Classroom Decor Pencil Banner Giveaway

TWENTY-TWO days until school starts for my nest. How many until yours? If you are a teacher like my friend Sarah, you have already began decorating your classroom and have began all the preparations necessary to greet your new sponges/students. Such an exciting time of year. We have had so much fun this summer planning her room theme, crafting, and SHOPPING. Her little Kindergarteners are so blessed to have her for a teacher. Our district is definitely blessed with some wonderful teachers, many of these teachers that I personally call my friends.

Sarah found a fantabulous Etsy site called Gifts By Gaby. She purchased a few hand painted burlap banners for her centers.

This one:

and had this one custom made:

Are you just loving them like I am? What if I told you I personally have this one to give to one of my readers? It is fabulous. 

*

Really. Tell me in a Disqus comment how much you love this banner and be entered to win it. Then go to the easy Rafflecopter entry form and tell me you did and then unlock optional bonus entries. You definitely will want to do the bonus Etsy entry and explore a bit. There's a great discount code on her page that you will not want to miss out on when you place your order by August 10th. 

About Xuan, owner of Gifts by Gaby

Xuan is a high school English teacher by day and a party crafter by night. Being a mom to 4 amazing children - all under the age of 9 - is what drove her to supplement her income. She is hoping to transition into becoming a full time Etsy crafter in the future and have extra time for her kids as well as doing something she loves. Many of the images you see on her site will include themes from her children's birthday parties. She is also kind of crazy about the holidays. All seasonal items are things she has up in her own home. She does not create anything she wouldn't buy herself and tries to keep items affordable and include personalization whenever possible - huge fan of all things personalized!!! She like to participate in local craft fairs and is a big Pinterester, hosting a local Pinterest night once a month with some really talented ladies. You can follow her on Etsy, Pinterest and on Facebook.

Obviously, Xuan is a crafter/Pinterester after my own heart. Be sure to stop by and give her some love. Let her know I sent you!

U.S. entries only!

*I was not compensated for this post by product or by monetary means.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purple Glaze Studio Fun

Until this Summer, I had never experienced Purple Glaze Studio. We have now been twice. Once to a birthday party where my daughter insisted on making a baby Razorback. 

And then again today. She chose another pig- a piggy bank this time that she painted with a paint that once fired will crackle these tiny beads and burst into a vibrant color. I also painted today. A basketball bank. It's been years since I have painted. I made it for the boy who didn't find any joy or huge thrill in joining in on any paint fun. Boo! Pre-Teens. 

They look dull now, but once Friday rolls around they will be bright and shiny after they are all fired. We can't wait. In case you didn't know, Monday's is free studio fee day. You only pay for what you paint plus tax. Fun. Fun. So grab a friend and her kiddos and go have some painting fun like we did!

Here is the link for more information.

http://www.purpleglazestudio.com/

Moma & Me Journal- Pinterest Inspired

I cannot believe I am going to have a first and seventh grader in a few short weeks. I told/showed you earlier in the week how I had made writing sentences into a behavior modification for a certain diva. I still like that idea, but I also do not want her to begin to resent writing. I found this pin a few months back that gave me the idea for one of my latest Pinterest inspired project. You must take a look at that idea also. Adorable. She even has a download. 

http://pinterest.com/pin/250512797995244337/

Of course, I always have to make any project I do my own. How fun is it going to be to write letters back and forth to my daughter? Our plan is to hide it under each others pillows. I think this will be a journal to cherish and hopefully one of many we make.

Supplies: 

A daughter

Wordle.net to make your cute word design

Scissors

Mod podge

Foam paint brush

Composition notebook- I love Carolina Colors ( not paid to type that)

Glitter, buttons, glue optional

Now. What can I do with my 12 year old? He wouldn't even give me a chance to make him one. Somehow I have got to get inside one of those video games. 

Free Books and Bibles. Oh My!!!

Who likes free books and Bibles? I am really excited to let my readers know about this latest program I am using. 

The Tyndale Rewards program is designed to provide you with opportunities to get books and Bibles for zero dollars. That’s right—F. R. E. E. As a member of the Tyndale Rewards program, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more.

Other member incentives include a free gift on your birthday, along with opportunities to share your personal recommendations and feedback concerning Tyndale products. The more participation you have with the program, the more points you earn—and points translate into free stuff!

The Tyndale Rewards program is a great way to get free books and Bibles that you can keep for yourself or give to friends and family. Your journey to earning free faith-based products is here. I can't wait to get a few Bibles to donate and my kids some fun books. 

Earning Points...
To refer your friends and earn points first you sign up for free. Then click the “Earn Points” tab get your code from the “Invite a Friend to Join” section.

There is no cap on the amount of points you can generate through referring friends to sign up.

Redeeming Points...
Log in to your account on TyndaleRewards.com to see how many points you have collected in your account. Next, browse the product available for redemption. If you find a product you like and you have accumulated enough points, click the “Redeem” button.

Your Points will never expire! How cool is this program? Sign up now through this link, then you can start inviting, earning and redeeming. 

How is this Summer Going?

Just one picture sums it up for me this week. 

I now have a collection of four of these sentence sheets that are ready to be put in the copier at any given moment. 

I will not interrupt.

I will not scream.

I will not be bossy.

I will not be disrespectful.

I'm betting my six year old diva will know how to spell and write pretty well in the four weeks before first grade starts.

So, how is your Summer going?

Today's Post: A Kissing Tree Camp

We've been telling camp stories all month at Oklahoma Women Bloggers. I am not a camper. Now. Maybe never. I must have a hair dryer and running water. I went to my share of camps growing up. Falls Creek was awesome, hot but awesome. My most memorable camp was Forestry Camp. 

Yes. A tree camp. Here in Oklahoma. 

I learned a lot that summer...

For the rest of the juicy story you will have to visit me today at Oklahoma Women Bloggers. 

http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/sitting-in-a-tree/

and for more info on my camp...

http://www.forestry.ok.gov/forestrycamp

(sorry for no embedded links, I'm posting from my iPad today)

Burlap Crayola Clock

I mentioned in an earlier post this week how this summer has also been filled with lots of crafting with my friend. She is a school teacher who is moving from teaching Pre-K to Kindergarten this year. While our kids play, we have been having fun planning and crafting for her new classroom. She is doing it in rainbow, with crayon accents. The room is going to be so CUTE when she finally gets in to put it together.

Today we made this....

A Crayola Clock with Burlap accents. Isn't it adorable? Mrs. S, my friend, found the idea on Pinterest. But wouldn't you know it, not a single image linked back to a blog for instructions. I guess they thought it was too easy. It was. But it would have been nice to know a few things like:

1. Where did they get the clock? 

2. Where did they cut on the crayon? 

3. What did they cut it with? 

4. How did they glue it? 

5. How many crayons were used? 

Here are the answers:

1. Walmart- $3.97

2. After the "a" on Crayola, but it really depends on how long you want/need it. You don't have to cut at all.

3. We tried a box knife. Didn't work. We used her Santoku knife. Hope we didn't ruin it. 

4. We used hot glue.

5. I think I counted 65 crayons. Get them now. Their on sale. And honestly the Crayola did cut better than the cheap ones. We tried some cheap ones out first as a trial. 

Fun, fun craft! Even more fun when you are crafting it up with a friend.

Summer. Moving On By.

Hello. Wow! What. A. Summer. Where has July gone? The boy got back from DC, we both were sick and we haven't stopped since those diagnosis last Tuesday. I think it's time for a quick catch me up post. 

We've crafted. Yep, made a banner for my friend's kindergarten classroom. How cute did this paint chip banner turn out?

What about these glitter clothes pins and pencil cups? Got to love the mod podge and using vegetable cans. Got to love being Pinterest inspired.

We've also done LOTS of swimming. Even made a little trip to Muskogee to River Country Family Water Park. Way smaller version of Big Splash, way easier on this Moma's nerves. Especially when the kids just wanted to float the lazy river all day. 

And then we roll into this week. Is it really already Thursday? 

We had a dentist appointment on Tuesday...

Followed by a pedicure.

 

And of course didn't miss our Wednesday movie. This week's was Happy Feet. I have loved these fifty cent movies.  I also started my 34 lb weight loss mission again this week. So far so good. I have logged three days onto My Fitness Pal and have logged 9 miles worth of walking so far this week. It really messed up my pedicure. 

Activities for the week are not over yet.

Keeping these kids entertained this summer has been a full time job and paycheck, even though most of the activities we do are at a reduced rate or free.  I'm betting we see the swimming pool and a pair of bowling shoes before the week is over. 

How is your summer going?

Protect Your Property & Six Major Appliances with EquityLock Protector Giveaway

Did you know running your dishwasher using white vinegar will keep not only keep it clean, but it will also eliminate soap and mineral deposits and will also disinfect the interior to prevent moisture causing mold to form? What other household tips do you use to keep your home happy?
One of my readers is going to win the following, from EquityLock Protector by visiting the EquityLock Protector App below:

• 6 months of EquityLock Protector (usually $79.95 a month, that’s over $470 in total value) FREE
• $15 EquityLock Home Improvement Cash (cash card to use at all good home improvement stores) FREE

Do you know how best to take care of your appliances? How to keep your fridge fresh, your dishwasher dazzling, and your microwave magnificent? Take the quiz below to find out!

It’s the perfect time to relax, chill with friends, and enjoy the sunshine. There’s no better way to unwind than with the peace of mind that no matter come rain or shine... your home and appliances are covered, just in case!

Typically, homeowner insurance policies don't offer help when your appliances break down. With the EquityLock Protector plan, you'll safeguard up to $50,000 of the value of your property and ensure your six most essential appliances are protected, including:

•  refrigerator 
•  microwave 
•  dishwasher 
•  range/oven/cooktop 
• washer
• dryer

Each of your appliances will be protected (up to $1,500 per 12-month period) including repair or, if necessary, replacement.

Now what are you waiting for, visit the quiz below and get your peace of mind LOCKED! The mandatory entry for this giveaway is for you to tell me in a Disqus comment your favorite appliance tip from within the Lock Your Appliances QUIZ. After doing this go to the Rafflecopter form and tell me you did and it will unlock additional bonus entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$5 Happy First Tees w/ FREE SHIPPING Code through July 31!

*This post contains affiliate links
Guess who's having a HOT! HOT! HOT! Summer Sale?
Happy First!! 
Prices are marked down as low at $5 on some tees! Like this one...

Happy First Logo Cotton Tee- $5

WOW, that's HOT! And you want to know what's even hotter?
FREE SHIPPING on ALL merchandise until  July 31, 2013 by using the code FIREWORKS.
Now what are you waiting for? It's like Christmas presents in July. Get your orders in now while supplies and free shipping last!!

Extreme Shopper Wanna Be. Maybe? NOT!!!

I like to save money. Who doesn't? I read the blogs, follow the tips. I do pretty well. I admit to everyone, that I am not a couponer. If I have 4 coupons that work on a shopping trip I have done well. I am a comp shopper. I am the one who is going up and down the aisles holding four different store ads and dropping them at least once during my visit. I can't/don't really calculate what I save but I do know its been a minimum of $8 on four watermelon this summer. 

I really love it when I accidentally run across a bargain like I did today. 

Yes. It makes my heart race, maybe I could somehow become one of those Extreme Couponers and save even more. I bet there was a $2 coupon in some paper I didn't get and this could have been a money maker. Then I could have taken home two. One for me and one to donate. A girl could dream or be slapped. No really, this is a great deal and I deeply admire the people who have made it their full time business to save themselves and others money. Keep showing me the way. Shoot, take me shopping with you!! Maybe, just maybe one day I will get it. 

Did I mention school supply shopping is coming up? That is probably my favorite time besides Christmas to find the deals and steals. Boxes of Crayola Crayons for .25!! Spiral Notebooks for .10!!! I can't wait. 

Tween Room Clean

My almost 13 year old, but not quite because I refuse to admit it, son has been gone for over two weeks. TWO WEEKS and two days before he is back under my roof tomorrow.  I have whined, moaned, and probably whittled my Facebook friend list down a few do to this absenteeism.  From what I understand, I am not alone. He is being called a Moma's boy. He wants to come home badly. He got sick in DC, so sick he didn't even go see the 4th of July fireworks at our nation's Capitol. Poor baby.

What does a Moma do when her tween son is finally out of his room long enough for her to tackle cords, video equipment, games, clothes and forgotten school papers? 

She cleans it.

I really forgot to take a good before pic. This one was where little sis snuck in his room and started playing with his old toys. I am not the only one missing him.

Ta Da!! Room clean. Curtain hung. Bedding changed. My husband thinks this bedding is too boyish. We'll see.

Woo Hoo!!! Clean carpets and I can see baseboards. I even hung pictures. Did I mention I love seeing baseboards? He knows his room is not the way I left it. I may be in a little bit of trouble for sorting out and untangling ALL the gaming controllers. They are organized in an over the door shoe organizer. I used these when he was young for stuffed animals, so why not utilize now for electronics.

Can't wait to see him tomorrow. Can't wait to see his reaction over his room. CAN wait to see how long it takes to get messy again.

A True American Girl Experience

Kaybrie loves all things American Girl. Especially now.

We had planned a family trip to Dallas back in April with the intentions of taking her THE STORE, but that fell through. Opportunity presented itself again the weekend of June 22. We were at my family reunion in Durant and decided to just take her on down for the night and visit the store the next day. I cannot believe how short the drive has become from Durant to Dallas. Seriously.  She has been an extremely blessed little girl. WE have never had to completely purchase an American Girl doll... Two sets of grandparents = One fantabulous birthday gift. Two years in a row!

This is a BIG store!

Window shopping in anticipation for the store to open.

Our Shining Star.

Posing with Saige.

Both dolls got a makeover. This is Sierra.

Lunch with the McKenna, Sierra, Mommy & Daddy.

My little American Girls.

A Mommy & Me Moment.

The girls getting a much needed drink.

Oops, we forgot to toast!

Pizza. Yum!

Daddy duty. Holding the dolls.

Making Julie's bracelet. Fun craft to finish out our visit at the store. 

Oh but wait, it looks like there might be a new addition. YES, Saige the 2013 American Girl of the year now belongs to Miss Kaybrie. We have now made that complete purchase. Saige Copeland- she may just be a relative of ours. My Great Grandmother's family name is Copeland. We have lots of cousins and even attended the Copeland family reunion last year. 

We stopped in Allen, TX on our way home to take a few pics of the beautiful sunflowers. 

We might have said RUN to the car fast to avoid a big Texas ticket. 

That's what happens when over 20 cars are parked in a fire lane. Thankfully they started ticketing at the end of the line. What kind of parents are we, teaching our six year old to run from the cops? I just told her that it better be the first and last time something like that happens with her, and at least she was with her parents. 

Definitely a true American Girl experience for the memory book.