The 2015 Holiday Play List

Posted on 3 December, 2015 by admin

Stockings are hung by the Chimney, the decorations are up, your whole house is smelling like William Sonoma, and you’ve already started planning out your Menu. What’s left? The perfect backdrop to the Season, your 2015 Holiday Play List.

I am always chomping at the bit to throw on the Christmas Music. So hubby and I collaborated and came up with this list of Our Favorite Holiday Songs.

All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)
This Christmas (Chris Brown)
Someday at Christmas (Stevie Wonder and Andra Day)
My Favorite Things (Luther Vandross)
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Ledisi)
Give Love On Christmas Day (Johnny Gill)
Let It Snow (Boys II Men)
Away in A Manger (Tamar Braxton)
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (India Arie & Joe Sample)
Mistletoe (Justin Bieber)
Where Are You Christmas? (Faith Hill)
My Grown Up Christmas List (Kelly Clarkston)
The Christmas Song (Whitney Houston)
Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)
Winter Wonderland (Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga)
Wonderful Dream (Melanie Thorton)
Silent Night (The Temptations)
Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday (‘N Sync)
Little Drummer Boy (Destiny’s Child)
I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Lady Antebellum)

What are your favorite Holiday Tunes? Share them with us in the comment sections below.

ENROLL TODAY TO GET ACCESS TO DECEMBER’S EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

Posted on 30 November, 2015 by admin

I can hardly believe that this year is virtually over. I have truly enjoyed this year of providing Our Subscribers with Exclusive Content. Even, if you haven’t subscribed yet, you can subscribe today and get access to a year’s worth of Free Downloads. This month’s Content is simple, but festive. To Get Access to This Months Exclusive Content follow this link.

Setting Up A Play Date + Personalized Play Date Notes

Posted on 18 November, 2015 by admin

Truth is, I have been a Mommy for a looooong time, I have a 19 year old son. But, times have certainly changed since he was a little tyke. Setting up play dates for him was so much easier than facilitating them for my daughters, now 11 and 5 years old. They are both very social creatures, as opposed to my son who was a more quiet and reserved child. So, I find myself with two kids who would like to have play dates, and lots of them. I have never really been the Play Date Mommy. But, apparently times are a-changing.

Play dates for me bring out all kinds of insecurities, the planning, the execution. I don’t know these people and they don’t know me. Do I really want to take on the job of being responsible for someone else’s child? What kind of child will they be? Will they listen(mind) me? Will I regret venturing outside of my comfort zone? And, if I do it this once, is it going to turn into something else I will have to schedule into our lives? Will I feel comfortable with allowing some one else to facilitate, in return?

Once I ran through all these questions in my mind, I quickly made a couple of decisions. I can handle one on one play dates. The best place for me to do play dates is out of the house, somewhere the kids can be active, stay busy, and are in a controlled space. The great thing about this choice is that it limits the amount of places that play dates can take place for us. Bowling, Skating, Trampoline Park, Jumpy Houses, or even the Movie Theater, to name a few.

The next question is how to reach out and get in touch with the parents. It is not like back when my son was little and you most likely knew and interacted with your child’s classmates and even their parents on occasion. Now a days you can’t even pick and choose who to invite to your child’s party. If the whole class can’t come then you can’t even invite one child. (I won’t even go into what I feel about that subject.)

After asking for permission, I was told that I could send a Play Date Note in and the teacher would get it to the parents. Now you know, I couldn’t just do any ordinary note like a normal person. I had to create something of my own. And, since I know that I am not the only Mommy going through this, I decided to share these adorable Play Date Notes with you.

I captured every variation, so choose the one that applies to your situation. Boy to Boy Boy to Girl Girl to Girl Girl to Boy

Download – Print and Enjoy!!

5 Reasons Mommy and Daddy Need Overnight Trips

Posted on 16 November, 2015 by admin

You love your kids and being their parent is one of your greatest joys. Right?? Of course it is, but it’s probably also the reason, you worry too much, don’t get as much sleep as you used too. And… are in serious need of some ALONE COUPLE time. [Enter the Mommy and Daddy Guilt.] But, honestly there is nothing wrong with wanting or needing that alone time. In my opinion, it is crucial to the success of a relationship.

Intimacy. You remember what that is right? The two of you alone without any little voices screaming for Mommy & Daddy. Watching a movie without having to pause it. Emotional Closeness.
Get Away. You may be thinking that it’s enough just to have the time alone. But, being away from home, makes all the difference. When you are at home, you are more likely to look around and see all the things that need to be done. Getting away even for a night, checking into a hotel and letting other people take care of your needs, while you take care of each other, is priceless.
Decompress. Clearer and Cooler heads prevail after you have had some rest. It helps when faced with making big decisions whether it be for you as a couple or for the entire family. Or maybe you just need to get your mind right as you head into the new work week.
Rejuvenate. I know that you have been on vacation and when you came back you felt like you needed another vacation. You know why that is, you probably had to wrangle the kids, lol? If you can, convince your significant other to participate in a couples massage, or a mani and pedi, or any spa type activity. Even if you do nothing, but take a long nap, wrapped in each other’s arms. It could go a long way towards you feeling like you got some rest and relaxation.
The Health/Well being of your marriage. Anything worth having is worth devoting time to. It is so easy to get so wrapped up in the day to day family life, that you forget that you were individuals before you were parents. Spending time alone allows you to rediscover each other, continue to have firsts together and keep the marriage fresh, new and healthy.

My disclaimer: I am not an expert by any means, I can only speak to what works for us. We(hubby and I), are just coming off a Couple Weekend celebrating his birthday. It’s been a while since we have been able to have some alone time and just those few days reminded me of how important time together really is. What are some of your favorite ways to get away, even if it is just for one night?

Three… Two…. One… A Friday Series No. 12

Posted on 13 November, 2015 by admin

Three Blogs:

Photosource: 1 2 3

With the end of 2015 in sight, my interest are literally of all over the place. I am feeling the rush to accomplish all the things that I set out to do at the start of 2015. Tell me I am not the only one who gets caught in that hamster wheel? Don’t worry, I am not foolish enough to think I will fit it all in the weeks that are left. But nonetheless, I will give it the good ‘ol college try. So today’s three blogs are inspiration based, while being relevant to whats going on in my life these days. Blog #1 is full of Recipes, DIY and Decor Ideas for every Holiday. Blog #2 is full of ways to Organize your Home, plus much more. Blog #3 is full of things relevant to a Mom of Teens or Tweens, including an Awesome SmartPhone Contract. Follow the links to get a taste of what they each have to offer. These are definitely worth saving in your Blog Readers.

Echoes of Laughter

Polished Habitat

My Crazy Good Life

Two Faves:

Photosource 1 2

Toothbrush Organizer: I love the fact that this offers both storage and ventilation and maybe means when we have company, I don’t have to put up the toothbrushes in the guest bathroom, I can just close it and move it out of the way.

Stick Up Weekly Calendar: Super Easy way to stay Organized Stick it In Your Planner, On Your Family Calendar, even the kids can use it to stay on point.

One Freebie:

Give Thanks Thanksgiving Printable: Download Yours Here.

We Made It Ya’ll. Another Week is Over and I am off to Celebrate with My Hubby for his Birthday. Enjoy your Weekend with the ones you love!!

Veteran’s Day Coloring Sheet

Posted on 10 November, 2015 by admin

Veteran’s Day is tomorrow, November 11th, this year. Over the years, I have tried to explain the importance of those who have served Our Country to my little ones. It certainly is not an easy conversation, so this year, I searched for some ideas and ran across this amazing article on some ways that you can have this conversation and engage your kids. Check out this link on “Teaching Kids About Veteran’s Day” found here on FantasticFunandLearning.com. It’s Full of Ideas and Books that will make it both fun and interesting.

In Honor of Our Veteran’s – Let’s Celebrate all that they do for our Country with this “Veteran’s Day” Coloring Sheet.

Celebrate Veteran's Day with this Free Coloring Sheet - www.stage-presents.com

Download Here – Right Click Save and Print. And, to Our Veterans, we salute you.

Three… Two…. One… A Friday Series No. 11

Posted on 6 November, 2015 by admin

Three Blogs:

Yes, you guessed it. I am already diving head first into Holiday Decor. This week’s Three Blogs are full of amazing things. Make sure to head over to their sites to check out what they have to offer from freebies, to DIY ideas, inspiration and even shops of their own.

Photo Source: 1 2 3

Live A Little Wilder Blog

Place of My Taste

Liz Marie Blog

Two Faves:

Photo Source: 1 2

***Christmas Gift Ideas***

Betty Crocker 3-Tier Oven Rack – This is the perfect addition to your kitchen, especially with the holidays around the corner. Who doesn’t need more space in the oven when cooking over the holidays?

TrackR – This a Mommy Gift, in my humble opinion. Especially if you suffer from Mommy Brain, as I tend to from time to time. If you have to keep track of your things and every body elses this is for you. You put these on your items and then you can track them from an app, even in the house. How novel is that? No more running around the house searching for your keys.

One Freebie:

Sometimes the Holidays can be stressful. Surround yourself with Positive Images. Save Print and Frame this Live Brave Printable here.

We made it through another week!! Have a Colorful Weekend.

ENROLL TODAY TO GET ACCESS TO NOVEMBER’S EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

Posted on 2 November, 2015 by admin

To Get Access to This Months Exclusive Content follow this link.

Three… Two…. One… A Friday Series No. 10

Posted on 30 October, 2015 by admin

This week’s Blogs offer lots of variety, that you are sure to enjoy. If you follow the link in Photo Source #2, you will find a quick and easy Halloween Peek-A-Boo Treat Bag tutorial courtesy of Here Comes The Sun Blog.

Photo Source: 1 2 3

Three Blogs:

Two Faves:

Photo Source: 1 2

The Garlic Chop Garlic Chopper, Lime Green – Ok, so I probably was drawn to it because of the aesthetics, but it seems like a pretty useful product. I tend to purchase my Garlic already minced and in a jar. But, if I were trying to be more authentic, I suppose this would work.
Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 12-pc. Cutlery Set with SharpIN Technology – Most engaged couples register for a set of knives. Every wife envisions herself impressing her husband in the kitchen. And, whether that actually happens or not, most knives have a limited shelf life. I have a set now that need to be put out of their misery. That being said had this been around when I was creating my wedding registry it would have been at the tippy top of my list. Knives that stay sharp are a must have in any working kitchen.

One Freebie:

Halloween Coloring Sheets

Follow the Link. Download, Print and Enjoy.

Have an Unparalleled Weekend.

Six Ways to Bring Natural Elements Indoors: Home Decor Trends

Posted on 27 October, 2015 by admin

Bringing Nature indoors to create a warm and inviting space is a Home Decor Trend that seems to be gaining momentum. This trend is no longer considered Rustic, or Shabby Chic, it has become, dare I say main stream. See how to get this look by incorporating these easy to find elements.

Acorns:

Paint them. Throw them in a vase. Add some sparkle. Turn them into napkin rings. You can throw these things around like confetti!!

Photo Source: 1 2 3

Pine Cones:

Bleach them. Paint them. Add a Secent to them. Wherever you place them … they are bound to shine.

Photo Source: 1 2 3

Pumpkins & Gourds:

Table Settings, Mantels, or Even the Front Door… There’s no doubt that fall is near, when the Pumpkins and Gourds start to appear.

Photo Source: 1 2 3

Fresh Fruits:

You don’t need a season to incorporate fresh fruits into the mix. It’s a simple and thrifty way to add both color, and fragrance.

Photo Source: 1 2 3

Wood Elements:

There is something about wood that I feel has calming and spa like properties. Hence my love for hard wood floors, wood coasters, dough bowls, etc. Adding wood elements to a space gives it balance.

Photo Source: 1 2 3

Plant Life:

Aside from their ability to improve Indoor Air Quality, these beauties, are just great to look at. Also, there is something to be said about keeping a plant alive. It’s a good feeling.

Photo Source : 1 2 3

Are you big on having Natural Elements in your Home? How many of these items are already a part of your home?

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