Monday Moments: Things I've Figured Out This Weekend

* TSP will take off just about any mess - literally.

* This (see below) is the bane of my existence.

* You can accomplish just about anything you put your mind to and make time for.

* Don't put off the things that take longer to do later.

*There is no such thing as too many hugs.

Did you have an Ah-Ha moment this weekend?

Freebee Friday: Beau-coup

With Halloween right around the corner, I'm excited to announce a 'spooktacular' giveaway from Beau-coup, a fabulous vendor. Beau-coup offers modern and unique favors and party supplies, perfect for your upcoming fall events. With everything from Halloween party favors to wedding favors, baby shower favors and birthday party supplies, they have all of your special events covered.

And this week, Beau-coup is generously offering a $75 gift card towards anything on their site to a lucky Half Baked reader!

HOW TO ENTER:

• Post a comment HERE telling us which item(s) from the Beau-coup Favors website you’d love to get if you win!

•Giveaway ends Thursday, October 29th at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday, October 30th . Good luck, everyone!!

Thrifty Thursday: Retrieving Valuables

I'll be honest, it's been one heck of a week. My baby has colic, three exams at school, and I'm seriously sleep deprived.

Hence, here's my tiny tip for Thursday.

Oops, you just lost an earring or other small valuable down the drain. Try retrieving it with a just-chewed piece of gum stuck to the bottom of a fishing weight. Dangle it from a string tied to the weight, let it take hold, and reel it in.

Workin' Wednesday: Lil Cutie Hair Bows

To go along with my bow theme I've got going, Erica is the fabulous owner of Lil Cutie Hair Bows and she has decided to have a Bow of the Month Club. She will offer bows at discounted prices each month! Her bows are already at amazing prices and they are made to perfection!

Check out some of her fabulous creations...

Tutorial Tuesday: Frayed Flowers

Since coming home with a baby girl I have been obsessed with all things flower - so we're beginning a series on different types of flowers to accessorize outfits/headbands for girls young and old. We'll start of easy, so even the novice seamstress can figure this one out.

Found this tutorial at Maize in Montana. So great!

You'll need a strip of fabric, needle and thread, scissors, button and a pin back (can also use a large safety pin).

Pick out some fabric you like which frays really easy. Depending upon how big and thick you want your flower, cut a strip of the fabric. Mine is 1 inch wide and 44 inches long. If you want your flower smaller, don't cut it as long or as wide.

Fold over one end and secure it with a stitch.
Flip it over and start a running stitch along the bottom of the strip of fabric.

When you've reached the end of your strip, pull the thread so the fabric bunches up.

Shape the fabric into a flower.


Secure all the layers by stitching through each and securing on the back.


Next, stitch the button in the center.


After the button is secure, stitch on your pin back or safety pin.

WAA LAH! Super easy peasy frayed flower pin.
Experiment with the look by adding dangling pieces of lace, fabric, beads, chain or ribbon.
Now, go make one!

Monday Moments: Shoes

My name is Bobbi Lee and I'm a shoe-a-holic.

I didn't want to admit it, but it's true.

Having swollen feet all summer, all I wore was flip flops. It never occurred to me that the swelling/enlarging of my feet wouldn't go down.

Yesterday I tried on some fabulous heels to wear with my fabulous dress. Sigh. They don't fit. In fact, none of my fabulous shoes fit anymore. It seems I have gone up a size with Aniston's pregnancy. Are you feeling my pain?

On the bright side, I know have a fantastic reason to hit up some great fall sales and get me some shoes!

Freebee Friday: Pepperblossom Decor

Pepperblossom Decor is also offering a giveaway on Make It and Love It.

They are offering this yoyo headband, found here, to one of you for free.


Perfect for a variety of ages. So sweet.

Thrifty Thursday: Spray-on Spot and Stain Remover

I hate spending so much money on cleaning supplies when you know the majority of the price is packaging and water. Use your own water and make your own cleaning supplies for pennies on the dollar. This is a great spot remover. Works on clothing and carpet!

You will need:
2 spray bottles
water
vinegar
ammonia

1. Fill one spray bottle with
5 parts water
1 part vinegar

2. Fill a second spray bottle with
5 parts water
1 part nonsudsy ammonia

3. Saturate the stain with the vinegar solution. Let it settle for a few minutes, then blot thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

4. Then spray on the ammonia solution and blot again.

5. Repeat until the stain in gone.

Workin' Wednesday: HELP!

While there are more than plenty mompreneurs out there who I love to lurk - I want to show the ones you want seen!

Let me know your favorite mompreneurs/mom sites. There just may be a special surprise in store for those of you who nominate someone.

Just send me their website/blog and let me know what it is you love about them.

Thanks Ladies!

P.S. Happy Birthday to Me!

Tutorial Tuesday: Coupon Cart Caddy

So I have recently become an avid coupon collector. I use the word avid very loosely because I know there are a lot of you out there much more diligent and dedicated than I am. By avid I mean that I actually clip coupons out of the Sunday paper.

Back on track...while shopping last week I thought to myself, "This is ludicrous!" I have no where to put my list, my pen, my coupons (to use and to hold onto!)" So I started thinking that maybe I could make some type of caddy.

I began to research. Lo and behold, BLUE CRICKET DESIGN did all the hard work for me. Splendid! I plan on making me one of these baby's tonight for my grocery trip tomorrow!

Here is what you'll need...

Two complimentary pieces of Fabric. I used FAT QUARTERS.
Stiff interfacing
Coordinating Double Folded Bias Tape
Pins or stapler
Ruler

STEP ONE: Measure and cut your fabric and Interfacing 18" x 18"

I found that by stacking them and then cutting them made the process faster and easier. Lay it out just how it will be sewn....a fabric with RIGHT side facing down, then interfacing, then fabric with RIGHT side facing up.

STEP TWO: Now we will be cutting out a section of your 18" square to create the Caddy straps. Using a ruler and pen mark off the following measurements and cut through all three layers creating straps that measure 7" long x 3" wide.

STEP THREE: Use straight pins to secure the three layers together. I prefer using a stapler . It lays flatter and the staples are easy to remove.

STEP FOUR: Adding the bias Tape.


You will first need to sew an 18" strip of Bias tape to the bottom section of the caddy.


STEP FIVE: Fold the bottom section in half leaving about a 1 1/2" gap. This is creating your pocket. be sure to be aware of the fabrics. You will determine what fabric shows most so chose wisely which way you fold. Secure with pins or staples.


STEP SIX: Now it's time to add the Bias Tape around the edges. Start at a top of a strap in it's middle. Pin it on if that will help you keep it straight. Sew it on using a straight stitch. Corners Can be pinned or stapled to help them line up right. The inside corners are tricky. Sew around it completely being sure to fold your tape at the very end so you don't have a raw edge.


STEP SEVEN: Sew a straight stitch line in your pocket making a second section in your pocket. You can determine how big you want each section. Also you may want to add another stitched line to make a pen pocket.


STEP EIGHT: Lastly we will be adding Velcro.



Cut two 1 3/4" strips of Velcro. Separate the pieces and sew them onto the straps. Sew one on the top of the strap and the other at the bottom of the strap where it meets the pocket section.

And that will do it!!!!

Your very own Cart Caddy ready to make your life that much easier!!!!!

Monday Moments: A Finicky Food Eater

"Yucky" has become the new word at our house.

Actually it's getting old rather quickly.

It seems no matter what the object - food, bug, piece of lint on the floor, the newborns belly button - it's all yucky.

I must say this word a lot without realizing it, because I don't know where he picked it up.

As a result, nothing has been deemed edible at our house in the past week. It's yucky. I have noticed that he will eat string cheese, white bread, and crackers. So I'm guessing anything white is okay.

What an odd child.

Freebee Friday

Due to the economic downturn that I'm sure oh so many of us have felt, I can't at the present time afford to do Freebee Friday. I know. Sad.

So, in the meantime, if there are any sponsor's out there, let me know. I will do my best from here on out to point you in the direction of any great giveaways that are going on out there.

Happy Weekend!

Thrifty Thursday: Cleaning Up

Has your wall ever looked like this? Or perhaps even with red Sharpie?

Have I mentioned how much I love two year olds?

Here's a simple way to remove it with hardly any elbow grease: Pour rubbing alcohol onto the surface and rub with a wet rag. Works like a charm everytime!

Workin' Wednesday: Natty Sue Designs

I came across Natty Sue Designs while reading one of my favorite blogs Just A Girl. {I'm a lurker, I'll admit it.}

Anyway, I love her designs. Ranging from kid friendly birthday invites to birth announcements, they are so well done. She even has really fun Halloween party invites on sale right now. Just what I'm after! {If you live in Arkansas and want to come to my annual party, email me your address!}

Here's a small sampling of what she has to offer. Seriously, so creative and affordable. She sends them to you in high resolution after you okay the proof and you can print them off yourself.

Tutorial Tuesday: Wet Bag

found HERE

A wet bag has a thousand uses! Okay, I'm not going to list all of them but I do use my DIY waterproof bags for dirty diapers, dirty clothes with spills on them and wet beach clothes. I keep one tucked in my diaper bag when I go out and it comes in handy. Often.

Even if you don't use cloth diapers you will still use one! You can keep a clean change of clothes inside of one, ready to be swapped out if your baby spills, spits up or has a poop explosion down to her toes. Take out the clean clothes and put the dirty ones inside...all zipped up nicely, protecting all the other stuff in your bag. Wet bags are also fantastic when it comes to beach and pool trips! Toss in the wet swimsuit and all the other stuff in your bag stays dry. These are much prettier than a plastic bag, re-usable and washable too.

Okay, you've read my sales pitch (too bad I'm not selling these, eh?) and now you have to make one! So easy to sew, you just need the right ingredients, which are:

• Waterproof Material - This can be PUL fabric (which is usually polyester fabric that is coated with plastic on one side) or vinyl. You can also use felted wool if you are wanting go to the all-natural route. Keep in mind that wool isn't waterproof, it will only absorb moisture but works fine for spills and beach clothes.
• Outer Fabric (optional) - I never like the PUL fabric selection at my local fabric store, so I just buy the white stuff and then have an outer layer of pretty fabric.
• Zipper - Length depends on the size of your bag. Yes, zippers can leak, but as long as you do not put cups and cups of water inside (why would you...) it should be fine. I've never had a problem with zippers. Some people just use drawstring closures.

Cut a rectangle of fabric and simply fold it to create the bottom. Put the shiny side of your PUL fabric on the inside of your bag, facing the contents. Sew on your zipper, sew up the side seams and then turn right side out. That is it! Now get yourself to the beach or pool and put it to good use.

So the other day I was putting my two year old son to bed. You all know the routine: bath, pajamas, teeth brushed, story read, etc. etc. I had just closed his bedroom door and breathed that big gulp of air that seems to say, "Finally, a couple minutes of just me time" and that's when I heard her.

My beautiful baby girl starting to wake up. Until this point she had been sleeping peacefully all afternoon in her swing in the living room.

I had totally forgotten that I'd had another child. Mother of the year award right here.

As such, as I begin my blogging ventures again you'll have to forgive any faults on my part as I learn how to juggle two kids and life in general. Hopefully you'll all share you wisdom, insights, and help me find the humor in forgetting I had a baby.

Here's to remembering the important things!

Look for all new posts starting Monday, October 5th!
It's good to be back!

My Pretty Girl

Aniston Brie
9.17.09
7 lbs. 6 oz.
20 1/4 in.

Precious!

Calling all Crafters

"Hospitals all across the country are in need of small, very small, baby blankets. In cases of fetal demise, babies are so tiny, even the smallest nursery blanket is much too big to wrap around their tiny bodies."

Go to Greyson's Gift to learn more.

If any of you have had {or know of someone who has had} a still born or an NICU baby I am sure this is especially close to your heart.

The sizes needed are:

small (12" x 12")

medium (24" x 24")

These blankets can be sewn or crocheted/knitted.

Please invite your friends to join.

I know we can make a HUGE difference if we all make 1-2 blankets {or more}!!

Great Deal Alert!

Visit Udder Covers for an awesome deal on nursing covers. They are giving you $32.00 off anything you put in your cart - meaning you can get a nursing cover FREE and only pay S&H. The best part is, you can keep using the same promo code if you do multiple transactions. So stock up for yourself and all those upcoming baby showers.



Go to the main site and click on SHOP NOW. When you add something to your cart it will automatically direct you to enter in a promo code. Use "backorder". Then submit. Use over and over again!!!

Fun Giveaway: Lil Cutie Hair Bows

Found out about Lil Cutie Hair Bows through a friend and thought I'd pass on the info to ya'll. So cute and affordable too!

Have to admit I'm a little busy, so I copied and pasted her message for you. Head her way!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I see that there are a bunch of you out there that are too shy to leave a message, so I am doing a GIVEAWAY, I just decided right this moment. Up for grabs, the Halloween Korker Flower Bows pictured below.

Here's how to qualify:

1. Comment on my Hair Bow Blog, each comment is good for 1 entry.


2. Sign up to follow my Hair Bow Blog, good for 2 entries.


3. Blog about my Hair Bow Blog and leave a link so I can read it, good for 1 entry.
   

The comments will only count if they are for this post and any new posts here on out.

The top three bloggers will win a set of Halloween Korkers, but to sweeten the deal, there will also be a Surprise Gift to the 1st Place Blogger. It could be anything from a set of bows, a headband w/ coordinating bow, or a beanie w/ coordinating bow. It all depends on what that winner shows interest in. I will be reading your posts and will decide the Surprise Gift from what you comment.

Giveaway ends September 14th and the winner will be announced September 21st. This way the winner will have their bows for the whole of October!

If you are wondering what these look like in place, here are a few pictures of ways to wear.

Photos by Jamie Allen

A Quick Update

Well, I have a spare moment in my chaotic life and thought I'd update ya'll on what's happened the last few weeks:

* Moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas

* Currently revamping a destroyed rental house - love this website that's helped me along!!

* Registered for nursing classes

* Found a new doctor that would take me 35 weeks along - and yes, he is the same man who delivered me many a years ago!

* Missing my blog like crazy and can't wait for some baby inspiration to come my way!

Hope you are all doing fabulous - let me know what's going on in your neck of the woods.

Gone

...for now anyways.

All good things must come to an end? Right? One of those phrases we hear but we don't often believe.

I have given this a lot of time and thought. It's not a decision I took lightly. I have really struggled with this decision. Something happened recently in my life that requires my full-time attention. Unfortunately, this blog has thus been put on the chopping block.

I am sad to let it go. At least all of the way. You may see posts pop up now and then, but it is something that has to go on the back-burner until at least after our new baby comes.

You have been such a fun group of women and I have grown to admire and love all of my regular commenters.

See you no later than October!!

Freebee Friday: Baby Blvd. "Bowdacious" Giveaway

Enter to win this whole lot of adorable bows! Who can enter? Anyone! Family, friends, strangers, all are eligible for this fantastic give-a-way!

It comes with :

-one apple green waffle headband

-one pair of pink and white polka dot bows

-one pair of yellow bows

-one purple Chunky bow

-one blue flower bow-one orange flower clip

-one white flower clip

That equals one "BOW"-dacious giveaway! A value of almost $30.00!

TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment at Baby Blvd. HERE and make a quick and easy new post on your blog referring your friends to visit our site.
**you may also send out an email to all your friends and cc babyblvd@live.com to enter.

DONE!

You are entered after that. Check back on July 16th to see the Winner!

I will ship the winner the prize for FREE!

THANKS and GOOD LUCK!

TO EARN MORE ENTRIES, please do any of the following for an extra vote:

1. Become a follower of Baby Blvd. Then you will know about all our give-a-ways and promotions.

2. Add our link to your blog roll or list of favorites.

3. Facebook your friends about our website.

Leave one comment for every extra entry. If you are already a follower, you are one step ahead.

Thrifty Thursday: 15 Money Saving Tips for Families

Author: Dee Adams
Found HERE

There are many big and small ways to save money. Here are some money saving tips for families for these tough economic times and beyond:

1. If you use credit cards, switch to cards that pay you back - either cash dividends, miles, gas, or goods that you can actually use.

2. Cut your kid's hair yourself - you can pick up an easy "how to" book at your local library. This money saving tip has the added bonus of flexibility and convenience - you can do it whenever you feel like it.

3. And speaking of the library - you can spend a lot of money on kids books without even realizing it. You see a book your kid really likes and it's only $5.99 and before you know it you're out $50. Most likely your kid will read it once or twice and get bored with it. Solution: get a library card and visit your local library on a regular basis. Many libraries also have Story Time and other fun activities for kids of all ages that will have your kids looking forward to the weekly visit.

4. You can save huge money by coloring your own hair or doing your own highlights. You can save about $50 for each color ( x 6 times a year = $300) and about $100 for highlights ( x 4 times a year = $400). It's really easy to do once you get the hang of it. You can find kits with instructions at your local beauty supply store.

5. Take with you snacks and drinks for the kids on family outings (unless you go to a place that specifically prohibits outside food and beverages). Bring a bottle of water with you and fill it at the water fountain. Not only will you be saving money, but also time standing in long lines and ending up buying junk food and caffeinated sugary drinks you had no intention of buying in the first place.

6. Bake your own muffins, brownies and cakes (from a ready mix) - as a single mom with a full time job I always have to weigh cost savings vs. time savings. To me, If I have to slave over an elaborate cake for a few hours in the kitchen it's not worth the money savings. But if I buy a ready mix and have a dozen cup cakes ready in minuets and save some money in the process, I'd give it a thumbs up. Better yet - let the kids do the mixing, and you've got another fun activity to add to your list.

7. Buy generic: prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, cleaning supplies, groceries, ink cartridges, and anything else you can find.

8. Let your kids wash your car - what kid would say 'no' to such a fun activity?

9. Instead of buying 3 extra large Pepperoni Pizzas for $60 for your kid's birthday party, make little cute sandwiches with Turkey & Cheese and PB & J. Everybody will love them.

10. Cancel your gym membership and ride your bike with your kids.

11. Some people swear by the savings they get by switching from paper napkins to clothe napkins, but I'm not a big fan. You'd still have to spend money, energy and effort on washing, drying, folding and putting them away. Paper towels are just so easy that it's hard for me to make a case for cloth napkins, but if you like the idea - go for it!

12. Same goes for making your own play doh - some mothers just love making it themselves and love the money savings, but for me it's just too much work and not enough savings. But again, if you like the idea - go for it!

13. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Another oldie but goodie.

14. Switch your Premium Cable package to Basic package and get Netflix instead.

15. You can find and print free eCards on the Internet for all holidays and any kind of occasion. You can also have your kids make their own cards for Valentine's Day, their buddies birthday parties, and holidays. Those Hallmark cards are SO expensive!

Workin' Wednesday: Kenzie Poo

This is such a cute blog for any and all things baby. I am looking for some inspirational baby rooms and LOVE what I found here. Kenzie Poo has darling ideas, fantastic photos and some really interesting thoughts. Check them out for sure!

I am madly in love with these Twitter Birds (I thought of birds on a wire) that Rachelle came across. Don't they just make you want to redecorate?

Tutorial Tuesday: Cookie Costume

I am already planning out our Halloween costumes. I know, it's the mad over-achiever in me, but I figure in 8 weeks time I will have NO TIME whatsoever to plan and create something fabulous. This is one of the fun tutorials I came across. Simple, clever and cute! Enjoy it HERE.

Monday Moments: the Clingers

I always prided myself on how well adjusted Bryson was. He didn't mind going to the babysitter, always reached his arms out to anyone who would take him. He just figured everyone loved him as much as I did.

Now I am having to take back every thought I have ever had concerning parenting -- my child has become "the clinger".

I don't know exactly how it happened. One day he was fine, the next day he was a scaredy cat. He won't go to people, he hates being left (though he still will settle down within 10 minutes), and seems to be terrified that I won't come back.

Darn, this whole claiming his independence thing is hard.

Does anyone know how long this phase lasts? How did you deal with it? Any advice?

Contact Me

I'm working on getting my contact me button fixed, but my designer is out of town until the 5th and my internet keeps going out. If you need me, please email bobbi@mytinysweetcheeks.com

Thanks and Happy 4th!

Thrifty Thursday: Kool-Aid

That favorite, cheap past-time of a drink can actually come in handy in some areas around the home...

Color wall paints
Mix any flavor of unsweetened Kool-Aid into water-based latex paint to alter its color. Or mix unsweetened Kool-Aid with water to create your own water colors, but just remember, Kool-Aid stains can be tough to remove.

Make play makeup lip gloss
Make some tasty lip gloss for little girls playing dress-up. Let the girls pick their favorite pre-sweetened Kool-Aid flavor. Blend a package of the drink with 3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening, then microwave for one minute. Transfer to a 35 mm film canister and refrigerate overnight.

Clean your dishwasher
Is the inside of your dishwasher rusty brown? The cause is a high iron content in your water. Dump a packet of unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid into the soap drawer and run the washer through a hot-water cycle. When you open the door, the inside will be as white as the day you bought the machine.

Clean rust from concrete
Nasty rust stains on your concrete? Mix unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid with hot water. Scrub and the rust stain should come right out.

Freebee Friday Fourth of July Winner

...is our only entry

Elliott Mom said...

We're going to some city-sponsored 4th events - a parade and, of course, the fireworks!

Please email me with your address to claim your prize!

UPDATE

Hey Everyone!

I am obviously out of town and on vacation, and for some reason Blogger is no longer publishing my scheduled posts.

I will do my best to get them out, but my internet access is limited.

Sorry, hopefully I can figure out what's up...

Workin' Wednesday: Baby Hideaway

I am very pro-nursing. I am not anti-bottle or anti-formula lest you get me wrong. Obviously I think every woman should do what is right for her and her baby. I, however, love being able to nurse. I feel a greater connection to my child and just overall really enjoyed the experience.

There are a lot of nursing covers out there, but the covers from Baby Hideaway are great! They are affordable, stylish, and I love that they come in a carrying case. They are also bigger than the name brand Hooter Hiders - and we all know that bigger, in some cases, is better.

There are tons of fabric options available - I am just partial to brown and pink. Check them out if you're in the market for a nursing cover. These also make excellent baby shower gifts - and for under $20.00!