:

Brooke @ Girl Boy Girl Inspired

 

Ashley @ Ashley Creation

20 Minute Teriyaki Chicken & Rice

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Ever had one of those days when you know that as midday rolls into afternoon, your day is going to become one great big, long, overwhelming to do list?  This recipe was brought about by one of those days.  Usually I would stick to something like Mac & Cheese, but we'd eaten that the week before and I'm lucky if My Mr Right will eat that once a month...  So, I threw this together.  It was a set it and forget it meal.  Just what I needed.

20 MINUTE TERIYAKI CHICKEN & RICE

Ingredients:

Pre-cooked Chicken  (I typically keep grilled chicken in the freezer for stuff like this)

Rice

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1/4 cup Soy Sauce

3 Tbsp of Ketchup

1/4 cup water

Directions:

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, water and ketsup.  Stir until well blended.  Set aside.  Measure out enough rice to feed your family.  Pour it into a rice cooker.  If you don't have a rice cooker, you can still do this on the stove, it just takes a little more watchful eye.  Measure out the correct amount of liquid for your rice.  

For example, I do 2 cups of dry rice for my little family.  This means I will need 4 cups of liquid.  I should have almost a cup of teriyaki sauce mixed in my bowl.  I will then need approximately 3 more cups of water.  If you want a stronger teriyaki flavor simply increase the amount of sauce you prepare and decrease the extra waterm accordingly.  Pour the teriyaki sauce in the rice cooker.  Add the extra water.  Dice the chicken and dump it in the cooker as well.  Set the cooker to cook and walk away.  Serve when the switch flips from "cook" to "warm", at least that's what mine does.  I usually serve it with steamed veggies (that I cook in my Pampered Chef steamer) or mix the veggies right in..  Super simple and prep time is like ten minutes max.



This post was written by Krista and originally appeared on While He Was Napping.
If you'd like to get more While He Was Napping, you can find me here:

Other Quick and Easy Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Bagel Pizzas

Black Bean Enchiladas

Stir Fry Tacos

Pizza Rolls

Guest Post: Bacon Time With the Hungry Hungry Hippo

I have a special treat for you today!  As you may know, my family and I have recently, like two days ago recent, gotten a place of our very own!  Over this next month we will be moving and settling into our new digs.  To help keep you entertained, I have some amazing ladies that have offered to be guest posters.  This kicks off almost and entire month of awesome guest posters!  You wanna meet awesome new friends and find some more great creativity?!?  This is the place.

We are very grateful for the past year and the kindness and generosity of my parents in extending their home (and food and heat and water and a billion other things) to us.  Family really is everything.  It will be nice for us to have some of our own space again though.  It's been really crowded and a strain on my parents, so while they are sad we won't be across the hall, across town isn't too bad of a deal either.

I will still pop in with my two-cents a few times a week, as permitted.  But, this way, I will also be able to focus on getting my family settled in and things put back into order, however chaotic it may be.  Thanks for hanging in there.  And make sure you check out the awesomeness of these great guests!

To get this party started, I would like to introduce you to Mindie May.  She writes the blog Bacon Time With the Hungry Hungry Hypo.  It's a super fun blog and you need to check it out.  She's also got some awesome treats for you (like a giveaway!!) and an adorable Etsy shop (which she is offering 25% off this week!).  And, Heerrreee's Mindie May!

Thanks Krista for the invite.  I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Mindie May Hilton, I am a 33 year old mommy to two beautiful boys.  Here is a pic of me and my favorite peeps.



Yes those are real tracks that we took photos on this last December in our Northern Cali home town.  When I am not having fun trying to keep up with my boys, I am cooking or crafting. I have been blessed to win two cooking contests recently.  I really do love my crazy domestic life so much that I blog about it.  You can find lots fun free recipes, crafts, fashion, give aways and more at my blog Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo. That's me the hungry hypoglycemic. 

Here is my recipe that came in 2nd place at the Johnsoville Sausage Pastaville challenge.  You can find this recipe and so many more easy practical family recipes on my blog.

 I am going to let you in on a secret that my blogger bffs know, I have lost about 100 pounds and kept it off for about 5 years.  Well I want to let you in on another secret too, well it's not a secret but I would like to invite you all to enter my Free Give Away for a Couture Bracelet.  Here is the direct link to the give away so you can enter.  It ends soon so don't wait.

This is an example of the bracelet you could win.  The winner gets to choose what colors they want and I will make one just for them!

Speaking of pretty things, I want to invite you all to visit my new Etsy Shop TLC Creations.

I also want to give you all a huge discount for this week only.  Just use coupon code BaconTime25 to receive 25% off your order.  Here are a few things you can find at my shop.

Well I can't wait to get to know you all better.  Please stop by my blog and become a follower so you don't miss out on lots of free fun. Congrats, Krista, on your new place and thanks again for the invite, it's been fun.

Thanks Mindie!  It was a pleasure to have you.  Isn't she great?  Make sure you go check out Mindie's blog and all the great things she has to share!

Spring Fling: Day 10

Come share your favorite recipes at the Recipe Exchange!

Today is day ten of the 14 days of Fabulous Giveaways!  April at Wildflowers and Whimsy is hosting this great party.  Each day, two new giveaways will begin.  Each giveaway lasts 3 days and takes place on the sponsor’s blog.  Each blog will post a reminder of which blog’s giveaways begin that day.  So come back everyday to find out where to go next to enter to win some pretty awesome stuff!

 

Today’s Giveaways:

Brooke @ Girl Boy Girl Inspired

 

Ashley @ Ashley Creation

 

 

Yesterday’s Giveaways:

Jayna @ Rock N Regalia has this:

 

And Jamie @ Two Plus Jilly has this:

Thanks Everyone!

You guys are the most awesomest (see, I told you I make up words) ladies ever.  In less than 18 hours I have enough help to feature some awesome ladies for not two, but THREE, whole weeks.  You won't want to miss these features.  I have personally pre-approved all these awesome ladies, you will want to check them out.  I will probably do a post here and there, as you guys and writing help keep my sanity.  It's a relief to know it's ok to take some time for my family and that so many of you are fantastic enough to step in and help out. You're LIFESAVERS!  Thanks again.  The schedule can be found HERE.

If you are still interested in doing a guest post, let me know.  I would like to start doing them more regularly, but wasn't sure I'd have the interest.  So, if you would like to, let me know.  whilehewasnapping@gmail.

Spring Fling: Day 9

Come link up to Weekend Wander and show off your latest and greatest!  And don’t forget to come share your favorite recipes at the Recipe Exchange!

Today is day nine of the 14 days of Fabulous Giveaways!  April at Wildflowers and Whimsy is hosting this great party.  Each day, two new giveaways will begin.  Each giveaway lasts 3 days and takes place on the sponsor’s blog.  Each blog will post a reminder of which blog’s giveaways begin that day.  So come back everyday to find out where to go next to enter to win some pretty awesome stuff!

 

Jayna @ Rock N Regalia has this:

 

And Jamie @ Two Plus Jilly has this:

 

Yesterday’s Giveaways:

April at Wildflowers and Whimsy has this ADORABLE dress up for grabs:

 

And Jenn @ A Jennuine Life has this CUTE dress she’s giving away.  Oh, how I wish I had a girl…

I Need Some Help!

Hey Guys,

I have some exciting news to share.  Ok, you probably won't care all that much, but it's huge news for us!  We found a house!  Actually, a condo.  And we're only renting at this point.  But, it's OURS!!  I am beyond excited!  A brand-new kitchen with granite counter tops, hardwood floors through out the apartment, brand-new stackable washer and dryer in the unit.  Awww, HEAVEN!  No craft room, but the master closet is huge.  And I'll be happy just to have Little Monkey is a different room, separated by more than just a curtain!

And now, I have a HUGE favor to ask.  I know it's WAAY short notice, but I'm looking for some guest posters.  Little Monkey and I are going with My Mr Right this week on a business trip.  It's the only way we can afford to 'go away' at this point.  I plan to do several crafts while we're in the hotel room all day, but I would like some other posts to fill in the gaps while I take some time to get my family moved and settled into our new home.  I don't care if you do a brief overview of your whole blog, or a feature on your Etsy or other similar shop or a tutorial or whatever.  If you want to send me knock, knock jokes... I'll post them.  I would just like to keep posts going up and keep the blog active.  If you'd be willing to help, please let me know.  I have just over 950 followers and have been getting about 1500 hits a day (on average, sometimes more, sometimes a little less).  Free advertising, anyone?  There's a schedule listed below.  If you have a specific date you'd like, let me know.

Thanks, everyone!

Monday, 3/28 - DIY Memo Board
Tuesday, 3/29 - Mindie May @ Bacon Time With The Hungry, Hungry Hypo
Wednes, 3/30 - Teriyaki Chicken Breasts Recipe
Thursday, 3/31 - Clean Out That Make Up Bag!
Friday, 4/1 - Weekend Wander #24
Monday, 4/4 - While He Was Napping Feature @ My Mommy Can
Tuesday, 4/5 - Emily @ Nap Time is My Time Feature
Wednes, 4/6 - Holly @ Hoosier At Heart Feature
Thursday, 4/7 - While He Was Napping Feature @ Bella Before & After
Friday, 4/8 - Weekend Wander #25
Monday, 4/11 - Family Proclamation Book (Mother's Day Gift Idea)
Tuesday, 4/12 - Megan @ Stay At Home Meagan Feature
Wednes, 4/13 - Mary Anne @ Momma Smiles Feature
Thursday, 4/14 - Brooke Anna @ Mommy Does Feature
Friday, 4/15 - Weekend Wander #26
Monday, 4/18 - Bella @ Bella Before & After Feature
Tuesday, 4/19 - Kat @ Krafty Kat Feature
Wednes, 4/20 - Kyra @ Racks & Mooby Feature
Thursday, 4/21 - Anna @ Ask Anna Feature
Friday, 4/22 - Weekend Wander #27
Monday, 4/25 - Melissa @ Hairstyles By Mommy
Tuesday, 4/26 - Suze @ Time Well Spent
Wednes, 4/27 - Whitney @ Steps to a Fit Me
Thursday, 4/28 - Nancy @ The Kelly Family

Thanks Everyone!  If you're still interested in being a guest poster on WHWN, let me know.  I would like to start doing more guest posts, just wasn't sure if I'd have enough interest.  I'm thinking about starting a weekly guest post in May, so let me know if you're interested.

DIY Memo Board

My sister turned eighteen at the end of February and one of my 101 in 1001 goals is to make all of our gifts this year.  Unless unavoidable.  Yes, I included a loop hole.  So, even though I ended up making this on her birthday, she got a handmade gift.  It was pretty frugal and has held up well.  Good combo, if you ask me.

Here’s the How:
1)  You will need a foam board, scrapbook paper, thumb tacks or push pins, ribbon to coordinate and your hot glue gun.  I got my foam board at the Dollar Store, however, it’s not as thick as ones you get at Jo-Ann, Michael’s or even Wal-mart.  I was going to put two of them together to make it thicker, but my sister told me not to.  Since it was hers, I didn’t.  You could though.

2)  Start by measuring your board.  Mine was 25”x30”, I think.  This was a month ago, after all.  If you want it smaller, cut it now.  TIP:  Cut it to a dimension with a common multiple.  Ok, I’m not a math whiz and probably just sounded like a moron.  What I mean is, if you cut 5”x5” squares of paper, they will fit perfect on your 25”x30” board.  Does that make sense?

3)  Cut your scrapbook paper into squares (or rectangles or triangles or whatever your little heart desires).  I did 5X5” squares.  I used tacky glue to glue these down in a random, patch-work pattern.

4)  Then take your ribbon and glue it diagonally across the board on the ends only.  Don’t glue in the middle of the ribbon.  Repeat, across the other diagonal too.  I wove my ribbons a little to make them look a little more fluid.

 
5)  Take your push pins or thumb tacks and put a little hot glue on the ends (the pointy ones).  Push them through where the ribbons cross.  My pins poked through the back of the board, so I cut them off and put a little hot glue over the holes.  If you cut the points off, please be careful…  That’s all I’m saying.  Oh, and it’s not an AWESOME craft if you don’t get a scar from it, right?!  Ugh.  Blood blisters are obnoxious.
6)  I left the bottom row of pins sticking out further so my sister could hang necklaces on them. 
7)  Attach ribbon to the back of the board to hang it on the wall.

TA-DA!  All Done!  Now, this thing won’t hold a ton of weight, but so far it’s help up everything my sister has put on it.  I did end up going back and super gluing the bottom row of pins in.  Little Monkey thought it was funny to rip them out.  Haha, not so funny for momma. =[  Boys!  Or toddlers!