Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Home Schooling a time out for snow!



A time out for some snow! 

Yes, my family loves all the baked good and holiday cheer I spread through out our home. 

My time I spend making the cheer with my children is what really drives it home for them!!

Here is a fun and easy craft to whip up!




All you need:
1.paper plates
2. black construction paper
3.buttons
4.yarn
5.tacky glue
You can use any fun items around your home to decorate your snowmen.
Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Great Finds Cookie Displays

How will you display your cookies this year?

Southern Man is so thoughtful he grabbed this great find at Target the other day...
I am just in love with my new treasure! 
Here is one of the treats on my new cookie display. 
It is the simple pleasures in life that we love most in our home at this time of year! 
What are some of the treats on your cookie display??

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

My Cook Book..How Do I fit it all in the oven?

I don't fit it all in the oven! I use my hand dandy crock-pot to help me out! 

I could not make a large holiday meal with out this thing! 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Great Finds.....World Market

Way back when, I was a single gal living on my own this was my hot spot to find all my treasures. I found some of the greatest finds here. Amazing gifts for friends. Dishes, that were unique.



These is still a shop at my old university. I think I might take some me time and head up there some time soon! 

Let me know what great finds, come into your hands! 
Cheers,

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Lady P Shameful Moments



There once was a dog named Lady P. 
She had such a large family, she was never free! 
At the end of a day, she thought rest would come her way. 
so she would just lay.


Till the next visitor would come and bother her.


 

 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

My Journal Season's Greeting with a big Thank you!


Season's Greeting and a Big Thank You!


This year the theme for our Christmas Tree is American Pride. 
In honor of the ones before and after, the ones who are serving now with my brother this  Christmas season over sea's. 
I am so proud of him! 

While he support's his team over there he manages to keep up with his nieces and nephew back home. 
I am in ah of him and the rest who came before and after. Their dedication is what gives our nation the blessings it has. 

Many prayers to their families and friends who support them! 

Merry Christmas!
 

Monday, November 21, 2011

My Journal

Happy Thanksgiving 
from our home 
to yours!!

Coloring pages make great place mats! 
Here's a link!


I always set these as place mats for my children with a fresh box of crayons. So when they are done eating the holiday meal they can still sit with us and enjoy their family!

A few tips for smoother timing!
1.Monday,buy your flowers today and make your arrangements

2.Monday, do all your cleaning and check your napkin count and place settings

3. Tuesday, do all your food shopping that is left for last minute
4. Wednesday, do all your baking. Prep what ever you can for the next day. Lay out all the special outfits for your family for the big day!

5.Wednesday evening, Set your table, Paint your nails and watch a relaxing movie, with your hubby!
6. Thursday, TURKEY DAY, watch the Macy's day parade! Enjoy the day and don't stress. You want to look back and remember smiles, not tears!! 

Many Blessing from our home to yours!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Great Finds....Don't......


Don't......................
Touch the babies hands!!
I don't know how many times I have said that in my life time??
However I will tell you it's enough that if you took stock in it, you could send your family to Disney for a week all expenses paid on me!

And I am not the only nutty mother that thinks that as well.....
Look what I found!

This women is after my own heart!!! 
Not only are her and I on the same page, but she took her passion for protecting her children and showed the world she was serious!

I love it!! 
If you are one of those nutty mother's too, this might be in the top of your next purchase list!!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

My Journal Holiday Shopping Tips

Hello Friends!
I can not believe I am in the mitts of preparing my home for Thanksgiving next week and my son's sixth birthday. 
This year has just flown bye!!
I think I am a rare shopper, however I never stop or start my Holiday shopping. I have never felt the stress of holiday shopping, because I shop all year long for this time of year.
I am blessed to have a very large family!! Aside from my core unit as a wife and mother. I come from 3 brothers and two step siblings I am very close too. Not to mention my massive amounts of cousins who are more like my siblings then cousins. 

So I am in constant preparation, I don't wrap gifts until November first. As soon as the Hallmark wrapping paper appears for the holidays!

That is my first shopping tip!
1. Hallmark wrapping paper is buy one get for for $.99! You read that right!  It is the sturdiest paper I have ever found, because poor Southern Man, bless his heart has dropped a few gifts in his day when loading up our SUV for holiday visit. And you NEVER can tell when it happens, great paper!
2. When you shop, check out the clearance and sale selections first! You will be shocked what you can find there!! I love landsend, overstock section, LLbean, free shipping and their sales too!! 
3. Sign up for emails, I have gotten a ton of coupon codes and free shipping offers!
4. Make your self a coupon bag out of a clear plastic bag to stick in your purse or keep in your vehicle and be disciplined about keeping them there, you would be surprised how much you can save!  
5. Your gift boxes are usually given away for free at department stores with your purchase, make sure you ask. If not shop at the dollar store for them! 
6. When you are online shopping make sure your email address is not the same for order confirmations that it is for your account information to your credit cards you are using to shop with. Always print out your order confirmation to keep as proof and for returns! 
6. Watch the flyers for sales!
Happy Shopping!! Be safe! Online shopping is always the best!!

Blessings,

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Thursday's Book Review

Well Fellow Blogger's
It's officially Thursday! I still have not gone to bed yet from Wednesday! He,he,he. Can you tell my creative juice is pumping! 
This week I have a great book for review!
Here is the link to amazon where you can purchase it.
This book is a great start to changing things up a bit in your routine at home. 
It is not the type of book you sit down and bang out in a weekend. This book offers it self as a great reference. 
The author, Bobbi Conner, a form radio show hosts, describes in her introduction how she found her self needing a change with her children in their way of their routine at home and gave a very personal description on how these simple steps helped change the tone in her home instantly. 
Fred Rogers, who we all have known and loved as Mr. Rogers is also mentioned in the book and his views of how play is so important for children. I found a great quote in there from him that I think I am going to make as a sign for our home school room! 

My children and I are going to be enjoying this book for several months to come! I am so excited to get started on all the great suggestions. 

Southern Man picked this one out and I love him for it! He is so into our family and connecting with our children. This is not only a great edition for creative home school moments, but great family play moments!


Monday, November 7, 2011

Home Schooling Craft projects Fall Window


Fall Window Project

My kido's loved this one! And it was very easy to adjust to skill level. Sense I am working with first year pre-school and a Kindergarten(who really is on a first grade level) 


List of Materials
  1. Tacky Glue(LOVE THIS STUFF)
  2. construction paper brown
  3. pen or pencil
  4. silk leaves
  5. felt peal back stick leaves
  6. scissors
  7. oak tag that is average construction paper size or cut to fit
  8. last however not least, patients!



First draw 4 rectangles like windows
Then cut them out only on the construction paper part, not the oak tag!


Next glue the construction paper to the oak tag

Now glue on your silk leaves and place on your pre sticky felt leaves

 



This one is on our Art Wall on display. My kido's love to display their art work! You might want to consider adding an Art Wall in your home school room!

Blessings,

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Lady P, Jokes!

I know how silly this is, I could not help myself!
Lady P and LuLu are standing at the gate of France. They look at sweet Bichon Lu Lu and say..."ahh puppy, come in we eat pastry and drink champagne!" They Look at German Shepard Lady P and say," You German Dog get out no way! I spit at you!!" Poor Lady P no pastry for her!

Adventures With Animals Sweet Dog Talk

I just adore how my children all talk to Lady P as if she was a person. Last night a black cat found it's way into our drive way. The children were amazed to see it. 
This morning I found the children cuddling with Lady P and telling her all about it. 
So cute!

Monday, October 31, 2011

My Cook Book Favorite Cooking Tools! Part 1




I have to posses my favorite cooking tools when I am in deep cooking mode! Yes I am a can "make do" and "go with the flow girl". However, my life is a roller coaster and these simple tools make it better! 

 The Rachel Ray Garbage Bowl. I know right, it's around $20 at Target and that is where the photo is from, however if you shop around you can find a deal!
I am telling you though, it comes in handy!

Add chttp://www.target.com/p/Rachael-Ray-Garbage-Bowl-Green/-/A-13691084aption
 I am not sure if this is the actual bowl, however I have a bowl that looks like this and you could fit a small child inside. I once made a triple meat loaf recipe in there! It was crazy Love it!! Bought it at Target for around $20

 Pyrex 4cup, 2 cup and 1 cup glass measuring cups.
LOVE these guys!! I have used them for so many different jobs!! I have all 3 sizes I listed and could not live with out them!! Shop around you can find them any where! This one is from amazon, the link is below.




 These are the William and Sonoma mixing bowl set. Now mine are all red. I love these guys! They are sturdy!! They pour to perfection!! I never make a spill even with a kitchen stampede of animals and children! Around $40 I got mine at their out let for a bit less. bought 2 sets!




 Measuring cups and spoons.  Another William and Sonoma find!I know, I know all these brand names, however I am telling you these guys can take a beating!! They have survived 2 toddlers and several years of baking and still look great!!





This little guy can get any delicate baked good in one piece off the tray! I am telling you this tool can take a beating too and keep on cooking!



These spatulas can survive Southern Mans harsh cleaning methods and still look amazing! They Also are so smooth with their movements and have had amazing luck with them!






Another can not live with out! My Mom got me this for Christmas a few years ago, I thought why when I have the stand mixer. However I now, know why! SO MANY USES!! SO HANDY!
LOVE IT!!



And I can not live with out it's Big Mama! This was a wedding gift from my Mother and Nanny. It started Southern Man's and my's kitchen and have been a staple ever sense!



I always say, the more you have of these babies the better!




CAN NOT LIVE WITH OUT THIS!!




Ok, well this is enough for now. Part 2 to come soon! It is amazing! I have been rejoicing in the fact that my marriage is about to hit the 10 year mark and I love the life and home we have built. It just blows me away what treasure I have been blessed with! Southern Man, our children and an amazing place to cook!
Blessings!



Saturday, October 29, 2011

My Journal Blessings, Protecting our children

I have found a great new site I want to share!
For many of you that have children that have food alergies, sending them out into the world, to activities,play dates,church groups,sporting events,travel and so much more, can be frightening at times. They may come in contact with food they are alergic to. And what if you are not there to go into rescue mode.
I have found this great new site with kids Friendly alert bracelet's! They act as great communicators in case your child forgets too, is to young too or you are not there.
Our on are the way now. 
I can't wait to share them with you!
For now, check out this amazing site and see if it fits your families needs. I think it just may!

Home Schooling

Home Schooling
This was a very personal choice for my family. Our road to making this decision started when my first born son was 1 years old and I went to hear a speaker who was a home schooling parent. 
I had always pictured myself teaching inside the school my children would attend some day. I just never put the pieces together that I could be the one teaching them. 
That speaker helped God's plan for my family reveal it's self that day.
When I went home that evening and shared with my husband what I had experienced and what God had placed on my heart, I expected to see Southern Man look at me funny. However he didn't.
He thought it was an amazing idea. And wondered why I had not come to him sooner. From there over the next few years we exposed ourselves more to the home schooling community. Attended a few conferences and let God lead us down this amazing path.
All roads led us here and we are so thankful!

Home Schooling Book Reviews Places I Love to Buy Books

Did some say shopping? 
Well if I heard you correctly, I am your girl! Come with me friend on a journey where we will dig for buried treasure at the right price!
This treasure is the best kind because it never stops giving! 
These are my favorite places to buy books!
1. Your local libraries seconds area. (you can usually find this in the front, if not ask you library counter friend.) We find books at our local library for less then a $1!
2. Amazon! Love to buy used books!! I have had great luck here!

3. Yard/Garage sales! Each one of my children has asked me when I took them to their first yard/garage sale experience if they are actually selling their garage? And how would we get it home if we bought it? That question never gets old!
4.Scholastic.com. They are now recognizing home schooling parents as teachers and giving discount privileges.
5. Barns and Noble
They have great sale deals. I am a member and find it is well worth the cost to be one. Every year and make back what I spend to belong and then times 4 at least!
6.Christian Books.Com Another great place. For home school materials as well!

Happy Treasure Hunting! 
Please share with us if you know of some hidden places to find treasure as well!

Where does the time go?

This cute clock is from lampsplus.com Fun place to shop check out this link and stop bye!

Tic- Tok 
Where or where does the time go?
I think my on going to do list owns me these days. Writing is always on there. However it makes it's way to the bottom of the list and has a hard time getting back up to the top five.

Well my new blog is here, it is a mess but here. I am making a road map as we speak to find my way back to organization and harmony in this special place I have in the world.
Looking forward to chatting more often. As I love to say to my girl friends who stop over, please excuse the mess we are a work in progress!

Any suggestion in time management you want to share I would love to hear! Talk to me!
Love,

Monday, October 10, 2011

Home Schooling Book Reviews

Here you will find the books that we love ! 
There is nothing better to a good home school day then taking an adventure inside an amazing story!
Books take you places you never dreamed of on a budget that anyone can afford!
Cheers!

Home Schooling Field Trips

Home Schooling Craft Projects

This is the place we get messy! 
I love to craft! Especially with my children! 
I grew up surrounded by women who were very talented in many ways! Sewing, crafting,painting,sculpting and so much more!
As home scholars this is one of the ways we love to release our creative energy!


Here is a quick list of great items to have in your home on hand to craft! 
  1. tacky glue
  2. scissors,(fabric,child size, adult size)
  3. Elmers glue
  4. Elmers glue sticks
  5. Scotch tape
  6. masking tape
  7. duck tape
  8. frog painters tape
  9. multi color construction paper
  10. oak tag
  11. pipe cleaners
  12. goggle eyes
  13. brown lunch sacks
  14. white paper plates
  15. water color paint
  16. white coffee filters
  17. brushes and sponge brushes
  18. pipe cleaners
  19. egg cartons
  20. tissue boxes
  21. tissue paper
  22. crayons, markers,colored pencils
  23. streamers
  24. washable paints
  25. wax paper
Most of these items I have collected at my local Dollar Tree, Michaels, Walmart and Target. I love to hit the back to school time each year and stock up. Also all of these stores have a $1 section and nine times out of ten I find them there.

Happy Crafting! 

Home Schooling Generla Information

Here is where we will put all the great stuff that comes through our life that I have not created a page for yet. We have so much we want to share there is just not enough room, yet!
 

My Cook Book Great Dishes

My Cook Book Holidays Meals

My Cook Book Quick Ideas

My Cook Book Seasonal Meals

My Cook Book

My Cook Book

Friends and Fellow Chefs!
You will find many times that my cook book may be quite different then yours. I hope some day to live in a world where it won't be a small percentage of the world.
I am a gluten-free Chef. 
I try to live my life every day gluten free. At times this is hard and I slip. Which causes great wear on my body.
I am trying to re-create dishes to fit my needs and not loose all the taste! 
So far I can knock it out of the ball park with my baked goods!
I am also on a quest to find amazing gluten free places to dine! 
That part of my blog to come later!
So try my recipes, they can always be substituted back to a gluten world. 
Give it a try you might be surprised and love what you find! 
In the great words of Julia Child, 
Bone Appetite! 

Creative Corner Great Finds

Creative Corner Projects

Creative Corner Seasonal Decorationg

Creative Corner Floral Arrangements

My Journal My Little Monkeys

Adventures With Animals Furry Friends

Adventures WIth Animals Lady P

Home Schooling-National Reading Day, Part 2

National Reading Day was a Success!!


This children had such a wonderful time and so did I. We started out at our small local book store where we read "Miss Brooks Loves Books! by Barbara Bottner. And the kids choose that one. We then headed over to our favorite of 3 local libraries, where we made our book donation. I of course wrote a mushy inscription to the children inside.
I can not wait to go check it out one day when they are older and show them.
Then we worked on our reading chart and closed the day with a wonderful bedtime story read by their Daddy.
I love it when we make a plan, execute a plan and have success!!

Adventures With Animals Lu

Home School-National Reading Day

(the orignal post to this blog was deleted here is another to mark the disscussion)
Monday January 24th is National Reading Day!!

My children and I will be celebrating this.
We will be donating a book to our local library and starting a reading goal chart.


Creative Corner Happy Hour Projects: No-Sew Fabric Pumpkin

 Hello Blogging Buddies!

I found this inspiring blog that is right up my alley in crafting. I see a long relationship in blog neighbors with this inspiring lady!!
Stop-bye her blog and say hello! You are going to love what you see!


Happy Hour Projects: No-Sew Fabric Pumpkin: Well, I don't have much time this week, which is something I'm sure MANY of you mamas can relate to! So I have a quick project for you today...

Cynthia

Cooking With Alergies-

Thursday, October 6, 2011

My Journal

Hello Gorgeous!  
My new site is up and running!
What do you think??

The designer is still working out her kinks. 
I am loving my new style!
Cheers!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

My Journal Fall!

First Pumpkin Spice Latte of the Season!


Fall is here!! I am so excited! I kicked it off with a trip to the salon for darker highlights and a yummy latte! I am so loving the start to this amazing season!
Cynthia

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Home School Pot Luck Dinners


I have always enjoyed hosting events in my home. It gives me a chance to try out new entertaining ideas. 
I love the "pot luck" style. That is where everyone brings a dish. A dessert, side dish, main course, a treat. Some times you can end up with a ton of left overs and everyone can end up with a meal and not have to cook the next day. Then there are those sweet nights when you have lots of desserts makes an appearance and my sweet tooth loves those evenings!

For this season in my life I thought starting a home school pot luck dinner to share resources and good books would be a wonderful idea.
This week I kicked off my groups Home School Pot Luck Dinners. 
These special ladies and I shared good food.Good conversation and great resources for home schooling. 
Tonight I learned about making lap-books. I loved them. I can not wait to get started on one with my children!
If you know of a good lap-books website please share it with me!

Cheers!

Cynthia

Sunday, September 18, 2011

My Cook Book Southern Man makes dinner

I am truly blessed to be able to say that Southern Man is more then happy to take a turn with dinner. Now in less I request a certain menu, I can be pretty sure what I am going to end up with. However we will get into that part a bit later.

Sense we are still in summer weather. Cooler summer weather which we are loving by the way! He cooked up,"some fine vitals" (the only way he would say it!) on the grill! 

I have to agree with him. It was an outstanding meal and a nice way to end a weekend!
We stopped at a local fresh produce stand on the way home and grabbed some delicious fresh green beans, corn, and potatoes. Then of course my man choose steaks. He will fit them in where ever he can! 

Now here comes the best part. The steaks were just seasoned with salt and pepper. 
We made a delicious dressing for the green beans and steamed them in it. 
It was a half of cup of white wine that we like. 
A half cup of Kraft Greek Salad dressing,
half cup water and some Olive oil. 
And wa, la! Yummy dinner! 

I love my meat and potatoes man!
 What's for dinner on your grill?

Cynthia

Thursday, September 15, 2011

My Journal More Blessings from the week


Here I am again!! I just love you guys so much I made some extra time for my blog buddies! 

I want to touch some more on this week unexpected blessings. An abundance of acts of love and kindness I have experienced this week. I truly am in awe of the friendships I have made this past year.

I do not know what I would do with out the love and support of my home school net work. I have a special set of friends that I have a weekly gathering and not only are the children becoming a "pack", so are the Mommies. 

I would like to thank my special gals for blessing me with their friendship this week. It has meant so much to me with the journey we began this past summer, in the official registered home school community. 
This week one of those gals who is very talented blessed our group with an unexpected treasure. 

Her home made head bands. This is just gorgeous! To my talented friend I apologize for not molding it, however I am NOT in model form this evening. 

Thank you again ladies for your friendship and kindness!

Blessings,
Cynthia