Halloween Round Up 2014

Posted on 13 October, 2014 by admin

Ready for some Ghoulish Awesomeness!! 18 Days Until Halloween!!

There are so many amazing Free Printables and Party Favors this time of year. Here are some of the ones that I have found (that are actually free). I hate those not really FREE LINKS. These Links will take you directly to the source.

Countdown Calendar with Candy Corn Pieces courtesy of Yellow Bliss Road

Halloween Lollipop Holders/Gift Tags and Gift Wrap courtesy of Living Locurto

3-D Halloween Bat Banner courtesy of the celebration shoppe

Trick or Treat Party Boxes courtesy of Bird’s Party Blog

I saved the best for LAST!! I admit that this is the first year that I have heard of the Boo’d Phenomenon. But, I thought it was truly adorable. Here’s how it works. You and your kids pack up a bucket, or bag with lots of Great Halloween Treats, and Leave it on your Neighbor’s Door Step, unbeknownst to them. Now, originally I think you were supposed to ring the door bell and run, but that’s not such a popular thing to do these days. So, I say, use your discretion, lol. Along with the treats, you provide them with some quick directions and an explanation and it’s up to them to keep the FUN going!!

Boo’d Banner and Boo’d Game courtesy of Classy Clutter

My oldest (18), was a really big fan of Halloween, probably a lot longer than he should have been, lol. The little ones, not soo much, they still find it scary, but I thought this is something cute, I could do with them. At least, it would make Halloween a little less grueling. But, I am not sure how hubby is going to feel about that. The bottom line is that all these Holidays are just about making fun memories and spending time with your family. So get out there and enjoy them, while they still let you!! (smile)

Some Like it Hot!!

Posted on 7 October, 2014 by admin

I love HOT BREAKFAST!! But, I don’t necessarily LOVE to make it. I am absolutely not a morning person, and in the AM, I am most comfortable GRUMBLING until after I have had my STRONG COFFEE.

That being said, I don’t have the luxury of doing that anymore now that I have little ones to get up and get dressed. The other day a girlfriend of mine told me that she got guilt-ed into making breakfast for her kids when a coworker told her that she makes her kid’s hot breakfast EVERY DAY!! She went on to ask if my kids eat Oatmeal. Which they don’t and to tell me that she was preparing Oatmeal in her Crock Pot(that night), so that they could eat in the morning.

This got me to thinking about all the different meals that I could prepare for breakfast the night before. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not about to change into June Cleaver over night. But, I wouldn’t mind finding something I could throw in the Slow Cooker on a Friday or Saturday night, since I normally try to make Hot Breakfast for the Whole Family on the Weekend!!

We are pretty traditional when it comes to our Breakfast Foods. The usual, Turkey Bacon, Sausage, Eggs, Toast or Biscuits. I sometimes get a little fancy, when afforded the luxury of sleeping in with omelettes and quiche, but not often, since I tend to be the only one eating it.

Soo… after doing some Pinterest Hunting, these are some recipes that I am putting in my arsenal. I am adding them to my Fall Bucket List, and will updpate you all on how Easy they are, but more importantly how they go over with the Fam!!

Do you cook breakfast in the Crockpot? What’s your go to Breakfast?

Crock Pot French Toast

Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

Breakfast Casserole –** I have already tried this one several times, but not in a while. I should tell you that it always RETURNS BIG REVIEWS. I have even taken it to work before for Department Breakfasts and everyone loved it!!

Trend Alert – Over-sized Letters and a Quick DIY!!

Posted on 29 September, 2014 by admin

For as far back as when my youngest daughter, (now 4) was born, I think I have been obsessed with typography and lettering and the custom/personalized feel that it brings to Home Decor. Over the last couple of years, I think that I have become enamored with over-sized letters specifically. And… so the hunt began. Of course I would see them EVERYWHERE. But, the catch is always the same, either they don’t have the letters that I am looking for, I can’t find the size I need, or the price is astronomical. (Or at least as far as this Momma is concerned)

So… I was at my 2nd Favorite Fabric Store….. you guessed it, Joann’s Fabric on a totally unrelated quest, when I ran smack dab into these HUGE Cardboard Letters, which of course were going to come home with me.

Admittedly, I had no idea what was next, because as much as I was stalking all the Over-sized Letter pins on Pinterest. My intention was to buy them and not to turn it into a DIY Project. Naturally, you would think the next step would have been to look up directions. But, NOPE. I decided to go home and see what I already had in my Craft Closet (also known, as the JUNK CLOSET). SCORE!!

I sprayed the letters with Krylon Short Cuts Hobby Craft Paint. And, to be honest, I loved that look and could have just left it at that. It had a leathery rustic look. But, since the A was actually an addition to my dh’s office decor. It had to tie into the Chalkboard Walls, that are soon to come.

What do you think?? I like it Brown.

I know that there should be a picture of the final step with the Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Chalk Board Paint. But, I had to download all my pics from my iPhone to make room for the iOS 8 upgrade.

Here is the completed project!! As you can see it hasn’t made it to its intended home yet, because Hubby’s Office is still a work in progress. All in all, the whole project probably cost me no more than $7.00.

Who can be mad at that?? Have you decorated any spaces in your home with Lettering? What was your favorite project? I’d love to hear about it!!

And …. We’re Live!! – Restricted Members Only Content

Posted on 27 September, 2014 by admin

Many of you have noticed that there were some Cosmetic Changes happening on the Site, yesterday. That is because we were going through the process of creating a Members Only Section. If you sign up to become a member of our Blog, you will have access to Exclusive Content. I believe that everything is working as it should. However, please excuse the changes, as we work out all kinks.

We Appreciate your Understanding and Your Patience.

In the meantime and in between time, Register for your FREE Membership and take Advantage of our Exclusive Fall Printables!!

Jumping Head First into Fall – Our Fall Home Tour

Posted on 18 September, 2014 by admin

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. After particularly hot summers here in Georgia, when the seasons start to change, I feel the need to bring as much warmth in doors as possible, enter my Fall Décor.

I feel that the Entry to Your Home Sets the Tone for the Entire House. So, I normally start with my Front Door and Work My way All the Back to the Kitchen. But, this year, I was literally chomping at the bit, to pull out the Fall Decorations. So I started indoors, that way the neighbors wouldn’t know how crazy I am , lol. I had also promised my hubby, I would wait at least until September 1^st, to start decorating for Fall, and that is literally how long I waited.

I started with the hardest part, the Fall Tablescape. To me, that is the make or break it point. All other décor gets married to this room. I was pretty sure that I could use most of the items that I purchased last year, but still create a different look than last years.

Here is a glimpse of last year’s décor.

Fast Forward to this Year:

The Burnt Orange Bird Cages were something that my hubby picked up last year, when we were trying to figure out how to style the Side Buffet and the Mantle. Luckily, they were already the perfect color, the only thing I added to them, were some fall leaves to line the cage. I had a rather large ceramic pumpkin, and I simply put inside my glass cake plate, and added a few fall leaves and floral accents. Then I decorated the table with other ceramic pumpkins and gourds. Next, I set the table with Fall Leaf place mats I bought last year from Bed Bath & Beyond, in brown and gold. I used Pier 1 pear and pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from last year and large fall leaves I purchased from Joann’s Fabrics, to make the table settings pop. And, the scripted napkins were also something that I bought last year. So I recycled pretty much everything while creating a new and I think a better look than last year.

Next Up, was my Foyer. It gets a facelift on a constant basis. I change up the Art Work and Décor based on Season Changes, Birthdays, and Holidays.. After all it’s the first thing you see when you come through my front door.

Past Foyer Looks:

This Year’s Look:

My Formal Dining Room flows directly into My Formal Living Room. I didn’t do much in this room, but change out the centerpiece, just to give the whole space a uniform look.

Fall 2014 – Living Room Centerpiece found on www.stage-presents.com

Then, I carried the decorations over into the Kitchen by adding these Chalkboard Candles to the Window Sill in the Kitchen.

Fall 2014 Kitchen Window Display

Last Up, was the Front Door Area. Here are some pics from the last two years.

And, finally this year!!

Thanks for joining us on Our Fall Home Tour. As always it’s a joy to decorate my home for my family, and to share it, with you.

A Quest for Answers: Motherhood Part 1

Posted on 13 August, 2014 by admin

“The days are long, but the years are short.” – Gretchen Ruben

Summer Break is over, here at our house, so I am trying to jump in with both feet, and get back into a Blogging Routine. In a previous post, I Walk The Line, I promised to share with you some of the findings that I came across about Motherhood.

So here goes… I reached out to several Mothers in my Circle. Surprisingly, I think they were all a little reluctant. But, I get it, no one really wants their parenting called into question. So I offered to post each response anonymously.

Mom 1 writes:

Honestly, I am both humbled and honored when someone mentions that I’m doing a great job parenting. I can’t tell you how many times I felt like I was doing a terrible job…cuz it’s a really tough job! Parenting is particularly challenging if you have more than one child, since each child requires customized parenting…that’s just my opinion.

I have three daughters. What works for my youngest daughter, does not work for my older twin daughters, and I’m convinced it has nothing to do with the age difference. It’s sheer personality!

Here’s one rule of thumb. As parents, I believe investing individual quality time with each child makes a world of difference. You’ll learn how to communicate with that individual child, separate from communicating with all your children as a group. You’ll find that this is more effective if your children all feel they are perceived as individuals with unique needs. They will respect and honor your views more. Try that for a change!

My Notes: I really loved what Mom 1 had to say. Especially because it’s easy to fall into the habit of trying to get everyone on the same page in a family setting. But, more often than not, EVERYONE really is not going to enjoy the same things. I remember growing up my Mom made these awesome Chicken Croquettes, (which reminds me, I need to get that recipe), and we(my sister and I), loved them. At some point, she stopped making it and when we asked her why, she said because Daddy didn’t like them. I remember thinking …. SOOO…. lol. I am sure it was just easier for her to make something that everybody wanted to eat than have to cater to our individual preferences. But, I remember thinking that we outnumbered Dad and certainly should have had the deciding vote. I said all that to say, we all want to have our individual needs catered to. As adults and yes, as children. I will be trying(Key Words:trying) harder on my end to consider the needs of everyone.

Question for Thought: Just like with anyone else, do we teach our children how to treat us? I recently asked a friend how she taught her children to recognize and accept that Mommy needs both quiet and alone time. She didn’t have an answer. And, I haven’t found one either. But, I have a greater need to make that known now that I am a Stay At Home Mom. Love you guys, but now that you are little older, we don’t have to be together ALL THE TIME. I would love to hear your thoughts on this as well. (Mind you this was written, as my four year old was sitting as close to me as was humanly possible. I literally had to put my headphones on in order to get in a good writing space.

Are you Interested in Teaching Your Children to Be Givers? Check out this Great Post by Money Saving Mom.

Mommy Taxi Cab Confessions — The Summer Edition!!

Posted on 22 June, 2014 by admin

Blogging over this summer is proving to be quite the challenge. I feel like I need to get a voice to text app and start recording my thoughts in the car since that’s where I’m spending most of my days lately.

My 9 year old started her extended school year this past Monday. And, as always, at least in our house, with change comes anxiety. We had been talking about this since before the regular school year ended. But, as the days grew closer, I could sense the “stomach clench”, maybe because mine was doing the same thing. The days before were filled with lots of questions, which I tried my best to answer with the information I had. The morning of we got to the school early, and as we sat outside and waited, I could see the tears welling up in her eyes. New School (not her home school), New Teachers and New Kids. Ugh!! And out came her teacher Ms. D. She was a ball of sunshine and energy. And, even though she was scared, she took her hand and walked into the school.

Less than an hour later, I got a pic of a Happy Little Girl and I breathed a Sigh of Relief. The next 4 days went perfectly and she told me she made a friend. And, just like that, all is right with the world. Whew!! These Growing Pains are as hard on the Parents as the Kids!!

I have also spent a great deal of time driving my 17 year old around trying to help him find a job. And, finally he scored a gig at Chick-fil-A. – Insert 1 Happy Momma!!

The only person relaxing this summer is my little one. She rides with me when she feels like it, and hangs out with Dad when she’s tired of the running around…

So there you have it!!

Free Father’s Day Downloadable Printable (PDF File)

Posted on 2 June, 2014 by admin

With Father’s Day only Thirteen Days Away, we thought we would share with you this great Father’s Day Printable that we created for our Facebook and Instagram Fans!!

To Download: Simply Click the Link Following the Picture and Enjoy!!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Roots and Wings ….

Posted on 29 May, 2014 by admin

PARENTING IS SUCH A DEEPLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

If you want to see a Mom or Dad lose it, call into questions their methods. Challenge their ability to parent effectively or even blame them for their child’s shortcomings, and you are almost sure to get a less than pleasurable response.

Photo Source: Pinterest

Roots:

plural noun: roots

1. the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibers.

2. the basic cause, source, or origin of something.

Wings:

plural noun: wings

1. any number of specialized paired appendages that enable some animals to fly in particular.

2. a rigid horizontal structure that projects from both sides of an aircraft and supports it in the air.

So when it comes to our little people, what exactly constitutes roots. I have always thought that had something to do with teaching them to be grounded. As well as teaching them about their history and their heritage.

Wings, I see wings as providing them with the tools necessary to be successful, compassionate, loving and empathetic humans.

The fact of the matter is that (at jumping off point), most of us have a general idea of what kind of child we want to raise. After all we have had 9 months to think on it. We’ve tried our hardest to diligently plan every detail. If you are like me (a lil anal retentive), you created a Excel Spreadsheet with every item you thought your lovejoy could possibly need and you checked off each item. You packed your bags and waited for what you were sure would be a Chart Stopper of a day and it was!! You bring your lovejoy home only to realize, well he’s not all that lovable or joyous, lol. He’s got colic, wants to be held all the time, and came out all Type A and demanding your attention all the time. Which maybe wouldn’t be so bad, if you didn’t have two other kids on deck.

Fast Forward through some years and you’ve managed to get a General Ebb and Flow, you’ve found a way to cater to all the little and BIG personalities in your home.

And, you finally learn that:

1. EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT.

2. TO PARENT THE CHILD YOU’VE GOT AND NOT THE ONE YOU WANTED.

3. AND MAYBE BY NOW YOU’VE LEARNED THEIR INDIVIDUAL LOVE LANGUAGES.

You think you are finally getting this Insane Ride of Motherhood Down Pat. You’ve got Square Pegs – Fitting Into Circle Holes. You are rocking the Hell out of Life. Only to Realize…. You are Just Getting Started.

I walk the line…

Posted on 28 April, 2014 by admin

As a Mom and even as a wife, there is definitely a line of demarcation in the sand. You want your family to be independent, but you also want them to need you. You want your children to be able to enjoy their childhoods as much as is possible, but you also want to teach them a sense of responsibility and accountability. What falls into the arena of things that they should be responsible for and what are things that I should be responsible for? And, like most things that come with raising kids, there is no manual. We are left mostly to our own devices.

With my oldest, I held his hand way longer than I should have probably. But, I blame that on the fact that he was an only child for almost 9 years. Rounding the second trimester of my second pregnancy, I realized that I couldn’t possible take on the responsibility of being a new Mom, and continue to hold his hand too. So, we went through a crash course on things he could do himself. To my surprise, and probably my relief, he already could do most of the things that I had been doing for him, but wasn’t, simply because I was doing it.

Fast forward 9 more years, and that little baby I was pregnant with is now 9 years old. And, I find myself in a similar predicament. Except there are other existing variables. 1. I have a 4 year old, who I think was born independent. 2. My oldest daughter has an significant speech delay Because she had such a challenging road ahead of her, I again I did most of the things that she should have started doing earlier.

But, now that we are coming up on the other side of her circumstances, I find that we are constantly having to remind her to do things, she should know how to do already. I even think she has gone backwards a bit, because Mom always swooped in and saved the day.

I know.. I know.. Bad Mommy. Hubby and I have had to stay on both girls to make sure that they keep their rooms cleaned, do their chores, don’t leave their things all over the house, etc., etc.

All of this had me thinking about exactly what kind of children I want to raise. So, I started doing some research talking to other Mothers that I admire, Mothers whose children have succeeded in life and excelled, and even Mothers who gave their all and had their kids go left instead of right. I was shocked at what I learned, or at the very least humbled. Over the next couple of weeks, I will share those findings, books, printables, and conversations that I have had. Hope you all will let me know what you think of my findings, what wisdom you want to impart to your own kids, and what worked for you, and even what didn’t.

Stage Presents

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Category Archives: Family Life

Some Like it Hot!!

And …. We’re Live!! – Restricted Members Only Content

A Quest for Answers: Motherhood Part 1

Mommy Taxi Cab Confessions — The Summer Edition!!

Free Father’s Day Downloadable Printable (PDF File)

Roots and Wings ….

PARENTING IS SUCH A DEEPLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

I walk the line…

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PARENTING IS SUCH A DEEPLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

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