Zoo So Silly

I Never .. ok Bold I did... :D

2008-12-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the steal, Somewhere over the Rainbow! Make sure to stop by her blog and check her list out, too!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - WORLD
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung Karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Seen the Lincoln Memorial in person
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square - Worked in Times Square too..
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox - I've been tested as having them but I never had a symptom!
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post (hence this post) :):)

FFF-- SLUMBER Party Mania!!!!

2008-12-04T19:30:00.001-08:00

My brother asked what I wanted --- this was all I wanted... and a slumber party with the girls...

Breakfast, in the living room, surrounded by toys, watching Backyardigans eating whatever we wanted!!!
Pumpkin pie and breakfast casserole for breakfast is so much fun at a slumber party!!

Grandma made us washcloths, and we are going to the "cell horse" at the mall to ride..

Head on over to Carries place for more fun!

Sad but true..I got this note from my sister in law..

2008-12-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

I got this note and it just re-confirms our handmade holiday this year...

I wanted to give everyone a heads up that if you tend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to be careful that the cards will be honored after the holidays. Stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling the cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as Bankruptcy Planning.
Below is a partial list of stores that you need to be cautious about.

* Circuit City (filed Chapter 11).
* Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide closing.
* Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's to close 150 stores
nationwide.
* Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January.
* Cache will close all stores.
* Talbots closing down specialty stores.
* J. Jill closing all stores (owned by Talbots)

Pacific Sunwear
(also* owned by Talbots.
* GAP closing 85 stores.
* Footlocker closing 140 stores mo re to close after January.
* Wickes Furniture closing down

Levitz closing down remaining
stores.
* Bombay closing remaining stores.
* Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after January.
* Whitehall closing all stores.
* Piercing Pagoda closing all stores.
* Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January.
* Home Depot closing 15 stores 1 in NJ ( New Brunswick).
* Macys to close 9 stores after January.
* Linens and Things closing all stores.
* Movie Galley Closing all stores.
* Pep Boys Closing 33 stores

* Sprint/Nextel closing 133 stores.
* JC Penney closing a number of stores after January.
* Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores.
* Wilson Leather closing down all stores.
* Sharper Image closing down all stores.
* K B Toys closing 356 stores.
* Loews to close down some stores.
* Dillard's to close some stores.

Be Thankful -

2008-11-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

Time to show your thanks to friends and family...
We want to thank you friends... :D

Vote for us- Give to Charity!

2008-11-24T10:22:00.001-08:00

Wow, we are in the TOP 3 in Rhonda's contest!! Oh my!!

Go Vote for us!!! Our Post Giving to Give

We are giving to the St. Louis Crisis Nursery, we adopted a family and this will help with their utility bills!

Llama, Llama Lazy Momma Tip #4

2008-11-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

Library friends... Try to remember what a great time the library is even for younger kids.. Don't go buy DVD's or CD's until you test them out. No point in getting things for Christmas that you can't return just because your kids don't like them. Get some Nick Kids DVD's and some fun music CD's to test out first.. you are going to listen to them a million times, you may as well have a little say in it!!

Look at this awesome site..

2008-11-23T07:20:00.000-08:00

Called One Pretty thing.. they highlight everything going on in the crafting world.. It's so pretty and when you mouse over a picture it highlights what the project is and where to ind it. it's great.

Traditions...Giving to Give

2008-11-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

We started a tradition with the nieces to start giving back to others. We also are doing a 2 in 1 contest here. 1 contest over at Candid Carries to talk about traditions and the other at Rhonda Rants to talk about things we've lost that helped others.

So, the last few years the nieces and I went to the salon and donated our hair to Locks for Love. You are not going to believe it, but the younger one was FOUR when we started this. Also, unfortunate but true is I got pregnant and the whole time I was preggers my hair did not grow almost at all.
This is the only before shot I got when we were leaving the house, I wish I would have taken more but I am a ditz sometimes.

There are a kazillion mid photo's but because miss S is not a fan of hair washes we had to take a few photo's of the Elephant that washes hair so she could show everyone she was not afraid at all.

The before and after... Can you believe she was ready again last year and again this year too!!

Number Two Miss A. Before, she looks, I would say 12 or 13.
After, she looks like a kid again here... She did her's again this year too.

The girls also got new shirts, and 2 hair products each for giving to others things that could not be bought.
Miss S got body wash (bubble bath) and shampoo, Orange Sherbet Shampoo.
Miss A got Conditioner and Detangler. Rootbeer Conditioner and Pineapple Detangler
The girls don't have as much as some other kids and because the salaon we went to is designed for kids, they 1. cut their hair for free, and 2. gave them each 2 hair clips and did the pictures on top of doing all the donation work for us.

I forgot to get a before shot of my hair butmay find an after one somewhere...
Gulp. sorry! But go on over to Candid Carries and Rhonda's to see more!

Cute little Peep.. Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

We are falling in love with Grosgrain and her shop and her giveaways and her models.. Everything is so cute and so great and she sews way better than we do but we will get there one day...
look at this amazing outfit set.. I love it, and of course Miss T will too!!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Llama, Llama, I'm a lazy momma Super secret hiding posts

2008-11-11T15:33:00.000-08:00

I have been slacking off on my posts over here.. Uggg.. Things have been crazy and it's so hard for me with so many Christmas presents going on, I can't handle not being able to talk about them. This is always the hard part of having a blog that my family looks at....

Sigh...

New Crafts.... fun!!!

2008-11-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

Fun Activity - golf ball painting..

Make these cool pendants!

you can also get a free sample of the diamond glaze to finish it...

Seriously, the cutest frog EVER!!

2008-11-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain is having another contest, we decided to try it out, this would be so great for us for next year..
Cute!! I love it!!

My Favorite Halloween Cartoon :D

2008-10-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Week

2008-10-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Carve your own pumpkin :D

Check out this fun!!

An awarding history....

2008-10-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Look what we got!!Someone spells worse than me!! (kidding) WE got an award! We just love Z and his Momma and they gave us this snazzy award today!

We are going to do something new this time. We are going to go back in time and see who got this award from whom as far back as we can!
Are you up for it?
Lets go.
Zoo so Silly got this from Zander & Me, who got it from Mamahut's House, who got it from Crazy lady over the edge, who got it from Jill Jill bo Bill, who got it from Amelia Bedelia (and) Cookies, Chaos, & Conversations, We are sticking to Amelia becuase it's going to get too confusing to go with two direcitons. Amelia got the award from her new friend Melissa at Be Careful what you wish for, who got it from Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe, who got it from Life in the Psych Ward, who got it from Blogging Bama's Best Bargins, who got it from Twisted Lisa at her twisted blog *but we had to hunt down the link to find her*, Lisa got it from Back to Barnwell, who got it from My Therapy, who got it from Because I Said So, who got this from Monogrammed Teacher, and we had to search but found she got it from Monogram Chic k, who got this from Nina, who got this from All Things Southern & Preppy, who got this from Just Ask Beth, who got the award from Southern Yankee (who again was not linked, nor were her awardee's). Southern Yankee got this award from Preppy Little Dress, who gave it up that Nina (see above) actually REDESIGNED This award from this Preppy little dress got this award from Petunia in Paradise, who got this from Happy Daily, But we have to stop for a minute and say Check out Happy Daily's blog, she's got GREAT RECIPIES!! EASY ONES!! ok Happy Daily who got the old award from Life of a Southern Belle, who got this from Jillian Inc, she got the award from justabeachkat, this was in August and from Sunbonnet Cottage, coming from Jan and Tom's place, they got it from A Picture is worth 1,000 words, and Diane got it from Alamo North, who got it from someone named Brenda and we can't fid her blog... It all ends here...
We may never find the real creator.... reminds me of that old tootsie roll commercial

It's a "We Made" Friday!

2008-10-17T03:52:00.000-07:00

Our friend Lolly made these birds, so we tried it :D

Llama Llama Lazy Momma Tip 3.

2008-10-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Save your boxtops! Everything by Kimberly Clark has them. Even mommy items and diapers! Save them in the kitchen in a small open container so you can always drop them in. Save all of your proof of purchase in he same container then separate later when your ready to send off. This makes your search so much easier!

Halloween Fun --

2008-10-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

We found Mummies ---Cute and make your own!

and look at this skeleton.. YUM!

Spider Snacks! How fun! Stop in at Delight in the day!

We went to the Crafty Crow and they have GREAT Halloween crafts from all over!!

Llama Llama Lazy Momma Tip 2.

2008-10-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Make a "momma" basket for the side of your bed. All of those first year baby things go in there. Emergency pen (for thank you cards when you feel like your nursing all the time and can't get out of bed)
chapstick (of course)
a place for the monitor not to shine in your face for that one hour nap (oh please Lord a whole hour)
Glasses (if needed)
Lotion (just a small sample)
Pony tail holders, random ones go in and out depending on the day and time.
baby saline solution
My migraine meds made their way back into my stash, while I waited for the Doc to call me and let me know if I could take it
A few random cut outs from magazines made their way in and some makeshift bookmarks (to go with the stack of books to the left and thank you cards)
nursing pads are always a good thing to keep in there, you never know when your going to spring a leak.

Llama Llama Lazy Momma Tip 1.

2008-10-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Replace your soap in the kitchen dispenser with cleaner, it works so fast to clean your sink before your company comes over, and won't accidentally leave the bottle out!

We started to wonder..

2008-10-13T17:49:00.001-07:00

How many days left this year? This will help you know, everyday.

How to make those really cute ribbon clippies that are so hot for babies right now? We found that here...

If we wanted our family from far away to know what to get us for Christmas, could we set up an Amazon list? YUP! Try it..

How do you set up a toy swap with friends or neighbors? We did this at work with clothes but are going to try for both clothing and toys in the spring. (click for the e-how instructions)

We decided to start up a tip a day (we hope) until the end o the year.. It's going to be hard and we need your help. What's the tip that you think could help others?
We are wondering....

Oh this is so much fun!

2008-10-11T09:27:00.001-07:00

We stopped by Outnumbered 2 to 1 today and they have the most fun thing EVER on their blog!

Look at this and try to create yourself or something else fun!

Reasonably Cleaver

there's no reason for us to say anything else today, once you go over there, we won't see you for a while. :D

Halloween Fun.. crafts and cooking!

2008-10-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

We stopped in at Craft today and saw the greatest things ever!!

Bakerella shows how to make cupcake lolly pops and how to decorate them Halloween style
I always toss my own twist on things so here's what I think...
This is great, if you have older kids that can sit down and do all of this..
So, here's my take.. I would LOVE to make the cakes and mix and all of that, but lets be honest, that is not going to happen...
The werewolf could be a snicker bar, (and or any other mini candy) and who is going to argue with chocolate anything on a stick.. or off a stick for that matter.
The witch is my favorite, her hat is part of an Oreo and the tops a kiss.
There is also a mummy (in the back but please go to her blog and look, they are so cute) any of these others could be Rice Crispy Treats rolled into balls then dipped in chocolate (on a stick) so if you make them or not, fake them or not.. they are still REALLY CUTE for Halloween!

YUM!! Who's Hungry

2008-10-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Triple Apple Muffins!! YUM!!

Yogurt Marmalade Cake.. Oh, I am getting hungry already!

Possibly one of our new favorite Cooking Blogs.. Cooking with Trader Joe's

Ohh Circus cookies!!! WE love these iced sugar cookies..

Who ever wanted an "UNBirthday" Party Cake? This is so Alice in Wonderland!

Or, who needs a party! Make Cake for 1 at home in FIVE MINUTES!!

Turkey Cookies??

Home Made Applesauce and an interview? Oh ya! good reading while you eat.
We stopped in to meet the interviewee and she also has Pumpkin Cookies! YUM!! great ending for this post..

Ohh, We want to make these

2008-10-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

My sister and I both have the same issue with headbands, they just don't ever fit right. I am going to try to make these and see what I can do to make them work. The Long Thread seems to have a good idea to make it work.
I really want to get some great idea for this great framed set of photos. Material, paper, I am not sure what but something is going to look great! Or, when we have our first Birthday Party, I think we may have everyone color pictures and do something like this on a toy box or something fun. :)
Elsa Mora made great Artwork.
A friend of mine went to Africa to work to make an orphanage, I really admire her for going and she did a great thing. I am going to try to make some of these to send over so these girls can go to school when they need to go.
Wow! What a great way to use up old baby food jars! I think we may try it out with juice bottles and put snacks in them!

Cute way to recycle and have a great fun bag! Crafty Chic makes Juice Box Purses and shows us how!

Who loves Free!!

2008-10-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

This is the last week to sign up for our contest! We need your blog and or information in order to count you in. Follow this post for additional details!

Who wants to send Free Post Cards? Ya! We do too! Hippopost helps do that!!

Wanna Trade? Music, Games, books.. Swaptree helps trade in for stuff your done with AND stuff you (and your kids) want!

How fast can you type? Before you start, it's addicting so don't do this at work.. I just kept doing it over and over to break my record! Go to Speedtest and check your skills!

I admit it, I am an Audio book fan, I love them, I listen to them when I am on the treadmill, sewing, and sometimes in the car. They take my mind to a place that sometimes I dont have sit down time for... I have had a love for audible for quite some time and now AduibleKids is here and they have FREE Downloads!!

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

2008-10-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

TOMORROWS THE BIG DAY! GET YOUR BOOK!

what a great thing for all of us to help with, reading should be enjoyed and this is fun and helpful.

Time to leave Camp, lets go out with a bang. Friday Foto Fiesta Fun!

2008-09-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to post and comment your contest entry to and add your name blog and link to the post that explains why your friend is the best and win!

Today is our last day of camp with Carrie and the Crew... She stopped by to say "toodledoo" and check out all our fun this week. Here's what happened....

Carrie, what are you doing on that boat?

Alright now Carrie, those animals are cardboard, you can't grill them...
Uhh, Where did you get that apron?

Carrie, that is not funny! that is the BACK of the Bee costume, not the front!

Carrie get back out here, and is that the TV remote in there? Do I hear love boat?

Wow, even Carrie is staying away from the creepy doll!

Oh Carrie, cute swimming suit and sunglasses.. Yes, we love that boat...
Wait, is that your camp cooler?
Quit yelling your the king of the world. What are you doing in the drivers seat of that truck?

Hey, come back with our boat !!

Thanks Carrie, it's been a fun week at camp! What a great way to show you can use shapes to make any picture fun...For more fun, stop by Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta Fun &

Go to Piknik for more fun like this on your flickr site!

Thursday Make It Day!

2008-09-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to post and comment your contest entry to and add your name blog and link to the post that explains why your friend is the best and win!

Do I need to mention Christmas Already? Lets talk cute gifts!

2008-09-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to post and comment your contest entry to and add your name blog and link to the post that explains why your friend is the best and win!

Look at these baby slippers from Mahar Drygoods (we love them, and the slippers too)

Seriously. you want your kids to help with the dishes? check this Kitchen Scrubber out from Perpetual Kid!

My husband let our 6 month old watch Sushi Pack, she's going to need this one day from Modern Tots

About 2 years ago, we got 12 of these between my neighbor and myself and gave Buddha Boards to all of our kids, nieces and nephews.... lets just say it was a very fun year for Art in all our houses and they work great for kids 3 to 19, ok 20. alright already,,, ages 3 and up!

We are adding to our Christmas List that we want some Clipo's from Playskool!!

When buying for:
Teachers: try something simple, gift cards are nice. If your kids want to be involved let them paint or color or add their favorite items to a tote bag. Go to the craft store and get some canvas bags and let your kids add in their favorite fruit snacks, granola bars, candy, and a picture. That is a great way for them to share and you to give the teacher something they can use. Toss in a few individual packs of fruit and nuts, some raisins, and maybe even a drink box.
Siblings: Let them pick out one thing from the dollar store, yup, it's junk, you betcha it's more junk in your house but it's something they did for the one person they yell at the most and will probably help break that toy soon.
The other Parent (or you): Not letting your child buy you or your spouse something for Christmas is actually mean and hurtful. Even if it is something from the dollar store or something they made. Let them make you a bracelet or necklace. Maybe even get a tee shirt and let them paint their own design on it. Something really simple and easy is to get this special printer paper and a cheep flannel blanket and make a photo blanket (or pillow, shirt, tie, and what imagination!)

Garage Sale finds....

2008-09-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to post and comment your contest entry to and add your name blog and link to the post that explains why your friend is the best and win!

, so I tried to keep this as arts and crafts but I have so many garage sale tips I have to share.
1. if you are really looking for baby stuff, find a NEW community, new built houses in your area and search there. Most people that move into new houses bring everything and it ends up in their basement and BAM garage sale in the spring/fall
2. If you are looking for "antiques" or "vintage" go to the older neighborhoods. These are the people that have lived there forever, the ones that have all the 60's and 70's smurf glasses that they have in their cabinets from when they got them as jelly jars. Great place to find glass items.
3. scrap, crap, vintage, good will and or any resell shop - go there with a grain of salt. Don't expect the best deal. Good will charges like a retail shop, their prices are consistent in each store on a lot of items. Sheets, towels, etc. Resell shops sometimes have good deals if you can buy OUT OF SEASON! this is the best time to get swimming suits, winter coats, most items here are consigned and you can get an ok deal sometimes but know the seller is not getting a lot (i.e. if you are a seller you know what I mean)
Now for basic garage sale tips:
1. be honest, is it a good price? if it's not ASK! Remember, they are trying to get rid of it but they did buy it and they do own it so don't insult them. Brand new baby/kids outfits I won't go over a dollar or two on. That's silly, you can go to the resale shop and spend that. Don't go over 50 cents on socks EVEN IF THEY ARE NEW!
Toys: the best toys to look for are the ones you expect to do something with...
Bath toys, great bath toys are mismatched tubs, buckets, cups, and other solid items. Don't buy peoples old bath toys unless you plan to boil them. Remember what your Dr says about the suction things you use for your kids nose... Bacteria grows in those like MAD... but if you buy them boil them...
mismatched and missing.. don't buy puzzles unless you count the pieces.. I have been to sales where there has honestly been a mom on the ground putting together puzzles, DUA - Count the pieces and LOOK at them.. you are going to know if Barbies head is in your G.I. Joe / backyardigans puzzle!
2. What to wear.. Don't wear super nice clothes to go garage sailing. No one will give you a discount/ deal if you are all dressed up.. they got up at 5. a.m. got breakfast for their kids, the neighbors and their spoiled kid with the special order. Don't go looking like you are mall walking, go and be comfortable. Pony's are great and so are sweats (shorts or pants) and bring a wallet/ money holder with change.
Money - your money should be change... one or two fives - ten in ones and at least five dollars in quarters... (and a few dimes. nothing under that. if it's a nickel you can get buy one get one for it or get a nickel back) bring 2 or 3 twenties if you are looking for something big and keep them HIDDEN in your car.. under the seat or glove box or something.
Don't bring your purse and or crazy items. There is no need.. hide it in your trunk/ backseat if you are bringing it.
If you have your kids, give them their own money holder and money. This is a great way for them to learn how to bargain themselves. I give my niece her own "allowance" when she comes over, cleaning and helping out over here, and every time a chore is done she gets a quarter. We have been known to sew ourselves a purse on the day before to hold our money and some of our bootie, no need for plastic bags, save them for the next guy.
Let your kids get what they want if its their money - Yes, I know somethings are off limits, Chinese stars, the peeing kid into the shot glass, but if they want the Lego guy that they already have and it's 10 cents, give in... maybe they want a three headed guy. Also, for GOSH SAKE let them buy something for grandma, this is a way that they get to pick out their own presents and it's great for birthdays and Christmas and maybe even get something that they really do like. If not, you know where it's going and they get the pride of knowing they did it themselves.
3. Parking - if you need or only have the extended cab SUV with the extra wide everything, park where you can get in and get out, expect to walk, don't break standard rules, cut people off and expect that you are the only one shopping. Also, if there are two sales, park in the middle and walk. Wear your pedometer and make it your exercise for the day. I love neighborhood sales and our stroller, works out GREAT.

Have fun! Bring a camera... tell people that you want to show your husband/wife/mother the item and maybe come back for it... Even if it is a chair shaped like a high heel with pink leopard print.. makes for a great Candid Carrie Phriday Photo Phiesta

Now for some fun!! Look what we found!

We Are Back!! We have Our Own Contest!

2008-09-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Camp! What a great way to start the week!
WE ARE GREEN!

We met new friends and got some cleaners that we have fallen in love with. Great great great stuff. My sink was shiny for the whole 5 minutes that it was empty!

Stop by Better life at http://www.cleanhappens.com/ or click the above photo and check it out. Ok, so not only are they super great nice people, they are environmentally healthy and helpful, they are LOCAL and the produts are made in the USA *(and actually some from St. Louis! YA!!)

The Whatever cleaner got the scuff marks off our kitchen floor!
The I can See Clearly WOW cleaned all of our new DVD's!
I love the Even The Kitchen Sink SO MUCH that I poured it in the soap dispenser in the kitchen so I can use the bottle in the bathrooms and don't have to transfer it!
The 2 am Miracle is not going to tell anyone about the cookie dough you ate out of the fridge with a spoon, it won't have any bad commercials and it will get that nasty poop smell out of the trash cans and puke from the carpet when you have one of "THOSE" nights with your kid!

We love it! We Love it so much that we are going to have a contest! We need to boost our viewers and you becoming our friend and being a friend to others can help you win!

Here's how it all works.

1. Of course add a comment (+ one point). Tell us how great we are and what you want to see next (another point) Do this everyday and get a bonus point per day!

2. Linky Link your blog to ours (5 points if in the side bar) and add a post telling people to come here to say hello (another 3) .

3. Most Important!! In your post.. Tell US why YOUR FRIEND should win.. Tell us how great that person is and what they do to help "your environment"( your life, your sanity, your kids, listenting, and or whatever) and you can win for you AND FOR THEM (nope, they don't have to be a blogger, we will even mail to them!)! This is the best way to give back. This is an additional 10 points if you can do this and all of the above.

Once we add up all the points, they will be made into tickets that will go in a bucket to draw, you and your friends could win this great stuff.. thanks to Better Life! Our winners will get to pick what cleaner they want and what cleaner they want for their friend! WOW! We talked to our grannie too and she's going to throw in hand made knit washcloths! These work Awesome with the Even the kitchen Sink! I can't believe how clean mine looks!

Thanks to Carrie for spotting us at Camp this week, she's our friend and is great!

Come back ALL WEEK and then on Friday for a special tribute to Carrie for

Friday Foto Finish Fiestan Fun

Contest Alert! ~~

2008-09-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

We stopped in to see Carrie at Camp and her friend Kimberly is having a contest, her first to be exact and we want to win one of the FOUR prizes. This book is so cute and we want it, with twin neighbors that started kindergarten in two separate classes, this sounds like a winner for their birthday coming up! Not sure if they can share it but if they win and read it I am sure it may help!
I like that Kimberly did a book review and so did her daughter for her own book review post on the book as well and it has a good storyline, that's not helping the daddy here that is anti-polly pocket!

I feel so reading rainbow now... Now if I could just remember what that guy used to say and get the song out of my head!

Green Week Activities.. What looks like fun?

2008-09-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

We went searching around some of our favorite sites to find some fun activities that you can do and STAY GREEN!
This one looks like tons of fun - Stamping / Carving and stamping I think I want to try it with fabric paint on a bag for a Christmas Present!! Kleas did it and it looks like they had a great time!
What a fun Back to School snack from Delight in the Day... I think this one looks like a great lunch!
Now fur super fun that I can't wait to try...
Muffin Tin lunches!!!
Muffin tins at Dreaming Big
Tangled and True also tried it
2 Nuts in a shell did too and talked about sharing...
I never knew how popular this was, even Flickr has a pool of photos

What have you tried? Anything sound good?

GO GREEN!

2008-09-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

This week starts our recycle week at work. What do you do to stay green? We love comments!

Halloween Prep! It's in the bag!

2008-09-05T05:55:00.001-07:00

Everyone has them, those old tee shirts that you got from someone else went on a great vacation and brought you back the old "all you got" (har de har har) "lousy tee shirt".
Martha did this, and we agree.. Make a bag, toss it in your trunk, backpack, paint it color it, stamp it but use it, reuse it and for the love of Jack Johnson recycle it... it helps us all!
Here's our only tip... Support your weight, yup.. reinforce the bottom. I do this in all my bags just about.. but it makes it even easier, now you don't even have to cut off the bottom of the shirt. Sew it closed then tack up the edges and sew them down, now you have a little extra leak and tear guard... yes, Martha good thing.. bla bla...

My favoite thing to make EVER!! Zap Bags!

2008-09-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I love making and using these bags... I keep one with our pack n play with grocery bags in it for dirty diapers, a few in the car and gave some tiny ones as gifts for doggy poop bags. They are so easy to make, all you need is:
a few pins
ribbon or material for the strap
scrap material (a rectangle, whatever size you are trying to make, large or small. the example is 14 x 8)
thin elastic
a safety pin
and of course thread and cutters

First, take your elastic and stretch it around your hand, do this.. do not skimp or you will be upset later when you can't fit your hand in to get the bags out. Cut the elastic (2 pieces) the size of one time around your hand and about a half inch extra (for sewing) lay the elastic down on the fabric and sew it down. This will set your seam for the bag. Give 1/4 inch so you can fold your material over to make the seam and a pocket for the elastic to sit (do this on both sides)

now, lay the elastic across and pin down the material, giving room for the elastic to fit inside (it will go here once sewn down.

Now, take the elastic out of where you pinned, (because there are people like me, that will sew it down on the material then try to call me at 2 am upset!)
Once you have your elastic out, sew a straight line down with room for the elastic to go back under keep your elastic behind the needle so you know where it is. (do this on both sides too)
Now, take the safety pin and pin the elastic. don't get too stingy or you will just fray it, grab a good chunk.
now feed your safety pin into the pocket you just made, and pull it out the other side.

get a good grip on it, and pull a little extra so you have some give in the fabric and it's not bunched at the end
take your pin off.

hold down the material and sew over to secure it.
take your pre-made (yes I forgot this part, I will add it in later this weekend) strap (or ribbon) and sew it down on the TOP side of the bag holder, right under the elastic strip

pin down the last flat side and sew over with a straight and then zig zag stitch
turn inside out and Wha-la!
with a ribbon, and "big kid bag"

sew the two sides of ribbon together so they are straight - follow the elastic instructions above on just the TOP edge of the fabric this will only need 1 cut of elastic.

sew down the ribbon just the same as you would a material strap. Pin down the remaining two sides and sew over. Remembering to pivot at the corner ( I double mine for strength)

extra zig-zag for strength and turn inside out..

Use a handy dandy fancy corner fixer tool... a.k.a. cheep power ranger kids green chopstick or pointy device (pen with ink removed works too) :D

TA DA!!!

Now for a few extras that I love in my sewing stuff...
1. my Creative Memories cup holder trash can combo.. Love this thing, keeps my drink from getting sweat on anything else, theres a tiny trash can for scraps and my big trash can holds the rest.
flat pins, safety pins, cheep ruler, wax paper, cutter thingies, pointie thingies, ya,, I love them all..

to better explain, the rulers and cutters pretty much explain themselves, but the pins, I like the flat ones because you can sew over them easier (but you should never sew over pins, even if I do) the ruler, is great because you alwasy need something to cut against and they are straight and hold up well, and they are like 30 cents at the hardware store. the cork is GREAT, get cork with adhesive and stick it down when you need a straight line to sew against for a smooth seam. It works well short or long, I got a sheet of it from the hobbie shop by us and cut it into thin strips. Wax paper is good for taping anything, it releases well and holds tight when needed. It's also good for odd things like fray check and I have actually used it when embroidering for a light rip backing.

Crayon Update... good info and testing

2008-09-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

there are a ton of blogs out there about cooking down old crayons to make new ones. We tried it and here is what we came up with.

Don't do it when your tired and your kids are in bed... When you forget and leave them in the freezer over night they crack and then you have to cook them over again.
If you put a wick in the center, they make very cool floating candles...
If you can get some old pots from a garage sale, you can cook them up and pour them in candy tins and make different shapes (expect pictures of this in a future blog, closer to the holidays)

A few more good ideas came from:
eSSORTMENT shows how to make your own crayons from scratch!
A Year of Crockpotting shows you can make them anywhere!
Craft Daisies makes them as mini muffins and great gifts.. cute!
Celtic Mommy shows an easy clean up method... good idea!
Education.com goes old school and makes stained glass (and also says that ice trays are good shapes too, good idea)

Hot Banana! Hot Banana! (Cookbook Review)

2008-09-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

While at the store looking for a book to make baby food, I came across this one. Cute, looks like fun and so I look inside with the (all of 15 seconds and a cranky 5 month old in her car seat) and find a recipe to mash banana's. Oh yes, it was just that good and just that easy. I need to go back for this book but we did the banana mash for our 1st food experience.. I ate a whole one on my own just because it smelled so good I had to try it, then ... it was gone just like that!
Oven set to 350
set bananas on a cookie sheet (I would suggest some foil but we were out)
Yup, just lay them there... I know.. it's so odd..
cook them for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Take them out.. try to hold off, I know your dying to see what's inside.. but let them cool so you don't burn your fingers off..
ok if you can't wait (like me) use a fork and some tongs to open the banana's now
if your mashing them for baby food, stick um in the chopper or keep that fork to use to mash. If you are using them on, hmm I don't know ICE CREAM!! or maybe putting them in muffins or bread of some kind then just take um out and get ready to cook.. these were AMAZING and so easy to make and clean up...

Try to keep up... theres a lot going on for our first official post!

2008-09-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hi!
We have our first first first successful post and project!! I am so excited!! I have been dying to make these pajama pants from One More Moore. And, I love these Tee Shirt kids pants from Rookie Moms and one of my most recent addictions is the FOE( Fold over Elastic) and tutorial from Angry Chicken. (purchased from Sewzanne's!) and mixed um all together and made these super duper cute pants for Miss T in honestly under 3 minutes from an old pillow case that I could not find the matching sheets for!

So, here's the deal.. this is how you make these cute pants and they are SO easy!

Step 1.
take an old pillowcase and a pair of your child's pants (or I guess ladies shorts too) and fold them in half INSIDE OUT and trace around them. The crotch seam goes inside. Check the rookie mom's tutorial for additional instructions if needed :D
I choose one size up in our pants so we can grow into them and wear them a bit longer. I checked with my neighbor and a standard pillow case can do girls pants up to a size 6.
Cut out the the lines of where your pant outline is. I folded mine over and cut them all at once but remember, you need 2 legs. So that means cut on each side.

Fold together and sew the crotch, then the legs. Once this is done you just need the FOE and your all set! Pants! Fun and comfy!!
Follow One More Moore's pattern to make yourself a matching pair from the top sheet!

TADA!!!!

Welcome!

2008-08-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog.. this is for all our silly stuff... We know the family would really rather read about our daily lives but there are some times we want to do contests, have fun with other bloggers and try out things we see on line... So of course We're so silly.. Are you???