Birdy's Boutique

Giveaway!!!

2011-06-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

Katie's Nesting Spot is having a giveaway!! Who wouldn't want to win something cool these days!!

I don't know about you, but my little girl would love to make her own headbands. Head on over to Katie's blog to enter for these goodies!!

Long time....

2011-03-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I posted anything and I have an excuse. I've been doing a lot of this:

Which means, I've been doing a lot of this:

I've been getting up at 4:15 AM...yes that is AM! Its the only time I can get to the gym to run. Working full time with a small child doesn't leave me much time to workout. However, I'll be back!

Cheerios Muffin??

2011-02-22T06:27:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought, right?? Well Smashed Peas and Carrots has a great recipe!


Photo courtesy of Smashed Peas & Carrots

I made these for my family and they were FABULOUS! If I can get my picky picky eater to eat these, then you know they are good!!

Happy Presidents Day

2011-02-21T05:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

How cute is this?? Any little girl would love to play house in there. I found this on Etsy.

Thrifty Thursday

2011-02-10T05:04:00.000-08:00

Patterson book $.50
Cloche $5.99

That is the most I have ever paid for a cheese dome. However, they are becoming REALLY hard to find. I think the blog world of cloches is getting around my neighborhood!!

LOVE

2011-02-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

I had seen this little LOVE sign on another craft blog and thought it was too cute. It was so easy too.

I bought the frame on clearance at Target, $2. The buttons are from Michaels, $2. I used black felt I already had and glued it directly to the glass. I used hot glue to glue the buttons on. Easy peasy project. I'm so happy to finally find something to do with my tray. I bought it 6 months ago from Joann's looking like this:

I sprayed painted it Heirloom white. I think I paid $6 for the tray. I love my Valentine table runner too. Another great find at Pottery Barn Kids AFTER Valentine's Day a few years ago.

A little Valentine decor

2011-02-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

So since I have been unsuccessful in finding my accent table, this will have to do.

This is a SMALL nook in my china hutch. It sure doesnt hold a lot to display. I bought the sign ($10) and plate ($6) at my little Beehive store. The heart dish came from Goodwill for a $1. Lastly the plate holder came from Michaels, $6 after using my 40% off coupon, of course. It was originally black but I think it looks better painted in Heirloom white.

Gotta love sales!

2011-02-07T05:07:00.000-08:00

I love Michaels Crafts, dont all crafter's? Recently they had a sale on their Ashland line. I love this line. Its perfect for the coming season of Spring!

Everything was 40% off.
Birdcage     $5.99
Bird $2.39
Nest             $2.99
Vase            $6.59
Flowers $5.99
Apocrathy jar $5.99

These goodies will look great on my accent table this Spring. Lets just hope I can finally find the table I want by then!

Finds

2011-02-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

How cute is this?? Its a Halloween candle! Although I never plan on lighting it! I found it on Pottery Barn for only $3.39 and FREE shipping! What a deal. I think this little goody will look great with my other Halloween goodies!! What?? Halloween is only 8 months away! One must plan ahead and get all the good deals!

Thrifty Thursday

2011-02-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

Here are my finds for the week:

Nicholas Sparks book $.50
Ceramic pumpkin $2.00
New straw wreath $1.00
New fake snow $.50

I cannot wait to use the fake snow this winter. I looked everywhere for it last year with no success. Apparently it was meant to be since I'm sure I would have paid a lot more then $.50! I hope to cover the wreath with conversation hearts. The pumpkin was a little more then I wanted to pay, but it was too cute to pass up.

My fav

2011-02-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite shops is At the Beehive. Its a small local shop filled with antiques and crafts. I hit it up every week and never come home empty handed!!! They have really cute and unique gifts.
Here are my latest finds:

The eggs were $.50 each and I think they will look great in my new eBay jar. The sign was $9.95 and I love it. I cannot wait for Spring to arrive.

I just cannot be stopped!!

2011-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I was introduced to Willow House. I love their goodies. However, they can be overpriced in my eyes at time. Time to search eBay. I found the same glass jar from Willow House on eBay. It was cheaper and I had eBay bucks so it was too good to pass up. I think a few Easter eggs and moss would be really cute inside.

Garage sales

2011-01-31T05:49:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday, garage sales! My 5 yr. old is even into it! Scary! Nothing better than digging through someone's junk...ha ha.

I found these goodies over the weekend.

Ladybug Game    $1
Candle holder    $2
Patterson book    $.25
5 Christmas ornaments $1

Isn't that candle holder u.g.l.y?? The lady had a WHOLE box. I guess she painted them for a party. Remember, one must always look past color to see its potential! A little paint will go a long way on that baby! I'm a HUGE Patterson reader so I'm always on the lookout. I'm changing my Christmas tree colors this year to red so these ornaments were a steal!

Months and months

2011-01-28T05:27:00.000-08:00

For months I've been on the lookout for an accent table. Dont you just hate shopping and shopping for that 1 item that you cannot find? Its either too big, too small, wrong size, wrong color, wrong price, or your husband doesnt like it. I have a husband that REALLY cares what goes the house. That can make for a challenge at times. Thank goodness for cell phone cameras!! I have found myself sending him a photo right from the store to see what he thinks. Well I THINK I have it narrowed to 2 choices:

Kirkland's - Online Only

CSN.com

I have been to a million stores and can only find what I want online. Which I'm not that happy about because I want to touch and feel the product...AND return it easily if I dont like it. So for now I wait and see what else is out there. Maybe Home Goods will get something good in! In the meantime, I've found a MILLION things to put on the table. I plan on making the table my "theme" table for the holidays/seasons. Stay tune!

The best for last

2011-01-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

My final Shaklee product to tell you about is Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate. As you can see from the photo of the back of the container, it cleans it all with VERY little. Remember, Shaklee products go a very long way. I use this for all my glass cleaning and appliances


Photo courtesy of Thrifty Decor Chick

Shaklee carries more than just cleaning products. I just happen to be a cleaning product freak so I tried these products out first. Their products included, weight loss, nutrition, and even beauty!

More Shaklee

2011-01-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

Another great product is the Dish Wash soap from Shaklee. I have been searching and searching for a dish wash soap that actually works!! Imagine that! I've tried 12-15 brands before finding Shaklee. If you have hard water or even soft water, this is the product for you.


Photo courtesy of Thrifty Decor Chick

The best part, this is how much you use per use! The great thing about Shaklee, a little of their product goes a really way. If you are like me, that means everything. I like knowing I'm getting my money's worth out of a product.

Photo courtesy of Thrifty Decor Chick

Check back tomorrow for my final and last Shaklee product review!

CSN Giveaway!!!

2011-01-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

Need something new for your house?? Why not enter Frugal with Flourish's CSN $55 gift card giveaway! They have something for EVERYONE!! Including me who has her eye on a table.

Shaklee

2011-01-25T05:14:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about reading blogs, the things you learn! I have learned so much from Thrifty Decor Chick! One of my favorite things she turned me on to, Shaklee products. I LURVE Scour Off for your oven! This is a fabulous product and it works! It actually smells good and a little goes a long way!

Photo courtesy of Thrifty Decor Chick's site.

Crockpot Chicken

2011-01-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this look good?? And let me tell you, it was!! I recently discovered Smashed Peas & Carrots. She has really great recipes that I highly recommend. This is a photo of her Crock-pot BBQ chicken and oven fries! My whole family gulped it down in no time. Plus, who doesn't love a Crock-pot recipe?

More finds

2011-01-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

My daughter loves butterflies. This was a half off find. It's a tea light holder. Candles and small child dont really mix so we fixed that problem.

Of course she picked blue for the color. We used a flameless tea light for a little night time lighting.

Thrift Store finds

2011-01-18T05:54:00.000-08:00

I found these bookends at a local thrift store. I loved the shape and at 50% off, I couldnt pass them up. Since I was using them for my daughters room, she picked the color.

The perfect shape of light blue.

PS.. Please excuse my photography skills. I dont have any and not the best camera!

Busy

2011-01-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy shopping all the local thrift stores on a weekly basis. Between working full time, raising a 5 yr, trying to quilt, and craft...not a lot of time is left for blogging. I bought lots of fun things and while I have lots of ideas and plans, my body seems to be moving slower than my brain! Here are some great things I recently found.

Reuse...

2010-12-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

Want to reuse your Christmas cards after Christmas has come and gone??

Cut out photos on your Christmas cards to make gift tags for next year. You just need a hole punch and some ribbon.

Christmas Crayons

2010-12-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

I thought this was a great, easy, inexpensive way to make gifts for classmates.

Final product

I bought the crayons at Dollar Tree for $1 each.

I found these molds at Target for $2.50 each. I peeled off the wrappers and broke up the crayons into each mold. I baked them on 300 and just kept checking on them until they were fully melted.

Then after they completed cooled off I took them out of the molds and put one of each into a bag.

I found these at Dollar Tree for $1!!

Here is the final product!! My daughter and I wrapped one for each child in her class. Then we attached a Christmas card on the front. For all the supplies it cost me $9 for 12 kids!! What a deal and the kids loved them!

Gift ideas

2010-12-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

Need a gift idea?? Why not homemade body scrub?

These would be great for a teacher, hairdresser, or maybe a co-worker!!! Just follow this simple tutorial.

Another top/dress

2010-12-06T05:17:00.000-08:00

I had seen this style of dress online and love it! However, at $40, I didnt like it as much. So I recruited a friend to help. She has this fancy sewing machine that embroiders. She embroidered the name and I sewed the dress. The material cost me $8. I little more than the average fabric, but its Michael Miller so you pay for the name. I love how it turned out!

Table Runner

2010-12-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered Jeri Kelly and her wonderful table runners for every month book!! I thought I'd try my hand at a Christmas one for my mom. I LURVE how it turned out. However, it was the so hard!! I cannot tell you the amount of hours spent sewing over all the little pieces. Its by no means perfect, but I'm sure she will love it!!! I think I'll let some time pass to forget how hard it was and try again!

The Cove

2010-12-02T05:14:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the movie, The Cove?? I put off seeing it for one reason, it would break my heart. I'm a HUGE dolphin fan. How can you not be! What love you feel when you see these amazing animals!! This movie does break your heart, but its something everyone needs to see and needs to KNOW! If you look away it wont go away.

A little sewing

2010-12-01T05:09:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to making a pillowcase dress for my daughter. The great thing about these, you can make them as long or as short as you want them to be. AND they can be worn in the summer and the winter. I made this one a little shorter because my daughter wears it with leggings and a long sleeve shirt. I bought the pattern here.

Another quilt

2010-11-30T05:46:00.000-08:00

While my husband was off killing wild animals, I had LOTS of time to sew! An old friend of mine had her first girl after 2 boys. What better way to celebrate than with a pink quilt??

Another Christmas craft

2010-11-29T05:53:00.000-08:00

As you can tell by now, I'm obsessed with finding a Christmas craft for my daughter to make. I thought this was a great idea!

Whooohooo Black Friday!

2010-11-26T05:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Black Friday!!! If you are going out, be safe and save lots of money!! Just remember, you can nap after saving all that money!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T05:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope everyone has a great day with family and friends! My daughter made this for her class assignment.

Cranberry Relish

2010-11-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

Cranberry relish is one of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Its refreshing and so easy to make!

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 orange, zested and juiced

Directions

Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, pulse several times to breakdown the cranberries and incorporate the ingredients; it should still be a bit chunky. Allow the cranberry relish to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, so the flavors can marry.

Placemat?

2010-11-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

Need a placemat for Thanksgiving? How about this really cute turkey?

Fall Crafts

2010-11-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

With Christmas right around the corner, its not too late get some fall crafts completed. I found this easy tutorial.

Ribbon anyone??

2010-11-19T05:56:00.000-08:00

Can you believe there is over 270 ribbon loops on this wreath??? I love it, dont you? Check out the tutorial today!

Wet Brush

2010-11-18T05:03:00.000-08:00

My daughter has very thin, easy tangled, and tender scalp. What that means for me, tears when I brush her hair. I tried about 20 brushes before I found the Wet Brush.

This is the BEST brush. I LURVE it so much, I bought one for myself. Its soft, doesnt pull your hair, and tender to your scalp. Since using it, my daughter no longer runs from me when I brush her hair.

Cupcakes??

2010-11-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

I working on trying to find a butterfly cupcake recipe for my daughters birthday party! How about these? I dont think I have the skills, but boy are they amazing!!!

Agadir Argan Oil Hair Treatment

2010-11-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

Agadir Oil is AMAZING!! My hairdresser turned me on to it and I'm never going back! It makes your hair so smooth and shiny without the grease. Use it wet or dry, you cannot go wrong. The product is made from one of the rarest oil in the world! Its all natural and pure.

Kids crafts

2010-11-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

I'm searching high and low these days for crafts my daughter can make for Christmas. So I'll be featuring them on blog. I found this really cute Christmas ornament!

Shutterfly

2010-11-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

Ever use Shutterfly?? They have GREAT stuff. I've purchased Christmas cards, thank you cards, and note cards from them. Recently I've been looking over their Photo books. ONE of these days, I'll get around to finally putting a few together for the grandparents. They make great gifts. Right now they are giving away 50 FREE Holiday Cards!!! Click here to sign up!

Wall Art

2010-11-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

What a great way to display your childs artwork!

Happy Veterans Day

2010-11-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

To me, it is a special time to remember our service men and women "living and dead" who for 230 years stood up in defense of this great nation. No matter how you feel about war, please remember to be thankful for those who give their lives everyday for your freedom!

Black Friday

2010-11-10T05:03:00.000-08:00

I dont know about you, but I live for Black Friday!! How can you not?? All those deals too good to pass up. For the last 5 years, I've been one of those crazies in line at 4 am waiting for the doors to open. I plan as far in advance as I can for this big day!

I get help from this little site! This site gets all the ad's BEFORE they come out in the paper. This way you can plan ahead on what you want to buy.

Singing Soap??

2010-11-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

SoapSoundz makes soap that sings!! The soap plays music for 20 seconds teaching kids to wash their hands until the music is over. What a genius idea!!

One down

2010-11-08T05:10:00.000-08:00

So I finally got around to working on one of my "finds." While it was nothing exciting, I still love the price and how it turned out.

Here is the before photo of the tissue holder. I paid $3.

After I painted it with my ORB. It had a design, but I put that side against the wall, no one will ever know. I already had the paint so I think $3 was a great deal!

Jump on Christmas

2010-11-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Want to get a jump on your Christmas crafts? I thought this was a great idea for anyone! You could paint it any color! I love that since so many people have their own color schemes for their Christmas tree!

Just Something I Made has a great tutorial on how to make this goody!

Junk??

2010-11-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to Palm Springs, I did a little second hand shopping.

What do you think? Junk? I love it!!! I cannot wait to work on every piece. My husband just shook his head when I brought it in from the car. I figured, what does he know? He cannot see the greatness in each piece! Stay turned to see how each piece turns out!

Happy Halloween...a little late

2010-11-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Better late than never!! Well here is my cupcake in all its glory...okay not really.

I had planned on making these for my daughters Fall Festival, but my oven had other ideas. It broke the night before!! :( Oh well, now I have the best oven I've ever owned and probably no more excuses that I cannot cook. Darn! I dyed the mix orange which I thought was a great idea at the time. However it made it a little harder to cover up with the white icing. Note to self for next years festival!!

Give Thanks

2010-10-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Give Thanks Gratitude Board

Cookies?

2010-10-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

Espresso Cookies!!!

Cupcakes

2010-10-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

My daughters school has an upcoming Halloween Carnival. The parents are supposed to bring cupcakes for the cake walk! Remember the cake walk?? My fav!! Ah, to be a kid again. I finally found these:

So creative!! I cannot wait to try them out! Try out the tutorial yourself! If any of mine actually workout, I'll post a few photos!

FOUR!!!

2010-10-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

Thought this idea was too cute to pass up. I'll never have the space in my house, but maybe someone else could use it!

Calzone anyone??

2010-10-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

You Craft Me Up has this easy recipe for a calzone! I think I'll try it this weekend, looks good!

Do-It-Yourself Tutu

2010-10-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

I had wanted to buy a tutu for my daughter's Halloween costume until I found this tutorial. It's really easy and takes a LOT of tulle! Mine took 75 yards...yes that YARDS. I think tutus are so cute! This tutu will be perfect for her cat costume.

Halloween Door Decor

2010-10-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

I especially love reading blogs during the holidays for do it yourself holiday projects. I thought I'd take this time to showcase some great ideas.

Halloween Silhouettes by Shabby 2 Sweet

Mini Pumpkin Cakes

Candy Corn Ideas

Halloween Pillows

We're getting there...

2010-10-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well the form boards came off today. You can see a few of them still lying around our yard...its been a long day. The pipes sticking up in the back are for electricity. The corner one will be for lighting up the gazebo and the right side will be for a built in BBQ. Please excuse my dogs, they insist on being in photos. This has been a long time in the making and we are still in the process phase.

It's too bad we didn't start this project before summer so we could enjoy our new patio already! Although buying patio furniture in October has paid off big time!

Here is our patio set, yet to be set up.

Here is our gazebo, you guessed it, still in the box. I've had a rug and lights for a year in waiting!! It's okay, little by little we will get it all set up. I need to do some bargain shopping for all the "extras." As soon as its all set up, I'll get a photo up.

We mean business

2010-10-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

You know when this truck shows up at my house, we mean business!!!

For the past 5 years, home improvement projects have been our lives!! This was the largest amount of space we've concreted in to date. I LOVE concrete. Its clean, no weeds to pull, no water to waste, and it looks nice when done right.

Here is a "before" photo of half the space we poured.

It sure goes in fast, its the finishing that takes the longest. So that "after" photo is still to come since its still drying.

Great idea

2010-10-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

I love these stairs, such a cute idea! Makes me wish I had stairs and no dogs. My dogs would for sure try to eat the pumpkins and the mice!!! Sarah has really great ideas on decorating, you must stop in and see!!!

Goodwill Find

2010-10-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

I love going to Goodwill to find a good bargain. I found this small tree. I thought it was simple and just what I needed for non-seasonal months. I like to dress up my table for the seasons.

It's still a little too simple, but it works for now. I used my ORB paint, removed the beads, and added a little moss.

My first quilt

2010-10-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

I recently took up quilting and I LOVE it!!! Here is the first quilt I made for my daughter.

This is the back of the quilt. I took a close up so you could see the butterfly design.

Something extra

2010-10-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

I had this candle holder I bought from Kirklands, but it was too plain.

So I found these beads at Michaels and I really love it now. I'm thinking I need to buy a larger candle to make it stand out even more.

Fall decorating!!

2010-10-04T18:40:00.001-07:00

I found this great tutorial over on Decor Chick!! It was so easy and looks great.

I love my table runner. I bought it from Pottery Barn Kids a few years ago. The pumpkins are from PBK too. They are actually candles, but are too cute to ever light. I bought both at their after Halloween sale for great deals!!

Giveaway!!

2010-10-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

I love this fabric for the fall!! I could make a great table runner with these!! Mountain Home Quilts is giving them away!! Click on over to enter today!!

2010-08-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

How cute are these headbands?? Make It and Love It has an easy tutorial!!

More bags!!

2010-08-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

News bags added

2010-08-01T20:48:00.001-07:00

Magic Bullet

2010-07-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'm positive you've all seen the Magic Bullet infomercial. I think they run it at least every Saturday or Sunday morning. Well I finally bought one a few years ago and I LUV it!! Its small and handy to have around. I make a shake everyday for breakfast and I use this instead of my large blender. I have this thing about not having appliances on my counter, but this stays because its so small. Its easy to use and easy to clean. There so many things to make with it too, salsa, sauces, smoothies, shakes, and the list goes on and on. I picked mine up at Bed Bath & Beyond with my 20% off coupon.

Ladybug

2010-07-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

My daughter is a HUGE ladybug fan! She cannot pass any patch of weeds or plants without looking for one. So when I found this, I could not pass it up!

I think she will be very happy when Baby Bug arrives in the mail! I think he will have to make his way to her new desk. If you havent heard of Tessa Ann Designs you are missing out! She has the most wonderful buttons, cake toppers, pendants and more!

New Fav!!

2010-07-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

This is my new best friend!!! Rustoleum in Oil Rubbed Bronze! I could spray everything in my house this color. Since my desk remodel, I've been on the hunt for more accessories. I had this container, but it was the wrong color metal to go with the desk.

My daughter and I use container to store stars for her chore chart. I love the container, but wasn't crazy about it being silver with all the great bronze going on with the desk. So after a few coats of my new paint:

I think it looks so much better!! I'm bummed you cannot see the bronze in the photo. You'll have to trust me when I say its dark, but its not black.

Before and After

2010-07-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Before

After

I found this desk at a yard sale, $10. I sanded it down and painted it, paint $25. It took about 6 coats! I bought all new knobs, $14.

Love this lamp! The bottom came from Lowe's, $5!! The original lamp was $30 so it was a steal! The shade was from Ross, $5.

I found these cute jars at Ross, $2.99 each.

Chair was from Kirklands, $69. A little more than I would like, but it was on sale and I had a coupon. Its simple enough that it can follow her through the years. The pillow also Kirklands, $5.

My daughter is all set for her new school this fall!! Too much for a 4 yr old?? Nah!!

Giveaway Time!!!

2010-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our bodies are filled with bacteria - billions, maybe trillions of them. Some are good. Others are bad. Under normal circumstances, your body maintains a healthy balance of good and bad. Trouble can arise when the bad bacteria take over, compromising digestion and your immune system. You know the feeling: bloating, poor digestion, irregularity, occasional diarrhea. That's when the power of probiotics can help. Want to win a month's supply?? Hop on over to A Pocket Full of Buttons to enter today!

Can Your Sunscreen Cause Skin Cancer?

2010-07-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this article and thought it was too important to pass up sharing!

A new study has found that an overwhelming amount of sunscreens on the market contain an ingredient that speeds cancerous cell growth. That's right: sunscreen might cause cancer, the very thing people lather it on to protect themselves from.
But don't go throwing out your white creams, sprays, oils, and lotions just yet. Many doctors and dermatologists aren't convinced that sunscreen should go the way of canola oil and old-school Coppertone.

Dr. Marta Rendon, a board-certified dermatologist and global spokesperson for Procter & Gamble's Head and Shoulders division, tries to assure worried consumers that the results — released last week by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit public health organization — come from animal testing only and are the findings of "just one study."

According to that study, nearly half of the 500 most popular sunscreens may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer such as melanoma.

Why? Because they contain Vitamin A, an ingredient that was added to sunscreen formulations because it's an antioxidant that slows skin aging.

This isn't necessarily new information to Rendon, who acknowledges that some studies suggest "that vitamin A might have some phototoxicity." Still, she says that "it does not necessarily correlate that it'll increase your risk of skin cancer."

To be safe, however, Rendon recommends using sunscreen that blocks both UVA rays — the ones that penetrate the skin more deeply to cause aging issues such as fine lines and wrinkles — and UVB rays, which are the ones that can give you a sunburn and are more responsible for cancer.

"Both forms of ultraviolet light are carcinogenic and increase the risks of skin cancer, but some sunscreens don't target both — most of the new ones are UVA blockers," Rendon says. "You need to block both."

Although in its annual report, the EWG only recommended 39 of the 500 products they examined as safe to use, Rendon says that all FDA-approved sunscreens have undergone rigorous trials to prove their efficacy and hold up against safety standards. (Some brands she recommends? Any with Helioplex, such as Neutrogena's line, or with Mexoryl like La Roche-Posay.)

But regardless of where you stand, she says that by following a few simple rules, you'll be safe in the sun:

Check the product label. Make sure your sunscreen includes zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as physical barriers and keep ultraviolet light out best.

Don't worry about SPF. Sun protection factor is not regulated by the FDA, and as it turns out, sunscreens with a high SPF — like 70, 80, or 100+ — really don't work any better than those half its count. "The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 60 is maybe five percent," Rendon says. "Those with lighter complexion, freckles, or red hair should use SPF 45 to 50 with good UVA and UVB blockage. For normal complexions, SPF 30 is just fine."

Don't under-do it. "A shot glass is the right amount, and reapply every two hours," she says, adding that you can't really ever put on too much.

Remember that sunscreen isn't the only armor against sun damage. "You have to be conscious of sun exposure," Rendon warns. "Wear hats and sun-protective clothing."

Look for European brands. "It's true that Europe has better sunscreens because they process ingredients faster than we do," she admits.

14 Ways to Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning

2010-07-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Not sure where you live, but where I live - its gets HOT!! Running up my electric bill to stay cool just isnt in the cards!! So I found these great tips to help you stay cool this summer.

1. Keep the shades drawn during the day. When sunlight streams through the windows, it creates a miniature greenhouse effect in your home.

2. Reflect the heat. If you do want to open the windows, consider investing in some reflective window film to help keep the heat outside where you want it to be.

3. Let the cool evening air in. If temperatures are on the chilly side after the sun goes down, crack a few windows open to let a breeze come through and cool the house. Just be sure to close them before the temperature starts to rise again!

4. Insulate! You want to keep cool air inside, so grab that caulk gun and seal off anywhere that air might be escaping. A handy draft dodger can help seal up those tricky leaks at the bottoms of doors and windows.

5. Get rid of incandescent lights. Not only do those suckers use more energy, they generate a lot more heat than CFL or LED light bulbs.

6. Make sure your ceiling fans are running counter clockwise. Most modern fans will have a little switch on the side to reverse their direction. You want the fan to go clockwise in winter to push warm air down and reverse it in the summer to circulate cool air.

7. Drink icy beverages. This one seems like a no-brainer, but it still bears mentioning. What better way to beat the heat than to cool your body from the inside out?

8. Dress appropriately. Loose-fitting, light clothing goes a long way toward keeping you cool. It’s time to bust out those organic cotton shorts and tank tops!

9. Grab a towel. A towel soaked in cold water is a great way to cool down. Apply it to your neck, wrists, and forehead for some relief during the hottest part of the day.

10. Avoid the stove and oven. Both of these will add unnecessary heat to the house. Instead, fire up that outdoor grill or whip up a salad or sandwich. Your rice cooker, slow cooker, and pressure cooker are other alternatives to heating up the house with the stove or oven.

11. Try a buckwheat pillow. If the heat is preventing you from sleeping, switching to a buckwheat pillow can make a big difference, since buckwheat doesn’t hold on to your body heat like conventional pillows do.

12. Learn from your pets. How does your cat cope with the hottest part of the day? She snoozes! If you can squeeze in an afternoon nap, go for it.

13. Chill out. Turn on your table fan and stick a frozen bottle of water in front of it to get some cold air circulating.

14. Plant a tree. If you can, plant trees on the side of your house that gets the most sun. The extra shade will protect your home from the sun’s rays.

Thanks to Care2 for the tips!

Summer Snack Box ideas

2010-07-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to pack for a snack this summer??

Cherries

Bite Size Cheddar Crackers

Blueberries

Trail Mix
Blueberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries

Kiwi Slices

Strawberries

Apricot Halves

Pecans in the Bento Divider

Cute Sandals

2010-07-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Arent these cute? Follow this easy pattern!

Flirty Aprons Giveaway

2010-07-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Isnt this apron cute? Want to win one?? Hop on over to A Pocket Full of Bullons to enter!

4th of July Etsy finds!

2010-07-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Handpainted One Hole Americana Flag Birdhouse

Americana primitive distressed USA wood letter decoration

Cute Memorial Day

HEarthappy Dressable HORSE with 7 Holiday costumes

Giveaway!!

2010-06-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Dont you love these? I know I do and you can win a set today. Bento for Kidlet is having a giveaway. Hop on over and enter to win!

Giveaway

2010-06-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

JumpStart Get Moving Family Fitness Giveaway

Hop on over to A Pocket Full of Buttons blog to enter the giveaway.

Time to get creative

2010-06-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter isn't the best eater, so I figured it was time to get creative! I've been researching food blogs that talk about bento boxes for kids. These mothers are really creative, you have no idea!! Just check out Stephanie's blog! I figured I would give it a try. So I visited a local Japanese store to pick up some supplies. Here are a few of my supplies:

I use the items in the first 2 photos for holding healthy food in her lunch container. They help to divide the food. I use the items in the last photo to cut her sandwich which she thinks is too funny. I found food coloring pens to write faces on the bunnies and birds. When I get good, I'll take more photos of her bento boxes.

Another food blog does a weekly "Muffin Tin" talk where they place food in silicone cupcake holders. Since my husband was out of town, it was girl night and a perfect night to try it out. So we had tomato grapes, rolled bologna, star shaped cheese, raspberries, butternut squash, sweet potato fries, and for dessert chocolate covered raspberry sticks. She ate everything except for the tomatoes which she said were gross! All in all, good night at the dinner table. She is eating new things and having fun, that is all that matters to me!

Giveaway Time!!!

2010-06-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

Isnt this great?? Want to win it? Hop on over to A Pocket Full of Buttons to enter the giveaway!!

EYEBROW THREADING NBC 10 SPECIAL

2010-06-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

Ever hear of eyebrow threading?? Here is what it is:

Eyebrow threading involves twisting a piece of thread, usually cotton, into a double strand. This double stranded thread is used to pick up a line of hair and then remove it, creating a very clean, precise hairline. Eyebrow threading is the technique preferred by Indian movie stars, who are often distinguished by their crisp brow lines.

I recently had it done for the first time and I highly recommend it! These women have talent too. I included a video so you can see first hand!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

Coupon anyone?

2010-05-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you never shop without a coupon? In this economy, every penny counts. I want every dollar I have to go as far as possible. I recently came across this site and thought I would pass it long:

WOW Coupons is a GREAT site with printable coupons for the grocery, retails store, restaurants, travel, and more. Before heading out to a store, check the site and see if you can save some money!

Bento Boxes

2010-05-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of a Bento Box?

I found this one on Bento Box Blog and its too cute. Stay tune as I try to figure them out for my daughter. Nothing better than opening your lunch to find your mommy made you something special!

New law

2010-05-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

I support Arizona!! They are doing the right thing.....since the Federal Government won't do what they are supposed to do, then Arizona will!! I hear of too many people being killed by the drug lords coming across the border. Did you know that American's are being abducted for ransom and Arizona has the highest amount?

I WISH that California would get on board and do the same thing that Arizona is doing. I want my America back!! If people want to immigrate to our country, then do it legally. OUR ancestors did....and I know plenty of people who have gone thru the process of coming here legally and they get pretty resentful over the illegal's and the way they act as if they are entitled to things in OUR country. Okay....I could go on....but you get how I feel about this!!

JOE LEGAL vs. JOSE ILLEGAL

You have two families: "Joe Legal" and "Jose Illegal".

Both families have two parents, two children, and live in California.

Joe Legal works in construction has a Social Security Number and makes

$25.00 per hour with taxes deducted.

Jose Illegal also works in construction, has NO Social Security Number, and

gets paid $15.00 cash "under the table".

Ready? Now pay attention...

Joe Legal: $25.00 per hour x 40 hours = $1000.00 per week, or $52,000.00 per

year. Now take 30% away for state and federal tax; Joe Legal now has

$31,231.00.

Jose Illegal: $15.00 per hour x 40 hours = $600.00 per week, or $31,200.00

per year. Jose Illegal pays no taxes. Jose Illegal now has

$31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays medical and dental insurance with limited coverage for his

family at $600.00 per month, or $7,200.00 per year. Joe Legal now has

$24,031.00.

Jose Illegal has full medical and dental coverage through the state and

local clinics at a cost of $0.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has

$31,200.00.

Joe Legal makes too much money and is not eligible for food stamps or

welfare. Joe Legal pays $500.00 per month for food, or $6,000.00 per year.

Joe Legal now has $18,031.00.

Jose Illegal has no documented income and is eligible for food stamps and

welfare. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays rent of $1,200.00 per month, or $14,400.00 per year. Joe

Legal now has $9,631.00.

Jose Illegal receives a $500.00 per month federal rent subsidy. Jose Illegal

pays out that $500.00 per month, or $6,000.00 per year. Jose Illegal still

has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays $200.00 per month, or $2,400.00 for insurance. Joe Legal now

has $7,231.00.

Jose Illegal says, "We don't need no stinkin' insurance!" and still has

$31,200.00.

Joe Legal has to make his $7,231.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, etc.

Jose Illegal has to make his $31,200.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline,

and what he sends out of the country every month.

Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays or gets a part time job after

work.

Jose Illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.

Joe Legal's and Jose Illegal's children both attend the same school. Joe

Legal pays for his children's lunches while Jose Illegal's children get

a government sponsored lunch. Jose Illegal's children have an after school

ESL program. Joe Legal's children go home.

Joe Legal and Jose Illegal both enjoy the same police and fire services, but

Joe paid for them and Jose did not pay.

Do you get it, now?

If you vote for or support any politician that supports illegal aliens...

You are part of the problem!

It's way PAST time to take a stand for America and Americans!

What are you waiting for? Pass it on.

Homemade Deodrant

2010-05-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder whats in your deodorant?? Really want to know? Aluminum chlorohydrate...what is that you ask? Aluminum toxicity It has been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other health issues. It is especially important for women to take thought to the harmful aluminum materials in deodorant as it has been linked to breast cancer, being that the breast tissue extends up into the armpits. Want to make your own natural deodorant? Passionate Homemaking has this really simple to follow recipe to show you how!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T05:58:00.000-07:00

FREE!! FREE!! FREE!

2010-05-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

BARE ESCENTUALS

bareMinerals Matte Foundation

Click here to print the coupon and Try it FREE!

Stroll into Sephora inside JCPenney and get a 10-day sample of Bare Escentuals’ new matte foundation plus a baby buki brush!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

Joke of the Day

2010-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

LADY'S YEARLY EXAM

I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
The nurse started with certain basics.

"How much do you weigh?" she asked.
"135," I said.
The nurse put me on the scale.

It turns out my weight is 180.

The nurse asked, "Your height?"
"5 foot 4," I said.
The nurse checked and saw that I only measure 5' 2"

She then took my blood pressure and told me that it is very high.

"Of course it's high!" I screamed, 'When I came in here I
was tall and slender! Now I'm short and fat!"

She put me on Prozac.

What a bitch.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

News bags added

2010-04-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

Green Genius

2010-04-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

Green Genius is a company that makes trash bags. Doesnt sound that exciting, right? However, these trash bags are biodegradable and cost the same as traditional trash bags. So why not buy something good for the environment for the same price as the bad bags??