this party stole my heart (that's hard to do)

This party via Kara's Party Ideas really tickled my fancy. Go here to see all of the images. It's so classy and to-die-for since everything is handmade. I love their rental tables and chairs and just how sweet everything is. Love, love, love.

i'm intrigued

Netflix just sent me an email letting me know that I will be able to get some of my Netflix movies streamed to my TV via our Wii. Say what? That's rad. I ordered my free set-up disc and I can't wait to hook it up. It says your Wii needs to be hooked up to the internet but they are capable of connecting to a wireless network. We will see if I can get it all worked out and if so I will be HAPPY! I love Netflix. I love technology. For more info go here.

tank tops and tutus

I was in the Baby section of Target and found the Hanes Boy's Toddler Tank Tops. They are perfect for summer for little girls with cute skirts and tutus. At only $5.99 for a pkg of 5, I can't think of a better deal!

one day without shoes

TOMS shoes is asking everyone to go barefoot today, wether for a few minutes or all day to spread awareness of the impact one pair of shoes can have on a child's life. I just kicked off my shoes right now!

I'm anxiously awaiting this pair of TOMS from my hubby for my birthday this year. I have been wanting a pair real bad and best part is that for every pair you buy, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need. Amazing right. They also just came out with shoes in Brody's size so we may be purchasing a pair for him too.

easy meal

If you want the easiest slow cooker meal possible, here it is:

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
3-4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts (frozen)
1/2 ( or 3/4) jar of spaghetti sauce (eye ball it)
1 can tomato paste
1/2 green bell pepper chopped
1/2 diced yellow onion
fresh sliced mushrooms
3 tablespoons fresh garlic
light-medium sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes
heavy sprinkling of oregano
light-medium spinkle of black pepper (can always add more later)

Cook on low for 7-8 hours

I got this off of my Dinner Spinner and instead of following the recipe, I followed one of the user comment's recipe. For mine I only used a green bell pepper (no yellow), I used garlic in a jar from my refrigerator (1 tsp) and instead of the red peppers and oregano, I used some Italian Seasoning I had in the cupboard. I also shred the chicken a bit and serve with either pasta or rice. It's really good considering you just have to throw stuff in a pot and most of them are staples that I always have at home!

mine

I keep trying to remind myself that I need to take pictures of baby#3 as if he was baby#1. So I'm trying (key word) to do that in small moments. I want him to see that I gave him lots of love, even while dragging him to his brother and sister's events!

just thinking

I know that money is tight for everyone right now. However, I have been thinking about something a lot lately. I am very appreciative of the people who use me for their invites/announcements/thank you cards/etc. I know that they could go elsewhere for cheaper and I think most people do since invitations are expendable. Every time someone puts in an order, I feel so grateful that they chose me to design for them and that they feel that I am worth their extra money. That's awesome. So it made me realize that I need to do the same. Maybe I can't every time, but I should as often as I can. I need to make sure I get my haircut by my stylist so that I can support her instead of going someplace cheaper. I need to make sure we get the dogs groomed by our groomer because she is struggling right now. I need to order from etsy.com more. Maybe now isn't the time to leave people for cheaper pastures. Maybe now is the time to eat out less once a month so we can afford to keep small businesses in tact. People are doing it for me. So today we headed over to Toy Town so Brody could spend the $5 he got in an Easter basket. Normally we would have just spent his money at our regular Target run. We also got Brody's pants hemmed at our local tailor, even though he is $5 more. I just think we all need to try and stick together. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to realize that every tiny bit helps. Thank you to everyone helping me.

wikki wikki wikki

At church on Easter Sunday, we watched four young boys in front of us stay entertained the whole time. It was kind of amazing. I would say they ranged from 6 years old to 9 years old. They were playing with Wikki Stix. I had never heard of them before, but apparently they have been around awhile. They are wax and yarn sticks that can be bent and turned to create things. I watched them make a necklace, flowers, a play knife and a bunch of other stuff. They are reusable and non-toxic. I am definitely going to get some for my almost 5 year old for a plane ride we will be taking soon. I hope they work as well as they did at church!

all because of orange juice

Isn't it funny the things that make us happy? Last Friday we went to Costco. While doing our usual lap around the place, we went by the refrigerated section where I usually pick up a gallon of Naked Juice Orange Juice. There is something about that OJ that makes it worth spending $8 for a gallon, so I do. However, this time I made a sharp left turn to pick it up and they were replaced with Kirkland (Costoc's brand) Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice in the gallon. I was really disappointed, yet still thought it would be worth a try. I think it ranged somewhere around $6 (which is way more than I spend on OJ at non-Costco times of the month). I decided to try it later that evening and let me tell you.... it is SO good. Like I just squeezed all the oranges myself and drank it right away. I was in orange juice heaven. Who knew?

easter time

We will be decorating eggs tonight and possible visiting the Easter Bunny for a quick picture. I spent the morning on marthastewart.com looking for Easter inspiration for my craft time with the kids. These were my favorite images.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Easter and a good Good Friday.

xo