Top Ten Tuesday
Top ten tuesday … stock up!
Aug 30th
The Do Not Run Out Of List
(especially all at once!)
You know those weeks when you really need to get to the grocery store & for whatever reason you just don’t? For like multiple days in a row? For me, it’s usually because I absolutely dread going to the store with two young children in tow, but that’s a whole other post!!
Anyhow, I recently had one of those weeks.
We were down to passing squares of toilet paper back & forth. You know it’s bad when it comes down to that!
But not only we were out of toilet paper, we were also out of five of the …
Top Ten Things to Never Run Out Of (especially all at once):
1. Toilet Paper – self explanatory
2. Dish Detergent – oh I hate having dishes in the sick overnight!
3. Laundry Detergent – I don’t mind the laundry piling up for a few days, but don’t you know you always run out of it right when you need to wash the perfect pair of jeans or top or whatever!
4. Coke - I’m from Atlanta, so everything is “coke”. But really I just want a can of chemicals with some caffeine. I don’t drink it regularly, but when I want one and I’m out … well that just stinks!
5. Diapers – We use them at night still (and Megan’s still not 100% during the day) so if we’re out, that’s just not good!!
6. Hairspray/Gel/Stuff – I went over a week without any of my hair “stuff”. I don’t use that much, but trust me – my hair needs something!
7. Make Up – I was using eye shadow as under eye concealer and foundation as eye shadow. Oh I was in desperate need of some refills!
8. Deodorant - Stinky. Stinky. And in my case with these temperatures – sweaty, sweaty!
9. Feminine Products – Well it’s true!
10. Chocolate – Because life is just so much better with chocolate! Which also means that it stinks without any (in my little opinion)!
So, what did I miss? What’s on your “I can not run out of” list?
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
Top ten tuesday … how to make a backdrop
Aug 16th
Create a Streamer Backdrop
Last week, we celebrated both Evan (turning 5) and Megan’s (turning 2) birthdays. They are only two weeks apart and it just made sense at this age to combine them! We had a pool party and cook-out at my parent’s house. I didn’t plan any games or activities because, well, there was a pool. But I must say I did miss that aspect a little bit! I probably got a little too carried away with tying utensils & napkins up just because I needed “something” to do!
We tend to have lots of pop-up showers this time of year. In fact 3 of Evan’s previous 4 birthdays have been filled with rain, so I didn’t plan many outside decorations in the event the party would have to be moved last minute anyways. Instead, I only had one decorated table and backdrop – the cupcake table!
I was really excited to find this post by Celebrations at Home. It was our inspiration piece! Now the inspiration piece is so much prettier – I love how full it is & the extra pops of decorations. But ours isn’t that shabby!
So, I present … the Top Ten Steps to Creating a {super inexpensive} Streamer Backdrop!
1. Purchase Streamers: I purchased two big rolls & had plenty! If I had added a third color, I easily could have gotten away with three small rolls.
2. Gather Supplies: The rest of the supplies I had sitting around the house. (Actually they were sitting around my parent’s house & I just “borrowed” them, but still). You’ll need some string or yarn, a couple of thumbtacks or nail/hammer and some scotch tape.
3. Measure & Cut Two Strings: The string will hold the actual streamers. So measure from point A to point B and then cut. Do this once for every layer you intend to have. We had two layers, so I cut twice!
4. Measure & Cut the Back Row of Streamers: Next, measure the length that each streamer will hang. And then start cutting. And cutting. And cutting. Lots and lots and lots of strips.
5. Pose for Silly Picture: Because if you have your sister or friend around, she’ll definitely take one!
6. Tape on the Streamers: And now start taping the streamers onto your string. We just wrapped about one-half inch over the string and taped it to the back. This way they could slide along the string & weren’t fixed to it. Go random or in order, however you prefer.
7. Measure & Cut the Front Row of Streamers: Repeat step 4. (And again for multiple layers).
8. Tape on the Streamers: Repeat step 6. (And again for multiple layers).
9. Hang the Strings of Streamers: We thumb-tacked our strings into the window seals. But you can get clever & creative here.
10. Enjoy {or decorate some more!}: The inspiration piece has some great little extras! And I must say I didn’t realize how uniform there’s wasn’t until I saw how uniform mine was. I definitely like the “messy” look!
So, for the cost of only the streamers, I was able to add some really cheap yet fairly cute decorations!
This post is part of the It’s a {month long} Party! Click here for all posts in this series.
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
- Post linked to Tip Me Tuesday at TipJunkie, A Silly Little Sparrow, and Hope Studios.
Top ten tuesday … more party inspirations!
Aug 10th
More Party Inspirations!
I’m inspired on a daily (sometimes even hourly) basis from other blogs – crafts, activities, encouragement, family – you name it! Last week I mentioned that I’m also inspired to “steal” party ideas that I find. And today I’m sharing more links of inspiration.
1. Last year, I was inspired by this “B is for Baby’ post at Hostess with the Mostess.
2. That inspiration was cemented in stone when I fell in love with this dress from Oh Sew Sweet Boutique. (think yellow instead of green!)
3. And with those inspirations, we came up with this “B is for Birthday” party … I’m still in love with how it turned out!
4. This year, I was inspired by The Mermaid Birthday Party at Silly Eagle Books.
5. And some super cute Nemo Invitations from MLT Creations.
6. And of course this Under The Sear Party at Celebrations at Home.
Our attempt at the inspiration piece!
7. When I needed some inspiration for food, I remembered the controversy over Amy’s Baked Beans
.
8. And when I needed some really cute cupcakes I remembered how super lucky I am to have my sister make these!
Another creation by "aunt staci"
9. And when I was looking for the perfect “thank you” gifts that wouldn’t involve plastic, I remembered when Bakerella Mixed Things Up.
My copy cat version!
All that & I’m one short! I’m sure it’s not lack of inspiration but rather lack of memory!!
10. So, help me out, what inspired your last party?
This post is part of the It’s a {month long} Party! Click here for all posts in this series.
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at OhAmanda.
Top ten tuesday … party inspiration sites
Aug 2nd
Party Inspiration!
Yesterday I mentioned that it’s a {month long} party in our house!
But before I can ever begin planning for a party I have to start with combing pages & pages of awesome blogs and websites to get inspired. I seriously could get lost in these sites for a long time. And I have on many occasions.
There are a ton of great sites out there to be inspired by! Some of my current favorites (in no particular order) are:
5. Tip Junkie
9. Pizzazzerie
10. P is for Party
** I had intentions of giving great descriptions of each of these blogs, but as I started I realized they would all have a lot of “Exclamation Points”, “SO Cute’s” and “You MUST visit!!”. So really, in all honesty, if any of these are new to you … You MUST visit!! Everything is SO cute!!!!! **
So, what sites am I leaving off? What’s you’re go-to site for party inspiration?
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
Top ten tuesday … weightloss tips
Jul 26th
- Image via Wikipedia
Top Ten Weight-loss Tips
Last Friday, I posted that I was 0.8lbs away from my goal weight. I am so close to seeing “that number” that I’ve wanted to see for a while now. I am by no means an expert and believe me, I have failed multiple times even with my own advice, but here’s the Top Ten Weigh-Loss Tips that have worked for me!
1. Drink Water – And lots and lots of water. I always knew it was important and of course it made sense that the more you drink the more your body will waste, but someone also just explained it to me that without enough water, your body will basically go into dehydration mode. When this happens it starts storing everything you eat because your body is afraid it’s starting to dehydrate. Our bodies are super smart!! God’s smart like that!
2. Eat Breakfast - I admit, I go through phases with this. I’m either really good or really bad. But it’s definitely important. And NO – “breakfast” should not involve a drive through every day of the week!! Or a candy bar, coke or left over pizza! I mean a real breakfast. I like egg-white omelets with mushrooms and a side of fruit. Or if I’m in a hurry then I at least have some whole wheat toast with fruit to get out the door quickly.
3. Keep a Food Journal - I was never a big believer in these. Not because they didn’t work but because I didn’t want to be “that” eye opening to myself. But it helps! The biggest thing for me is that I know what I’ve fed my body for the day and what I still need to feed it.
4. Keep a Mindless Eating Bag – I read this tip and thought it was brilliant. Most moms are constantly around food. If we’re not making a meal, then we’re cleaning one up, preparing a snack, packing a school lunch, or preparing for the next meal. We are constantly put in situations of “mindless eating”. You know, one handful of gold fish crackers here, a few chips there, an extra bite of this and an extra bite of that. Instead of eating it, throw the food into a zip lock bag. And then at the end of the day or week see how much extra calories you saved from resisting that urge!
5. Plan – Menu Meal Planning helps so much with this. Not just dinners, but plan your breakfast, lunch and even snacks. That way you’ll definitely have all ingredients on hand and you’ll be prepared!
6. Weigh Yourself Regularly – This will likely be different for every person, but I do think it’s important to own a scale and use it! Whether it’s every day, every other day, every week or every other week – just weigh in!
7. Take Measurements – There will be plenty of weeks when you were certain you’d lose weight and you weigh in to find out that the scale hasn’t budged! Take measurements at the beginning and then whenever needed thereafter. It’s very probable that on those weeks you didn’t lose weight, you did lose inches instead!
8. Allow for some Wiggle Room – Not everyone can be completely strict all the time. It’s just not right! So, give yourself a break … just get back on board!
9. Eat Real Food - You CAN lose weight without eating “diet” foods. I’ve eaten some protein bars and I’ve had some “diet” drinks along my journey, but everything else has been basically real. Lots of fruits, veggies, and proteins. Nothing else in a box labeled “diet”!
10. Get Help if Needed – I’ve been on my weightloss journey for over a year now. I lost thirty pounds all on my own (well with a nutritional book but nothing else) last year but started gaining some back this year. I did not want to go down that cycle again. And then I just couldn’t seem to kick start the loss again. I needed help. I needed a good kick start that I couldn’t give myself. So this year I got help! I weigh in regularly at a center, show them my food journals and they cheer me on or help me correct what I’ve messed up. It’s ok to ask for help!
So, what about you – do you have any Weigh-Loss Tips?
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
- Post linked to Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.
Top ten tuesday … top ten tuesday posts
Jul 19th
Top Ten Tuesday Posts
Is it completely obvious that a certain someone either doesn’t have much time or doesn’t have much to say at the moment if she does a Top Ten Tuesday post on all her Top Ten Tuesday posts?
Yeah, I thought so.
But in case, you’ve missed anything – here’s my Ten Most Popular Top Ten Tuesday Posts:
10. Ten Facts about Swagbucks – The one where I share ten facts about Swagbucks (and try to convert you so you’ll become a believer as well)!
9. Ten Kid Friendly Places to Eat – The one where I share some of our not so favorite but very practical places to eat with a toddler & a pre-schooler. While also asking for your help!
8. Ten Favorite Animal Noises – The one where I show off how cute Megan is!
7. Ten 4th of July Ideas – The one where I share the creativity of others and wish I had just an ounce!
6. Ten Places to Put a Sticker – The one that still mystifies me as to why in the world has this post received so many hits!
5. Ten Facts about Zemanta – The one where I share what I’ve learned & my experiences so far (but some of it is out dated because Zemanta has changed things … again)!
4. Ten Ways to Eat Eggs – The one I wrote when I was apparently craving eggs.
3. Ten Places to go in Atlanta with Kids - The one where I share fun things to do in the city of Atlanta.
2. Ten Favorite Memes – The one where I tell you all about my favorite memes to participate in.
and the Most Popular Top Ten Tuesday Post I’ve written:
1. Reasons to Participate in Blogging Memes – I still think this is worth reading!
Now, off to work on next week’s TTT post because apparently, I need to step up my game!
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
Top ten tuesday … vacation style
Jul 12th
Five Good + Five Not So Good = Vacation Time
I spent all of last week with my toes in the water! It was heavenly! We were on the Florida panhandle and thankfully my toes were only in sand – no oil!
When I worked outside of the house I loved vacations but it sometimes seemed counter productive – to work extra hard the week before in order to get out of town & then extra hard the week after in order to catch up from being out of town.
And truthfully being a stay at home mom isn’t that much different – it’s just as hard to get the family ready & then just as hard to get everyone back in routine afterward.
The Five Good Things about Being on Vacation:
1. The Eating – Livin’ it up with fresh seafood, yummy dishes, and even some deserts here & there!
2. The Memories – I loved watching the kids on the beach, playing with each other, their family & friends.
3. The Pictures – I still haven’t replaced my broken camera, but thankfully my Dad and sister were snapping away!
4. The Tan – Unfortunately they’ll fad quickly, but I love the kids little white hineys compared to their little brown legs!!
5. The Relaxation – I was basically “unplugged” for the week. I checked some email & tweeted from my phone, but both those could be done while keeping my toes in the sand!!
The Five Not So Good Things about Being on Vacation:
1. The Eating – Livin’ it up isn’t necessarily the best thing when you’re still tying to work on your “Losing It” goals!
2. Time Change – When you gain an hour, the kids are tired & cranky at dinner and then when you come back home & lose an hour they’re wide awake & not ready for bed!
3. Behavior – After we came home from our beach trip last year, anytime Evan got in trouble he would say “I want to go back to our beach house” {side note – we do NOT have a beach house!!}. But that was because when you’re on a beach trip with your grandparents & friends you rarely get in trouble! So he picked up on that very quickly & wanted to go where he wouldn’t get in trouble!
4. Laundry - Working my way through that mountain today!
5. Lack of Sleep – The bed was uncomfortable, we shared it with Evan, we stayed up way too late & Megan didn’t sleep well but always seemed to wake up early!! Final conclusion … a total lack of sleep!
So what are you top “good” and top “not so good” things about being on vacation?
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
Top ten tuesday … world cup inspired
Jul 5th
If you’re missing the World Cup
I married a cute soccer player. And every four years I put up with his love of the game – in the form of the World Cup. And actually, I usually find myself enjoying it! At least this World Cup is being hosted in a country with a good time zone … I’ll never forget eight years ago when my husband would wake up at 2am just to catch a good game live. So he may be a cute soccer player, but he’s also a crazy soccer player!
If you’re not one to catch a game, then let me fill you in on the Top Ten Things You’re Missing if You’re Missing the World Cup:
1. Loud Buzzers - If you happen to catch a game flipping channels, there is not something wrong with the sound of your TV. That horrible noise is “part of the game”.
2. Bad Refs – Actually it’s just a Ref. And that’s why it’s bad. One Ref for the entire HUGE field. There’s like 20 in football, a dozen in baseball, at least 2 in basketball and in soccer on this huge field one silly Ref is supposed to be everywhere at the same time. Definitely can make for some bad calls here or there.
3. Incredibly Fit Athletes – Like I said, that field is HUGE. David Beckham doesn’t look the way he does from working on his cologne line. A game is a minimum of 90 minutes long. They don’t substitute like in basketball or football. If a player comes out then he’s out for the game. Which means, if you’re good – especially in this level of play – those guys are in & running for an entire 90 minutes … or more!!
4. Cute Soccer Players - Legs made of steel – trust me, I know. Remember I married a cute soccer player.
5. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! – People don’t just tweet it that way for the fun of it. That’s how the announcers sound after every one!
6. Great Acting – Ugh. It makes me gag every time one of those cute & fit athletes falls to the ground. They’ll roll in excruciating pain & grab a chin or knee. The replay clearly shows they weren’t even touched! BUT, great acting combined with bad refs = sometimes it works!
7. Team Pride - Some of these countries seriously shut down & claim a national holiday when they’re country is playing. Like for real madness and pure love of the sport. We don’t do that kind of thing in America – maybe for our city’s team, but not an entire country. It’s actually pretty cool to see!
8. Funny Traditions – After a nasty, sweaty game players from the opposite team will trade jerseys – yes, those yucky stinky jerseys! So if I guarded you & fought for 90+ minutes at the end we’d change nasty shirts. That just strikes me as funny!
9. Random Reasons to Party – We had an impromptu “World Cup Breakfast” during one of the US games this year. I served black & white doughnut holes on black & white plates/napkins with a glass of milk (white, but I guess chocolate would also go with the theme). And we also had special “World Cup Snacks” too – Oreo Cookies, Chocolate & Yogurt Covered Raisins, Ice-Cream Sandwiches … any reason for a little something unexpected is fun!
10. A Goal – Actually you could miss one of these even if you are watching the game! I’ll watch 80+ minutes but it will be the two minutes I run to the bathroom that something will happen – ugh!
So, are you watching or are you missing the World Cup action??
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at OhAmanda.
Top ten tuesday … 4th of july ideas
Jun 28th
4th of July Ideas … crafts, printables, food, decor & more!
We always try to do “something” on the 4th of July, but honestly it’s usually not that extravagant.
This year we’ll actually be going to church and then staying for a lunch and games thingy – bounce houses, activities, potluck – aka guess the dish?!?
But if I were the type to go for something a little more extravagant, I might have these ideas on my list:
1. Fourth of July FREE Printable Round Up by Living Locurto – A little bit of everything, but everything’s cute!!
2. Decorative Serving Spoons by Make & Takes – What a fun idea?! So simple, but just one of those final details to pop!
3. Fourth of July Flag by How Does She? – These ladies are always up to something cute, and this is just an example!
4. Red, White & Blue Parfait by Recipezaar – Yummy, Cute & fairly healthy too … pretty good combination!
5. Red, White & Blue Strawberries by Gordon Gossip – SO STINKIN’ Cute!!
6. Red, White & Blue Cupcakes by Skip to My Lou – I think these are adorable! I love the star top & the inside of the cupcake is just as much fun!
7. Red, White & Blue Centerpiece by Make and Takes - Easy, Cheap, Kid-Friendly & cute!
8. Festive Fans by Family Fun – Another easy one & great for outdoor activities! If you were hosting a party, this would be a great thing to have the kids make in advance for all the guests!
9. Patriotic Punch Cups by Family Fun – Again, so simple. So cute.
10. Edible Eagles by Family Fun – Heehee … this guy just makes me laugh!!
So, what are you doing this 4th of July? Any fun ideas I should steal from you??
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
- Post linked to Feeling Festive – 4th of July at 4Tunate.
Top ten tuesday … things you’ll need to fight the bug
Jun 21st
Last Tuesday night Megan got sick to her stomach.
She was better by mid-day Wednesday.
Last Thursday afternoon I got sick.
And later that same day Evan got sick.
We were both better on Friday.
We were all good til Sunday afternoon. But as we were leaving church (on Father’s Day) my husband said he felt really nauseous all of a sudden.
He’s been sick ever since, it’s now Monday night.
Which means, we’ve been fighting a bug for a full week (and hopefully not counting!!).
I thought flu bugs were only for the winter?!
So what does one need to fight the stomach bug for an entire week with your entire family?
1. Lots of towels – to clean up all the unexpected messes. Fortunately Pepper and I can make it to a garbage can & Evan is trying, but Megan – not so much. I caught some in my lap, in my hands (yep, that’s probably why I’m sick) & all over the kitchen floor.
2. A spare garbage can or two - For reasons above.
3. Lysol Wipes – to wipe down everything.
4. Lysol Spray - to get everything you can’t wipe.
5. Laundry Detergent – because we’re breaking records over here with the amount of laundry we’re knocking off!
6. Extra Sheets – because it’s completely impossible to keep up with all the laundry from three bedrooms and four individuals.
7. Patience – because goodness gracious one will need it!
8. Grandparents – Oh I know this one’s horrible if you don’t have any near by, but I’m super fortunate. My parents actually kept Evan & Megan while I was sick. Unfortunately that meant that they were the ones that had Evan while he got sick!!
9. Blueberry Pancakes & Sausage - yeah, this one isn’t standard. And it’s definitely not on my diet. We had planned to have a big breakfast for lunch on Father’s Day. I had everything prepped & ready & partially cooked when Pepper got sick. I was so frustrated – I thought we were in the clear. So I ate my egg white omelet & fruit (which were part of my diet) and then scarfed down a homemade blueberry pancake, with syrup, and piece of sausage. I’m still trying to decide if it was worth it!
10. The Heart of a Caregiver – I am anything but!! Seriously! I care about people, but one on one care-giving is tough for me. And an entire week – this is definitely a stretch for me!!
So what’s on your list of must-haves when the whole family is sick??
- Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.
