Easter Eggs 3 Ways

We all loved dying Easter eggs when we were little, we love it now with our littles. After you've done them the same way year after year, after year, you want to do something different. I tried to find ones that I already had the ingredients for.

To make the dyes, you will need food coloring, vinegar and boiling water. How ever many different color dyes you want is how many cups you will need. Put about a cup of boiling water in to each cup. Pour 2 teaspoons of vinegar in each cup. Put drops of food coloring into each cup. Here are some color combinations that you may like.

Melted Crayon Easter Eggs

Follow my blog with Bloglovin After you dye each egg, with a lighter, melt a crayon and let it drip on the egg. You can use as many colors as you want. We liked this one best. Of course don't let the littles mess with fire, but they can hold the crayon.


Sharpie Alcohol Easter Eggs

This looked really easy and fun to make. It was, but it did not turn out like the pictures. Don't ya just hate that?! The messier the drawing on the eggs the better. Leave no white of egg left. Take a medicine dropper and drop alcohol onto the eggs. It should smear the colors, leaving a tie-dye look. We weren't as successful as the eggs I saw, but it's the effort that counts, right?!


Metallic Painted Easter Eggs

These are my favorite Easter Eggs artistic wise. I love simple, pretty things. These eggs are it. Metallic paint pens are what you will need. Dye the eggs accordingly, and let them dry. Draw onto the eggs whatever design you'd like. Let the pain dry and and go over the designs again to deepen the metallic color.

I hope y'all enjoy dying these eggs. It sure was fun for us.

Happy Easter! Remember the reason for the season. Luke 24:6-7
Dannielle

Hello March

Courtesy of julochka

Hello March! 

Wow, it's been a while since I've been here. I have been busy like no other. I have overwhelmed like no other. I am learning to take one task at a time, rather than doing a bunch of things at once. Ugh! I am a work in progress, what can I say? But aren't we all? Right when I think, oh I've got this figured out Murphy's Law comes around to show me I don't (insert angry red devil emoticon).

On another note, spring is right around the corner. I am super stoked! This year I am doing a full garden. It has taken a quite of bit of preparation. I am starting most plants from seeds. It's cheaper and fun as well for the kids to see the progress and mother nature as she works! I will put another blog post about it soon with pictures! 

I know that January 1st is usually the day to begin reflecting and making plan of the new year. I have been out of sorts since November! Or at least it feels that way. The holidays whooped my butt this past year. Aiden's birthday is at the end of January so, January was still busy as crap. A few things I have learned:

• Lists are a must. I am a list-maker. I have a love-hate relationship with lists. To be productive, I must make lists. 
• Better to do one thing AMAZING than a lot of things half way. This may be common sense to some, but I have a fear of not getting things done, so I try to get them all done at once! Not a good idea. Plus, it's not good for my anal-retentive cleaning. 
• It's ok to be a little sleep deprived. If I got all of the sleep I needed each day, I would get nothing done. It is a constant battle. To sleep or not to sleep, that is the question. 

I am however out of physical therapy now! That is a very good thing. I am still working on my knee exercises on a daily basis, because my knee isn't fully recovered just yet. I look at it like motivation. I have got to do these exercises to keep my knee strong. Flab be gone! 

Homeschooling Aiden has become easier. We still have our days when I want to pull out my hair but, mostly the days are sunny (figuratively) and productive. 

Ava's terrible twos is in full force! HELP!!!!! 

Say a little prayer for me ;)

Dannielle

Gift List #3

Here's list #3! These are gifts that are different, or not so different, but neat altogether. If you haven't done so already check out list #1 and #2.

This is the Specialty Gift Box from Lucero. This has just about a little of everything they offer. Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dipping oil, and a lemon artichoke tapenade. I bought my Dad the award winning olive oil and the dipping oil for his birthday this past year. He loved it! I make homemade french bread to go with it, and it is DIVINE! This company has tasting rooms in Portland, OR and California. So, if you're close by give 'em a try! They have many other options, but this is my favorite assortment. $65

These my friends, are Baby Proof books. We all know babies and books are not a  great combination. At least if you want to keep your books till the next generation. Plus, these nursery rhymes are classics, and now a days the classics are flying out the window. Perfect price for these six gems! $25

These are absolutely adorable. Ava loves these Finger Puppet Board Book Series! There are plenty of different kinds of animal books as well. They range from $4 to $7. 

I like classic pieces for the most part. But I also think every woman needs statement jewelry. Francesca's has so many delightful pieces that could dress up any outfit. These Barbados Circle Chandelier earrings are dressy but simple and totally cute! And for $22 you can't beat it with a stick!

Have a great Thanksgiving week!

Dannielle

Thankful Pumpkin

For the month of November, we are doing Thanksgiving, thankful, and turkey crafts. This week we did a Thankful Pumpkin. I'm gonna break it down for ya... ;)

What you will need:

2 or 3 orange sheets of construction paper

1 sheet of green construction paper

black washable marker

tape

scissors

Ok, besides this table being scratched to heck and back, see the tape hanging off of it? Be prepared to have plenty of tape on hand in this matter. 

Cut the orange paper into strips (lengthwise). About 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Start writing "I am thankful for..." and then put what you are thankful for. This was an opportune time to talk about what we are grateful for. I mentioned to Aiden that no matter what we can always be thankful for something. Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," Hebrews 13:5

Aiden with his thinking cap on...

I wouldn't give Ava scissors, and she is getting at the age where she had got to do whatever Aiden is doing. Here she is practicing with a crayon. That lasted to about 3 mins. He he. 

Okay, here goes... you want the thankful statement to be on the outside. So, you take two strips and put them in a "V." The wideness of the "V" will determine how many strips you will use. As you can see in the next photo, Aiden's "V" was wider. 

Here's the final project! It turned out better than I thought. Mine was starting to fall over to the side so I put an apple in the middle to keep it straight. Aiden's however, is sitting just right. For the vine and leaf, I just freehanded two spirals and two leaves. Cut them out and tape the vine onto each pumpkin. After you have cut out the leaves, roll each one up for just a minute. It makes it look more realistic. 

This was such a great crafting experience for me. Aiden enjoyed it too, but it was nice for me to communicate with him about being thankful. 

A+ for great family fun!

I hope y'all enjoy!

Dannielle

Gift List #2

If you haven't seen the first list, check this out. 

See, I always have a hard time finding cute, fun, enjoyable gifts that my family and friends will like. Yes, it's always easier when they know exactly what they want, but that doesn't seem to happen to me unless they are 15 and under. 

Each week until Christmas I will post a list of gifts and where to get them. 

These are soft slippers from H&M. These are perfect for young boys. Aiden would love these! Winter is always the best time to have slippers, and these are super fun and comfy looking too. $12.95

Ok, first of all, let me just say I love Anthropologie. Their style is just my style. We have the same style, you know what I mean? 

Here is the Polka Pleats Apron. I think it is beautiful. If you cook or know someone who does, y'all need this. They also have it in black and red. $32

This is a total dude gift. How do I know this, you may ask? My husband found it and said he wanted one. It's a Power All. Its name is completely fitting. It powers all. Well, let's just say it powers all small things and some big things, like a vehicle. Great to have for a man, or a young driver, or heck just any driver. I rescind my previous statement. Everyone needs this. Ha. $100

If your child is anything like mine, they would love this. This has some serious learning opportunities and fun for the family. This is definitely on my Christmas list for Aiden this year. I know he will just love it. $12.95

Until next time,

Dannielle

What Do You See?

As a kid, did you ever look up at the clouds and see shapes such as dinosaurs, or dragons walking across the sky? I did. I still do, but not with just clouds. For some reason whether its the ceiling, tile floor, or plywood if I stare at it long enough I can see a picture unfolding. I call it imagination or crazy. I can't figure out which.

This is my ceiling. For some reason it screams the wild west. Ha. I guess it could be anything. I see a small buffalo on the edge of a cliff as if he's about to make a big jump to the cliff in front of him. I see horse-like figures rearing up all over as if it is a big wild western war. 

What do you see? Besides me being certifiable. Ha. 

Maybe I should have drank more coffee ~ Dannielle

An Apple A Day

Courtesy of www.flazingo.com 

Apples are absolutely amazing! Wow, now that was an alliteration. We've all hear the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." While it is fun to say, it is however, not really true. Gosh, how I wish it was. 

I was on my way to physical therapy yesterday, and like most mornings I drank coffee, and like most mornings, I forgot to eat. Now, I don't mean I forgot to eat like all day till lunch. God no! I love food. But coffee suppresses my appetite, so for about an hour or so after I drink it I am not hungry. I guess I should eat before I drink coffee, but who does that?! Ha. 

As I am getting the kids ready I remember that I need to take ibuprofen before my appointment, so it can do its job during and afterwards. Then, I remember I didn't eat... Ugh. I don't have time for food at this moment! I quickly grab an apple and some dry roasted peanuts. After I drop the kids off and drive on my way to therapy, I start on the apple. I start thinking about all the good things about apples. I then proceed to take a selfie of me eating an apple. Please forgive me....

I promise I am not angry, and I promise I am laughing at myself right now. I hate taking pictures of myself. Period. 

An apple is the perfect on-the-go snack. It is relatively small and super sweet. Unless it is a granny smith apple, which we all know is tart, but is the best for baking!!  

Apples act like a toothbrush. If you're going to eat one, eat it after a meal. 

As you get older, you realize that fiber is your friend. An apple has about 4 to 5 grams of fiber in it. Make sure you eat it with the skin! 

Physicians say a high fiber diet reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. An apple is just a piece in that puzzle. 

My kids love apples! Aiden especially loves them with peanut butter. I also love them with cheese. Cheese makes everything better! 

There a tons of other benefits to eating apples. Too many to mention. Click here for some more benefits. These are my favorites. Plus, I'm not trying to write an informational essay of the benefits of apples. I'm done with papers. Unless, I go back to college. Which I might. One day. 

Grab an apple and feel good for yourself!

I'm an apple eatin' fool! 
D

Hello November

Courtesy of James Wheeler

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.  With each new month comes new tasks.  I always have the best of intentions to get ahead and start things before they HAVE to be done. But to be honest, it doesn't happen as I have planned. So, with that being said, here is a way for us to keep each other accountable! We can do it!

First of all, there are 54 days until Christmas! I love Christmas. I LOVE Christmas. Have I told you I loooooove Christmas? This is the time if you haven't already to get your shopping list together. I mean who, how much, and what kinda stuff. Budgeting isn't fun, but it is a great way to purpose your money. You will know how much you are going to spend and you wont have to freak out December 26th.

Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, you might be doing a lot of cooking. This is a good reminder to check your fire alarm batteries. Test your fire alarm and CO2 monitor! If you're not cooking, be thankful, and test your fire alarm and CO2 monitor!

Our lease renews every December, so I have gotten in the habit of wiping walls and baseboards twice a year. Once, now before the rental management company comes and takes a look at the house to make sure my munchkins haven't destroyed it. The second is six months from now. Magic Eraser gets the job done and done quickly!

Holiday Cards! I do not get my photos professionally done. I love photography, so this is a way I can use my creative streak. Nothing against professionals! Start thinking how, where, what time of day, outfits for the family, and when. You can use Shutterfly or tinyprints. This of course takes more time and effort, but the result is something that is original and ALL yours. You can't beat that with a stick. You just can't.

Happy November y'all!
Dannielle

I Can Walk Again!

Well, sort of ...

I finally went to my post-op appointment. I have been waiting for this day it seems longer than a week and a half. 

He says, I can start putting weight on my leg, but I still have to use my crutches. So that means I still can't hold my babies and walk at the same time. Or hold anything rather. Pooh. 

Starting Monday I can start full weight bearing if I feel comfortable. I think I can! I think I can! 

I met another therapy patient at the physical therapy facility I go to the other day. She had surgery twice on her knee cap because it was moving. Or something like that. She had to be on crutches no weight bearing at all for six weeks! Six weeks! I was only like that for a week and a half. I was about to lose my marbles! I could not even imagine it. Like. Seriously. Six. Weeks. 

I can even get my leg wet! Well, I could get it wet before, just not the stitches. But, I didn't want to take any chance on getting the stitches wet, so I didn't wet my leg at all.... Let that sink in. You do not even want to know how hairy my legs were. I felt the need to profusely apologize for each raunchy hair at my appointment. Thank God razors have been invented. 

So, for the mean time, my little sweetness has to get her hugs and loves in bed, or in a chair, or in a Huffalump's hair (take that Dr. Seuss!)

Bye y'all!

D

The Art of Gift Giving

Giving a gift to someone special is well, special. The gift shows how you may feel about them, and how well you know them. I love to give gifts that are different. I am not always able to give those creative gifts every year, because frankly, I can't find anything or it's too dang expensive. Everyone loves gift cards and money. I still give those kind of gifts too. These gifts aren't expensive, but they are different, and really neat. Yes, I just said neat. Ha.

I found this cute Sideways Initial Necklace on Etsy. There are three different finishes to choose from, and it's only $34! 

                                         

Every woman/girl wants that go-to eye shadow pallet that never fails. Wait no more! This is it. This is Too Faced's Natural Eye Neutral Eye Collection from Sephora. Get this for $38!

I don't drink whiskey, but my husband does. I just think that this is the coolest thing! The Whiskey Ball comes in a one, two, and four pack option. There are also gift options available. The two pack option is only $19.95. 

Everything from this site is magnificent and not to mention beautiful! The prices are great and it will make any mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or friend feel special. This candle is $30 and would pair nicely with a hot bath and LolliaLife.com bath bubbles.

Happy shopping!

Like Daddy Like Daughter

As much as it stinks being stuck in my bed or my reclining yard chair. I am so grateful to know that my kids are taken care of. Hubby has exceeded expectations for this last week that he's helped with everything.

To be honest I was a little excited about not having to run to every cry and need. Us mothers need our time to ourselves every now and then, whether it's from a getaway weekend or surgery. With this time of me not being available, Ava has really taken to him which is just what we all needed.

With Jeremy being gone every two weeks for two weeks this time has allowed her to really get to know her daddy and only her daddy. He would bring her into the room and lower her down so I could give her a kiss and she would start to fuss. That might hurt some mom's feelings, but not me. That child has been attached to my hip for the past one and a half years. Not to mention growing inside of me for nine months. I love her to pieces don't get me wrong. It was nice to see that attention focused elsewhere.
                                             

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. <3

What's Been Going On

The worst is over. Surgery is done, and now recovery and healing is the road in front of me.

It all started 6 years ago. I was playing co-ed softball with the church I was attending. My brain thinks I'm athletic, however, my body does not. I struck the softball (which by the way is not soft as I'm sure many of y'all know) and as I rounded first base I split secondly decided to slide into second base. Now let me tell you, I've never learned how to slide nor had I done it before, but alas! I was successful. I was safe!! As I mentally patted myself on the back, another batter struck the ball and I was off to third base.  Again, I thought that I could try sliding again since it worked so well the first time. Wrong!!! As I tried to slide, I ended up basically just falling on my left leg and heard a huge pop. Super painful! I didn't have any insurance at the time, so I just crutched around for a while until I could walk on it again.

All this time my leg has been popping in and out. Finally, about a month ago my leg popped out for the last time. It would not pop back in, so to the doctor I went.

Last Monday I had ACL reconstruction surgery. I was so nervous for the surgery. I had never been put under anesthesia before. But surgery came and went without fail. Thank God! I even entertained the thought of writing goodbye letters to my family! Crazy I know.

This is after and before picture.

And let me tell you that the two days after the surgery were the worst! Way worse than I expected. Crying, throwing up, and severe pain was the basis of my first two days post op. I was told the each day would get better and better, and yes it does.

In my reclining yard chair haha ~ D

What I've Realized

Reminder: I'm switching blogging sites and this is an oldie but a goodie... enjoy!

Its been a couple of months since my thirtieth birthday. I didn't know what to expect when I turned 30, but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary which was just as I would have guessed. I have noticed some things about myself lately. Not like, "Oh my gosh I'm growing a tail!" kind of things. Things like: I need frickin' glasses to write this dang blog!

I'm now comfortable in my own skin. I don't think this epiphany has come to me in my thirtieth year, like a curse that has been lifted from my life on my birthday, and now I am excepting of my own self. I think it has come alive, because I've realized that there is no other Dannielle Scruggs. God made only one of me. People who cannot except me for me can go fly a kite. Being a woman, and a mother, which by nature are people pleasers I have put myself on the back burner a lot. But you know what? IT'S OK TO PUT YOURSELF ON THE BACK BURNER... sometimes.I would go extreme either way. I have been timid for the most part of my life. When I felt like a doormat for others, I became extremely opinionated and stuck in the mud, even. In life there is balance. Too little or too much of one thing is not good. My moral compass is sound and I know I can count on that. I am no longer lost.

I have felt misunderstood most of my life. As if I couldn't quite get the right words out of my mouth. I don't know of more than a couple of people who truly "get" me. But you know what? THAT'S OK! I don't think of any of that as a burden anymore. When I was younger I tried and tried to be like everyone else going down the wide and traveled road. I realize that I may be a perfectionist. I have tried so hard at something like let's say handwriting. Yes, handwriting. I remember being in middle school that I saw another girls lower case letter "a," and I thought it looked better than my current "a". So guess what? I practiced and practiced that "a". Writing every word I could think of that contained the letter "a". Of course I didn't think it would make me a better person, but that my handwriting would be better. I always strived for being better. Really just better than the Dannielle the day before. I am perfect just the way I am. That Dannielle that is full of useless information, yes, she is grand. That Dannielle who wants to do it by herself just because she wants to, yes, she is magnificent. And so are you. By the way, I don't use that "a" anymore.

Choose your battles carefully. Really, I mean really, in the whole scheme of things is it important for you to scream or get pissed because someone cut you off in traffic? No, of course not. Most of the time when we get mad or our feelings hurt it's not us it's our pride. Pride is no bueno. Pride is like your ugly twin. In my relationships with my children I sometimes get carried away.

"Don't scream! Don't run in the house! Don't jump on the bed," I yell. What I've realized, there's a time and place for everything. I don't want to smother my kids. Aiden told me the other day that I take fun out of things. I laughed, because I am sure I do sometimes, and it was funny the way he put it. But I explained to him that you can't stand in your chair during dinner. Maybe during breakfast... just kidding. With the relationship with my husband, choosing my battles has been very important. Best advice that I can give: if you're not sure what to say, or you are angry, don't say anything! Words hurt. Period. Our mouths have gotten away from us at times. You can't take those words back.

I can't eat whatever I want anymore! Gravity has taken a hold of my various body parts, and let me tell you what... it is unforgiving! This second pregnancy really did it for me. I am not the same size as I was in high school, and I haven't been since highschool, but I can still wear the same earrings! Yeah, yeah. I find myself tracking my calories, pining over my dreams of cheesecake and buttercream frosting. By golly I will still eat sweets and other delicious faire, but it may not be as spontaneous as before.

Pics of my sweets... gosh I love them.

Always ~ D

How I Survived...

Reminder: I'm switching blogging sites and this is an oldie but a goodie... enjoy!

... a trip 8+ hours away from home.

This week the Hubby has class on his two week time off. It's in Houston, Tx, and since Aiden is now out of school we decided to tag along. Ava has not liked riding in her carseat... ever. Needless to say, I was apprehensive about this 8+ hour trip.

Portable DVD player.

RCA Twin 9" Mobile DVD Player

This. Is. Essential. This happened to be the second one we bought in two days. The first one went kaput in 30 mins of use. This one is pretty cool. You can either watch the same DVD on both screens or watch two different movies. At this point Ava doesn't care what she watches, but I can forsee  them wanting to watch different movies. Each screen has a remote and a carrying case.

Stretch your legs and your belly.

 

Do any of y'all love the show Diners Drive-ins and Dives like I do? My dad gave me the idea of looking for a restaurant that  has been on the show, and eating there. There happened to be a restaurant in Gulfport, Ms called the Blow Fly Inn. Crazy name, but great food. It really helped the kids, and our sanity by stopping, getting out, and eating. Of course this made our trip longer, but more enjoyable nonetheless.

Hallways are my best friend.

When I see a hallway, I can't help but think if The Shining or Poltergeist (AHHHHHH!)

Being that Ava is starting to really get the hang of walking and running, she absolutely loves going up and down the hallways in the hotel. The hotel room is definitely not big enough for her energy. Aiden even enjoys is too, although I don't let him run.

Discover the city.

        

No matter where you are at, there is something new out there for you and your children. We are grateful that Houston has a lot to offer and that I don't have to be super creative. Even though there might be things that we have seen or heard, for your kids, it might be the first  time. It's fun to see their amazement at things that we find mundane.

While we were in Houston, we went to Downtown Aquarium, Children's Museum of Houston, The Space Center, and The Houston Museum of Natural Science. They were all great, but the best one, and the one we didn't get to finish touring was the latter. It was amazing!

Take a breath, and breathe in the moment!

It's hard I know, but remember this fun moment isn't going to last forever. There were moments when I kept thinking, " Oh gosh I cannot wait till we get home and Ava goes to sleep in her own crib in her own room!"  But I had to take a breath look for the good in the moment, like when I could see Ava's head peeking up out of the pack play jibber jabbering.

All that being said, boy am I glad being back home...

Still pooped ~ D

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Reminder: I'm switching blogging sites and this is an oldie but a goodie... enjoy!

... this week.

Baby powder at the beach.

I love the beach. Minus the sand. Minus the icky sticky feeling of the salt that has dried on your skin. Other than that, I love the beach. Then, I found my saving grace, my best friend for the beach. I would never again have disdain towards spending a day at the beach realizing that every crack and crevice I had would be covered in sand.

My first thought when I saw this baby powder trick on Pinterest, "That's the craziest thing I've ever heard!" My first thought when I tried it on the beach, " Oh my gosh! Where have you been all my life!"

It's pretty simple really. You just sprinkle the powder on your sandy self, then start rubbing the sand off, and Walaa! It's gone! Now let me tell you, you will have a little of the powder left behind, but these are the sacrifices we have to make when having a sandless body on a sandy beach.

A happy baby at the beach.

 

Aiden as a baby did not like the water. He did like it on his face. He did not like it on his hair. He did not like it anywhere! (Btw I love Dr. Suess!) We took him to the beach a couple month before he was one and he would freak out when the waves would come onto shore. He hated when we washed his hair. He happened to get some water in his eyes once, and that was it. For a long time. Now, Aiden is fine and loves the water. Swims and all. Needless to say, I was a little apprehensive when I knew we were having a day at the beach.

Let me tell you, I was completely wrong. She LOVED the beach! I have never seen a more joyous baby at the beach. I was tired before she was. She's still working on her walking, so she fell quite a bit. Never once did she cry. The day couldn't have gone better. I was so grateful.

School is out!

I think I am almost as excited as Aiden is about school being over. Woohoo!  We are both looking forward to starting homeschool in a few weeks. Technically we have one more week until school is out, but we are going to Houston with Hubby while he has a class to attend.

Always,

D  :)