Tuesday Tip-Are You a "No-Reply" Commenter in Blogger

Ok, I am not an expert on blogging and usually do not discuss the boring logistics of blogging but today I wanted to share a little tip.

 

One of my favorite parts of having my blog is the opportunity it gives me to connect with all of you. I love reading your comments, answering your questions and getting to know you all a little better. One of the ways I do this is by replying to your comments through email. 

 

 

When a comment is made on any of my posts it is sent to my inbox. In order for me to be able to reply to your comment, there has to be an email address visible in your blogger profile. Otherwise, when I go to respond instead of showing your email in the "To" box it says "no-reply blogger." I realize I can always respond to comments and questions in the comment thread on posts and I do try to remember. But I simply think it's easier for the you, the reader, to have your questions answered via email. That way you don't have to keep checking the comment thread.

 

 

 To change your settings to allow reply comments, open up your blogger profile.  On the right hand side of the screen there is a little orange button that says "Edit Profile." You want to click that button.  In the "Edit User Profile" screen you simply want to check the box that says "show my email address."

Finally, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the "Save Profile" button.

Like I mentioned connecting with you is the best part of blogging. I don't always have the time to reply to every comment via email but I do appreciate the time you take to say hello and I read every single one. I also realize this post is geared towards Blogger users and some of you use other platforms. If you have tips for a similar process for Typepad or Wordpress, please share them!

Reverse Tie Dye Ruffle Shirt

It's that time again.  Time to repurpose a shirt and get in touch with my inner hippie on some tie dying.

I love to repurpose my clothes when I can.  And I LOVE to have a few tie dye shirts in my wardrobe.   This type of tie dying can damage clothes if you are not careful so keep that in mind when doing this reverse tie dye.  And that is because you are using bleach.

Super easy-super frugal-super FUN!

Start with an old tshirt.  I like to use something that is either stained or faded in color. 

Brown Ruffle Tee

Begin by using rubber bands to make your design.  You can Google for designs on how to tie dye.  I just go with it and whatever comes about well that is it.  This is suppose to be easy so don't stress too much on design. 

Next I fold like a fan.

And then use more rubber bands.

After you have used all you desire in rubber bands add 4 cups bleach and 2 cups of water to sink or small container.  Put tshirt in the bleach and water mix for just a few seconds.  The color may not look as though it is changing, but as it dries it will continue to fade in color.  Too much time in the bleach will destroy the fabric.  Not too mention even after washing it you will have a strong smell of bleach in the shirt.  Trust me, I know.

Remove from bleach and water mix.  Allow to dry before washing to set the color.  Once dry throw in washing machine for a good soap wash.  And then enjoy your new Reverse Tie Dye Shirt.

Perfect for summer with white capri pants and brown sandals.  Or like THIS .  After I was done making this one for me I had two little boys begging for a summer tie dye shirt.  They are all ready with rubber bands just waiting to go in the bleach and water mix.  Come back Wednesday to see the boys' shirts. 

Happy Monday!

FUN Friday-Library, Pizza and Beauty

Now that is a strange title post!  I'll explain, but first,

 

Happy Friday!!!!!

 

We made it through another week and almost another month!  May will be here at this time next week.  WOW!  Time does indeed fly when you are having fun.  Or if you are super busy!  But now for a little down time. 

 

We have a pretty laid back Friday ahead.  And I like it.  I had planned to begin new lessons today, but I am going to wait and use this day for the library.  We have lived here since last August and have yet to go to the library.  The boys always loved our library days in Fort Worth.  They had their own card and could pick out a certain number of books to take home to enjoy for a while.  I often forget the many benefits the library can offer to a homeschooling family.   

So off we go to check out books. 

 

This evening is our typical pizza night.  It is some work on my part to have homemade pizza every Friday night.  BUT I so enjoy the whole process of it.  From making the dough this morning, waiting for it to rise, later getting all the toppings ready, baking each pizza and then to seeing the smiles.  As I bake the boys are in and out asking, "Is it done yet?" And sniffing the air as it bakes. I usually open the windows to avoid baking myself in this small kitchen.  I often hear them comment about smelling it outside and we chat through the screen as I work baking up the pies. In and out they go checking on the progress.  When it is all done we give thanks and devour some homemade goodness.  Then if the weather is nice, like it will be this evening, Brant and I will enjoy sitting on the front porch watching the boys do bike tricks.  As this day comes to an end and we watch the sun go down, I am going to let my body totally relax and enjoy a beer.   

 

So what about beauty you ask???  Lately I have been seeing lots of changes in my appearance.  My hair mostly since I have decided to allow my color to grow out and let the grey be seen.  I know that is odd to some women.  And my hair dresser keeps saying "you are too young to go grey". 

Says who??????

Anyway I have decided to embrace it and rock my ombre color (French-termed hair trend features darker, more natural hues at the roots with gradually-dyed lightening at the ends.).  As I do see these changes I tend to see myself in a different light.  A different mirror than you may see me.  So when I recently saw this video it hit me how we all see ourselves so differently than how others do.  I love what this reveals to each person.  Take a few minutes and watch it.  Leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts. 

 

How do you view yourself? 

 

~Disclaimer: I am not a user of Dove.  I simply think beauty is much more than an appearance.  And through the years I have learned to love and appreciate all my flaws.  It is inner beauty that makes us each beautiful.  Inner beauty is a beauty that shines within you. 

Ben Franklin says it well.......

While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us. 
~  Benjamin Franklin

Helen Keller too!

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched...but are felt in the heart.  ~  Helen Keller

Happy Friday to your beautiful self!!!  Now get OUTSIDE and have some FUN!!!  Or go check out a library book.

Pinterest Inspired-Date Night Outfit

Lately I have been inspired by fashion boards on Pinterest.  Specifically Polyvore's boards. 

When I finally jumped on the "pinning" boat I kept seeing pins of complete outfits. 
Like this.....

   

and this.

These are actually pins from Polyvore which is a website where you can create outfits.  I am far too busy to play around with that, but I do like to see outfits others have created.  It helps me go to my closet and throw something together that is very similar.  Most of my pins are outfits with jeans.  Being a stay at home Momma I rarely "dress up".  Oh sure for church and very special occasions, but any given day you will find me in jeans.  Even on our rare date nights I usually dress up jeans with jewelry and maybe heels.  And recently I found myself piecing together outfits like I have seen on Pinterest.

And my recent favorite is this.  I'll call it "A Future Date Night Outfit".

Fringed bottom jeans, brown reverse tie dye ruffle tee, brown espadrilles and brown clutch purse.

The necklace adds a bit of color with the blue and green beads. Silver hoops and brown bracelets.  And don't forget the nails and toes. OPI-Suzi Loves Cowboys.

Reverse Tie Dye Post coming next week

Toss in a white cardigan for when the sun goes down.

Groovy and hip, but with plenty of comfort.

Now to plan a date night!

 

*Another favorite source of mine for fashion is Outfit Posts .  Great ideas for a working mom.  Or for me to put together church attire. 

 

Where do you find fashion inspiration?

Our 1st Camping Trip-The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

What we had thought would be two nights of camping resulted in us pulling in our driveway in less than 24hours of leaving the day before!

I'll share the good, the bad and the ugly.

The Good:
-the boys' amazing attitudes with camping.  Seriously, I was stunned. 
-a gorgeous view from our tent at sunset.

-hearing the boys laugh and get excited about setting up camp.
-seeing them run around playing in the woods.
-helping Daddy gather small twigs to start a fire.
-watching it burn.

-eating hot dogs cooked over the fire.  "They are THE best!!!", the boys say.
-SMORES for dessert! 
-snuggling with Mommy by the campfire.

Sans the makeup for Momma

-watching visitors invade our space.  At one point there were four racoons all sniffing around in search of food.  Luckily we had already put things away because we knew they would be coming.  They were so close and Ryan sat with eager eyes and announced, "This is AWESOME!" 

-watching the boys get so excited and caught up in waiting for the coons to come back. 
-watching the boys take it all in and LOVE this whole experience!
-seeing headlamps in the darkness running through the woods.
-star/moon gazing.

-Hot cocoa early in the morning by the lake. Thank the Good Lord the morning came!!!!!!!

My little HAPPY campers!

-cooking breakfast out in the open as we started our day.  This was my very favorite part!!!  I felt like a pioneer woman....well kinda, I was cooking on a Coleman Stove.  I wondered if the amazing smell was waking campers up.

-Breakfast Burritos.  We frequently eat these at home and they proved to be a great camping meal!

 

-walking through nature. Seeing it up close and personal.  Can't wait to go back to see more!

 

 

From the smallest pine cone........

 

to the tallest tree.

The Good was making memories.  No matter what the bad and ugly may be, we made memories.  We did have fun and we learned from the experience.  There is nothing like being out in nature with your family roughing it.  It is appealing to me, but maybe I am a semi-roughing it kinda girl.

 

Despite the look on Ryan's face he was having fun.

The Bad:

-camping in general is a lot of work. 
-tent camping is a lot of work.  And not for me! 
-sleeping in a BAG is not for me!!! Whoever came up with this idea anyway?!  If you are a side sleeper, sleeping bags will rob you of SLEEPING!!!!!  And make you want to SCREAM!!
-camping in record low temperatures is not for me!  I froze all night!! Could not get warm.  What on earth were we thinking?
-waking with a splitting headache while camping is NOT fun, but coffee helps!
-Brant waking up with a migraine and getting sick!

The Ugly:
-car loads of rowdy campers arriving next to your camp long after dark to set up.  They used the headlights of about 4 cars which were on for about 3 hours.  Seriously!
-said campers having no respect for other campers all around them.
-dozens of small children running around like wild Indians!
-said campers staying up until at least 2am chatting, screaming, cussing their children out and OH, trying to get crying infant back to sleep.  A baby crying at 2am in a State Park that is trying sleeping is little frightening to say the least.  It echoed all around us. 
-foul mouth drunks that will not shut up!!!



So there it is.  The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.  Now, before you start saying we should have known this might happen in a State Park while camping let me say, why yes of course it crossed our minds.  I could have dealt with The Bad stuff. But there was no way I was going to subject my children to The Ugly!!!!  It would have been another whole day AND night of listening to a blabbering idiot!  So we packed up and came home to sleep in our warm, cozy beds.  The beauty of this camping trip was we were only about an hour and half away from home.  Sure, we could have visited the park host and turned these people in, but we did what we felt was right at that particular time.  We learned enough from this camping trip to know we will never tent camp again!  NEVER, God willing.  Same for the sleeping bag! 

 

Will we camp again?  Probably.  I am not opposed to it and actually had some fun cooking and enjoying the beauty of my boys' great attitudes.  But it may be a while.  It is a lot of work and I see why folks camp for a week or buy campers.  My idea of getting away is to relax.  I did not relax the whole time, but at least the boys had fun. 

 

For now we will enjoy day trips back to this State Park because this is some amazing hiking to be had.  All in all it was an alright trip.  The boys are ready to go again (which is GREAT!) and Brant and I are thinking about it.  A screen shelter with a blow up mattress, sheets and a blanket in much warmer weather sounds much better to me. 

 

You can't say I didn't give it a try!

 

Does your family go camping?

Have any pointers or helpful hints? 

Leave me a comment.....I would love to hear from you.

Munch Bars

Happy Earth Day to you!!!  For us every day is an earth day.  We just can't help it! We have this crazy love for the great outdoors, plants, trees, flowers, gardening and getting our hands in the dirt!!!  You can bet I'll be planting something today and endlessly talking to the boys about this amazing creation God gave us!!!


For now let's chat about MUNCH BARS!

These little bars I made for our first camping trip .  Which btw I'll tell you all about tomorrow. 

This recipe I found on a package of Bob's Red Mill Shredded Unsweetened Coconut.  I adapted it a tad to suit us and because I didn't have to hunt for all natural ingredients.  Also I made them on a whim not knowing for sure how they would go over well with all the guys.  But the ingredients were pretty healthy and seemed like a good fit for camping/hiking so I went ahead with making them.  They seemed like a perfect snack.

Result?  They loved them!  I will be making my second batch today to munch on while we plant on Earth Day.

Munch Bars:
1/4 cup butter
4 cups mini marshmallows (not so healthy/natural ingredient)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup extra thick rolled oats (I used old fashioned oatmeal)
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup sliced almonds (or walnuts or no nuts)
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp. brown flaxseed
1 cup wheat bran (I used All-Bran Buds-another not so natural ingredient)
4 tbsp. cocoa powder

Melt butter and marshmallows.  Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients, mix well.  Press into greased 9x13 pan and chill.  Cut into squares and serve.

Or just snacking.

Hope you'll try them soon. 

Now I am off to start this Earth Day!  We can't wait to get outside and plant something. I can't wait to feel the grass between my toes, to get my hands in the dirt, to eat Munch Bars and let the sun kiss my face.

Make sure you come back tomorrow to hear all about Our 1st Family Camping Trip-The Good, The Bad and The oh so  Ugly.

Happy Monday to y'all!

FUN Weekend-First Camping Trip!

Happy Friday to you!!!!  Hope you are ready for a FUN weekend!

I am, but I think I have lost my mind!  I am packing for what feels like a week, but it is only a 2 night camping trip.  And we mean business.

We are going TENT camping!!!!!! 



This will be our first family camping trip.  And depending on how it goes it could be first of many or the first and last.  I am a little nervous since the weather says our area will possibly hit record LOWS in the morning.  And that is for our area.  Where we are going camping in about an hour and half away near the lakes and it will for sure be colder.  YIKES!!!!!! (I see snuggling in my near future.)

Regardless I am not so sure about this we are all pretty excited about this adventure.  And an adventure it will be! I have not been tent camping since the late 80s!!! And the boys have never been. Really we could have not picked a better weekend.  Although it will be a tad cold in the morning the rest of the day is suppose to be mild.  Temps in the high 60s to low 70s.
Perfect weather!   

So off we go later this afternoon for our first family camping trip. We will unplug for a couple nights and a few days.

During this time there will be.....................

No handheld games!

And hopefully NO toys. Just nature and our imaginations to keep us occupied.
(Of course you better bet I'll have my cellphones in the car for emergencies if needed. Or I need to send you a funny text or great picture!  Shhhh, Brant does not have to know.)

But what we will have/do is.......make FUN memories, surely some not so fun memories, campfires, smores, MUNCH bars (I'll share the recipe soon), Cowboy beans, hot dogs, hiking, exploring, bird watching and many other things I am sure to enjoy!

I'll take lots of pictures, snuggle with three amazing guys, and make every moment a teachable/learning experience for all.  And you can bet I'll be back to share.

Hope you all have a great Friday and weekend.  Make it FUN!  Get outside and enjoy nature!!!  And don't forget the bug spray!

Say three times and over again.

14 Years Ago

 

Fourteen years ago today I attended THE most memorable party I have ever been to in my entire life!

That party was for the man I had fallen in love with and me.  It was our wedding day.  It was a FUN party indeed.  And a dream come true.  That day was just the beginning of many years of us sharing life together as well as....love, excitement, pain, heartache, joy, disappointment, MANY laughs, some tears, anxious feelings, gut-wrenching pain, friendship, life changing moments-hours-days-months-years, growing periods, hard work, unexpected changes, lazy-boring times, busy times, prayers, Faith and so MUCH MORE.

 

The one thing that has made our marriage what it is today is, God.  Without a doubt I have seen His hand at work in our relationship.  Marriage is far from a bed of roses.  And many days not even carnations!  We will not always make each other happy.  Nor bring joy to each other daily.  Marriage takes work by both spouses.  Marriage requires devotion.  And when things get tough you really need each other's support and devotion.

 

We had a really tough 2012 and I know without Brant's support and devotion to me and our marriage things could have been real ugly.  We have an unspoken understanding to just never give up on one another. We believe in those vows we took on that day. And laughter sure helps along the way.
Because of our devotion along with our faith in God and love for our marriage it allowed us to be the best partner we could be to each other under the circumstances.  Life will surely test us and the storms of life can allow us to mess things up royally.  But when a couple believes, trust and has faith in one another they are able to weather any storm.  And with the help of God that trust and faith grows stronger each year. 

With the right attitude marriage is a pleasure and a joy.  It can be lots of FUN with more parties to come!  As the party planner in this relationship I am always planning our next party.  Brant puts up with countless little events I make a party out of.  He is patient with my need to plan something and quietly and politely attends all my parties.  I think he is just happy he is not having to plan all our FUN times.  And that is OK with me.  We work together in this thing called a marriage.


Walking into reception as Mr. and Mrs.

That party on April 17th, 1999 is still going on.  Sometimes we rock the house down dancing all night (Brant is rolling his eyes now) and other times we sit and listen while the party goes on all around us.  Today as I look back on that day 14 years ago I remember dancing that first dance as Mr. and Mrs. ........I still get butterflies!!!

Not only did I love dancing with my husband to this song, but I also had SO MUCH FUN dancing with my Daddy to Disco Inferno for the Father/Daughter Dance. 

 

I think I'll be doing a little dancing tonight too.

 

God has truly blessed me with this man.  I love you Brant.  Happy Anniversary Honey.
I found love and it is real.

Tuesday Tip-Getting Your Feet Sandal Ready

Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and the sun is shining.  The days are getting warmer.  Now is the time to pamper your feet and prepare them for their “Coming Out Party!”

Maybe you have been looking at the perfect sandals. Or already picked up those cute flip flops. 

Well before you put your toes in a pair of sandals or flip flops you need to help those “winter weary feet” be ready to spring forward.

When I am not bare footed you can find flip flops or sandals on my feet.  In fact I have been wearing them for a month already.  I never even thought to check on the looks of my winter weary feet.  And let me just say I should have!

When your eight year old feels your heels and announces you have callouses and then proceeds to ask, "Is that embarrassing"? .....you know it is time to pamper your feet. 

It was actually quite funny and I did laugh.  And I also proceeded to bring out all my supplies to get my feet ready for this season.  It is much easier than you think. 

Pedicures are nice I will admit.  But I refuse to pay money for something I can do myself.  So over the years I have used and searched for the best products to work for me.  Hopefully these will help you too.

So let's get our feet ready. 

What you will need:
-pumice stone
-Dr. Scholl's pumice foot scrub
-Gold Bond Foot cream
-Lotion of your choice for every day
-old short socks

I first use the pumice stone and the foot scrub once a week.  Either in the shower or with a small amount of water in the tub.  Let feet soak to get nice and soft.  If you do this in the shower do it at the end of your shower after your feet or nice and soft.  Once feet are soft use a quarter size amount of the foot scrub on each heel.  Rub heels with scrub and pumice stone removing dead, rough, dry skin. 

Dry feet and rub on a generous amount of the Gold Bond foot cream on your heels. This next step can be done nightly or several times a week. Next put on your old socks that you have cut out the toes in.  I used a thin pair so my feet would not get too hot.  And cutting the toes out is much more comfortable to me.  It allows my toes to still breathe and wiggle.

Toes-Sinful Colors/Love Nails 282

 I try to apply lotion daily to my feet.  This is hard for me because I can't stand the feel of it.  So using the socks nightly is a must for me.  If you can handle lotion apply it daily.

Sandals and flip flops are notorious for making feet look like, well, "flip flop feet".....gross, stained, dry and crusty heels.  Like this.

Just start looking at feet as you stand in line at the grocery store.  I promise it will make you want to come home and take care of your feet.

The reason is sandals and flip-flops offer little support and cushioning.  They make the perfect environment for crack heels to thrive. That “slap slap” nature of the sandal or flip flops on your heel with a plastic sole is not a good idea.

I vowed last year not to wear flip flops this summer, but alas they are on my feet right now as I type. I vowed to spend a little more on good quality leather sandals, but there are too many cute less expensive flip flops! So I vowed this spring and summer to take good care of my feet. 

Now one more tip for you today.  On my pursuit to pamper my feet I have come across a homemade foot scrub.   

To get rid of the callouses on your feet you can create a simple salt scrub.  Take 1/2 cup of Epsom salts and add peppermint essential oil.  Put the mixture in an airtight container.  Soak your feet in a tub of warm water and then rub the mixture on the soles of your feet.  Using a pumice stone scrub the callouses.

After your soak, dry your feet.  Now treat your feet to an invigorating lotion.  Mix 5 drops of peppermint essential oil and 2 ounces of unscented lotion together.  Rub a small amount on the soles and tops of your feet.  This will soften the callouses and refresh your feet. 

And wear the socks to bed again!  Hope this all helps in getting your feet ready for sandals and flip flops.

Peppermint essential oil-Check!
All I need is the Epsom salt.

Happy Tuesday!

A Little Recap

If for some reason you missed my posts last week I now have EIGHT year twin boys.

 

Look how handsome these BIG boys are! This picture was taken right before their birthday party on Saturday where we devoured Chocolate Sheet Cake and Cookie Pizza as well as enjoyed time with family.

 

Twin brothers

The cake was a hit and is completely GONE!  It was the first time I made it in a 9x13 pan.  After minor setbacks the cake was made and came out to be a fudgy cake with icing. Oh man it was good!  The 9x13 pan will now be the only way to make it.  Forget the sheet pan!  I think I'll rename it to Chocolate Fudge Cake.

Although the boys loved the cake this was their favorite.  And you can see why.  Cookie and lots of candy is a child's dream come true.  It too is GONE!  We did share some.

As usual I forgot to take pictures, but did get a couple at the end.  And I just love this one of Momma and her EIGHT year old twin boys!!!!



The weather was amazing and we spent a lot of time outdoors this weekend sitting on the front porch while these big boys did big boy stuff.  Mainly bike tricks eight year old boys do......standing up on bikes, getting kite string stuck in the spokes and of course new found ways to skid the tires and jump off the bike to look oh so cool. 

The house is back to normal with all decorations put away.  I am eager to start a new week of school and many more FUN things ahead for the week.

Hope you all had a great weekend and Happy Monday to you!