Bucket List Update: Backyard Water Mattress

This activity was not on the original bucket list, but I saw it online and had to try it. It was not difficult to make, but did take about 45 minutes to construct. Plus some additional duct tape because I am not a skilled duct taper. Anyhow, once it was filled and all holes fixed the kids had a great time playing!



 

 

 

If you want to make this all you need is:

 

1. Plastic painters drop cloths

 

2. Duct tape (I needed 2 rolls)

 

3. Water

 

What to do:

 

1. Unfold or roll 4 drop cloths

2. Put 2 cloths together on top each other to make them double thick

3. Tape them together and do the same to the other 2 cloths

4. Put the 2 newly taped sides on top of each other and tape them together, but leave a hole on one corner.

5. Insert hose in the opening and fill with water.

6. Tape the hole closed.

7. ENJOY!

 



Summer Bucket List

For the last two summers, I have either been pregnant or had a new baby which made summer kind of dull. This summer, even though I'm working part time; I wanted to make sure we have a great time. Soon my little ones will be too busy with friends and activities to hang with their super cool mom.

I definitely want to have an awesome memorable summer, but we are on a budget. So I have been reading magazines, looking on the web, and asking other people to compile a list of things we can do this summer.

I have creatively named the the list: Summer of 2013 Bucket List

I know, I know, I'm incredibly creative.

Here's the list so far.

1. Have a sleep over with friends.
2. Make a back yard splash pad.
3. Plant a garden
4. Run a lemonade stand
5. Short stay-cation
6. Go to local carnival
7. See the animatronic dinosaurs at the zoo
8. Go hiking
9. Have a picnic at the park
10. Visit friends

We have started some of these and the stay-cation is in the planning process. Non of these things are too terribly exciting or expensive. The memories of doing these things together as family will make all the difference to my children.



Playtex Bra Review

Playtex has come out with a new bra, and as a BzzAgent I was able to try it out for free. This bra campaign from Playtex boasts that the Playtex Secret bra has not only great style, but a perfect fit as well. This bra comes in what the brand describes as true shades. One will not find this bra with flashy colors, yet variations of skin tones. Naturally, I was very excited to try this bra out.

As a mom of two, I have a hard time finding bras that fit properly. I hate shopping for bras because they look and feel fine in the store, but at home the bra doesn't fit or once I start moving it is very uncomfortable. I also prefer my bras to be natural colors, so I can just grab them and go. When I was chosen for this BzzCampaign, I was happy to give a different bra a try. I ordered a 36 DD in beige with under wire. The style is full coverage which is what I typically buy. When the bra arrived, I took tried it out right away. The fabric felt nice against my skin. The straps didn't dig into my shoulders and the around band stayed in place. However, the bra lacked side cup support. As a mom of two, I definitely need some added support on the sides. So my breast were pointing East and West and it was noticeable through my shirt. I wore the bra for the rest of the day, since I wasn't going anywhere. I was able to wear it all day without any discomfort.

If I did not need the bra to provide more side cup support, I would consider buying the new Playtex bra sold at Kohl's for around $35.00. The bra is comfortable and gives great coverage, but if you are like me and need the side support . . . this bra will not work for you.

**Disclosure: As a BzzAgent, I attest these comments and opinions are genuinely mine. I was not compensated for completing this product review.

Kroger Carbmasters Yogurt Product Review

 

 

 

Kroger has a new healthy yogurt line to offer. Recently, as a BzzAgent, I was able to try this product for free! The line offer has regular, Greek, and Greek lite yogurt types in various flavors. The yogurts are lower in carbohydrates, calories, and sugar than the other brands without sacrificing on the serving size.

 

So far I have tried cherry, peach, strawberry, and carrot cake flavors. I have liked them all as well as the regular brand I usually buy. My 22 month old son loves them as well. I passed some coupons to my parents, and they have tried it too. They agreed that the yogurt was very good. My mom likes that is it low in calories and carbs. because my dad has a specific diet to follow, and this is a product he will actually eat without complaint.

 

I urge anyone who likes yogurt to try this new product from Kroger. It is tasty, affordable, and healthy; you can't beat that!

 

 

Disclosure: As a BzzAgent I tried this product for free. I attest that these comments are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

No Sew Roman Shade Tutorial

We bought our house almost a year ago. In that time, I have been patiently waiting and thinking about how I can get rid of the vertical blinds that are on every window. I have nothing against vertical blinds for an office building or doctor's office. I do not like them in my home for the following reasons: they look plain, they clink when the window is open, they only open to the side.


                                                                            Before

As this past year has gone on, I have looked at mini blinds, curtains, and roman shades. I love, love, love roman shades because of the cute look and functionality. I hate the price. So I did what I always do; I took to the trusty Internet and found a tutorial on how to make a roman shade without sewing. Then I looked for the fabric I wanted and waited for coupons, so I could make this craft more affordable.

Okay, that's enough rambling, I'll get to the point.

What you need:
1. Tape measure
2. Fabric glue
3. Glue gun
4. Plastic mini blind
5. Fabric

What to do first:
1. Measure your window
2. Buy a mini blind
3. Buy the amount of fabric you need.
**If you are putting this shade on a bright window and want the sunlight blocked, don't forget to buy a sun blocking fabric, too.

Making the blind:

Lay out fabric and measure for the length and width you need.

My window is 60 in. x 39 3/4 in.

I cut the fabric to 62 in. x 41 in.

** Note** I should have cut the length to 64 in. just to have a little more wiggle room.

I used a sun blocking liner for my shade.

If you are using one, lay your already cut fabric on top of

it and cut the liner to the same size.

 

Now take your fabric glue and glue the two fabrics together

and let dry for at least 10 minutes.

 

To make the gluing easier, I folded the fabric back half way,

applied the glue, smoothed it out, and did the same to the other half.

 

Now lay the mini blind all the way out.

 

Remove the bottom.

 

Cut the ladder string. (The skinny one.)

Cut it in several places. You need to remove it completely.

Then take off all the blind slats you don't need.

You must determine how many folds you are going to want, and

leave that number of slats on the blind.

 

Once the extra slats are removed, evenly space the remaining slats.

Then put the bottom back on the strings.

 

Now take your hot glue gun and fold the fabric over the ends

and secure it. Do the top first and then the sides. Make sure

when you do the sides that the slats stay straight. (I didn't do that

and mine are slightly crooked.)

 

Let the blind dry for at least 12 hours. The fabric glues takes some time to set.

 

Hang it up.

 

The first few times you pull up the blind, you will need to assist the folds.

After a few times, the fabric should relax and fold easier.

 

 

 

Cost Break Down

 

2yds printed fabric with 50% off coupon = $9.99

2yds sun blocking fabric with 40% off coupon = $9.59

Fabric glue = $4.99

Mini Blind = $4.26

 

Total Cost = $28.83   That's not too shabby!        

 

 

Progress Report . . . New Year, New or Old Resolutions

At new years, like so many other people, I made these resolutions:

1. Continue loosing the baby weight; I have about 15lbs to go.
2. Have a game night with Misses at least once a week
3. Sign Bubba up for swimming lessons
4. Go on a weekend vacation as a family
5. Organize, organize, organize

Today, I would like to share my progress with you.

1. Weight loss : I have lost 5 of the 15 lbs. My progress is slow with this one but I am working out, and I feel strength improving.
2. Game night has turned into game afternoon. At least once a week, Misses and I play games, do crafts, read books, or bake goodies. The afternoon just seemed to work out better for us.
3. Sadly, I haven't signed Bubba up for swimming lessons yet. I still plan to, but the schedule has to allow for it.
4. My husband and I are planning a little trip for July.
5. I have organized my closet. That is it. I have the next week off, so I hope to achieve this goal then. I am thinking about becoming a Clever Container Consultant as well. I love to organize . . . it is keeping things organized that has proven to be difficult.

As I type this, I think shoot . . . that's not too shabby. I'm still a work in progress; but if I didn't have progress to make, I'm not sure what I'd do with myself.

How are your personal goals/resolutions going?

Shamrock Rice Crispy Treats

It is March! There's a ton of snow on the ground! 

St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, and I'm trying to get on top of this blog. Many times we do things, but I fail to write about it. So here I am being all productive.

I hope you find these treats as cute and yummy as we do.

What you need:

• 5c. Rice Crispy Cereal
• 7 oz Marshmallow Cream 
• 4 TBS. Butter
• Wilton Colored Chocolate Disks
• Shamrock Cookie Cutter

What to do:

• Make rice crispy treats (I use this recipe: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1613,152172-234205,00.html)
• Put the treats in a pan and let cool
• Cut the treats with cookie cutter and place on plate
• Melt the Wilton Disks in the microwave
• Use a small spatula to spread on top of the treats.
• Let set
• Enjoy!

Picture instructions below.

Candy Melts

 

Spread in Pan

 

Cut out Treats

 

All done! Don't they look cute and yummy!