DIY Christmas Bulb Wreath for the Holiday Season

This year I have been motivated to make my own wreaths to jazz up the front door.  I am now excited each time there is a new occasion to hang something fresh on the door.

For the holidays, I decided to try my hand at a Christmas bulb wreath.  I have loved every one that I have seen online, and they look super easy to make!  So I gathered supplies that I had picked up last year during after Christmas sales (I got the bulbs super cheap!) and went to town!

DIY Christmas Cards

I have been staring at the supplies to make our Christmas cards for the last couple of weeks.  Things have been crazy around here and I have been procrastinating.  So this afternoon I sat down with a few simple and inexpensive supplies, and I actually managed to finish the job!  Can you believe it?!  I can't!  I am still staring at the pile wondering how I got all 40 cards made in one afternoon!  Most of it was finished before the boys came home, which was a good strategy because they really like to 'help' and I was using a sharp blade and ink stampers.

Meet Stewie! Our Little Elf ~ Elf on the Shelf Ideas Inside!

I am getting super excited about the holidays!  Its absolutely my favorite time of year for many, many reasons.  First of all, I love the decorating!  I'm starting this weekend and I just love pulling everything out of the bins and getting ready!  I also love the time with family, the visiting, the food & drink, and the special memories.

Last year we added a little Elf named Stewie to our Christmas tradition, and I am having a hard time staying patient for his return!!

Here is a recap of Stewie's antics from last year.  He will be returning around November 29 or 30 to keep an eye on our little guys!

Little Man's 6TH Birthday - DIY Circus

Today was a super exciting day.  Well actually, this whole weekend was super exciting!  Yesterday, my first born turned 6!  WHAT?!  When did this happen? The last six years seem to have flown by.  Yesterday I was reflecting on how much he's grown and all the things that I am proud of him for.  He's well-mannered.  He's polite and smart.  He's a keen learner.  He's excelling in school.  And I think to myself... I'm the Mom of this fabulous 6 year old!!

Today's party was a complete success!!  

Here's a peek at the party!  

Happy Halloween!!

Good Morning!  I know its still been quiet around here... but I'm hoping to get back next week!  Until then, I'd like to say a big Happy Halloween to everyone!  My boys have been counting down the days, and they are so excited for our plans this evening!  

Here is a little preview.  The older boys chose different costumes for the day at school and insisted that little brother wore his today all day as well! 

Have a safe and fun day with your little ghouls!  

A Bit of Exciting News to Share!

It's been a busy few months for our family.... Summer ended, school began, the boys started swimming and hockey, and somehow I fit in my full time job and keep the house somewhat clean. We've had a wonderful fall so far! The boys have been helping with the leaves (we have several beautiful maple trees in our yard that drop an unbelievable amount of leaves!)

Today we are on our way to share a Thanksgiving dinner with our friends and family.... And as I'm sitting here in the car I decided its time to let you in on a little secret....

Things on the blog have really slowed down over the last three months, and I'm finally ready to share why!! (Can you guess??!!)

10 Homemade Halloween Treats {Perfect Pins}

With the two boys in school this year, I have been giving a lot of thought to classroom parties and ideas for sending themed treats.  With Halloween just around the corner (As my middle guy said, "just at the end of the days" --month--), I've compiled some fabulous homemade treat ideas.  These would all be great for classroom parties as well as for all the special little ghouls in your life.

I'm partial to the gloves filled with various treats.  Its hilarious!

DIY Halloween Wreath ~ For $7 or less!

The kids got really excited about fall, and they have been talking about Halloween.  So on the weekend, we hauled out the bin of decorations and started getting the house perked up for the season.  

I grabbed supplies from a dollar store to make a wreath (finally) and threw together a cute little theme what was very quick to make and came with very little cost. Its super cute, the kids love it, and I think it will hold up in the elements.


Halloween Wreath

foam wreath form (I had this on hand)
3 lengths of Halloween garland ($1 each)
other Halloween themed items (I used a witchy hat & spider web --- $4)
black yarn

I wrapped the wreath form with the garland, pinning the ends to it.  This took exactly 3 of the full lengths of garland, and it looks really nice and full.

I secured the witchy hat (which is actually a headband) to the wreath form with pins.  Then I just stuck the spiderweb to the front of the wreath and tied it to the sides of the wreath with the black yarn that doubled as the string to hang the wreath from the hook on the door.

Here's the final product:

Thought I'd also share a couple of shots of the rest of the Halloween scene.  The boys love it :)

10 Fall Wreath Ideas {Perfect Pins}

I'm hopeful (now that things around here are settling down) that I will have time over the weekend to create a fall wreath for the front door.  It has been looking drab and bare since the summer and I'm hoping to find an easy idea to dress it up for the autumn air.


Here are a few tutorials to browse through if you are also looking for ideas to decorate your door in the coming weeks:

Quick Fall Centerpiece

It's been quiet around here.  I've been working a LOT, and been busy getting into routine with the boys school & extracurricular activities.  I think I might be finally getting my head above water!  

The other day, baby & I were playing outside after taking the big brothers to the bus.  He started handing me acorns.  It was cute!  He was collecting them and giving them to me for sake keeping.  So together, the two of us collected a good sized bag of acorns and came in to find a craft (Well... little one might have been pocketing them in his cheeks).

Here's what we put together to add a little fall feeling to the dining room table.

To make, all you need is:

a couple of vases
a bag full of acorns
some washi tape in fall colours
a couple of candlesticks

10 Recipes for Fall Soups {Perfect Pins}

This week the cold weather has set in.  I wasn't ready.  At all.  I'm still wearing sandals.  Today I couldn't feel my toes when I got home.  I suppose I can't fight it any longer.  Fall is in the air.

What better way to transition into the cooler months, than to collect a list of hearty fall soups to warm up with.  Here are just a few that I found to get you started....

10 Homework Organizers {Perfect Pins}

I've had a crazy week at work so far (its fairly easy to tell my work schedule based on blog activity... work = no posts for days).  I've had great experiences in the last couple weeks at work, and I have helped many babies arrive safe and sound into the world.  The only sad part of the job lately is that I have been away from my own babies a lot... and I feel like I'm missing out on all the fun of the first week back to/starting school.  I've also become overwhelmed (again) with all the paperwork that flows into our house via backpacks!  

Tonight, I'm putting together some fabulous homework organizing tricks to keep ahead of the schoolwork this year!

Pintrest Power Party

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to this week's Pinterest Power Party!! If this is your first time at our party, thanks for joining us!! Every Wednesday we host this party in order to focus on YOU - the readers! Do you have a DIY project, frugal gift idea, or delicious recipe you want to share? We want to see them and share them on our Pinterest boards too!!

We had a little hiccup with our sponsors, so we're going to extend last week's sponsor giveaway! Chrissy from The Taylor House is offering a $25.00 iTunes gift card to one lucky reader! We've added a few NEW entry options in the Rafflecopter below, so be sure to double check whether you've gotten all of your entries!!

I had Great Plans for a Recipe Today

I was planning on throwing together a quick one pot dinner tonight, some kind of sweet & sour pork chops with fresh veggies and rice.  My plans were foiled when I started cooking the chops (that we purchased just yesterday).  The smell nearly turned my guts. UGH.  Nothing worse than ROTTEN meat!  YUCK!

So, we had takeout instead!  I did, however, return the meat to the store... I was given the money back. I also left a little note on the return slip as this is not the first time such an event has occurred from this local store.  I wrote, "Not pleased.  This happens frequently.  I now had to order takeout for a family of 5... a lot more costly than the meal plan I had made at home. Won't be shopping here again."

Here's hoping I can share tomorrow night's recipe!

10 Crockpot Recipes {Perfect Pins}

With less than one week left to get organized, here are this week's perfect pins for crockpot recipes!  

OMG! I Love to Cook

Chef This Up

Living Mama Style

Sally Cooks

A Bear in the Kitchen

Just A Pinch Recipes

Key Ingredient

The Crockpot Recipe

Michelle Marie

Epicure Selections

Chickpeas in a Nest - 13 Minute Appetizer (Gluten Free)

Anyone who know me knows that in the last few child-rearing years I am somewhat of a scatterbrain. Absent-minded. Forgetful. Seriously if I don't write something down, its not happening. People tell me this is normal after having kids.  I sure hope so. Otherwise, I should probably have my head examined.  So recently, as per usual, I double booked on a weekend because I didn't have my calendar on me and made two sets of plans that were happening in two different towns for the same evening at very close to the same time.  I would like to add here that the plane were approximately 150km apart. 

Another one of my poor life habits is my inability to really plan too far ahead, and I'm always late.  For pretty much everything. Always.

10 Weekly Planner Ideas {Perfect Pins}

Keeping up the momentum in preparation for Back to School, I found all these great weekly planning tools to help ease into the routine and scheduling that will be required now that there will be school AND extracurricular activities (my boys are into swimming and hockey).  

Easy Weeknight Pasta Dish - Gluten Free

Tonight's dinner was brought to us by 'hurry up', 'everyone's starving' & 'no time'.  We had a wonderful family photo session with a great friend of mine that I will share at a later date so supper plans got a little fragmented.  Hubby had browned the beef before we left and when we returned I played a quick game of "What's in the Cupboards?"

Birthday Celebration Recap: 25 Again

This past weekend was so much fun.  We got a lot in in three short days, and we were sad when we had to get back to reality!  We spent much of the weekend celebrating my birthday with family and friends.  I turned *cough* 25 *cough* (again, this is the third time).  I am happy to share all the events of the weekend in hopes to relive some of it. 

10 Back to School Lunch Ideas {Perfect Pins}

With back to school JUST around the corner, I thought I would seek out some fun lunch ideas for the boys.  My oldest is starting into Grade 1, and my middle is starting Kindergarten!  I can't even believe how fast these last few years have gone!  


Here they are, my fav 10 Back to School Lunch Ideas!

TGIF Link Party - I'm Co-Hosting!

Welcome to the TGIF Link Party at 
Living Better Together and I Want Crazy!

Meet Your Hosts!


Rebecca from Living Better Together

Kat from I Want Crazy 

I'm also excited to introduce our fabulous co-host for this week:

Kristen from 3 Monkeys' Mommy

Brooke from Start at Home.

If you are interested in co-hosting, email Rebecca at fickrj5@gmail.com. Share this party with your friends, and don't forget to make some new ones while you're here! We all love making new friends, don't we?

____________________________________________________________________

Features:

Most Viewed 

500 in 30 by VMG206.

I think it's obvious why this was the most viewed this week, it's a great and super helpful article! Megin brings us a great step by step on how to grow our fan base using Pinterest! Even Pinterest pros will find the advice helpful!

Rebecca's Favorites:

Loaded Eggplant Rounds by Dizzy Busy and Hungry!

I'm afraid me and Thing 2 would have to agree, I've never been one for eggplant, but these look awesome! However, I think she has tricked us both into wanting this delicious dish, honestly, if you add bacon to anything I'll probably love it! I love this unique and healthy twist on traditional loaded potato skins. 

Farm Table Face Lift by The Chick n' Coop.

I'm really loving all things farm related, and this table makeover is just too cute! It's amazing when a little bit of paint can transform something old and beat into something fresh and beautiful! 

Kat's Favorites!

Wall Entry Reveal from Place Of My Taste. 

I love projects that are not big but make a huge impact, like this one. The colors are fantastic and I am in love with the wall organizer. The entire reveal came together so well. 

Banana Caramel Ice Box Cake by Kleinworth & Co. 

I'm tempted not to say anything because the photo speaks for itself, but how can your mouth not water when you look at it! This layered cake of greatness just looks so delicious!

Grab a feature button!

<center> <a href=”http://www.livingbettertogether.com/“><img border=”0″ src=”<a href="http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/fickrj5/media/TGIF_featured_zpsbe37ee90.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y405/fickrj5/TGIF_featured_zpsbe37ee90.png" border="0" alt=" photo TGIF_featured_zpsbe37ee90.png"/></a></a></center>
A big thanks to Anyonita over at Anyonita Nibbles for creating our party buttons! ____________________________________________________________________
Link up your recipes, projects, tips and tricks, etc. Each week we'll be featuring some great posts from the previous week, so be sure to check back to see if you were featured and to link up again! 
The party will run from 8:00 pm EST on Thursdays until 8:00 pm EST on Sunday.
Rules:

1. Please follow your hosts and co-hosts in some way! Let us know you did and we'll follow back!

2. If you'd like, grab the party button and tell your friends!

<center> <a href=”http://www.livingbettertogether.com/“><img border=”0″ src=”<a href="<a href="http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/fickrj5/media/TGIF_zps40a588c0.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y405/fickrj5/TGIF_zps40a588c0.png" border="0" alt=" photo TGIF_zps40a588c0.png"/></a></a></a></a></center>

3. No Giveaways or Etsy Shops, please.

4. Please link to a specific post, not your homepage.

5. Get inspired! Visit other links! Spread the word! It is a party after all!

____________________________________________________________________

Thank God it's Friday! Get ready to party!

We'll be pinning all of your links to our TGIF Link Party Board on Pinterest to share with our followers!

Gluten Free Greek Style Pitas

There aren't many things that I really really miss about having a regular diet. Pitas are one thing that I really really do. I've been searching and I haven't found a brand or store that carries them gluten free, so I made my own! I didn't know how this would turn out, but GOOD NEWS! They are delicious!! (& fairly simple to make!) 

Bathroom Makeover: Stage One

Earlier this spring, my plan had been to get the top floor of our house refreshed... paint, decor, maybe even some new living room furniture.  Here it is nearly the middle of August, and the plan has finally JUST been put into action!  I decided to start with the bathroom, because its a small space and it would be a nice way to transition into all this work.

I have been looking at paint colours and styles of decor for months now, and I have finally decided what I'm doing with each room!  

NERD ALERT: Backstreet Boys In a World Like This Tour 2013 > After Party

I'm excited to share these photos from the party after the concert, where my friend and I BOTH got photos with Kevin, Howie & Nick!  We did the VIP package for the party, so we also got professional photos done... But in hindsight, we got individual photos on our own cameras/phones, and that didn't require paying the extra $$.  Live and learn.  So next time (and there WILL BE a next time!), I wouldn't put out the extra $ for the group shot. Its fabulous, but probably not worth the extra $.

NERD ALERT: BSB In A World Like This @ Bell Centre Montreal, Aug 6th 2013

Yesterday, a girlfriend and I traveled all the way to the big city of Montreal, Quebec for a very exciting event! We were lucky enough to score great seats at the Backstreet Boys show on their current tour, In a World Like This (insert screams of excitement here).

I have been a fan of the Boys for as long as they have been around (which is 20 Years!) and I have been to nearly every tour they have done.  Its funny, a lot of people ask me why I continue to go to these events... Its different EVERY show, and I love their music.  I would and will go see them again and again.  Its just like that.  

DIY Clay Crochet Hook Handles

This week, two girlfriends and I hit the road for a fun day of shopping in Ottawa.  We were mostly just excited for the adult only shopping.  We were able to spend nearly 3 hours in IKEA!  The last time I was in there I think it was 20 minutes, two tantrums and an abandoned cart because the kids go crazy in there.  (I think its the big open space, makes them lose their minds).  We had such a fun day, and shopped til we dropped!

We hit up a couple of craft stores and I finally purchased some polymer clay for a project that I have been wanting to try for quite some time now.  I LOVE the idea of clay handled crochet hooks and I thought it would be a fun project to do myself.  

Despicable Me Inspired Newborn Accessories: CROCHET PATTERN

I have been working on a couple of special sets of newborn photo props this week.  These adorable sets are for a long-lost nursing school friend of mine who is expecting TWINS in December.... HOW EXCITING IS THAT!?  

These little Minion hats & diaper covers are absolutely too cute, and are a straight-forward pattern that I came up with.  The suspense must be killing you, so here it is:

Quick Update ~ Summer Craziness

Its been a crazy month so far!  With our trip and the big storm that we returned to at home, getting back into the work routine and of course the laptop being left behind on vacation, its been a while since I've been on here!  

We will be on the go again later today to take the boys camping for the weekend.  I just wanted to check quickly.

Buzzworthy Books of Summer Giveaway

When it comes to summer reading indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers. Here’s a list of ten titles from emerging indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook for a chance to win an iPad Mini!

The Lights of Sheridan Square by Bob Ford

If you enjoy the office intrigues of The Mad Men and the love story in The Notebook you’ll like this book.

More About The Book 

“Set in New York City in the late 1950's, this love story takes you into the heart of the advertising world. The office politics and drama are equal to that of the series Mad Men.  I could not help but fall in love with the main characters, Jay and Joanna. Their story is a lifelong love affair of twists and turns with a dramatic ending that I did not see coming. A book to enjoy." Published by Deerfield Park Books. 

Special Must-Read Price Cut! Paperback: $11.66 Kindle: $7.99 

Reluctant Gods by A.J. Aaron 

If you don't like just plain old vanilla and want something different, Reluctant Gods is a series that transcends fiction fantasy by crossing genres into romance, humor, science fiction, and mystery and is sure to entertain while you enjoy the best of summer.

More About The Book 

“A.J. Aaron is a genius. I loved this book! It had fantastic images but the real story was about Sevilen accepting his power. I understood that everything is as it should be but the author's depiction of this concept is exceptional. The laid-back dialogue and cool characters mixed fantasy with what is usually considered a serious, esoteric subject. Leyna's mindset and sexual exploits are tastefully done. Quotes from Einstein, Toffler and Drucker reinforced the message. This book is highly recommended for teenagers and adults.”

You can find more about A.J.  Aaron on his website and on Amazon, and his publisher.

Special Must-Read Price Cut! A special promotional price of $.99 on Kindle and $8.99 in paperback for this 62,000 word 250 page novel.

Future Tense by Eddie Upnick

A mechanics life is turned upside down when he learns of his fathers top secret past, causing him to team up with a beautiful CIA agent and two beyond gifted teenagers, to try to stop the Russian mob from deploying a futuristic weapon of mass destruction and a pending alien invasion of Earth. You can purchase the e-book here and learn more about the author on his website.

Play or Die by Jen Cole

This summer, see Australia... on the run from a sociopath! Take a heart-thumping tour with Jo as she searches for her father's murderer while fleeing from a killer sent by a future society to bag her.

More About The Book 

Play or Die is amazing. Be prepared for tension that you have never experienced before as Jo tries to evade the psychotic Hunter determined to kill her. The book alternates between nail-biting suspense, action, and stuff that really gets you thinking. Visit the Jen Cole's website for more information.

The Incredible Wedding of a Dictator

by Horacio A. Hernandez

This novel is a mock epic, a satirical, and an allegorical view of a dictator and his evil influences. Two friends share their manuscripts describing one of the first European settlements in the Americas; the finding of the original Journal of Christopher Columbus; the development of a cruel dictator; his extravagant wedding; the struggle of a hero against the dictatorship; and the end of it caused by the destruction of a great tsunami. It is a description of the struggle between good versus evil. This book will be perfect for anybody interested in reading literature: historical fiction, magic realism, religion, mythology, folklore, etc. because of all the entertainment and humor involved in it.

White Thirst by Mike Anka 

True story novel - building a new life from scattered and dangerous pieces.

More About The Book 

"Mr. Anka has truly penned a wonderful novel. I have always been a fan of real life stories, and this one is exceptional. The author has been through so much, and to share his experiences with pen and paper is a remarkable feat. This book is definitely worth a read." Be sure to like Mike Anca on Facebook.

The Crusades Again: A History of the 'Twins'

by Dennis J Foley

'Taking into account terrorist activities of the United States and overseas, Foley explains how the pentagons and rectangles became a part of our past by premeditated terrorist acts. His writing style is intricate and requires the reader to delve deep into each word for clear understanding. His detailed account of how each 

formation appears structurally and by date is commended. It is an eye-opening view of a different perspective on world and terrorist events with both religious and nonreligious undertones". Read more about Mike Foley on Create Space. 

Master of Plagues by D.B. Reynolds

Master of Plagues is a must-read since it captures and holds the reader's attention from beginning to end.

More About The Book 

Master of Plagues is a dazzling journey of magic, redemption, and forgiveness through super powers. Learn more about the book on D.B. Reynolds' website and watch a video about it on YouTube. Also, be sure to check out a great review of Master of Plagues.

Special Must-Read Price Cut! Originally pried at $8.00, Master of Plagues is now available on Amazon Kindle, Nook, and Kobo for a special low discount price of 0.99 cents.

Lunch with Lucille by Annarose Ingarra-Milch

“Lunch with Lucille” whips up a delightful dish of entertainment and inspiration, served by a fun-loving, sassy, female character who has a message of hope and optimism – a message all women need to hear. 

More About The Book 

"Lunch with Lucille" by Annarose Ingarra-Milch is overflowing with humor and entertaining throughout. Lucille is quite the character and her sage advice will whet your appetite for more encounters with this unusually colorful lady. She has lived a rich, full life, and gracefully shares her adventures in an inspiring way. 

The reader is treated to simple, practical solutions to some prickly issues such as aging, confidence, self image, and achievement. This fast-paced novella is thought provoking and leaves you eager for the next installment.

Keep up with the latest book news by Liking Lunch With Lucille on Facebook and watching the Novel Trailer on YouTube. 

Godwar: Hell Rising by D.K. Cherian 

This saga promises action, adventure, history, politics, magic,mythology and twists while transferring the reader into a fantastic realm where anything is possible.

More About The Book 

One great aspect of D.K. Cherian's novel is the excellent integration of background information about the Egyptian Gods without overpowering and deterring from the wonder of the novel. All of the characters are well-rounded, likable, and entertaining. The author does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the world of Ancient Egypt with his mix of seriousness, humor, action, magic, and adventure. A truly engrossing fantasy adventure, this book is a must-have for any readers who enjoy mythology, magic, time travel, and page-turning plots. Be sure to like Godwar Hell Rising on Facebook!

Ready For Your Chance To Win?

Children Teaching Mama is excited to offer your chance to win this amazing prize sponsored by Reader Spoils. 

Enter To Win an iPad Mini 

One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries to receive a 16GB black iPad Mini valued at $339.99! To enter, complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter form below. All entrants must complete the mandatory entry (voting for your favorite book above) to be eligible to win. Good Luck!

Open to U.S. Residents Only

Ends on August 14th at 11:59pm. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway