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