Here is a little project perfect for the kiddos! I will be making a candy corn letter!

I chose a W for our last name which was easy to work with! I hung mine but it is super heavy/sturdy and would rest standing up with ease.

All you will need is a letter, candy corn, hot glue gun, and I used paint.  I painted my W orange you could do yellow or white as well.  But you will see bits and pieces of whatever letter you decide to use.

I laid out my plan before I started gluing to make sure everything fit..I would then remove 4-6 pieces at a time and put a lot of hot glue and quickly attach them.  The kids loved helping because they ate all of the not so perfect pieces.  

The end product is very cute!  It fit well on the mirror in our living room pulling off the oranges and yellows in the room.

I just love it.  A perfect decoration for the fall, or even could be placed on a wreath.  I've loved being a part of this lovely Autumn series at the Ivy Cottage Blog!

I will also be linking up with 320 Sycamore with this project that took less then a hour and was way under 10 dollars! It cost me under 5.00 actually!

tooth fairy visits again!

We lost another tooth this weekend..In my the tooth fairys attempt to actually get this one for the baby book I went ahead and ripped that sucker out.  After looking at it dangling around all weekend I was so annoyed with it.

It took a quick pull and it was out.  It bled a little he freaked out(doesn't do well with blood thinks hes dying).  But he was happy to put it under his pillow.  I was a little upset this morning when I heard him already up when I woke up.  So I was putting laundry away and he goes omg I forgot about my tooth and he pulled it out and said OMG 12 dollars...I quickly whipped my head around thinking did Jeff go in there after me the tooth fairy?! 

But no Trev read a 12 on the dollar bill!  He was already thinking of ways to spend it..We discussed that if he saved every tooth fairy dollar he gets from now till his birthday party when he gets his birthday money from the grandparents I will match whatever he has from birthday and tooth fairy if he can save it.  Hes game and his dollar is tucked away in his piggy bank!

The Magic of Autumn

Make sure you check out my adorable new Fall craft today at The Ivy Cottage Blog!

How do you do it?

People often ask me how do you do it?  I get this asked way more then one would think…When I am at the grocery store..

When I am at the doctors or dentist office…When I am just about everywhere and in all honesty I have no idea.  Lately I feel very worn out! I drink way to much coffee, sleep entirely to little, and complain way to much!

 

I have 3 fairly healthy children that have a love for life like any I have ever seen. Aubrey is so smart its actually beginning to scare Jeff and I a little..I have a feeling she may be very advanced in school.  I have Trevor who is really loving sports and activities both physically and mentally that we are able to put him in! 

After 2 years of really rough times we are finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel!  Things are getting back on track…We actually may have a good amount of savings built up sooner then later! We are able to put the kids in activities and schools that we would not have been able to a year ago! 

I gotta snap out of it and just realize life is hard…Life is REALLY hard for me as I do 90% of the kids activities, needs, meals, clothes, dishes etc.  Life is not going to get any easier..I chose to have three kids and we are never going to sleep in, relax or have a week full of PJ’s.

The Nester is doing a series in October called 31 days..Bloggers are choosing different things to write about each day.  My theme will be 31 days to LIFE!  Our life is always changing, never perfect, sometimes really hard!  I plan on being honest with my feelings each day to give a little glimpse into life of a family of 5 spanning the ages of 2, 4 and 6!

 

I am a mother that does a little more then she probably should between coupons, decorating the home, sports, volunteering, running etc.  But it gets done…90% of the time I look back and do not regret a thing!  So join me on a little series that will basically be a day in the life of….   

Meal Plan Monday

Its meal plan monday again..I have been sticking to the plan for the most part. On average I get lazy one night a week and we do chicken nuggets, sandwiches etc.  This week is pretty easy as its a super busy week at home and I am going for things the kids love.

Monday- Chicken dumpling crock pot!
-So easy throw in chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chicken, a bouillon cube....The last hour-2 throw in crescent rolls torn up into pieces, carrots, onions, celery...anything you like!

Tuesday- Burgers and Hot Dogs(this is soccer night so I know Jeff can make these if I cannot)

Wednesday- Stuffed Manicotti with Texas Toast

Thursday- Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Friday- Shepherds Pie

Next week is our big food shop for the month so I will have a lot of new ideas for next week.  My goal for October is to make a new meal a week if not more! Plus its cooler so I dont mind cooking for longer then 30 mins

Organized Christmas Week 5

This Week's Houseworks Checklist

• Declutter, clean and organize guest areas. Whether your household has a dedicated guest room or a simple fold-out sofabed, declutter, organize and clean the area you use to host guests.
• No guest room or guest space? Take a bonus week, tackling another area of the household or catching up on earlier assignments.

This Week's Holiday Prep Checklist

• Status Check! Review the progress of the Houseworks Holiday Plan on the first day of the month. If you're falling behind, adjust goals to a more realistic level.
• Begin planning holiday decorating. Check magazines, library books and the Web for decor inspiration. Use a room-by-room decor planner to coordinate decor plans.
• Inventory holiday decorations. Make a quick inspection and determine what you have to work with.  Will you need to replace or upgrade decor items this year? Make a note on the decor inventory form
• Declutter before you decorate for autumn. Do your visual field a favor with a quick decor declutter. A clean sweep now makes holiday decorations all the more impressive!

I plan on looking up and see if there is anything I missed as I do not have a bonus room, will not have guests over and went through our holiday decor over the summer.  Saturday the kids are having a birthday party so it will be a good week to focus on that and will be doing some deep cleaning, purging organizing in prep for the party!   Dont forget Pages to print this week

Deep Cleaning/Organizing Area: Master Bathroom

• Master Bathroom/Linen Closet
• Master Bathroom cleaning checklist

Holiday Prep:

• Make one batch of Holiday Goodies.
• Make one extra meal for freezer again labeled HOLIDAY MEAL.
• Buy two canned food items from menus (get 2 of each item, one to use and one to donate to food drive).
• Buy 1/8th of TO BUY gifts. Save all receipts, note return policy before buying. Ask for gift boxes
• Wrap and label packages. If needing to ship, get some shipping boxes now and store packages in them.
• Work at least 1 hour a day on homemade gifts.
• Take toys and books that are outgrown, clean them up and prepare them for donation to toy drives.
• Make list of toys and books that children would enjoy and that would fit in their rooms and that would work with what they have. Keep it hand for telling family what they would like.
• Inventory clothing and have another list of clothing items needed. Measure the children and put measurements on this list.
• Decorate for autumn. Choose "generic" decor items.  Nearer to Halloween, add a few Halloween items which can be removed easily after the holiday. Come November 1, swap them out for Thanksgiving decorations.
• Schedule houseguest stays. Grab calendars and check in with family about travel plans. Will you host houseguests this year?
• Make a guest room "pamper basket". Guests feel welcomed when the guest room or guest area boasts a simple basket of toiletries and personal care supplies.  Add a coffeemaker and beverage supplies for a "bed and breakfast" touch.
• Continue working on Christmas cards. Divide the Christmas card list into five sections. Complete one section this week.  Goal:  to be finished writing, signing and addressing cards by November 15.

I have done this stuff already for master bedroom week and I did our closet over the summer.  So this week I have no major cleaning to do.  However I do plan on making sure the kids and I are all set for holiday outfits and write down what we need.  I did buy a few gifts last week so probably will no do any this week but will put money aside so that when I deal does hit I can pounce on it! I am gonna work on the kids lists closer to Halloween when all the toy books start coming out. 

Organized Christmas Week: 4!

91 days till Christmas!! Will you be ready?!  I know I will be thanks to me actually sticking to the plan very well this year!

This week was working on the bedrooms in your home.  I went through the kids toys, closets, under beds etc.  I still could use a quick wipe down of the walls but this seems to be a monthly task for their rooms.  I was able to get rid of a few more things and organize things a little better.  We through out a few toys that have been around for far to long that no one plays with anymore!

I added a few more items to our baking box..mainly chocolate chips and some sugar I was able to get for a decent deal this week at Walgreens...I also went through our gift list and feel that we are beyond half way done with our shopping which is a nice feeling.  I also took Trev to the mall to get some ideas for some new things he is into. 

We will be decluttering toys after the birthday party this coming weekend and we see what the kids can move to grandmas house, what the kids are willing to part with and what needs to be tossed.  I just want to see what they get for birthdays before I go crazy!

I choose our advent for this year..A pin of course..Yes I am addicted to Pinterest!

Source: kimmccrary.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

How did you do this week?  

Weight loss

A few people have sent me messages asking me about my weight loss..

Well its been at a stand still.  In all honesty I am eating okay not great but not horrific!  I work out 3-4 days a week..I try and do running 4 days a week, then alternate the elliptical, bike and arc trainer 3 days.  I also do weights on a regular basis.  I am up and down the same few pounds.

I really should hit the 15 more pounds of loss but my docs and other people say that I am healthy!  My body ratio is healthy...the only part of my body that I have a little more then they would like to see is my stomach. But that is also ruined from the kids. 

So in all honesty Im not sure how I am doing.  Im not gaining..but I am not losing either. I am content for right now. I dont look amazing but I look a million times better then when I started this amazing journey a year ago!

So here is me now...Down from a size 18 to a 10! A XL to a M/L depending on length of a shirt! From XL comfy pants to M/L! I am very very proud of myself. Now to spend the next year hopefully getting rid of the remaining weight, and LOTS of toning!

Classic bathroom shot

Fall Fantles

Does that not scream warmth to you? I just love putting the monsters to bed and laying under a blanket and just smelling the pumpkin and spice candles and blogging at night :)

I just love these candles together..Throw some paint on dollar tree candle holders, ribbon on cheapy target candles and some sand in a mason jar and you have a lovely fall gathering of candles!

All bright for the day!  I made that cute W a tutorial to follow up in a few days!

Then we have another set of shelves that I always like to decorate like a mantle...

I cant decide how much I love them...In all honesty the silvers and glass do not feel all that "fall" to me but we are all about using what we have this year.  I think this stuff will look better at Halloween when the room goes Black, White and Silver for a classic Halloween!  I think I like the golds and browns on one shelf and the silvers on another just cannot decide!

 


I made the pumpkins all were dollar store that were spray painted in metallic or with Krylon Glitter Blast Spray paint(LOVE THIS STUFF!!).  I added some ribbon to one of the pumpkins for a little extra!

I will be linking up with Layla for the start of the Fall Parties with all of the great bloggers you see below!  Seriously this ladies have amazing looking homes and are the main reason I got hooked on home blogs and have actually gained a little copy cat style of my own! 

Ho ho ho: Christmas gift giving

As part of our Christmas organization this week was to get a good look at our holiday gift buying list!  The site wanted you to be 1/8th done and I think I am well over that! But lets take a look?!  My plan was to first sit down and figure out who we buy for...

Neices and Nephews 3 I have these 3 all done so my budget is 0 for them!

Cousins 3-5(all depends if my cousin brings her boyfriends kids which I dont mind buying for) I have one done..I am setting my budget of 60 for the remaining kids

My mom-her big gift is done, a gift set of items she loves, I have 3 free codes for some photo projects I intend on making for her, as well as a home set she loved. I want to grab a couple more small things for her I am setting my budget for 75 for her, plus making her some pinterest inspired gifts.

My brother-nothing I am setting my budget for 75-100 for him depending on what he sends me for a wish list!

Jeffs parents- nothing(this is Jeff's responsibility though so not on my list)

Jeff-nothing We need to sit down and figure our what we are going to do...rather a home improvement project(our master bath shower door), a get away for a night away kid free, a date night per month gift(I think this could be fun he picked 6 I picked)

Myself-nothing

our kids  I would say that we are half way done with them.  If not 3/4 we are cutting back this year.  They will still get a lot more then most but I would rather them focus on the fun things we do then what is under the tree! I am proud to say their stockings are done.  I think we are gonna grab whatever they want from Santa and a few things they like from the catalogs and they are done..

My best friend-nothing I am setting my budget at 25 for this not sure yet what I want to get her.

We have really cut back this year on who we buy for!  Plus I want to focus on some homemade items besides the typical candy and cookies I give out!

Source: lindsay-thelees.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: sweetandlovelycrafts.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Birthday parties

I have less then two weeks now to work on Casey's 2nd birthday and Aubrey's 4th birthday party!  I am feeling a little on edge as I am so tired and worn down lately I just cant get it together. However thanks to pinterest I have a few ideas..Since its a party for a boy and girl 2 years apart one wants Elmo, one wants Princess its a challenge!

Source: agirlandaboy.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Instead of spending 20 bucks on helium balloons I bought 3 pkgs to blow up and hang this way.  I will run out to Dollar Tree on that morning and spend 2-4 dollars to get some Elmo and Princess ones to float! Hello birthday on a budget!

I plan on making the food area more Elmo themed and the table for crafts more princess themed.  Above both tables I plan on adding some decor I have on hand from previous years, clearance events etc.  Trying not to buy much at all this year.  The tissue paper decor are so quick, easy and cheap to make!

Source: etsy.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: blog.amyatlas.com via Amanda on Pinterest

As for the cake I am trying to do something that isnt for one theme..The best things I could find was a rainbow!

Source: tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

another take on the rainbow!!

Source: thecupcakeblog.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I also thought of maybe fish...

Source: cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I have very little ideas in the way of decor but I am thinking this would be a nice backdrop for the table areas!

Source: mandjsherry.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I am thinking pink lemonade and fruit punch in cups the wands in the pink cups maybe letters in the Elmo fruit punch! 

Source: oldbayandbohs.tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Aubrey loves popcorn we are gonna throw some red and pink popcorn out on the tables

Source: party-ideas-by-a-pro.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I plan on using her tutu table from her room for the little kids drinks! It will not be an extravagant but I have a ton of ideas so far thanks to pinterest!  I also may try some DIY games!

Source: cookiemondays.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Burlap tic tac toe!

Source: sassystyleredesign.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Outdoor twister

Organzied Christmas week 4

Can you believe there is 97 days till Christmas!!! That is not a lot at all..In all honesty I am a little worried about Christmas this year.  We are scaling WAYYY back this year but still a little nervous! Would you judge me if you knew I was listening to a Christmas song right now as I typed this blog?!

This week at the Holiday Grand Plan is Master bedroom week!  Thankfully mine is already done thanks to the other Holiday Plan I follow!!

Deep Cleaning/Organizing Area: Master Bedroom

• Master Bedroom and Master Bedroom Closets
• Master Bedroom cleaning checklist form

Holiday Prep:

• Make one batch of Holiday Goodies.
• Make one extra meal for freezer again labeled HOLIDAY MEAL.
• Buy two canned food items from menus (get 2 of each item, one to use and one to donate to food drive).
• Buy 1/8th of TO BUY gifts. Save all receipts, note return policy before buying. Ask for gift boxes
• Wrap and label packages. If needing to ship, get some shipping boxes now and store packages in them.
• Work at least 1 hour a day on homemade gifts.
• Make list of any table and bathroom linens that need replacing before the holidays, and pick up a few each week. 

I think I am well over 1/8th done with my list..I am going through what I have this week and seeing how far along I am.  I got the news this week we are now buying for each family of nieces and nephews now which means 3 presents instead of 11!  I have plenty to donate of items I couponed for free that we weren't fans of or have to much of! I am gonna start working on the handmade kids projects I have in mind for the grandparents this week.  I figure if I can get Aubrey and Trev's portions done the wrestling of the alligator, Caseys part will not be to bad!

Make sure you check out the weeks printable HERE

It is Close to Home week at the Houseworks plan! This will be my kids rooms..I will just go through closets one last time, toys etc.  There rooms stay pretty clutter free but it will be nice to get one good wipe down esp right before 2 of the 3 birthday party in 2 weeks.

This Week's Holiday Prep Checklist

• Seasonal Spruce-Up exercise. Complete the seasonal spruce-up exercise to plan any pre-holiday home improvements. It'll help you make a realistic list of home improvement chores to complete before the holiday season gets underway. (Not gonna happen we are tight on a budget till years end)
• Declutter children's toys. Work with your child to reduce clutter in the toy closet.  Assessing the remaining toys will help you make good choices as you shop for gifts--or give Christmas gift recommendations to Nana and Grandma! (YES YES YES doing this before the kids party out wirth the old)
• Begin collecting stocking stuffers. Use a stocking stuffers inventory to remind you about stocking gifts on hand. (I know we are all set with ours..I even have them neatly boxed up.  However I am gonna see what I have/need for Jeff and my mom)
• Hit the back-to-school clearance sales. After-season sales are a great source for stocking stuffers and crafts supplies.  Check your wrap and mail checklist, too; don't forget to load up on tape, mailing supplies and scissors at bargain prices! (Trey are already over but I do not need any of this stuff)
 
Consult the kids and decide on Halloween costumes. Schedule any sewing sessions in good time to be completed by October 10. Halloween is closer than you think! ( We have ours thanks to last years clearance however I need to go to Savers and see if I can find a cape for Caseys costume)
• Think ahead to family Advent celebrations. Look for creative ways to make the season come alive at the library or on the Web.  Order any day-by-day materials or Advent calendars now. (Um hello pinterest need to check you out)
• Start working on Christmas cards or letters. Divide the Christmas card list into five sections. Complete one section this week.  Goal:  to be finished writing, signing and addressing cards by November 15. (Cant do not have my cards yet :()
• Take note of birthdays and anniversaries. While addressing Christmas cards and hunting for gift ideas, it's natural for thoughts of loved ones to come to mind. Add a Birthdays and Anniversaries Calendar to the Houseworks Holiday Planner. As you write cards, note your loved one's special days. It'll remind you to send cards and letters throughout the year! 

I have a good start on this week hope to finish it up earlier then later?!

EC: CVS

Aubrey and I ran out to CVS first thing this morning...Good thing I checked my coupon book cause I had some great CRT's saved up that they let me use!

Huggies Slip Ons 2/18
Luvs 7.00
Softcloths travel pack .99
-2 3/1 Huggies manu
-3/1 CVS CRT
-4 wyb diapers and wipes CRT
-1 Luvs manu coupon
11.99 oop earned a 10 ECB saved 22.57 (We needed diapers bad! I have a whopping 7 pkgs now)

Carmex Lotion 5.99
CVS candy corn .99
4 bags of candy 10.00
-1.25 of 3 bags of M&M's
-10 ECB
5.73 oop earned 2, .99 and 4 ECB saved 19.01!

DJ hero

I do not know much about these games but they have a lot of ratings and are pretty good! I went ahead and grabbed the DJ Hero turntable for Trev for 6.03 after my Swagbucks giftcards!


DJ Hero turntable I paid 11.06 it is now up to 22.49 which is still a good deal!

You can also get the DJ Hero 2 turntable for 23.53

Remember its never to early to start shopping for Christmas!

Organized Christmas week 3!

Sorry I was unable to do a recap earlier then now.  This week was just insaine!  Soccer 3 nights, doc visit for a sick child one night, I made it to the gym once.  I am dead tired by days end latley like cannot even move and asleep by 8:01!

The good news is my room is done as well as my master bathroom! We cleaned up our bedroom..Just did a little touch up painting, hung a picture that's been down for months!  We also showed the changes in our bathroom I blogged about earlier in the week.  I also found some missing linens working on trying to get them all together in bags or on beds and put away for the winter!

I also spent a good portion of nap time Saturday working on the walk in room(aka fake foyer)...I even threw up some of our exterior Halloween stuff I had kicking around as well as put our pool away!  It was a quick yet productive week! 

I also started a baking box I looked at my recipes and don't think I will make and freeze I just like a fresh cookie to much.  Id rather spend the day with my mom like we have in the past and just blast the Christmas tunes and enjoy cooking and sugar highs together. 

Due to our schedule I didn't get to freeze ahead meals..I took down enough meat for 5 dinners this week so I probably wont get to it.. But I am not to worried as most my meals take 30 mins or less to cook.  Yet we eat nice healthy balanced meals.

I did make our card list..It got a little bigger this year so I will have to order a set of 50 but I have a free code from my Pampers rewards so those with be free just gotta pay for stamps!

How are you doing with your planning? 

Apples and Pumpkins oh my!

One of the best parts of living in New England is FALL! I just love living here this time of year. Today we took the kids to our fav farm we have been visiting every year since Trev was around 18 months!

On the hayride..

We decided not to take a stroller this time..First time in years we haven't had a stroller or baby carrier with us..I have to admit I felt a little lost! However it was nice just to hop on the hay ride to the apple orchards!

Caseys first trip outta the stroller :)

My big boy getting way to big for my liking

I just love this one of her..powerade mustache and all

I couldnt help but laugh when I saw Trev having a hard time because he lost his first tooth this week and the one next to it is loose!

taste testers!

After we were done filling up our bad with 23 pounds of Apples!!!! We headed off to a little area and let the kids have some snacks and luncables and water bottles..Just trying to keep the cost down as the bag for apple picking was 25 dollars! Then they ran around the hay area and checked out the goats, bunnies and chickens..

Casey was very nervous

They had fun with that..Then we started talking/fighting over pumpkins..My thought was we spent the gas and time there already lets just let them grab one pumpkin and we will go to my friends farm later in the season and grab a couple for each of them..They are a lot cheaper that way and this way they get the Parlee Farm experience...So I won We checked out the Pumpkin Patch..

Parlee Pumpkins

The kids had a lot of fun..Trev was kinda quiet I hope he doesnt think hes getting outta Halloween anytime soon! Casey was so tired and about 2 hours past his nap time but he ran right out and tried to grab the biggest pumpkin out there!

oh that the sun is in my eyes face

He is getting to big..another sign Im getting to old!

Now see that pumpkin right behind Trev on the right..A cinderella pumpkin..Now Aubrey was about 4 rows of pumpkins over and I said o look a cinderella pumpkin...She literally dove over the 4 rows nearly falling and breaking her neck to grab this pumpkin..I really really wanted to get it for her but the crank a saurus wanted to get going as we were spending money!

Happy Fall!! I hope your getting to enjoy beautiful fall days like we are having here in NH!