Gal Pal Everything Tape

It's very possible that this only happens to me. But, on the off-chance that it's NOT just me, I wanted to share.

What really can be worse than your hem coming un-done at a fancy-shmancy dinner? --Your blouse gaping open at the most inopportune moment and giving your great Uncle Marty an eyeful. That's what.

Or, what about buying a really beautiful, strapless dress for a great night out...and then realizing that your bra shows if you move your arms - at all. You COULD run into the bathroom and pout...or you could pull out Gal Pal's Everything Tape and fix it in seconds!

This innovative tape is great for everything from hemlines to missing buttons to keeping your clothes looking oh-so-perfect. Better yet? You don't need an iron, and it's totally removable when it's time to wash your clothing.

I'm officially declaring (whatever that means) this product as a MUST HAVE for your purses. Who knows the genius things you'll come up with to use it!

For my friend...

Remember my last Thursday Thirteen post? I listed a bunch of stuff that I had made. Well, I just found out about a really sad and tragic story about a girl named Allie, who came home from college to visit her mother - only to find that she had passed away. So, we are uniting together to do what we can. And, here's what I'm offering up. For the next week (7 days), I will be selling some of my wares - and then donating EVERY PENNY to Allie. I can make scarves (even for your little ones), hats, pendants (like the ones I showed), and card sets.

Please email me (see the contact me button to the right?) and I'll get to crafting for you. It really is a limited time offer...and it's for a really good cause. And - if there is something else you'd like made for you...just ask, chances are, I can do that too.

Comic Strip Character

For some of us, our lives span out much like a comic strip (or a daytime soap opera). Well...for Jim at BusyDad, it's actually really true. Jim, and his friend Jeff have teamed up to bring to life the Busydad Tales! Busydad Tales are drawn up by Jeff - but are based on Jim's life as a dad. So, go check it out - you won't be sorry!

Trying to conceive?

"Trying to conceive? Monosaturated fats, vegetable protein, high fiber and low-glycemic carbs can increase your odds for success, Obstetrics & Gynecology reports. Nosh on nuts, avocados, whole grains and veggies such as broccoli and peppers. This diet helps women maintain a healthy weight and can balance insulin levels, improving ovulation."

*Information from March 2008 Issue of Self

Thursday Thirteen No. 7

So, this time - I'm going to combine my regular Thursday 13, with a challenge that I received from Mary.

Here was the original challenge:

1. Make something, anything. It doesn't have to be complicated or artsy. Make a list, take an interesting picture, make someone's day, make dinner, make a doodle, make fun of yourself, make a poem, make your bed (ok, that last one is lame).
2. Write a blog about it. With pictures for extra brownie points.
3. Link to this blog and challege six other bloggers to do the same.

So, I'm making a list of things I've made. How's that? lol

1. Stenciled shirt for FIL (father-in-law).









2. Dog bed for our little dog, Glory.

3. "a" pendant for SIL










4. banner for website








5 & 6. travel pillow and hand-bound journal


















7. No, silly. Not the kid. Well...I did have a lot to do with that too...but the Christmas photo..

















8. Another pendant. For a necklace or keychain.
















9. A huge 2-layer blanket for 2 people.


















10. Took this pic last summer...

















11. a card I made for a baby boy















12. More pendants! Or...Something...















13. The knitted hat and scarf on this pretty lady :)

Works for Me Wednesday

Last week, I gave you a HUGE list of things that work for me :) So, just in case you missed this one in all the hub-bub, I wanted to mention it again:

One (or two) drops of peppermint oil on your tongue when you feel like you are getting the cold or flu. Just a little warning? It will take your breath away for just a few seconds. It's even stronger than altoids! So, be prepared for that. But, it will most definitely clear out your sinuses and help your throat. Don't give to small children or babies.

The next tip is to use Young Living's brand of therapeutic grade essential oils. Trust me when I say that the aromatherapy stuff won't be as strong. It's diluted, and not meant to be swallowed.

When my husband and daughter both came down with the flu, peppermint EO is the ONLY thing I changed about what I was doing. Usually, I'm the first one to get things, and it turns into something nasty quick with me. But, I've held out so far! Plus, it cleared out hubby's sinuses for a night - meaning no snoring so I could actually sleep!

Oh yeh...and don't forget to keep your hands washed and away. from. your. face.

Virtual Baby Shower #3

Congratulations Amanda on your baby girl!

Due: February 25, 2008
Location: Washington
Baby Name: Emma Beth

"We can’t wait for our baby Emma Beth to be born, John is going to make an amazing father and I can’t wait to be a family!!"


The idea board: May we suggest...

Favors: Cupcake Lollipops; Food/Cake: Strawberry cupcakes; Invitations: Cupcake Greetings; Drinks: Strawberry Milkshake with whipped cream and sprinkles; Gift: Baby Onesie; Centerpiece: Flowers

And, now...your gifts!...

From BocaBeth: Mi Casa/My House DVD and puppet













From Sugar Swag: A personalized cupcake onesie for baby Emma!















From Pretty Posh Princess: A pair of satin tiara baby booties







From Sweet Taia: A set of some of the sweetest hair clips (2)








From Happy Green Bee: Super soft organic Pumpkin and Radish striped Cardigan and leggings












From LTD Chix: Long-Sleeved Laundry Mom - Living the Dream Shirt (for Amanda)








From Susan Murphy, Inc.: 1 custom embroidered with custom accent tote and hat.








From 350 Cookie Lane: 5 cookies

Amanda, we wish you many smiles and happy moments
with your new arrival. Enjoy her.



Note: I invite all of our guests to please sign our "guest book" (comment) with any well wishes you'd like to extend...

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (8 ounce) package lasagna noodles
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 5 mushrooms, diced
• 1 roasted chicken, shredded
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, mix together heavy cream, cream of mushroom soup, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Simmer, stirring frequently, until well blended.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion in olive oil until tender, then add garlic and mushrooms. Mix in the chicken, and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Lightly coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with enough of the cream sauce mixture to coat. Layer with 1/3 of the lasagna noodles, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/2 of the spinach, 1/2 the chicken mixture, and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with 1/2 the cream sauce mixture, and repeat the layers. Place the remaining noodles on top, and spread with remaining sauce.
5. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until brown and bubbly. Top with the remaining mozzarella, and continue baking until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

(Recipe from allrecipes.com)

aden + anais

I really can't get enough of aden + anais - Comfort and luxury combined to make only the best items for your little one. And, guess what! They've got a few new products!


First, are the aden + anais washcloth sets (pack of 3). Each washcloth is made from waffled muslin, perfect for delicate newborn skin! They come pin/brown, aqua/brown, lime/brown, and white.
Second, are the WONDERFUL aden+anais dream blankets! SIX layers of 100% quilted cotton muslin. This blanket is INCREDIBLE! Not only is it warm, but it is also breathable! Perfect for Spring (or even cool summer nights) and perfect for winter, too! I really can't tell you how great this dream blanket is (and how perfectly the name fits). If they had them in adult sized, I'd probably have those too! Soft. Perfect. Heavenly.

Well done, aden+anais. Well done.

Bull.

For obvious reasons, I generally stray away from political talk on here. Although...I thought this was pretty hilarious...and yet, so true.

Warning: Repeated use "Bullsh*t" in this video.



Poll: Bullshit Is Most Important Issue For 2008 Voters

Picky Eaters? They Get It From You!

Check this article out: Picky Eaters? They Get It From You!
New York Times - October 10, 2007

Kids in the kitchen.

Here's a great list I found on What's Cooking Blog that lists age-appropriate tasks children can do to help in the kitchen!

2-3 year olds can:	4-6 year olds can:	7-12 year olds can:
o Rinse vegetables or fruits o Tear large pieces of lettuceo Stir o Pour with assistance o Select which ingredients they want to taste or use o Recognize changes to ingredients during the cooking process o Sort ingredients o Help identify ingredients in the grocery store o Group utensils when setting the table.	o Pour o Mixo Count and do simple measurements o Cut with a plastic or butter knife o Crack eggs o Start to follow recipe cards and symbols o Create their own recipes, and draw them on cards o Identify images or diagrams of ingredients on your grocery list o Set the table. o Do tasks listed previously	o Write your shopping list and read it to you at the store. o Help select which recipes the family will share at mealtime. o Read and follow recipeso Work with a heat source (supervised) o Cut with a sharper knife (with instruction) o Create their own recipes and write the steps o Help to wash dishes o Do tasks listed previously

Virtual Baby Shower Game Winner!

Congrats to Jim, of www.busydadblog.com for winning the Virtual Baby Shower Game this time around! Thanks to my wonderful friend Shana at Sugar Swag - Jim will be getting a custom-designed t-shirt as his prize!

Thanks everyone for playing, keep checking back to enter to win more contests!

Check back tomorrow to see the momma for whom we will be throwing our Virtual Baby Shower for!

Pampered Chef Food Chopper

Pecans. Veggies. Fruits. Cooked chicken. I could sure use this food chopper from Pampered Chef. It's like having 6 knives going at once! Quick, easy, and...heck, it's even safe enough to let the kids help!

Love it.

$29.50 at Pampered Chef

Cupcakes or candles?

Need a cute gift for someone? For yourself? Check out this whimsical set of 4 "cakes" - They are some of the cutest candles I've ever seen!

$28 at Hallmark

Bumbo Seats. Recall.

There are two well known seats on the market, both claiming to help babies learn to sit faster (or at least allowing them to enjoy sitting before they are able to hold themselves up). The Bumbo and BebePod have been a favorite among parents.

Until recently.

A little while back, Bumbo did a voluntary recall. In today's world, the term "recall" sparks panic in the minds of parents. Lead in the paint. Chemical Burns. Toxins. Unsafe. But, with Bumbo, that wasn't the case at all. The recall was actually to replace the sticker on the back of the seat. The sticker contained a warning - to parents, that they should not put their child in a Bumbo seat (or any other seat) on a counter-top or other high surface alone. Common sense, right? - Apparently not so much. So, basically...some kids fall and Bumbo decides to do a voluntary recall.

What does it mean for you?: Bumbo printed up some new stickers. The stickers are bigger and bolder. The actual bumbo seats? Nothing has changed - they were never UNSAFE. So, you can continue to use your old Bumbo Seats. In fact, Bumbo sent the new stickers out to retailers with the instructions to add the new stickers.

Our Safety Pick of 2008

It's unfortunate that when it comes to childproofing your home, you are often forced to choose between safety and style. Until now, that is. Summer Infant has a BRAND NEW infant gate. Its iron, stylish, and absolutely lovely.

A few of my favorite things about this gate:
- It's a walk-through! I can easily open the gate with one hand, yet it's sturdy so Baby L can't open it.
- It's iron! To me, plastic just looks ...cheap. You work so hard on making your house look nice, and a plastic gate just cheapens all of the work you've done!
- The dark color. It's beautiful and I haven't yet found a wall color that doesn't go with it!
- It goes with any decor style. The small arch adds a touch of elegance, yet it remains simple in design.

Simply, it's my favorite.

Childproofing 101

For some odd reason, I never got around to childproofing. And, once Baby L was born, I either didn't have the time or was just too exhausted. And, now that L is a whopping 10 months old , I spend even more time chasing after her. I love her inquisitive nature, but it has come time to make it safe for her to "explore."

So, I'm writing a guide. Perhaps you are right there with me or...perhaps you've been there done that and just want to laugh as I crawl around on my hands and knees (they told me to) to find new perils that can befall my precious child.

My checklist:

_ Use Safety Latches and Locks
_ Put Safety Gates Up to block entry to stairs, and to rooms baby doesn't need to go
_ Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and Shower heads
_ Smoke Detectors (if you have one, test it)
_ Window Guards and Safety Netting to prevent falls from window, balconies,
decks, and windows OR purchase windows with window locks on top and
window stops so windows can't be opened further
_ Corner and Edge Bumpers for furniture
_ Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates
_ Carbon Monoxide Detectors for homes with gas or oil heat or with attached
garages
_ Door Stops and Door Holders
_ Door locks that can't be reached by a toddler (deadbolt).
_ Secure any furniture that could topple over
_ Remove anything within baby's reach that can break or be swallowed or is
otherwise harmful
_ Install a toilet safety latch
_ Tie up window blind cords and other cords that may be laying around


Any additions?

Nursery Themes III

**Click on the photos to find out more (source).

Thursday Thirteen No. 6

13 things I've learned this week

1. Pampered Chef is having a HUGE incentive. For the first time in ...probably FOREVER...they are offering 2 - 60 % off on ANY item (or set) if you get a $150 order. PLUS you get $15 off and 15% off on anything else. How stinkin' cool is that? You may not see this 60% off (two at once) again for a long time...it's only for February shows. So, call your Pampered Chef demonstrator ASAP!

2. SuperValu in Paducah is having a 10 (items) for 10 (dollars) deal right now. By the way, SuperValu is a grocery store :)

3. You can now use kroger.com to check out their weekly ads! You can also save coupons to your card online, meaning no clipping! They'll be on there when you check out!

4. CVS.com is another great way to save money if you use your Extra Care Card. Check out the site for all the ways you can save money. There are people getting 30 bucks worth of stuff (and more!) for less than a few dollars!

5. If you live in W. KY, there is a great lady I know who is a Personal Chef. You can hire her for your large or smaller parties - she charges only $5 a head. That INCLUDES the food. And, her cooking it. How cool is that? Oh yeh, that $5 is for an entire meal - meat, veggie, bread, dessert! (If you would like her contact info, please email me for it)

6. Pay only $4 for a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate by typing in the cod "EXTRA".

7. There's a new service where you can send out cards. With a couple of clicks with your mouse, you are done! Sen Out Cards uses YOUR handwriting and signature that you scan into the computer. The cards are $1 a piece and THEY will stuff it, stamp it, and send it for you. Postage INCLUDED! To get a FREE Send Out Cards.com Gift Account (which is 3 Greeting Cards and postage - no obligation or purchase required), go to www.sendoutcards.com/11217. Be sure to let them know that Ashley at www.firstimpressionsbaby.com sent you! Also, you can redeem your free gift account by calling Barbara Duran at (313) 300-1710 OR emailing her at barbduran@sendoutcards.com.

8. To get free coupons, check out the labels on your favorite foods. Often, they will have websites printed on them. Visit the website and email the company telling them how much you love their product and how much you'd love a coupon, or to sample a new product. Many times, they'll send it to you!

9. For a free recipe magazine, check out www.kraftfoodandfamily.com. Sign up and they'll send you one FREE every so often (I think it's every two months or something - I forget)...but they are always pretty good!

10. All stopped up and can't breathe? Try putting one drop of peppermint essential oil on the back of your hand and licking it. For adults only...or older kids. This WILL take your breath for a second. Think Altoids peppermint mints x 20. But...it will make your breath fresher AND clear out your sinuses pretty well...as well as help fight nasty colds.

11. I'm going to get a garden this year! I wanted to grow my own garden this year, but had decided not to because I'm not really one to play in the dirt EVERY DAY. The thought of having to makes me want to run away scared. But, the fresh veggies and fruit at a fraction of the cost was what made the idea pop into my head. That, and flowers. Mmm. BUT, my lovely neighbor has volunteered to help me not only prepare the ground and plant the garden...but she's also agreed to help take care of it. We'll use my land and it'll be *OUR* garden. How nice, huh? I'm super excited. So, there's my lesson...see if you and some neighbors can team up to have a "neighborhood garden", where everyone pitches in on cost and labor ...and everyone gets veggies and fruits from it!

12. For more coupons, go to www.couponmom.com.

13. Apparently... I rock. ;) ( I ran out of things I've learned this week that you would care about)

Works for Me Wednesday

Today, I have a few tips. I just couldn't decide which one I'd like to share for Works for me Wednesday...and then I decided, why choose when I could tell you all 3?

So, here are a few things that work for me:

Tip 1: If you or the little one has an earache or ear infection, try using garlic - olive oil drops. To make, simply crush a clove or two of garlic and simmer in olive oil. I don't really time mine, just wait until the garlic is pretty much mush. Strain the garlic pieces out and wait for it to cool. Use a dropper to put the oil in aching ears. You can keep the oil in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (warming it as you need by placing the jar in hot water). *Some people say this is a "remedy" for ear infections...and although I can neither confirm nor deny that (I don't know yet), I CAN say it makes them feel a little better - even if only temporary :)

Tip 2: Use used dryer sheets to dust.

Tip 3: Use waxed paper on a swiffer mop to pick up dust and dirt. Just put the waxed paper on the swiffer mop like you would the swiffer wipes. Easy and LOTS cheaper than dusting (collecting dirt) with the swiffer mop. Also, for a wet wipe down, you can use a wet dish cloth on the swiffer mop.

Ta -da!

Virtual Baby Shower Game / Giveaway!!!

Alright, so it's that time again! We're having another Virtual Baby Shower GAME - ANYONE can participate. The game this time?:

Post a comment telling me what you'd love to see MORE of in this blog. Recipes? Stories? Advice? Reviews on cool new products? Giveaways? Something else (tell me!)?

Tell me what I need to do different...or tell me how much I rock. Either way. :)

If you don't have a blog linking to your blogger acct, please also leave your email so I know how to get a-hold of you..just in case you win!

Good luck!

xoxo
-Ashley

Tasty Tuesdays

We LOVE this recipe...First, because it is absolutely YUMMY...and Second...because it's easy...and fast!

Chicken Crescent Rolls

1 can Cream of chicken soup
1 small jar of mushrooms (optional)
1 can of precooked chicken
1 roll of Pillsbury crescent rolls
Shredded cheese

Preheat oven (go by the back of the crescent roll package). Roll out the crescent rolls and add desired amount of chicken, cheese, and mushrooms. Roll crescent rolls up and place them in glass baking dish. Pour one can of cream of chicken soup into the dish (DO NOT ADD WATER). Sprinkle cheese on top and cook until crescent rolls are done (again, go by the back of the crescent roll container).

And, voila!

Office Storage Solution

Not a lot of room in your space? Or, perhaps you want to "hide" some paperwork or something else that needs organization (i.e. bills?!). Check this out. Click the picture to go straight to Pottery Barn, but I imagine this wouldn't be too tough to make if you are the handy sort.

Unique Storage Ideas for Kids' Rooms - Or anywhere else

Here are a few unique storage ideas. If you have some you'd like to share, send me the link and I'll post those too! You can click on the pictures to be taken to their website. Enjoy!

Classy Storage

At only 10 months, Baby L has accumulated a LOT of toys. And, since I've decided that 2008 will be my "Year of Organization," finding great storage for her room has become yet another mission for me. Here are a few things that I thought would go: