March's Goals: Monthly Goal Link Up

It's time for another installment of the goal setting journey I'm taking with several fellow bloggers.  Here were my goals for February...

Update

For the family:
*A date night has still not happened.  I know.  I know.  I'm embarrassed.  We spend time together in the evenings once the kids are in bed, but an actual "date" has not happened for us.
*I planned several fun outings for the kids this month.  Success!
*Click here for a picture of the Valentine goodies I gave the kids.
For the home:
*I still have some sewing projects to finish for the boys' room.
*I had everything prepared before my trip.  The trip itself just didn't happen though.  (Keep reading...)
For the blog:
*Yes, I posted about 4 times each week.
*Yes, the giveaway ends tonight.
*I shared one sewing project.  It was a paper garland tutorial.
For the Etsy shop:
*Editing photos is half the battle.  I'm getting there.
*Does brainstorming count?
For me:
*Due to snow storms, my flights kept getting cancelled.  It was a mess!  My bags were packed, tickets bought, reservations made...  Everything was set, but the weather just wasn't allowing it to happen.  I blogged a little bit about it here.  My sister did the sweetest thing to help make up for my cancelled trip.  Click here to see.
*I've been eating healthier, but I haven't lost any of the post-baby weight yet.  I feel like when the weather gets warmer, I'll be able to get out and start walking it off.
For others:
*Prizes were mailed.
*I started writing things down in my planner to pray for each week.  As soon as I told someone I was going to pray about something for them, I wrote it down.

Now that February is coming to a close, it's time to share my goals for March...

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

Tacky Box Review #TackyBoxKindness

(Disclosure: The Life of Jennifer Dawn received one or more of the products listed in this post in exchange for my honest review.  I only promote products and services that I use personally and feel would be a good fit for my readers.)

I love reading to my kids!  It is truly one of my favorite things to do.
Sometimes the books we read are magical...
Sometimes they are real...
Sometimes they are fun or exciting...
And sometimes they have a positive message to share...
That's the case with this book! Margo's Magnificent Choice is a tale meant to inspire young children to be kind with their words and actions.

Paper Garland Tutorial

Lately one of my favorite crafts has been making paper garlands.  You may have seen the one I made with vintage book page cutouts or the one for Valentine's Day.  It is such a quick and simple craft to do.  In fact, it's so easy that I whipped up this whimsical one during nap time today.  Here how...

Happy Sunday

I is for Ice: Preschool Printables and Activities

Here's another fun preschool packet made with PicMonkey...

I is for ice!  There are so many directions I could have taken this unit.  There's ice cream, ice skating, ice cubes, icy weather...
We covered a lot of different things all related to ice!

February Sponsors and a BIG Giveaway

Raspberry Creek Fabrics is truly my favorite online shop for designer fabric.  The fabrics in the picture above are my most recent buys, and I can't wait to sew with them!  Things to love about this shop: wonderful customer service, fast shipping, great selection, affordable prices!

Hobbies from the Heart is one of my favorite suppliers of paper goods and packaging supplies like stickers, seals, glassine bags, baker's twine, and paper cutouts.  Marianne, the shop owner, also has a new line of products.  The shop recently added a jewelry section with simple pieces perfect for everyday wear.

Earth Cookies Creations carries a wide variety of unique products from party wares and banners to gift items and packaging.  There is also a Package of Pretties Club Kit where you can purchase monthly packages of handmade goodies.  How fun is that?!

Cindy's blog Cinsarah has a little bit of everything from recipes to home decor.  Not only does she have a beautiful blog where she shares posts like this nursery, but she also has her own blog design business and Etsy shop.

Kelly of Sew Crafty Cat loves to share sewing projects, crafts, and her adventures as a wife and mother on her blog.  As an Etsy shop owner, she has picked up some "tricks of the trade" that she has also been sharing with her readers.  Here are two great posts to check out: opening your shop and photographing the products.  Happy reading!

Tanya at The Natural Homeschool is not only a fellow blogger, but she is also someone I'm honored to call a friend.  I'm truly in awe of her many talents.  Her blog covers topics such as homeschooling and natural living.  Be sure to take some time to explore it for yourself!

Lena's blog Root & Blossom is a lifestyle blog filled with posts on travel, crafts, recipes, and life!  It's a lovely spot that I'm sure you'll want to visit again and again.  Take a peek at the cute items in her Etsy shop too!

Happy Sunday

Earth Cookie Creations & A Fun Packaging Idea

It is no secret that I love handmade items, and I love finding finding new shops to purchase handmade products from.  Here is one of my most recent finds...

Earth Cookie Creations

Shop   /   Blog   /   Facebook   /   Instagram

It is an eclectic shop with a vintage vibe that sells things like party wares, packaging supplies and garlands.

Sugar Cookie Love

I think this needs to become a tradition...

Cloud Dough: Sensory Dough Series

It's time for this month's installment of the 12 Months of Sensory Dough Series!  Each month 11 fellow bloggers and I will share with you our playtime adventures involving a different kind of dough.  You may remember that January's theme was Foam Dough.  Well, February's theme is... Cloud Dough!

V is for Valentine Preschool Printables and Activities

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, you may be looking for some fun and simple Valentine themed activities to try with your kids.  Here's another fun preschool packet made with PicMonkey--

V is for Valentine!

Happy Sunday

Music Play for Kids with Jim Gill

Several months ago, we had the privilege of meeting Jim Gill at a local reading festival.  (There's Lydia Grace in a picture with him.)  Have you heard of Jim Gill?  He is a musician and author whose songs and stories my children absolutely adore.  Even little Caleb at 11 months old already laughs and dances to the catchy tunes.  Jim Gill's collection of recordings and stories are unique in that they encourage play between children and adults.  I have always incorporated a music time into my days with the kids, but Mr. Gill's songs have brought a new dimension to that time.  His songs have us jumping around, laughing, acting silly, learning, playing, and most importantly having fun together!  You can sample several of his songs at this link.  Before you hit the play button though, grab the kids and be prepared to get up and get moving.  I often joke with my husband that our music play time has also become mommy's workout time.  The Tempo Marches On is always perfect for that.  {laughing}  Truly!  You are going to love how fun these songs are.  Why am I gushing about Mr. Gill's music?  Well, I believe when us mommies find something fabulous, we should share.  I am frequently asked about the music time I do with my kids.  So...here I am sharing some of the great songs we use for our music time.

Jim Gill

Website   /   Store   /   Blog   /   Facebook

Interview with Jim Gill:

Mr. Gill graciously agreed to answer some interview questions for me.  I'm honored to introduce you to the man behind the music...

Happy Sunday