January's Goals: Monthly Goal Link Up

I have never been a huge fan of New Year's Resolutions, but a monthly to do list is definitely something I can do.  When MaryAnne from Mama Smiles invited fellow bloggers to join her in creating and sharing goals each month, I was excited to participate.

I love to make lists--grocery lists, to do lists, lists filled with inspiring ideas, goals I want to accomplish...

I typically scribble them down on post-it notes or index cards.  There is power in writing things down.  It turns fleeting thoughts into something intentional and purposeful.  I recently discovered the sticky note program on the computer and have even been filling up the desktop with virtual sticky notes.  (I hope the hubby doesn't mind.)

These notes aren't typically items that I share.  They are just there--for me--to revel in the things that get checked off and push the things off that don't.  I want to be more purposeful this year though, so I'm joining up with several other bloggers on a goal setting journey.  What a great way to be held accountable!  We'll be sharing our goals for each month and providing a link up for you to share yours as well.  Here are mine...

Cohosted by:

Mama Smiles--Joyful Parenting   /   3 Dinosaurs   /   B-Inspired Mama   /   Happily Ever Mom   /   Kids Yoga Stories   /   Lemon Lime Adventures   /   Powerful Mothering   /   Smiling like Sunshine   /   The Educators' Spin On It   /   The Life of Jennifer Dawn

Paint Chip Confetti

 Want to add a little sparkle to your New Year's celebration?  Here's a fun idea...

Whether you are going out or staying in like us, confetti always makes things feel more festive.  Here's how to make your own paint chip confetti...

Winter Sponsors and A Giveaway

Shop Raspberry Creek Fabrics for gorgeous designer fabrics and trims!
This is truly my favorite source for fabric! Diana is having a sale going on through January 3. Just enter the code YEAREND30 at checkout to receive 30% off any order over $25.

(Photo Credit: Raspberry Creek Fabrics)

Shop Hobbies from the Heart for paper supplies, stickers, and seals.
A perfect stop if you are planning to say the BIG "I do" soon or if you just want to stock up on some fun paper supplies. I use many of her supplies for packaging.

(Photo Credit: Hobbies from the Heart)

Visit Cindy's blog Cinsarah for DIY inspiration, recipes, and so much more! It's one of my favorites! And shop Blessed Design Studio for printables that make you want to smile!  I even have a few of her printables in the boys' room.

(Photo Credit: Blessed Design Studio by Cinsarah)

Happy Sunday

Happy last Sunday of 2013!

Best of 2013

Go grab a cup of coffee and visit for awhile!
Here are the 13 most popular posts from 2013...
13. A Tutorial on Making Your Own Stamps
12. Interactive Rainforest for Kids
11. Naptime Bundle
10. Pennant Banner Appliqued Tops
9. Cute Lunch Ideas (Homemade Lunchables, Colorful Lunches, Budget-Friendly Bento Boxes--here & here)
8. Chocolate Berry Smoothie
7. Craft Party with Brit Kits
6. Floral Onesie Dresses
5. Fun Playtime Ideas
4. Animal and Neighborhood Clip Art
3. Stitch Fix & Other Subscription Reviews (Naturebox, Citrus Lane, Birchbox, and Kiwi Crate)  I'm amazed at how popular the Subscription Addiction Week was!  Another one is already in the works!
2. Cleaning Routine and Organizing Printables
1. Kitchen Command Center

And a few of my personal favorites...

Merry Christmas!

We didn't send out Christmas cards this year, but I still wanted to wish everyone a...

(photo credit)

Happy Christmas!

Christmas through the years...

Counting my blessings at Christmas...

2009

2012

2013

Happy Christmas memories!

Happy Sunday

Hallway Makeover

I wish I could find the picture I took of our hallway when we first moved into this house--the before picture. That memory chip seems to have disappeared though. If I find it, I'll be sure to show you because this transformation is dramatic. You'll just have to visualize the before... A plain hallway, no chair rail, nothing hung on the walls, builder grade lighting, wasted space, scuffs, and fingerprints... The after? A functional space with chalkboard wall and art area for the kids...

December Cash Giveaway

An amazing giveaway just in time for Christmas...

The fabulous Cindy of Cinsarah put together this giveaway--bringing together her sponsors and some of her blog friends.
Follow the directions below to enter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy entering!

Bow Tie Applique Tutorial

How about a fun twist on a classic wardrobe staple with this appliqued outfit? What a dashing little guy your precious boy will be at his next play date in this bow tie onesie.

These make excellent gifts too! Do you know a mom about to have a baby boy? You'd be the talk of the baby shower with this handmade item!

Bow tie applique tops are so quick and easy to make and look super cute! Need one for an older boy? Just follow the same process with a t-shirt in his size. Ready to make your own for that sweet little guy in your life?  Here's how...

Happy Sunday

Christmas Scene Ornaments for Kids

A snowman complete with a carrot nose and top hat... The tree glistening with lights and ornaments... Carolers singing out in the snowy streets... The bustle and delight of a toy store at Christmas... These are just some of the sights and sounds of holidays.

Capture these moments and more with Dimensional Christmas Scene ornaments. These are so fun and easy to make! Here's how...

Bottle Cap Necklace Sale

I'm making room for some new inventory and offering a tremendous deal on the bottle cap necklaces in my shop!  The entire bottle cap collection has been marked down.  Wouldn't these make cute stocking stuffers?!

Happy shopping!

Update: They have all sold.  Thank you!  You are welcome to shop the rest of the store though.

Preschool Printables & Activities: B is for Ball

Need a few activities for your preschooler this week?

Here is a fun little unit that I put together using PicMonkey...

Happy Sunday

Vintage Book Page Garland

 Aren't antique books charming?!  I think I've told you this before, but I often use them throughout our home as decor.  It only makes sense that I would come up with a crafty use for them too.  Recently I sewed several garlands out of antique book pages and used a few of them to add a little vintage charm to our Christmas tree...

Happy Sunday